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Christmas tragedy: Bandits attack Benue communities, kill 12, abduct 7 children

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2024

Christmas tragedy: Bandits attack Benue communities, kill 12, abduct 7 children

Fear has gripped the residents of Yaav and Mbakyol council wards in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State after suspected armed bandits, believed to be herdsmen, invaded the communities on Christmas Day.

The attack claimed the lives of over 12 people and saw seven children abducted.

Lawrence Akerigba, a resident of the now-deserted Mbadura council ward, who has sought refuge in Jato-Aka, shared details of the tragedy in a phone conversation.

He revealed that the attackers abducted seven children, with the oldest being just six years old and the youngest only two.

According to him, “The attackers invaded Yaav and Mbakyol councill wards of Turan community at about 4pm when most residents were at home with their families enjoying the cool breeze of the yuletide, killing 12, injuring scores, and abducted children while others were still missing.

“On Christmas day evening, eight young boys who are also taking refuge in Jato-Aka town which is Yaav council wards were sent by their parents to bring some crops from the farm so as to prepare food for the family on the Boxing Day and on their way, they met the attackers who opened fire on them, killing one person while the remaining seven who escaped with gunshot injuries are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

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Akerigba also disclosed that there is sustained attack by bandits on the community after the burial of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, adding that out of the five council wards in the Turan community, four have been deserted for over 10 years due to sustained attacks by bandits suspected to be armed herdsmen.

“I am from Mbadura Council ward here in Turan Community of Kwande LG, but all of us have left our communities, we are now taking refuge in Jato-Aka town for fear of the unknown, and it seems the government has totally forgotten that his people are going through hell here, nobody is coming to our rescue, no relief materials, even as many were celebrating we were just hearing and the sudden attack on the already traumatised communities.

He said, “Our young people are combining the bushes around because as we talk now, many people are still missing including women and children, 9 corpses were picked at the scene of the attack while three were recovered from the surrounding bushes, search is still on and there is the likelihood that more corpses will be recovered.

“What we are calling for now is for the government to make our communities safe to enable us go back to our ancestral homes to continue with our farming to feed our families and pay our childrens school fees, because from all indications, it seems the security here are helpless. These bandits come with more sophisticated weapons, since yesterday 4pm and today almost 11am now no security personnel has come here to access the situation and give the people hope, those who lost their loved ones are just crying since yesterday

Akerigba gave the names of the slain victims to include Vanen Iorvihi, Mike Azege, Anyisa Akpa, Ausa Imbior, orwua Abur Hwande,.Iornumbe Tse, Zaki Ashivor Mbailuve Tyohemba,Terhemba Tyohemba Jim Ierkwagh and Ijeyol Ierkwagh.

He however said the number was still counting, adding that the search team was still searching for those missing in the bush.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene proved abortive as she was neither replying to text messages nor picking calls.

Christmas tragedy: Bandits attack Benue communities, kill 12, abduct 7 children

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Again, Early Morning Blaze Destroys Dozens of Shops in Kano Market

Published

4 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Again, Early Morning Blaze Destroys Dozens of Shops in Kano Market

A devastating fire outbreak on Friday, February 20, 2026, razed at least 50 shops at the Fatima Simra Multi‑Purpose Market in the Dakata area of Kano State, leaving traders and residents in shock. The early morning blaze, which began around 5:40 a.m., rapidly spread across the market, affecting mainly small-scale enterprises involved in oil production, plastic recycling, and nylon processing.

The chairman of the market fire committee, Dauda Haruna Chula, confirmed the incident, noting that the Kano State Fire Service had been alerted and was en route to the scene. “From the preliminary assessment, about 50 shops are already down, and the fire is still ongoing. We did as much as we could to inform the authorities, and I can hear the sound of their fire trucks arriving now,” Chula said.

Traders expressed frustration over what they described as a slow emergency response, which allowed the fire to spread more rapidly. Many are now counting losses and making plans to salvage remaining goods, while others fear losing their entire livelihoods.

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This latest blaze comes less than a week after a major fire devastated Singer Market in Kano, displacing over 1,000 traders and destroying goods worth billions of naira. Following that disaster, the Federal Government and the APC Governors’ Forum pledged financial support to assist affected traders, highlighting the need for improved fire safety measures in commercial hubs across the state.

Authorities are continuing firefighting operations and have assured traders that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, which preliminary reports suggest may have been triggered by electrical faults or unattended cooking equipment. Officials have emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and rapid response systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kano State has a history of recurring market fires, raising calls from experts, trade associations, and residents for stricter safety regulations, including proper spacing of stalls, installation of fire hydrants, and training for traders on emergency response.

Again, Early Morning Blaze Destroys Dozens of Shops in Kano Market

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Suspected Terrorists Warn Kebbi Residents: Pay ₦100 Million or Face Attack

Published

4 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Muhammad Sani,

Suspected Terrorists Warn Kebbi Residents: Pay ₦100 Million or Face Attack

Fresh tension has gripped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area, Kebbi State, after suspected terrorists issued a letter demanding ₦100 million from residents and threatening a deadly attack if the ransom is not paid. The development has sparked fear across the community, highlighting the growing insecurity in northwest Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural settlements for ransom and other criminal activities.

According to local sources, the threat letter was delivered to community leaders on Thursday, February 17, 2026, warning residents not to dismiss the message. “This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us ₦100 million. If you refuse, you will face the consequences and have no one to blame but yourselves. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us,” the letter reportedly read.

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The group referenced a previous attack on Woro community in Kiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where several people were killed after residents ignored a similar threat. The reference has amplified panic among Utono residents, many of whom are now developing safety plans and considering temporary evacuation.

A community source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said the fear is widespread. “People are scared. The mention of what happened in Woro has made the threat more frightening. Many families are already discussing safety plans in case anything happens,” the source said.

Confirming the threat, Kebbi State Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, stated that security personnel have been deployed to Utono, including air surveillance units, to prevent any potential attack. “The government is not taking the threat lightly,” he added, emphasizing that residents’ safety remains a top priority.

Authorities have assured that intensified operations are ongoing to prevent incursions, protect residents, and deter further attacks. Security analysts warn that paying ransom may encourage more violence, urging communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement and military agencies.

The Utono threat is the latest in a series of attacks across northwestern Nigeria, where terrorists and armed gangs frequently target remote communities for extortion, kidnappings, and other criminal acts, underscoring the urgent need for intelligence-led operations and government intervention.

Suspected Terrorists Warn Kebbi Residents: Pay ₦100 Million or Face Attack

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ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Home Amid Multi-Agency Corruption Investigation

Published

4 hours ago

February 20, 2026

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

ICPC Searches El-Rufai’s Abuja Home Amid Multi-Agency Corruption Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as part of an ongoing multi-agency investigation into alleged financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

El-Rufai’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the operation on his verified X account, stating: “The Aso Drive residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.” The former governor has been held by the ICPC since Wednesday night in connection with the probe. Legal representatives, led by Ubong Akpan, condemned the raid, describing it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.” It was not immediately clear if the ICPC seized any documents or other materials during the search.

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The search at El-Rufai’s Abuja home forms part of a broader multi-agency investigation involving the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, probing the former governor’s financial dealings and alleged irregularities in public contracts awarded during his administration. Earlier this week, El-Rufai was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and detained for two nights over suspected financial misconduct. Following his release on administrative bail by the EFCC, he was taken into ICPC custody. In addition, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly detained him in relation to a separate cybercrime case, involving allegations that he unlawfully intercepted a telephone conversation of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, which El-Rufai has publicly denied.

The raid has sparked widespread public attention and political reaction. Protests demanding accountability and transparency were staged outside anti-graft agency offices in Abuja, while civil society groups in Kaduna called for thorough investigations into the former governor’s administration. Political supporters argue the investigations are politically motivated, while critics emphasize the importance of following due process and ensuring justice.

The ICPC has not issued an official statement detailing the scope of the raid, as investigations remain ongoing. Authorities insist that all procedures are being carried out in accordance with Nigerian law, and that the probe will continue to uncover any alleged financial misconduct linked to El-Rufai’s tenure.