Ogwashi-Uku Kidnap: Police Rescue Five Victims From Ubulu-Uku Forest, Recover N1.3m, Expended Cartridges

 CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command. Operatives of the Delta State Police Command said they have rescued five persons who were kidnapped in Ogwashi-Uku, the headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, who confirmed the rescue operation.

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command.

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command said they have rescued five persons who were kidnapped in Ogwashi-Uku, the headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, who confirmed the rescue operation on Friday, said they were rescued from the forest around Ubulu-Uku axis of the State.

Edafe, a Superintended of Police (SP), said that the CP, Olufemi Abaniwonda, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command’s policing strategies paid off as operatives of the Special Anti-kidnapping and Cyber-Crime squad engaged suspected kidnappers and rescued five kidnapped victims of Elyon Paradise Ministry, Ogwashi-Uku.  The Police image maker said: “Following the unfortunate kidnap incident that occurred on February 22, 2025, where five members of Elyon Paradise Ministry, Ogwashi-uku, were kidnapped while attending a night vigil service at the church. The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda took decisive action by deploying tactical teams to Ogwashi-uku, which included relocating operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime squad to Ogwashi-uku, with a clear mandate to ensure that the kidnapped victims are rescued unhurt.”

Consequently, on February 25, 2025, Edafe said operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cyber-crime Squad led by the Commander, CSP Labe Joseph embarked on a sting operation alongside members of Ubulu-Uku community vigilante, and other concerned indigenes of Ubulu-Uku community.

He said they stormed Ubulu-Uku forest where the victims were being held hostage.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the police, engaged them in a fierce gun duel, but they could not withstand the superior firepower of the police, they took to their heels and abandoned the victims. All five of the kidnapped members of Elyon Paradise ministry were rescued unhurt and have since reunited with their families. Exhibits recovered from the scene include thirteen rounds of expended cartridges, a bag containing the sum of one million, three hundred thousand naira (N1,300,000),  suspected to be ransom money. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing,” the police image maker said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has commended the gallantry of the operatives and the resilience of good-spirited members of Ubulu-Uku community vigilantes and indigenes, which includes some human rights activists who took it upon themselves to follow the Police into the bush during the rescue operation.

Bolt Drivers, Others Protest Gruesome Murder Of Member In Bayelsa

 Some groups of App-based com­mercial transporters and BOLT drivers marched through Yena­goa, the capital of Bayelsa state, on Friday to protest the gruesome murder of a BOLT driver, Mr. Emmanuel Eden, by unknown gunmen.

Protesters marched from Tombia junction through the state capital, armed with placards with various inscriptions such as “Stop Harassing Bolt Drivers,” “Bolt Driv­ers are Breadwinners of a Family,” “We Need Better Security,” “No to Brutality Killings,” and “Gov. Diri, Come to Our Aids,” pleading with the state government to take the necessary action to bring justice to the deceased family.

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and some civil society groups participated in the protest against insecurity and a call for more proactive and professional security personnel in the state.

One of the protesters, Jolly Adomokeme, told Saturday INDE­PENDENT that they are marching peacefully against their member’s gruesome death and demanding justice.

According to Adokeme, “Though it is said that the police are our friend, there are still some bad eggs among them who are con­stantly committing acts against civil members of society.

“Police should do their jobs and stop harassing Bolt drivers and passengers.

“The police should also stop the unnecessary extortion of our passengers.”

Another driver, Goodness Okure, said they are out to call on the Nigerian Police and the Bayelsa State Government to thoroughly investigate and arrest those behind the heinous killing of their colleague.

She also revealed that the late Emmanuel Eden left behind a young family, including a wife and two children.

It should be noted that the bolt driver, Emmanuel Eden, was shot dead on May 29, 2025, at Samphi­no Junction on the Kpansia axis of Yenagoa, the state capital.

Passers-by discovered the mid­dle-aged driver’s lifeless body in­side his vehicle in the morning and alerted the police, who cordoned off the scene.

Benue Mɑssacre: Over 200 K!lled in Fresh Coordinated Herdsmen Attack, Including Soldiers, Women, and Children

 Benue Mɑssacre: Over 200 K!lled in Fresh Coordinated Herdsmen Attack, Including Soldiers, Women, and Children

Grief and devastation gripped Guma Local Government Area of Benue State following a coordinated attack by suspected terrorist herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities, which reportedly left over 200 persons dead, including women, children, and security personnel.

The carnage, which occurred late Friday night, came days after residents raised alarm over looming threats. Survivors say the attackers stormed Yelewata from two directions, overwhelming local youths and police personnel before unleashing terror on displaced persons sheltering in market stalls and nearby homes.

“It started last night at about 11 pm when Fulani terrorists came from the Western part of Yelewata and started shooting,” said Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a community leader and former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board. “So the policemen and young people who were there tried to engage them. Suddenly, another group came from the Eastern part of the community, and they overran those trying to resist them.”

Mnyan, holding back tears, described the assault as one of the darkest days in the history of the community.

“They killed our people, poured petrol on the stalls in the market and burnt them. In those stalls, we had people who moved from places like Branch Udei and people displaced from nearby villages, who slept in them because of the proximity of the police and soldiers there. And we learnt no soldier came out to defend the people.”

He continued, “From the names they are putting together, and the number of families and people that were burnt and killed, it’s running to over 200 now. We had a family of 15, some families of 12 — men with their two wives, children, and everyone burnt. It is a terrible sight.”

Mnyan added that dozens were rushed to hospitals with life-threatening injuries, and at least 20 more victims succumbed to their wounds. “I’ve asked them to search for the families and put the names together because some have been burned to ashes.”

While Yelewata burned, a second group of attackers descended on Daudu, but met stiffer resistance from local youths and security operatives. Despite the resistance, casualties were recorded.

“Fortunately, that same day, the ones at Daudu were dislodged, and we learnt five soldiers and police personnel were killed sadly. From the information I received, I think one of them was of the rank of a Captain,” Mnyan stated.

He alleged that more than 300 armed men had camped near Daudu prior to the attack and warned that the killings were part of a calculated attempt to take over ancestral lands in Benue.

“It is heartbreaking. Everybody is aware that the people want to take over Benue State. There are no two ways about it. If you go to the east side of Yelewata, Fulanis have taken over the land and given it to their people to farm. They do not want anyone to return. This was a well-organised, coordinated attack.”

Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley, also condemned the massacre, attributing the attack to “Lakurawa bandits.”

“We received the very disturbing report of the security threat to Tiv farmers in Yelewata, where suspected Lakurawa bandits and herders killed over 62 IDPs and farmers. Houses were burnt with families beyond imagination,” Gbongbon said. “The death toll shall rise as the search and rescue mission is on. Many were burned in stores. I am right here on the ground. Eighty-five percent of the victims are IDPs who ran from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza areas.”

He added that even in refuge, the terror pursued them. “The IDPs in Yelewata are still farmers. They only ran to take refuge there. Even after being displaced, terror still followed them unabated.”

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the attacks but noted that details were still being compiled.

“I can’t give an exact account of it because I am not there physically, but I am aware that this ugly thing happened yesterday in Yelewata and at the back of Daudu. They were two different attacks. I cannot give the exact numbers because I do not have the details,” he said.

A military source, who declined to be named, confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the exchange.

“We lost two military personnel in that attack, but I cannot tell you more than that,” the source said.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

“According to our information, it happened in the early hours of today, where suspected bandits invaded Yelwata town,” the statement read. “The Police and Tactical Teams posted to the town and reinforcement responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, and some of the attackers were killed in the process.

“But it is with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries. The Police, however, have not relented and are still in pursuit of the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe.”

As the death toll continues to rise, residents are left to mourn their loved ones while grappling with the fear of further attacks in a region that has repeatedly been at the receiving end of violence linked to the ongoing herder-farmer crisis.

Sokoto police arrest suspected arms dealers, sponsors of terrorism in major crackdown

 The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested several suspects over illegal possession of firearms and alleged links to terrorism.

According to Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, detectives from the State Intelligence Department apprehended Bello Ibrahim, popularly known as ‘Bello Currency’, alongside Alhaji Muhammad Danlato, Alhaji Abun Buhari, Alhaji Faruku Alhaji, and Abubakar Furniture.

Investigations revealed that Bello Ibrahim allegedly sold fabricated revolvers to the others under the guise of self-defence without valid firearm licenses, in violation of the Firearms Act.

Recovered items from the arrests include multiple illegal firearms, four rounds of LAR ammunition, and one round of AK-47 ammunition. The suspects were captured during a coordinated operation in Tambuwal Local Government Area.

In related operations, on April 23, 2025, officers from Tureta Police Station intercepted Yau Lawali from Yabawa Village, Bakura LGA, Zamfara State, during a stop-and-search. He was found carrying two locally fabricated guns and three rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

Similarly, on April 19, 2025, police at Kebbe Police Station arrested three suspects—Danagaji Bala, Sani Muhammad, and Danjuma from Dogon Marke Village—with a locally made revolver and 19 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition.

The Sokoto State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than taking unlawful actions.

10 killed in fresh Plateau attack

 No fewer than 10 people have been killed and several cows rustled in renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The recent surge of violence in Riyom reportedly stemmed from farm destruction, cattle rustling, and attacks on livestock carried out by individuals from both Fulani and Berom communities.

A statement from Operation Safe Haven disclosed that the recent insecurity in the council area began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when suspected youths slaughtered and rustled cattle that had encroached on their farms in Dayan village, Riyom Local Government Area.

Retaliating, suspected Fulani herders attacked Danchindo village on the evening of May 13, killing at least 4 people before fleeing ahead of security operatives’ arrival.

On Wednesday, May 14, at least 26 cows were killed and several others injured in Darwat community, allegedly in reprisal for the earlier killings of locals.

Later that day, suspected Fulani militias retaliated by attacking an isolated settlement near Wereng Kam community, killing six locals.

Officers of the Joint Security Task Force, upon receiving reports of escalating tensions in Riyom, engaged community representatives to broker peace and warned against actions that could further destabilise the fragile situation.

Responding to the allegations of cattle rustling and slaughtering, one suspect has been arrested and is currently under investigation, while 130 cows have been recovered and returned to their owners.

According to the statement, the troops’ swift response prevented the assailants from completely burning down Wereng village.

A mop-up operation was launched to neutralise fleeing militants, as troops continue to maintain a strong presence to restore order.

Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, visited the area and met with stakeholders and community leaders.

Normalcy is said to have returned, supported by the presence of security operatives working to maintain law and order.

Don’t worry about insurgent attacks, we are in control — CDS Musa

 The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said Nigerians should not worry over insurgent attacks.

This was as he said that the military and other security agencies were firmly in control of the situation in the North-east despite the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region.

Musa said this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Maiduguri.

“The pockets of attacks should not be a cause for concern as the military and security agencies are firmly in control. As you are all aware, I was in Borno State with the Ministers of Defence and other service chiefs three weeks ago to assess the security situation.

“I thought it wise to return to reassess the renewed attacks and engage stakeholders on the way forward. Security is not a one-man business. I appeal to everyone to join the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality for the peace and development of our country.

“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to bringing lasting peace and development to all parts of Nigeria.

“What we are witnessing here is an eclipse caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin.

“We are working diligently to address these challenges. During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight.

“We have procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism,” Musa said.

The CDS, who was on assessment in the state, also visited Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where explosions occurred at the armoury due to heat waves.

The defence chief also met with key stakeholders alongside senior military officials from the Theatre Command Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment.

Stop these senseless killings, protect religious freedom – Christian youths to Nigerian govt

 Christian youths under the banner of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) have called for an end to what they described as “deliberate, well-funded attacks” against Christianity and its leaders.

In a statement issued by the convener of the group, James Paul Adama, the CCYF decried “a growing and dangerous trend of sponsored assaults on the Christian faith,” warning that such actions risk igniting religious tensions in the country if not urgently addressed.

“Christianity and our religious leaders are being targeted, our faith is being disrespected, and our values are being undermined, not just randomly, but in an orchestrated, well-financed manner,” Adama said.

The group said it has concluded plans to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja on May 21 in response to these attacks.

According to the group, beyond defending their faith, the protest also aims to draw government attention to the increasing wave of killings and insecurity across the country.

“We can no longer stay silent while blood is being shed and our faith is mocked. We are calling on the Nigerian Government to take immediate and decisive steps to stop these senseless killings and protect religious freedom,” the statement added.

Army records more victory as troops neutralize 21 terrorists in Katsina

 The troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fasan Yama have neutralized at least 21 insurgents terrorizing parts of Katsina State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters disclosed this in a post on its official social media pages on Friday.

The post said the successful operation was recorded in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State today.

According to the army, the troops subdued the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon their base and flee.

“During the ensuing pursuit, 21 terrorists were neutralized, with some succumbing to drowning in a nearby river.

“The operation also yielded a significant seizure of large cache of arms and ammunition, including guns, rifles, magazines, explosives, communication devices, mobile phones, and motorcycles”, the post added.

DAILY POST reports that there has been a significant victory against the insurgents causing havoc in the northern part of the country.

Co-wife allegedly kills three-month-old baby with acid in Kaduna

 A housewife, Zaliha Shuaibu, has been apprehended by the Kaduna State Police Command for allegedly killing her co-wife’s three-month-old baby by feeding him acid in Malari village, located in the Soba Local Government Area of the state.

The disturbing incident occurred inside the family compound shared by the suspect, her husband, and the baby’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim on May 13, 2025.

A statement issued by ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, saying that the suspect was arrested following a swift investigation by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Soba Division.

The statement explained that trouble began when Maryam left her baby alone in the room to use the bathroom, stressing that upon her return, she found the infant in the arms of her co-wife, Zaliha.

Hassan stated that Zaliha handed the child back to Maryam, who immediately noticed that the baby was in distress, with foam coming out of his mouth and a visible injury on his neck.

According to him, “the child was rushed to a nearby hospital in the village but was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Following the incident, the statement explained that the DPO of Soba Division quickly mobilised his team and arrested the suspect, Zaliha Shuaibu, adding that during interrogation, she confessed to feeding the baby acid with the help of her husband’s younger brother, Lawal Muhammad, who is currently on the run.

According to Hassan, Zaliha confessed that it was Lawal who provided the acid used to carry out the heinous act.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation and that all individuals connected to the crime will be brought to book.

He assured that the fleeing suspect would be tracked down and would face the full wrath of the law.

Women, children abducted in fresh Zamfara bandit attack

 Bandits on Thursday night launched a violent attack on Dogon Maje community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting several residents, including men, women, and children, and leaving four others injured.

The incident was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on his X handle on Friday night.

According to the post, the assailants stormed the village under the cover of darkness.

“Last night, bandits attacked Dogon Maje community in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State. They injured four and abducted several people including men, women and children during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted persons remains unclear as at time of filing this report.