Metro

Residents Feared Killed As Bayelsa Communities Clash Over Land

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2024

Two neighbouring communities, Opolo and Okutukutu, in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were embroiled in a communal clash over land on Monday.

Both sides were said to have recorded an unconfirmed number of casualties after some members of the Okutukutu community reportedly launched an attack on the Opolo community in the state.

The violent clash resulted in pandemonium and bonfires in the area and the blocking of the Diepreye Alamieyeseiya Junction at the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, forcing motorists and other road users to divert to other routes.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government said it took exception to “a recent attack on Opolo community, allegedly carried out by some individuals from neighbouring Okutukutu community, which had resulted in some casualties.”

The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, on Monday, condemned the attack and directed relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators for prosecution.

“The present administration would not condone a situation where individuals or communities resort to violence and physical attacks over territorial or land boundary disputes, more so when such matters are pending in the law court of competent jurisdiction,” he warned.

Ewhrudjakpo, therefore, called on Opolo, and its neighbouring communities, particularly Okutukutu, to refrain from taking any further action liable to bring about the breakdown of law and order in the area.

He urged the feuding communities to sheath their swords as the state government was taking every necessary step to resolve the issue, including an emergency meeting with the leadership of the affected communities in his office by 3pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

The deputy governor expressed regrets over the loss of lives and property from the incident, and assured the bereaved families that the government would do everything within its powers to ensure justice for them.

Metro

Gunmen Kill 10 In Anambra Community

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

Panic has gripped the Ogboji community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, late on Monday, when some assailants invaded a gathering of people and opened fire on them.

The gunmen were said to have killed no fewer than 13 people.

It was gathered that the armed hoodlums stormed the area in two Sport Utility Vehicles and unprovokedly attacked the people, who were holding their monthly general meeting, while also shooting indiscriminately into the air.

Although members of the community said 13 persons were killed during the attack, police sources, however, confirmed 10 were killed.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, a resident of the area and the President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Chigozie Nweke, said non-indigenes were mostly the victims of the attack.

Nweke said, “It was a tragic and horrifying Monday evening for members of the Ogboji community, particularly non-indigenes residing in the area, as gunmen stormed a meeting venue in the area and brutally murdered about 13 persons.

“The attack, which occurred between 6:00pm and 7:00pm, left the affected families in mourning. We bring to the attention of the Anambra State Government the killing of these persons, mostly indigenes of Ebonyi State at Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area by yet to be identified gunmen.”

Nweke also appealed to the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, to mobilise the Command’s personnel to hunt down the culprits.

Narrating his ordeal in the incident, a survivor, Augustine Odom, who is the chairman of the Ebonyi community in Ogboji, described the attack as “sudden and unprovoked”.

Odom said, “The community was holding its regular monthly meeting when the assailants struck. We were having our monthly meeting of the Ebonyi community, which holds on the last Monday of every month, beginning at 4:00pm.

“This gathering was known to our Town Union President. It was a peaceful meeting aimed at discussing welfare issues affecting our members. Then, around 6:30pm, a group of gunmen arrived in a Sienna vehicle and accused us of holding a meeting against them.

“The attackers demanded the group’s minutes book, and thereafter seized it and opened fire on the participants. They collected our minutes book, ordered everyone to lie down, and then asked the chairman to stand. Moments later, they started shooting at us. About 13 of our members were killed on the spot. The treasurer and I survived with gunshot wounds.”

Odom added that those killed were from various communities in Ebonyi State, including Izzi, Ikwo, and Mgbo and other villages.

The two survivors, who are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in the area, expressed shock, stating that they had no known disputes with any individual or group prior to the attack, adding, “We have no issues with anyone. We are law-abiding residents who simply gathered to support one another.”

Confirming the development when contacted on Tuesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives have cordoned off the area while investigations have begun to unmask the perpetrators behind the dastardly act.

Ikenga said the victims were rushed to the hospital, where about 10 were confirmed dead.

He added that their corpses have been deposited at the morgue.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the indiscriminate shooting incident that resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to ten persons on the evening of 30th June, 2025, at Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area. The Police has further assured that the Command shall hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked the gathering of a group unprovokedly, shooting sporadically.

“The victims were rushed to the hospital and regrettably, 10 people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.

“Meanwhile, the Police-led security team has taken over the scene and is working on the necessary information to arrest the perpetrators. Further development would be communicated, please.”
(PUNCH)

Metro

EFCC Arrests 31 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Nasarawa

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 31 individuals in Nasarawa State over alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday via X, noting that the suspects were apprehended in Nasarawa Toto, following credible intelligence.

“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters in Nasarawa State.

“They were arrested on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Nasarawa Toto, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences,” the statement read.

According to the EFCC, several exotic phones and laptops were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Metro

30-year-old Man Hacks Mother To Death

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

A tragic incident of matricide has shaken the community of Dantanoma quarters in Gumel Local Government Area of Jigawa State, as a 30-year-old man, Hussaini Abubakar, killed his mother.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at about 8:00 pm, when operatives of the Gumel Divisional Police Headquarters received a direct complaint regarding a violent assault involving a mother and her son.

In a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Tuesday, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said a 30-year-old man brutally killed his 75-year-old mother, Dahara Mu’azu.

The statement reads, “Upon arrival at the scene, the police discovered that the suspect had brutally attacked and killed his mother by repeatedly striking her head with mud blocks.

“The victim was found in a pool of blood with severe head injuries and was immediately rushed to the Gumel General Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, a medical doctor on duty confirmed that the elderly woman had died on June 30, 2025.”

According to the PPRO, the suspect, Abubakar, has been arrested and is currently in police custody, cooperating with investigators, adding that, “He (suspect) will be charged to court upon completion of a discreet investigation.”

The statement contained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ahmad Abdullahi, condemned the heinous act in the strongest terms, describing it as inhuman, barbaric, and utterly reprehensible.

Furthermore, the CP has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to take over the case and ensure that the suspect faces the full wrath of the law.

However, the Jigawa State Police Command said the incident deeply saddens it and has called on members of the public to always report early signs of mental health crises or domestic violence to the nearest police station or community leaders, to prevent avoidable tragedies.

SP Adam also said that the command remains committed to upholding law and order, protecting lives, and ensuring justice for victims of crime across the state.

“The police urge the public to support their efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state,” he added.

Accordingly, the Jigawa Police Public Relations Officer noted that “the command is committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens and visitors to the state.”

He therefore urged the public to cooperate with the police in their efforts to prevent and investigate crimes. Saying, stressing further that “Together, we can build a safer and more secure community for all.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for justice for the victim and her family.

When contacted via telephone by our correspondent, Sule Baba, a neighbour of the victim said, “I am appalled by the brutality and senseless killing of the 75-year-old woman by her own son,”

“As a community, we are shocked and disturbed by this heinous act, and we demand justice for the victim and her family. The authorities must take swift and decisive action to ensure the suspect faces the full weight of the law.” said, and emphasized the need for increased vigilance and community support to prevent such incidents in the future.

Also, Aminu Lawan, a member of the community, expressed similar outrage and concern, saying that “this incident is a wake-up call for our community leaders and law enforcement agencies to take proactive measures to address mental health issues and domestic conflicts.”

Lawan called on the Jigawa State Police Command and other relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
(PUNCH)