Metro

Many Vigilante Members Killed, Others Missing As Bandits Attack Sokoto Community

Published

1 year ago

May 4, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to The PUNCH, the tensed standoff between these two parties occurred on Friday, when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted a group of about 40 bandits attempting to raid Magonho village.

The assailants, according to a local source from the community, rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.

The source said, “Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed in the early exchange of gunfire.

“The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group.”

Another eyewitness revealed that the vigilantes had mobilised quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.

He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.

“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication’ mast, and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest”

The source, however, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes.

“Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest.”

The latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilantes killed at the time of filing this report.

According to him, “Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community.

“On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now”

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.