Crime
CHRISTMAS: How kidnappers, gunmen scared Igbos away from S’East villages
In a video he made apparently out of frustration, he said: “ Almost 90% of those who returned to Nigeria from abroad for Christmas could not travel to their villages in the South East because of insecurity. The foreign currencies they would have spent with their people are being spent in Lagos hotels. Their village people are even coming to Lagos to see them.
“All these are happening because the people of South East do not want to listen and the ultimate losers are the poor people in the villages. As a result of this ugly development, the economy of South East is going down the drains. As it stands, everything in the South East is in shambles. The Christmas celebration in the South East is total rubbish because people are afraid to go home. It is the people that invited this calamity on themselves and blaming outsiders for their woes”.
Saturday Vanguard discovered that the era of conducting traditional marriages in cities in the South East resurfaced during this Christmas. For instance, a Nigerian from Nsukka in Enugu State who lives abroad and was to get married to a lady from Isiukwuato in Abia State had to perform the ceremony in Enugu city because of insecurity, especially along the Enugu – Okigwe axis. Also, the renewed robbery and touting by government task forces claiming to be generating revenue for the state in Onitsha, Anambra State, scared many people from returning home for Christmas.
In Enugu State, the killings in Ehamufu in Uzo local government area jolted many people and this made them to cancel coming home for Christmas. As a result, many people conducted their annual family meetings via WhatsApp and zoom as they could not meet physically.
Unlike in the past, churches in the major cities in the South East were jam-packed during this Christmas because most people did not travel to the villages.
A critical look at this year’s Christmas season in Imo state showed that generally, people did not return in their villages in numbers as in previous years.
All the respondents, who spoke on the development, were unanimous in their submissions that the level of insecurity in the South East geo-political zone and the poor economic climate in the country, were largely responsible for the non-return of Ndigbo, to their country homes.
A retired banker, Mr. Sylvester Egbe, said: “I must tell you that people, generally did not return to their ancestral homes for this year’s Yuletide as was the case in the previous years.
“Personally, I was called from home on Thursday of the preceding week not to return for Christmas due to palpable insecurity in our area.
“A good example of the heightened insecurity in the state, was the sad assassination of a promising young man, who was given the Labour Party’s House of Assembly ticket, in my local government area, Onuimo.
“He was gruesomely murdered, about two or three Thursdays ago in the night in my town.
“His house and vehicle were completely burnt, while his wife and children were beaten to stupor! Similarly, his neighbour, a welder, was also killed.
“A week prior to this ugly incident, no fewer than four people were killed near Umuna and three days later, people were shot along Umunachi”.
Making particular reference to December 11, 2022, when he was billed to go home for a family meeting, Mr. Egbe said he did not see any vehicle loading opposite the Correctional Centre, Owerri.
“I had to return to my house, sent text messages to people at home and the meeting was cancelled. The level of insecurity became so bad that our yearly town union meeting, held at home every December 26, was suspended due to insecurity.”
Another retired banker, Mr. Cyril Obi, who responded via WhatsApp, said: “Members of my family and I, did not travel home this Christmas. The same is also true of my siblings and members of their families because of economic crunch and security challenges in my area, Awo-Omamma.
“From enquiry, many homes were unoccupied. Those who returned were extremely scanty and very boring for those who made it home.”
Texting a message from his Okwu Emekuku country home, Owerri North local council area of the state, Sir Seth Agukwu said: “Just a few of our people came home for the Christmas. It could be for security reasons or financial issues.”
A former lecturer in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, AIFCE, Owerri, Dr. Anthony Ekwe, said: “Many people didn’t come home as in the past in my area, Emii, Owerri North local government area. This mainly is due to the economic crunch facing many Nigerians.
Sir Chidi Osuji said that although he spent the Christmas in Port Harcourt, he was not sure of returning to his village for the New Year.
“May be I will look for a very strong disguise that will enable me move about in the village”, Osuji said.
Contributing also to the enquiry, Mr. Chimezie Ugochukwu said that his area was completely empty as “people did not come home for Christmas”.
Ugochukwu said: “My area is completely empty, people did not come home for Christmas. I reached a friend who told me it’s better to manage in the city, since people did not travel much due to the economic situation of the country.”
The National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel
Anyanwu, blamed the festering insecurity in the South East, on “the absence of love, unity and peace amongst stakeholders in the society”.
According to him, “once members of different political parties begin to see themselves as a people created by one God, the issue of acrimony, rancour and backbiting, will be a thing of the past”.
He described as unfortunate, regrettable and unwholesome, the behavior of some supposed leaders who, he said, “should be in the business of making peace, but end up creating crisis in the society”, and admonished them to turn a new leaf.
In Abia State, the celebration was low key because of insecurity
Although there has been a significant improvement in the security situation in the state especially this Yuletide, not too many people returned to their communities, unlike before due to accumulated fear.
Investigation by Saturday Vanguard revealed that many communities which were a beehive of activities during this time in the previous years, were very dry and empty.
Speaking on the issue, the former General Manager, Abia Line Network Transport, Hon. Ugochukwu Uwaeke, from Isuochi in Umunneochi local government area, said many people did not return home for fear of the unknown.
Recall that Umunneochi has been a hotbed for insecurity in Abia State in the recent times due to the atrocities of suspected herdsmen and bandits.
His words:”People did not return as before principally because of insecurity in our area.”
He, however, noted that there was no incident of insecurity in the area during the festivities, and attributed it to the combined efforts of local vigilante groups and the conventional security agencies.
“There is improved security and the presence of the police and Army. Efforts of our local vigilante, supported by the community and some individuals, are paying off,” he said.
Uwaeke, however, attributed the emptiness of the communities to accumulated fears people had over time about insecurity in the area.
He added: “Due to previous fears, people did not return home as before. Even those who returned have not been moving around as they used to. Everybody is somehow, hiding for fear of the unknown.
“We thank God there was no incident of insecurity in the area this time except in the first week of December, but the military responded promptly, and since then, everywhere has been calm”.
Similarly, Dr Isaac Nkole, from Ndioji Abam Community in Arochukwu LGA, told Saturday Vanguard that the area did also not witness mass return of the people residing abroad due to insecurity.
He noted that, although there was no case of security breach in the area during the festivities, there was fear of attack by herdsmen among locals.
“This is the worst Christmas in Abam. After the clash with herdsmen about three months ago, everybody is being careful and circumspect.
“ There is fear everywhere. Everywhere is dry. APC Government has failed us. It has proven it cannot secure Nigerians.
“ People complain of insecurity and now of hunger. Things have never been this bad”, he agonized,” Nkole said.
The abductors, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The two commanders whose release is reportedly being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.
The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, JAMBS, also known as Ansaru — a breakaway faction of Boko Haram — and are alleged to have aided and abetted acts of terrorism in the country between 2013 and 2015.
They are also linked to the 2022 Kuje prison break.
They were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, with their trial commencing on January 15, 2026.
Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining — which he admitted he used to fund arms procurement for terrorism and kidnapping.
He denied 31 other counts and remains in DSS custody pending trial on those charges.
Other reports indicate the ransom demand stands at ₦1bn, to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. PUNCH Online could not independently verify this figure.
Security analysts have warned that releasing the commanders would pose serious risks to national security.
A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, speaking with Saturday PUNCH said the situation had put the government in a tight corner, warning that paying ransom or releasing terrorist commanders would embolden criminal groups and fund further attacks.
Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, urged the government to first establish proof that the abductees were still alive before taking any decision, noting that prolonged captivity posed serious risks, particularly for young children.
The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or the state of negotiations, with the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, saying it would be “unhelpful” to disclose the government’s strategy while efforts to secure the victims’ release were ongoing.
On May 17, two days after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the beheading of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing in a statement on Monday, May 18, describing it as deeply painful.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
A total of eight suspected fake Pastors were on Friday arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra state.
Recall that Governor Charles Soludo had at a church service in Awka announced that some suspected fake Pastors are already under the custody of the state government for activities that are unbecoming of their roles as servants in God’s Vineyard.
Recall also that at the peak of the clampdown on fake Native Doctors, the affected Native Doctors protested that the Anambra state government has been neck deep in selective justice contending that the fake Pastors obtain their powers from Native Doctors.
They queried why their colleagues are being arrested while their clients who are Pastors are left to walk the streets freely.
It was against this backdrop that the Anambra state government beamed it’s searchlight on the activities of some Pastors which led to the arraignment of eight suspected fake Pastors.
It was gathered that the alleged fake pastors violated the 2025 Homeland Security law established by the administration of Prof Charles Soludo.
The Senior Special Assistant to Soludo on New Media Sir Ejimofor Opara who confirmed the development said the Homeland security law was passed in February 2025 and it frowns at certain forms of religious practices that are deemed inimical to the public, especially as it pertains to creation of illegal wealth.
Last year, some native doctors who were promoting get-rich-quick practices (Okeite rituals) were also arrested and prosecuted accordingly with some of them serving jail terms while othere are currently undergoing trial.ls.
The names of those arraigned before the High Court include; Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu and Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu.
Others are Ndubisi Nnachukwu,
Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, is leading the prosecution.
The Muslim community in Oyo State has condemned the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that the criminals do not represent Islam or Muslims.
The position came as public and private schools across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas shut down in solidarity with the abducted victims.
Also, security analysts in separate interviews, offered differing views on how the Federal Government could respond to the terrorists’ demands.
The abductors, who attacked three schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.
In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim community in Oyo State described the terrorists’ action as criminal and contrary to Islamic teachings.
The group said attempts by the abductors to justify their actions through religious rhetoric amounted to a distortion of Islam.
“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal groups,” the statement said.
The organisation added that terrorists could not claim to speak on behalf of Muslims.
“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” it stated.
Quoting Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the community stressed that Islam places a high premium on the protection of human life and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity.
The development came amid growing concerns over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils.
A traditional ruler in one of the affected communities, the Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to the government to secure the release of the victims.
“We are aware of the ransom demands of the terrorists, but we are helpless. We are looking up to the government and pleading for intervention,” he said.
Schools shut in 33LGAs
Findings by revealed that the management of private schools issued a statement on Wednesday directing all schools to shut down from Friday, June 5.
One of the internal memos obtained by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday read, “Due to the situation at hand and the ongoing protest in the state, all pupils and students should stay at home until further notice. No school for now until further notice.”
Also, a message circulated to private schools by the Ibadan District Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Joshua Olaoluwa, and obtained by Saturday PUNCH, read, “Good day, all school owners/administrators. Due to the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire LGA and rising security concerns, all NAPPS member schools in Ibadan District will be closed on Friday, June 5, 2026, as a mark of solidarity and for prayers for the victims’ safe release and the protection of all schools.
“If anyone tries to disrupt school activities before or after Friday, please record a video if it is safe to do so, report to the nearest police station, and inform your NAPPS LGA coordinator and the district office immediately.”
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Fatai Hassan, had earlier disclosed that all public secondary and primary schools would remain closed until the abductees are rescued alive.
Speaking in Ibadan, the chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association of one of the affected schools, who requested anonymity, said, “We had already held a meeting over the closure of the school. You know this is more or less a remote area. It is not that remote, but we cannot compare schools in this environment with those around the Agbowo-UI, Bodija, Sango or Mokola axis.
“But we had to consider those students writing their terminal examinations. Otherwise, we would have joined the public protest since Monday. We eventually shut down the school on Wednesday,” the source said.
It was gathered that the bandits entered the community at about 1am, shooting sporadically to scare residents. They reportedly destroyed two houses before picking up the victim and whisking him away to an unknown destination. The boy, identified as Oluwatobi, is said to be the son of a pastor in the community, Isaac Olaosebikan.
A source said that, on hearing the sporadic gunshots, residents of the community fled their homes and ran to neighbouring communities for safety.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, who confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
He said, “The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
“The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun. According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.
He added that personnel of the command and the Amotekun Corps had been mobilised to the scene and had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” the PPRO stated.
Jimoh also noted that investigations had commenced while relevant exhibits had been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.
“The State Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.”
Ogunleye was arraigned on Wednesday alongside three other suspects before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The Ekiti State Police Command said the suspects were brought before the court after the conclusion of investigations into the matter.
The prosecutor, Akinwale Oriyimi, informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Oriyimi subsequently requested the court to remand the defendants pending further directives from the DPP.
Ruling on the application, the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered that Ogunleye and the other defendants be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Kano Times recalls that Ogunleye was declared missing on May 20 after her vehicle was reportedly found abandoned along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road.
Reports at the time indicated that she was allegedly abducted by suspected gunmen shortly after leaving the local government secretariat.
She was later found unharmed during a joint operation involving security agencies.
However, police investigations later alleged that the kidnapping was staged in a bid to raise money to offset financial obligations and outstanding political commitments.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Dada, condemned the alleged act.
Dada described the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in government officials and security agencies.
He further stated that no public office holder would be protected from prosecution if found culpable of any wrongdoing.
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