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.

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“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.

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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.

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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)

A 12-year-old girl was hit to death by bullets during a fierce gun battle between police operatives of Edo State Command and suspected kidnappers along the Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Edo State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu.

Yamu, in the statement said 14 persons were rescued from the suspected kidnappers during the shootout.

According to him, the police got a distress call that some armed men were terrorising Fugar-Agenebode Road, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, which, according to him, they quickly responded to save the day.

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“On 11/07/2025 at about 1920hrs, upon receiving a distress call that armed men blocked the Fugar-Agenebode road, Etsako East Local Government Area, the Command immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives from Agenebode, local vigilantes, and hunters who responded swiftly and pursued the assailants into the forest.

“During the encounter, a gun duel ensued along Obe Hill by pipeline leading to Ajaokuta, the security team successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped passengers alive.

“Unfortunately, a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot by the fleeing kidnappers during the crossfire.

“One female victim is still unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing to ensure her safe rescue.

“This follows the report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers ambushed and blocked the highway, opened fire on unsuspecting commuters, killing two persons on the spot and abducting others in a brazen act of violence”, Yamu said.

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According to the police image maker, the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and swift response of the combined security team, adding that the CP assured the public that everything possible will be done to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the command, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, just as assured the general public that operations in the area will be intensified.

He said that additional deployments have been made to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing criminals.

He appealed to the members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with the law enforcement agencies and continue to provide timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and security operations in the area and in the state.

…Please, don’t dissolve our marriage — Husband

The Matero Local Court in Zambia, has heard that a man allegedly connived with his family to lie to his second wife that he was single.

According to Zambia Observer, Linda Mulenga, 30, giving evidence in the case where her husband, Lameck Mwale, 39, sued her for reconciliation, said she started losing interest in her marriage upon discovering that she was a second wife.

But Lameck said he still loved his wife and did not think that divorce was the solution to their current problem.

The couple got married in 2015 and has one child.

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“I found out recently that my husband has a wife and that they have three children.

What is disturbing is that his family received me well and said nothing about his marital status,” Linda said.

Linda said it was better for them to go their separate ways because she had lost trust in her husband.

She also told the court that she recently discovered that her husband has a child with a Nyimba-based lover.

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Linda said divorce was the best option because she was tired of being tortured mentally.

“It is better I walk out of the marriage now before this man kills me with depression.

“I have already developed high blood pressure because of the way he treats me.

“We have been separated for over three months now,” Linda said.

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Testifying, earlier, Lameck said all was well in his marriage until his wife started accusing him of being promiscuous.

“He said he has not enjoyed his second marriage because of the fights and misunderstandings.

“I was married to another woman before I met her, but there is nothing between me and my first wife as we speak.

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“Linda deserted our home due to the quarrels we have been having.

“I don’t know where she is at the moment,”  Lameck said.

He peaded with the court to help him reconcile with his wife so that they could raise their child together.

Magistrate Kaputo Ng’andwe adjourned the case.