Gunmen Ambush Convoy in Kwara, Kill Two Hunters

Gunmen on Tuesday attacked a convoy in Ifelodun Local Government Area, killing two hunters in a fresh incident that has further heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State.

The victims were reportedly part of a group escorting the remains of three fellow hunters from Oro-Ago to Oke-Oyan for burial when the assailants struck a few kilometres before their destination. The convoy, which was moving in a coordinated procession, was said to have been ambushed suddenly by armed men, turning a solemn journey into a violent encounter.

According to community sources, including a local chief identified as Chief Odofin, the attackers opened fire on the convoy as it approached Oke-Oyan. The assault reportedly caused panic among members of the convoy, with some fleeing for safety while others took cover during the attack.

Despite the initial shock of the ambush, a swift response by security operatives and local vigilante groups helped prevent further casualties. Personnel made up of forest guards, police officers, and community hunters were said to have mobilised quickly to the scene, forcing the attackers to withdraw into surrounding areas.

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The slain hunters’ bodies have since been deposited in a mortuary in Oro-Ago, while the convoy, under reinforced security escort, proceeded to complete the burial rites of the earlier deceased hunters.

The incident adds to a series of violent attacks reported in Ifelodun LGA in recent times. Notably, the area has witnessed previous security breaches, including a recent attack on a church where worshippers were abducted before some were later rescued by security forces. These recurring incidents have intensified fears among residents and raised concerns about the safety of communities in the region.

Stakeholders and residents across Kwara South have continued to call on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve rapid response capacity, and increase patrols in vulnerable areas. Many warn that without sustained intervention, such attacks could become more frequent and further destabilize local communities.

The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where rural and semi-rural communities remain exposed to armed groups operating in difficult terrain.

Gunmen Ambush Convoy in Kwara, Kill Two Hunters

WhatsApp Launches Message Translation Feature for Global Users

WhatsApp has rolled out a new message translation feature aimed at helping its global user base communicate more easily across different languages.

The company announced that the feature allows users to translate messages directly within chats without leaving the app. When a user receives a message in another language, they can long-press the message and tap the “Translate” option to view it in their preferred language. Users can also download language packs for future use, making translations faster and more accessible.

The feature is available across one-on-one chats, group conversations, and channel updates, ensuring broad usability across different types of interactions on the platform. This makes it easier for users to engage in multilingual discussions without relying on external translation tools.

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WhatsApp also confirmed that Android users can activate an automatic translation option for entire chat threads. Once enabled, all incoming messages in that conversation are translated by default, reducing the need for repeated manual translation.

In terms of availability, the rollout is being done gradually and supports multiple languages. Android users currently have access to six languages at launch, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, while iPhone users benefit from support for over 19 languages, with more expected to be added over time.

The messaging platform emphasized that the feature is designed with privacy in mind. Translations are processed on-device, meaning messages remain secure and are not sent to external servers for translation.

With over three billion users globally, WhatsApp says the update is part of its broader effort to improve user experience and strengthen communication across diverse linguistic communities. The company also indicated that more languages and improvements will be introduced in future updates as the feature continues to expand worldwide.

WhatsApp Launches Message Translation Feature for Global Users

Corps Member’s Death: NYSC Inspector Gets Bail, Remanded Pending Conditions

A Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has granted bail to an official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abass Olalekan, who is standing trial over the alleged abortion-related death of a corps member, Victoria Ariyo.

The tragic incident, which has sparked widespread concern, reportedly occurred on the penultimate Tuesday, with the deceased said to have died following an alleged attempt to terminate a pregnancy. The defendant, a local government inspector serving in Abeokuta South, was arraigned on Monday on charges bordering on conspiracy and unlawful attempted procurement of abortion.

According to the prosecution, led by Lawrence Olu-Balogun, the accused and others still at large allegedly conspired between January and March 2026 at the Ikereku area of Laderin, Abeokuta, to commit a felony. The offences are said to contravene Sections 516 and 230 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006. Prosecutors further alleged that the defendant supplied drugs to the deceased in a bid to procure an abortion, an act considered unlawful under Nigerian law. The case has drawn heightened attention, particularly amid claims that the defendant had been in a romantic relationship with the deceased prior to her death.

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The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel, Elizabeth Adelabu, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the offences are bailable and do not attract capital punishment. She cited Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which presumes the accused innocent until proven guilty, and further questioned the strength of the prosecution’s case, noting the absence of key details such as the specific drugs allegedly administered and the involvement of qualified medical personnel. She also pointed out that only one of the five listed witnesses was present in court, raising concerns about the depth of the investigation.

In his ruling, the presiding magistrate, A.K. Araba, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that one surety must be a blood relative, while the other must be gainfully employed. Both are required to provide a utility bill, affidavit of means, six passport photographs, and evidence of 2026 tax payment. Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned until April 14, 2026, for further hearing. Meanwhile, the development has intensified conversations around unsafe abortion practices, corps member welfare, and accountability within the NYSC system. As of the time of filing this report, the National Youth Service Corps has yet to release an official statement addressing the incident.

Corps Member’s Death: NYSC Inspector Gets Bail, Remanded Pending Conditions