Metro

Bandits Kill Many, Kidnap 34 Women, Girls In Zamfara ― Report

Published

4 years ago

December 27, 2021

Bandits have kidnapped over 34 women while dozen of others were killed in multiple attacks in some villages in Gusau local government of Zamfara State.

A BBC Hausa report said the bandits attacked Geba and Gidan Kaura villages as well as some communities within the Gusau Local Government Area.

A source told BBC that when the bandits invaded their communities, “they kidnapped some women and girls, while dozens of others were killed.”

According to the source, “the bandits kidnapped ten women in Kaura, also at Bayauri they kidnapped nine women. They also entered a village called Gana and kidnapped seven before proceeding to Duma and kidnapped another seven women. These happened before Sunday morning.”

According to the reports, properties were destroyed and many villages have been deserted, forcing the villagers to relocate to Gusau, the state capital.

A local said they’ve now run away to Damba community inside the state capital.

“We have women, children, and the pregnant ones, there is no food. If you see where they sleep in this cold as if there is no government,” a local residing in Damba community alleged.

Commissioner of Information in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Dosara, while confirming the attacks, however, affirmed that only Geba town was attacked.

He explained that shortly after the bandits’ attack, security agents went to rescue the situation.

“There are soldiers working in that zone, they went to Geba. They met three people injured. The soldiers dispersed the bandits.”

The commissioner said it was not true that the villages that were attacked were not visited by security agents on a rescue mission.

The attacks in Zamfara came at a time the authorities announced that security agents have arrested some bandits that were seeking medical treatment after their hideout was dislodged.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

13 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.