metro
Horror, 10 farmers, 8 vigilante brutally killed, two Indians, others abducted in Niger State
Horror, 10 farmers, 8 vigilante brutally killed, two Indians, others abducted in Niger State
At least 10 farmers, including women, from Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly killed by bandits in a brutal early morning attack on Tuesday.
According to local residents, six of the victims were beheaded, with attackers taking away their heads.
The incident has left many residents in shock, with survivors suffering from bullet wounds now receiving treatment at a clinic in Kagara, the Rafi LGA headquarters.
Reports indicate that several people were also kidnapped during the attack, which took place around 5 a.m. as villagers were observing early morning prayers.
Bala Tukur, a resident, revealed that people from Wayam, Belu-Belu, Madaka, and nearby communities have fled to Kagara for safety.
“At Wayam village near Madaka under Kagara town, they mercilessly killed 10 people and injured many. The way they killed us now is very traumatic, I swear. Everybody has fled.
“Many people have not been able to harvest 50 percent of their crops including maize that were ready for harvest and getting those crops harvested now would be hard.
“Recently, residents of Kukoki were asked to pay N1.5 million to be allowed to harvest their crops. They paid but bandits came back to attack them four days ago,” he said.
Locals said bandits had resumed aggressive attacks in the last one week as farmers from Wushishi, Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga and Kontagora LGAs of the state began to harvest their farm produce.
On Friday, it was gathered that bandits invaded the ancient town of Zungeru, Wushishi LGA, moving from house to house including a hotel, and kidnapping the occupants.
One of the residents said the invasion of Zungeru happened around 12am on Saturday during which a staff member of Sino-Hydro, Saidu Yakubu aka Abacha, and his wife, were kidnapped.
READ ALSO:
- Doctors seeking commissioner sack begin strike in major Kano hospital
- Senator Ndume under attack for opposing Tinubu’s tax reform bill
- Nigeria needs divine intervention for economic Stability – Tinubu Support Group
He said, “Around 12am on Saturday, bandits invaded Zungeru town. They started operating at a house in Unguwan-Madaki near Gidan-Kwai, the owner of the house was a former staff member of Sino-Hydro Company. So, they entered the house and tried to force the owner’s apartment open but they couldn’t because of the nature of the doors.
“So, they moved to his mother’s apartment in the same house and they were able to forced the door to her apartment open. So, they took the mum and the younger brother to the owner’s of the house.
“In the process, the mother started pleading with them that the boy they had taken along with her was sick they were just waiting for the day to break to take him to hospital. Luckily, on their way, they released them.
“After releasing them, they passed through graveyard and moved to another house belonging to one Saidu Yakubu popularly known as Abacha, a staff member of Sino-Hydro and kidnapped him and his wife. Then, they moved to Diamond Guest House on Wushishi-Zungeru road but they didn’t take anybody.
“Since Tuesday last week, bandits have gone berserk along Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road. Our security Operatives have been battling with them. They killed 8 of our vigilantes. But I learnt that security operatives were able to block them somewhere around Pandogari and since that is the only route through which they can escape, they are currently hiding in that rocky area with the cattle they rusttled.”
He said a day before Zungeru was invaded, a commercial driver was shot dead around Kundu village on Zungeru-Tegina road while one of the passengers sustained injuries and several others were kidnapped.
Similarly, it was gathered that 2 indian nationals were kidnapped on a rice farm in Swashi, Borgu LGA on November 2, 2024.
A resident who preferred anonymity said one of the vigilantes guarding the farm was killed during the attack.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed said the state government was aware of the attacks.
He said “The Niger State Government is very much aware. All the security stakeholders have been mobilised to address the issue and prevent future reoccurrence”.
Horror, 10 farmers, 8 vigilante brutally killed, two Indians, others abducted in Niger State
(DailyTrust)
metro
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
READ ALSO:
- 13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
- NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
- Oshiomhole supports Edo Assembly suspension of council chairmen
The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
metro
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
READ ALSO:
- NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
- Oshiomhole supports Edo Assembly suspension of council chairmen
- Police warn errant cops misusing IGP’s name, office
“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
metro
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
READ ALSO:
- Oshiomhole supports Edo Assembly suspension of council chairmen
- Police warn errant cops misusing IGP’s name, office
- Israel ejects Gaza hospital, detains medical personnel
“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
-
Business2 days agoBe creative, monarch, others challenge Muslim professionals on economic revival
-
Auto1 day agoLSM MD extols founder’s qualities after latter posthumous industry award
-
Entertainment2 days agoMultiChoice announces free access to all DSTV channels for 3 days
-
metro2 days agoJigawa State governor loses son 24 hours after mother’s death
-
News1 day agoNigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
-
metro1 day agoHeavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun
-
metro1 day agoLagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
-
metro1 day agoDangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)