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Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

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Kwara OPC Leader Abducted During N30m Ransom Delivery Mission
Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

Suspected bandits launched a coordinated assault on Yashikira community in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting at least 10 persons including multiple wives and children of the traditional ruler in an attack that has heightened tensions across the state’s northern region.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that suspected armed bandits launched a coordinated midnight attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, burning part of the Emir’s palace and abducting 10 people, including wives and children of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Umar Seriki.

The command said the attackers struck at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, in a simultaneous assault on the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace, describing it as a “coordinated and desperate operation.” According to reports, about 15 suspected bandits were involved in the invasion, which occurred just days before the Eid el-Kabir celebrations.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the attack resulted in the abduction of 10 persons, while security operatives successfully repelled the assault on the police station. The police noted that the swift response of the officers prevented the bandits from overrunning the police facility.

The Kwara State Police Command condemned what it called “the cowardly and audacious attack,” stating that the armed criminals, in a “coordinated and desperate assault,” simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The statement added that during the attack, part of the palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

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Following the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, immediately ordered a full-scale, intelligence-driven tactical operation involving the military, police, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders to comb the surrounding forests and criminal hideouts with the sole objective of rescuing the victims unhurt and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The command stated that it remains battle-ready and fully determined to confront these “enemies of peace” with every lawful operational asset and strategy at its disposal. The police vowed: “These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens, and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly. We will deploy everything within our operational capacity to smoke them out of hiding, dismantle their networks, rescue all abducted victims, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

However, earlier accounts from residents painted a more harrowing picture of the attack. Sources said the attackers stormed the community between about 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., firing sporadically before advancing on the palace and surrounding areas. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and moved directly to the palace complex, overpowering local vigilantes and operating for hours while terrified villagers fled into nearby bushes for safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said three wives and four children of the traditional ruler were among those abducted during the invasion. “I just finished communicating with my father right now. In his report, he said three of the wives of the Emir and four children were abducted, including some resident members of the community,” the resident said.

Another witness, Tukur Ahmed, corroborated this account, stating: “They came on motorcycles and went straight to the palace. They were shooting into the air and broke into the inner quarters where the Emir’s wives and children were. They took three of the wives and four children, alongside some other residents, before setting the cars on fire and leaving the town.”

Sources also confirmed that several vehicles belonging to the palace were set ablaze during the raid, causing extensive property damage estimated in millions of naira. It was further gathered that the Emir was not present in the palace at the time of the attack and escaped unharmed.

A senior police officer at the Baruten Divisional Police Headquarters located at Kosubosu, who sought anonymity, confirmed the development, stating that security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers. “We have sent signal to the state police headquarters in Ilorin and we have commenced manhunt of the suspected bandits,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced bush-combing and surveillance operations across the area as part of ongoing efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers. The police command has assured residents of Yashikira and other parts of Kaiama Local Government Area that security operations have been intensified across vulnerable communities, with surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aggressive bush-combing operations ongoing.

This attack came barely 48 hours after another deadly incident in Kwara State. On Saturday night, armed men invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil. These two attacks, happening within days of each other, have raised significant concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of North Central Nigeria.

Kwara North has in recent months witnessed a significant escalation in banditry, with repeated attacks on rural communities, highways, and traditional institutions across Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. In February 2026, youths from Kwara North staged a protest demanding an end to incessant killings and bandit attacks ravaging communities in the region. The protesters alleged that recent attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area claimed between 162 and 200 lives within two days.

More recently, in April 2026, armed bandits attacked the Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing five forest guards. The bandits, who reportedly stormed the community in large numbers at about 3:00 am, also destroyed property worth millions of naira, including setting motorcycles belonging to forest guards ablaze and burning patrol vehicles operated by mobile police.

Residents have repeatedly blamed the recurring attacks on the porous border routes around Baruten Local Government Area, alleging that armed groups frequently infiltrate communities using the difficult terrain and proximity to inter-state routes. Some residents have also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings over increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.

The police command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, adding that useful information from members of the public would assist security agencies in rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attack. CP Adekimi vowed that the command would not bow to threats, intimidation, or acts of terror orchestrated by bandits and criminal elements operating within any part of the state.

 

Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

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2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council

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August 24, 2026

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2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council

2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council

Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the economic hardship facing Nigerians and make empathy, grassroots engagement and meaningful relief central to the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kawu, who is also the APC senatorial candidate for Kano South, said the ruling party must reconnect with Nigerians at the grassroots, strengthen its internal structures and unite all stakeholders if it hopes to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

The senator made the call in a goodwill message to former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, following the constitution of the party’s campaign structure.

He said the APC’s campaign strategy must be built around responsiveness, effective communication, electoral integrity and a genuine understanding of the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.

Kawu said the party could not afford to ignore the economic realities facing households as it seeks to persuade voters to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“We must approach our citizens with deep empathy, active listening, and genuine sensitivity to the economic hardships and socio-economic challenges currently affecting everyday families,” he said.

According to him, the campaign must convince Nigerians that the APC-led administration understands their struggles and is committed to providing meaningful relief.

“Our campaign must demonstrate that we truly feel their pain, understand their daily struggles, and are sincerely committed to delivering meaningful reliefs,” the senator added.

Kawu warned that a growing disconnect between political leaders and citizens could create misconceptions and misunderstandings capable of undermining confidence in both the President and the ruling party.

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“A disconnect between leadership and the electorate creates misperceptions and misunderstandings that ultimately undermine both the President and the party,” he said.

He therefore urged the APC campaign council to prioritise sustained engagement with constituents and communities across the country, particularly at the grassroots where voters directly experience the impact of government policies.

The senator’s comments come as political parties intensify their mobilisation following the commencement of the official campaign period for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Kawu also urged the APC campaign team to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that respect for electoral laws would be critical to maintaining the legitimacy of the election and public confidence in the democratic process.

“Our campaign activities must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution, ensuring our efforts are rooted in legitimacy and public trust,” he said.

He further called on campaign officials to clearly communicate the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, saying Nigerians should be adequately informed about the government’s agenda and achievements.

“We must leverage our collective expertise to clearly convey the President’s key policies, programmes, and strategic vision so the public fully recognises his commitment to national progress,” Kawu said.

The senator’s call comes amid intense public debate over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.

While the administration has maintained that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and create the foundation for sustainable growth, Nigerians have continued to grapple with high living costs, food prices, transportation expenses and pressure on household incomes.

Kawu’s appeal suggests that the economic hardship facing Nigerians will remain an important issue for the APC as it campaigns for another term for Tinubu.

The Kano senator also identified party unity as a critical factor in the APC’s chances at the polls, urging party leaders and members to resolve internal disagreements and work together ahead of the elections.

“Victory depends on complete solidarity. We must heal internal rifts, set aside differences, and ensure that all key stakeholders, party leaders, and members at every level are fully carried along as equal partners in this mission,” he said.

Kawu said the APC must confront its strategic weaknesses, strengthen its grassroots structures and ensure that party leaders, elected officials, candidates and members operate towards a common objective.

He stressed the importance of the assignment, noting that he would be contesting for the Kano South senatorial seat on the same ballot as President Tinubu.

“As an APC senatorial candidate running on the same ballot and alongside the President, representing the 16 local government areas of Kano South, I recognise the magnitude of the task before us,” he said.

The senator’s comments came shortly after the APC unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, with Yari appointed Director-General to coordinate the ruling party’s campaign machinery.

Yari has expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to retain the presidency in 2027 and pledged that the party would fulfil promises made to Nigerians during the campaign.

For Kawu, however, electoral victory will require more than campaign structures, political mobilisation and promises.

He said the APC must demonstrate that it understands the everyday realities of Nigerians, communicate the administration’s policies effectively, remain within the law and rebuild stronger connections with voters at the grassroots.

With the 2027 election campaign now underway, the senator’s message places economic hardship, grassroots engagement, party unity and electoral integrity among the issues the APC will have to address as it seeks to convince Nigerians to renew its mandate.

2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council

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Kogi Amala Tragedy: Widow Loses Husband, Two Children as Death Toll Rises to Seven

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August 24, 2026

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Kogi Amala Tragedy: Widow Loses Husband, Two Children as Death Toll Rises to Seven

Mama Rahama narrowly escaped death after losing husband, two children to suspected food poisoning as four more children die in Ikoyi community

A devastating tragedy has struck communities in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where seven people have reportedly died after consuming meals prepared from cassava flour in two separate incidents within less than two weeks. A widow, Mama Rahama, has recounted her harrowing experience of losing her husband and two children to suspected food poisoning after they ate amala, a local delicacy made from cassava flour.

The first incident occurred in Ohuepe community on August 14, 2026, when Mama Rahama’s husband, Rahama, and two of her children, Rabiyat and Samad, died within hours of each other at Ado Ozuka Hospital in Ogaminana. The victims had consumed the amala for dinner two days prior and began experiencing severe weakness, vomiting, and stomach pains before their conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Speaking from her home in Ohuepe, Mama Rahama recounted how she narrowly escaped death because she ate only a small quantity of the meal. She had just been discharged from hospital and had poor appetite, which she believes saved her life. Her four-year-old son, Mikail, also survived after refusing to eat the food altogether.

“Except my four-year-old last born, Mikail, who refused to eat the food, my husband, Rahama, Rabiyat, Samad, Senani and Haliru ate the amala for dinner,” she said. “I could only take a little because I had poor appetite and had just been discharged from hospital.”

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She described the rapid deterioration of her family members, saying the situation became worse the following day. “As the situation became worse, four of us were rushed to Ado Ozuka Hospital in Ogaminana. But Rabiyat died, followed by Samad and later my husband, all within a few hours on the same day.”

The tragedy deepened when four more children died in the neighbouring Ikoyi community after eating a similar meal prepared from cassava flour. Residents reported that nine people from two families ate the meal last Thursday evening, with some consuming leftovers the following morning. According to Al-Hassan Idris, a resident, those who ate the food began experiencing weakness, followed by stooling and vomiting of blood. Two children died on Friday and the remaining two on Saturday. A dog that was given leftover food also reportedly vomited and died, further raising alarm about the contamination of the cassava flour.

The incidents have thrown communities in the area into fear, with several other victims currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The Kogi State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directing the Commissioner for Health to commence a comprehensive inquiry. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the investigation would determine whether the food consumed by the victims was contaminated or whether other medical or environmental factors contributed to the deaths. Relevant samples and evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.

The chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Monday Amoka, confirmed that samples of the suspected food had been collected and sent to a medical laboratory in Lokoja for analysis. Efforts were also being intensified to save the five other victims who were still receiving treatment.

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A medical consultant in Lokoja, Dr Ahmed Okolo, has urged relevant authorities to urgently trace the source of the flour used to prepare the suspected poisonous food and subject it to laboratory analysis to determine the substance involved. He noted that the rapid deterioration of the victims suggested that poisoning should be considered alongside other possible causes.

“The raw material could have been contaminated at the source, by the seller or middlemen in an attempt to preserve it or increase its quality or quantity. People now add different substances to preserve raw or processed food materials. In some cases, these preservatives alter their contents and become harmful to the body,” he said.

Okolo also called for post-mortem examinations on the victims to establish the cause of death. He said pathologists should examine the bodies to determine what caused the failure of vital organs. “Post-mortem examinations can help identify the poison, determine how it affected the organs and establish the actual cause of death,” he said.

Some residents have suggested that the deaths may be linked to the consumption of a poisonous cassava variety popularly called “bitter cassava” , which can be dangerous if not properly processed before consumption. They called for authorities to investigate the cassava being consumed in the affected communities, particularly those sourced from nearby towns or farms.

The tragic incident has revived memories of a similar tragedy in Kogi State in November 2016, when nine people died after consuming cassava flour meal in the Ogaminana area of Okene. Mama Rahama, who has since been discharged from hospital, appealed to the Kogi State Government and individuals to support the surviving members of her family. The government has urged residents to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and verified facts emerge.

Kogi Amala Tragedy: Widow Loses Husband, Two Children as Death Toll Rises to Seven

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Sheikh Jingir Denies Anti-Christian Allegations, Charges Tinubu on Fairness for All Nigerians

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August 24, 2026

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Jingir Defends Muslim-Muslim Ticket Stance, Insists Position Predates Tinubu Administration
Chairman of the Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir

Sheikh Jingir Denies Anti-Christian Allegations, Charges Tinubu on Fairness for All Nigerians

Islamic cleric clarifies remarks amid backlash over Kano mass wedding comments, urges leaders to govern without religious or political bias

JOS—Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has dismissed allegations that he harbours hatred towards Christians, describing the claims as “mere lies” and a misinterpretation of his recent remarks. The Islamic cleric came under heavy criticism following comments he made at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, which some Nigerians described as divisive along religious lines. The controversy was further fueled by the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) , which condemned his reported description of Christians as “Arna,” a Hausa term meaning infidel or unbeliever. Speaking at a one-day national symposium with the theme, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” held in Jos on Sunday, Jingir insisted his remarks were not intended to express hatred towards Christians or non-Muslims.

Addressing the gathering, the JIBWIS chairman stated categorically that the allegations against him were unfounded and a gross misinterpretation of his earlier comments. “A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted,” Jingir declared. He further explained that Islamic teachings demand fairness and justice for people of all faiths, stressing that Muslims would be held accountable on the Day of Judgement for any injustice committed against non-Muslims. According to the cleric, “Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects.” He added that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lived peacefully with people of other faiths, urging Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence as a cornerstone of national development.

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In a direct address to the nation’s political leaders, Jingir urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and other officials to ensure fairness and justice in discharging their responsibilities, regardless of citizens’ ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians,” he said. The JIBWIS chairman also affirmed every Nigerian’s right to freely choose and support candidates of their choice during elections, stating that “everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election.”

The controversy surrounding Jingir’s earlier comments has drawn widespread reactions from various quarters. The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) had warned that referring to Christians as “Arna” was inaccurate and amounted to a denigration of the Christian faith. In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group declared that “Christians are faithful believers in Jesus Christ, whom we worship as the Son of the Almighty God. We are not ‘infidels’ or people without faith.” NCYP warned that such rhetoric could “reopen old religious wounds” and provide fertile ground for extremists to exploit, while also calling on moderate Muslim leaders, Islamic scholars, and responsible religious leaders to publicly reject statements capable of inflaming religious sentiments.

In a separate development, a Christian advocacy organisation, RID Nigeria, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Sheikh Jingir over his public labelling of Christians as “infidels,” citing violations of the Constitution, the Cybercrimes Act, and the Terrorism Prevention Act. The National Human Rights Commission had similarly called for Jingir’s arrest over a week ago, though no action has reportedly been taken. Despite the backlash, Jingir urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and togetherness, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and division. “Without peace, there will be no development,” he said, calling on citizens to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the country’s various ethnic and religious groups.

Sheikh Jingir Denies Anti-Christian Allegations, Charges Tinubu on Fairness for All Nigerians

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