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Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Published

2 months ago

June 1, 2026

Spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Oyiza Afusat Salihu

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Kogi State, Nigeria – Residents of Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday following a deadly bandit attack that reportedly claimed one life and led to the abduction of more than 30 people. According to preliminary reports, the attack occurred at about 2:25 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, with one person reportedly killed during the incident, while another sustained injuries. The bandits, who operated for several minutes before fleeing with dozens of captives, barricaded the major road and intercepted travellers passing through the community.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu—a man described as a pastor and a woman—were among those kidnapped by the attackers. The remaining victims were said to be passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area. The bandits reportedly forced the passengers out of the vehicle at gunpoint before marching them into nearby bushes.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja, said investigations are ongoing and that his men have since launched efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Afusat Salihu, also confirmed that security agencies are working around the clock to rescue the kidnapped victims. She assured residents that the command has deployed additional tactical units to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those abducted.

In a major development following the attack, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed in Kabba responded swiftly to distress calls and successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers. According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when the attackers barricaded the road and abducted an unspecified number of passengers. Security sources revealed that the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. , with armed men blocking the road and attacking commuters travelling along the route.

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When troops arrived at the scene, the assailants had already fled into the surrounding forest. However, soldiers discovered two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene, as well as two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. The vehicles appeared to have been hurriedly deserted as passengers fled or were taken captive. A security source familiar with the operation said: “The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the kidnappers’ withdrawal routes, leading to the rescue of 23 passengers who had been abandoned due to the sustained pressure from the military.” The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for medical attention. Hospital sources confirmed that the five injured persons were receiving treatment and were in stable condition as of Monday afternoon.

Military sources confirmed that operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and rescue any remaining victims still in captivity. Surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of road users travelling through the Ayegunle Bunu axis. The Ayegunle–Bunu axis has reportedly recorded repeated cases of kidnapping and banditry in recent times, prompting a stronger military response to secure the corridor. The Nigerian Army has pledged to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating along major highways in Kogi State.

Residents of Ayegunle Bunu and surrounding communities have been left in shock and fear following the brazen attack. The assault, which marked a violent start to the month of June, has raised fresh concerns about the deteriorating security situation along major highways and rural communities in Kogi State. One resident, who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons, told reporters: “We heard gunshots around 2 a.m. and everyone ran inside. By the time we came out in the morning, we learned that one of our neighbours had been killed and many people, including our pastor, had been taken away. We are living in constant fear.”

The latest incident comes barely 24 hours after the Kogi State Government suspended the Echane Festival in Ebiraland, citing security concerns. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the suspension followed credible intelligence indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace.

Key facts from the attack include the following: the date of the attack was Monday, June 1, 2026; the time was approximately 2:25 a.m. according to preliminary reports or 3:30 a.m. according to army operational reports; the location was Ayegunle Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Kogi State; casualties included one confirmed dead and five injured who are receiving treatment; over 30 people were abducted including a pastor and a woman from the community plus commercial bus passengers; 23 passengers were rescued by Nigerian Army troops; two Toyota commercial buses and one HOWO truck were recovered; and a manhunt is ongoing as security agencies work to rescue remaining victims.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted persons and gather further details surrounding the attack. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious movements in their communities to the nearest police station or military formation.

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Related Topics:bandit attack Kogi Morning Raid

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Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

Published

3 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

The family of Deacon John Olaleye, one of two teachers killed during the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover his remains for a dignified burial . The deceased’s elder brother made the appeal following the release last Friday of the 39 pupils and remaining teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, after 56 days in captivity . “I am John Olaleye Olayinka’s brother, one of the teachers killed during Oriire abduction. We never knew he was killed not until we listened to the broadcast (by the governor). We beg the government to help us recover his remains even if it is his bone. It is about the future especially as it relates to his children,” the family member said . The family also begged the government to support the late teacher’s children’s education and provide employment for his wife to keep the family running . “Second, we would be happy if the government can support his wife with employment. The deceased left three children. We appealed to the government to help us sponsor their education,” the family member stated .

On May 15, 2026, heavily armed gunmen simultaneously attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, all in Oriire Local Government Area . The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, subjecting them to harsh conditions while being moved through forests to evade security operatives . Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recounted the harrowing 56-day ordeal, revealing that children were beaten into silence, male teachers were chained and blindfolded, and the victims were forced to undertake dangerous midnight treks through forests . “You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out,” Alamu said . The principal disclosed that while she was not physically assaulted, several of the younger pupils endured severe beatings whenever they cried or made noise. The kidnappers would tie the children’s mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them . “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs,” she added .

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During the 56-day ordeal, two teachers lost their lives. According to Alamu, Deacon John Olaleye was killed on the first Sunday in June, while Mr. Michael Oyedokun was also killed in captivity . “The deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. They (terrorists) killed two colleagues of ours purposely because they felt that would force the government to give them whatever they wanted,” the principal stated . A third teacher, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises . Additionally, another teacher, Mr. Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead on the day of the abduction on the school premises. Adegboye was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22 .

Security forces rescued the surviving victims on July 10, 2026, through a coordinated operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police, and local vigilantes . The operation lasted more than a month, focusing on identifying terrorist kingpins and dismantling their networks . The rescue operation claimed the lives of security personnel, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force . Additionally, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier also died during the operation . The Oyo State Government has honoured all the fallen victims in a memorial message, releasing an “In Memoriam” list containing the names of civilians and security personnel who died during the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota abduction incident . The civilians honoured include Mr. Michael Oyedokun, Deacon John Olaleye, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, and Mr. Oluwasegun Akanni .

The Senate approved a N50 million donation to the families of five victims—two teachers and three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue operation . Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that each family would receive N10 million . “We’re extending a token of N50 million to be divided among the five deceased families—the families of the two teachers and the families of the three operatives who lost their lives—N10 million each,” Akpabio stated . The Senate President subsequently directed the leadership of the upper chamber to present the cheques to the bereaved families .

The family of Michael Oyedokun has also appealed to President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to help recover his remains . While Olaleye’s family joins this plea, they continue to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal . Governor Makinde, in his statewide broadcast following the rescue, acknowledged the pain of losing the teachers, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice . The Oyo State Government has committed to supporting the bereaved families during this trying period . The family of Deacon John Olaleye continues to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal .

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

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Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

The Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka has ordered the remand of a 19-year-old man, Chibuike Ikemelu, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl . Ikemelu is facing a one-count charge of defilement following his arraignment on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, before the court . The prosecutor, Inspector Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between December 4 and December 11, 2025, at Umuebo village in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to the prosecution, the defendant took the minor to a bush near her school premises where he allegedly defiled her. The matter came to light after the girl’s parents discovered she was pregnant and subsequently reported the case to the authorities.

The prosecutor stated that the offence contravened Section 3(2) of the Anambra State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 . The Anambra VAPP Law, domesticated in 2017, expanded the criminal jurisprudence of rape by making it complete upon non-consensual penetration of the victim’s orifices—mouth, vagina, or anus—with the penis, any body part, or even an object . The law confers jurisdiction on Magistrate Courts and High Courts to hear sexual and gender-based violence cases . The prosecutor prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pursuant to Section 130(2)(a)(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022. Chief Magistrate Mrs. U.E. Onochie granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that Ikemelu be remanded at the Awka Correctional Facility . She adjourned the case until August 12, 2026, for hearing.

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Ikemelu was one of three suspects arraigned before the court on Wednesday, following the conclusion of police investigations . Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a press statement that the suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged incest, defilement, and rape . The other two suspects arraigned alongside Ikemelu include Ikenna Mojekwu, facing charges of alleged incest for reportedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area, and Chukwuma Emenike, aged 16, who was arraigned on allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area . All three suspects have been remanded in accordance with court orders, with their matters adjourned to later dates for further hearing .

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its resolve to investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, encouraging victims and members of the public to promptly report such offences . The command assured the public that every report will be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights of victims and ensuring due process . The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court has recently handled several similar cases, reflecting the state’s intensified crackdown on crimes against vulnerable persons, particularly children . According to the police command, cases involving sexual offences and child abuse are treated as grave offences, with all related cases being thoroughly investigated and prosecuted .

Court Remands 19-Year-Old for Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

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Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N8.9bn Assets Linked to Aisha Achimugu

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Aisha Achimugu

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N8.9bn Assets Linked to Aisha Achimugu

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the final forfeiture of assets valued at approximately N8.9 billion linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to the Federal Government. Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the permanent forfeiture order on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while delivering judgment on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of the assets. The court held that the anti-graft agency had met the legal requirements for the final forfeiture of the assets, paving the way for their permanent confiscation by the Federal Government.

The forfeited assets include a diverse range of luxury properties, personal effects and cash holdings, all traced to Achimugu. According to the EFCC, the court ordered the permanent forfeiture of jewellery valued at N4,645,170,294.9, 11 exotic vehicles worth N4,293,000,000, $50,000 (US dollars) in cash, and an additional N30,000,000 in cash. The combined value of the naira-denominated jewellery, vehicles and cash stands at more than ₦8.9 billion, excluding the dollar component. The commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order before applying for the final forfeiture ruling.

Achimugu, who made headlines in January 2024 for hosting a lavish seven-day 50th birthday party on the Caribbean Island of Grenada attended by high-profile Nigerians, has been under investigation by the EFCC over allegations of money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained. In March 2025, the anti-graft agency declared the businesswoman wanted over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy and money laundering. About a month later, Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from London, according to her legal team. She was subsequently granted release after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, made an order following submissions by her lawyers. The court had directed Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC for questioning over the ongoing investigation and subsequently ordered the commission to produce her before the court with a compliance report. In her defence, Achimugu has maintained that she built her wealth through legitimate entrepreneurship since 2001, denying allegations that her money came from political connections.

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In a separate development, the EFCC also secured a final forfeiture order in March 2026 for **$13 million** traced to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a company linked to Achimugu, with Justice Emeka Nwite holding that the anti-graft agency was able to prove that the funds were proceeds of fraud. Investigators alleged that part of the forfeited funds was connected to contractors of the Lagos State Government. According to court filings by the EFCC, the company emerged as a successful bidder for two petroleum prospecting licences during the 2024 oil licensing round, with financial commitments exceeding $37.2 million. Investigators alleged that $20 million paid towards the acquisition was partly funded through cash transactions routed via unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and intermediaries, including $13 million allegedly collected through proxies in Abuja and Lagos before being used for signature bonus payments. Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, the parent company of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, both of which the EFCC alleges she controls. Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd has since commenced the process of filing an appeal against the $13 million forfeiture order.

The ruling represents another major asset recovery action by the EFCC as part of its efforts to recover properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities. The final forfeiture order came a day after another significant development, with a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), after finding the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The forfeiture of Achimugu’s assets marks the latest chapter in the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into her financial dealings, which have been closely watched by the public and legal observers.