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

18-year-old OAU Medical Student Dies While Sleeping

Published

12 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has announced the death of an 18-year-old part-three medical student of the institution.

The student, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, was a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery.

According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Timilehin with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

The statement revealed that the “university received the news of the student’s passing with shock and deep sorrow”.

It also described the incident as devastating to the academic community.

According to the statement, “preliminary information suggested that the student might have died shortly after 2 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly said the deceased opened the door for another student around that time.

“The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students”.

The VC, Professor Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, saying, “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”

He added that the university community was united in grief over the passing of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aim of serving humanity.

According to him, the death had left a void among the student’s peers and all those who knew him within the university community.

The university management stated that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures.

It also disclosed that appropriate support measures were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the loss.

The management called on students, staff, alumni and friends of the institution to remain calm and compassionate, while extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Metro

Panic As BRT Bus Catches Fire On Third Mainland Bridge

Published

13 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

Panic gripped motorists on Tuesday afternoon following a fire outbreak involving a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, vehicle on the Third Mainland Bridge, leading to massive traffic disruption.

The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. near the Adekunle section of the bridge, heading towards Iyana Oworo.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle.

According to the agency, the high-capacity BRT bus suddenly went up in flames, prompting anxiety among road users in the area.

Footage shared online showed the bus completely consumed by fire, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky as motorists slowed down or sought alternative routes to avoid the scene.

While no injuries or loss of life were reported, the incident caused a heavy traffic buildup extending from Adekunle towards Iyana Oworo.

“A high-capacity bus is currently on fire on the Third Mainland Bridge by Adekunle, inward Iyana Oworo, and this is impacting traffic flow,” LASTMA stated.

“Our personnel are on ground managing traffic, while efforts are ongoing to extinguish the fire,” the agency added.

Subsequent updates indicated that officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and worked to control the blaze to prevent further damage.

Traffic officers were also deployed to redirect vehicles away from the affected area as emergency responders tackled the situation.

As of the time this report was filed, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined.

Metro

Kwara Vigilante Men Arrested By Soldiers In Edo State Released

Published

15 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Editor

Six Kwara State vigilante men arrested by the Nigerian Army on December 31,2025, along Auchi-Ikpeshi highway in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, have been released after a thorough investigation by the authorities.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the development in a statement in Ilorin on Tuesday.

The statement read in part; “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, it received six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

“The Vigilantes, travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, were formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N.N. Rume, for the purpose of investigation and profiling.

“Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality.

“Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders,” the statement added.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.

He assured members of the public that the command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state.