Metro

Masquerade Kills Man In Rivers

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2023

Masquerade performing in traditional festival has killed one of his spectators during an outing in Rivers State.

The incident happened at Abam Community in Okirika Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday, according to a source.

It was gathered that the masquerade traditionally called ‘Ekpo’ had come on his victim and alleged hacked him to death during the festival.

It was gathered that the development had degenerated into communal misunderstanding between the people of Abam and George Ama community where the victim hailed from.

The source which did not want his name in print said: “A masquerade was performing at a festival. He killed a youths with stick. The incident is causing problem between the people of Abam and George Ama people.”

Confirming the development, yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, narrated that the masquerade performer has used stick to hit his victim on the head.

Iringe-Koko said: “Police are investigating the incident. A masquerade was performer used stick to hit a young man’s head. The victim was immediately taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“The matter has been reported to the police and we are investigating it. The suspect has ran away but we are trailing him.”

However, the Area Commander in-charge of Okrika LGA, Ogunjemisin Tayo, called on the two communities to exercise restraint following reports of the killing.

Tayo said the police would ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.

He commended the Council Chairman for being proactive in ensuring that the matter did not go out of control and urged everyone to remain peaceful.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Akuro Tobin, had earlier sued for peace following reports of the development.

He appealed on the elders and youths of Abam and George Communities to assist the police in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the law.

Tobin also urged the police to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and justice served and lamented the untimely death of the young boy whose life has been caught short in his prime.

Speaking, the Chairman Community Development Committee of Abam, Sample Abam, condemned the action of youths in George Ama as unacceptable, urging the police to redouble efforts in ensuring the arrest of everyone involved in the evil act.

Also, the Secretary of Dokube Royal House, Otelima George, regretted the action of some miscreants which he insisted does not have the backing of the community.

He assured that the George community will do everything humanly possible to ensure the arrest of those involved in the act by assisting the police with useful information, even as he conveyed the community’s heartfelt sympathy to the Abam community.

Metro

Seven Journalists On Their Way To Colleague’s Marriage, FG Reacts

Published

1 hour ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who were confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State on Monday.

The incident occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District. They were said to have traveled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, who was getting married.

According to preliminary information from the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, the crash was fatal.

The Minister described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation, noting that the journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.

“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” he said.

The Minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and especially to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” he added.

“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.

He assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

Metro

VIDEO: Chaos As Last-minute Shoppers Overwhelm Lagos Balogun Market

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Large crowds on Tuesday overwhelmed Balogun Market on Lagos Island as residents trooped out in their numbers for last-minute year-end shopping, crippling movement around the commercial hub.

A viral video making the rounds online showed extreme congestion within and around the market, with traders and shoppers barely able to move as they jostled for limited space in one of Lagos’ busiest trading centres.

The footage captured scenes of tightly packed walkways and stalled human traffic, as buyers scrambled to complete end-of-year purchases ranging from clothes and shoes to household items.

The gridlock is largely being blamed on Nigerians’ long-standing culture of last-minute shopping, often described as “panic buying,” where many delay festive purchases until the final days of the year.

Balogun Market, known for its wholesale and retail activities, traditionally experiences a spike in patronage toward the end of the year.

As of the time of reporting, no incidents had been confirmed, though the situation highlights the recurring challenge of overcrowding during peak festive periods in Lagos.

Watch the video below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Credit: X | dammiedammie
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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 30, 2025

Metro

JUST IN: Court Orders Remand Of Ex-AGF Malami, Son, Wife In Kuje Prison

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Federal High Court In Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also ordered the remand of his co-dedendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe.

Justice Nwite made the order after taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities running into several billions of naira.

According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The commission further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.