Tag: Gunmen

Six Killed As Gunmen Attack Kogi Community Over Land Tussle

A screenshot taken on October 26, 2021, shows a deserted community following an attack by gunmen in Kogi State.

 

Six persons have been confirmed killed by gunmen who attacked Bagana community in Omala Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

The attack, said to have taken place very early on Monday, also left several others injured while many locals were forced to abandon their homes.

Police authorities in the state have confirmed the incident.

Unlike previous incidents attributed to armed herdsmen, the latest is believed to be a result of the tussle between the people of Bagana and Patani community over the ownership of a piece of land.

The assailants were reported to have struck at about 7:30 in the morning when most of the youths in the community had gone to the farm.

Houses and business centres were left in ruins after the attack, and the palace and vehicle of the traditional ruler of Bagana were not speared by the assailants.

A house is set ablaze by gunmen who attacked Bagana community in Kogi State.

 

In an interview with Channels Television, an eyewitness identified as Salifu Yakubu narrated how the gunmen invaded the community.

Yakubu, who is also the son of the traditional ruler of the community, also stated that the incident had nothing to do with herds, but it was a fallout of a communal clash.

The Chairman of Omala LGA, Ibrahim Abo, also confirmed the incident. During a visit to the community, he appealed to the youths of Bagana to remain calm.

According to Abo, the temptation to embark on a reprisal must be resisted as the state government is already making efforts to resolve the dispute.

Mr Ibrahim Abo (wearing a black cap) with Mr Idrisu Dabban and some police officers during a visit to Bagana community in Kogi State on October 26, 2021.

 

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Idrisu Dabban, also led some top officers of the command to Bagana for an on-the-spot assessment.

Dabban assured the residents that the command under his leadership would not relent on its oars until the communal crisis was brought to an end.

He added that the police have put necessary measures in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such an incident in Omala LGA.

Gunmen Kill 17 Locals, Abduct Several In Attack On Niger Villages

A file photo of a man holding a gun.

 

No fewer than 17 people have been killed after a group of armed men attacked two villages in Niger State.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Matane, confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Monday.

While the attack left three others injured, the whereabouts of about 18 villagers are unknown. They were said to have been abducted by the gunmen.

The affected villages – MazaKuka and Kulhu villages – are located in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Matane explained that the gunmen killed 16 people in a mosque in MazaKuka and another one person in Kaboji village.

The assailants, he stated, stormed MazaKuka in large numbers with dangerous weapons and went on a rampage, shooting sporadically.

According to the SSG, the victims in MazaKuka were killed very early on Monday morning while performing Subhi prayers inside the mosque.

The wounded and the abducted persons were among the faithful observing the prayers.

Although MazaKuka and Kulhu villages are in Niger, they share borders with Kainji Lake Forest where bandits are said to have been taking advantage of the porous nature of the forest to attack innocent people at will and take cover.

Matane disclosed that the state government has since deployed a team of military personnel to the area to flush out bandits hiding in the forest.

In his reaction, a former member of the Niger State House of Assembly who represented Mashegu constituency, Abdulkarim MazaKuka, called for a concerted effort to defeat banditry in the state and the country at large.

Chairman of Mashegu LGA, Alhassan MazaKuka, on his part, described the attack as devastating.

He also confirmed that one of those who were fatally injured has been referred to the IBB Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Gunmen Kidnap Three Church Members In Ogun, Demand N6m Ransom

A file photo of a man carrying a gun.

 

Gunmen invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church at Obada-Oko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State in the early hours of Sunday, while worshippers were holding a vigil.

They kidnapped three worshippers and escaped with them into the bush.

The victims, identified as Ifeoluwa Alani-Bello, Adebare Oduntan, and Mary Oliyide.

Sources close to the families of the victims told journalists that the abductors have reached out and demanded a ransom of N6 million for them to regain their freedom.

READ ALSO: Jail Break: We’ll Recapture All Escaped Inmates – Aregbesola

This incident was confirmed by the police spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who explained that the anti-kidnapping unit has been dispatched to the area to partner with the Obada-Oko Division of the police to rescue the victims.

He however reiterated the command’s warning to religious bodies against holding vigils or prayer sessions in isolated areas which would make their members vulnerable to kidnapping.

“It should also be noted that the police had also warned members of the public from having vigil and religious activities in areas considered to be isolated and that if at all such places of worship want to have programme, they should inform the police so that police patrol could be extended to such area and adequate security provided,” he said.

Gunmen Kidnap Two Sisters In Ondo

A file photo of a man carrying a gun.

 

Some men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted two little girls from their parents’ car in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The incident occurred around 8:00 pm in Leo area of the city on Friday.

The gunmen attacked at the entrance to the house when the mother of the victims was opening the gate to drive into their compound.

It was gathered that the kidnappers came in a car, snatched the car key from the mother of the kids, and fled with the car, abandoning their own car.

READ ALSO: Jigawa Cholera Outbreak: Over 500 Persons Dead In Four Months

The Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, DSP Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Saturday.

She noted that the case was reported to the police by the mother of the girls and officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command have swung into action in a bid to rescue the kids and apprehend the kidnappers.

 

Incessant Kidnappings

The spate of kidnappings across the South-West has been on the rise despite the advent of the Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun by the South-West governors.

Last month, 18 travellers were abducted along the Ifira-Akoko/Idoani road in Akoko South East Local Government Area while a lecturer of the Department of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University was kidnapped earlier this month on the Akure-Ado Ekiti Expressway.

Also, four members of a family, including a father, his two children, and another family member were kidnapped earlier this month at Iju-Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state.

In reaction to these incessant kidnappings, some monarchs from Ikaram, GedeGede, and Ajowa, in Akoko Northwest Local Government of Ondo state have cried out over the situation, appealing to the police to draft more personnel to the area in order to effectively curb kidnapping challenges facing the communities.

Gunmen Attack Police Station With ‘Petrol Bombs’ In Imo

(FILE) The crest of the Nigeria Police Force is seen on a police officer’s uniform. PHOTO: Sodiq Adelakun/Channels TV

 

A group of armed men on Thursday attacked a police station with petrol bombs in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Michael Abattam, who confirmed the attack in a statement on Friday said it occurred in the evening.

The assailants who came in a number of cars and motorcycles, according to Abattam, are believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“On 21/10/2021 at about 1844 hours, armed bandits suspected to be IPOB/ ESN terror group came to Isiala Mbano Police Station in about five vehicles and three motorcycles, threw petrol bombs on the roof of the already damaged building in the EndSARS imbroglio and started shooting indiscriminately,” the statement said.

“The gallant police operatives attached to the station returned fire, engaging them in a gun duel. They were able to repel the bandits and in the process, they zoomed off in their vehicles and motorcycles.”

A file photo of a man holding a gun.

 

Abattam, a chief superintendent of police, stated that the police operatives who engaged the assailants ensured no arm was lost.

He explained that the fire that erupted as a result of the petrol bombs was later extinguished, although it caused some damages to the building.

“One of the police operatives who sustained gunshot injury was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment,” the statement added.

According to the command’s spokesman, the tactical teams of the police have been dispatched to the area in pursuit of the gunmen and to beef up security in the area.

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Rabiu Hussaini, commended the officers and men of the division for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the tempo.

He also thanked the residents for their support and asked them to continue to work in synergy with the police and other security agencies to combat crime and protect their police stations.

Hussaini called on the people to assist the police with credible information that would lead to the arrest of the fleeing criminals.

UPDATED: At Least Two Killed As Gunmen Open Fire At Traditional Rulers Meeting In Imo

Imo State is located in the southeast region of Nigeria.
Imo State is located in the southeast region of Nigeria.

 

No fewer than two traditional rulers have been killed during an attack by gunmen at Nnenasa community Headquarters of Njaba local government area of Imo State.

According to sources, the traditional rulers from the area numbering over 20 were in a meeting at the local government headquarters in the community when gunmen invaded the the place and interrupted the meeting with sporadic gunshots.

Sources earlier informed Channels Television that five of the traditional rulers had been killed but when contacted, the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abatam, confirmed that only two traditional rulers had died while three others were in a coma.

READ ALSO: Go After Criminal Elements In Imo State, Uzodinma Charges Troops

The murdered traditional rulers include the Obi II of Okwudor, Eze Anayo Durueburoe and the ruler of Ihebineoweri, Okwudor, Eze Samson Osunwa.

Those who sustained heavy gunshots injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, speaking to Channels Television, condemned the killings and commiserated with the affected families.

He promised to bring the perpetrators to book and urged Imo indigenes to remain calm as the state government is on top of the situation.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes being perpetuated across the South-East.

On Sunday, gunmen attacked a police divisional headquarters in Ebonyi State, killing a police offer and burning two patrol vehicles.

The recent rise in violent crimes in the region has been attributed to a myriad of reasons including secessionist angst.

Gunmen Abduct Monarch’s Twin Daughters, Aides In Kwara

A file photo of a man holding a gun.

 

Gunmen have abducted the twin daughters of a traditional ruler in Kwara State, Oba Samuel Adelodun, and three of his aides.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Friday.

He identified others kidnapped as the monarch’s driver Kunle, his security aide Lawrence Abiodun, and his maid, Bukunmi Akanbi.

Oba Adelodun, the Owalobo of Obbo Ayegunle in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, said his daughters and aides were kidnapped on Thursday.

According to Ajayi, the victims were travelling from Osi to Obbo Ayegunle before they were abducted by the assailants along the road connecting the two towns.

The Toyota Sienna vehicle with a registration plate number bearing Owalobo of Obbo Ayegunle, conveying the victims, was abandoned on the road.

“On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police Kwara State, CP Tuesday Assayomo, dispatched the anti-kidnapping and other tactical units of the command, alongside local hunters and vigilantes to immediately commence a search and rescue operation in the area for possible arrest of the abductors and safe rescue of the victims,” said Ajayi.

“The commissioner of police wishes to advise members of the public with useful information that can aid the quick rescue of the victims to make such information available to the command.”

He assured the people of the state of their safety and security at all times and asked them to be conscious of happenings around them.

The command’s spokesman also urged them to avoid movements in isolated and lonely routes at odd hours of the day.

One Killed, Many Flee As Gunmen Attack Taraba Community

Map of Taraba
A map of Taraba, a state in Nigeria’s North-East region.

 

One person has been reported killed by gunmen suspected to be fleeing gang members of the late notorious criminal Terwase Akwaza a.k.a Gana, in Taraba State.

The victim identified as Tsunatu Danjuma was murdered while on his farm with other relations of his.

The incident which took place in the farming community of Rafinkada in Wukari Local Government Area of the state saw other farmers fleeing their homes and farmlands for safety.

Chairman of the council, Daniel Grace confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Thursday.

He, however, called for calm, asking all fleeing residents to return home.

“I received a distress call at about 10:00 am from Rafinkada community this morning, immediately I mobilized the security agencies and we moved to the site to douse tension,” he said.

“Unfortunately, before we could get there, the damage had been done already and we found the corpse of one of the residents who was shot dead in his farmland.

“The militiamen are suspected to be the remnants of Gana boys who launch attacks and retreat to the surrounding forests.

“We are not giving up, though we found one dead body, we will still comb the bush for others who claim their relations are nowhere to be found.

“For now, the residents are gradually returning and security agencies have been drafted to the area to build their confidence as a peace-building mechanism”.

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According to the chairman of the council, arrangements have been concluded for the burial of the deceased later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abdullahi Usman, said the report of the incident was yet to reach his desk.

He, however, assured that the situation will be addressed and the perpetrators arrested.

Rafinkada community is about 30 kilometers from Wukari the headquarters of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The affected community has been a haven for investors in agri-business in Taraba and has been the major producing community for a variety of crops.

This is the first incident that has occurred in the area since the Tiv versus Jukun crisis subsided and a truce was reached about two months ago.

Bandits Attack Zamfara Community, Kill 14 People

A file photo of three armed men.

 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked the Kurya Madaro community of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the bandits stormed the community at midnight on Tuesday and operated till the early hours of Wednesday.

Police authorities are yet to react to the attack. All efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Muhammed Shehu, proved abortive as his telephone numbers were not reachable.

But a source in the community confirmed the attack to Channels Television, saying that the attackers stormed the town around 11:30 pm on Tuesday and operated till the early hour of Wednesday, killing about fourteen people.

According to him, the bandits set police operational vehicles, one trailer, four other vehicles belonging to the community and many shops on fire during the attack.

The deceased have since been buried in Kurya Madaro town in line with Islamic rites.

Kurya Madaro is about 51kilometres to Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

READ ALSO: Amotekun Operatives Arrest Kidnapper, 17 Other Suspected Criminals In Ondo

It will be recalled that residents of the community had on May 31, staged a protest to demonstrate their displeasure over incessant bandit attacks in the area.

Criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, have terrorised northwest and central Nigeria for years, but they have become more brazen in recent months and the military has renewed operations in a bid to end the attacks.

“On Sunday, unidentified gunmen attacked Madamai village in Kaduna State, leaving 34 residents dead and seven others wounded,” state security commissioner Samuel Aruwan said.

Troops came under fire before forcing the assailants to withdraw after an intense exchange, he said in a statement.

Also on Sunday, gunmen attacked a church in the Kachia district of Kaduna State, killing at least one person, he said.

Sunday’s violence led to reprisals by unidentified assailants on communities in Kacecere in Kaduna, which left another eight dead, six injured and several houses razed, Aruwan said in a second statement without giving details on when the violence took place.

The bandits who raid villages, steal cattle, kidnap for ransom and burn homes, have no known ideology.

But analysts see signs of growing cooperation between the gangs and Boko Haram fighting a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast.

The military began an anti-bandit campaign earlier this month in Zamfara State. Some northern states have also imposed restrictions on movement and trade and a telecoms blackout as part of efforts to have the gunmen under control.

Gunmen Invade, Set Ablaze Joe Igbokwe’s House In Anambra

A file photo of three armed men.

 

Some yet-to-be identified gunmen in Anambra have invaded and set fire on the residence of Joe Igbokwe, a Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

But Igbokwe’s house was not the only building that was attacked in Nnewi during the incident on Sunday. .

Emerging reports suggest that the miscreants also attacked an edifice belonging to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) building in Umudinkwa.

The Anambra State police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement said the command received a distress call of arson at about 2pm, adding that security operatives have since been sent to the troubled area.

Read Also: Death Toll In Kaduna Attack Rises To 12 As Military Recovers Two More Corpses

Eight Killed, Six Injured In Another Reprisal In Zangon Kataf

A file photo of Joe Igbokwe

 

Though there are speculations that some residents might have been killed in the attack, the police spokesman said the reports could not be presently confirmed.

The latest raid in Nnewi comes a few days after armed men attacked a police station in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

There were also reports that officers were killed in the raid. However, the police only confirmed that two policemen sustained gunshot wounds and the station was set ablaze.

Gunmen Kidnap Permanent Secretary In Niger State

A file photo of a man holding a gun.

 

Gunmen have kidnapped the Permanent Secretary at the Niger State Ministry of Transportation, Dr Ibrahim Musa.

Musa was said to have been abducted from his house along with his son on Friday night in Zungeru, a town in Wushishi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

A family source said the gunmen entered the house by breaking down the gate, after which they abducted him while relaxing after a wedding he had attended.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Mary Barje, confirmed the abduction of the government official in a statement on Saturday.

Governor Abubakar Bello, in his reaction, condemned the abduction of the permanent secretary. He described the incident as evil and inhuman.

He also decried the recent terrible activities of bandits in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas, where many villagers were killed, burned, and others kidnapped, while the criminals also set houses and food bans ablaze.

According to the governor, there is an urgent need for a total overhaul of the strategy and security apparatus following the fresh attacks carried out by the bandits.

He, however, stressed that the security operatives were capable of curtailing the situation and called for more support from residents with useful and timely information.

Governor Bello prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed, the quick recovery of those injured, and the safe return of all persons kidnapped by the bandits.

He assured the people of his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry and other forms of security challenges in the state.

Reports had emerged that Boko Haram terrorists have captured many communities in eight wards of Shiroro LGA.

The Chairman of the lga, Suleiman Chukuba, who briefed reporters on Friday explained that the insurgents attempted to incorporate and recruit residents of the communities to become members.

He added that the insurgents were making efforts to equip the people to fight against the government, saying they proclaimed that they do not want conventional primary and secondary schools, but an Islamic school.

The lga boss, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel in the area to help dislodge the criminals whom he said have made Shiroro their home.

Gunmen Attack Niger LGA, Storm Palace Of Emir Of Kagara

Niger State is in northcentral Nigeria.

 

Armed gunmen numbering about 60 have allegedly stormed Rafi Local Government Council of Niger State and invaded the palace of the Emir of Kagara.

Reports gathered, however, reveal that the Emir, Alhaji Ahmed Attahiru (II) has been away for almost two weeks.

The armed gunmen stormed the palace around 6:00 pm on Tuesday evening on 20 motorcycles, shooting sporadically and causing panicked residents to scamper for safety.

Read Also: Arms Proliferation: Navy Disclaims Submission By Officer

They were said to have come through Attahiru Primary School towards Madaka road leading to the bush where they abducted the students of Kagara some months ago.

All efforts to contact the Chairman of Rafi local government council Ismaila Danmodibo for comment on the attack failed despite repeated calls.

Also, efforts to speak to the Police Public Relation Officer in the state DSP Wasiu Abiodun were unsuccessful.

The situation has further been worsened by the lack of network service in the area.