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Chief Imam, 27 Others Killed as Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community During Friday Prayers

Published

2 months ago

August 18, 2026

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede

Chief Imam, 27 Others Killed as Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community During Friday Prayers

At least 28 people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, Imam Aliyu, were killed when suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday evening during Jumu’ah prayers. The attack has triggered widespread displacement and heightened security concerns across Kebbe, with hundreds of residents fleeing their homes and over 300 cattle reportedly rustled from affected communities. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Koughna, has visited the area to assess the security situation, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to move beyond condolences and take decisive action.

According to residents and local sources, the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons and believed to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, stormed Ungushi while worshippers were observing Friday prayers at about 2:15 pm. The Lakurawa group is suspected by researchers to be affiliated with the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP), a jihadist militia active primarily in Mali and Niger. A community leader who witnessed the attack described the horrific events to Daily Trust: “They parked their motorcycles in front of the mosque before dispersing worshippers and moving into the town, where they killed five people. After they left, we went to prepare for the burial of the victims. But they returned and killed two more people. Then they started coming from different directions, shooting continuously and surrounding the town.” Residents said the attackers remained in the community until about 1 am on Saturday before leaving, only to return in the morning and continue killing and slaughtering some residents. They were eventually forced to leave after security personnel arrived in the area. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the victims as innocent civilians: “These are ordinary people. They are farmers, traders, religious leaders and family members. They have done nothing to deserve this.” The killing of Imam Aliyu, a respected religious leader in the community, has particularly shocked residents and generated widespread concern.

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Confirming the incident, Sokoto State Police Command spokesman DSP Ahmed Rufai said it was difficult to ascertain the actual number of victims. He, however, confirmed that no fewer than 28 corpses were recovered following the attack. However, differing casualty figures have emerged from various sources. Reports from the community suggest that residents recovered and buried 32 bodies from the attack. Residents also reportedly killed 13 of the assailants during the confrontation, although the attackers later retrieved the bodies of their colleagues. The attack in Ungushi followed a separate incident on Friday in which an unspecified number of soldiers were reportedly killed in Kebbe town, an event that may have triggered the subsequent violence in surrounding communities.

The aftermath of the attack has forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, with women, children and elderly persons among those displaced. The displaced persons reportedly began arriving in Kebbe town from about 8 pm on Saturday, with many spending the night in the rain after abandoning their homes with little or no belongings. “People started arriving in Kebbe around 8 pm yesterday. Women, children and elderly people are among them. Some of them spent the night in the rain because there was nowhere for them to stay. More people are still coming this morning,” a resident told Punch. Local sources also reported that suspected bandits rustled more than 300 cattle and seven camels from Ungushi and neighbouring Gwandi communities during the attacks. The attackers also reportedly invaded Umbutu, Maikurhuna, Gwandi, Girkau and Zugu communities, where they stole large numbers of livestock and other valuables. “People are no longer sleeping peacefully. Families are leaving their homes because they fear another attack. We need urgent intervention before more communities are deserted,” a source told Punch.

Amid the renewed threats, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Koughna, visited the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe on Sunday to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the readiness of troops to confront the threats. The visit was prompted by intelligence reports that terrorists involved in Friday’s attack were still close to the area. Koughna engaged community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the security situation in the area. “Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” the GOC said. He added that the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities along the Sokoto-Kebbi border corridor. “The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats,” Koughna said. “We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people.” The GOC urged residents not to panic and appealed for stronger collaboration between the military and communities, particularly through timely sharing of credible intelligence. “Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks,” he said. He also urged community leaders and residents to report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose security threats. The GOC reiterated the commitment of troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area. “We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism,” he said. The visit was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba.

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Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to move beyond condolence messages and take decisive action to prevent further killings. In a statement on his verified X account, Atiku described the victims as innocent Nigerians whose deaths had further highlighted the worsening insecurity across the country. “I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State,” he said. He expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and residents of Sokoto State, praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones. However, the former Vice President said condolences from government officials were no longer sufficient in the face of recurring attacks and killings across the country. “But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?” he asked. Atiku said the frequency of such attacks was alarming, warning that the government must not become comfortable with issuing statements after every massacre without taking effective measures to protect citizens. “These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre,” he said. He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, secure vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings were arrested and prosecuted. “The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Atiku said. He stressed that the primary responsibility of government was to protect the lives and property of citizens, adding that Nigerians should not continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offered excuses. “The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses,” he said. Atiku concluded by praying for peace in Sokoto State and across the country, urging the government to take urgent measures to prevent further loss of lives: “May Allah comfort Sokoto and restore peace to our nation.”

Residents have called for sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the affected communities. A community leader said continued attacks were disrupting social and economic activities in the area. “People cannot farm, children are afraid to go to school, and families are abandoning their homes. If nothing is done urgently, we may witness the complete displacement of these communities,” he said. The Army’s operational assessment formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent incidents in the area. Security forces have been conducting operations against Lakurawa and other armed groups across Sokoto, Kebbi and other parts of the North-west under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Chief Imam, 27 Others Killed as Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community During Friday Prayers

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Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

39 minutes ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

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Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

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Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

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Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

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Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

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Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.