metro
Vehicles, shops burnt as gas station explodes in Niger
Vehicles, shops burnt as gas station explodes in Niger
A devastating explosion at a gas filling station in Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, resulted in the destruction of several vehicles and goods, including foodstuffs.
The incident occurred late Saturday around 11 p.m. when a gas tanker was offloading at the station. According to witnesses, the resulting blaze raged for hours before firefighters arrived at the scene to contain the inferno.
Abdul Sabon-Wusa, a resident of the area, described the chaos that followed the blast. Speaking to our correspondent over the phone, he said, “The explosion sent shockwaves through surrounding communities as people ran out of their homes for safety.”
READ ALSO:
- Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square
- Dozens killed in bus crash in southern Mexico
- Tsunami alerts cancelled after 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Caribbean
The fire reportedly spread to parts of a nearby petrol station, engulfing shops stocked with food items and destroying numerous parked vehicles.
“We thank Allah that no life was lost and no one sustained injuries. But had it happened in the daytime when people were outside doing their businesses, it would have been another sad story in Niger State. The height of the fire could be seen all around Sabon Wuse which showed how serious it was,” Abdul added.
Authorities are yet to provide an official statement regarding the cause of the explosion or the extent of the damage.
Vehicles, shops burnt as gas station explodes in Niger
![]()
metro
Terrorists Abduct 14 Islamic School Students in Niger, Police Launch Rescue Operation
Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Niger State after invading a farm where the children were helping their teacher harvest maize.
The abduction occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Tungan-Bako village, near Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The attackers reportedly stormed the farm at about 12:30 p.m. and seized the students while they were assisting their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam, with the maize harvest.
The teacher was also reported to have been taken away by the attackers, although the police confirmation did not explicitly establish his status.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said preliminary information indicated that approximately 14 students were abducted.
He dismissed earlier reports suggesting that as many as 50 students had been taken, clarifying that the police-verified figure was 14.
Abiodun said suspected bandits invaded the community and abducted people working on the farm.
“On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30 pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm.
“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.
“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he stated.
The police spokesperson assured residents that security operatives were working to secure the release of the abducted children.
READ ALSO:
- Oyo Boxer Stabbed to Death with Broken Bottle After Street Fight in Ibadan
- Terrorists Kill Five Police Officers in Deadly Convoy Ambush on Sokoto-Zamfara Highway
- Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Regina Daniels’ Health, Warns Bloggers Over Fake Reports
However, the command did not disclose whether the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ families or demanded ransom.
The latest incident has heightened concerns about the safety of children and residents in rural communities across Niger State, particularly in Rafi Local Government Area, which has experienced repeated attacks and kidnappings by armed groups.
Separately, reports have also emerged of another alleged abduction involving pupils of an Islamic school in Maikujeri, another community in Rafi Local Government Area.
An AFP report cited local and security sources as saying that around 12 children were kidnapped on Saturday while returning from their teacher’s farm, with estimates ranging from 12 to 18 victims.
It was not immediately clear whether the Maikujeri report concerned the same incident as the police-confirmed abduction at Tungan-Bako or a separate attack.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Niger State, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago over the worsening security situation.
Vatsa accused the state government of concentrating on political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election instead of adequately addressing insecurity.
He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked operational vehicles and other essential equipment needed to confront armed groups.
“The security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to confront the situation,” he said.
Vatsa further criticised what he described as the government’s reliance on statements condemning attacks and expressing sympathy for victims without taking sufficient practical measures to prevent further incidents.
However, the immediate priority remains the safe return of the abducted children, as security operatives continue their rescue efforts.
Terrorists Abduct 14 Islamic School Students in Niger, Police Launch Rescue Operation
![]()
metro
Oyo Boxer Stabbed to Death with Broken Bottle After Street Fight in Ibadan
A young amateur boxer identified as Kehinde, popularly known as KBlaq, has been stabbed to death during a violent incident at Olodo Garage in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 1, 2026, sparking outrage among residents and social media users who have called for justice for the deceased.
According to accounts circulating online, Kehinde was allegedly not among those initially involved in the street confrontation, which had reportedly ended before the fatal attack.
Witnesses claimed that the suspected assailant arrived after the initial fight had been brought under control and attacked the boxer with a broken bottle, stabbing him in the neck.
The victim reportedly sustained severe injuries and later died.
READ ALSO:
- Terrorists Kill Five Police Officers in Deadly Convoy Ambush on Sokoto-Zamfara Highway
- Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Regina Daniels’ Health, Warns Bloggers Over Fake Reports
- US Strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Tensions Escalate Around Strait of Hormuz
An account shared on social media suggested that the alleged attacker was a commercial motorcycle operator who was not part of the original confrontation.
Another social media user, who described Kehinde as the younger brother of a friend, said the deceased was a twin and described him as a gentle person who rarely got into trouble.
The killing has generated widespread reactions, with several people demanding that the circumstances surrounding the incident be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police had commenced an investigation.
Ayanlade confirmed the development during a telephone conversation with journalists but did not provide further details about the circumstances of the killing.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not publicly disclosed whether any suspect had been arrested or established the motive behind the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns about street violence in Ibadan and the danger of confrontations escalating into fatal attacks.
Oyo Boxer Stabbed to Death with Broken Bottle After Street Fight in Ibadan
![]()
metro
Terrorists Kill Five Police Officers in Deadly Convoy Ambush on Sokoto-Zamfara Highway
Terrorists Kill Five Police Officers in Deadly Convoy Ambush on Sokoto-Zamfara Highway
Five police officers have been killed after suspected terrorists ambushed a convoy conveying security personnel from Sokoto State to Zamfara State for a special duty assignment.
The attack occurred on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when the officers, travelling in a three-vehicle convoy, came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the vehicle bringing up the rear of the convoy, killing five officers in the process.
A police officer who was part of the team but survived the attack confirmed the incident, saying the assailants struck suddenly and targeted the vehicle behind the other two.
“We were travelling in three vehicles when they suddenly opened fire on the third vehicle behind us. Five of our members were killed in the process,” the officer said.
The personnel were reportedly travelling to Zamfara State for a special assignment when the incident occurred.
Further reports by Anadolu Agency indicated that the officers were deployed to provide security during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
READ ALSO:
- Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Regina Daniels’ Health, Warns Bloggers Over Fake Reports
- US Strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Tensions Escalate Around Strait of Hormuz
- APC Dumps Adeleke’s Campaign Structure, Unveils Separate 168-Member Council in Osun
The convoy was reportedly travelling along the Sokoto-Gusau highway when the assailants intercepted the vehicle conveying the officers.
Confirming the deaths, the spokesperson for the Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 10, Sokoto, DSP Abdullahi Faruk, said the remains of the five officers had been deposited at the morgue of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
He confirmed the incident during a telephone interview but promised to provide further details later.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media after the attack reportedly showed the bodies of some of the slain officers inside a vehicle, with their hands and legs tied.
The footage also showed personal belongings scattered around the scene and bloodstains inside the vehicle conveying the personnel.
The circumstances surrounding the reported tying of the victims’ hands and legs have not been independently established.
The latest killings add to growing security concerns in Nigeria’s North-West, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, where armed groups have continued to attack communities, abduct residents and target security personnel.
The attack has again highlighted the dangers confronting security operatives deployed to tackle armed groups across the region.
Terrorists Kill Five Police Officers in Deadly Convoy Ambush on Sokoto-Zamfara Highway
![]()
-
metro3 days agoOgun Murder: Suspect Reveals How He Strangled, Macheted Retired Civil Servant Over N3.45m
-
International3 days agoRomance Scam: FBI Declares Nigerian Woman Wanted, Offers ₦6.7m Reward
-
Politics3 days ago2027: G100 Coalition Moves to Unite Opposition as Leaders Meet Cardinal Onaiyekan
-
metro3 days ago₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians
-
metro3 days agoN100,000 Deposit: FG Opens Homeownership Window for Teachers, Nurses, Police Officers
-
Politics3 days ago2027: INEC Rejects Adebutu, Gwarzo, Clears Pantami as Ogun, Kano Opposition Parties Face Setback
-
metro3 days agoGhanaian Teen Chased, Shot Dead on Way to School in New York
-
metro1 day agoThree Dead, Five Rescued as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Osun
