Metro

Christians Furious Over Church Demolition, Members’ Killing In Borno

Published

5 years ago

August 5, 2021

Editor

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

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day 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.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.