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 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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