₦airaland Forum

Death toll in the attacks on five communities, which occurred on Wednesday in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has risen to 52, the chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), Farmasum Fuddang, has said.

Weekend Trust reports that gunmen killed no fewer than 20 persons and injured many others in separate attacks on five villages in Bokkos.

The chairman said the death toll could be more than 52 as search for missing persons continued on Friday.

Fuddang explained that the figure rose to 52 following the deployment of more security forces, which allowed for recovery of some bodies in the bushes.

He said, “So far, 52 dead bodies were recovered in various villages, including 4 in Pyakmal, 11 in Ruwi, 36 in Hurti, 4 in Manguna and 1 in Daffo. We are still awaiting updates from ongoing search-and-rescue operation for missing persons.”

The chairman further disclosed that residents who survived the attacks were being evacuated to displaced persons camps under the escort of military and police personnel.



Suspects arrested – Plateau govt

Brigadier-General Gakji Shipi (retd), the acting coordinator of Operation Rainbow and special adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on security, on Friday confirmed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks, which he said were unprovoked.

“A lot of communities have been razed and casualties recorded. The exact figures are not yet concluded because up till now, we are still embarking on operations to determine the total number of casualty. Up to this moment, we are unable to put our finger as to what gave rise to what has happened. Gladly, the security agencies have made arrests that are helping us to unveil what has gone wrong,” he said.

The special adviser further alleged that the perpetrators were attempting to instigate further violence in the state, saying, “There was no form of provocation whatsoever to what happened. What first hit me with all the evidence were some people who instigated this for their own selfish reasons.

“We are all aware that there are people who benefit from insecurity. The peace we have enjoyed all these while has put their business as standstill. So, there is a very high probability that they are the ones behind this sudden outbreak of this violence. Like you all know, previously, you could all lay your fingers on the cause, either farm destruction or rustling of cattle, but this time, nothing happened.”

How we foiled the attack – OPSH

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a multi security task force maintaining peace in the state, explained how it foiled the attack.

Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesperson of the operation, disclosed this on Friday in Jos, adding that troops had engaged the attackers, who were forced to flee the communities.

Major Zhakom narrated that, “The ongoing Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, on April 2, 2025, foiled militia attacks Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Taddai and Hurti communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

“During the operation, troops made contact, overwhelmed and forced the attackers to abandon 1 AK-47 rifle and 6 motorcycles. Troops exploited the general area and observed traces of blood along the withdrawal route of the criminals.

“Through further exploitation of the attacked locations in Bokkos, troops, on April 3, 2025, conducted clearance operations at Hurti community, having observed the activities of militias within the mountainous area.

“Troops engaged the criminals with a high volume of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. The area was combed by troops and one locally fabricated pistol, 6 rounds of 9mm and 4 motorcycles were recovered. Troops are currently dominating the general area to neutralise the fleeing criminals, “ the spokesperson said.



Don’t take laws into your hands – Youth council tells residents

Speaking on the incident, the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), has called on residents in the state to remain calm while security forces work to restore order

Panan Gongden, the chairman of the group made the call yesterday in Jos during an interview with journalists on the latest attack.

The chairman promised that although they were pushed to the wall, they would never take the law into their hands. He called on all residents to work with security agencies to ensure law and order.

“These are provocations we are familiar with. We have decided to associate this with activities of criminals who are bent on destabilising the state and the efforts of the state government.

“On our part as youths, we also associate the approaching farming season. We have observed that over time, once the rainy season begins, some of this criminality surfaces, possibly to intimidate locals from accessing their farm lands.

“We appreciate the leadership of the youth. It is quite emotional for people who have lost their loved ones and for us in the state generally. We appeal to the youth to be calm and allow law enforcement agencies to do their jobs,” the chairman added.



Ex-Rep Bagos decries killings, calls for establishment of state police

Meanwhile, a former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Dachung Bagos, has condemned the killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bagos, who represented Jos South/East federal constituency in the 9th House, urged the federal government to intensify efforts in securing the lives and property of the people in the local government and the state generally.

He also advised the National Assembly to expedite action on the creation of state police to enable state governments and local communities take care of their security needs.

A statement by Dafwam Yaks, the special adviser on media and publicity to Bagos, said his principal expressed sorrow and condemnation over the ongoing killings in Bokkos, particularly regarding the recent tragic attacks in Ruwi village.

“His thoughts are with the families affected by these senseless losses, which have left lasting scars on the community and beyond.

“He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who demonstrated capacity and showed compassion by his visit to the affected areas, offering sympathy to grieving families by reaffirming his commitment to addressing the security challenges.

According to the statement, Bagos urged local communities to unite in their efforts to protect one another, emphasising the importance of community strength as outlined in Nigeria’s constitution.

“In this moment of mourning, Bagos extends his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and pray for healing for those who are hospitalised. It is a time for solidarity and collective strength as the community seeks to recover and support one another,” he concluded.

Hoodlums suspected to be oil thieves have vandalized the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.

The Ogboinbiri/OB-OB gas pipeline, which is a 24-inch gas pipeline is formerly operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company but Oando plc had since acquired it.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State government has vowed to work in collaboration with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, in a statement on Friday, said the government will not tolerate such act of economic sabotage in the state.

She said: “The Bayelsa State Government wishes to condemn the criminal damage of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated

“Government is working closely with security agencies to apprehend those responsible and prevent future occurrences.

“The public should note that the protection of national assets is a collective responsibility, and we urge all citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public assets to the law enforcement agencies.

“The damage to public assets does not only results in revenue loss to federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental dangers. Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens.

“We urge the youth in the state to resist the temptation to engage in destructive activities and instead work with the administration to sustain peace and protect public infrastructure. Together, we can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment.

“Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the security architecture of the present administration, saying it has been unable to stop the killings in the country.

Reacting to the Killings of some Nigerians in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last election, said the time had come for the Federal government to reconfigure its security architecture to meet the needs of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Atiku in a post on his Facebook page said, “The failure of President Bola Tinubu’s security architecture has now become an endemic nationwide phenomenon with repeated killings, more of which do not even make the headlines.

“Nigerians are now being forced to get used to such news of wanton killings, and I again offer my condolences to the bereaved communities of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and the affected families.

“I wish to restate my counsel to the Tinubu-led federal government to reconfigure its security architecture to meet the needs of protecting the lives and properties of our people.”

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned, Daily Trust reliably learnt.

Impeccable sources in the presidency confirmed yesterday that the former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) tendered his resignation about two weeks ago.

The sources said Dr. Baba-Ahmed did not provide details of the reasons for his decision, only stating that it was on personal grounds. However, as of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the presidency had accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023.

Over the past 17 months, he has represented the presidency at several public fora, including a recent national conference themed: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity”, which held from 28th to 29th January, 2025 in Abuja.



Clash with Matawalle over NEF

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role in the presidency drew criticism at certain points. A notable criticism came from the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

In April 2024, Matawalle appeared to have taken an aim at Dr. Baba-Ahmed, when he said northern appointees must not remain silent in the face of intimidation or misrepresentation of the Tinubu administration.

His remarks came after Baba-Ahmed criticised Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a “political paperweight”. That position by the minister was in reaction to the group’s statement that the North had made a mistake voting for Tinubu in 2023.

Baba-Ahmed had argued that the Tinubu administration would have been better served if Matawalle had highlighted his own achievements as a minister—along with those of other northern appointees—rather than attacking the NEF.

“Scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised. He could have done a better job for this administration if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.

Matawalle fired back, insisting that government appointees had a duty to defend and promote the administration they served. “Dr Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is well known,” Matawalle said, adding that: “As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons”.

The minister stressed further that: “Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors.

“As appointees from the North, we must take a stand, be unequivocal, and be counted among those working for the success of this administration. This is not the time to keep quiet in the face of intimidation and misrepresentation of the efforts and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the junior minister maintained.



Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed at a glance

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (born September 11, 1955) is a Nigerian retired senior civil servant and former Chief of Staff to ex-Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He hails from Kaduna State. A practising Muslim, he has held several key positions in public service and governance.

Baba-Ahmed studied at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

He began his career as a lecturer at the then University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto) before joining the Kaduna State Civil Service. He later transferred to the Federal Civil Service, where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary.

During his career, Baba-Ahmed served as Permanent Secretary in various capacities, including in the Presidency and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also held the position of Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A reform-minded public servant, he also served as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government. His contributions to governance earned him the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Baba-Ahmed is regarded as an elder statesman in Northern Nigeria. Before his appointment as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President in the Office of the Vice President, he was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where he spoke openly against policies that were perceived to be against the interests of the North, and of the various parts of Nigeria.

The U.S. government banned employees and personnel in China from having romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.

According to the Associated Press, four sources said that former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns put the policy into place before leaving his post.

A watered-down version of the new policy was tested in summer 2024, which banned U.S. government employees in China from having "romantic and sexual relations" with Chinese citizens who were employed as support staff and guards at five consulates in China as well as the U.S. embassy.

Burns expanded that policy to cover all Chinese citizens just days before President Trump took office.

The policy was announced to American government staff located in China in January, but hasn't been announced publicly.

Two people with knowledge of the new policy told the Associated Press that it was implemented after several members of Congress reached out to Burns and voiced worries that there wasn't a policy in place that restricted such relationships with Chinese citizens.

Individuals who violate the policy will be forced to leave China.

The policy doesn't apply to U.S. employees located outside of China.

The Chinese government employs a similar policy for overseas personnel, barring them from having sexual or romantic relationships with foreign citizens.

Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd) has regained his freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

Daily Trust had reported how the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was abducted from his hometown in Bakori local government area (LGA) of Katsina state, on February 5, 2025.

He was kidnapped alongside nine other residents.

However, after payment of ransom by his family, his abductors still held him captive for weeks.

There were conflicting figures regarding the ransom paid earlier.

While some claimed the sum of N60m was paid, Daily Trust reliably learnt that the actual money paid for his release is thrice higher than that.

A close family member told our correspondent that after receiving the money, the kidnappers kept mum for one week before contacting the family, where they put the general on phone to speak with them.

“The money was taken to them and it was only after one week, that was on Tuesday March 11, that they called and we heard his voice,” the source revealed.

He added that the kidnappers had called though to demand for more money, which he said was not given to them.

“Nothing was actually added and as we speak they are in Zamfara state from where they will take the general to Abuja,” the source said.

A top military source also confirmed Tsiga’s release to Daily Trust. Sources close to the family said he is in good condition.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has visited the families of the 16 travellers who were killed in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA of Edo State.

Jibrin arrived at the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday to sympathise with the families of the victims.

Disclosing this in a statement, Barau’s spokesman, Ismail Mudashir, said victims hailed from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano and Garko LGAs. He noted that his principal held talks with the victims’ families at the At-Taqwa Mosque in the Sabon Fegi area of the Bunkure LGA.

“I’m here to sympathise with you over the tragic incident that led to the death of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and quicken the recovery of those injured,” he stated.

“I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the state governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved. They swung into action, and so far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that the state government will support you.”

Barau reassured the families of the deceased hunters that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

In addition to the 14 suspects, he said security agents had nabbed two more persons in connection with the killing of the hunters.

He announced the donation of ₦1m to each of the families of the 16 deceased hunters, totalling ₦16m.

The Deputy President of the Senate said he would sponsor a motion on the matter when the Senate resumes later this month.

BENIN CITY—-Communities around Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, have been deserted by residents for fear of reprisals and arrests by security agents, following the lynching of 16 travellers by a mob in the area last Thursday.

This came as Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State yesterday in Kano State, assured that justice will prevail for those killed in the mob attack.

He also visited the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), where he said the 14 suspects so far arrested in connection with the killings, would soon be moved to Abuja for further interrogation.

This is even as the Arewa Consultative Forum, AFC, called for an independent judicial panel to investigate the killings.

Vanguard gathered that residents of Uromi and environs have also stopped going to their farms, with many seeking refuge in neighbouring towns.

Some residents who spoke with Vanguard shared circumstances that led to the mob action.

A resident who simply gave his name as Monday, said: “The vigilante group received information from areas on the stretch of Old Ilushi road, from where the travellers were coming, that they had weapons in their vehicle.

‘’When they arrived in Uromi, the vigilantes asked them to step down, but the travellers refused, leading to an altercation. One of them pulled out a knife, prompting the vigilantes to raise alarm, accusing them of being kidnappers.

“Nobody justified the action. However, those who took part in the mob action have fled, while innocent individuals have been arrested.

‘’On Saturday, the police arrested a young man riding a GLK motorcycle near Opere Secondary School, where a wedding ceremony was taking place. The man claimed he was unaware of the previous day’s events.

“The area remains deserted, with few motorbikes passing through. However, at around 12 noon on Monday (yesterday), police returned to arrest more people. The community has been plagued by incessant kidnappings, carried out by hunters and herders from the northern part of the country.

‘’In the latest incident, a young lady was kidnapped in front of her gate on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Her captors had yet to call for ransom as of 2 pm today (yesterday).’’

Vanguard also learned that some residents, especially youths, have been quietly leaving the town for fear of reprisal and arrests by security agents.

Most of the residents who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, said though not justifying the killings, the victims were suspected kidnappers and not hunters as presented to the public.

They explained that the victims were sighted near Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South-East, which is close to Uromi.

Ubiaja is also suffering the same menace of kidnapping and it is where the victims were said to have entered a truck with their arms and cash.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Mr Akhere, told Vanguard: “In as much as we are not justifying the killings, because two wrongs don’t make a right, these people are not hunters as claimed because the hunters we have seen also go with dogs.

“Our local vigilantes have been on the trail of these suspected kidnappers. It has been tough for everybody, so on the fateful day, these people were sighted near Ubiaja where they flagged down a truck coming from the east and they entered with their guns and luggage believed to include huge sums of money.

“I think where the vigilantes in Uromi that stopped them missed it was not handing them over to the police, instead of resorting to self-help and you know many of the people who were around have been victims of kidnappings directly and indirectly in the area.

‘’Yes, we condemn the illegal actions but government has also been slow in taking action against these kidnappers. They have been killing, maiming our people and raping our women in the farms.”

Fleeing residents
Yet another resident, who introduced himself as Peter, said his cousin “has been actively involved in securing the town but noted that on this particular day, he was not around.

‘’He came into town after the incident but when he saw the way people were being arrested, he had to flee because he would have been arrested.

‘’Some other people have also left town because of fear that there could be reprisals, like we heard that earlier today (yesterday) there was panic in Ekpoma.”

Panic in Ekpoma
It was also learned that there was commotion in Ekpoma Market earlier yesterday, as information filtered in that the Fulani were planning to invade the town, which is not too far from Uromi.
Motorists were said to have made U-turns when the rumour came that the market was about to be attacked.
It was, however, gathered that security personnel were immediately mobilised to the area to restore normalcy.

My brother was killed on his farm
On what had been her experience in the hands of kidnappers in the area, Jenny Osajie, 30, said her elder brother was kidnapped on his way to the farm and killed when they could not raise a ransom of N5million.

She said: “They were so bold that they called us to come and pick the dead body of our brother and we actually saw the dead body in the place they described for us. I am a Christian and I have committed everything to God but there is anger everywhere because of what these people have been doing.

‘’Why has the government not acted this way since we have been crying of the activities of herdsmen and kidnappers that have been terrorising us? Is the government biased?”

Justice’ll prevail — Okpebholo
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo of Edo State yesterday assured that justice will prevail for the 16 northern travellers killed in Uromi.

He gave the assurance when he led a delegation on a visit to Kano to commiserate with the Kano State government and people of the state over the incident.

The governor, who noted that so far, 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, said: “It is like I was the one that was touched by the incident that happened in Uromi. I got the information in the night, that at 4am, I was already set to travel to Uromi.

‘’I’m here to commiserate with the government and good people of Kano State. We have made tremendous progress, I can assure you that Mr. President wasn’t happy at all. ‘’He didn’t waste time, he made no mistake to direct the service chiefs to go after the killers. I can assure you that justice will prevail.

“We have so far arrested about 14 people in connection with the killings. The Inspector-General of Police has directed the DIG, AIG at the force headquarters to take over the investigation. After the holiday, these people will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and more arrests to be made.’’

Responding, Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, opposed reprisals, saying it is not the solution to the unfortunate incident but said the perpetrators should be prosecuted.

“Reprisal is not the solution because it affects innocent people. So, as leaders, we have to come together to fight this unfortunate behaviour. People shouldn’t be taking laws into their hands. It is unconstitutional and should be avoided. ‘’We (leaders) must be seen as protectors of our people. We assure you of maximum cooperation to collaborate with the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

“We will want to see them (perpetrators) physically paraded. That will go a long way to make the families happy.

“We appeal to the security agencies to help parade them to make the world see that these are the people that perpetrated the crime. They should be taken to court, so they can reap from what they sowed. The families must be compensated and I believe you will fulfill the promise.

“We appeal to the people to exercise patience, as everything’s being done to ensure justice for the victims,” Governor Yusuf said.

Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo is also expected to visit families of the victims in Torankarawa, Bunkure Local Government area of Kano State.

Aggrieved Kano youths, women carry placards, demand speedy justice for victims
Also yesterday, aggrieved youths and women yesterday trooped out en masse in Bunkure local government area, demanding justice for the victims.

Wielding placards with such inscriptions as “Hunters are not criminals”, “Hunting is business not crime”, “Justice for our traveling hunters”, “We need speedy dispensation of Justice”, among others, the protesters were seen displaying the placards to the convoy of Governor Okpebholo who was accompanied by Governor Abba Yusuf on a visit to families of victims.

At Torankawa village, home of the bereaved families, Governor Okpebholo promised that compensation would be paid for the killings, pledging also that justice would be served for the victims.

On his part, Governor Yusuf pledged that cash (unspecified amounts) and food stuff (unspecified numbers) would be donated to the families.

The governor promised that the state government will not relent in ensuring justice for the victims.

Okpebholo meets Deputy Senate President
Governor Okpebholo also visited the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, in Abuja, disclosing that the 14 suspects so far arrested will be moved to Abuja for further interrogation. Speaking at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Governor Okpebholo assured that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, even as he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.

Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said Okpebholo, who extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledged that the state government would assist the families of the victims.

He quoted the governor as saying: “ It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

“The President is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IGP has swung into action. The DIG, CID, is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

“So, they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased.”

In his response, the Deputy President of the Senate noted that the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

In addition, he said: “We cannot undo what has been done but all we want — all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction.

“I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

“I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the fact.

“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.

“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today (yesterday). This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours.”

Uromi killing is perverse illustration of Nigeria’s shambolic state of security — ACF
Also yesterday, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, expressed sadness over the killings of the 19 travellers in Uromi, describing it as perverse illustration of Nigeria’s shambolic state of security.
It also called for an independent judicial panel to investigate the incident.

ACF in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the victims were traveling to Kano for Sallah celebrations and were just passing through Edo State when they were attacked and literally roasted alive in the most brazen, barbaric and heart-wrenching manner of prehistoric times.

The statement read: “Ostensibly, the victims met their sad ends after being ‘mistaken’ for kidnappers. Expectantly, the incident continues to elicit outrage and condemnations from many in Nigeria and beyond.
‘’Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, key media outlets, etc., have also condemned the incident, calling for investigations and justice to prevail.

“ACF rejects the misleading narratives, perhaps designed to blunt the horrors of the tragedy, that the incident was an outcome of mistaken identity. Beyond the surface, at play was the widespread ethnic profiling, deeply entrenched stereotyping and prejudices against northerners. “It remains inconceivable and counter-intuitive that ‘kidnappers’ operate openly in plain public view, on highways through towns and communities.

“Suspected ‘kidnappers’ ought to have been surrendered to the Police as was the driver of the vehicle conveying them in the instant case. Incompetence, if not, indeed, complicity of law enforcement agencies, especially personnel of the NPF, also enabled the tragedy as did impunity.

‘’Many a criminal harbour little fear of justice, which usually comes very slowly, if at all any. As ACF recently observed, Uromi 19 is a perverse illustration of Nigeria’s shambolic state of security.

“ACF recalls drawing attention to the not-infrequent attacks and fatal harassment of trailer drivers conveying goods along roads in the South East. Thus, the tragedy cannot be isolated from the pattern of ethnic profiling against northerners pursuing livelihoods opportunities in other parts of Nigeria.

“In plain terms, Uromi 19 was premeditated and fits into the pattern of misbegotten ethnic profiling and stigmatisation against northerners and these must not be missed or ignored, for their wider implications for national security, unity and harmonious inter-group relations in Nigeria.

“Still, ACF is of the opinion that the nation must put the tragic incident behind as the past is gone but there is much to be feared about tomorrow. For now, therefore, ACF mourns and prays for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, commiserates with their traumatised families and loved ones and extends condolences to their immediate communities, and the government and people of Kano and Edo states in general.

“Commends the quick reaction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PBAT, who also directed the security agents to fish out and prosecute the perpetrators. Nonetheless, the response was at best plaintive, as he gave no timelines and assigned specific responsibilities, given the grave consequences of the tragedy.

“Commends Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State governor, for his prompt attention to the incident by disbanding unregistered vigilante operations, suspending officials overseeing non-state security operators, reaching out to the Kano State Government, the families of the victims, reaching out to the Arewa community in the state and for taking other measures to bring the situation under control.

“However, suspension from duty is insufficient, such officials must be investigated for possible culpability in the incident. Calls for payment of full compensation to the families of the victims for the loss of their members; calls on legislators, politically-exposed persons, traditional rulers, the clergy, other key community and national figures, activists, justice and rights advocates. especially those from Arewa, to publicly speak out against the experience of Uromi 19 because silence is troubling; calls for the thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of the tragedy by an independent judicial commission panel for the purpose.

‘’The relevant heads of NPF offices (Divisional Police Officers or DPOs) should be suspended, pending further investigations and necessary action into their behaviours before, during and after the incident.
“Calls on federal and state governments to take concrete steps to end the profiling and stigmatisation of northerners and for due respect to their rights of movement and residency in any part of Nigeria, in line with relevant provisions of the constitution.’’

The Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has condemned in strong terms the killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State.

The condemnation is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the incident could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identities of the victims.

The CDS condoled with President Bola Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives

He also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authorities in matters bordering on security.

According to him, the police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.

The defence chief assured Nigerians that the military would work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the act to book.

He advised that hunters and vigilance groups should register with the police, SSS, military and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms.

He also called on vigilance groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.

He also called for calm and sought for citizens’ support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence.

The police in Edo State confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the Thursday attack on a travelling party of hunters at Udune Efandion,an Uromi community in the Esan North Local Government of the state.

Sixteen of the hunters said to be from the North on a hunting expedition to Rivers State were allegedly killed by members of a vigilance group during the attack.

The vigilance members claimed they suspected the victims to be kidnappers on account of dane guns allegedly found in their possession.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared that fasting may continue on Sunday because Nigeria has not sighted the moon, indicating the end of the month of Ramadan.

NSCIA made this known in a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, on Saturday.

He also enjoined the Muslims to search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan, stressing, “If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Sunday, March 30, 2025 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Idul Fitr.”

The House of Representatives has condemned the senseless killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State and called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

16 travellers of northern extraction were on Friday attacked and killed in Uromi when the vehicle they were travelling in was set ablaze by an irate mob.

Reacting to the sad development in a statement issued by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Saturday, the House described the killing as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.

The statement read, “We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation. The House urges law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

“The House notes the intervention of security agencies, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects. However, justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or carrying out this heinous crime must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences.”

The statement also quoted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as labelling the killings “Barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable,” stressing that “Such acts of brutality have no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.

“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”

Abbas also called for restraint, urging Nigerians to avoid acts capable of escalating tensions.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.

He further noted, “Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity.”

That said, the House called on security agencies “To strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or origin.

It also urged “Community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within their communities” and civil society and the media “to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.”

The Speaker Abbas-led House further enjoined all Nigerians to “Reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermines democracy and social cohesion.”

While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the House reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and supporting policies that safeguard the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.

“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace. As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement further read.

A social activist, Shehu Sani, has condemned the appointment of Felix Morka as the board chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).



Sani, a former Senator and now member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed concerns that the appointment could harm the independence of the television station if it is sustained.



"The NTA is statutorily owned by the Federal Government. However, appointing the spokesperson of the ruling party to chair its board would cast aspersions on its content. Its objectivity, image, and professionalism would be questioned more than ever before. The party spokesman should be considered for an alternative appointment to save the station," he posted.



SaharaReporters earlier reported the appointment of Morka, who is the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the board chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) by President Bola Tinubu.



The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced this in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.



According to the statement, the President also approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Buhari, an indigene of Katsina State, as the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council.



The statement further revealed that Tinubu appointed 19 APC chairmen and some National Working Committee members as board chairmen of various Nigerian government institutions.

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Friday sentenced a mother and daughter, Falilatu Amidu and Ayisatu Amidu to six months imprisonment each, for stealing dry ponmo (cow skin), stock fish and dried meat valued N1million

The defendants, who reside at No 21 Ago-oko area in Abeokuta, Ogun, were convicted on a two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.O Odumosu, held that all evidence presented by the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the convicts were guilty of the offence as charged.

Odumosu sentenced both the mother and daughter to six months imprisonment each with an option of N5,000.
She ordered that the convicts should refund N100,000 each to the complainant as restitution before accessing the N5,000 fine given.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Kehinde Fawunmi, told the court that the defendants, committed the offence sometime in the month of August 2024 at Lafenwa market.

Fawunmi explained that Falitatu conspired with her daughter, Ayisatu, to steal a big sack containing stock fish, dry ponmo and dry cow meat valued N1million, belonging to one Mrs Kafayat Alao.

According to him, Falilatu used to help the complainant to carry load from her store in Lafenwa, to where the latter sells her items.

“The complainant asked her to help her pick goods from the store, she waited for over an hour and she did not see the defendant, which made her go to the store to check on her.

“On getting to the store, she did not find Falilatu, and she noticed a big bag containing dried meat, ponmo and stock fish was missing, and the defendant was nowhere to be found,” he said.

Fawunmi explained that Falilatu stole the goods and gave it to the daughter (Ayisatu) to sell them.
He said Ayisatu received the goods from her mother knowing that they were stolen.

The prosecutor noted that the offence committed contravened sections 516, 390(9) and 127 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.

Gunmen have reportedly launched a deadly attack on mourners in Ruwi community, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed ten persons.

The mourners were said to have gathered at a deceased family’s house in the community when the gunmen attacked them on Thursday night.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were mostly women, with seven being brutally clubbed to death with machetes.

Witnesses added that three men were among those killed, while two other women were injured in the attack.

The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LG, Mr. Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Friday, stating that the perpetrators took advantage of the mourners’ gathering to carry out the heinous act.

Mallai noted that security personnel were alerted to the attack, but unfortunately, they arrived after the perpetrators had fled the scene.

The chairman said, “Yes, it is true. It was around 10pm yesterday, March 27, 2025, at Ruwi community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state.

“The victims were mostly women. Seven women were clubbed to death with matchettes. Three men were killed, too, with two other women injured because many of them were women.

“They came to mourn their loved one that died a natural death. So, they were just there as is our tradition which demands that they would gather at the deceased family house and many of them would sleep over till the next day and even three days especially relatives just to keep the deceased family company.

“So that was the situation, and the enemy took advantage of that and came in the night and slaughtered the mourners around 10pm. I learnt the perpetrators were killer Fulani herders. When the attack was taking place, I learnt security men were called to the village, but before they could arrive at the place, the killers had finished their evil act and fled the scene.

“But as it is now, there is no any retaliation from the community and even the Bokkos town is calm but if you go the affected community, that is where you will see crowd that has gathered, bemoaning the calamity that has befallen the people ”

“So at the moment, the community is currently in a state of shock and mourning, with many gathering at the affected community to bemoan the calamity”

When contacted, the Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached immediately as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

The attack came barely one week after the police Command had convened an enlarged stakeholders meeting where participants, including farmers and herders, pledged to keep the peace in the state.

A man arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu has admitted to masterminding the crime, citing financial desperation as his motive.

The suspect, whose name has been withheld, told reporters at the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday that he orchestrated the priest’s kidnapping to raise N200,000 for a personal issue.

“Fr. Okechukwu was living in our house at Tachira, and I planned his kidnap because I needed N200,000. I invited some guys from other places to assist me in the operation, but I didn’t ask them to kill him,” he claimed.

Okechukwu, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State, was abducted on March 4 at his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area.

However, his body was discovered the following day.

Another suspect, also in custody, admitted being recruited but denied involvement in the priest’s death.

“At first, I refused to join, but he insisted. He later brought in others from Bokkos in Plateau, who came with guns. After we kidnapped the priest and walked for some distance, we left him with them. I don’t know why they killed him,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigerian reports that the troops arrested the suspects during a raid on a settlement in Warsa-Piti, Lere Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, OPSH officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The police command in Ekiti State has arrested one Victor Lorjaal of Aba Ile camp, Itaji-Ekiti, who allegedly hacked his mother, Victoria Lorjaal, and his elder sister, Brenda Lorjaal, to death.

A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti said the suspect allegedly committed the offence on March 25 while on the farm.

Mr Abutu said that one of the children of the deceased, who witnessed the incident, narrated that while working on the farm, his brother suddenly left him and went to meet their mother and sister, where they were also working.

According to the witness, not long after, she heard his mother screaming for help, but before he could get to them, his brother had allegedly killed the two women and fled the scene.

Mr Abutu said that the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and commiserated with the family of the deceased.

He said that the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of its investigation.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise eligibility requirements for these key political positions.

According to the bill: Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.

Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.

The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the constitution to introduce the age limit for the presidency and Section 177 to apply the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates.

In addition to the age limit bill, the House passed several other important bills for second reading, including: Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.

Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill proposes the creation of an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts.

Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.

Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide.

Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies.

Judicial Reform Bills: Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Seeks to expedite judicial processes.

Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje) – Proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve efficiency.

Creation of New States: Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill.

With these legislative efforts, the House aims to reshape Nigeria’s governance structure, promote youth and gender inclusion, and enhance economic and judicial efficiency.

The President Bola Tinubu-led State House plans to spend N164million on tyres in 2025, according to a review of the approved budget document.



The budget description indicates that the tyre purchases will be for bulletproof vehicles, operational vehicles, plain cars, CCU vehicles, jeeps, ambulances, and platform trucks.



The Tinubu administration has shown a tendency to spend millions on tyres.



In 2024, a review of the Govspend public payments portal by SaharaReporters revealed significant tyre-related expenditures by the President Bola Tinubu-led Presidency.



It was found that N366 million was spent on tyres over a span of three days, with payments made on May 21, 2024, June 22, 2023, and June 24, 2023.

Tinubu Presidency To Spend N164million On New Tyres After Spending N366million In 2024 On Tyres Purchase

On June 22, 2023, a single-day expenditure of N42.8 million was made for State House tyres. Another N86.2 million was spent on tyres on June 24, 2023. The description for the purchase read: “Purchase of tyres for State House.”



Two payments were recorded on May 21, 2024. The Presidency spent N38 million on the supply of five armoured/bulletproof tyres (S600/222, 255-720-R490AC).



An additional N200million was spent on tyres for bulletproof vehicles for the State House in Abuja.



In total, the Presidency spent N366million over three days on tyres, according to details from the Govspend platform.



SaharaReporters also previously reported that President Bola Tinubu plans to spend over N6billion on international travel in 2025.



A review of Nigeria's 2025 approved budget by SaharaReporters revealed that President Tinubu plans to spend N6.1 billion on international travel in 2025. The budget also includes N873 million for local travel, bringing the total expenditure for both international and local travel to N7 billion for the year.



Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to spend N1.314 billion on international travel and an additional N417.488 million on local travel in the same year.



This comes amid growing concerns over the costs associated with the President's travel, especially in light of Nigeria's economic challenges and limited revenue.

Life in Nigeria is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for young people aged 20 to 30 who are just starting out.

With soaring inflation, rising living costs, and limited job opportunities, many struggle to make ends meet and feel stuck.

In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we hear from young Nigerians about their daily struggles and how they are coping.

A bill seeking amendment to the 1999 Constitution to grant control of natural resources— oil fields, minerals and natural gas — to states, on Wednesday, passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and three other lawmakers, aiming to grant states greater autonomy over the exploration, management and revenue generation of natural assets.

The bill specifically seeks to transfer control and exploration of these resources from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the Constitution.

This development came years after a similar bill got stalled at the second reading on the ground that decentralisation could result in disparities among states.

The current bill was referred to the committee on constitution amendment and should return to the third reading if approved.

The bill, if eventually becomes a law, might grant the states the opportunity to regulate resource extraction, issue mining and oil exploration licences and collect revenues independently.

Several other bills passed through second reading at both chambers as part of the broader moves by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution which had been in place for almost three decades.

Some youths from Buni Yadi, a small town in Gujba Local Government Area, have killed two sons of a policeman (name withheld) attached to a station in the community, a security source told SaharaReporters.

The victims, aged 20 and 13, were killed when the armed youths, allegedly supported by the policeman's colleagues, invaded his house around 2am last Monday, March 17, 2025.

The gunmen also set the house ablaze and destroyed his properties.

According to the source, the policeman was accused of being hard on "indigenes arrested for criminal activities" because he is from the Southern part of the country.

"I swear to Allah, sir. It's so unfortunate. He (policeman) is very hardworking. But they accused him of being from the Southern part of the country and he should go and fight crime in his domain," he added.

Narrating further, the source, a senior security operative, said, "The incident occurred last week in Buni Yadi. The town, Buni Yadi, was once captured by Boko Haram for over five years. Although Boko Haram used to attack the town twice a month or more, employing hit-and-run tactics, the recent attack was different.

"A group of youths planned to kill a policeman in his home in Buni Yadi. The man I told you about earlier. Fortunately, he escaped, but unfortunately, they slaughtered his two children, aged 13 and 20.

"Initially, everyone thought Boko Haram was responsible, but an intelligence report has now come to light that some of his colleagues who are policemen at the police station in Buni Yadi, and some youths were behind the attack. Those in charge have the report already, which is why I don't want to mention names now.

"Our society is deteriorating. Meanwhile, the police house was burned down after the killing of his two sons. I reached out recently to him, and he told me he has left Yobe for his hometown."

Calls made by SaharaReporters to the Yobe police command's spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, were not picked up nor returned.

A text message sent to his line was yet to be replied to as of the time of this report.

It's no longer news that Nasir El-Rufai didn't support Uba Sani during the elections. Ironically, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Shehu Sani showed more support for Uba Sani than El-Rufai's entire All Progressives Congress (APC) structure.

Despite the odds, Uba Sani emerged as the APC's sole candidate, leaving El-Rufai and his allies with no choice but to back him, given his popularity among Kaduna's people.

El-Rufai and his allies underestimated Uba Sani, thinking he was a pawn in their game, but he proved to be a master strategist.

Police officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Nigeria Police Force have been caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred on March 22, 2025, during a period of heightened tension in the community.

The shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, is a barbershop reportedly equipped with solar energy valued at N6 million, which also serves as a charging station for mobile phones and power banks. According to Adebowale, the officers broke into the shop and stole several phones belonging to customers who had left them to charge.

“In each of the videos, a policeman walks in and takes phones from where they were being charged,” Adebowale said. “I received a mobile alert about intruders and checked the footage, which revealed that the individuals were from SWAT Akure. Expecting them to tamper with the camera, I quickly removed it for safekeeping.”

Adebowale said the police were in the area in connection with a larger conflict involving a Navy captain, Jide Falade, and the local king. The dispute began after the king allegedly accused Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping, leading to his arrest and court appearance on March 21. The hearing was adjourned to March 22.

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Tensions escalated when supporters of Falade gathered to protest his detention. SWAT officers, reportedly acting on the king’s instructions, arrested several protesters and placed Falade in remand at Olokuta Prison.

The protests reportedly turned violent after police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

“The protesters retaliated by throwing stones, forcing the police to retreat and abandon a gun, which was later returned by the protesters,” Adebowale said.

Following the unrest, the king allegedly led SWAT officers to specific homes and shops in the community, which were subsequently destroyed.

Adebowale’s shop was among those targeted.

“Early Saturday morning, my shop was targeted despite the presence of CCTV footage that captured the culprits,” he said. “The police further assaulted residents, including men, women, and children, and even killed animals.”

In another video obtained by SaharaReporters, a woman and a boy were seen showing injuries allegedly inflicted by the police. The boy said he was beaten with sticks. The woman claimed that the officers threatened to kill her.

“They kicked the door open and came in. They cut my son with a cutlass and used the blunt part to beat me. One of them threatened to slash my head. I told him to go ahead and kill me. He said he would kill me, but one of them stopped him,” the woman said.

Photos obtained from the community show a man with a deep cut on his head and another victim with a bleeding leg.

Adebowale called for an investigation into the actions of the SWAT officers and justice for the victims.

The next court hearing for Captain Falade is scheduled for March 28.

SWAT was established in October 2020 as a replacement for the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), following widespread protests against SARS over allegations of human rights abuses and misconduct.

The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Victor Ogene, has pledged to build a central mosque for the Muslim community in Ogbaru.

Ogene, who is the leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives and chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, made the promise when he joined the Muslim community to break Ramadan fast on Friday.

Responding to the requests of the Chief Imam, Abdul Oniyan, for the improvement of welfare of Muslims in Ogbaru, Ogene assured them that he would take care of them in his democracy dividends package distribution in the same manner he is doing to other people in the constituency.

He said, “Many of you have been living here in Ogbaru for so many years; you gave birth to your children here; you do your businesses here. And the constitution of our country allows any Nigerian to live in any part of the country as a citizen of that area.

“I am not for one religion. You requested for a central mosque. Next year, if God keeps us alive, I will help you so that you have a mosque.”

Ogene tasked the Muslim faithful to use the period of the Ramadan fasting to pray for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.

Earlier in his speech, Chief Imam Oniyan eulogised Ogene for coming to join them in breaking Ramadan Fast, saying that he is the first legislator in the federal constituency to identify with them during the period of their Ramadan Fasting.

He assured Ogene that the gesture has marked the beginning of a strong covenant between him and the Muslim faithful in the area, promising that they would not only pray for him always in the mosque but would always support him throughout his political career.

“You can be the president of Nigeria. We are praying for you so that the sky shall never be your limit. When you people were campaigning for election, we prayed to Allah for His choice to win. And you won. Your coming here today shows that Allah chose you, and you have come to thank Him.

“Today is the 21st day in our sacred month of Ramadan. We are using Koran verse 3, 1446 to pray for you. We are going to support you in all your political career. When we make a promise in the mosque, we don’t renege on it”, the Islamic cleric added.

Ogene had during the visit donated various food items and cash to the Muslim faithful.

WATCH: DSS Operatives Attack, Prevent TVCNews Cameraman From Taking Video Of Nnamdi Kanu

WATCH: DSS Operatives Attack, Prevent TVCNews Cameraman From Taking Video Of Nnamdi Kanu pic.twitter.com/dDy6QPlS5U

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 21, 2025

The Kogi State government has said the combined security operatives are currently trailing the abductors of 18 passengers in ABC Transport bus on Sunday, March 16.



Retired Commodore, Jerry Omodara, the Security Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, disclosed this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria.



He explained that security operatives are actively tracking the abductors of 18 passengers kidnapped from an ABC Transport bus.



"We are on the trail of the kidnappers, and I am confident that we will rescue the passengers unhurt," Omodara said.



According to the agency report, the bus, travelling from the South-East to Abuja, was hijacked by gunmen at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between Kogi and Enugu States.



All passengers, including the driver, were taken hostage.

Omodara noted that a combined team of security operatives, including the Military, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and Vigilante groups, are working together to ensure the rescue of the victims.



"Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims," he said.



He emphasised the importance of synergy and cooperation from residents, saying, "It is this kind of synergy, and cooperation from residents, who provide us with useful information that helps us to succeed."



Omodara assured the families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unharmed. "We want Kogi to be a safe haven for all residents and passers-by alike," he emphasised.



When asked about the efforts to combat crime in Kogi, Omodara said, "Though we might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, we are making efforts to tackle anyone that rears its ugly head."





Meanwhile, SaharaReporters' efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command's spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, for comment on the kidnapping incident were unsuccessful, as his phone number was reportedly switched off.

Breaking News:

Supreme Court Extols Party Supremacy, Directs PDP to Manage Its Affairs in National Secretary Dispute-

…Refuses to Declare Anyanwu as National Secretary of PDP.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reaffirmed the principle of Party Supremacy, and directed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to manage its own affairs on an appeal brought before the court by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, regarding the judgment of Appeal Court, Enugu Division sacking him as National Secretary of the PDP.

In a unanimous decision, the apex court re-emphasized that political parties possess the autonomy to manage their internal affairs without undue interference from external bodies, including the judiciary, provided such actions align with their constitutions and the laws of the land.

The case, which pitted Senator Samuel Anyanwu against Rt Hon Sunday Ude-Okoye for the office of National Secretary, had escalated through the lower courts, culminating in this decisive ruling.

The Supreme Court, in its wisdom, set aside the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, delivered on December 20, 2024, which had affirmed Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary of the Party.

The apex court held that the matter was an internal party issue, urging the PDP to resolve the dispute through its established mechanisms as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

In the lead judgment, the Supreme Court underscored that the judiciary’s role is not to micro-manage the leadership selection processes of political parties but to ensure adherence to due process, equity, justice and fairness.

The court directed the PDP leadership, including the National Working Committee (NWC), to take full responsibility for settling the disagreement in a manner consistent with the party’s rules and the democratic ethos it upholds.

This ruling therefore is victory for the sanctity of political party autonomy and a call to strengthen internal democracy.

In the light of the above, the Party should act swiftly to implement the court’s directive, in order to foster unity and progress within its ranks by ensuring that the recommendations of the South East Caucus of the Party, nominating Rt Hon SKE Udeh Okoye as National Secretary of the Party is upheld and implemented.

The once-thriving Ndiagu Amofia in Umuhu autonomous community, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State, now lies desolate and abandoned.

Armed Fulani herdsmen have taken over the land, displacing hundreds of residents who fled in terror after a brutal attack on Friday, February 28, 2025.

SaharaReporters learnt that the marauding herdsmen set two houses ablaze, looted several others, and brutally killed the only child of a widow and a final year university student.

The child's uncle was also shot, leaving the community in a state of shock and grief.

The attack has rendered the residents homeless, and their hopes of returning to their ancestral homes hang in the balance.

The village, once a thriving agricultural community, now lies idle, its farm settlements abandoned and with dry leaves covered everywhere.

When SaharaReporters visited Ndiagu Amofia Umuhu on Monday on a factfinding tour, no single resident was seen in the vast settlement as everyone had fled.

SaharaReporters was told that the settlement until the attack was last remaining community settlement otherwise known as 'Ndiagu' in Eha-Amufu.

From Amofia Unu to the settlement which took SaharaReporters crew 45 minutes in a ride on commercial motorcycle otherwise known as 'Okada' could only be accessed through trekking, motorcycles or bicycles.

The settlement has no access road as it can only be accessed through footpaths with dangerous terrain full of makeshift culverts.

On the road SaharaReporters crew saw residents, mainly women who were carrying their belongings and farm produce fleeing the settlement to wherever they could find shelter.

On approaching the settlement, SaharaReporters saw a primary school and a Church beside it. However, on a closer look it was observed that the school and church had since been abandoned, showing the severity of the situation.

Getting inside the settlement, the entire area was greeted with desolation and abandonment.

The area could best be described as a dead zone with silent like graveyard. One can hear sounds of pine if it falls down. You can only hear noise of birds and animals in the bush. Homes have been abandoned with compounds littered with dry leaves.

On approaching the areas where houses were burned, sounds of gunshots could be heard loud and clear.

The next was noise of cows. From the sounds it could only mean one thing, the hersmen are living close. Discussion throughout the tour in the settlement was done in hush voices. Our guide, who was one of the victims of the attack and the chairman of the Ndiagu Amofia village led the way.

At a point, he became afraid of going further and advised the crew go back for everyone's safety. He took SaharaReporters crew to houses that were burned. He was constantly moving, hide and peeping to know whether there's danger before continuing.

"We are in a state of panic," said Mr. Godwin Chukwudi Odoh, chairman of the Ndiagu Amofia village. "They burned two houses, killed a final-year university student and only child of a widow. I was targeted, but I escaped by hiding in the bush. My house was burned, and my wife and newborn baby were forced to flee."

The attack has left the community in a state of fear, with residents too afraid to return to their homes. "As we speak, I have nothing left," Odoh lamented. "To eat, I depend on the generosity and kindness of the people. I'm currently squatting with a relation. It's disheartening that since the attack, no government agency has brought food or assistance to us."

Asked why the Fulani attacked them, Odoh said "I don't know. We don't have problem with Fulanis and this is the first we are witnessing this attack". On why the sudden attack and sacking the village settlement, he said "I don't know." "Since the attack, some government officials are coming but have never heard anything from them thereafter. I don't know whether they came to know whether it is true or not. But you have seen houses they burned. My own house was burned. They actually came for me but I saw them from afar with AK 47 rifles, I followed backyard and ran inside the bush and hid."

"When they came, my wife who gave birth barely three months ago was asked about me and she told them that I wasn't around. Two of them went inside the house, ransacked and took away every valuable thing including money and motorcycle.

"After looting, they told my wife to leave the house, and threatened that if they return and find her she would be dead. Few minutes later they returned and razed the house with every of our belongings including clothes, yam barn. This very clothes I am wearing was giving to me by sympathisers. As we speak I have nothing left. To eat, I depend on generosity and kindness of the people. I'm currently squatting with a relation.

"It is even disheartening that since the attack no government agency has brought food to us. We have lost everything not because of our making. What government officials were busy doing was how to whitewash the attack," Odoh lamented.

"As you witnessed how we were sneaking to get the houses they burned; you heard their voices, you heard the noise of cows and you also heard gunshots. This is to tell you that Fulani herdsmen are very many in Ndiagu Amofia. Now our people have been sacked; before anyone can go to the settlement now to get anything for his or her family, it is very difficult.

"We need government's intervention to get them out of the place so that our people can return to their farms and homes. We depend on the farm for our survival.

"I am appealing to both government and good spirited individuals to come to our aide."

Odoh gave other names of victims as: "Igwurube Idenyi; his house was razed down like mine. No pine was rescued. Those whom their houses were looted and vandalised are - Okibe Eze, Ododo Nwa-Ogboku, Cyprian Ani and Igwurube Ede."

Another victim, James Igwurube, shared his harrowing experience, saying, "I went to the farm that day, and when I returned, I found that our houses had been burned. My father died from the shock of hearing about the incident. I appeal to the government for assistance."

The villagers are calling on the government to intervene and protect them from further attacks. "We need government intervention to get them out of the place so that our people can return to their farms and homes," Odoh said. "We depend on the farm for our survival."

The attack on Ndiagu Amofia village is a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity plaguing Nigeria's rural communities.

As the villagers struggle to come to terms with their loss, they are left wondering if anyone will be held accountable for the attack.

Senator Seriake Dickson has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting that the move lacks justification and undermines democratic principles.

Speaking on PrimeTime with Arise TV, the former Bayelsa governor described the decision as shocking and ill-advised.

“As a committed democrat, I was shocked when the president’s proclamation was read, and I immediately released a statement to condemn it,” he stated.

Dickson argued that while there are concerns in Rivers, they do not warrant such an extreme measure. He also cautioned that a state of emergency does not require the suspension of the governor, deputy, or state lawmakers.

“I have been making calls to ensure this incident is not misinterpreted as an ethnic clash between the Ikwere and Ijaw people. Leaders across all divides must see it for what it is—a political issue,” he warned.

The senator also expressed doubts over the level of consultation before the proclamation, stressing that it contradicts the principles of constitutional democracy.

“The President knows the key actors, yet whatever step he took appears insufficient. Suspending elected officials is like igniting a nuclear bomb in a constitutional democracy,” he added.

While acknowledging that Section 305 of the Constitution allows for a state of emergency, he questioned whether the legal conditions had been met.

“Even if they are fulfilled, it does not automatically imply the suspension of the governor or lawmakers,” Dickson concluded.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Wednesday defended President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State, saying the president has the power to sack any governor from office.

Mr Fagbemi’s statement, which has no basis in the Nigerian Constitution, came a day after Mr Tinubu ordered the removal of Simi Fubara as governor of Rivers.

The president cited a protracted political crisis in the state for his decision, as lawmakers attempted to impeach the governor from office over a slew of political disagreements.

Since proclaiming the emergency rule on Tuesday evening, Mr Tinubu has come under intense backlash as law pundits deemed the decision an abuse of office and argued whether the president had any constitutional right to suspend an elected governor who was not impeached.

While trying to justify the controversial move, Mr Fagbemi not only backed the proclamation but also added that any governor who posed a threat to the president’s administration should expect dismissal.

“If it happens again, I will encourage the president to do the same, maybe with greater vigour and vitality,” the attorney-general said emphatically.

He said Mr Tinubu would not give anyone preferential treatment and would bear down the full weight of emergency law on uncooperative states.

“It’s Rivers State today; it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow,” the attorney-general said on Wednesday at a briefing.

“Let the signal be clearly sent for those who want to foment trouble, who want to make the practice of democracy and enjoyment of dividends of democracy a mirage to think twice,” he added.

The emergency proclamation on Tuesday night sent shockwaves through the country as Mr Fubara had not yet been impeached. Mr Tinubu’s activation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to remove an elected governor was widely deemed an overreach of his presidential powers.

How Mr Fagbemi, a senior lawyer, reached his controversial point pronouncement remained unclear. The Nigerian Constitution Section 305 allows the president to declare emergency powers over a state to restore order. Still, it does not say the president can remove existing democratic institutions and replace them with an emergency military rule. The National Assembly has until Thursday to ratify the declaration, with most lawmakers staying away from the parliament on Wednesday to avoid debating the matter.

Some governors have expressed the potential to approach the Supreme Court to interpret the president’s decision and potentially nullify it.

Dangote Refinery will stop loading petroleum products for Nigerian market as the renegotiation of the naira-for-crude deal is not recording significant progress, TheCable understands.

However, sources said the refinery will continue to load for export as it currently sources all its crude stock from the international market in dollars.

The refinery sells to Nigerian marketers in naira because it buys crude in the local currency through the deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd.

The deal has now ended.

On March 10, TheCable reported that NNPC has discontinued the naira-for-crude deal with Dangote refinery and other local refineries.

However, Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC, said the current deal, which began in October 2024, will expire at the end of March.

Soneye added that negotiation is ongoing for a new naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

He said NNPC has made over 48 million barrels of crude oil available to Dangote refinery since October 2024, adding that in aggregate, the government-owned oil company has supplied over 84 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery since its commencement of operations in 2023.

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The PDP Governors’ Forum described Fubara’s suspension as a “grievous mistake” and an “atrocious and retrograde decision”.

On Tuesday night, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Fubara, his deputy and the members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the administrator of Rivers state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is an “utter misgiving”.

Mohammed said Tinubu’s “silence on the active role played” by Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), in the political crisis in Rivers was “golden and enabling”.

“He (Wike) has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive,” the statement reads.

“We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.

“It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard-won democracy but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in its response signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has already expressed grave concern about the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The NBA affirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.

“President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.

“This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.”

Mohammed said the forum aligns with the NBA and would approach the court to interpret section 305 (3) of the constitution.