metro
Bandits reportedly abduct 22 in attacks on Kaduna communities
Bandits reportedly abduct 22 in attacks on Kaduna communities
In a series of separate attacks, suspected bandits have abducted 22 residents from Kugauta and Kitanda, both within Kumana Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
A resident and student pastor, Emmanuel Johnson, disclosed to Daily Trust that the attacks occurred around 10:30 pm on Friday. He explained that the bandits stormed Kitanda, abducting 12 people, mainly women and children, before attacking Kugauta, where 10 more were taken.
Johnson expressed deep frustration over the persistent insecurity in the communities, lamenting that only three policemen were stationed to secure the village and nearby areas.
“Our communities are constantly under attack. People are being kidnapped daily,” he said. “The three police officers here cannot secure us. The government must show that we, too, are Nigerians with equal rights to protection.”
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He further revealed that over ₦60 million had been paid in ransom to the abductors, with several residents still in captivity.
Many villagers have been forced to flee their homes due to the relentless attacks, leaving the communities in despair.
The worsening situation, he said, had compounded residents’ struggles with poor infrastructure, including bad roads, lack of hospitals, and inadequate schools.
“We can’t even take our farm produce to the market because the roads are impassable,” Johnson lamented.
He urged the government to deploy more security personnel, establish police stations, and set up army Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic areas to counter the escalating threat. He also called for offensive operations to dismantle bandit camps in the region.
“These bandits have crippled our economy and pushed us further into poverty. The government must act decisively to end this hardship,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
Bandits reportedly abduct 22 in attacks on Kaduna communities
metro
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
A 19-year-old boy, identified as Friday, has accused his stepmother of subjecting him to torture that resulted in the amputation of one of his hands.
Friday’s account was made public in a viral video shared by Nigerian content creator Lucky Udu.
The teenager alleged that the incident occurred while his father was away, during which his stepmother accused him of having an inappropriate relationship with her and demanded that he confess.
He claimed she threatened him with a knife when he denied the allegation.
Friday further alleged that he was taken to a man who accused him of witchcraft and subjected him to torture, including burning his hands over charcoal.
He said his injuries later became infected, but his stepmother allegedly refused to take him to a hospital and instead forced him to continue working.
According to him, a passerby who noticed his condition alerted the police, leading to his rescue and the arrest of the stepmother.
He was subsequently taken to a specialist hospital where doctors amputated his hand due to the severity of the damage.
The incident has generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice and stronger protection for vulnerable children.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Teen alleges torture by stepmother, loses hand
metro
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
Violence erupted on Monday in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as a traditional king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a 10-point safety advisory urging Nigerians in the country to prioritise safety and maintain a low profile.
According to the advisory titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” citizens were urged to exercise caution, limit movement, avoid interactions with unfamiliar persons, and suspend socio-cultural activities to reduce the risk of becoming targets amid rising tensions. The circular also advised Nigerians to respect local laws and customs and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media that could escalate the situation.
What began as a peaceful protest over the alleged installation of Solomon Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo quickly escalated. Videos and images of the coronation circulated widely, sparking anger among residents and civic groups. Protesters torched vehicles, vandalised properties, and clashed with law enforcement. Police reportedly deployed teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, while fire services worked to contain the blazes.
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A man was stabbed during the unrest and taken to hospital. Authorities clarified that the victim was not linked to the demonstration, though some civic groups claimed one of their members was injured and also struck by a vehicle.
Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and the civic movement March and March, joined traditional leaders in condemning the alleged coronation as illegal and unconstitutional.
- Athol Trollip, ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, said: “There is no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape. We support existing local kings, not Nigerian kings.”
- Steve Motale, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson, said: “We condemn this fake coronation. Even the Nigerian High Commissioner has denounced it.”
The Royal House of AbaThembu also denied involvement, calling social media claims linking King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to the coronation false and misleading.
The unrest follows recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where residents demanded stricter immigration policies targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. Analysts say the protests reflect broader xenophobic tensions and concern over foreign influence on local traditional structures.
The Federal Government of Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens in South Africa to remain law-abiding, cautious, and vigilant until stability returns.
Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
metro
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, if he returned to Nigeria for their mother’s burial — reportedly as a tactic to pressure him into negotiations.
In a video statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Bashir avoided attending the funeral to prevent detention. “My elder brother Bashir El-Rufai couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him… they believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he revealed.
El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were flown to Abuja and buried on Sunday. The burial coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal troubles, including his arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering.
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The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. His case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearings on pending applications, including his bail request. He was granted temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother’s funeral.
Observers say El-Rufai’s claims highlight concerns over the alleged use of family members as leverage in political and legal disputes, sparking debate over the conduct of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Analysts also note the potential political implications as El-Rufai continues to assert his innocence and challenge the legal proceedings against him.
El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation
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