Gunmen kill four, injures 15 in Anambra burial attack – Newstrends
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Gunmen kill four, injures 15 in Anambra burial attack

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Anambra State Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga

Gunmen kill four, injures 15 in Anambra burial attack

Gunmen suspected of being cultists attacked a burial ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Thursday, killing four people and injuring approximately 15 others.

According to eyewitnesses, the Gunmen, who are believed to be from a rival cult group, invaded the location on motorcycles while family members were executing burial rites.

“They opened fire on mourners, sending others scrambling for cover before fleeing the area.

“The assailants suddenly invaded the scene of the burial on Thursday and opened fire at the gathering, targeting some people who were present.

“The family members of the deceased and other mourners were performing the burial rites in the compound when they arrived at the scene and shot at the mourners, while others scampered to safety.

“They came in on some motorcycles and, after carrying out their deadly mission, immediately left the scene,” an indigene who was near the scene, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated.

Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for the state police command, confirmed the the attack by the gunmen in a statement on Friday. He said operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded swiftly, restored normalcy, and transferred the injured to hospitals.

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He said, “Following a distress call in the late hours of September 11, 2025, armed men suspected to be cultists invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons while 15 others sustained serious injuries.

“Police operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilized to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention. In the course of the operation, 16 expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits.

“The Command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators, as preliminary findings suggest that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups.”

According to him, Ikioye Orutugu, the state’s Commissioner of Police, has severely condemned the tragedy and assured people that the command is committed to ridding the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and security-conscious and to continue to provide useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police formation.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.

This latest incident occurs months after seven persons, including five police officers, were killed in January when gunmen stormed a compound in Ihiala LGA while preparing for another funeral.

According to reports, the family members in the complex were preparing for a burial service slated for January 2, 2025, when the hoodlums unexpectedly attacked the area and began firing haphazardly, killing the victims.

The terrorists were said to have opened fire on the crowd, targeting security personnel stationed near the local government buildings as they fled.

Gunmen kill four, injures 15 in Anambra burial attack

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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