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Updated: Traditional ruler, lawmaker’s wife, two children kidnapped

Bandits have abducted a traditional ruler in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Wawa of Wawa, Dr Mahmud Ahmed Aliyu, from his palace.
Another gang of bandits attacked a Katsina community on Saturday night abducting wife and two children of a lawmaker, Ibrahim Aminu Kurami, from their home at Kurami, Katsina State.
The traditional ruler was reportedly kidnapped at about 9.30pm on Saturday night.
He was said to have been whisked away amidst shooting by the gunmen dressed in military uniforms into the Kainji National Park.
It was learnt that the gunmen stormed the palace riding on motorcycles while shooting to scare away people.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, could not be reached for confirmation before filing this report.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Bakori constituency in Katsina House of Assembly was himself abducted about a year ago and kept for days until he paid ransom.
The bandits reportedly invaded the town at 8pm driving on motorbikes and cars blocking the Funtua-Katsina road while the abduction of the Kurami family went on at his home, a source said.
“Immediately after Ishaa’i prayers, we started hearing gunshots in the town, before we know it they already positioned themselves in the strategic places of the town to avert any possible move by the residents to engage them,” Muhammad Kurami.
He added, “They went straight to the to the home of the honourable member and made away with his wife and two children.”
He said that in the course of the abduction, the bandits wounded one Abdulhakim Ubaidu.
It was also learnt that residents and vigilantes in the area launched a pursuit after the incident.
About a year ago before his election in a bye-election as a member representing Bakori, Kurami himself was abducted from his residence and kept in captivity for days until a ransom was paid to secure his release.
Last week on the night of August 28, suspected bandits invaded Bakori town and abducted one Alhaji Amu and his two daughters as well as younger brother of District Head Bakori, Idris Sule Idris.
Bakori, Funtua and Danja council areas are fast becoming vulnerable to bandit attacks in recent months.
Banditry has over the years destabilized the neighbouring Faskari, Kankara, Sabuwa and Dandume causing mass exodus of residents from their ancestral villages and hamlets.
metro
Hoodlums attack Senator Natasha’s family residence in Kogi

Hoodlums attack Senator Natasha’s family residence in Kogi
Unknown hoodlums armed with cutlasses and firearms have reportedly attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Obeiba-Ihima area of Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State.
According to intelligence sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the Senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, confirmed the incident to security authorities.
The attack, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, involved at least three armed individuals who vandalized the building, including shattering window panes and damaging parts of the property.
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Following a distress alert, a team of security operatives from Okehi Division swiftly mobilized to the scene.
While no casualties were reported and no arrests have been made, the premises were documented, and preliminary investigations have commenced.
Police sources said the motive behind the attack remains unknown as investigations continue.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not issued a public statement as of press time.
Hoodlums attack Senator Natasha’s family residence in Kogi
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ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles

ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles
Suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly killed three officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) during an attack in Kebbi State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the tragic incident during his visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command.
According to Adeniyi, the terrorists also set fire to patrol vehicles used by the Customs officers during their operation.
He condemned the activities of ISWAP in the region, particularly at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which shares a boundary with Kebbi.
Adeniyi who was represented by Hussein Ejibunu, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, said the officers were killed in Bashaka area of Kebbi State.
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“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State. They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them,” the CG stated.
In addition, he disclosed that operatives of the service also escaped an ambush by terrorists after they successfully seized 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border.
According to the CG, the attackers were smuggling the petroleum products to terrorists and bandits within the area.
He further called for collaboration with sister security agencies while urging officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats.
“It would interest you to know that most of these bandits attacking us get their fuel through smugglers, giving the adversaries the power to move around and attack citizens,” he said.
ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles
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APC Rep aspirant escapes assassination attempt in Abuja

APC Rep aspirant escapes assassination attempt in Abuja
Hon. Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, a 2023 House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly survived a brazen assassination attempt in Abuja.
The terrifying incident occurred on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Gwosa Market along Airport Road, where unidentified armed men launched a direct attack on the Osun-born politician.
Eyewitnesses claim the assailants aimed straight for his head, indicating that the attack may have been premeditated.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Oyekunle recounted the harrowing experience and called for an immediate investigation by the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies.
The politician, who sustained injuries during the attack, stressed that the attackers made no demand for valuables, instead insisting that he ‘surrender himself’ a detail which, he said, rules out robbery as a motive.
The statement reads: “That evening, I was driving home from the airport towards Lugbe and stopped at Gwosa Market to buy fruits and farm produce from local traders.
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“While shopping, I noticed an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla parked across the road with its number plates concealed using plastic. This struck me as suspicious. A group of men stepped out—some remained by the vehicle, while one walked towards me. He passed very close by, but I initially assumed they might be targeting the traders, not me.
“After completing my purchases, I began walking back to my car when I suddenly heard someone shout: ‘Surrender yourself!’ I turned to see four men pointing guns at me. Ahead of me, another man—part of the same group—was also aiming a gun directly at my head.
“Acting on instinct, I charged at the man in front and knocked him down. This seemed to catch the others off guard, and they immediately started shooting. Every shot was aimed at my head, which confirms to me that this was no random act—it was a calculated attempt to kill.
“I managed to escape by running in the same direction as the traders who were also fleeing. Once the assailants saw I had slipped out of their grasp, they returned to their car and sped off.
“During the chaos, I was injured—a bullet grazed my head, and I sustained wounds to my leg. I was initially treated at Sauka Divine Hospital, where doctors stitched the head wound and tended to my leg injuries. Later, I was transferred to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital (NAF Base), Abuja, for further care and have since been discharged.
“What troubles me most is that the attackers never asked for money, my vehicle, or any possessions. Their only demand was for me to ‘surrender myself’. This strongly suggests the motive was not robbery, but something far more sinister.
“I call on the Inspector-General of Police and all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and the reason behind this attack must be uncovered. This incident raises serious concerns—not just for my safety, but for the safety of all citizens.
“I thank God for His protection that night. Though the experience has shaken me, it will not deter me from continuing to serve the people of Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade. I remain committed to our shared goals. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved security across our nation.
“I’m deeply grateful to the medical teams at Sauka Divine Hospital and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital for their swift and expert care. I also appreciate the traders and bystanders who offered their help in those critical moments.
“To my constituents and supporters, I want you to know that I am recovering well and remain determined to work tirelessly on your behalf. Let this be a reminder to us all of the importance of unity in confronting violence and insecurity.”
APC Rep aspirant escapes assassination attempt in Abuja
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