Metro

10 Persons Confirmed Dead In Lokoja–Okene Road Crash, Bandit Attacks

Published

6 months ago

December 3, 2025

Kogi State government has confirmed the death of six persons in a road crash along the Lokoja–Okene road.

A statement from the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on Wednesday night said, “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today at the Government House, Lokoja.

“The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene road, claimed six precious lives. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.”

Fanwo stated that the tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the government and people of Kogi State.

“We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment. The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.”

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover. Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.

“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.

“As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

In another development, suspected bandits, on Wednesday morning, launched another deadly attack on Irunda Ile in Yagba East LGA of Kogi State, leaving two residents dead, while policemen allegedly killed another two residents in a clash between the police and protesting youths of the community.

The Guardian gathered that when security operatives arrived at the village over the bandits’ attack, the youth leader insisted that the police must enter the bush to pursue the bandits.

A community leader, Bobagunwa of Irunda Isanlu, Chief (Engr) David Oni Sunday, told The Guardian on the phone that there was an attack by bandits, which led to the death of two vigilantes.

He noted that when the police arrived, they were reluctant to chase the bandits, which led to the confrontation with the community youths.

“From there, they mistakenly killed two youths, while others were also hospitalised following the tear gas they received from the police. In all, four people were killed in our village this morning. Two vigilantes were killed by the bandits and two other persons were mistakenly killed by the police,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to Kogi State Government, Commander Jerry Omadora (Rtd), also confirmed the incident to journalists in Lokoja.

He said the bandits invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday and killed two vigilantes who confronted them during the attack, adding that it was unfortunate that the youths who ought to assist the security agencies in fighting the bandits did something else.

“Security men were drafted to Yagba to chase the bandits away. Even those bandits occupying our mine site have been neutralised by the security men. Kogi State government will not allow any criminals in the state. We are working very hard to see that Kogi State is safe for everyone.

“Some few days ago, a helicopter was drafted to those areas and we recorded major success. The bandits were neutralised by the security men. We are not going to rest until we are able to neutralise the bandits completely,” the Security Adviser stated.

Metro

Police Arrest Mother, Daughter Over Alleged N18m Romance Scam

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, have arrested a woman and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The police disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into allegations bordering on computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering after receiving intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident identified as Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used in carrying out fraudulent transactions.

“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement said.

The police further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Investigators also alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the money was allegedly spent.

According to the statement, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities allegedly linked both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their eventual arrest.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who was described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace and tackling cybercrime across the country.

The NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting portal and designated communication channels.

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

22 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.