Crime
Tension in North As Resurgent terror attacks unsettle Residents
Boko Haram, bandits and armed herders were said to have sacked no fewer than 250 communities in the region, with 6,000 displaced residents reported to be sleeping in religious houses in Plateau State.
On Tuesday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State stated that hoodlums had taken over 64 communities in the state.
Gunmen had attacked communities in Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and others in Manguna, Bokkos Local Government Area of the state on April 2, killing at least 52 people.
No fewer than 383 houses were burnt and 1,800 displaced.
Similarly, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed concern over the growing influence of Boko Haram in his state.
Zulum, during a security meeting at the Government House on Thursday, said, “Renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities daily without confrontation signal that Borno State is losing ground.”
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar el-Kanemi, noted that Abadam, Marte and Guzamala LGAs were already under the control of the insurgents.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in January 2025 said over 1,000 households were displaced in a series of attacks on communities across the state from December 29, 2024, to January 9, 2025.
No fewer than 100 communities spread across 26 council wards in five LGAs of the state were alleged to have been occupied by bandits.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, who spoke to our correspondent, claimed that the hoodlums hoisted flags after sacking the communities.
The leader of the three socio-cultural groups in the state (Mdzou U Tiv, Ochi’Kidoma and Omn’Igede), Iorbee Ihagh, a retired Comptroller of Prisons, decried the invasion of the state by hoodlums, adding that many communities were still under their control.
Ihagh, who also doubles as the President General of Mdzou U Tiv Worldwide, said, “The situation in Moon council ward is pathetic. Every public institution in the area, including schools, health centres and market places, was destroyed and many houses burnt. Personally, my house in the village was burnt. Nobody can access any community there. When my wife died last year, I couldn’t take her corpse home because herdsmen had taken over the communities.”
252 attacks on Borno in five months – Ndume
The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, said between November 2024 and now, there had been more than 252 attacks in Borno State alone.
Ndume stated this while appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday.
While confirming that three councils in the state were under the control of Boko Haram, he berated the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for calling on Nigerians to ignore Zulum’s claim that Borno was losing ground to the insurgents.
Ndume attributed the renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents to inadequate deployment of troops in the state and lack of ammunition.
The vocal senator insisted that insecurity had remained stagnant, contrary to claims by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that things had improved.
He said, “From November last year to date, there were over 252 attacks in Borno State. We have lost more than 100 soldiers; we have lost nearly 300 civilians even though our soldiers gallantly killed over 800 of the terrorists within this period.
“No, we cannot say things are getting better, we cannot also say things are getting worse. We are in a stagnated situation because when you say we are getting it right today, tomorrow you hear another thing just like what happened in Plateau State last week. Lukarawa came in Sokoto, Kebbi and attacked two days ago, the situation is the same thing in Katsina.”
“The President should concentrate on three things — security, welfare of citizens and economy. If it is possible, he should declare a state of emergency in these three areas.”
We sleep under mango trees – IDPs
Many displaced persons in Agagbe IDP camp in Gwer West LGA of Benue State, lamented that they were ‘living in hell on earth.’
A displaced person, Terna Ibaah, said people were registering in the camp daily due to frequent attacks on communities.
He said the influx of displaced persons into the camp had overstretched the capacity of the facility.
“There are five locations in Agagbe camp, but what we are experiencing now is overpopulation, resulting in many people sleeping under mango trees. Little children who do not have any shelter to lay their heads sleep on their wrappers because they don’t have sleeping mats or mattresses,” he added.
Also speaking, a female IDP, who identified herself as Ugba-Kpa-Nyir, stated that she and her three kids, aged three, five, and seven, went to the camp three weeks ago after armed herders ransacked her village and killed seven people, including her husband.
Speaking in her local language, Nyir said, “We left our village with nothing after armed herders attacked on the first Saturday of March. Seven people were killed, including my husband.
“The whole community has been taken over by armed herders. At the time we arrived in the camp, there was nothing. I had only my three children and we rely on old inmates to survive.”
‘Over 6,000 find shelter in Plateau churches’
Bandit attacks have also ravaged many communities in Plateau State, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and displacement in their wake.
A visit to Bokkos LGA where attacks occurred on Tuesday, observed that the communities had been deserted.
Many survivors had also fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns or IDP camps.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, revealed that about 2,000 IDPs were staying at St. Thomas Catholic Church, including about 780 displaced residents from Daffo community.
According to indigenes, about 4,000 displaced persons were camping at the ECWA Church in Hurti community.
“Many of the IDPs are sleeping on bare floors. We have more than 5,000 people taking refuge in different camps in Bokkos alone. That is the situation following the recent attacks carried out by bandits in some communities, which left over 50 persons dead.
“The people are facing the challenge of food. They need food to eat, and they need their houses repaired because they’ve been destroyed. Also, their farm implements and foodstuffs have been set ablaze by the bandits.
“We have some communities like Josho that have been completely taken over by the Fulani. Ganda community is facing a similar situation,” Mallai added.
Our correspondents gathered that apart from Bokkos, bandits had also occupied many communities in neighbouring local government areas, including Barkin Ladi and Riyom.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri, attributed the attacks to the control of rich natural and mineral resources in the affected areas.
Communities under bandit control in Sokoto
Many communities, especially in the eastern senatorial zone of Sokoto State, were also reported to have fallen under the control of bandits.
Our correspondent learnt that most of the communities were in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Tangaza, Rabah, Gada, Illela, and Wurno LGAs of the state.
A security expert, Mahmud Abdullahi, told Saturday PUNCH that the majority of the bandits controlling the communities were linked to wanted terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.
He said the bandits imposed taxes on their hosts before allowing access to farms and livestock.
“In many instances, you can only make use of your farm when permitted to do so — not on your terms or conditions.
“I know of a community where these people determine when and how the market should be operated. You can only go to the market on days they approve; otherwise, you will pay dearly for it. Most of these communities are known to the government, but they won’t talk about it, and they will also harass you if you try to,” he stated.
Another security expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the presence of bandits in some communities in the Sabon Birni LGA of the state.
“I know of some communities in that area where they still collect taxes from the people before allowing them access to farms and other activities. It is disturbing and worrisome that despite all the outcry, the government has not found a lasting solution to such problems,” he stated.
He revealed that a highly anticipated peace negotiation between four rival bandit groups failed, raising fears of continued violence and instability in the region.
The expert added, “The meeting, held in the remote village of Usu in Birnin Magaji LGA of Katsina State, brought together representatives of notorious armed leaders, including Gwaska Dan Karami, Alhaji Shingi, and Bello Turji.
“The talks were meant to ease internal conflicts and end longstanding rivalries among the groups. However, tension quickly flared as demands were tabled. Alhaji Shingi’s representatives accused Gwaska Dan Karami of encroaching on their territory and threatened retaliation. They also demanded the return of stolen cattle belonging to a resident of Safana LGA in Katsina State.
“Another contentious issue involved weapons allegedly seized from the late Sani Dangote. Gwaska Dan Karami was urged to return the guns and compensate Dangote’s family by purchasing new firearms.
“Despite initial hopes, the meeting unravelled when Bello Turji’s group refused to engage in the negotiations altogether. Turji’s faction, instead vowed to continue targeting Gwaska Dan Karami, declaring their intent to hunt him down.”
He said the collapse of the talks sparked renewed fears of escalating violence in parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and neighbouring states already grappling with insecurity.
How bandits replace imams, flog residents – Chairman’s aide
However, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, Gazali Raka, denied the presence of bandits in the area.
But he admitted that the council had a growing presence of Lakurawa terrorists.
Raka said the Lakurawa agents, unlike before when they operated at night, now carry out their activities in broad daylight, regardless of the presence of security personnel.
He said, “We don’t have bandits anymore in Tangaza Local Government, and no community here is under their control. But we have more presence of Lakurawa.
“Some of the big names among the bandits have now switched to Lakurawa. We have people like Mezabo and Charambe, who were once arrested by the DSS. Though he was charged to court, he was later released. He has now become one of the strongest Lakurawa agents. We also have Alela, another top member of Lakurawa here in Tangaza.
“Do you know that they now operate even during the day, right in town? They harass people in most communities. When you go to Ruwa-Wuri, Masalaci, among other communities, they move freely, and soldiers are doing nothing to stop them.
“If they see anyone playing music on their phone or in their shop, they will destroy the device and give that person 50 strokes of the cane. They go to any mosque and summon the imam for questioning. If he fails to answer, he gets flogged and replaced.
“The most annoying part is that only the Nigerian Police Force is helping us. They come out both during the day and at night — unlike the soldiers, who have stopped operating at night,” he stated.
But the lawmaker representing Sabon Birnin West in the state House of Assembly, Almustapha Boza, confirmed that bandits had taken control of some communities in Isa LGA.
He promised to provide details but had not responded as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), denied knowledge of any community being under the control of bandits.
While admitting there were security challenges, especially in the eastern senatorial district of the state, he said security agents, in conjunction with the state Community Guard Corps, were working to tackle the problem.
Neighbours reported that the event allegedly occurred around 3pm on Sunday, noting that the late Miss Amanda had been a victim of constant and ruthless maltreatment at the hands of her stepmother.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has expressed the state government’s anger over the incident, saying it would not relent until justice is done.
“It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah Administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. So, we swung into action on learning about this tragedy to ensure that the suspect was arrested.
“But it doesn’t end there. We will be pressing for thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done really fast.
“Nobody should take another’s life and certainly not the life of any child in Enugu State. We condemn it in totality,” she stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As suspected fake native doctors continue to face the long arm of the law in Anambra State, the government has now commenced a crackdown on alleged fake pastors who preach salvation without the gospel.
Already, scores of suspected fake pastors are reportedly in custody, with some said to have confessed to deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
Governor Charles Soludo disclosed this during this year’s All Knights Day celebration held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, the governor said:
“The Governor also revealed an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching a gospel of ‘salvation without the cross,’ confirming that several are already in custody and confessing.”
He emphasized that a “New Anambra” is emerging and must be rid of deception and criminality, while reinforcing the church’s teaching that hard work remains the pathway to success.
The statement further read:
“In a firm demonstration of fiscal discipline, Governor Soludo granted a request from the Knights to support their charity visits to orphanages but declined a request for public funds to sew uniforms, stating he would not deploy state resources for private institutional regalia.”
The governor also urged the Knights to remain “the light of the world and the salt of the earth” by living according to principles rather than titles.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Paulinus Ezeokafor, while the homily was delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho.
In his sermon, Iheanacho reflected on the work of the Holy Spirit, describing knighthood as a process of “sober reflection, stock-taking, and reckoning” guided by strict tenets and discipline.
He reminded the Knights that true love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, discipline, humility, and courage.
The cleric also cautioned against elitist isolation, urging the Knights to remain connected with the people and preserve their human face and prophetic voice within the community.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Violent Crime Response Unit of the Anambra State Police Command has uncovered and destroyed an armoury belonging to suspected separatist gunmen at Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The operation, led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Orebe Chidubem Matthew, followed intelligence obtained from a member of the gang currently in police custody.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police disclosed that the camp had previously been dislodged by a Joint Task Force on security operations. However, some members of the gang who escaped during the earlier raid reportedly regrouped and attempted to resume operations.
According to the statement, items recovered from the armoury include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder, and one black Ecolac box.
“Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team. Before the confession by the suspect in custody, intelligence had been received over time on how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup. However, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit resisted and dismantled the camp following a gun duel with the unrepentant members,” the statement read.
The police further stated that some of the armed suspects fled the scene with varying degrees of bullet injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect in custody confessed to involvement in several violent attacks across Anambra State, including attacks on police facilities, the killing of security personnel comprising police, military, and civil defence officers, attacks on government facilities, and the murder of security operatives on stop-and-search duties on various roads in the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, noted that with the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit, operatives of the command are now better positioned and more motivated to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the state.
The Enugu State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of the salary of Dr. Kate Okolo, a staff member of the Enugu State College of Education, over her alleged involvement in a controversial land deal.
The directive was issued on Tuesday in Enugu by the Chairman of the House Special Committee on Land Conflicts, Mr. Okey Mbah, as part of an ongoing investigation into a decade-long land fraud.
Mbah emphasized that the suspension is not a witch-hunt but a clear signal that the era of impunity in land administration in the state is over.
The committee, currently probing petitions from staff of the institution and members of the public, accused key figures in the Women in College of Education Organisation (WICE) of engaging in land racketeering and fraudulent sales.
According to petitioners, the scheme—introduced between 2009 and 2011 under the leadership of the late Mrs. Ugoma Ndubisi and Dr. Okolo—encouraged individuals to market plots of land known as “WICE Land” to colleagues, friends, and family members.
One victim, who pleaded anonymity, told lawmakers they invested in the scheme because it was presented as a credible internal arrangement.
“We paid in full and have receipts, but for over 13 years, we have not been allocated any land,” the petitioner said.
Testimonies further revealed that the situation worsened following the death of Mrs. Ndubisi, with allegations that Dr. Okolo altered the original terms of the transactions.
“She changed the name from Ukano to Ukano Bold, increased the prices, reduced plot sizes, and claimed that many of us did not pay.
“We are now being asked to pay again for land we already purchased.
“All we want is either our land or our money back,” another petitioner stated.
In response, Mbah assured the petitioners that the Assembly remains committed to ensuring justice.
“We have listened to your grievances, and this committee will see this matter through to a logical conclusion.
“No one found culpable will be shielded,” he said.
A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abdulsamad Jamiu, has died after being struck by a stray bullet during a gun battle between troops of the Nigerian Army and fleeing armed robbers in Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group, on routine night patrol, responded to a distress call over an armed robbery attack in the area.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, said the troops came under gunfire immediately upon arrival, leading to a brief but intense exchange with the suspected robbers.
According to the Army, the corps member was caught in the crossfire during the operation and later died from injuries sustained.
“Headquarters Guards Brigade regrets the tragic loss of Mr Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, during a security incident in the early hours of 25 April 2026 at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja,” the statement read.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group, on routine night patrol, responded to a distress call following an armed robbery attack in the area. Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange.”
The Army explained that despite efforts by the soldiers to secure the area and protect residents, Jamiu sadly succumbed after being hit during the confrontation.
“In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite the efforts of troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
“This heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade,” the statement added.
Military authorities said preliminary findings indicated the situation was highly volatile as troops moved swiftly to repel the attackers and protect residents of the community.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, alongside officers and soldiers, extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the NYSC, and others affected by the tragedy.
“The Commander, Guards Brigade, officers and soldiers extend their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the National Youth Service Corps, and all who are affected by this painful loss. We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with them during this moment of profound sorrow,” the Army stated.
The Brigade also disclosed that a full investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, promising transparency and accountability.
“The Brigade has since initiated a thorough investigation to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. We remain committed to transparency and accountability. The findings will be made available in due course,” it added.
The remains of the deceased have been handed over to appropriate civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
The Guards Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, stating it would continue reviewing its operational procedures to enhance civilian safety while combating criminal elements.
-
News2 days ago“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
-
News2 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
-
Politics3 days agoAnambra Communities Boil As Group Carpets Traditional Rulers Over Zoning
-
News4 days agoEnugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
-
Crime4 days ago
Anambra Police Burst Gunmen Armoury in Orumba
-
News3 days ago2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
-
Tech1 day agoHow Chatgpt Detector Tools Are Changing Content Verification
-
Politics4 hours agoAPC House of Reps Screening: Onwuegbu Clears Exercise Ahead Of Primaries