Metro

Pastor Narrowly Escapes Death, Wife Killed As Gunmen Storm Benin Church, Rain Bullets

Published

2 years ago

August 16, 2023

Gunmen suspected to be assassins have shot a Pastor, and gunned down his wife in Benin City.

The Pastor’s Assistant also sustained bullet injuries on his head during the rain of bullets about 7:36 p.m, on August 14, 2023.

Police identified the clergy as Rev. Dr. Samuel Chinyereugo, and his wife, Mrs. Peace Chinyereugo of God’s Vineyard of Grace Dominion Assembly, 101, Upper Lawani Street, New Benin, Benin City.

It was learnt that the ferocious gunmen trailed the cleric who drove in company of his wife to the church where they unleashed terror on the couple as they pulled up in front of the church.

Some members of the church including the Assistant Pastor were outside the church having prepared ahead of a programme scheduled to commence today (Wednesday) when the Pastor and his wife stopped by.

The cleric, said to have earlier noticed a car trailing him inside GRA, where he had visited his friend, was shocked to see the vehicle suddenly pulled over behind him in front his church.

It was gathered that one of the three armed men who alighted from the car in a commando manner, had accosted the Pastor, snatched the cross pendant on his necklace as the two other assailants opened fire from the rear.

In the melee that ensued, the Pastor’s wife was fatally hit by bullets as she died in an hospital few hours after, while her husband and his deputy, were resuscitated and discharged.

When our correspondent visited the scene, blood stains were visible as relics of smashed windscreen littered front of the church.

Though the church was locked, sympathisers most of whom are members of the church thronged the premises.

Attempts to obtain contact of the clergyman from members of the church failed.

Confirming the despicable attack, the Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said operatives of command had commenced full-scale investigation to unmask and prosecute the perpetrators.

It will be recalled that Apostle Johnson Suleiman’s convoy was similarly attacked by gunmen along the Benin-Auchi Road, Edo State, on October 21, 2022, and six of his aides were killed.

Metro

Kwara Traditional Ruler Kidnapped On His Farm

Published

8 hours ago

November 30, 2025

Editor

Gunmen have reportedly abducted a traditional ruler in Bayagan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ojibara of Bayagan Oba Kamilu Salami, on Saturday.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was kidnapped Saturday morning on his farm, while details of the incident were still sketchy.

Eyewitness disclosed that the attack happened suddenly and left the community in apprehension and confusion. Meanwhile, the incident had triggered fresh concerns over cases of insecurity across the country.

The Kwara State Police command was yet to confirm the incident as at when filing this report.

Metro

Sokoto Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Uncover WhatsApp Recruitment Channel

Published

22 hours ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, believed to be behind rising criminal activities in parts of the state.

The suspects, including the alleged gang leader Usman Shu’aibu, were apprehended on Friday during an intelligence-led operation executed by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the suspects confessed to being initiated into the group through a private WhatsApp platform called Red Chamber.

The police noted that further investigation discovered the social media channel was created to recruit unsuspecting youths into criminal activities.

These, according to the statement, include ritual practices, the pursuit of supposed demonic powers, acts of homosexuality, and violent thuggery.

The police warned parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities closely, noting that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to lure vulnerable youths.

Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests respond directly to public concerns about the group’s operations, adding that efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing members.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

In other news, two persons suspected to be hoodlums have been arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death in Akure, the state capital.

The suspects, identified as Shina Jacob, 25, and Felix Olalekan, 32, allegedly attacked the police inspector during an altercation at Oke-Arata within Arakale axis.

The killing of the police officer came a few days after a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was stabbed to death by a mentally unstable man in Oba-Ile area of Akure.

According to sources, after the inspector, who was recently transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was stabbed, the area was thrown into a state of panic as residents and traders hurriedly fled.

While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the officer was rushed to the hospital after he was stabbed but gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.

“An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response.

“Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident. They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 years and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32 years.

“The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment. The follow-up operation conducted last night formed part of the Command’s sustained and strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety,” Ayanlade stated.”

Metro

Army, Air Force Crush ISWAP Fighters After Failed Chibok Attack

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai, on Saturday stopped a major attack by ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters in Chibok, Borno State, before the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) moved in with airstrikes that killed many of the fleeing terrorists.

The report was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the update, more than 300 terrorists launched a coordinated assault on Chibok around 3:00 a.m., attempting to break through military defensive positions.

Soldiers responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce gunfight that lasted about two hours.

A security source quoted in the post said the troops acted swiftly and professionally.

“There was no casualty on our side, and no equipment was affected,” the source said.

As the terrorists began to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle, ground troops called for air support.

NAF combat aircraft were deployed to the route used by the fleeing fighters.

The airstrikes, guided by intelligence from the troops on the ground, hit several clusters of terrorists trying to escape.

Multiple waves of strikes were carried out, with both manned aircraft and an unmanned aerial platform targeting groups of fighters dispersing into the forest.

According to Makama, the combined efforts of the Army and the Air Force dealt heavy blows to the attackers, preventing them from regrouping after the failed offensive.