News

Kaduna Confirms 32 Killed By Terrorists, Debunks Helicopter Attack

Published

3 years ago

June 9, 2022

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Thursday, confirmed that terrorist killed 32 in Dogon Noma and Ungwan Sarkias villages, as well as Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The Commissioner, however, debunked the rumour that the terrorists were aided by an helicopter.

But he clarified that the bandits didn’t attack the communities with helicopters as the helicopter in question was security helicopter which were sent to repel the bandits.

Aruwan noted that at Dogon Noma alone 29 villagers were killed by the terror group while three Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori villges.

He listed those killed to include Ahmadu Musa, Audu Dandaura, Akilu Laya, David Wasika, Hajatu Buhari, Nashon Buhari, Iliya Yaki Javan Mairabo, Jackson Adamu, Nasco Victor, Dutse Gwamna, Joshua Amadi, Gona Isah, Douglas Yakubu, Phineas Joel, Tanimu Umaru, Abody Iliya, Wanzami Halidu, Dogo Aweh
and Sunday Shittu.

Others are Rejoice Audu, Jedidiah Ayawa, Jinkai Pius, Rebecca Ayafa,
Ishaya John, Audu Danladi, Jibo Sule, Yakubu Garba, Williams Danba, Maikasa Kufana, Augustine Bahago and Mamiya Maikori.

The Commissioner said, “The Kaduna State Government received initial reports from security agencies, that bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.

“According to the reports, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.

“Since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.

“As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack.”

Aruwan added, “While the Government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter.

“The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday. The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses.

“An Air Force helicopter (under Operation Whirl Punch) dispatched to the area, had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.

“The helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location (Ungwan Maikori) and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.

“It was the arrival of the air asset which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in the village, after the bandits had already killed one local and burnt several houses.

“The story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is therefore an untrue account.

“The Government of Kaduna State having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.

“Eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government backed by incontrovertible facts.”

The Commissioner further noted that the military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserved commendation and motivation, rather than demoralising allegations.

He also disclosed that in the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.

PUNCH.

News

BREAKING: Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Armed Forces To Recruit More Personnel

Published

24 minutes ago

November 26, 2025

Editor

Amid rising attacks and abductions by gunmen and suspected terrorists, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by the President.

News

Trump Using FBI To ‘Intimidate’ Congress, US Lawmakers Cry Out

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2025

Editor

US Democratic lawmakers accused Donald Trump on Tuesday of using the FBI to “intimidate” members of Congress and said the law enforcement agency had requested interviews with them following their criticism of the president.

The legislators were among six who this month called on military and intelligence personnel to refuse any “illegal orders” by Trump, who labeled them “traitors.”

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” said a statement released by Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, who are all Democratic members of the House of Representatives.

“Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews,” they said. “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

The FBI in an email declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US military said on Monday it was weighing a court-martial against Democratic senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly, who had also appeared in the video released this month which urged troops to refuse unlawful orders.

Kelly, a decorated Navy combat pilot and former astronaut who commanded the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final flight, fired back that he would not be intimidated or “silenced by bullies.”

Elissa Slotkin, another senator who appeared in the video, said in a post on X on Tuesday that the FBI “appeared to open an inquiry into me in response to a video President Trump did not like.”

“The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place,” she said.

The six Democrats who released the video did not specify which orders they meant, but Trump has ordered the National Guard into multiple US cities — often against local objections — to curb what he calls rampant unrest.

Overseas, Trump has ordered strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that killed more than 80 people and which experts say are illegal.

Trump initially accused the group of “seditious behavior, punishable by death.”

Over the weekend, he wrote in an all-caps social media rant that the “traitors” who told troops to disobey him “should be in jail.”

News

Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Miss Universe Co-owner

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2025

Editor

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for the media mogul and co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant over alleged fraud worth $930,000, a court official told AFP on Wednesday.

This year’s Miss Universe contest concluded last week following a streak of scandals, including a tantrum by the host and allegations of sexism.

But after Miss Mexico was crowned winner, fresh outrage has targeted Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, whose JKN Global Group co-owns the contest.

The South Bangkok Civil Court issued a warrant for Jakapong on Tuesday after a plastic surgeon accused her of fraud and concealing information when persuading him to invest in JKN in 2023.

“The defendant invited [the plaintiff] to invest knowing her inability to return the money within the appointed time,” said a court statement shared with AFP on Wednesday.

A verdict in the 30 million baht ($930,000) case was scheduled for Tuesday, but Jakapong failed to appear in court, and the warrant was issued because her behaviour “could be interpreted as fleeing,” it added.

The court has rescheduled the verdict for December 26, but some local media have reported that Jakapong had left for Mexico amid rumours of mounting financial woes.

The Miss Universe Organisation said in a statement earlier this year that “these legal proceedings are entirely separate” from its operations.

Miss Universe 2025 wrapped up in Bangkok on Friday, after drama stirred by a public bust-up between a male competition host and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.

In a livestreamed event, the host singled her out for failing to post promotional content and allegedly called her “dumb,” prompting Bosch to lead a walkout.

He apologised after a tearful news conference, though his behaviour drew the attention of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised her compatriot for speaking out.

AFP