TheNewsGuru

Tag: Armed Men

  • Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men k!ll 14 passengers on their way from market

    Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men k!ll 14 passengers on their way from market

    Plateau boils again as unidentified armed men ambushed a vehicle coming back from the popular Bokkos market killing 14 passengers, including women and babies.

    Eyewitnesses who narrated the incident said the victims were on their way home from the weekly market after they had conducted their businesses when they were attacked and killed along Chirang Road in Mangor District of the LGA.

    One of the eyewitnesses, who did not want his name mentioned, said the heavily armed men blocked the road when the vehicle approached and opened fire sporadically, killing the victims and injuring many others.

    Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Forum (BCDF), Farmasum Fuddang, who also confirmed the incident in a statement on Fridy said it was shocking that despite several peace and reconciliation meetings and efforts to broker peace between farming and herding communities in the council, some bandits would still go ahead to kill innocent people.

    “The victims were returning from the weekly market in Bokkos town when their vehicle was ambushed. Victims included women and little babies,” Fuddang said in the statement.

    “This violence occurs despite various so-called peace and reconciliation efforts,” the chairman said.

    Fuddang, who did not mince words in accusing Fulani militias of launching the attack, said the fact was clear that they were the culprits, insisting that their goal is to take control of the entire local government area, which is recognized as the potato headquarters of Nigeria.

  • Police confirm abduction of Imo Catholic priest by unknown armed men

    Police confirm abduction of Imo Catholic priest by unknown armed men

    Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.

    The Imo State Police command spokesman, Henry Okoye told Channels Television that the command got information from the parish on Tuesday night, that the Catholic priest was abducted on his way from Port Harcourt on an official assignment at Ayayi community within Obollo in Isiala Mbano local government council.

    However, he said that the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Danjuma Aboki has set up a high-powered tactical team to go after the abductors in a bid to rescue the Catholic priest unconditionally

    He appeals to the people of the area to remain calm as the command will leave no stone unturned in rescuing the Catholic priest.

    Meanwhile, in a statement issued by The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe on Tuesday night, they urge both the clergy and laity of the diocese to pray fervently for the safe return of the priest.

  • INSECURITY! Again, armed men k!ll monarch, son in Taraba

    INSECURITY! Again, armed men k!ll monarch, son in Taraba

    Barely two months after a major traditional ruler was killed, again gunmen suspected to be bandits have ambushed and killed the Chief of Chanchanji HRH Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son Yusuf Tanimu.

    The incident happened on Friday evening when the traditional ruler and his son were returning from a funeral service in Takum.

    A press statement issued by the special adviser to the governor on media and digital communication, Emmanuel Bello, said Governor Agbu Kefas received with deep sadness the news of the death of the traditional ruler and his son.

    The governor described as tragic how the late revered monarch was hacked to death.

    According to the statement, the governor has since ordered the security agents to immediately investigate the circumstances, and go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime, insisting everyone involved must be brought to justice as soon as possible.

    The governor, while suing for calm from Takum residents, said he would leave no stone unturned to fetch out the criminals and bring them to justice in the shortest time possible.

    He reiterated his resolve to rid the state of all acts of lawlessness and brigandage, stressing that the era of banditry and criminality has ended with all the strong security measures the administration is taking.

    Dr Kefas also condoled with the people of Chanchagi and Takum. He stressed the need for all to remain calm and work towards peaceful coexistence. He also said he would continue to work hard with partners to make the state safe for everyone.

  • Security concern: Heavy duty truck divers abandon 2nd Niger bridge as armed men take over route

    Security concern: Heavy duty truck divers abandon 2nd Niger bridge as armed men take over route

    The national president of the Heavy Duty Drivers Association, Uchenna Nebuwa, has revealed that members of the association and other drivers no longer use the second Niger Bridge due to security concerns.

    Mr Nebuwa made this revelation on Thursday in Onitsha that criminals had taken over the route, including the Obosi-Owerri axis of the road. According to him, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers now operate along the bridge.

    “Drivers are afraid because there is no adequate security on the second Niger Bridge. The federal government should provide security to secure lives and property. Another worrisome one is the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road, as our trucks fall on the road on a daily basis,” Mr Nebuwa explained. “We have lost over N20 billion worth of vehicles and goods on that road.

    He added, ”We are begging the federal government to help us fix the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road as this will encourage drivers to be using the second Niger Bridge.”

    The chairman of the Great Tippers Association of Nigeria in Anambra, Chukwuemeka Olekpe, expressed concern about the insecurity, saying armed robbers and kidnappers scared them away from using the bridge.

    On his part, a commercial bus driver, Paul Osakwe, who plies Asaba-Owerri road, said, “The bridge is not secure, it’s too lonely, you can’t even try to use it at night, even you inside the bus will be scared, the government should at least install a light on the bridge, maybe that will help.”

    Seyi Martins, the engineer in charge of the bridge, attributed its low usage to the insecurity plaguing the South-East, adding that their mandate is to construct the bridge and open it to ease traffic.

    Federal works ministry permanent secretary Mahmuda Mamman had while inspecting the vandalised part of the bridge on Monday, urged security agencies to keep criminals away from the bridge and surrounding areas.

  • BREAKING: Armed men storm UNIABUJA staff quarters, kidnap four

    BREAKING: Armed men storm UNIABUJA staff quarters, kidnap four

    Armed men suspected to be bandits on Tuesday morning stormed the Senior Staff Quarters of the University of Abuja at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    It was gathered that no fewer than four staff of the University were abducted in the attack which happened around 1am.

    The University’s spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, when contacted confirmed the development.

    In the same vein, the information was shared on the official Facebook page of the University.

    The information read, “Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the University in the early hours of today.

    “Our Safety officers, in conjunction with security personnel, mobilised to secure the quarters.

    “We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted by the evil men.

    “Efforts are being made to ensure their safe return. A sad day for us, indeed! ”

    The Police Spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh could not be reached for comment.

     

  • How 20 armed men attacked two commercial banks, killed officer in Osun – Police

    How 20 armed men attacked two commercial banks, killed officer in Osun – Police

    The Osun Police Command says it is on the trail of the armed robbers that attacked two commercial banks in Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun, on Thursday.
    The police also confirmed that the robbers killed a police constabulary and carted away undisclosed sum of money during the operation.
    Osun Police Spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, said in a statement that about 20 armed men carried out the attack in which four other civilians sustained gunshot injuries.
    “It is true that there was a bank robbery in Iree yesterday (Thursday) Aug.5, 2021 at about 15.40hrs (3:40p.m.).
    “The armed robbers, numbering about 20, came in commando-like style with about four vehicles and simultaneously attacked Iree Divisional Police Headquarters with explosives and several gun firing.
    “The robbers attacked the police division in an attempt to disorganise, incapacitate and destabilise the police officers who were in a fierce gun battle with them, while they were robbing Access Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) simultaneously.
    “The attempt to attack the Police Division Armoury was repelled and thereby unfruitful.
    “The robbers, after been overwhelmed by the policemen, comprising CP’s Surveillance team, IRT, PRU, Anti-Kidnapping, STS, 39 PMF, JTF along with local security outfits, took to their heels.
    “The police, thereafter, gave the criminals a hot chase, recovered four of the vehicles used for the operation along with some live ammunition.
    “Some of the robbers subsequently fled into the bush with bullet wounds and also carted away certain amount of money, yet to be ascertained from the banks.
    “The police, jointly with local security outfits have been combing the bushes in a bid to arrest the robbers.
    “It is very unfortunate that in the course of the robbery, one Police Special Constabulary, named Dauda Jelili, was shot dead while four civilians were injured and receiving treatment in a hospital.
    “The Osun Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, therefore, enjoins good people of the state to cooperate and collaborate with the police by giving prompt and useful information to nip in the bud all criminal activities before they happen, as it is said that ‘Prevention is better than cure’.
    “The CP also appeals to members of the public to inform the police of any suspected person or persons with gun/bullet wound.” the statement reads
  • Armed men butcher family of four, three others in Benue

    Armed men butcher family of four, three others in Benue

    Armed men suspected to be killer herdsmen, have slaughtered a family of four and three other residents of Mbamondu community, Modern Market Council Ward in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state.

    TheNewsGuru gathered that the incident occurred at about 1am Saturday morning when the assailants invaded the community.

    Aside those butchered, scores of other residents were said to have sustained life threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    The State Commissioner for Land Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge who is also a native of the community, confirmed the attack.

    The Commissioner who said he was informed of the incident early hours of Saturday, lamented that the attack had occurred before the arrival of security operatives.

    According to him, the seven dead bodies recovered on Saturday morning have been deposited in a morgue at the the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

    “We discovered seven dead bodies that we have already deposited at the mortuary. Five persons were also injured and three of them are very critical”, he added.

    Recall that suspected Fulani herdsmen militias same night, invaded a community in Gwer-West Local Government Area of the state, killing no fewer than 11 persons, while others were left injured.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, Anene Sewuese Catherine had confirmed the killing of 11 persons, stating that security operatives had been deployed to the area to forestall further attack.

    However, she was unable to state the level of casualty.

     

  • How armed men attacked, set fire on The Nation Newspaper’s office – Editor

    The management of The Nation newspapers has explained how the headquarters of the company in Lagos was attacked and set ablaze by some armed men on motorcycles on Wednesday.

    In a statement, Adeniyi Adesina, the Editor of the newspaper, in a statement, said the men who were armed with sophisticated guns succeeded in scaring the security operatives guarding the building away before pouring petrol on the premises of the company.

    He added that the resulting inferno paved way for subsequent looting of the offices by hoodlums who carted away everything they could lay their hands on away.

    He, however, said the looting was stopped by soldiers who responded to distress call from the company.

    He said, “Armed men on motorcycles invaded the headquarters of The Nation on Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos on Wednesday afternoon.

    “In a commando-like manner, they kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.

    “They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it.

    “Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised

    “Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.

    “These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.

    “At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.

    “They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived.

    “Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.

    “It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press.

    “The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.

    “The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria.

    “The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.”

  • Armed men attack Kaduna community, kill 15 – Police

    The police in Kaduna State on Tuesday confirmed the killing of 15 persons by suspected bandits in Gonar Rogo village in Kajuru Local Government Area of the State.

    The police, in a statement issued by the command spokesperson, Mohammed Jalige, vowed to apprehend the culprits.

    Mr Jalige said the command received a distress call on Tuesday through the DPO Kajuru that a group of armed men on motorbikes invaded Gonar Rogo, a remote village in Kufana district, Kajuru LGA.

    “The attackers started shooting sporadically, attacking the villagers and in the process shot and killed 15 persons, and injured five others,” he said.

    He explained that, on the receipt of the information, the command promptly mobilised a combined team of PMF personnel, conventional police in synergy with the army and the local vigilante to the area.

    ”While we embarked on an intensive manhunt for the fleeing attackers, both the dead and the injured victims were evacuated to hospital,” he said.

    According to him, reinforcement has been drafted to the area “for intensive combing and patrol, with a view to forestalling further breakdown of law and order or reprisal attacks, as well as the arrest of perpetrators.”

    “The command calls on members of the public to continue to assist the police with useful information that could help in addressing these challenges and for the possible arrest of these criminals,” Mr Jalige said.

  • Armed men kill 16 in truck ambush

    Unidentified armed men ambushed a cargo truck that also carried passengers, killing 16 people on Tuesday in Macomia district in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, local media reported on Friday.

    Witnesses told the press that the attack occurred during the day when armed men came up from the woods and started firing at the vehicle.

    According to the report, the attackers burnt down the vehicle in which eight people died, including three soldiers.

    Another seven passengers, who were rescued by the nearby community, died eventually from gunshot wounds and the body of another passenger was found nearby, showing gunshot wounds.

    Still in May, several deadly attacks by armed men were reported in the province of Cabo Delgado, with over 30 people reportedly killed.

    The armed attacks in Cabo Delgado, the province that has mega gas projects in the country, started from October 2007 and over 200 people have been killed in sporadic attacks since then.

    Earlier this week, the Chief Commander of the Police of Mozambique, Bernardino Rafael, said the attacks were financed by illegal miners (locally known as garimpeiros).

    “They are garimpeiros that we fought in the past for their illegal activities. They attack us back as reprisal,’’ the commander said.