Crime
Alleged killing of Fulani: Gov Ododo convenes emergency security meeting, says perpetrators will be dealt with
In order to restore peace and security in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has convened an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address the indigenes of Isanlu and the Fulani settlers after the latter alleged that one of them was killed by indigenes of the community.
The Governor summoned the emergency security meeting to listen to both sides in order to take actions that will guarantee peace and security. This is to forestall reprisal attacks that could put the community under threat.
According to a statement on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the meeting was successful as both parties subscribed to the Governor’s position that they should embrace peace.
Fanwo said the Governor had to cut short his brief journey to Abuja, where he was to receive an award, to return to the State to stem the “rising security temperatures in Isanlu”.
He said, “The Governor had a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis yesterday in Government House, Lokoja where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly.
“He frowned at a situation where people would take laws into their hands by killing fellow humans, saying such is not acceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.
“He has directed that some traditional rulers in the affected areas be properly interrogated in order to get to the root of the matter. He has also directed that a particular traditional ruler be suspended due to his role in the saga.”
Fanwo added that the Governor urged the leaders of the Isanlu community to warn their subjects to desist from actions that constitute insecurity in Yagba East and the entire Yagba Federal Constituency, urging them to fish out the criminal elements among them as his administration will go after every criminal in the state, regardless of tribe.
“The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitize their people on the need to stop constituting security threats in the area by taking the laws into their hands.
“He particularly told them to stop harboring criminals and to ensure that criminal elements among them are reported and handed over to law enforcement agencies in order to curb insecurity in the area,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo promised to protect everyone living in the state, but stressed that no criminal would be spared.
The Governor commended the Fulanis in the area for resisting the temptation of launching a reprisal attack over the unfortunate incident, thanking them for demonstrating maturity, understanding and commitment to peace and security.
He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Fulani community in the State for supporting the security initiatives of the administration, saying their efforts at maintaining peace and security are well documented and appreciated.
The emergency security meeting was attended by top government officials, security agencies, community leaders and representatives of the Fulanis in the area.
The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua, thanked the Governor for his swift action at averting a major security breakdown in the Local Government Area.
More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.
The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.
A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.
Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.
The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.
Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.
Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.
Watch video below:
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.
He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.
The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
Watch the video below:
Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.
The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.
The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.
Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.
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