Katsina Residents Repel Bandits as 10 Fleeing Civilians Killed

Residents of Gurbi community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State mounted a coordinated resistance against bandits, successfully preventing the attackers from gaining entry into the town, but not without casualties as at least 10 people were killed in the surrounding area.

Local sources said the assailants stormed the area in the evening, sparking panic among residents. However, villagers quickly mobilised in defence of their homes, forcing the bandits to retreat from Gurbi after failing to breach the community.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers redirected their violence toward fleeing civilians.

According to him, the bandits opened fire on residents attempting to escape, killing multiple people in nearby Nagodi village.

“As I speak to you now, there are more than 10 corpses in Nagodi area, which is a village in front of Gurbi. After they left, the dead bodies were transported back to Gurbi,” he said.

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Another source close to the palace of the community leader confirmed that the bandits were unable to infiltrate Gurbi due to the resistance mounted by locals, but noted that those who fled were exposed to deadly attacks.

The incident has further raised concerns over delayed response by security agencies. Residents claimed that authorities had been alerted ahead of the attack following intelligence reports but failed to act promptly.

“We had earlier alerted security operatives when we heard rumours of the attack, but they did not respond until after our people were killed. Only then did they arrive and begin evacuating the bodies,” the source added.

Security operatives were later deployed to the area to restore calm and assist in evacuation efforts, though officials are yet to release an official casualty figure or detailed statement on the incident.

The attack comes amid a renewed wave of banditry in Kankara, an area that has experienced repeated security breaches in recent weeks. Just days earlier, suspected bandits reportedly attacked Zangon Kankara, setting houses and a vehicle ablaze and abducting two residents.

Kankara has remained one of the flashpoints in Katsina State, with rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups involved in kidnappings, raids, and other violent crimes.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the office of the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, had issued an official statement.

The situation remains tense, with residents calling for improved security presence and faster response to intelligence warnings to prevent further loss of lives.

Katsina Residents Repel Bandits as 10 Fleeing Civilians Killed

NYSC Member Dies in Abuja Crossfire as Army Engages Robbers

The Nigerian Army has given a detailed account of how a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abdulsamad Jamiu, lost his life during a robbery incident in Dei-Dei, Abuja.

The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate, has drawn widespread public attention, especially on social media where initial reports alleged possible misconduct by soldiers. However, the Army has clarified that the death was the result of a crossfire during an anti-robbery operation.

In a statement issued by Lt. Olawuyi Odunola, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Guards Brigade, troops were said to have been on routine night patrol when they received a distress call about an ongoing armed robbery in Abuja.

According to the Army, the Quick Response Group swiftly mobilised to the scene but encountered armed robbers attempting to flee. The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the troops, leading to a brief but intense gun battle.

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During the exchange, Jamiu—who was within the vicinity—was hit by stray gunfire.

The Army stated that despite efforts to control the situation and protect civilians, the NYSC member sustained fatal injuries and later died.

Military authorities explained that preliminary findings indicate the situation was highly volatile, as soldiers were simultaneously trying to repel the attackers and safeguard residents of the estate.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at Kubwa General Hospital, while the Army has launched a full investigation into the Abuja shooting incident to establish all circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Guards Brigade expressed deep regret over the loss and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the NYSC, and the general public.

It also reassured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, urging citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

This incident has further highlighted concerns about civilian safety during security operations and the growing threat of robbery attacks in Abuja suburbs, particularly in developing areas such as Dei-Dei.

NYSC Member Dies in Abuja Crossfire as Army Engages Robbers

Kukah Rejects Hausa Identity Label, Says He Is From Kaduna, Not Hausa

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, Matthew Kukah, has urged Nigerians to stop referring to him as a Hausa man, clarifying that his ethnic identity is often misunderstood.

Kukah made the clarification on Saturday during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, where he was formally installed as Chancellor.

The cleric said that while he is a Nigerian and resides in northern Nigeria, he is not of Hausa origin, noting that repeated misidentification has followed him across different parts of the country.

“I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person,” he said.

Kukah’s remarks come amid broader national conversations around ethnic identity, stereotyping, and national unity, particularly in a country with over 250 ethnic groups where identity is often mistakenly tied to geography or residence.

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He urged graduating students at the ceremony to prioritise good character, discipline, and responsibility in their relationships with their families, institution, and society at large.

The bishop, known for his advocacy on governance, democracy, and interfaith harmony, also commended the Anambra State Government for its investment in education, noting that the state continues to rank strongly in academic development.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for appointing him as Chancellor of the institution, describing it as a role he intends to use to strengthen the university’s academic standards and vision.

Governor Soludo, who attended the convocation as Visitor to the university, described the ceremony as a celebration of academic excellence and national development.

He highlighted the importance of universities in producing skilled graduates capable of solving real-world problems, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

Soludo also announced several incentives for outstanding students, including a ₦4 million cash award to the overall best graduating student, Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who finished with a CGPA of 4.85.

In addition, the governor awarded scholarships to 37 first-class graduates to support postgraduate studies in any public university of their choice.

The event marked a major academic milestone for COOU, with stakeholders emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between government and higher institutions to improve educational outcomes in Nigeria.

Kukah Rejects Hausa Identity Label, Says He Is From Kaduna, Not Hausa