Crime
Residents of Niger community abandon homes as bandits attacks continue
Bandits’ attacks on Garam, a community in Niger State have continued unabated forcing residents to abandon their homes.
Garam, which shares a boundary with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been under severe attacks from the bandits since December 24, 2023.
Recall that on Saturday, December 24, bandits invaded Garam community, which is a five-minute drive from Bwari, killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God while kidnapping 13 other persons.
On Thursday, December 28, bandits again invaded Kuduru, in FCT, kidnapping 18 persons.
Similarly, on Friday, December 29, bandits invaded Azu, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.
However, following the ceaseless attacks, residents of the community decided against observing crossover service on December 31st.
A resident of the community who pleaded anonymity said most churches in the area observed the crossover service between 5pm and 8pm while a handful of churches with adequate security observed the crossover service between 10 pm and 4am.
The source added that the bandits returned on January 2, 2024, kidnapping a whole family, adding that the soldiers stationed in Azu, a neighbouring community, only arrived after the bandits had left.
The resident said: “Due to the fear of bandits, most churches did not observe crossover service on December 31st. Some churches observe the service between 5pm and 8pm. It was only MFM that observed the service from 11pm till 4am.
“Though soldiers patrol the community during the day, it has not stopped bandits from attacking the people at night.
“On January 2, an Igala man was attacked and the bandits kidnapped his whole family. They came with their tools to force the gate of the house open. They operated for 2 to 3 hours. The sound of their gun forced the vigilante to flee. The soldiers arrived after they had left.”
Another resident said people are moving out of Garam in droves while those who built houses there have sought refuge in other places.
He said the sprawling community is now being deserted as the military appears to have run out of ideas to tame the bandits.
The source added that it appears the bandits are targeting those with cars who can easily muster ransom payments if kidnapped.
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.
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.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Wednesday arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the hearing of his bail application in an ongoing alleged corruption trial.
The court premises witnessed a heavy security presence, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies deployed to maintain order and control access to the facility.
Movement around parts of the court complex is restricted, reflecting heightened public interest and sensitivity surrounding the case.
El-Rufai, who has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is facing multiple charges, including allegations bordering on money laundering, possession of public property, and related offences.
More details later…
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