Metro

Christians Furious Over Church Demolition, Members’ Killing In Borno

Published

5 years ago

August 5, 2021

The demolition of EYN Church and the killing of two worshippers has created tension in Borno.

The Christian community is infuriated, with many adding religious and ethnic colourations.

The branch of the EYN (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa in Nigeria) is located at the Maduganari area of Maiduguri, the Borno capital.

Trouble started when the church members attempted to stop the Borno Geographic Information System (BOGIS) from pulling the building down.

The BOGIS team, led by the head, Engr. Adam Bababe, insisted that the church defaulted land administration and urban development laws.

As nerves charged, security operatives attached to the agency opened fire to push pack the protesters.

A source told DAILY POST that though some shots were fired into the air, “at least one of the officers reportedly got reckless and aimed at the crowd”.

Two persons were killed and five others in injured. Some are in a critical condition.

The worshippers stressed that there was no warning prior to the action.

“We woke up this morning and saw Engr. Bababe and his men coming to destroy our church. Some members approached them”, a resident Audu said.

“Security operatives attached to the agency open fire and killed two people whose corpses are currently at the State Specialists Hospital.”

Jacob Ayuba, another resident and EYN member, stated: “We have never seen the government of Borno going to demolish a mosque no matter where the mosque was sited unless they want to build bigger one.

“Our church documents are intact. Churches will never buy land by cutting corners but because they did not want a church on that area they have come to demolish it.”

Another described what happened as a “witch hunt”.

“There are mosques were they should go. This government did not go there to demolish but are demolishing churches which have papers.

“This is wickedness. Our people are currently mobilising to march to the government house to protect the killing and demolition of our church by Bababe and his team.”

Bayo Oladeji, media adviser to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Samson Ayokunle said a press statement will be issued.

“I just heard. It is very unfortunate. We will speak with EYN Church members and other witnesses before we put out our official position”, he told DAILY POST Thursday evening.

The EYN Church and Christians in Borno are asking Zulum to ensure that BOGIS officials and culpable security officers are arrested and prosecuted for the deaths.

Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has consequently ordered the Police Command to investigate the demolition and shooting.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.