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Again, Bandits Strike Sabon Birni in Sokoto, Abduct 27 -Resident burnt alive,

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2021

Trends Admin

– Many Policemen missing -Military operations in Zamfara successful, Commissioner insists

-We’ve over 200 members with 150 AK-47 rifles, arrested kidnapper confesses

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto, John Shiklam in Kaduna and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

It was another sad day for the people and residents of Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State as suspected armed bandits again attack the local government with no fewer than 27 people abducted from Gatawa, a community in the local government area.

This is just as in Zamfara, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ibrahim Dosara, yesterday insisted that the ongoing military operations against bandits and other criminals has recorded huge success, disclosing that the fleeing bandits whose source of food supply had been cut off, have resorted to eating raw food.

In a related development, a suspected kidnap kingpin who was arrested by the Katsina State Police Command, Surajo Mamman, alias Kutika, has confessed that he belongs to a kidnapping syndicate that has over 200 members with 150 AK-47 rifles.

In Gatawa community in Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State, a source who spoke with THISDAY confirmed that in the latest attack where no fewer than 27 persons were abducted, a resident of the town was said to have been burnt alive while many policemen have been unaccounted for after the attack which occurred on Wednesday.

It was in same Sabon Birnin that bandits had gunned down at least 17 security personnel earlier in the week.

A member of the State House of Assembly who represents Sabon Birni East Constituency, Sa’idu Ibrahim, who confirmed the development said the bandits now target security formations in the area.

“They are now looking for where security operatives are stationed because their morale was boosted by their recent attack on a military formation at Dama, where many soldiers, policemen and Civil Defence officers were killed.

“So they are now attacking places where they know military, police or other para-military camp.

“They shot two persons, including a woman and burnt three others who hid in a grain store. One of them died instantly while the other two are receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said.

According to the lawmaker, they invaded Gatawa because of the presence of “Operation Puff Ader” camp in the area.

“As I am talking to you now, many policemen are still missing. We don’t know whether they were abducted or ran away,” he said.

Meanwhile, all efforts to get the reaction of Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command was not successful as at the time of filing this report. But when contacted by THISDAY, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Sanusi Abubakar, said he was in a meeting and promised to get back.

Military Operations in Zamfara Successful

Also, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ibrahim Dosara, yesterday said the ongoing military operations against bandits in the state has recorded huge success.

Briefing journalists in Kaduna, Dosara also disclosed that over 2000 informants to the bandits had been arrested and were providing useful information about their operations and those involved.

According to him, the fleeing bandits have been going around farms, eating raw millet and okro as they have been cut off from those supplying foodstuffs to them.

Dosara said the military operations have recorded huge success as many of the bandits have fled the state while many others were neutralised by security forces.

He said the state government was considering restoring telecom services to Gusau, the state capital within the week.

“I am happy to announce to you that after a month of the military operations and imposing appropriate measures, we have greatly succeeded in so many respects.

“The bandits have fled Zamfara state for fear of being killed by security operatives. So many bandits fled Zamfara state to where they feel safe,” the Commissioner said.

“Just yesterday, the Sokoto state commissioner for security said 80 per cent of the bandits have relocated to Sokoto and the Sokoto state government is trying its best to push them out or neutralised them.

“According to him only 20 per cent of the bandits are in Zamfara and Katsina state and I am sure the Sokoto state government will not relent in efforts to make sure that the bandits are pushed out of their state,” Dosara said.

According to him the military operations was successful due to the cooperation of the Zamfara people who embraced the measures put in place to ensure lasting solutions to banditry.

He said, “The people cooperated with us and prayed for government and security to succeed. Government provided relief materials to the people following the hardship caused by the measures adopted to crush the bandits.

“Rice, maize, beans and guinea corn was provided by to cushion the hardship faced by people during the period,” he said.

According to him, “Over 2000 informants who are the most serious problems of banditry in Zamfara state have been arrested and are providing vital information regarding their operations, the way they collaborate with the bandits and those involved in armed banditry, including highly placed personalities and they are making a lot of vital information available.”

Dosara said the state government also set up a situation room and constituted a committee where information, complaints and other vital data were being collected, “so that government will respond positively and as quickly as possible to such complaints, especially to where such communities are being attack by bandits or where the bandits are hiding.”

He added: “So many of the bandits have been forced to take raw food in farms such as millets and okro to survive because they have been cut off from the supplies they use to get from their collaborators in town in terms of drugs, food etc.

“Because of the hardship being faced by the bandits as a results of the stiffer measures taken by government the bandits have resorted to using camels to perpetrate their heinous acts against communities.

“In a nutshell so many successes have been recorded and government is very happy about this and as a result government is considering opening up Gusau the state capital by restoring telecom services before the end of this week.”

The commissioner accused some politicians, who according to him, were not happy with the security measures and, “who do not wish Zamfara people well because they think that if Zamfara state is peaceful, they will not have the opportunity to rule the state and they decided to sponsor some sections of the media, particularly the social media to write fake news and inciting reports against the operations and against the military.”

We’ve over 200 Members with 150 AK-47 Rifles, Arrested Kidnapper Confesses

Meanwhile, a suspected kidnap kingpin arrested by the Katsina State Police Command, Surajo Mamman alias Kutika, has confessed that he belongs to a kidnapping syndicate with over 200 members with 150 AK-47 rifles.

The 50-year-old Mamman, who claimed he had lost count of the number of innocent farmers and business tycoons he had killed and kidnapped for ransom in Danmusa, Safana, Dutsin-ma and Batsari local government areas of the state, said he was into kidnapping to earn a living.

He told journalists in an interview at the state Police headquarters that he was an assistant commander of another suspected kidnap kingpin, Sani Muhidinge, who is on the wanted list of police in the state.

He said: “I belong to a kidnapping gang under the leadership of Sani Muhidinge. We have over 200 members with at least 150 AK-47 rifles. I have lost count of the number of people we had killed and kidnapped for ransom but I am seeking Allah’s forgiveness.”

Parading the suspect alongside other suspected kidnappers, bandits and their informants, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, explained that efforts were on to nab Mamman’s accomplices, including the gang commander (Muhidinge).

Isah, a superintendent of police, said: “On the September 16, 2021 at about 1300hrs, the Command succeeded in arresting one Surajo Mamman alias ‘KUTIKA’, aged 50yrs of Tulun Busawa village, a notorious kidnapper terrorizing the state.

“In the course of investigation, suspect confessed to be under the command of one Sani Muhidinge, a notorious, recalcitrant and unrepentant bandit leader hibernating in Rugu forest.

“He further confessed to have participated in so many attacks, kidnapping and cattle rustling in villages at Dan Musa, Safana, Dutsinma and Batsari LGA of the state. He confessed that he cannot remember the number of persons he killed or kidnapped. Investigation is ongoing.”

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Abeokuta shuts down as dignitaries gather for wedding of Yemi Kolapo’s daughter

Published

6 months ago

September 1, 2025

Trends Admin

Abeokuta shuts down as dignitaries gather for wedding of Yemi Kolapo’s daughter

Obasanjo, Emir Sanusi, Top Generals, Politicians, Media Icons, Nollywood Stars Grace Grand Celebration

The ancient city of Abeokuta stood still on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as a constellation of Nigeria’s most influential figures converged for the Nikkah (wedding) of Faizah Omoteniola Kolapo, daughter of Dr. Yemi Kolapo, Publisher of The Point Newspaper and Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, and AbdulHakeem Jimoh, son of retired military officer, Brig. Gen. Olanrewaju Jimoh.

A celebration of love and legacy

The beautifully adorned marquee of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library served as the venue for the grand affair. The event attracted guests from across the country and beyond, paying tribute to the philanthropic legacies of both families, according to a report by Freedomonline.

Dr. Kolapo, who is also President of the Media Transformation and Empowerment Foundation and Ameerah General of Ogun State, received high praise for her impact in media and religious spheres.

The groom’s father, Brig. Gen. Jimoh (rtd), was equally celebrated for his years of service and contributions to the society.

Sanusi, Obasanjo, Amosun lead distinguished guests

Among the most prominent guests was His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Despite last-minute travel changes due to the burial of the Emir of Zuru, Sanusi ensured his presence, describing it as a personal duty to honour Dr. Kolapo.

Other notable figures in attendance are:

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State
Aremo Olusegun Osoba, veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor
Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom
Ambassador Sarafa Isola, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK
Capt. Raji Rasheed (rtd), former Military Administrator of Sokoto State and Baba Adinni of Egbaland
Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, businessman and political associate of Obasanjo

Governors, senators and political stalwarts present

Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, who lost his father just two days prior, was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, alongside a team of special advisers.

Other political dignitaries included:

Senator Shuaib Salisu (Ogun Central)
Senator Lekan Mustapha, Aare Musulumi of Ogun State
Senator Adesoji Akanbi, Okanlomo of Ibadaland
Hon. Ladi Adebutu, PDP chieftain
Hon. Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative
Alhaja Salmot Badru, former Ogun Deputy Governor
Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, two-term Speaker, Ogun Assembly
Prof. Anthony Kila, Pro-Chancellor, Michael & Cecilia Ibru University
Chief Ralphs Nwosu, Founding Chairman, African Democratic Congress

Strong media presence

The Nigerian media industry showed up in full force. Attendees included:

Mr. Ademola Osinubi and Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, former and current MDs of Punch Newspapers
Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, ex-Provost, NIJ
Chief Raheem Adedoyin, Secretary-General, International Press Institute
Mrs. Funke Egbemode, ex-Osun Information Commissioner and past NGE President
Mr. Mustapha Isah, former NGE President
Mr. Femi Adesina, ex-presidential spokesman
Dr. Reuben Abati, media personality and former presidential aide
Mr. Tunde Rahman, SSA on Media to President Tinubu
Mr. Eze Anaba, current NGE President
Chief Chris Isiguzo, NUJ leader
Dr. Kabir Garba, NGE Vice President
Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Saturday Tribune Editor

Corporate communications heads from top banks and firms also attended, including:

Nasir Ramon (UBA)
Kunle Aderinokun (Access Bank)
Tajudeen Ahmed (BUA Industries)

Clerics and Islamic scholars deliver powerful messages

The spiritual aspect of the Nikkah was led by top Islamic scholars, including:

Sheikh Saadallah Bamgbola, Chief Imam of Egbaland
Sheikh AbdulQuadr Junaid, Chief Imam of Remoland

Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura and wedding lecturer

Sheikh Sulaimon Farouk Onikijipa, Grand Mufti of Ilorin
Sheikh Sulaiman AbdulAzeez, Imam Gambary of Ilorin

Prof. Balogun emphasized loyalty, patience, and mutual support in his sermon. The Emir of Kano also offered heartfelt advice: “In everything you do in marriage, ask yourself — is this something you would do to someone you truly love?”

Military brass and public service titans in attendance

Serving and retired top brass of the military added weight to the guest list. These included:

Maj. Gen. RO Yusuff (rtd)
Maj. Gen. JB Olawumi (rtd)
Maj. Gen. Oyefesobi (rtd)
Maj. Gen. Ajetunmobi, Maj. Gen. Ogunlade, AVM Demola Durotoye (rtd)
Maj. Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, GOC 81 Division Lagos
Rear Admirals Imam and Olanrewaju
Brig. Gen. GU Nwamba, Commander, 35 Arty Brigade, Alamala
Maj. Gen. BO Sawyerr, among others

Star Power: Nollywood graces the occasion

The wedding also sparkled with the presence of Nollywood royalty:

Chief Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello)
Fathia Balogun, Bimbo Akintola, Toyin Abraham and husband
Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje)
Doyin Kukoyi, media influencer Queen Zara Onyinye, and others

Emotional moments and speeches

The groom’s father, Brig. Gen. Jimoh (rtd), expressed deep gratitude to God and to all guests.

Dr. Yemi Kolapo said with pride: “I feel super proud that I raised a lovely daughter. My message to them is to live in peace, shut out intruders, love each other, and grow together.”

Senator Amosun described the union as “blissful” and prayed for future generations to celebrate similarly joyous occasions.

Reception Chairman, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Ishola, delivered a thought-provoking speech, likening marriage to a journey from “the ocean of fantasy to the ocean of reality.” He stressed mutual respect, responsibility, and non-violence in marital life.

A musical finish by K1 De Ultimate

The reception climaxed with a thrilling performance by Fuji legend Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), who kept the crowd entertained with his evergreen hits.

The wedding of Faizah and AbdulHakeem was more than a ceremony—it was a convergence of tradition, prominence, and goodwill, reflecting the strong reputations of both families. Abeokuta may not witness such a high-powered gathering again soon, but the memories of August 23, 2025, will live on.

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Israel steps up bombardment of Gaza City killing 16 people

Published

6 months ago

August 29, 2025

Trends Admin

Israel steps up bombardment of Gaza City killing 16 people

CAIRO: Israeli forces killed at least 16 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday and wounded dozens in the south of the enclave, local health officials said, as residents reported intensified military bombardment in the suburbs of Gaza City.

The military is preparing to take Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center, despite international calls on Israel to reconsider this over fears that the operation would cause significant casualties and displace the roughly one million Palestinians sheltering there.

In Gaza City, residents said families were fleeing their homes, with most heading toward the coast, as Israel forces bombarded the eastern suburbs of Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra. Thursday’s deaths took to 71 the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.

Israel officials describe Gaza City as the last stronghold of Hamas, which ignited the war with its deadly October 2023 attack on Israel. The Islamist militant group has since been decimated by Israel’s assault on Gaza.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it was continuing to operate throughout Gaza targeting what it described as “terrorist organizations” and infrastructure.

Israel steps up bombardment of Gaza City killing 16 people

ARAB NEWS

Sports

Arsenal record slim victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford

Published

6 months ago

August 18, 2025

Trends Admin

Arsenal record slim victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford

Arsenal on Sunday opened their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal after the Italian defender pounced on a huge mistake by United’s stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Manchester United fought hard to find their way back but they were unable to find the breakthrough.

The Gunners held on to grab the maximum points to begin their season on a victorious note.

Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, described the victory as a great result, praising the players for their hunger in the encounter.

He said, “A great result. In the first game of the season you come to Old Trafford. You sense the momentum that they’re trying to build with the ambition they have with the club.

“We have the hunger, desire and ability to win. I am really pleased with that.

“Last year we drew here and we probably played better.

“We came here away and won, which is a big result. We were clearly not at our best. We attacked the box and we reacted well to unusual mistakes. The team reacted time after time in an incredible way. Very proud of that because that is why we got the opportunity to win the game.

“We showed resilience and a will to win. They put you on the ropes here, you will have to have moments when you suffer. To find a way to win at this ground, I’m very happy with the team.

Arteta was delighted with the new signings’ impact after the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi made their debut for the club.

“They have made good impact on the team; they have a great attitude. Physically some of them are still not at the level we require for 95 minutes but we will get there.”

Similarly, Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, was proud of his team’s performance despite the defeat.

He said: “It was really hard because I think we showed that we were the better team today. We played better than Arsenal.

“A strange goal, but then we tried everything to score a goal. We have small things that will make a difference in the future. The defence felt like a different team and that is a good thing, but we need to win games.

“I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt.

“Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.

The Portuguese coach has called for improvement ahead of their next Premier League game against Fulham next Sunday.

Amorim said: “We deserved more and we were the better team, that is clear but in the end we lost.

“We need to work on the things we need to improve. We need to defend set pieces. We did a lot of things right. There are a lot of things without seeing the video that we need to work on. I am really proud of my players.”

Arsenal will return to Premier League action against Leeds United on Saturday while Manchester United will take on Fulham on Sunday.