Bandits Attack Omi-Ara Community in Kogi, Abduct Several Residents

Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted an undisclosed number of residents following a violent attack on Omi-Ara community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, threw the community into panic, as residents said the exact number and identities of those abducted were yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

According to locals, security agencies have been alerted to the incident, but the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Repeated attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya, were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and text messages were not responded to.

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The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in the Yagba axis, which has emerged as a kidnapping hotspot in recent months. Between August and November, armed attackers reportedly invaded two churches—a Cherubim and Seraphim Church and an ECWA Church—during which a pastor and his wife were abducted.

In another related incident, suspected bandits attacked Odo-Ere community, also in Yagba West LGA, on Sunday night, abducting at least four residents.

Residents have continued to call on the government and security agencies to step up efforts to curb the rising wave of banditry and kidnappings in the area.

Bandits Attack Omi-Ara Community in Kogi, Abduct Several Residents

Banks to Charge N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 2026

Following the implementation of the Tax Act, commercial banks in Nigeria will begin charging senders a N50 stamp duty on electronic transfers of N10,000 and above starting from January 1, 2026.

The charge, officially known as the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), is a one-off N50 fee imposed on electronic receipts or transfers of funds deposited in any commercial bank or financial institution, across all account types, where the transaction value is N10,000 or more.

In a customer notification issued on Tuesday, United Bank for Africa (UBA) informed customers that the N50 EMTL will henceforth be referred to as stamp duty across all financial institutions.

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“Please note the following: Stamp Duty applies to transactions of N10,000 and above, or the equivalent in other currencies,” the bank stated in the email. UBA clarified that salary payments and intra-bank self-transfers remain exempt from stamp duty.

The bank also noted a key change in responsibility for the charge, explaining that the sender will now bear the stamp duty cost, unlike previously when the fee was deducted from the beneficiary or receiver of the funds.

UBA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, assuring customers that it will continue to provide timely updates on changes that may affect their banking transactions.

It will be recalled that on September 7, 2024, Nigerian financial technology (fintech) firms announced plans to introduce the N50 stamp duty fee on electronic transfers of N10,000 and above, in line with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regulations. The fintech companies explained that the levy applies to electronic transfers into both personal and business accounts nationwide.

Banks to Charge N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 2026

HURIWA Honours NDLEA Boss Marwa as Man of the Year 2025

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has named the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), as its Man of the Year 2025, in recognition of his transformative leadership in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association said its analysts unanimously agreed that Marwa’s stewardship of the NDLEA represents an exceptional blend of measurable impact, integrity, and innovative law enforcement strategy, setting a new standard for public service leadership in Nigeria.

According to the statement, since Marwa assumed office in January 2021, the NDLEA has recorded historic operational achievements, including over 73,000 arrests of drug traffickers and dealers, more than 12,000 convictions, and the seizure of over 15 million kilograms of illicit drugs nationwide—figures said to exceed the cumulative performance of several previous administrations.

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HURIWA noted that beyond enforcement, Marwa has strengthened drug demand-reduction programmes, leading nationwide public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and community-based interventions that have reached millions of Nigerians. The association said his leadership reflects a holistic approach to drug control, combining strict enforcement with education, prevention, counselling, and community engagement to ensure long-term impact.

The group further praised Marwa’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that his tenure has remained free from corruption scandals, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the agency. HURIWA described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to reappoint Marwa for a second five-year term as a clear endorsement of his performance and dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s youth and communities.

By conferring the Man of the Year 2025 honour, HURIWA said Marwa has played a pivotal role in restoring credibility to the NDLEA, transforming it into one of Nigeria’s most respected and results-driven security agencies. The association added that his leadership exemplifies the discipline, innovation, and ethical standards required to confront complex national challenges.

HURIWA congratulated Brig-Gen. Marwa on the recognition and called for sustained public and institutional support to strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing fight against illicit drugs and related social vices.

HURIWA Honours NDLEA Boss Marwa as Man of the Year 2025