metro
Ikirun mayhem: How victim was killed, by eyewitness
A resident of Ikirun, Gboyega Adebayo, has narrated how one Lukman Olatunji, who reportedly lost his life during a melee at the entrance to Akinrun of Ikirun’s palace on Wednesday was shot dead.
Olatunji was reportedly shot dead by some police operatives at the entrance to the palace, sparking rage from the residents of the community.
PUNCH Metro gathered that while policemen were making efforts to unlock the palace, some suspected arsonists, set a building within the premises on fire.
The palace had been under lock since the new Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Akadiri, was installed monarch, thus preventing the royal father from accessing it.
It was also learnt that men of Osun State Fire Service that were called by the police to put out the fire were attacked with charms with three of them sustaining injuries and having to be treated at a hospital.
The mob, it was also learnt damaged and vandalised the fire truck taken to the area by the firemen, who reportedly fled the scene after they were attacked.
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Giving a further account of how the incident happened, Adebayo said he was on his way to Oja Oba, a neighbourhood market, located directly opposite Akinrun’s palace when he heard sporadic gunshots from police operatives as they were alighting from two vehicles.
He further said the police operatives had come to the entrance of the palace to unlock it.
According to him, the policemen who were shooting into the air caused panic, as many people near the palace had to run for cover, adding that it was in the process of running to safety that Olatunji was hit by a bullet in the head.
He further said, “I was on my way to the Oja-Oba area to buy a herbal product. Then 4 policemen were seen walking towards the palace. A few minutes after, two vehicles conveying more policemen arrived the scene.
“They started firing teargas and gunshots into the air around the palace gate. Everyone near the premises ran in different directions to avoid being shot. It was a bullet from their gun that hit a man called Omoola in the head. He died on the spot.
“The policemen then brought a welder to help them open the locked gate of the palace. They (police) were shooting to scare people away. Bullet also hit about 4 other people. Those ones are not dead yet but Omoola died immediately after he was shot by the police.”
But Tajudeen Gboleru, an elder brother of the deceased, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on phone, said his brother was shot dead when some security men, were attempting to enter Akinrun’s palace.
Speaking further on the circumstances surrounding the incident, Gboleru said “a person trying to enter the palace had come to the area with a lot of policemen and soldiers. One of the security men must have fired the shot that hit him.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Osun State Fire service, Ibrahim Adekunle, confirmed that three men from the team who went to the scene of the Ikirun palace fire were injured.
He also said a fire truck taken to the area was abandoned after a mob attack.
“They attacked our men. Three of them are still in hospital beds receiving treatment. Our fire truck was also vandalised. Our men had to abandon it and run to safety after they were attacked. It was the police that invited us to put out the fire and the mob attacked us,” Adekunle concluded.
Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, when asked for a reaction, said a statement would be issued on the incident.
metro
Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming an ongoing terror attack in Abuja, describing the content as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to incite panic within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said there is no record of any such attack in Abuja, stressing that the claims in the video are completely fabricated and malicious.
The Force explained that preliminary investigations showed the video was constructed using unrelated footage sourced from online platforms and edited to create a false impression of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
According to the police, the aim of the content was to spread fear, disrupt public order, and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.
The statement emphasized that the circulation of such material amounts to misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, which can trigger unnecessary panic and threaten public safety.
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The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and distribution of the viral video.
Authorities said the arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic analysis that traced the origin and spread of the false content to the suspect.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of false information capable of endangering public peace and national security.
It urged members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing and to rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates.
The Force further warned that individuals or groups involved in spreading false security alerts online will be tracked and prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.
Police authorities assured residents that Abuja remains calm and under tight security surveillance, with routine patrols and intelligence operations ongoing across the city.
They added that the security agencies are fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing any attempt to create fear or confusion through digital platforms.
The development comes amid growing concern over the spread of unverified security alerts in Nigeria, which authorities say can cause unnecessary tension and disrupt daily life.
Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
metro
Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
At least eight people have been killed in a fresh gunmen attack in Plateau State after armed attackers invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area during a late-night raid.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday around 11pm in Plateau State, saw gunmen storm the community and open fire on residents, leaving several others injured and many still missing.
Victims were largely members of the same family, with the deceased identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance.
“There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning,” he said.
Mallai added that the attackers moved freely during the operation, firing indiscriminately at residents and escaping before security forces arrived.
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He also alleged a delayed response from security operatives, claiming that residents were left vulnerable despite the proximity of security formations in the area.
According to him, “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”
The development has sparked anger among residents, with reports that some community members were considering protests over what they described as repeated failures to protect rural settlements.
Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as devastating and targeted.
“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. Eight people are confirmed dead, some injured, others still missing,” he said.
Three additional victims were reported injured and are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Plateau State were unsuccessful, while military officials attached to the Joint Task Force said they would provide updates later.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State’s Bokkos and surrounding LGAs, where rural communities have repeatedly come under assault by armed groups.
In recent weeks, neighbouring areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have also recorded deadly attacks, further heightening fears across the state.
Community groups have continued to accuse attackers of targeting farming settlements and rural roads, while calling for stronger security presence and improved surveillance across vulnerable corridors.
Security analysts warn that the recurring violence reflects a deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities face frequent night raids, ambushes, and displacement.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments are expected in the affected area to prevent further escalation.
Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
metro
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.
The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.
“I received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” AbdulRazaq said.
According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.
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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.
Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.
To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.
The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.
The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.
Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.
The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
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