Crime
Village Head, 49 Others Kidnapped In Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State
Suspected armed bandits have attacked and kidnapped the village head of Fugge community in the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, Mallam Abdullahi Zaure and 49 others.
An eyewitness in the community said most of those abducted during the last Friday attack were women, and children, while few of them were males, while castles were also rustled.
It was gathered that the terrorists invaded the village on several motorcycles and started shooting into the air to scare the villagers in broad daylight, while efforts to contact the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun proved abortive as his phone line didn’t go through.
In a text forwarded to him, Abiodun promised to make enquiries and provide details. The police spokesman however failed to do so as of the time of filing this report.
Gunmen have been wreaking havoc on Niger and other states in the North-West and North-Central regions despite the efforts of security agencies and the Federal Government to tackle the menace.
Abductions for ransom and intercommunal attacks have been on the rise again in the last few weeks after a brief calm period during February and March elections for the presidency and governorship posts.
Just last week, nine people, including a local chief, in Idon Gida community in nearby Kajuru district of Kaduna State, according to local sources.
Bandits burst into the Christian village around 8pm, taking away seven women and two men, residents said.
Mass kidnappings and bandit gangs in the northwest are just one of several security challenges facing president-elect Bola Tinubu when he takes the helm of Africa’s most populous nation later this month.
Nigeria’s military is also battling a grinding jihadist conflict in the northeast that has killed 40,000 since 2009 as well as simmering separatist tensions in the southeast of the country, where gunmen often target police.
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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