Metro

JUST IN: Gunmen Kidnap Imo Catholic Priest

Published

10 months ago

November 6, 2024

Gunmen kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in the Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, on Tuesday night.

The Catholic priest was abducted in the Ayayi community within Obollo as he was returning to his parish from an assignment.

The PUNCH reports that the cleric was ordained on 27 September 2014 by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State.

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, requested prayers from both the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s safe return.

The statement, issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, urged fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.

The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” reads: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at about 6 pm.

“Rev. Fr. Azubuike, who was ordained on 27 September 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State.

“He was kidnapped along the Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while returning from an assignment.

“We request your fervent prayers that he may return to us safe and sound, trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”

The elected councillor of Obollo Ward, David Ajaero, confirmed the priest’s kidnapping to PUNCH Metro, disclosing that the community was praying for his unconditional release.

Describing the priest as a good man, Ajaero urged the public to pray for his safety.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.

Okoye said, “The CP has set up a high-powered investigation team to look into this matter for the possible rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects.”

Metro

Tension As Civilian Task Force Member Opens Fire Inside Kebbi Mosque

Published

51 minutes ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Residents of Faransi village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State were thrown into shock after a member of the civilian Joint Task Force, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly opened fire inside a mosque.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the incident left one youth, identified as Bawa Kiri, with gunshot injuries. His father, Kiri Nyako, reported the case to troops of 1 Brigade at Unashi.

Military sources said efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspected Yansakai member behind the attack.

Meanwhile, the injured victim has been evacuated to Ribah General Hospital in Zuru Local Government Area, where he is receiving treatment.

Details of the incident remain sketchy as investigations continue.

Metro

Bandits Leader Who Allegedly Killed 34 Katsina Worshippers Seen In Peace Meeting

Published

57 minutes ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

A picture has surfaced showing Babaro, a notorious bandit leader, at a peace dialogue held on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama shared the photo on X, noting that Babaro has been terrorising the Kankara and Malumfashi areas.

Makama said Babaro is alleged to have led the recent attack on worshippers in Mantau, Malumfashi LGA, where 32 people were killed and many others injured during Isha prayers.

The development comes as security analyst Bakatsine also confirmed on Sunday that Faskari residents and bandits agreed on a peace deal that included mutual forgiveness, unarmed entry into towns, safe farming, grazing, and the release of captives without ransom.

“Peace deal in Faskari LGA, Katsina State as residents and bandits agree on unarmed entry into town by bandits, safe farming/grazing, mutual forgiveness, captives freed without ransom. Notorious figures like Ado Aleru, Babaro and Kwashen-garwa attended,” Bakatsine wrote.

Authorities were yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, DAILY POST reports.

Metro

NAF Air Raids Kill Three Boko Haram Commanders In Borno

Published

1 hour ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Boko Haram fighters are reportedly in disarray following sustained airstrikes by the Nigerian military on their hideouts in Borno State.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the air raids targeted insurgent camps in Gobara and Balangaje, near Sambisa Forest in Gwoza Local Government Area, destroying several structures.

At least three senior commanders, identified as Mustafa, Ba Bunu, and Awana Kura, were said to have been killed in the operation.

The development has heightened anxiety among fighters, women, and children in the affected enclaves. A senior commander, Modu Kunduli, was reported to have informed another top leader, Bakura (alias Weeze), that the group’s ranks were unsettled by the bombardments.

Bakura, who operates around Kwajaffa–Ngabur village in Hawul LGA, was also quoted as expressing concern after sighting Nigerian Air Force jets over Garkida and Gombi areas.

Intelligence reports further indicate that the insurgents are considering retreating to their hideouts in Ngulde, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, pending further directives from their leaders.

Security sources said troops have been placed on alert to monitor possible movement of fighters as they attempt to evade additional air raids.