Crime
Yoruba Nation: Security beefed up in South West Govt Houses
GOVERNMENTS and security agencies in the South-West states have beefed up security around government structures and institutions, with machinery put in place to forestall the breakdown of law and order by any group forcing an agenda on the states.
Also, security agencies have warned that they would curtail any form of insecurity, adding that anyone parading himself as a Yoruba Nation agitator should either toe the path of peace or have himself to be blamed.
The warning by the South-West governments and the police came on the heels of an attempt on Saturday by separatist Yoruba Nation agitators to take over the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to reports, the agitators, donning army camouflage and armed with rifles, attempted to hoist their flag on the premises of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The attempt was foiled by security agencies with 20 of the agitators arrested.
In May 2023, some Yoruba Nation agitators had also hijacked Radio Nigeria, Amuludun FM 99.1 airwaves in Ibadan for more than one hour before they were overpowered and arrested.
The promoters of the Yoruba Nation are canvassing the breakaway of the Yoruba people from Nigeria.
They argued that Yoruba people have not fared well in Nigeria, arguing that their welfare would be better guaranteed under a separate sovereign entity to be called he Yoruba Nation.
The agitation has, however, been resisted by the Federal Government, which in 2021 sent the Departmemt of State Services after the Yoruba Nation arrowhead, Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho.
Igboho fled Nigeria in 2021 following a midnight of his Ibadan home in July and was captured and detained in the Benin Republic while attempting to escape to Germany.
The Saturday invasion of the Oyo Government Secretariat sent panic to the residents and road users, especially around Customs, Ikolaba, Awolowo and many other areas within the Ibadan metropolis.
On Sunday, the governments of Osun, Ekiti and Ogun state hinted that they had put security measures in place to forestall a repeat of the Ibadan experience in their domains.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement on Sunday, said he had directed reinforcement of security around government structures in the state to frustrate any plan to disrupt public peace by suspected Yoruba Nation activists.
Adeleke said he had directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr Samuel Ojo, “to ensure immediate mobilisation of joint security teams to secure the secretariat, the Government House and other strategic government buildings, including the headquarters of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation.”
He called for a rededication to the ideals of a united Nigeria, with ongoing constitution amendments to ensure a truly federal system in Nigeria, as he urged agitators to join the crusade for the reform of the federal system to ensure adjustments that will give the states more autonomy and responsibilities.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said, “In line with the governor’s directive, security men and women were deployed to identified locations yesterday to ensure the Oyo State incident is not repeated in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
“I associate with my brother, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. I urge the agitators to sheath their swords. We must continue to try to realise the Nigeria of our dreams. We must support President Bola Tinubu as he drives the federal reform efforts. We have a duty to stand by Mr President in the realisation of this difficult national assignment.”
Also, the spokesman for the Osun State, Yemisi Opalola, told The PUNCH that the command was prepared to stop any act of lawlessness in the state, no matter the status of the perpetrators.
She said, “We are aware of the incident and it sent a signal to us. We are prepared to ensure peace across Osun State. We urge people not to engage in any act of lawlessness as police will not tolerate that from anyone no matter the status.”
Also in Ekiti State, the government said it had put in place machinery that would ensure maintenance of law and order at all times.
The state Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, told The PUNCH that the security apparatus in the state had also been well-equipped to curtail any form of insecurity, in addition to the fact that residents were not reckless.
The commissioner, who described the Saturday invasion by the Yoruba Nation agitators of Oyo State Government House as “recklessness and agitation taken too far by any individual, group or pressure group,” said, “In Ekiti, we are not worried. Ekiti is safe and secure, we are peace-loving people and our people are not reckless.
“We are under a federating unit and we have every democratic structure in place to manage the affairs. I know that our people in Ekiti will not engage in such recklessness by any pressure group or individual. Our government has done everything to ensure that we maintain law and order here.
“Every security apparatus is well-equipped to curtail any form of insecurity here. We are okay, we are educated, we are civilised and people are respected within the provision of the constitution of Nigeria to express their opinion without any form of violation or crisis.”
Olatunbosun advised Ekiti residents to go about their duties without any fear, saying, “Our people should feel free and go about their businesses without any fear at all.”
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, said there was no need for anybody in the state to entertain any fear over what happened in Oyo State.
Akinwale said, “We (police) are fully on the ground. There is no cause for alarm. No need for people to panic, we are monitoring situations and by the special grace of God, there won’t be any problem.”
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (retd.), told The PUNCH that Ogun State had activated security measures to prevent a repeat of the Oyo experience.
Subair said, “In view of the invasion of Oyo Secretariat by some Yoruba Nation agitators, information with regards to how they operate was circulated to all security agencies in Ogun State.
“Their (the security agencies) intelligence gathering mechanism has been activated and there is a manhunt for everyone known to be associated with this group or those that are on the run after their failed attempt at Agodi in Ibadan.
“Our security agencies have been put on alert to forestall such in Ogun State.”
Also, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, warned that the command would not fold its arms and allow any misguided individual or miscreants to obstruct the reign of peace and orderliness in the country.
Alamutu said “We are already aware of their subtle threat before now, but since they have decided to go violent, the police won’t take kindly such illegality.
“They had better change their ways and never try to engage force for force with the police and other security agencies, because such action would be regretted.
“The state police command is on the ground; we are monitoring them and all the DPOs have been briefed to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order anywhere across the state.”
In the same vein, the spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, told The PUNCH: “We have never relaxed on duty. We are always ready to provide adequate security in the state. Nothing of such can happen in Ondo State.”
Similarly, the Commander of the State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, said the corps had deployed its men in the areas where government assets are located.
He said, “Immediately we heard of the incident in Oyo State, we quickly deployed our men to where we have critical government assets across the state.
“Such can’t happen here, we are always ready. We will always protect the lives and property of the people of this state.”
By Our Correspondent
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha in Imo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, Nadada arrived in the state alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing rescue operation.
He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available assets, while issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas.
He added that the operation was being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the abductors and coordinated efforts with other security agencies.
Nadada assured members of the public that the police remained committed to securing the safe release of the abducted persons.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying.
The police boss urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.
He assured the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The police said further updates would be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
Five men have been arrested and arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Maiduguri, Borno State, after police allegedly found them wearing T-shirts bearing the words “Tinubu Must Go.”
The defendants were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.
According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department, the incident occurred on September 25, 2026, near West End Roundabout in Maiduguri.
Police charged the five men with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Their lawyer subsequently applied for bail. The court adjourned the matter until October 6, 2026, to rule on the bail application, while the substantive trial has been scheduled for October 26.
The case has drawn attention because the alleged conduct involved wearing clothing displaying a political message.
Amnesty International criticised the prosecution, describing the arrests as arbitrary and arguing that peaceful political expression is protected by fundamental human rights. The organisation called for the immediate release of the five men and urged authorities to discontinue the case.
Amnesty International also expressed concern that the prosecution could have implications for political expression and opposition activities in Borno State.
The case has generated reactions on social media, with some commentators questioning whether the display of political messages on clothing should constitute a criminal offence.
There have also been allegations that a prominent politician in Borno State may have influenced the arrests. The allegation has not been independently verified.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, were reportedly unsuccessful as of the time of filing.
The defendants remain subject to the court process, and the allegations against them have not been established in court.
The Jigawa State Hisbah Board has arrested eight people in Kazaure Local Government Area over alleged homosexual acts, according to the board.
The board’s Public Relations Officer, Dauda Hadejia, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Hadejia said the arrests followed a complaint filed by a 22-year-old man, who alleged that nine individuals had engaged in sexual acts with him on different occasions.
According to the statement, the complainant also claimed that he later contracted HIV, which he attributed to the alleged encounters. He reportedly appealed to the Hisbah authorities for justice, describing the alleged conduct as deceptive and harmful to his life.
Following the complaint, Hadejia said Hisbah operatives launched an investigation and began searching for the nine individuals named by the complainant.
“So far, eight suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect,” Hadejia said.
He added that the eight arrested individuals reportedly admitted during preliminary investigations to having engaged in sexual acts with the complainant.
Hadejia said the board had gathered information and evidence that would be presented before a court. He added that the investigation remained ongoing and that the suspects would be charged upon its completion.
The Deputy Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, Dr. Hussain Baban, reportedly urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing and the people with whom they associate.
He also called on members of the public to be mindful of the consequences of their actions and to uphold religious and moral values.
The board further expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for its support and cooperation in carrying out its responsibilities.
A newly married couple, Funmilayo Bamidele and her husband, Reverend Abiodun David, have been abducted along the Iyemero-Eruku Road, a border route linking Kwara and Kogi states.
The couple were reportedly returning from their engagement ceremony in Eruku on Saturday evening when armed men intercepted their vehicle and abducted them alongside four other passengers.
According to sources, the vehicle was initially expected to take the Isanlu Road. However, the driver reportedly chose an alternative route to drop off the best man and other members of the group at Iyamoye in Kogi State.
The vehicle was subsequently intercepted by armed men along the Iyemero-Eruku Road, leading to the abduction of all the occupants.
A photograph of the newly abducted couple has since emerged following the incident, while details about the whereabouts of the other passengers remain unclear.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said soldiers had been deployed to search the surrounding bushes and rescue the victims while also pursuing the suspected kidnappers.
Ojo disclosed that the vehicle used by the victims was later found abandoned at a former police station in Ayetoro, Ekiti State.
He added that police operatives from Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states were working jointly on the rescue operation because the incident occurred around the border communities of the three states.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details on the identities of the suspected abductors or whether any contact has been established with the victims.
At least five miners have been killed and two others injured after gunmen reportedly ambushed them at a mining site in Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to community sources, the miners were carrying out their legitimate activities when they came under attack. The incident has plunged the community into mourning and renewed concerns over the safety of residents in the area.
Confirming the attack, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, said five people lost their lives while two others sustained injuries.
“It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence,” Tengwong said, while calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect communities and prevent similar incidents.
A community member, Simon Mundat, also described the attack as devastating and appealed to the authorities to strengthen security in the area.
“We are deeply saddened by this attack. We appeal to authorities to strengthen security in the area so that our people can go about their legitimate activities without fear,” he said.
-
Business4 days agoNo Bad Blood Over New Cement Factories, But Our Mining Rights Run Till 2045 — Ibeto Tells Ebonyi Govt
-
Sports4 days agoEnugu Speaker’s boxing talent hunt unearths 5 budding stars
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria at 66: Macmaduson Concepts Limited Sends Independence Day Greetings to Clients
-
Crime5 days agoFive Arrested By Police For Wearing ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts
-
Politics5 days agoEBONYI 2027: The People, Not Individuals Will Decide Who Becomes Governor – Igwe
-
News4 days ago66th Independence: Elder statesman wants policies to reduce hardship, calls for peace
-
Politics4 days agoEbonyi Guber: ‘Our People Deserve Better Government,’ Odii Insists
-
News4 days agoNigeria @66: Democracy Evolving, Says Anambra APC Chairman Anosike