Crime
Protesters burn LG Secretariat as 30 die in herders’ deadly attacks
A total of 30 people were reportedly killed in the series of attacks across the three states, with communities calling for urgent government intervention.
Nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped in Ondo, while two residents were abducted, and four others suffered gun and machete wounds in Edo.
In Ondo, enraged women took to the streets of Akure on Monday, following the abduction of nine surveyors and the killings of villagers in Akure North Local Government Area.
Armed assailants reportedly stormed the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, in the Akure North Local Government Area, at the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed.
Authorities have so far recovered at least 14 bodies, while search efforts continued, with a report that 20 villagers were killed.
In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, after three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards were ambushed and killed by suspected herders.
The discovery of their bodies early Tuesday sparked a rampage by angry youths, who torched the palace of the local traditional ruler and parts of the local government secretariat.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, urging security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice while calling for restraint among residents.
In Nasarawa State, a communal clash in the Farin Dutse community escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving at least seven people dead, including a pregnant woman.
The conflict, which began as a dispute between local farmers and herders, quickly spiralled out of control, with houses, shops, and vehicles set ablaze.
The police have, however, arrested two suspects in connection with the violence, with security patrols in the area to prevent further bloodshed.
Protest in Ondo
On Tuesday, Akure, the Ondo State capital, was brought to a standstill as hundreds of women took to the streets to protest the alleged kidnapping of nine surveyors in the Ilu Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area.
According to the protesters, the surveyors were abducted by gunmen who allegedly attacked them while working at a site in the local government.
The women, with leaves in their hands, converged on the Ijemikin area of the state capital and marched to the Government Secretariat at Alagbaka, chanting solidarity songs to express their dissatisfaction over the spate of insecurity in the state.
Mrs Oluwatoyin Arowosafe, who spoke with journalists during the protest, stated that some of them were relatives of the kidnapped surveyors.
She said the kidnappers had contacted the families and demanded a sum of N100m for their release.
“We want to call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to come to our rescue. Our men have been kidnapped since last Tuesday and the kidnappers are demanding N100m to release them, which we could not afford,” she said.
Govt alleges connivance
Addressing the women on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Bola Taiwo, blamed the surveyors for going to the site without security protection.
Taiwo said, “We shall speak with your leaders if they have reported the incident to the police. If they have not, they should go there and report, that’s when the government would act.
“Nowadays, surveyors going to the site should go with police escorts. If they do, no gunmen would abduct them. No one can kidnap anyone without internal collaborators.”
He asked the women to return to Ilu-Abo and continue to demand the release of the surveyors.
“You shall now go back to Ilu-Abo and cry out that those who abducted the surveyors should release them.
“No Hausa or Fulani man can come to Ilu-Abo and kidnap without the connivance of one of the natives.
“It is your people that kidnapped the nine surveyors. We will meet with your leaders and discuss with them,” he said.
Govt, regent disagree
The Ondo State governor and the regent of one of the affected communities in the weekend killing, Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, disagreed over the killing in the border communities on Saturday.
The government, in a statement on Monday signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, described the media report on the killings as fake news meant to create panic among the residents of the state.
On Tuesday, Atiba, on a radio programme in Akure, also dismissed the statement of the regent, insisting that the incident never happened as reported.
He said: “Security is everybody’s business. Our people want the government to come and build a police station in their homes. What are the farmers doing to protect themselves before calling on the government?
“The government’s role is to provide police stations and put officers there. The government gives money to all security agencies in this state every month for them to perform their roles.
“All the reported cases which happened in Oba-Ile are fake. The kidnapping of students of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, didn’t happen in Ondo State but in Ekiti State.”
Responding, the regent said, “When I called my people about what the government officials were saying that the incident didn’t happen, they were cursing, lamenting that it was unfortunate.
“I’m the regent of that community, and I came to town last Tuesday. I was told that someone called ‘Iron Body’ and some boys came to the community on Thursday.
“He introduced his team as ‘Commissioner Boys’ and was immediately confronted. He claimed he only came to seek their collaboration on how to prevent herdsmen and their cattle from entering the community.
“Not long after, the same ‘Iron Body’ and his boys went to the next village, started firing gunshots, and killed about a hundred cows. We became scared over the development.
“At midnight on Saturday, Fulani herdsmen invaded the communities, shooting and attacking anyone in sight in retaliation for the cows that were killed.
“They assumed we were responsible. Most of those killed were farmers from Taraba and Oyo states. They spared no one – they killed both old and young and also set buildings on fire.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the ongoing “covert operation” of the command would be intensified to flush criminals out of the state.
“The command is aware of the attack on Sunday Camp and the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has directed that the ongoing ‘covert operation’ being carried out across the state to rid the command of bad elements be intensified,” the statement read.
A police source confirmed that policemen were deployed in the area on Sunday, adding that no fewer than 14 dead bodies had so far been recovered.
Protests in Benue
Irate youths thronged the major streets of Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday over the killing of three personnel of the state security operatives, codenamed Civil Protection Guards.
In their anger, they set fire to the palace of the traditional ruler of Naka, Ter Naka, parts of the local government secretariat, and properties belonging to private individuals.
Their anger arose after the bodies of the three operatives were brought to the council headquarters early Tuesday.
Sources from Naka said that as soon as the youth spotted the bodies of the personnel reportedly killed by suspected armed herders, a violent protest erupted.
The Chairman of the local government, Victor Omirin, confirmed the violent protest.
He said, “Yes, they razed the secretariat and the Ter Naka palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa, so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youth and it’s now being taken over by hoodlums.”
Speaking to our correspondent on the phone, the traditional ruler of Naka, Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the burning of his palace.
He said, “I was in Makurdi for a medical check-up only to be called early this morning that some hoodlums had burnt down my palace.
“I have to rush back only to discover that three vehicles and motorcycles as well as other valuables were burnt down.”
The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the protest.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, had left for Naka to assess the situation and promised to give details later.
As of the time of filing this report, she was yet to provide the details as demanded by our correspondent.
The Nigeria Police Force has placed its formations nationwide on red alert following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks on worship centres, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other public places.
The alert followed fresh intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on vulnerable targets across the country.
Police authorities also reportedly received intelligence on the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The operational order was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, with reference number CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, issued by the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important,” the message was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The police directed formations to intensify vigilance and take proactive measures to prevent criminal and terrorist elements from carrying out attacks.
The warning specifically highlighted places of worship, educational institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public locations as potential targets.
A 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been rescued in Onitsha, Anambra State, after his abductors reportedly abandoned him near a security checkpoint.
Ayogu was rescued on the evening of September 13, 2026, by a joint security patrol team operating along Oguta Road, Onitsha.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the teenager was found at Ekene Junction after unidentified persons reportedly pushed him out of a black Toyota Highlander SUV close to a security checkpoint.
The patrol team immediately intervened and rescued the victim, thereby preventing what the police described as further danger to his life.
Following the rescue, the Command said it had intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend members of the suspected criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
The police also appealed to residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State who may have useful information about Ayogu or his family to contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command in Awka.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel involved in the rescue and directed officers to sustain strategic checkpoints, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated security operations across the state.
The Command assured residents and visitors that it would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements from using Anambra as a safe haven.
At least nine passengers have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 9:40 p.m. when the bus, which was travelling towards Jos, stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers.
Several other passengers were reportedly injured in the attack and rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, identified the driver as Ibrahim and said three of the victims were from his community in Bukuru.
“The driver is Ibrahim and he was my student. Three of them are from our community here in Bukuru. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital. But relatives are preparing to collect them for burial,” Suleiman said.
The bus was reportedly riddled with bullets, with bloodstains visible inside the vehicle after the attack.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle.
Tengwong said one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow.
“The incident happened around 9.40 p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.
He added that some passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospitals, while some of the injured reportedly later died.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commuters travelling along the route at night amid continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into two separate incidents of alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
The incidents reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to thoroughly investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to the statement, armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted a National Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia with sporadic gunshots, leaving two attendees injured.
In a separate incident at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
The police said operatives were promptly deployed to both locations after receiving reports of the incidents to prevent further breaches of peace and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Command, however, noted that neither of the political gatherings had been formally brought to the attention of the police for security coverage.
CP Giwa reiterated his warning that all political activities in the state must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
He stressed that electoral offences are punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace or the electoral process.
The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable the Command to make adequate security arrangements.
He assured residents that the police would continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities while dealing decisively with anyone found violating the law.
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man who was allegedly stabbed by a suspected attacker after Friday prayers in Sokoto.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Rufa’i Ahmad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the deceased was among those involved in the incident that followed the stabbing of prominent Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukuwa.
According to Ahmad, the suspect used a knife to stab Lukuwa in the stomach immediately after the Jumu’at congregation.
He said the suspect was subsequently killed by a mob, while Lukuwa was rushed to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), where he is receiving treatment.
The PPRO added that no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, saying the situation was under control and urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
The incident reportedly followed allegations that Lukuwa made remarks considered blasphemous against Prophet Muhammad, which had generated anger among some Muslim faithful.
A Sokoto-based gangster, Dahiru Maibarewa, had also reportedly threatened to kill Lukuwa over the alleged remarks, while demonstrations had taken place in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
NAN further reported that a coalition of Islamic groups had petitioned the Sokoto State Government and security agencies, calling for action against Lukuwa over remarks they described as capable of provoking violence.
At a September 4 press conference, Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal urged Muslims to oppose what he described as blasphemous content by clerics, while calling for peaceful coexistence.
Yagawal, Leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and a National Commissioner at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said Lukuwa’s alleged utterances were unbecoming and capable of triggering violence among Muslim communities.
He said the coalition had called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to investigate and take appropriate action over the matter.
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