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Suspected Herdsmen Kill Residents, Burn Homes in Mararaba Community Near Abuja

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2026

FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine

Suspected Herdsmen Kill Several, Burn Homes in Aso A Community Near Abuja

Residents of Aso A community, near Jumai Estate in Mararaba along the border of Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, were thrown into chaos early Wednesday morning after a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen. The assault reportedly left at least six people dead, destroyed homes, and displaced dozens of families. Eyewitnesses say the actual number of casualties may be higher as many residents remain unaccounted for while rescue efforts continue. Suspected herdsmen attacks in central Nigeria often stem from disputes between farmers and herders over land and grazing rights, a conflict that has escalated in recent years.

The violence reportedly began following a prior confrontation between a farmer and a herder, which resulted in the herder’s death. Residents said the fleeing farmer’s residence was the first to be targeted, but the attackers quickly extended their violence to other homes. Gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, set houses and properties ablaze, and engaged youths in the community who tried to defend their homes. Visual evidence from the scene shows several buildings completely destroyed, and at least one lifeless body being moved to a nearby medical facility in a wheelbarrow, underscoring the scale of the devastation.

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Fear and panic spread throughout the neighbourhood, with many families abandoning their homes. Some residents fled into nearby parts of the Federal Capital Territory, while others moved deeper into Nasarawa State for safety. One resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the community is gripped by terror, with families hiding indoors and refusing to return to their homes.

In response to the attack, a joint team of police and military personnel was deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence. However, the presence of security operatives has not fully allayed residents’ fears, as there are reports that more armed groups may be mobilising from nearby Keffi for reprisals. The situation worsened when a motorcyclist conveying a police officer to the affected area was ambushed and killed, further highlighting the threat posed by the assailants. Community leaders have called for urgent and sustained security intervention to protect civilians and prevent escalation.

Efforts to obtain a statement from law enforcement authorities were unsuccessful. The Divisional Police Officer of Aso A Division declined to comment when contacted, and no official statement has been released by state or federal police authorities regarding the attack.

This incident reflects the continuing challenge of herder‑farmer violence across central and northern Nigeria, where disputes over land access, crops, and grazing routes frequently escalate into deadly confrontations. States such as Nasarawa, Plateau, and Benue have witnessed similar attacks in recent years, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and mass displacement. Security analysts stress that addressing the root causes of these conflicts—including land tenure disputes, lack of designated grazing corridors, and weak local security networks—is critical to preventing such attacks near urban and rural settlements.

Suspected Herdsmen Kill Several, Burn Homes in Aso A Community Near Abuja

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Gunmen Kidnap Two Pregnant Women, Three Others in Sokoto Village

Published

1 hour ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Sokoto State Police Spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai

Gunmen Kidnap Two Pregnant Women, Three Others in Sokoto Village

Sokoto, Nigeria — Armed bandits have abducted five people, including two heavily pregnant women, during a violent attack on Maiwa Village in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, said the attackers arrived on seven motorcycles around 5 p.m., firing shots into the air to intimidate villagers. Many residents had gathered at the mosque when the bandits struck.

“They came and met us at the mosque, and before they shot in the air, I ran toward the police post,” the source said. “But the police fled when two bandits pursued me on motorcycles. After I escaped, the attackers went into homes and abducted the victims.”

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The kidnapped victims have been identified as Sadiya Umar, Firdausi Umar, Maryam Musa, Ubaida Musa, and Harira Nura. Both Sadiya and Ubaida are reportedly heavily pregnant and due to deliver soon.

In addition to the kidnappings, the bandits rustled 12 cows from the village but later returned them. Following the attack, several residents fled to neighboring Niger Republic in fear but returned on Sunday morning.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Sokoto State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as the state spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, did not respond to calls or messages.

This attack underscores the persistent insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, where rural communities often face raids, abductions, and displacement due to bandit activity.

Gunmen Kidnap Two Pregnant Women, Three Others in Sokoto Village

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Debate as OPM Pastor Marries Autistic Man to Older Woman

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Debate as OPM Pastor Marries Autistic Man to Older Woman

The founder of Omega Power Ministries, Chibuzor Chinyere, has officiated the marriage of a young man living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to an older single woman, a development that has sparked widespread debate over consent, disability rights, and ethics in Nigeria.

The wedding, held on Sunday, March 29, followed days of intense backlash after the cleric made a viral appeal seeking a wife for the man, identified as Aboy Chibuzor.

According to the pastor, the groom—who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder—was abandoned as a child at the church gate and has remained under his care. He explained that the man is non-verbal and dependent on assistance for daily activities, including feeding, bathing, and routine care, while his biological family remains unknown. Chinyere said the marriage was arranged to provide the man with companionship and long-term support, insisting that the intention was to improve his quality of life.

As part of the union, the pastor announced a series of financial and welfare packages for the couple, including a ₦10 million wedding gift, a house accommodation, and an overseas vacation, alongside a pledge of ₦20 million after 10 years. He also revealed that members of the church contributed additional financial support, further boosting the couple’s welfare.

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The marriage comes after significant criticism from members of the public who described the initial proposal as demeaning to women and ethically questionable. In response, the cleric issued an apology, stating he “can never degrade any woman,” while maintaining that his actions were driven by compassion and responsibility for the man under his care.

Following the wedding, the pastor expressed optimism, noting what he described as early progress in the groom’s condition, including the ability to feed himself independently. He also expressed faith that the man could eventually speak, attributing the changes to divine intervention.

Despite the pastor’s assurances, the development has continued to raise serious concerns among observers and experts, particularly around the capacity for informed consent, the power dynamics between caregiver and dependent, and the absence of independent medical or legal evaluation. Critics argue that while individuals with autism have the right to relationships, proper safeguards must be in place to prevent exploitation.

The incident has reignited national conversations about marriage rights for persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for clearer legal frameworks that balance autonomy with protection. As discussions continue, many stakeholders are calling for stronger oversight and guidelines to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not placed at risk under the guise of care or support.

Debate as OPM Pastor Marries Autistic Man to Older Woman

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Jos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang

Jos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault

The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North following a deadly terror attack in Jos that claimed several lives and left many others injured.

The curfew, which began at midnight on March 29 and will run until April 1, was announced by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, as part of urgent steps to contain the situation and restore order.

The decision comes after suspected terrorists launched a coordinated assault on Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, an area within Jos, on Sunday evening.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, riding on motorcycles, stormed the area at about 7:30 pm, opening fire indiscriminately on residents who were going about their normal activities. The sudden gunfire caused panic, forcing many to flee, while others were caught in the violence.

Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, multiple residents were reportedly killed, with several others sustaining injuries. Homes and properties were also affected in the attack.

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Describing the incident as a “barbaric and unprovoked attack,” the Plateau State Government said the curfew in Jos North is necessary to prevent further violence, enable security agencies to regain control, and protect lives and property.

Under the directive, residents are required to stay indoors throughout the curfew period, except for essential services operating under strict security supervision.

Security has since been reinforced across the area, with the Nigeria Police Force, military, and other agencies deploying additional personnel. Authorities have launched intelligence operations, stop-and-search checks, and patrols to track down those responsible for the attack.

The government has urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security operatives, and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

Officials also extended condolences to families of victims, assuring that efforts are underway to ensure justice is served.

The latest incident underscores growing concerns over security in Plateau State, as communities continue to grapple with recurring violence. Analysts say sustained security presence and improved intelligence gathering will be key to preventing further attacks.