Tag: Attack

  • Just In: Four reportedly killed as Shi’ites clash with Gov El-Rufai’s operatives

    Just In: Four reportedly killed as Shi’ites clash with Gov El-Rufai’s operatives

    Four people are suspected to have been killed when security operatives attached to the convoy of Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State clashed with Shi’ite members in Bakin Ruwa Area of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Thursday.

    Details of the incident are sketchy but sources said that the clash happened around 4:15pm when the governor visited the community.

    It was gathered that the convoy came in contact with the Shi’ite members who were performing their weekly procession at Bakin Ruwa along Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

    According to Tasiu Muhammed, an eyewitness, some of the Shi’ite members started shouting as the convoy tried to pass through the procession.

    He said the situation led to commotion as the security men opened fire when some youth threw stones at them.

    A relation of Yushehu Muhammed, one of the victims killed, said his late nephew was not a Shi’ia member but a commercial driver who was hit by a stray bullet.

    ‘It was a sad incident. I received a call that my nephew who was a commercial driver was hit by a bullet,” he said.

    He demanded investigation as well as compensation because his nephew was a married man.

    It was also gathered that the security men arrested some youths at the scene and whisked them away.

    Contacted, a Shi’ite representative in the state, Abdullahi Usman, said none of those killed was their member.

    According to him, they were commercial drivers at a bus stop near where the incident happened.

    He also said it was not true that their members clashed or pelted the convoy with stones.

    The State Police command Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Jalige, said investigation was ongoing and that a statement would be issued later.

    Commissioner Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, neither responded to calls nor responded to a text message sent to him as at the time of filling the report.

  • 2023 Elections: UN condemns killing of 10 law enforcement agents

    2023 Elections: UN condemns killing of 10 law enforcement agents

    The United Nations on Wednesday condemned the election-related violence, especially the killing of 10 law enforcement agents and security personnel as well as hate speech in Nigeria.

    UN Spokesperson, Stephanie Dujarric, said this while fielding questions on the reports of violence in the just concluded elections from NAN in New York on Wednesday.

    “We clearly condemn any violence, especially in an electoral period – I mean, violence across the board.

    “It is incumbent on political parties, on civic leaders to work to avoid any violence, to avoid any inflammatory speech.

    “And again, this applies to any electoral process,’’ he said.

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) dashboard showed that there were three bomb attacks in Anambra, Borno and Rivers.

    There were two attacks on INEC facilities, attack by unknown gunmen or bandits were two:12. Political intolerance 12, Hate speech 15 reports.

    Killing of Law enforcement10, destruction of properties happened at Gombe and Anambra, political intolerance destruction/cutting of roads at Kogi.

    Stoning of Gov. Mai Mala Buni at APC rally in Yobe, and cancellation of PDP rally in Rivers.

    Vote intimidation and suppression recorded in the South West-55, South South-40, South East-25, North Central-12, North West-3, North East-2.

    Political violence, attack on NNPP supporters were recorded in Kano, and attack on APC political campaign in Bauchi.

    Similarly incidents included the attack on LP Rep. candidate was reported from Imo, attack on wife of PDP candidate in Zamfara, attack on first lady convoy, Nasarawa attack on PDP campaign DG, Rivers, and Lagos attacks on LP supporters. (

  • People in Northern Territory told to be “croc-wise” after teenage boy is bitten by a crocodile as hundreds evacuated from flooded communities

    People in Northern Territory told to be “croc-wise” after teenage boy is bitten by a crocodile as hundreds evacuated from flooded communities

    A 17-year-old boy has been bitten on the foot by a crocodile amid a rush to evacuate those from flood-hit communities in the Northern Territory in Australia.

    Territory authorities declared an emergency for the communities in this area as the upper Victoria River at Kalkarindji surpassed the major flood level of 14 meters on the 1st of March, reaching 16.02 meters by the following morning.

    There are a lot of water holes around the communities in that area, some of which people would normally swim in. However, with the river levels rising, there is no certainty of where the crocodiles are, leading the local MP, Chansey Paech, to remind people to be cautious. Even as the levels drop, the crocodiles may have moved away from their usual spots, so communities are being warned to remain water-safe and “croc-wise” in the coming months.

    The teenage boy managed to escape relatively unscathed and was treated at a local clinic. It follows on from a crocodile attack in January, where a man at a remote Northern Territory cattle station, 220 km south of Darwin, suffered a serious but not life threatening injury to his leg.

    While many people think that the odds of being bitten by a crocodile are incredibly low, perhaps in line with winning the lottery or hitting the jackpot in one of the best online casinos in the UK, attacks on humans are in fact more common than people may realize. According to statistics, it has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocodiles each year. However, some experts believe that numbers are, in fact, likely to be much higher than this, based on the number of attacks in remote areas of Africa and Southeast Asia that go unreported.

    The strength and ferocity of crocodiles has led to many people being scared of them. Their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth, along with their tendency to wait underwater at the water’s edge for unsuspecting prey, make them deadlier than sharks. Their ability to hunt on land as well makes them even more dangerous to humans, and while they do not typically prey on people, they will do so if food is scarce in their area or they feel threatened.

    While the latest victim was lucky, the rising water levels still pose a threat, not just from crocodiles, but for numerous other safety reasons. Australian authorities urged people in the affected area to avoid unnecessary travel to allow for a safe evacuation. Helicopters and small aircraft were sent in to help with the evacuation process, with more than 700 people from three communities set to be relocated by air to Katherine, before heading north to temporary accommodation in Darwin.

    Evacuees are expected to be housed in temporary accommodation at Foskey Pavilion and at the Centre for National Resilience in Howard Springs. The chief minister, Natasha Fyles, did not say how long people would be housed in Darwin for, which, in some cases, is 500 km from peoples’ hometowns.

    Once the local areas have been assessed, it is hoped that residents will be able to go home, although some communities may be able to have residents go home quicker than others. The flooding may have affected services such as power, water, sewage and electricity, so areas will be assessed on an individual basis.

    Over the years, Australia has experienced some extreme weather, from torrential downpours to searing heat and dangerous bushfires. These events are getting worse across the country, with even more challenging events expected to come, according to the latest snapshot of the nation’s climate.

    The impact of the climate change is being felt by many communities, ecosystems and industry sectors across the country, and with predictions that worse is to come, the nation is facing a sobering reminder that there is an urgent need for action.

  • Election: Obi sues for peace; condemns politically-motivated attacks in Lagos

    Election: Obi sues for peace; condemns politically-motivated attacks in Lagos

    The Labour Party (LP) condemns in the strongest terms, the politically motivated attacks today on some citizens in parts of Lagos State because they were believed to have voted for the LP.

    These attacks have been meted out to indigenes and non-indigenes alike.

    It is most regrettable that political thugs would single out citizens who exercised their constitutional rights to vote for candidates or parties of their choice.

    In keeping with its core value of political decorum, the Labour Party thanks its supporters and indeed all Nigerians living in Lagos who have exercised their fundamental rights to vote according to the dictates of their conscience.

    Labour Party is aware of some egregious irregularities in the elections in several states. The party will follow due process and must use constitutional means to address our grievances thus giving peace a chance. It will, however, remain resolute in its mission to change Nigeria, which is after all greater than all of us. We have to protect the peace while defending every vote.

    Governments at all levels must recommit to the constitutional responsibility to protect citizens within their territories regardless of their political leanings.

    Oseloka H. Obaze

    Deputy Director General/Campaign Manager, Obi-Datti PCC

    27/2/2023

  • Police foil attempted attack on INEC officials

    Police foil attempted attack on INEC officials

    The police command in Anambra on Thursday said it has foiled an attempt by unpatriotic citizens to attack some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

    DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s Spokesperson (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka.

    Ikenga said the feat was achieved through the efforts of a Joint security team in the state.

    According to him, on Thursday at about 5:35 p.m. the team successfully rescued and prevented armed men from hurting Electoral Officials on an assignment at Ukpor high school, Nnewi South Local Goverment Area of the state.

    Ikenga said that the training of INEC staff, alongside some corps members, university undergraduates and MDA officials for the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, was disrupted by the armed men.

    He, however, declared that no life was lost during the exercise.

    Ikegna said the Command was very proactive due to the policing strategy put in place by Anambra Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Echeng.

    He noted that the strategy is potent and dynamic to respond to any emergency and security concerns, especially ensuring a hitch-free 2023 elections in the state.

    The PPRO said joint security patrols had been intensified in the said area, adding that efforts are still ongoing to track down the criminal elements.

    Ikenga gave the assurance that the police will update the residents on the development and urged the public to be very security conscious and alert the Command of any suspicious movements.

    He enjoined the public to go about their legitimate duties without fear of attack.

    Ikenga assured that the Command is fully ready to provide needed security before, during and after the general elections.

  • Attacks on judiciary: Our silence must not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice – CJN

    Attacks on judiciary: Our silence must not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice – CJN

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola says the Supreme Court’s silence on attacks on its judicial officers must not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice.

    The CJN gave the warning in a statement issued by Dr. Festus Akande, the Supreme Court Director of Press and Information on Saturday in Abuja.

    The statement is in reaction to the recent attacks on the judiciary by some group of persons over some recent political judgments delivered by the apex court.

    He warned the public to be mindful of their unwarranted attacks on judicial officers.

    “Certainly, every Nigerian citizen has inalienable right to express his or her opinion without any encumbrance but even in the course of expressing such fundamental right, we should be circumspect enough to observe the caution-gate of self-control in order not to infringe on another person’s right.

    “Even in a state of emotional disequilibrium, we should be reasonable enough to make a good choice of decent words.

    “We have watched with utter dismay some unfortunate events that have been unfolding in the country, particularly within the political landscape, for some days now.

    “It is so disheartening to learn that some individuals and groups of persons who ought to know better and even assume the revered positions of role models to a larger proportion of the citizens are now sadly, the very ones flagrantly displaying ignorance and infantilism in the course of defending the indefensible.

    “We have made it abundantly clear at different occasions that judicial officers are neither political office holders nor politicians that should be dressed in such robes”.

    He noted that courts do not advertise or scout for cases for adjudication; but at the same time, duty-bound to adjudicate on all matters that come before them with a view to giving justice to whoever justice is due, irrespective of status.

    “No Court in any clime is a Father Christmas; so, no one can get what he or she didn’t ask for.

    “Similarly, all matters are thoroughly analysed and considered based on their merits and not the faces that appear in courts or sentiments that attempt to becloud the sense of reasoning.

    “So, for anyone in his or her right frame of mind to insinuate that the justices have been bought over by some unknown and unseen persons is, to say the least, a bizarre expression of ignorance, which definitely has no place in law.

    “We are not surprised with the surge of these well-orchestrated verbal assaults on judicial officers across the country at this period of elections”.

    According to the him, ‘it is a thing we are used to and are ever ready to absorb whatever comes our way; but there should be some level of decorum and dignity in what we say and do.

    “Politics should not be played without recourse to good conscience and acceptable moral conduct, as everything is evolving globally”.

    He said that calling on the CJN to resign or attacking Justices that sit on various panels, as exhibited by a faceless group is rather prosaic.

    “If political parties fail to organise themselves well by managing their internal wrangling maturely and now chose to bring themselves to the court: we are duty-bound to adjudicate in accordance with the provisions of the law and not the dictates of any individual or deity, as some people would want us to do.

    “If political parties conduct themselves well and orderly too, the courts would definitely handle less cases and the political atmosphere will be much healthier than it is currently.

    “We shall continue to do our best in discharging our constitutional responsibility to keep the country together and move the nation along the path of peace, progress and development”.

    He reiterated that attacks by groups, political parties or individuals under any guise will not deter then but rather boost their resolve to do more for the country.

    “It is not only petty but equally very unreasonable for anyone to hurriedly link the CJN to his state of origin and tribe simply because of a particular judgment of the court.

    “The major problem of Nigeria has always been the undue emphasis on religion and ethnicity in all our dealings and as long as we continue along that path, progress will remain a mirage.

    “As at this moment, over 600 cases have so far gone to court from just party primaries which were conducted by political parties without any encumbrance or interference from any external bodies.

    “So, will the political parties or any individual now accuse the court of causing such unpleasant intra-party wrangling that defied all internal conflict resolution mechanisms?

    “Most times, some people try as much as possible to disingenuously stand logic on its head to show their level of unimaginable dexterity.

    He said that those who have cultivated the unfashionable penchant of always attacking the judiciary over every judgment or ruling should better have a rethink and start channelling such robust energy into some ventures that are more developmental than destructive.

    “We are not politicians and should not, by any stroke of imagination, be cast in that mould either.

    “Nobody’s interest can ever supersede the interest of everybody. Nigeria is bigger than everyone of us. a word is enough for the wise”, he said.

  • UNIBEN: Soldiers assault students in retaliatory attack

    UNIBEN: Soldiers assault students in retaliatory attack

    In what seems to be a retaliatory attack on students of the University of Benin, soldiers have reportedly stormed UNIBEN assaulting students, and leaving them in a very critical condition.

    Thenewsguru.com reports that on Thursday, February 2, some students assaulted soldiers for allegedly harassing and assaulting their female colleagues at an ATM booth in the school’s premises. A protest ensued with the students calling out the soldiers for the inhumane treatment meted on their colleague.

    However, according to multiple sources, some men in military uniform, returned in the early hours of Friday morning, to assault students and destroy cars found in the school’s premises.

  • JUST IN: Gov Seyi Makinde narrowly escapes death as gunmen attack convoy during campaign, damage vehicles

    JUST IN: Gov Seyi Makinde narrowly escapes death as gunmen attack convoy during campaign, damage vehicles

    The campaign train of Seyi Makinde, guber candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, has been reportedly attacked by gun-wielding hoodlums.

    Moses Alao, special assistant to the governor on print media, in a statement on Wednesday, said the attacks occurred on Tuesday at Igangan, Ibarapa north LGA of the state.

    Alao said the governor had addressed a mammoth crowd at the Igangan town hall and was heading to Tapa when the incident occurred, adding that the governor’s convoy ran into a roadblock, where the hoodlums demanded money.

    He said the hoodlums started pelting the convoy with sticks and stones and later shot at the vehicles.

    “The attacks were premeditated and orchestrated by some opposition elements, who hired street urchins to waylay the convoy of the governor,” Alao said.

    “This is with a view to giving the governor a bad image among the teeming population of Oyo state people.

    “The unprovoked attacks were reprehensible, especially as the people of the state already know Makinde as a man of peace.

    “As it has become the custom of the governor to acknowledge the cheers and love of the people and in turn distribute souvenirs wherever he went to campaign, Governor Makinde stood in an open-roof SUV while other members of the entourage were in his tow.

    “Toward the exit of the town was a roadblock, which we now know was mounted by the thugs to halt the flow of traffic so that they would be able to perpetrate their dastardly act.

    “Some group of boys started demanding money instead of the souvenirs being shared by the governor. Before anyone could say Jack Robinson, they started hauling stones, while some went in search of big sticks with which they were smashing vehicles indiscriminately.

    “The urchins went directly after the SUV of Chief Tegbe, which showed a clearly premeditated motive, while others kept attacking other vehicles coming behind the governor.”

    Alao said the JAC bus conveying the media aides of the governor, journalists, and other vehicles were damaged by the hoodlums.

    “At some points, the hoodlums graduated from hurling stones by bringing out guns and shooting at vehicles in the convoy,” he said.

    “We are sure that the same hoodlums went into the streets of Igangan to commit the wanton arson and destruction.

    “While we sympathise with the families of individuals affected by the crisis, it is important to point out that Governor Makinde is a man of peace. And has made it clear that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Oyo state indigene.

  • Police investigate Funke Akindele’s market attack

    Police investigate Funke Akindele’s market attack

    The police command in Lagos state says it has started investigations into the alleged attack on Funke Akindele, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Tuesday.

    Recalled that on Tuesday, Jan. 24th, suspected hoodlums stormed the popular Ikosi fruit market in Ketu area of Lagos, and chased out the Nollywood actress, who is also the state PDP deputy governorship candidate.

    The incident happened when Akindele went with her supporters to campaign at the market located in the Kosofe Local Government area of the state.

    The PDP governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, confirmed that/ their campaign was aborted following the incident.

    The police spokesperson said that apart from the attack on Akindele, the command was also investigating the alleged clash between the PDP and APC at the Aguda area of the state, which resulted in a shootout.

    Hundeyin confirmed that three persons were injured in the Aguda clash, stressing that no death was recorded.

    “We saw the video where some people were brandishing dangerous weapons. As at now, no arrests have been made.

    “We are investigating the case. The police have told individuals and groups going for campaign to get police back-up but some people are not adhering to that requirement,” he said.

    On the crisis-prone areas in Lagos state, Hundeyin said all the areas identified to have possible crisis have been taken care of, with special deployment of personnel.

    “We have identified the areas and adequate preparation has been made. There would be no issue, bearing all arraignments on ground.

    “We appeal to members of the public to help the police by providing information on strange gatherings and activities,” he said.

    Hundeyin said that the security arrangement in Lagos State for the elections involved all security agencies, including the military.

    “On election day, if you see anything, alert the security agencies around you. There would be massive deployment of security personnel everywhere that day,” he added.

  • Aaron Ramsdale attacked by Tottenham fan

    Aaron Ramsdale attacked by Tottenham fan

    Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked by a supporter after the north London derby against Tottenham.

    Television footage showed a Spurs fan trying to kick Ramsdale in the back after the Gunners’ 2-0 win on Sunday.

    The Professional Footballers’ Association said “violence towards players is completely unacceptable”.

    “These incidents are happening far too often. Players have a right to be safe in their place of work,” said a PFA statement.

    “When a player is attacked, we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect players to be properly enforced.

    “As the players’ union, we treat this as a priority issue. We will continue working with the authorities to demand players and staff are better protected in their place of work.”

    Ramsdale, 24, was unhurt in the incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Spurs said the fan would face an “immediate ban”.

    “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match,” said a Spurs statement.

    “Violence in any form has no place in football.

    “The club has reviewed its CCTV footage to identify the supporter and will be working with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

    Ramsdale had been instrumental as the Gunners won away at their nearest rivals to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

    After the game, he went to gather his water bottle when a supporter from behind the goal housing Tottenham fans rushed forward and aimed a kick at the England international before climbing back over a number of rows of seats.

    “It’s a shame as it’s just a game of football at the end of the day,” said Ramsdale.

    “Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened. It’s a sour taste but I’m sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room.

    “The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back. The people I did give it to greeted it in sportsmanlike terms but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back.”

    A statement from the Football Association said: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

    “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.”