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Zamfara guards arrested as murder of Chief Imam sparks controversy
Zamfara guards arrested as murder of Chief Imam sparks controversy
The murder of the Chief Imam of a Juma’at mosque in Mada town, Gusau local government of Zamfara state, Imam Abubakar Hassan Mada, has sparked controversy.
A source close to the family of the late chief Imam who preferred anonymity, said the deceased was arrested on Sunday by five personnel of the CPG that came to the village on motorbikes.
The source added that the personnel ordered the Imam to climb one of the motorbikes, drove a few meters away from Mada town and then killed him.
“Imam was sitting in front of his house after the 4pm prayers when the five personnel of the CPG arrived at the town. They arrested him and took him out of the town and killed him.”
“When they arrested him, the residents had thought it was a normal arrest for investigation but only to find his lifeless body dumped outside the town.
“The chief Imam was slaughtered like a ram by his killers. This is a terrible and unfortunate incident we have never witnessed in this town. How could on earth a man, in fact, a chief Imam, be murdered this way?
“The deceased is a quiet and simple leader in this community. We have never known him of any bad character that will warrant his murder. We have not for once heard about him being associated with either bandits or political thugs. I was personally shocked when I heard that Imam Abubakar was murdered.”
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Another resident, Muhammad Yunus, described the murder of the chief Imam as political, noting that “I suspect that his murder might not be unconnected with his intervention in a case that involved two residents of the community.
“Last year, the deceased, village head and chief Imam of first Juma’at mosque secured the release of two young men who were arrested by the vigilante group over alleged involvement in banditry.
“I believe that was the beginning of the problem because at that time some members of the vigilante group expressed their dissatisfaction with the development. So, what we heard is that after the commission of the CPG, the deceased was listed among the informants that are giving information to bandits and that was why the man was killed in this way,” he lamented.
When contacted, the state commander of the Community Protection Guards, Col. Rabi’u Yandoto, confirmed the incident, saying two CPG personnel had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Col. Yandoto explained that the CPG headquarters knew nothing about the arrest of the chief Imam, adding that “traditionally, we have to give orders for any arrest. So, anything contrary to this is illegal and we will investigate it”.
“Honestly, we have not given any order to our personnel to arrest the chief Imam. In fact, the man was not on our wanted list. So, I wonder how he was arrested and killed.
“Wallahi, I could not sleep yesterday when I heard about the unfortunate incident. It was a very sad incident and we will not allow the matter to be carpeted. We have arrested those that are being accused and we are going to interrogate them before handing them over to the DSS for further investigation. I will not protect anybody accused of murdering innocent people.
“Once we have established our facts, we will hand over those that have hand in the murder to police for prosecution. We had a similar incident in Zurmi town where some bandits in CPG uniforms attacked a village.
“So, as I am speaking with you now, the two CPG personnel accused of the murder of the chief Imam are under our custody; they were brought from Mada and we will interrogate them based on the allegation leveled against them.”
Zamfara guards arrested as murder of Chief Imam sparks controversy
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Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument
Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument
A tragedy occurred in Amaji Village, Umuoyoro Community, Omuma Local Government Area, Rivers State, when a man allegedly slit his wife’s throat during an argument on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The victim, a mother of two, reportedly died from a deep cut inflicted by her husband while they were at their farm, sources said.
According to witnesses, a domestic dispute escalated into violence after the suspect, identified as Mr. Abuchi, reportedly grabbed a kitchen knife and attacked his wife. Her screams attracted nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene, overpowered the suspect, and handed him over to the Rivers State Police Command.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe‑Koko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a detailed investigation to ensure timely justice.
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“Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect has been arrested and a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served,” she stated.
The incident has drawn condemnation from the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign (CBRAC), which described the killing as the height of man’s inhumanity to man. The group called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that justice is both served and seen to be served.
Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of CBRAC, said, “There is no justification for anyone to take another person’s life. This is a clear case of murder, and the Rivers State Police Command must ensure accountability.”
Residents of Amaji Village remain shocked and grieving, while community leaders urge peaceful resolution of disputes and enhanced measures to prevent domestic violence.
The case highlights the ongoing risks of domestic violence in Nigeria and the critical role of law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable family members.
Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument
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Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack
Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack
At least 30 people have been killed and several others abducted following a late-night attack by armed bandits on Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The assault occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when gunmen on motorcycles surrounded the community, blocked all exits, and opened fire on residents, witnesses said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed homes, shot indiscriminately, and kidnapped villagers, leaving many unaccounted for. Bodies were reportedly recovered early Friday morning, while several abducted residents were taken into nearby forests, according to local sources.
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The attack comes just two days after the Zamfara State Government unveiled new security hardware, including drones and armoured vehicles, as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and rural violence. Despite these measures, the fresh raid highlights the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and property destruction have become recurring threats.
This incident follows a similar deadly raid in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where at least 33 people were reportedly killed, underscoring the escalating insecurity across northwest Nigeria.
Attempts to obtain an official statement from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time. Security experts and residents are calling for urgent government and military intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.
The latest attack is a grim reminder of the challenges facing rural communities in northwest Nigeria, where armed bandits continue to operate with impunity, threatening public safety, livelihoods, and social stability.
Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack
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Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder
Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder
President Bola Tinubu has summoned Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Abuja following deadly violence during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses in Ondo State, which reportedly claimed four lives in Idanre and Akure North local government areas.
The President was said to be deeply disturbed by the killings, which occurred during what was expected to be a routine APC ward congress, especially in a state firmly controlled by the ruling party.
A senior government source in Akure disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa travelled to Abuja on Thursday after receiving the summons, following a series of security reports submitted to the Presidency detailing the violence that erupted during the APC congresses in Ondo State.
According to the source, the governor had earlier lined up activities to mark his one-year anniversary in office, but was forced to scale down the programme due to the presidential invitation.
The governor reportedly left Akure shortly after inaugurating the Igoba and Alagbaka Extension roads, without waiting for the commissioning of the 100,000-litre water supply project at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) complex. His deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, represented him at other anniversary events.
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The source revealed that the summons was issued late Wednesday night, following the President’s review of multiple intelligence briefings.
“President Tinubu is said to be very angry over the Ondo killings and wants a clear explanation of what went wrong, particularly as the violence occurred within the APC, where there is no strong opposition,” the source said.
While it could not be independently confirmed if the governor met with the President, Aiyedatiwa was said to have returned to Akure later on Thursday, having been in Abuja ahead of a meeting expected on Friday.
Security Tension Deepens as Traditional Ruler Is Killed
Meanwhile, the security crisis in Ondo State worsened following the killing of the traditional ruler of Agamo Town, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, who was murdered by suspected gunmen inside his palace on February 18, 2026, at about 7:10 p.m.
The killing triggered widespread fear and condemnation, prompting a swift response from security agencies.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, led a high-powered security delegation—including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS)—to the community.
Lawal assured residents that the police and military would track down the killers, stressing that justice would be served.
Preliminary investigations revealed that about six masked gunmen allegedly stormed the monarch’s residence, forcibly abducted him, and attacked him violently, leading to his death.
The Commissioner confirmed the deployment of additional security personnel, including tactical teams and operational assets, to Agamo and neighbouring communities, urging residents to provide credible intelligence to aid investigations.
He reassured the people of Ondo State that security agencies would continue to work together to restore peace, maintain stability, and protect lives and property.
Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder
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