Shi’ites threaten to sue FG, army for detaining 60 minors, others

The Shi’ites Islamic group has threatened to take legal actions against the federal government and the Nigerian Army if their members, including no fewer than 60 minors, allegedly arrested and detained are not released.

The group disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, at a press briefing anchored by its lawyers, Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, on the recent attack of its members.

On March 28, 2025, members of the Islamic group, while on peaceful procession to mark the International Quds Day, allegedly came under attack by the officers of the Nigerian Army.

Reacting at the briefing, Dakum alleged that the security officers allegedly shot about 26 persons dead during the incident.

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“We are compelled to address you this evening due to the recent avoidable but unfortunate brutal attack on our clients (the Shiites Muslim faithful). “Our clients came out on 28th March, 2025 to commemorate their annual international Quds day like their counterparts across the globe.

“While peacefully carrying out their procession in Banex Area, Wuse Il, Abuja in their thousands, they unexpectedly and surprisingly came across a group of armed soldiers who without any provocation started firing live ammunition at them.  “In the cause of this inhumane, callous, cruel, barbaric and most horrific attack on our clients, about 26 persons lost their lives, over 30 persons sustained various degrees of life threatening injuries and about 274 were arrested by the soldiers. 

“Among the persons arrested and detained were over 60 minors who have been kept in the same cell with persons suspected to have been involved in heinous crimes contrary to all norms, values provisions of ACJA 2015 and Child Rights Act,” he said.

Shi’ites threaten to sue FG, army for detaining 60 minors, others

Gunmen attack Benue bus, kill driver, one other, seize 13 travellers

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have hijacked a Benue Links bus belonging to Benue State Transport Company, killing the driver and kidnapping the passengers on board.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Thursday night.

According to sources from the area, the gunmen ambushed the bus along the highway, shooting directly at the driver, after which they took the passengers into the bush.

Meanwhile, the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the incident, while condemning the attack on the company bus.

In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, the General Manager, Alexander Fanafa, expressed regrets over the incident.

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He expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their timely response to the incident, even as he expressed confidence in their ability to rescue those abducted.

The statement read: “Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses, bearing Registration Number PP512, which was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo.

“The incident occurred in the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle.

“Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku town before the incident.

“The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity.”

He said the company was in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.

Gunmen attack Benue bus, kill driver, one other, seize 13 travellers

Independence Bridge repairs: Sanwo-Olu urges Lagos residents to work remotely

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, said repair works on the Independence Bridge will continue.

Sanwo-Olu also apologised to residents for the hours-long gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.

Commuters and motorists spent hours in traffic on April 2 due to the closure of the bridge in the Victoria Island area.

Following public outcry, David Umahi, minister of works, ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.

Speaking on Thursday during the inspection of the bridge, Sanwo-Olu said the state takes full responsibility for the gridlock.

The governor noted that the repair is for the good of the city, as the bridge — which is one of the oldest in the country — had begun to fail.

He urged residents to support the state government as there is never a good time to carry out road repairs.

“First, I think what is appropriate is to tender apology to all our citizens and to all Lagosians for a very difficult heinous traffic that we experienced in the last 24 hours within the city and the Island of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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“There is never a best time to solve a difficult problem like this. Any time you do it, there would be discomfort. Let’s bite the bullet and come out of this better.

“I think the apology is important so that we can take full responsibility as government both at the national and subnational level, for taking our citizens through an unfortunate incident.

“It was all for a good cause, it is all to avert future disaster waiting to happen. You know how life is — there is never a best time for you to do all you want to do, there will always be challenges even if you think it is the best time.

“This contract has been signed over three years ago; our duty is to preserve the integrity of the Independence Bridge — which is like one of the oldest bridges in the country.”

The governor added that traffic will be managed and diverted during the rehabilitation.

“If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, conduct your business via social media, telephone, zoom meetings, online meetings, let’s plan ahead,” he said.

“If you don’t need to come and visit somebody here, you don’t have to come.

“You are going to see a lot of LASTMA officers on the road, we are calling them from other parts of the city to come here.”

Sanwo-Olu also appealed to residents not to drive against traffic or drive recklessly during the rehabilitation period.

Independence Bridge repairs: Sanwo-Olu urges Lagos residents to work remotely