Crime
BREAKING: DSS Arrests Sixth Suspect in 2022 Owo Church Massacre
In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have captured the sixth suspect linked to the deadly June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had evaded capture for nearly four years, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives in connection with the massacre.
According to security sources, Yusuf was apprehended in the Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, where he had been hiding in a relatively quiet village setting.
Following the Owo church attack, Yusuf reportedly fled to Kano State temporarily before relocating to Edo to lay low. Sources revealed that he has since confessed to his direct involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre.
In addition to the Owo incident, Yusuf allegedly admitted to participating in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that killed five soldiers, and multiple kidnapping incidents in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.
He further disclosed serving under prominent ISWAP figures, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.
The DSS is already prosecuting five other suspects in the Owo attack case: Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).
They face charges related to terrorism and are currently standing trial.
“This arrest represents a significant step forward in delivering justice for the victims of the Owo church attack, the soldiers slain at Zuma Rock, and others affected by ISWAP’s reign of terror,” a security source stated. “It highlights the DSS’s unwavering commitment and persistent efforts in combating terrorism across the country.
“The development comes amid ongoing court proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where witnesses, including DSS operatives, have provided evidence linking the earlier suspects to the crime through technical intelligence, confessions, and forensic analysis.
Authorities have not yet released further details on when Yusuf will be arraigned or additional charges he may face, but the arrest is seen as a boost to national security operations targeting ISWAP remnants.
Crime
Three Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
The attack comes 48 Hours After Bola Tinubu Visit.
Three people have been killed and one injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack occurred just 48 hours after President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau, where he met stakeholders on security.
The victims, Luka Sandu Pam (36), Samuel Davou (38), and Deme Saidu (36) were ambushed around 7 p.m. on Friday while returning from Gero on a motorbike.
They were part of a group of about 15 youths heading home from a mining site. Eyewitnesses say the group was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen, forcing others to flee.
Gyel Youth Leader, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, while Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders.
Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the killings as a sign of worsening insecurity. He noted the victims had gone to observe Good Friday before the attack.
Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Watch video below:
Crime
Ebonyi: Gunmen Assasinate Another Traditional Ruler
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
• Ebonyi map
Gunmen have assassinated another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, in what residents describe as a brazen and targeted attacks.
The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead at his private residence after the assailants gained access under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, and killed the monarch in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
The Chairman of Onicha LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, has condemned the killing as barbaric, confirming that security agencies have launched an investigation.
Police spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, also said that the command has commenced a full probe.
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
Crime
Tinubu Briefed on Jos Attack, Approves Extra Security – Mutfwang
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a detailed briefing on the recent deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, and approved additional security measures to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State disclosed this after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The governor described the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, which claimed over a dozen lives and left many injured, as “an act of terrorism.”
He said security forces have since restored calm following fresh disturbances involving looters on Wednesday morning.
“Additional security measures have been approved by the President in conjunction with state security architecture, while investigations continue to unravel the identities and motives of the attackers, who are yet to be fully apprehended,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu may visit Plateau State soon to commiserate with victims and affected families.
The meeting followed President Tinubu’s earlier high-level session with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and chart a coordinated response to the violence.
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