Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

MURIC Commends Police, DSS Over Ikorodu Religious Tension

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has praised security agencies for averting a potential religious crisis in Ikorodu, Lagos State, following tensions between Muslim residents and traditional Oro worshippers.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, specifically lauded the Divisional Police Officer of Ebute Ipakodo Police Division and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their swift intervention.

The commendation followed an incident last week in which Oro worshippers in Ikorodu West reportedly imposed a curfew restricting movement from 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, to 12 noon on Friday, March 27. The restriction, according to MURIC, disrupted normal activities, particularly affecting Muslims observing Friday congregational prayers.

Akintola described the action as “illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional,” arguing that no group has the authority to impose movement restrictions without the approval of the state government. He maintained that such actions contravene provisions of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of movement and worship.

He further stressed that only a state government, acting on security advice, could lawfully impose a curfew, warning that unilateral actions by any group could trigger a breakdown of law and order.

MURIC also criticised what it described as a pattern of “extremist” conduct by Oro adherents in Ikorodu, contrasting it with what it termed more moderate practices in other parts of Lagos State. The group urged traditional worshippers to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others while practicing their religion.

While affirming the constitutional right of traditionalists to worship, Akintola emphasised that such rights must not infringe on those of other citizens.

The group called on security agencies to remain vigilant, noting alleged threats by Oro worshippers to continue with similar activities. It also appealed to Muslims in Ikorodu and across Lagos State to remain law-abiding and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

MURIC warned that with the country approaching a sensitive election period, any form of unrest could be exploited by elements seeking to destabilise the peace, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and coexistence.

MURIC Commends Police, DSS Over Ikorodu Religious Tension