Metro

Katsina Gov’s Chief Of Staff Escapes Alleged Customs’ Officers Gun Attack

Published

2 years ago

July 15, 2023

Govern Dikko Umaru Radda’s Chief of Staff, Jabiru Tsauri has claimed he narrowly escaped a harrowing assault from suspected Customs Service Officers at a location known as Gorar Yammama while on his way to Abuja en route to Kaduna, on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday.

Jabiru’s ordeal in the hands of the suspected customs officer as narrated in the statement reads:

“Katsina State, Nigeria – July 14, 2023 – Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri, the esteemed Chief of Staff to the Governor of Katsina State, had a narrow escape from a harrowing assault from Customs Service Officers on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The Customs targeted him as he was departing Katsina State on his way to Kaduna and ultimately Abuja, at a location known as Gorar Yammama.

”According to Mr. Tsauri, while en route to Kaduna, he and his driver encountered a recent accident near the Gorar Yammama highway area, leading to significant traffic congestion. Once their car was finally able to move away from the accident site, the assailants, armed with firearms, targeted their vehicle, firing shots at the tires and body of the car in an attempt to harm Mr. Tsauri. However, thanks to the quick thinking and courageous actions of his driver, they managed to speed away to safety in a nearby town.”

Reflecting on the traumatic incident, Mr. Tsauri shared, “I was overwhelmed by fear, contemplating the possibility that these assailants intended to cause me harm while I carried out my duties. If not for the bravery and resourcefulness of my driver, the outcome could have been far more dire.”

“We can confirm the Army brigade commander near where the incident occurred came out and also made concerted efforts, leading to the arrest of one of the assailants who has since been handed over to the state police authorities.

“The Katsina State Government vehemently condemns this reprehensible act and calls for a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served. The safety and security of public officials and citizens remain of utmost importance, and any violation of this fundamental right will not be tolerated.

“In response to this distressing incident, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., has directed relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in uncovering the motives behind this attack and swiftly bringing all culprits to justice. The Katsina State Government remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and fostering an environment where public servants can carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.

“We urge the public to remain calm and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Any information pertaining to this incident or related activities should be promptly shared with the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

“The Katsina State Government expresses its deepest gratitude to the state police authorities for their swift response and decisive action in apprehending the suspects. Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all well-wishers and supporters who have expressed concern for Mr. Tsauri’s well-being.”

Metro

Truck Crushes Man Rushing For Jumu’ah Prayers In Rivers

Published

10 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

A trailer loaded with goods has crushed a Muslim faithful rushing for Friday prayers to death in Port Harcourt.

According to Vanguard, the tragic incident happened on the ever-busy Nkpolu junction axis of the East-West road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, around 2:05 pm.

It was gathered that the victim was crossing the busy road when a black SUV on speed knocked him down and that the truck, which was on high speed, crushed him to death.

A source, who witnessed the incident, narrated that the young man was behind some of his Muslim brothers, who were also going for the Friday prayers, when the incident happened.

The source, who gave his name simply as Tunde, said the other worshipers had crossed, but that the victim, who did not observe the traffic very well before entering the road, was knocked down by the vehicle.

The source said that when the SUV brought him down, a trailer that was on the speed lane ran over him, dismembering the body beyond recognition.

However, the Muslim faithful who were with him took over the highway in protest until police operatives arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, the police restored normalcy while the protesting Muslims took the remains for burial.

Metro

Three Killed As Suspected Bandits Ambush Motorists In Kwara

Published

19 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have allegedly launched a deadly attack on motorists along the Rore and Aranorin communities in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving at least three people dead.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, threw residents and travellers into a state of panic as news of the killings spread across the area.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the victims were seen lying lifeless on the roadside, their bodies partially covered with clothing and leaves by sympathisers who arrived at the scene after the attackers had fled.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the armed men, believed to be operating from hideouts in nearby forests, opened fire on the unsuspecting motorists in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush.

It remains unclear whether the attackers also abducted any victims during the assault, as details were still emerging as of Friday morning.

The attack is the latest in a growing wave of violence that has gripped Kwara State’s Ifelodun and Irepodun local government areas in recent months.

Communities such as Babanla, Shegbe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government have faced repeated attacks, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their ancestral homes.

Many victims have been kidnapped for ransom, while others have been killed in similar raids.

Residents expressed fears that the violence could escalate further unless urgent security measures are taken.

Some community leaders have called on both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the affected areas, noting that many villages have been left vulnerable as attacks continue unabated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident.

However, sources indicate that security operatives have been mobilised to the area to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

On August 24, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of improved security, suspected bandits abducted two people in the area.

The governor visited the area to reassure residents and restore a sense of security amid ongoing fears of banditry and kidnappings.

However, the criminals struck soon after his departure, highlighting the persistent threat and heightening tension in the community.

The incident reportedly threw residents into fresh panic despite earlier promises of tighter security measures.

Metro

Suspected Amasiri Warriors Invade Ebonyi Community, Behead Farmer Amid Land Dispute

Published

19 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, August 26, at Okporojo Idima, Oso Edda in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as armed warriors from neighbouring Amasiri community reportedly invaded the farmland of one Mr. Dike Nnachi, beheaded him, and took his head away as a trophy.

The attack marks a continuation of violent hostilities in the area, coming barely four months after the April invasion in which at least four people, including a pregnant woman and her 12-year-old son, were brutally killed.

That incident also left property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Residents told reporters that the latest killing has deepened fears across Oso Edda, as locals now question the effectiveness of the state government’s ongoing peace efforts.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, had, through the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, initiated dialogue between warring communities to stem the tide of violence.

However, Tuesday’s bloodshed is seen as a direct challenge to those peace moves.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that unless decisive action is taken, the violence could escalate further, leaving more lives and property in jeopardy.

In April, renewed violence broke out over a longstanding land dispute between Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Okporojo in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The hostilities left houses and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, as attackers, reportedly from Amasiri, launched assaults on Okporojo.

The worsening security situation forced many residents of Edda to abandon the Amasiri road, opting instead to travel through Afikpo town due to fear of further attacks.

Although previous administrations attempted to resolve the crisis, including the release of a white paper based on a government committee’s recommendations, implementation has reportedly stalled, allowing the conflict to fester and violence to recur.