Metro

Tension In Taraba Over Killings As Residents, Fulani Trade Words

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2022

Controversies continue to rage over the recent killings in Taraba State leading to tension between the community and the state chapter of the Fulani socio-cultural association, Tabbital Pulaku International.

At least 12 persons were killed on October 2, 2022, by vigilante groups in Zudai village, near Dogon-Ruwa community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. While members of the community alleged that the victims were bandits, the Fulani socio-cultural association countered that they were innocent of the crimes that led to the termination of their lives by local vigilante groups.

Bello Ahmed Belal, chairman of Tabbital Pulaku International in Taraba State, who avowed that “a particular tribe was targeted” further stated that “the vigilante group went after our people in the name of killing bandits.”

While noting that “there are bad people in all tribes” Belal affirmed: “It is wrong to go to homes and kill some people because their tribal persons are involved in banditry.”

He suggested that the so-called kidnappers should have been identified instead of the vigilante going “after anybody related to them.”

The State Police Command, it would be recalled, had also earlier declared that the victims were not bandits as alleged in some quarters.

However, residents of the community on Wednesday, October 13, 2022, rallied to make a public declaration and insisted that those killed by the vigilantes were bandits and not innocent people. The public declaration was spearheaded by the trio of Mallam Hansi, Evangelist Jocob Ali and Wakili Sani Anema. The community in its statements affirmed that the operation that led to the killing of the “bandits” was a “coordinated effort to liberate the communities in the area from the hands of bandits.”

According to them, some kidnapped victims were rescued at the scene of the tussle between the vigilante and the bandits.

The residents further insisted that they stand on what they described “as the true picture of what took place in the council” and therefore urged security agencies to capitalize on the efforts of the vigilante groups by assisting in making their community and its surroundings safe and inhabitable for bandits and kidnappers.

Similarly, the council caretaker chairman, Micah Danbaba Dakka, had also earlier affirmed that the victims were bandits who had terrorised communities in both Bali and Gassol local government areas of the state.

The residents went ahead to list members of the community who have been victims of kidnapping including the village head of Dadin Kowa, Abdul’aziz Yunusa. Others mentioned were Amos Yonana, Alhaji Dauda Bappa Isa, and Malam Manu, the Chief Imam of Dadin Kowa.

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.