Crime
Edo State Deputy Governor, Shaibu Condemns recent attack of his Campaign Vehicle in Ekpoma

Edo State Deputy Governor, His excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has condemned the recent attack on his campaign vehicle in Ekpoma, Esan local government area of Edo State.
In a statement released and signed by Sunday Okumayin, it was stated that the assault was sponsored by individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant.
The statement reads:
“I, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, hereby condemns in the strongest terms the unprovoked attack on my supporters and campaign vehicle in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday.
It is disheartening and appalling that such a cowardly act of violence could be perpetrated against innocent citizens who were peacefully expressing their support for our cause. This attack is not only an assault on democracy but also a threat to the peace and stability of our great state.
I urge all my supporters, as well as the good and peace-loving people of Edo State, not to allow themselves to be provoked by this attack. The perpetrators aim to incite violence and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere that we have worked hard to foster in our state.
Let it be known that the era of hooliganism and violence in politics is long gone. Today, we live in a society where issues, ideas, and programmes should be the driving force behind political engagements. We must not be drawn into the dark abyss of violence and chaos, but rather, we should focus on engaging in constructive debates and discussions that will move our state forward.
I hereby appeal to the security agencies in the state to carry out a thorough investigation into this attack. Those responsible for this dastardly act of cowardice must be brought to book and face the full weight of the law. The people of Edo State deserve to live in peace and security, and we must ensure that justice is served.
I assure my esteemed supporters, the good people of Edo State that we will not be deterred by such acts of violence. We remain committed to our mission of building a better and prosperous state for all our citizens. Let us stand united against violence and strive for a peaceful and inclusive political landscape.
Crime
Zamfara residents pay millions for safety
It was learned that on Sunday, April 20, bandits issued a fresh demand of N60 million from residents of Dankurmi village in Maru LGA.

Residents across Zamfara State are being extorted by armed bandits who demand levies running into hundreds of millions of naira in exchange for allowing the people to remain in their homes.
Daily Trust reports that the levies, enforced under the threat of abduction, violence, or death, have left communities in a state of fear and financial ruin.
Since January 2025, it was gathered that over N500 million has been paid by various communities to different bandit groups in a desperate bid to avoid attacks.
In January alone, the late bandit kingpin, Isuhu Yellow, imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages, including demands for agricultural produce.
For instance, Gijinzama village was charged N8.5 million, Dakolo N5 million plus 20 bags of beans, Kibari, Kunchin Kalgo N20 million, Sungawa N15 million, and Yalwa N2.7 million, among others.
Shortly after, another notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide, demanded N100 million from 23 communities in Tsafe LGA, prompting mass displacement.
The affected communities included Kunchin-Kalgo (N20m), Sungawa (N15m), Rakyabu (N15m), and Kwaren Mai-Saje (N10m).
It was learned that on Sunday, April 20, bandits issued a fresh demand of N60 million from residents of Dankurmi village in Maru LGA.
Locals say that they were given until Wednesday to comply or face dire consequences. Kidnappings had already commenced before the deadline.
Crime
Police rescue 10 kidnapped University of Benin students

Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 10 University of Benin, UNIBEN, students abducted by suspected kidnappers at Ofosu area along the Benin-Ore expressway.
It was gathered that the students were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference when they were kidnapped on April 16 at the community bordering Edo and Ondo States.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.
Yamu said the rescued students are eight males and two females.
He said during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while other escaped with bullet wounds.
He also disclosed that one of the Police officers, an Inspector sustained gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The statement read: “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States.
“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects.
“During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damages as the kidnappers used the victims as human shields. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment.
“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) male and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them.”
Crime
JUST IN: IDF eliminates terrorist behind January West Bank shooting

Israeli security forces on Wednesday morning killed Muhammad Zakarna, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin.
Zakarna was identified as one of the terrorists involved in the deadly shooting attack in the West Bank village of al-Funduq in January.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Zakarna, a resident of Qabatiya, was among three gunmen who opened fire on civilians in al-Funduq on January 6, killing Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, an off-duty Israeli police officer, and civilians Rachel Cohen and Aliza Raiz.
The IDF said Zakarna was located in a cave near the village of Misilyah following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security agency.
During the attempted arrest by Yamam, the Israel Police’s elite counterterrorism unit, and IDF troops, a gun battle broke out between the forces and the suspects.
The military said the forces used shoulder-launched missiles during the exchange.
Zakarna and another Islamic Jihad member, Marooh Hazima, also from Qabatiya, were killed.
Hazima had previously been released from Israeli prison in the November 2023 ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and had since resumed terrorist activity, the IDF said.
A number of weapons and military gear were recovered from the scene. Several accomplices were also detained and found to be in possession of handguns.
The IDF confirmed that the other two terrorists behind the al-Funduq attack, Qutaiba al-Shalabi and Mohammed Nazal, both affiliated with Hamas — were previously killed in an Israeli operation in Qabatiya on January 23.
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