₦airaland Forum

Foreign missions in Nigeria and other international bodies have tightened up security alerts for travels in the seven states making up the North West geopolitical zone following last month’s attack on a passenger train arriving Kaduna from Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Daily Trust can report. 

Multiple diplomatic sources and staff of international organisations in Abuja told Daily Trust that though there had been travel advisories to states like Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna, the alert level was upped across most embassies and other organisations over heightened fear of insecurity.

Foreign missions such as those of the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and a host of other countries have directed their staff to avoid travel to the area. A similar ban is also placed by organisations such as United Nations, USAID, UNICEF, among others. 

Daily Trust gathered that the latest decisions were predicated on the recent attack on Kaduna International Airport, which was followed closely by the bombing of the Abuja-Kaduna train and attack on commuters and soldiers on guard duty along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. 

Gunmen on motorcycles on March 26 attacked the Kaduna Airport as a Lagos-bound plane was taxing to take off, killing one staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Security operatives later said they killed 12 of the attackers. 

Two days later, on March 28, an explosive was remotely detonated as a train arriving from Abuja neared its final stop at Rigasa, Kaduna State. Gunmen then opened fire on confused passengers killing at least eight and wounding 26 others, according to official figures. An unspecified number of travellers was also abducted by the attackers. 

Some gunmen, believed to be among the assailants also attacked a military checkpoint on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, around Tafa, killing six soldiers. The highway was also reportedly blocked by gunmen two days later, leading to a scare among travellers. But the Kaduna State Government said the gunmen sighted on the road were fleeing a military chase. 

Three days later, the Anguwar Maji area of Jere, a major town along the highway, was attacked overnight, leading to the abduction of 12 persons. 

Embassies, others ban trips 

Daily Trust gathered that enforcement of stricter travel advisories by embassies began last year following a mine attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in October and subsequent abductions of travellers along the highway for four consecutive days, in November. 

The sporadic incidents last month have led to a renewed review of travel advisories and enforcement of travel bans by foreign missions, organisations and big businesses.

 A senior diplomat with a North American country told Daily Trust last week that her mission has up-scaled the alert level in the aftermath of the attacks dotting the last days of March.

“We cannot travel to the region again because Kaduna is the gateway. Even if one is flying to say Kano or Sokoto the protocol would have to go ahead with the car. Now we cannot risk anyone travelling through Kaduna,” she said.

According to her, it is now safer for diplomats to travel to Maiduguri than to the North West as going to the Borno State capital would not require sending an advanced party.

“We have cars and, in some cases, protocol staff that a lot of us can use in Maiduguri, but in a place like Sokoto, there is no vehicle for one to use, so we just have to suspend such travels, for now”. 

Another embassy official with a European country said the attack on the Kaduna Airport also sent a bad signal about travel in the area, making her own mission to put travels on hold. She described attacks on airports as “significant for our risk management plans. 

“It’s getting very difficult for us to travel in several states now. Our travel advice has changed to red for Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara,” the official stated.  

A USAID staff, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak, also confirmed that the organisation has drawn down on travels to the North West states for lack of “guaranteed security cover”. 

Another source at UNICEF said: “Any mission in Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina is no longer authorized at the moment.”  

41 women, 22 men, 5 kids held by Kaduna train attackers 

Meanwhile, sixty eight persons are said to be in the hands of the terrorist group that abducted travellers from the scene of the March 28 train attack. 

Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Mr Alwan Hassan, who was released by the group on Wednesday provided the figures while recounting his ordeals. 

He said most of the abducted persons were women reporting that 41 women, 22 men and five children were with the assailants. 

Hassan, Daily Trust gathered, provided details of the abductees and his own ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers in separate briefings to family members, the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and relatives of other abductees.

While Hassan received sympathisers, including members of the victims’ families at his home in Kaduna metropolis, Daily Trust learnt that visited El-Rufai at the Government House on Thursday.

Attempt by Daily Trust to hear directly from him was, however, unsuccessful as he declined an immediate interview when our reporters visited his home on Friday.

But a family member of one of the abducted persons said the BOA managing director told them that the victims were made to trek for five days, resting intermittently in transit camps, before they arrive at the main camp of the attackers around Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State.

He was said to have identified many of the captives by name from the pictures presented by their families, saying however some of the abductees suffered gunshot wounds.

Hassan assured the visiting family members that all the captives were doing fine as all the wounded were treated by medics brought by the attackers.

The only case of harassment, he said, was on the day the main leader of the group came to see them and ordered that they all be given ten strokes of the cane saying they were looking too comfortable.

When he was to be released, Hassan told his visitors, the kidnappers gave him detergent and ordered him to take bath with it and wash his clothes. He said he later understood why they made him to appear clean after they took him to a place, three hours from the camp by foot where they shot the now-viral video of him and some of the gunmen. 

The bank chief however said that the abductors appeared to be members of Boko Haram or other Islamists groups as they observed strict Islamic codes in the camps, banning smoking and other vices.   

VIPs, expatriates among captives; families jittery over kidnappers’ silence 

Daily Trust gathered that among the persons still in custody are many high profile personalities and family members of important persons who are either travelling to Kaduna or returning home from Abuja trips. 

Reports in the aftermath of the attack had it that the attackers specifically targeted the business class coach of the train, opening fire and abducting many. 

Among the captives, Daily Trust gathered are an unspecified number of expatriates. 

A short video clip circulated last night showed representatives of the captives, including the BOA MD appealing to government to intervene and secure their release.

Family members at the weekend were still worried over the fate of their loved ones as the abductors were yet to make contact for ransom demands. 

In the video, they shot while releasing the BOA MD a masked gunmen demanded that government get across to them to negotiate the hostage release claiming that the government was aware of their demands. 

It was unclear, as of the time of filing this report, if the government had waded in but observers say it is likely for the federal government to get involved in view of the calibre of persons in captivity.  

Helicopter, soldiers, policemen takeover Kaduna-Abuja highway 

Meanwhile, there has been a massive deployment of security personnel including a helicopter carrying out surveillance along the Kaduna-Abuja highway in the past few days. 

A Daily Trust reporter who plied the road on Friday observed that security agents including members of the Special Forces Team of the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army were stationed at strategic locations along the highway. 

The recent measures, Daily Trust gathered were aimed at boosting security along the road, which links the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kaduna in the North West after the recent terrorist attack on the Kaduna-Abuja. 

Since the attack on the train, our correspondent reports that motorists have expressed safety concerns on plying the highway due to reported cases of abductions on the road.

However, while plying the highway on Friday, Daily Trust observed a high presence of security patrol vehicles and sighted a helicopter on surveillance around Akilibu and Rijana area. From Sabon Gayan village to Olam, Angwar Barde, Audujamgwam, Rijana and Akilibu, our correspondent sighted armed soldiers and policemen in their vehicles while others were seen patrolling the busy highway. 

It was observed that some commercial and private vehicles travelling either to Abuja or returning to Kaduna were driving behind the security vehicles for safety. 

At Sabon Gayan village, armed members of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were sighted carrying out stop and search operations while members of vigilante were also sighted at the Sabon Gayan weekly markets. Our correspondent also sighted armed security personnel escorting VIP convoys. 

Also, two Hilux vehicles conveying armed female soldiers were also sighted on the road. 

A commercial bus driver who left Abuja in the morning and was heading to Kaduna told Daily Trust that the presence of security agencies on the road had given them confidence. 

“We are happy seeing them (security) on the road. Even though some of them are accompanying top government officials, their presence on the road is encouraging,” he said.

The Federal Government says it is difficult to fight bandits because of the terrain in which they operate.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said this when he featured on a Bond FM programme at the weekend.

He said the current administration has invested in tackling insecurity, adding that efforts would be more impactful if citizens support government’s efforts.

Reacting to Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s suggestion of hiring mercenaries, Mohammed said, “Governor El-Rufai spoke out of a deep concern about the situation. He might have spoken out because of the circumstances at which the bandits are emboldened to operate.

The mercenaries cannot be compared with our security forces; the fight against bandits is a difficult one because of the terrain. We cannot just go with full force to bomb them or else innocent people living around them will be killed and we don’t want that to happen.

If we employ mercenaries to fight the bandits, we should have it at the back of our minds that they are only mercenaries and not our security personnel who will return to wherever after their task is done.”
We are also pleading with Nigerians to join in this fight because they have a lot of roles to play in tackling this insecurity. This is because these criminals called bandits are living among us; they interact with the people as well.”

Who are the ones supplying them with food? More so, they also have landlords. People should expose these criminals and then, the various efforts of the government will be effectively complemented and we will see the results.

We have been trying our best in the fight against the bandits by equipping our security apparatus. The government has purchased aircraft so that they can fight alongside the soldiers. We have not rested on our oars.

“The welfare of the police is also given adequate attention and very recently, this administration recruited 25,000 constables and deployed them to their home states. This will go a long way in community policing.

“It will be easier for the newly-recruited constables to work effectively. There are lots of work in progress in the security infrastructure and personnel,” he said. (NAN)

A suspected ritualist, Bashiru Ajadi has been arrested by police operatives for allegedly killing and dismembering his girlfriend named Ashiata Salimon in Ajadi Arin village, in Ayedire local government area of Osun State after she paid a visit to the suspect.

Ashiata was delacred missing four weeks ago after she had visited Ajadi at his residence in the village via Oke-Osun.

Ashiata was delacred missing four weeks ago after she had visited Ajadi at his residence in the village via Oke-Osun.
However, some of the relatives suspected she was kidnapped by her lover and decided to report the incidents to Amotekun operatives in Iwo.
She was later found dead as her corpse was dismembered for alleged ritual purposes.

Confirming the incident, the Feild Commander of Osun Amotekun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu said the suspect fled when operatives went to his house with a view to inviting him for questioning.

One of the sons of the victim and a friend to her mother reported the matter to us at Iwo community. Our men swung into action but before we get to the house of Ajadi he had fled. The matter was later reported to the police and the suspect was arrested at Laupon in Oyo State.

Ajadi killed the woman and dismembered her corpse at Ajadi Arin Village, Oke-Osun, Osun State“, he said.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has released a new practice direction for the trial of terrorism cases before...

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has released a new practice direction for the trial of terrorism cases before the Court.

The cases of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, bureau de change operators indicted over sponsorship of terrorism, and Boko Haram suspects are currently before the court.

Justice Tsoho said the new practice direction is in the exercise of his constitutional powers as enshrined in Section 254 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Under the new arrangement, the court said media coverage of proceedings is strictly prohibited, “save as may be directed by the court.”

“A person who contravenes an order or direction made under these practice directions shall be deemed to have committed an offence contrary to section 34(5) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended),” the direction states.


It further reads that “only the judges; other essential court staff and security agencies involved in the particular case and their vehicles shall have access to the court premises.”

It further reads that “only the judges; other essential court staff and security agencies involved in the particular case and their vehicles shall have access to the court premises.”

He said in any proceedings the court deems necessary to ensure the safety and or to protect the identity of the victim or witness, may hold its proceedings at any place to be designated by the chief judge with the Code of Conduct Tribunal as the venue for the time being.

The names, addresses, telephone numbers and identity of the victims of such offences or witnesses in the proceedings shall not be disclosed in any record or report of the proceedings and it shall be sufficient to designate the names of the victims or witnesses with a combination of alphabets.”

The court listed other procedure to include evidence by video link; permit the witness to be screened or masked; receive written depositions of expert witnesses; and direct that all or any part of the proceedings of the court shall not be published in any manner.

Others are to exclude from the the proceedings any person other than the parties and their legal representatives; make order as to any electronic devices that would be allowed during proceedings; and make order on any other measure that the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.

Ahuman rights activist, Deji Adeyanju has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to zone the 2023 presidency to a candidate from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, whether from the South-East or South-South of the country.

The activist explained that it was ideal a presidential candidate emerges from that part of the country to lay to rest the permanent feeling of disenchantment amongst the Igbos.


In an open letter to the president, obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, Adeyanju added that having a Presidential candidate from the South-East will help to disabuse the mind of the citizens on the anti-Igbo perception people have of Buhari.

Adeyanju also said an Igbo presidency will help to repair Nigeria's badly damaged economy owing to the business acumen of the Igbos adding that it will also help in national healing.

His letter reads, “As a preliminary point, please accept my commendation over your leadership role in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

“Considering the almost Siamese relationship between political parties and governance in the country, it was a huge relief to note that the two leading political parties successfully conducted their respective conventions and elected national officers without crisis.

“As you may be aware, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently released the timetable for electioneering activities towards the 2023 general elections.

“By the said timetable, all political parties would have picked their presidential candidate not later than 2nd June 2022. Sequel to the above, it is common knowledge that the APC has zoned its presidential candidacy to Southern Nigeria.

“However, I am using this medium to urge you to leverage on your influence in the party towards zoning the office of the president to a candidate from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, whether from the South-East or South-South of the country.

“I am sure that your highly successful template of electing a consensus APC party chairman can be deployed towards electing a consensus APC presidential candidate of Igbo extraction.

“There are numerous reasons why a presidential candidate from that part of the country is most ideal at this time of the nation’s development. Since General Aguiyi Ironsi’s unfortunate demise in 1966, no person of South Eastern extraction has governed Nigeria.

 
“Sadly, this undeniable and systematic exclusion has created a largely subconscious and increasingly permanent feeling of disenchantment amongst the Igbos.

“In a country where tribe and ethnicity continue to play important role in our daily affairs, it is inexcusable that the Igbos have been denied a shot at the highest office in the land for so long.

“Additionally, picking a presidential candidate from the South East will go a long way to disabuse the mind of the citizens on the anti-Igbo perception currently being associated with your name. It can therefore be said that President Buhari did what any of his forebears failed to do. 

“Furthermore, the Igbos are known for their business acumen. An Igbo presidential candidate will be able to repair our badly damaged economy and continue the path of restoration that you have started.

“In addition to the foregoing, our country needs national healing. We cannot heal our fault lines if we continue to deny one region the right to produce a president. Since 1999, the Yorubas have occupied the office of the president and vice president for 15 years.

“They have also been Speaker of the House of Representatives for 8 years. It will, therefore, amount to a great injustice for a Yoruba candidate to succeed you in office and stay for another eight years.

“Indeed, if a Yoruba person were to succeed you in office, that would mean they would have been President for a period even more than the entire northern Nigeria since our return to democratic government.

“I understand that a lot of pressure is being mounted on you, at this time, to pick political convenience over national unity. However, I am optimistic that you will use this opportunity to repair your legacy and retire as a respected elder statesman. Nigeria needs an Igbo president in 2023.”

There were reports from Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State that 11 soldiers died during a fierce encounter with a large number of suspected bandits who invaded a military base at the Pole wire village on Monday. 

According to a source, the bandits on motorbikes were said to have invaded the base and opened fire on the soldiers.

Some of the bandits were carrying  Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG). They engaged the soldiers for about 2 hours.

They killed 11 men and 19 soldiers were wounded in action. They burnt down 3  Armoured Personel Carriers (APC).”

“They went away with several weapons belonging to the soldiers; “the source alleged. 

The authorities were yet to react to the fierce encounter.

There was confusion between  Friday and Sunday in Ayobo Housing Scheme Extension, Oshin area of Ayobo-Ipaja in Lagos State, as some gunmen invaded the area, allegedly kidnapped three persons and killed two others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Friday allegedly kidnapped two married women before a repeat of the same incident, yesterday, in the area.

The Financial Secretary of the Landlords’ Association in the area, Mr James Ojuade, told NAN, yesterday, that the gunmen, who allegedly killed two men and kidnapped two sisters on Friday, allegedly kidnapped another man yesterday.

He said the gunmen came through the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states and escaped with their victims inside a boat.

“About 6.00 p.m. on Friday, four men, who were armed with guns, broke into the residence of one Mr Rashidi Salami, beat his wife mercillessly and took away his two married daughters who came to visit them.

Two neighbours, who intercepted and wanted to prevent them from escaping with the women were shot dead, before they  escaped with their victims.

The deceased, Messrs Nurudeen Olanrenwaju and Idris Olowolayemo were buried yesterday according to Muslim rites,” Ojuade said.

Ojuade added that the gunmen came again on Sunday at 1.00 p.m. to the building next to where they allegedly kidnapped the two women on Friday and kidnapped one Mr Kehinde, whom he said had just returned from church.

He said: “Immediately Kehinde parked his car, the gunmen jumped into his compound and started shooting into his building.

“They captured him and escaped again to Ogun through a canoe.”

He called on the state government to come to their aid and provide security for the area.

He said: “We want the government to erect police post in Oshin to reduce criminality in the area. We want the police to help us rescue the three people who had been kidnapped.”

Another resident, who only identified himself as Kunle told NAN that many residents had abandoned their houses in the area due to the incessant kidnappings.

The community is now deserted as many residents had packed out of their houses for fear of the unknown”.

Two Nigerian soldiers were on Saturday killed after a military convoy struck an improvised explosive device along the notorious Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
The incident, it was gathered also left several soldiers injured. 

They were said to be on a mission along the Abuja-Kaduna when the bandits’ attack occurred.
The military authorities have deployed several soldiers to the area to locate and possibly rescue passengers abducted by terrorists, who attacked the Kaduna-Abuja train last Monday.
About eight persons were killed during Monday’s attack, while an unknown number of victims were abducted by the attackers, who caused the train to derail after blowing off the rail tracks.
Over 390 persons were onboard the train, which was Kaduna bound.
This is not the first time Nigerian soldiers would suffer an attack in the hands of bandits along the axis.
On Monday night, about seven soldiers were killed along the axis. 
The incident, SaharaReporters gathered occurred around Gawu Village in Niger State.

The National President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Quadri Olaleye, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign if he can no longer provide adequate security for the citizens of the country.

Comrade Olaleye said this Friday during the burial ceremony of the late TUC General Secretary, Comrade Musa Lawal Ozigi, at his country home in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Comrade Olaleye lamented that bandits have taken over towns and cities, including roads and forests in the nation, adding that nobody is safe in the country.

“Children can no longer go to school; you cannot travel again and we cannot close our two eyes when sleeping. If the president cannot provide security for the citizens of this country, then he should resign,” he said.

He added that if the government had listened to the outcry of the people about the worsening security situation in the country, the current situation wouldn’t have occurred.

He lamented that the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train led to the death of the General Secretary of TUC and its Kwara State chapter chairman, Comrade (Barr) Musa-Lawal Ozigi and Comrade Akin Akinsola, respectively.

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu has lambasted members of the Arewa Twitter community who have refused to speak against insecurity in Nigeria.
 
Yesufu, in separate tweets on Thursday, called them out for not challenging the incompetence of President Muhammadu Buhari while they are always vocal over religious matters.


Aisha Yesufu

Arewa Twitter is a community of predominantly male Muslim Northerners on the micro-blogging site, who are largely regarded as fanatics, chauvinists and misogynists.
She further described them as “Protectors of Islam but not protectors of lives” particularly with the way Arewa Twitter lashed out at a Twitter user @Kwtharrrr_ who queried the rationale behind seeking the permission of her husband before leaving the house.
 
The tweet which generated outrage reads, “I don't think seeking ‘permission’ from one's husband before going out makes any sense. Informing your spouse that you're going out should be enough. Of course with info about the place and time and with whom, for safety reasons."
 
Subsequently, Kawtharrrr_ took to her Instagram story to announce that she would be taking some time off the two social media channels as she claimed she was bullied by some people over her tweet. The bullying, she said had taken a toll on her mental health.
 
She wrote, “I'm experiencing bullying like no other on Twitter and IG (because a blog thought it was okay to make a screenshot of my tweet and post it on their IG for their rather violent and aggressive audience to see.) I will be off Twitter and IG for now because all that has happened has taken a toll on my mental health. If you have to reach me, please send me a WhatsApp message or email me.”
 
Reacting to the development, Aisha Yesufu said in different tweets, “They are not outraged because of the killings. They are outraged because the killings are not done while they are in power. Their humanity is dependent on who is in power! Depraved beings!
 
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509548738347507717?t=EdnGzvlk-xzn6OQ1bk6LJg&s=19
 
“Arewa Twitter, well done! When you are killed like flies that means nothing it becomes a test from Allah and you will not make demands on the incompetent President called Buhari but when it comes to a person you will attack and it will not be a test."
 
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509557979112255488?t=NhpWrVMs9Vp9H8gatLmh-g&s=19
 
 
“Protectors of Islam but not protectors of lives. Arewa Twitter well done. Defending religion is when your veins stand on end. Defending the rights of Human beings to live is where you are nowhere to be found.”
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509560040134483971?t=UwpZtgPSq0POQeh-TGHhmQ&s=19
 
 
“An area in Zaria was yesterday attacked and it was not enough for Arewa Twitter to be outraged. Is kidnapping allowed in Islam? Why are you not outraged at the terrorists defaming Islam with their violence?”
 
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509563340410048516?t=OSXs4OYPTWYl_tqE5eWK5g&s=19
 
“If it is to attack people in the name of protecting Islam Arewa Twitter comes out in hordes. When it is time to pay child support, look after children and not throw them on the streets, educate boys and girls that Islam enjoins they are nowhere to be found.”
 
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509564421680648197?t=ATxLjcj5FdV-kiEJ2eYRXw&s=19
 
“These terrorists are raping girls in front of their fathers. Raping women in front of their husbands but Arewa Twitter is not angry. They say it is a test from Allah.
Their anger is to people who give their opinion on Islam. They forget the free will from Allah.”
 
https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509565234956181505?t=NWR8JWksKCdz_aUOx4n9kg&s=19
 
 
http://saharareporters.com/2022/04/01/protectors-islam-not-protectors-lives-%E2%80%94-aisha-yesufu-slams-arewa-twitter-over-silence">https://twitter.com/AishaYesufu/status/1509565851128762368?t=-aA5hbRgblP4B4ZqDSZ1Iw&s=19[/quote]http://saharareporters.com/2022/04/01/protectors-islam-not-protectors-lives-%E2%80%94-aisha-yesufu-slams-arewa-twitter-over-silence

Bandits who invaded the Sabo GRA on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis have killed 3 residents, abducted 10 and injured 6.

The bandits came to the community in large numbers when residents were preparing to watch the 9 o’clock news on TV.

We are in deep trouble in this community. This is about the fourth time our community is being invaded by these bandits,” a community leader said.

“They came around 8:30 pm and started shooting. Some people were able to run to Sabo for safety. They killed 3 people and injured six others .

“I don’t know how many people they kidnapped, but I can confirm that I know of 10 people that were taken.

“Many people who escaped from their homes were yet to come back, so it is difficult to determine the exact number of people that were kidnapped.

“Throughout last night residents did not sleep as they were afraid.

“We were helpless, everybody was tensed and agitated. We were at the mercy of the bandits because they were many and they were carrying sophisticated weapons,” he added.

The police were yet to give details of the incident.

There were indications, Thursday night, that bandits from Niger State bent on infiltrating Abuja to unleash havoc from the Suleija-Zuma axis may have killed six soldiers and two officers in an ambush attack.

During the attack, which later snowballed into a full fledged confrontation, several of the bandits were reportedly neutralized by troops re-enforcement.

Some of the soldiers were reportedly injured during the encounter and were evacuated to military hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.

One of the wounded soldier is said to be in critical condition.

It was gatheted that following the receipt of intelligence that a large number of persons suspected to be bandits were converging in the forest between Suleija and Zuma, along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, troops of 102 battalion, under the Guards Brigade, were deployed to the scene.
However, as the troops led by the two officers approached, the bandits opened fire from multiple angles of the forest resulting in a counter-offensive by the troops.

At the end of the encounter, the remains of the two officers and six soldiers were recovered.

Some soldiers, who could not stand the firepower of the bandits who were said to be heavily armed, were said to have escaped from the scene, while those who survived ran to the barracks and reported the ambush before a reinforcement was deployed. 

The Comnanding Officer of the 102 Guards Battalion was said to have personally mibilized troops in five operational vehicles from the Zuma Army barracks for the counter-offensive.

The confrontation with the bandits, who were said to have numbered about 100, led to the elimination of many of the bandits while others escaped with bulket wounds.

At Least, twenty people, including women and children, drowned in Guni-Zumba river while fleeing due to an attack by bandits.

Daily Trust learnt that the victims escaped when bandits attacked Guni and Kurgbaku communities of Munya Local Government Area of Niger state.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when bandits simultaneously invaded the two communities, forcing the locals to flee.

Sources said the victims were crossing the river to Zumba and Gwada IDP camps through the boat.


Shehu Abubakar, a resident, told our that the boat was loaded beyond capacity, forcing it to capsize in the middle of water.

Bandits invaded our communities this morning, and in an attempt to flee, some people drowned in Guni-Zumba river. Due to overloading, the boat capsized in the middle of the water. For now, we don’t know the number casualties because we have not been able to rescue anybody but I can tell you that over 20 people, including women and children, were involved.”

He decried lack of security presence in the area.

Michael Madaki, another resident, said, “Bandits attacked Guni community in Munya LGA of Niger State, the villagers trying to escape but their boat capsized.”

The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to calls and a message sent to him.

Citizens were stranded on Tuesday as bandits targeted Tsafe-Yankara road and Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Sporadic gunshots forced drivers and commuters to stop as they await the intervention of government forces.

The attack occurred barely 24 hours after an Abuja-Kaduna bound train was bombed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The number of fatalities is yet to be confirmed in the ambush that left several injured. About 1,000 people were on board.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouq Yahaya visited the scene, assuring that those kidnapped would be freed.

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba was also at the location where the train was immobilized between Katari and Rijana.

Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said the security chiefs got first-hand information necessary for rejigging of operational strategy for a robust action plan to prevent a recurrence.

A 43-year-old suspected member of a kidnap syndicate that specialised in abducting children from Lagos and taking them to Ibadan, Oyo State, for  ritual purposes, Kayode Olafisoye, and his fleeing partner, Kayode Akinola, stormed Mind Builders Private School, in the Omole Estate, at about 8am, yesterday, waiting for a convenient time to strike.

Vanguard gathered that a parent brought her four-year-old kindergarten to school in a car, at about 8.30am.

Immediately the door of the car was opened to allow the child out, the kidnappers reportedly went for him.An alarm, which alerted the neighbourhood, was raised, consequent upon which Olafisoye was arrested, while his partner managed to escape.

A liquid substance, which he said was administered on their victims to put them to sleep, was recovered from him.

Shortly before he was handed over to the Police at Ojudu Division, the suspect revealed that he had been in the business of kidnapping pupils in different parts of Lagos for a long time.

Speaking in Yoruba language, Olafisoye said: “ We came from Ibadan. I can’t tell how many children we have kidnapped in Lagos.

Some of the areas in Lagos where we have kidnapped children are Berger, Ikotun, Iyana-Oba, Iyana-Ipaja. I can not remember other areas. “This is the first time we are coming to Omole Estate.“Whenever we kidnap these children, we would give them a tablet that would daze them.

We also give them this liquid substance (pointing to the black substance inside the bottle found on him). It is gutter water. It puts them to sleep. We don’t have any particular child in mind. 

“Immediately we find a soft target, we would put them inside our car and zoom off. Our targets are usually children between four and seven years, who are not able to shout for help.

These children are used for rituals in Ibadan”.The Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the arrest, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba for further investigation, adding that efforts were on to arrest the fleeing member.


In a related development, a Catholic Priest, Reverend Leo Raphael Ozigi, and three other Priests of the same Church were also kidnapped between Sarkin Pawa and Minna on Sunday as they were returning to Minna, Niger State capital after the Sunday Mass.

The suspected bandits reportedly raided some Communities in Munya local government area of the State killing scores of the villagers and also abducting an unspecified number of people.It was gathered that the bandits had stormed some of the Villages in Munya local government area Sunday afternoon and started moving from house to house raiding members of the Communities of their belongings including money and foodstuffs.


The bandits, who reportedly rode on Motorcycles with sophisticated weapons, raided villages like Tsihon Kabula, Jesso, Gunu, Gini, Chibani and Injita among others,  where an unspecified number of people were killed.

Similarly, the bandits were said to have set up a camp at Chibani after blocking a bridge linking Munya local government and Shiroro to forestall any raid on them by the  Joint Task Force.

“It was also reliably gathered that no fewer than fifteen communities were raided within forty-eight hours unhindered in the state.In Zagzaga Community, an octogenarian was reportedly set ablaze out of anger by the bandits when they discovered that the villagers had deserted the community.

The old man, it was gathered, was unable to escape due to his old age and chose to remain in his room but was set ablaze by the bandits.

Commissioner for Local Government and Internal Security, Mr Emmanuel Umar, who confirmed the development, said “There were some invasions by bandits on some communities in Munya local government area but we are still monitoring the situation.

“I cannot say the exact number of people killed or abducted but we will issue a statement later,” he remarked.Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, Mr James Jagaba, also confirmed the incident to Journalists on phone.According to him,” the terrorists have been operating unhindered for several hours and presently, they are still there.

“Nobody can tell you the number of people already killed or kidnapped, all I know is that there are casualties,” Secretary to the Local government declared.

The State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter,(CAN) Reverend Mathias Echioda when contacted simply said, “I can only confirm to you of the Catholic Reverend kidnapped. I cannot specifically say how many other Priests were kidnapped along with him.

Bandits have attacked a community in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State killing 15 locals on Sunday. 

Journalists were told that the bandits invaded Hayin Kanwa village, Yakawada ward in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and killed 15 people.

According to a local, ” the 15 people killed were buried early morning on Monday.

Killings and kidnapping in Giwa are getting out of hand, as people are being killed and kidnapped daily.”

The police were yet to react to the killing.

At least three persons have been killed in an ongoing attack on Kabo Village in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The suspected terrorists, SaharaReporters reliably gathered, arrived in the community in large numbers on Monday afternoon, shooting sporadically in different directions.

Most residents of the village were said to have been hit by bullets while fleeing into nearby bushes for safety.

A resident of the town told SaharaReporters that the casualty figure is expected to rise further by the end of the day, adding that the herdsmen were still operating in the village.

“They (Fulani herdsmen) arrived this afternoon and started shooting at houses and anyone in sight.

“As we speak, three people have been killed. There will likely be more deaths at the end of the day because a lot of people were hit by bullets while running out of the village. The attackers are still shooting in the community.

“I ran into the bush with some other people in the village immediately we heard the sound of gunshots,” the resident named Kulus said.

When contacted by SaharaReporters over the development, the spokesperson for the police in Niger State, Mr Wasiu Abiodun, promised to get back with details and updates on the situation but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
 
On March 17, 2022, armed men killed a police officer during an attack on Bangi Divisional Headquarters in the Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

A day before that incident, bandits killed four police officers including a divisional police officer, Muhammad Umar, and four vigilantes in the Magama council area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Bankole, has revealed how a hunter, Saheed Ogundahun, killed a herdsman in Ewekoro Local Government Area and buried the corpse on his farm.

Mr Bankole disclosed this while parading the suspect alongside 14 others arrested for kidnapping, robbery and murder at the state’s police headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

According to him, Ogundahun was arrested on March 13, for killing a “Fulani herdsman with a Dane gun.”

He explained that Ogundahun, after killing the herder, “buried him on his farm in Ewekoro. On interrogation, the said Ogundahun confessed that he shot the victim to death and buried him in the bush.”

According to him, the body of the slain herdsman “has been exhumed and taken to Ifo General Hospital for autopsy.”

The Zamfara State government has donated five new Hilux vehicles to the Government of the Niger Republic for special security border patrol.
This was contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday and signed by the Press Secretary to Governor Bello Matawalle, Jamilu Birnin-Magaji.

Birnin-Magaji said the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge by Matawalle to support the country with patrol vehicles and other security logistics in the fight against banditry.
“The vehicles were presented by Governor Matawalle to the Governor of Maradi Region, Alhaji Abubakar Shu’aibou, at a ceremony held at Government House, Gusau.”
The governor said the vehicles were to provide special border patrol at Maradi and other parts of the Niger Republic which share borders with Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto.
Responding, the governor of Maradi Region, Shu’aibou, assured Matawalle that the vehicles will be used to fight bandits and “other heinous crimes, particularly along the Maradi border.”
In December 2021, Matawalle visited President Mohamed Bazoum of the Niger Republic in Niamey, where the two leaders resolved to explore more areas of cooperation.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has cautioned Nigerians against voting Bola Tinubu, an All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader as President in 2023.

George warned that Tinubu’s wife, Remi, would become the Senate President, and his son would become the governor of Lagos
State if he succeeds Buhari in 2023.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, alleged that Tinubu would use Alpha-Beta to steal Nigeria’s money.

He also vowed to leave Nigeria if Tinubu becomes President.

According to George: “I am happy the President has signed the new electoral bill.

“If by whatever chance he gets to the villa, I won’t be part of this country. And I am not joking. I can go to Ghana and be watching with binoculars from afar. You will see what will happen.

This is Alpha-Beta in Lagos. He will create some Alter-Beta somewhere to carry your money. His wife will now be Senate President. His son will be Governor of Lagos. His daughter will be Iyaloja of Nigeria.

“What has he done to prove that he deserves to be honoured by anybody in this country?”

An 85-year-old man, Jimoh Oladiran has been reportedly killed by some persons said to be his relatives, a father and his son in Ogun State.

Oladiran, a resident of Somorin Alagbonmeta in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, was lured by his relatives, identified as Alfa Mufatiu and his son, Ibrahim Mufatiu, to Asipa village for an unknown event on Saturday 12th March 2022.

It was further gathered that in the evening, the children of the late old man became worried when their father did not return home from Asipa, a village located after Opeji, in Odeda Local Government Area of the state.

On Sunday, the children said they went to the village, but they did not see their father.

On enquiry, Mufatiu’s wife was said to have “lied” that the deceased had gone to a neighbouring village.

However, they later discovered their father’s dead body beside a small river, covered with a rusty roofing sheet.

They suspected that he must have been hit with a stick in the head as he bled to death.

Sulaiman Oladiran, the eldest son of the deceased, said: “My father told me around 10am on Saturday that he was going to Asipa with a man we have known as his relative, Alfa Mufa. He said they have a programme there. On Saturday night, we did not see him.

“I called our brother, who is the Baale of Asipa, Chief Kehinde Omirinde, and told him about it. He told me to wait until the next day before taking any steps to locate him.

When we did not see him until 12pm on Sunday, I called the Baale again; he said we should not wait any longer. So, we went to Asipa.

“At Asipa, we met Ibrahim Mufa’s wife, who told us to calm down, saying our father went to the next village, that he would soon return. But with the way she was nervous, I suspected all was not well. So I told my two other brothers.

“We saw Ibrahim Mufa coming from the river. We asked him where our father was and he said we should be patient. Later he said we should handle him gently or kill him. We just insisted on seeing our father. He started running away.

At this point, the villagers have come out with sticks and cutlasses to attack us. Two of us ran away, but one of us was seized by the villagers.

“As we were running to Abeokuta with our motorbike to call the police, we met operatives of OP-MESA at Opeji. We told them what happened and they escorted us back to the village.


When we returned to the village, they had already beaten my brother, Kazeem to stupor. The OP-MESA men arrested Alfa Mufatiu and handed him over to the police at Bode Olude.

“The following day, the police accompanied us to Asipa and Alfa Mufa took us to where our father was killed by the river. We observed that he was hit with something on the head. We saw blood on the mat they said he slept on. At the riverside where his corpse was dumped, we saw that his head was wrapped with a cloth full of blood.

“We took his body on Monday. It was already decomposing. We want Nigerians to assist us. We seek justice.”


Confirming the incident, the Baale, Chief Omirinde, said it was the late Oladiran who told him to allocate land to the suspects, who were unknown to him.

The village head said he did not know the men, adding that was why he did not go for the event they planned to hold on Saturday.

His words: “These suspects, Alfa Mufatiu (father) and Ibrahim Mufatiu (son) were brought to me by this same Jimoh Oladiran, a maternal cousin to my own father.

“One day, they called me that they needed land for farming, I don’t know how they got my phone number. I said no land for them.

“Three days after, they brought the deceased to plead on their behalf and I said they would get the land if the whole family endorsed it.

“But they told me they wanted to have a feast in the village, I said no problem.

“On Thursday, March 10, Ibrahim Mufa called me that the event would hold on Saturday; he told me to be there. But that day, I didn’t go.

“Surprisingly, late Oladiran went for the feast and he didn’t tell me, I would have told him not to go. It was the children that came to me when they didn’t see him return home.

“It is so sad, they killed the man and threw his body near the river. I have captured Ibrahim Mufa myself at Elega market and we have taken him to Fadage police station at Bode Olude.”

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, told our correspondent on Saturday that he would get details of the incident and revert.

A newly recruited soldier identified only as Jamilu has been confirmed killed after a deadly ambush by militants belonging to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), military sources have told SaharaReporters.
The soldier who joined the Nigerian Army in 2021 was killed when the terrorists attacked a military base in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the insurgents on gun trucks attacked the base on Thursday, exchanging firepower with Nigerian troops stationed in Bama community.

Apart from Jamilu, many other soldiers were seriously injured while a yet-to-be ascertained number of personnel remained missing as of Friday.

“The terrorists were in many vehicles and engaged the soldiers in a battle which lasted for several hours.

“The soldiers really put up a strong fight to defend their base and ward off the insurgents but despite their gallant efforts, they were overwhelmed because they could not withstand the superior firepower of the terrorists.

“The terrorists succeeded in taking over the base and killed Jamilu,” a military source told SaharaReporters.
Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad.
Last year, it appointed Wali Sani Shuwaram, a 45-year-old as the new Leader (Wali) of ISWAP in Lake Chad.

The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under Shekau.

The terror group has caused over 100,000 deaths and displaced millions of individuals mainly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on its Twitter page on Friday announced success in its fight against insurgency around around Ndufu and Musiri villages in Borno State.

“Also, troops recovered weapons and rescued 30 kidnapped local residents. Additionally, troops also destroyed various camps of the terrorists,” it said.

As part of the agitation for an independent Yoruba Nation and the dissolution of the amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria, self-determination activists have filed two suits at Federal High Courts in Ado-Ekiti and Osogbo.

They want the judiciary to stop the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Ondo States scheduled for June and July respectively.

They are praying for a declaration that the current 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is illegal, invalid and of no effect whatsoever because no referendum was conducted before it was enacted.

The members of the umbrella body Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO) Worldwide filed the suit on Wednesday through their lawyer, Tolu Babaleye.

The defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The activists include IOO leaders, Professor Banji Akintoye, from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti; his Deputy, Professor Wale Adeniran, from Ile-Ife, Osun State; Ado-Ekiti based medical doctor, Chief Bayo Orire, and 15 others.

The applicants are demanding a total decommissioning of the 1999 Constitution to pave way for a referendum so that the indigenous people of Yoruba can secede.

On Wednesday, IOO spokesman Maxwell Adeleye told the public that INEC does not have the law that can be used to conduct elections “anywhere in Yoruba land, a region within Nigeria”.

“The Ekiti and Osun Governorship Polls and all future elections should be stopped in Yoruba land until a referendum is held for the Yoruba people to decide on the system they want for themselves within Nigeria and whether they even want to remain as Nigerians”, he noted.

Adeleye said they want: “A Declaration that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended) is invalid, illegal and of no effect whatsoever by reason of its failure to satisfy the essential requirements of a referendum and national consensus expected of a valid Constitution.

“A Declaration that the preamble/introductory passage to the 1999 Constitution inserted into the Constitution by the Military Government which says ‘’we the people of Nigeria have resolved to give ourselves a Constitution’’ is a lie when.”

The suit argues that it was the Military Government that came up with the document and imposed it on the Nigerian people without their contribution.

Others requests are: “A Declaration that no valid elections whether Presidential, Governorship, National and State Assembly or Councillorship elections can be validly held under the said invalid and fraudulent Constitution as one cannot build something on nothing in law and expect it to stand.

Declaration that the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship election which is scheduled to be conducted in June 2022 by the INEC cannot be validly held under the said illegal and invalid 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

“An Order stopping the holding of the scheduled Ekiti State Governorship election coming up in June 2022 from being held as there is no valid legal framework for such an exercise because the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) under which the said Governorship election is planned to be conducted is illegal, invalid and inherently defective.

“An Order directing the Defendants jointly and severally to stay clear of Ekiti and Osun States in June and July 2022 and suspend with immediate effect the plans and arrangements they have put in place to conduct such an illegal election in Ekiti and Osun States of Nigeria.”

Adeleye called on all Yoruba people, especially, Self-determination activists in Ekiti and Osun to mobilize themselves and ensure that they are present in courts in Osogbo and Ado-Ekiti whenever the cases are called for mention.

A group, the Northern Alliance for National Cohesion, NANC, Tuesday demanded immediate retraction and a public apology from the Rivers state Nyesom Wike for allegedly comparing one of the state’s traditional chiefs to the legendary Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

This is even as the group took exception to Governor Wike’s recent outburst against Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu .


While calling on Northern governors and the leadership of the PDP to call Wike to order, the group threatened to punish the governor if ye fails to apologize over his comment.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, convener of the group, Bello Ibrahim said, “our attention has been drawn to the several disparaging comments of the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike, wherein he openly attacked some leaders, members and other critical stakeholders of our great party, the PDP. 

“Just yesterday, Governor Wike in his usual manner, attacked the Deputy Governor of Edo state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, for expressing his personal views and opinion before the party’s national working committee who went to the state for some party assignments. 

As if that was not enough, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike took another swipe on the Governor of Edo state, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for responding to him on certain issues of great concern to the  oneness and unity of the party.

It is distasteful to also recall a scenario, where Wike spat at the reverence of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio in one of his infantile outings. Wike was seen comparing one of his traditional chiefs to our very respected and iconic Sheikh Dan Fodio. That unpopular outing is the most uncomplimentary remarks against Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio by anyone from southern Nigeria in recent history.

Wike has shown disregard for the hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party, as he recently threatened to invoke some sections of the party’s constitution, should the national chairman fail to sanction the Deputy Governor of Edo State – Philip Shuaib. It is laughable that Governor Wike, who was the brain behind the emergence of Ali Modu Sheriff that almost derailed the ideals of PDP is now a preacher of morality.
Worthy of note too is that Governor Wike has serially disrespected his colleague governors, as he unceremoniously assumes the role of a moral compass. Wike is assuming the status of a demigod, as his conducts negate the principles of appropriateness. 

Governor Wike’s infantile outings call for concern, but more worrisome is the silence of Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State, particularly at the time Wike mockingly compared a traditional chief from Rivers State with Sheik Usman Dan Fodio. Their silence was in principle a show of cowardice or tacit approval of Wike’s show of shame.

Courtesy and decorum are now obsolete in the public conduct of Governor Wike. A governor should be wary of his public utterances, particularly now that peace and security are scarce national commodities. 


“At Northern Alliance for National Cohesion, we are perturbed by the conduct of Governor Wike, for same could snowball into anarchy. An egalitarian Nigeria should not trudge on calling a spade, a spade. Governor Wike’s tendencies are infamous and dangerous and every leader of conscience must rise to halt the serial abuses of Governor Wike, ” Ibrahim said.

A concerted effort from Northern Governors and political elites, distancing themselves from the uncourteous tendencies of Governor Wike; and “a robust political machination, particularly within the PDP or any other political party Governor Wike may align with, to ensure he doesn’t cause further consternation, as he has proven to be a flammable leader that would use power recklessly.”

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has said that the highly-debated issue of zoning should be kept aside for now.

The former Kwara Governor said a more important point of focus should be finding the best person to solve the numerous challenges facing the country at this point in time.

Saraki, in an interview on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, where he also addressed many other issues, said he is capable of leading Nigeria.

The Southern Region has insisted that 2023 is their turn to produce the next President of the country after President Muhammadu Buhari has successfully served the country for eight years.

Saraki pointed out that the South West should not be among regions canvassing for zoning because, according to him, they cannot say they are disenfranchised, adding that the northeast, north-central and southeast are zones that have not had Presidency or Vice Presidency.

“When you talk about zoning, yes, you must consider zoning, but when we talk about zoning, it can’t just be an issue of north/south, because you cannot tell me that the southwest will say they are disenfranchised in the possibility of political office, neither can you say the south-south.

“But the reality is that the northeast, north-central and southeast have not had a Presidency or Vice Presidency,” the former National Assembly leader said.

Speaking further, Saraki explained the present situation of the country demands that other issues be put ahead of zoning, adding that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had to push zoning aside when they were in dire need of the right person to bring solution to the crises within their fold.

“There are people who can provide solutions to the problems of the country if you give them the opportunity,” Saraki added.

Terrorists have reportedly invaded eight communities in Munya Local Government area of Niger State, killings scores and injuriing many villagers within three days.

The villages include Liwi, Paidna, Tsohon Kabula, Chibani, Fuka, Kuchi, Dandaudu and Mararraban Dandaudu.

It was gathered that between Wednesday to Friday, the rampaging gunmen ransacked villages without any resistance from security personnel or vigilante groups and carted away large herds of cattle, goats and sheep.

Eyewitnesses stated that the terrorists stormed the areas in possession of sophisticated dangerous weapons, moved freely on motorcycles, while reigning mayhem on the communities as the people scamper for safety.

A resident of Sarkin Pawa, Sunday Pada, told DAILY POST that his relatives in Tsohon Kabula informed him that terrorists have overran Paidna and neighbouring villages.

He stated, “In Liwi, a community close to Kachiwe where people were previously burnt to ashes in their sleep, the gunmen attacked on Thursday and killed three people, abducted many others as well as carried away their valuables.

According to him, “In Tsohon Kabula, my relatives also said the bandits are gathering in Paidna as a result of which, the villages around there have been deserted. We are left on our own with no security presence. Please, help us tell the government to come to our aid.”

It was learnt that on Friday, in Fuka, Dandaudu and Mararraban Dandaudu, villagers who went to Chibani and Mutum Daya markets were attacked by gunmen.

Eyewitness that escaped from the Mutum Daya market stated that the terrorists commenced operation around 2pm when the markets were full with sellers and buyers.

On the number of casualties, the source said, “At the moment, we cannot do anything, until the situation is calm enough to ascertain those who died.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, stated that he has mobilized security agencies to the affected areas.

“Government will ensure the security of lives and property of citizens and will ensure a coordinated security action in the affected areas will commence,” Umar said"

At least, eight military officers deployed to the Zuru district of Kebbi State have been killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits, multiple sources told SaharaReporters.

The soldiers were deployed to the area following the killing of 68 vigilantes otherwise known as Yan-Sa-Kai by gunmen fleeing from Niger State.


The Yan-Sa-Kai hail from various towns and villages of the emirate.

Local residents often form informal vigilante units to protect themselves from bandit raids.

A source from Sakaba Local Government Area of the state told SaharaReporters on Tuesday night that eight of the soldiers deployed to the emirate have been killed by gunmen.

“Initially we have our local security outfit that has been checkmating these monsters but last year the governor disarmed them by saying the security outfit was engaging in unlawful killings but he did not provide an alternative.

“Immediately after banning our local security outfit, bandits then moved in and have been killing mercilessly since then.

“Some hours ago, some soldiers were deployed but unfortunately, the bandits have just killed eight of the soldiers. So sad, we are no longer safe.”

Speaking on the killing of the vigilantes, another source told SaharaReporters that the deceased persons were ambushed after being fed wrong information regarding the location of the bandits.

The source said, “Yesterday, after killing many people and rustling cows, the youths from Dabai, Magajiya, Ribah, Diri and Danrnagi villages confronted the bandits with their locally made guns.

“They killed many of the Bandits; along the line, someone called them and gave them wrong information about the location of the bandits, so that was how they fell into the ambush of the bandits.

“The location is Sakaba Local Government Area, Zuru Emirate, Kebbi state. It's a border town between Kebbi South and Niger. The town has produced many Generals.

“Right now, they are still operating in Zuru villages. The soldiers and the police are more afraid than the civilians.”

Earlier on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the incident.

The President expressed sadness over what he described as “the brutal murder of tens of vigilantes”. Buhari in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, also expressed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.

“This egregious level of criminality is shocking and I want to assure Nigerians that I will do all it takes to tackle this monster decisively,” the President was quoted as saying.

“My greatest preoccupation is the threat to life posed by these murderous gangs and remorseless outlaws who have no slightest regard for the sanctity of life.

“While extending my sympathy to the families of the victims of this savagery, let me use this opportunity to also call on our security forces to be more proactive and redouble their efforts in order to frustrate the operational plans of the terrorists before they even launch attacks.”

Note: Check the photos if they can be blurred as they are very gory. Don't use them if you think they cannot go after working on them.

Sixty-three vigilantes otherwise known as ‘Yan Sa Kai, have reportedly been killed by bandits.

According to BBC, the tragic incident occurred after the local guards launched an onslaught against the bandits in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State.

The victims, who have been buried, were killed in the wee hours of Monday.

The bandits were said to have hidden on trees along the road leading to their dens.

They reportedly opened fire after the vigilantes were trapped in the middle of their attackers.

The Yan-Sa-Kai hail from various towns and villages of the emirate.

The authorities had not reacted to the tragic incident as of the time of filing this report.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said some persons aspiring to be Nigeria’s President in 2023 should be in jail had the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission performed its job efficiently.

Obasanjo stated this during an international symposium to mark his 85th birthday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking during the well-attended event with the theme, ‘Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation’, the ex-President and strongman of Hilltop Towers also said though many presidential hopefuls have visited him to solicit support for their tall ambition, he has not endorsed any aspirant for the much-exalted seat in Aso Rock.

‘I’m not sponsoring any southern candidate’

He said, “As the quadrennial madness builds a head of steam and the runners and riders crisscross the nation in the quest for nomination as the party flag bearer to the highest office in the land, I read and hear about endorsement and statements in support of candidates that I frankly have not made and forming next political parties that I can never get involved in. I was told that social media credited to me the names of three people from the south that I am sponsoring for Presidency in 2023.

“My friend, Professor Ango Abdullah, who brought this to my knowledge remarked that he did not believe that I made such a statement because it was out of my character. I have neither named names nor stated my position. In a situation like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria. We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how that will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.”

Continuing, the celebrant said some 2023 presidential aspirants should be in jail had the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission done their jobs effectively.

Obasanjo said, “Since 1999, we have changed from one political party or another we have manoeuvred and manipulated to the point that election results are no longer reflections of the will of the people and we seemed to be progressively going back rather than going forward politically, economically and socially.

“We have activities without requite actions and personnel to move us forward. If we continue in the same pattern of recycling, sweet-word campaigning, manoeuvring without the substance of integrity, honesty, patriotism, commitment, outreach, courage, understanding of what makes a nation and what make for development, we will soon have to say goodbye to Nigeria as a nation.

“I cast a cursory look at some of the people running around and those for whom people are running around. If EFCC and ICPC will have done their jobs properly and supported adequately by the judiciary, most of them would be in jail. Any person who has no integrity in small things cannot have integrity in big things.”

Obasanjo, unarguably one of the prestigious global citizens from Africa, was Nigeria’s democratically elected President between 1999 and 2007.

The former Nigerian military head of state between February 1976 and October 1979 had sat on many peace committees including those of the United Nations, African Union and Economic Community of West African States and had been instrumental to the restoration of peace in many parts of Africa including Liberia, Sudan, Ethiopia, amongst others.

On the occasion of his 85th birthday, the former military head of state restated the need for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.

According to him, fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building, not necessarily on emotion, ethnicity or religion. “The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of the nation-building right,” he emphasised

X-ray presidential aspirants, Obasanjo tells Nigerians

On the way forward, Obasanjo said all presidential aspirants must be “properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward”.

“Such a person will have to lead what remains of the nation to courageously continue on the path of nation-building as a national team leader, no matter on what platform he or she assumes leadership. No one can do it alone. We must, however, stop sacrificing character, track records and performance on the altar of ethnic, regional or religious jingoism. As the watchman counts on daybreak, so too do I count on Nigerians and Nigeria to bring forth that person,” the elder statesman concluded.

After his prison ordeal, Obasanjo was later elected Nigeria’s President on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He, however, publicly tore his PDP membership card in February 2015 after a feud with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Despite his stance that he won’t be involved in partisan politics, Obasanjo said he won’t quit nation-building, noting that the elite must have enough integrity to provide accountable leadership for Nigerians.

As the race for the next election gets keenly interesting, many politicians have expressed interest to succeed the incumbent President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), whose second term ends in May 2023.

Northern politicians who have shown interest in getting the PDP’s 2023 presidential ticket include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Aside from northern politicians, some southern stalwarts including former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; media personality, Dele Momodu, amongst others have also expressed interest in clinching the party’s 2023 presidential ticket in the primary which is expected to hold later this year.

Other presidential hopefuls include All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu; Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; former Governor of Abia State and Majority Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, among others.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has also been rumoured to nurse an ambition to succeed his boss through the 2023 election but the professor of law has not officially made his intention known.

FERNANDEZISBACK:
Take your imaginary creature outta here..he has no business here..what nonsense end time is he hosting..

How long will Nigerians come to realize that there ain't no imaginary creature nowhere and no end time nonsense is happening..