Metro

Police Inspector, Two Officers Die In Kebbi Lakurawa Bandits Attack

Published

3 months ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The Kebbi State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits on commuters travelling along the Zogirma-Tilli road in the Bunza Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the foiled attack occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7pm, following intelligence that the armed bandits were sighted in the surrounding forest, allegedly plotting to kidnap travellers.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of three officers, including a Police Inspector.

The statement said, “Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Zogirma mobilised a response team and engaged the criminals with the support of personnel from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi.

“The combined team of Policemen engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun battle. Several of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the forest.

“Tragically, the operation claimed the lives of three gallant police officers, who were hailed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice”

While mourning the fallen heroes, CP Sani assured the public of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kebbi State,” the Commissioner emphasised.

The police authorities also prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the officers who died in the line of duty.

In response to the incident, Governor Nasir Idris expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and subsequently postponed a planned All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin Kebbi.

The troops of the Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, also successfully repelled an attempted invasion of Ribah town by over 400 heavily armed bandits on Wednesday.

The bandits, in a coordinated assault, tried to overrun the town but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.

The intense firefight led to the death of many attackers. While some of the bandits were able to evacuate their dead, several corpses were left behind alongside a significant cache of recovered weapons.

Confirming the development, the Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, lauded the gallantry of the Nigerian Army. He noted that despite the numerical strength of the attackers, the professionalism and firepower of the troops turned the tide of the battle.

These incidents highlight the persistent security challenges facing parts of Kebbi State, even as authorities intensify efforts to restore peace and protect residents from criminal elements.

(PUNCH)

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

19 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sodomising one of his underage players.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing Hayatu without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecution, the coach, who lives in Sanka area of Kano metropolis, committed the offence twice in different locations. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

To prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the state counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses who testified against the defendant.

In his defense, Hayatu took the witness stand alone.

The prosecution stated that his action violated Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises sodomy.

After reviewing all the evidence and witness statements, Justice Dahuru ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

He sentenced Hayatu to four years in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently — meaning he will serve a total of eight years starting from the day of the judgment.

Metro

Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Published

20 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved a 32-year-old woman who accidentally fell into an uncovered well approximately 60 feet deep at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The incident, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, was described by residents as “nothing short of a miracle.”

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity had not been immediately confirmed, reportedly wandered from a nearby compound and was seated on the edge of the well before losing balance and falling in.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and launched a well-coordinated rescue operation.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the agency, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the woman was pulled out alive after a tense and delicate rescue effort.

“She was immediately stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care,” Adeseye said.

She cautioned residents to ensure all open wells and similar structures are securely covered to prevent avoidable accidents.

Adeseye also praised the professionalism and prompt response of her team, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

Metro

DSS Arrests Two Dismissed Officers Over Impersonation, Fraud

Published

20 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The DSS, in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that both individuals, earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, have been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.

“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the Service said.

This comes after a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.

Recall that the secret police had raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Barry Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.

The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

The DSS urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and to report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the Service.