Crime
JUST IN: 13 dead as police, bandits exchange gunfire in Benue
The Police Command in Benue says it has neutralized 12 bandits terrorizing the Buruku Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.
Anene said that the command unfortunately lost one of its personnel, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, during an exchange of gunfire with the bandits.
The PPRO stated that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, had on March 6 ordered tactical commanders and divisional police officers to clamp down on criminals in the state.
Anene said that the order became necessary when the command noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.
She said that following the directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state.
According to her, on March 19, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits, who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
“The police countered the ambush with superior firepower that subdued the gang.
“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“The bandits were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead, and the corpses were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
“Items recovered from them include three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
“Unfortunately, one of the police team members, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor.
His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue,” she said.
The CP commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased officer and prayed for the repose of his soul.
He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.
“Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists,” she added.
Crime
Tinubu Mourns Soldiers Killed in Benisheikh Terror Attack
Describes Them as ‘Unforgettable Heroes’
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the deaths of soldiers from the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed during a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State, early on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen troops, the military leadership, and the people of Borno State.
Tinubu particularly condoled with the family of Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who led the troops and made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
The President praised the gallant soldiers for fighting valiantly to repel the attackers and prevent Boko Haram from overrunning protected communities. He described the insurgents’ counterattack as “a sign of desperation” amid sustained military offensives.
“Our armed forces have been conducting intense land and air operations, neutralising many terrorists and their commanders,” Tinubu said.
He urged the military not to be discouraged, assuring them of continued government support in equipment and welfare. He also called on Nigerians and the media to stand firmly with the Armed Forces.
“These soldiers are our heroes unforgettable and irreplaceable. We should desist from celebrating or condoning attacks against our troops,” the President stressed.
Tinubu added that the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers will not be in vain and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and achieve lasting peace in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
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.
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