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Tag: bandits

  • Niger govt. condemns bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community

    Niger govt. condemns bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community

    Mr Yakubu Garba,  Acting Governor of Niger, has condemned  bandits’ attack on Anguwan Mai-Giro community, a border community between Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Areas of the state.

    This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi, Chief Press Secretary to the Niger Governor  on Thursday in Minna.

    Garba, who described the attack as satanic, insensible, atrocious and callous, said it led to the loss of lives of villagers.

    “It is very disheartening and disturbing for fellow humans to carry out such a barbaric and vicious act on their fellow humans,” he said.

    He commiserated with victims’ families, members of the community and the entire people of the council areas over the unfortunate incident.

    Garba  reiterated the Bago-led administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to address insecurity in the state.

    The acting governor urged security agencies to redouble their efforts in the fight against insecurity and pledged the state government’s continuous support in all aspects to win the fight.

    He, however, prayed for the repose of souls of those who lost their lives and Allah’s succour to those who sustained injuries.

    NAN reports that the attack occurred on Wednesday night where about 13 persons allegedly lost their lives.

  • Insecurity! Bandits barricade expressway, abduct motorists

    Insecurity! Bandits barricade expressway, abduct motorists

    Bandits blocked Gusau /Zaria Expressway and kidnapped an unspecified number of travellers on Monday.

    It was gathered that the bandits blocked the road for about 30 minutes shooting sporadically.

    The incident occurred about two kilometers away from Magazu village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    According to a source, the Nigerian Army Quick Response team arrived at the scene on receiving distress calls with four trucks and chased away the armed bandits.

    He, however, said they escaped with some of the victims into the bush.

    One of the motorists who escaped revealed that the armed bandits were in large numbers.

    It was reported that since the beginning of the farming season, the bandits have been blocking roads on a daily basis, killing, attacking and kidnapping farmers.

    It was not clear as of the time of filing this report whether the military personnel neutralized some of the bandits.

    However, the military and the police authorities in the state have not made any official statement on the incident.

  • Again, bandits abduct journalist’s family in Kaduna

    Again, bandits abduct journalist’s family in Kaduna

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted the wife and daughters of the New Telegraph reporter in Kogi state, Muhammed Bashir.

    Recall that barely seven weeks ago a similar incident happened in Kaduna.

    Bashir’s wife was abducted along with her two daughters as well as eight other members of the same family in the incident that occurred on Thursday in Kaduna state in the family house of the wife of the Kogi-based journalist who is on leave with her family in a Kaduna suburb.

    According to Muhammed, their abductors have not contact the family since the incident happened, making everyone to be apprehensive

    “My wife and two of my daughters left Abuja the same Thursday for Kaduna. But they got kidnapped at their family residence on Thursday night. My dear colleagues, please, I need your prayers.

    “My two daughters and their mother, including eight others, were kidnapped on Thursday by unknown gunmen in Kaduna, where they went for a holiday,” he told colleagues via WhatsApp.

  • Stop massacre of peaceful protesters, neutralise bandits instead – Ajaero tells Police

    Stop massacre of peaceful protesters, neutralise bandits instead – Ajaero tells Police

    The leadership of the organised labour, on Saturday, cautioned the Nigeria Police Force and other security forces to stop what it described as “massacre” of protesters carrying out nationwide demonstration against hunger in the land.

    It also called on President Bola Tinubu to solve present crisis in the country and proffer solutions to all the demands of protesting Nigerians.

    President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, said the clearest path to a lasting solution is for the government to sit down with leaders of the protest and negotiate in good faith, insisting that threats by police and the military would solve anything.

    Ajaero, who also questioned the professionalism of the police high command and its officers being superintend by Kayode Egbetokun, said the police, the lead security agency in managing internal security bear the massacre.

    The labour leader said the police officers should divert their energy towards marauding bandits wrecking havocs in the country and be brutal against them rather than innocent Nigerians demanding their rights.

    “With unconfirmed reports putting casualties at 40+ in two days of managing the the EndHunger protest across the country, we have sufficient reasons (backed up by reports and video clips) to call to question the professionalism of our security personnel as this represents nothing but MASSACRE of citizens.

    “Had the security personnel deployed the same thoughtless brutal precision against bandits or other criminals, our country would have been an eldorado. As the lead-agency in internal security management, the police bear the burden of this massacre,” he said

    Ajaero said Kaduna State police command under the watch of Audu Ali Dabigi, a Commissioner of Police, “represents the worst case scenario in which one of the fleeing protesters was heard on camera desperately appealing to the deployed police personnel not to shoot until his voice was drowned by a hail of bullets with the resultant death of a protester on the spot and several injured.”

    He added, “In the same breadth, Edo State Police Command under the personal command of COMPOL Funsho Adegboroye represents the best in crowd management as he could be heard interacting and cajoling the protesters and almost effortlessly bringing them under control.

    “It might be convenient to argue that the two states do have different socio-cultural millieux, however, an incontestable truth common to both, and indeed, all the states is that human life is sacred and should never be taken.

    “We are deeply saddened by this wanton taking of life by trigger-happy police personnel. In Asokoro, Abuja under the command of Compol Bennett Igweh, protesters were heard querying why the police were shelling or tear-gassing them as they were marching solemnly without breaking a twig.

    “One noticeable pattern was that once police personnel introduced violence, all hell broke loose in fulfilment of the credo that violence begets violence. We pause to ask, what happened to all the years of training or experience?

    “No lessons learnt or was this a case of loss of human values on an industrial scale? Don’t our police personnel watch their colleagues in other parts of the world manage equally challenging (if not worse) situations?”

    The labour leader demanded that the cops with blood stains on their hands be fished out for appropriate disciplinary action as well as their commanders.

    He also requested that the adequate compensations should be paid to the families of casualties while government should be responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured.

    While commending the Nigeria Bar Association for their intervention in directing its human rights committees to be vigilant, he demanded that also demanded that all those arrested should be released immediately and unconditionally.

    He stated, “We commend NBA national leadership for directing its human rights committees across the cities to be vigilant. We urge them to see it to it that no one is held against their will in connection with the protest.

    “On no account again should the police use live ammunition in managing protests no matter how difficult they get. In the days ahead, we look forward to a better crowd control mechanism even as the new directive from the IGP would sound to some of the personnel as a license to kill without reason.

    “We would be monitoring closely as the situation unfolds. The police as the lead-agency vested with power and authority on issues of internal security should not only lead by (a good) example but an inspiration to other services.

    “However, if the police in self-righteousness consider this advice as meddlesomeness and persist in their slaughter, they will be unwittingly creating a situation they were supposed to help avert in the first place. And we as members of organised labour will be left with no choice than the moral burden to act in protection of ordinary citizens.

    “Finally, we do believe the ultimate solution lies with government, the decisions it takes, the compromises it is willing to make in the face of the genuine demands by the protesters.

    “As we had stated in our statements of July 22nd and 23rd, the clearest path to a lasting solution is for government to sit down with leaders of the protest and negotiate in good faith. Time is of essence as no one is impressed by the sophistry of government officials/ hirelings or threats by the police or the military. We are all Nigerians, after all.”

  • Police nab 2 bandits’ informants in Katsina

    Police nab 2 bandits’ informants in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State, says it has succeeded in arresting two suspects for aiding and abetting banditry and recovered suspected rustled animals from them.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Thursday.

    He said the success was recorded in Jibia Local Government Area, in collaboration with the State’s Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and Hunters.

    “On July 25, 2024, a team of police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters while on routine patrol in collaboration with the KSCWC and Hunters, successfully arrested two suspects, all from Zandam village, in Jibia LGA.

    “The suspects were arrested along Magama cemetery in possession of two rams, one sheep, and a goat, suspected to have been rustled,” he said.

    He added that in the course of investigation, the duo confessed to have received the rustled animals from a suspected notorious bandits’ leader called Nura of Mazanya village in Jibia, now at large.

    The image maker said the suspects were on their way to dispose of the animals at Magama market, in Jibia local government.

    According to him, the suspects have confessed to have severally received suspected rustled animals from the bandits’ kingpin and disposed of them.

    Sadiq-Aliyu confirmed that efforts were being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspect, while investigation continues.

    He explained that the success was achieved due to the sustained efforts of the command in the fight against armed banditry, under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa.

  • Bandits kill 2, abduct Corps members In Ondo

    Bandits kill 2, abduct Corps members In Ondo

    Bandits have killed two people and abducted some members of the National Youth Services Corps (NYSC), travelling on the Ifon/Owo road in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo state.

    It was learnt that the bandits attacked the passengers transiting en route to the state, on Friday night.

    Sources revealed that the bandits, who were over 20, ambushed the passenger vehicle – a Sienna space bus.

    One of the sources, who spoke to Daily Trust, Oluwaseun Ogunmola, said some of the passengers were heading for Owo from Anambra state when they were waylaid.

    Mr Ogunmola revealed that one of the corps members, identified as Adewole Paul Oluwaseun, who was returning from the camp was among the kidnap victims.

    “He was returning from NYSC camp in Enugu when he was kidnapped with others by the bandits. The incident has created tension in the family,” he said.

    He further revealed that the bandits had contacted the family of a corps member, demanding a ransom of N30 million.

    It was gathered that the driver of the vehicle and a young lady sitting at the front were both hit by bullets while attempting to escape the kidnappers.
    However, the corpses of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue of a private hospital in Ifon town.

    Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo, said security agencies had swung into action to rescue the victims.

    Mrs Odunlami-Omisanya, who also confirmed the death of the driver and a passenger in the vehicle, could not immediately ascertain the number of kidnapped victims.

    “We’ve after them. I can assure you that those kidnapped would be rescued them unhurt,” the police spokeswoman told Daily Trust.

     

  • Two abducted Journalists in Kaduna released

    Two abducted Journalists in Kaduna released

    The two journalists who were kidnapped in Kaduna by bandits a week ago have been set free.

    It would be recalled that Abdulgafar Alabelewe who works with TheNation Newspaper and Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper were abducted from their homes in the Danhonu community in Millennium City of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna on Saturday, July 7th.

    Their release is yet to be confirmed by the police, a relative of one of the victims told Channel Television that they were released on Saturday afternoon, and are on their way to Abuja for medical attention

    It was gathered that one of the journalists Abdulgafar Alabelewe was released along with his wife and two children who were kidnapped together.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council Asma’u Yawo Halilu also confirmed the release of their freedom.

    “To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu, and their families have been released,” the statement read.

    “The Council extends her profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, office of the NSA, the DG, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, Kaduna State government, the NUJ President, and all well-meaning Nigerians that prayed along with us during the trying time.”

    The rescued journalists have been taken to Abuja for debriefing by security agencies and also to get medical treatment.

  • Bandits demand N300m for the release of abducted Kaduna judge, kill son

    Bandits demand N300m for the release of abducted Kaduna judge, kill son

    A ransom of N300m has been placed on the kidnapped  female judge and her four children in Kaduna State.

    There are reports that the Judge’s son might have been killed by the bandits.

    It was gathered that the judge and her sons were reportedly abducted at their residence in the Mahuta area of Kaduna on 23 June.

    The kidnappers, numbering up to 15, stormed the residence of the judge at night when her husband, Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse, a medical doctor, was away on duty.

    However, a human rights lawyer, and Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Gloria Ballason, on Wednesday, confirmed in a statement that the kidnappers have threatened to kill her remaining sons if the ransom was not paid in time.

    Continuing, Ballason said the abductors killed the 14-year-old son of the judge in captivity when the family couldn’t pay the demanded ransom.

    She added that the boy, identified as Victor Gimba, the first son of the judge, was shot dead on July 2.

    “The abductors, reported to have been about 15, took their captives hostage and demanded a huge sum as ransom.

    “On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the terrorists shot dead Victor Gimba, the first child of the judge, when the ransom demanded could not be obtained,” she said.

    She also called for the protection of the judge and her family, urging the government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and security agencies to take urgent action and ensure the judge and her children are rescued.

    Similarly, the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association has issued a statement condemning the incident, while urging the security agencies to rise to the occasion.

    NMA’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Shuaibu Joga, expressed shock that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum.

    He said the NMA would be calling for an emergency SEC meeting on Thursday and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also for the release of their other doctors kidnapped 6 months ago.

    “Following the incident, we visited the husband and interacted with him and he informed us that the kidnappers had made a demand of N300 million to secure their release.

    “While the security agencies had been informed and negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, we received the shocking news today that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum.

    “In response, we are calling for an emergency SEC meeting today and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also the release of our other doctor kidnapped 6 months ago.

    “We call for calm from members and request all to stay safe while we engage the necessary security organs to end this needless wanton evil,” he said.

    As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the state government or the state police command.

    The Kaduna Police Command’s Police Public Relations, Mansir Hassan, could not pick his calls, nor respond to text message sent to him.

  • INSECURITY! Bandits threaten Benue community, demand N20m tax or face deadly attack

    INSECURITY! Bandits threaten Benue community, demand N20m tax or face deadly attack

    Bandits have warned the residents of Torough community in Ukum local government area of Benue State to pay a N20 million tax or face a violent attack.

    This dire situation has put the community into a frantic scramble to gather the demanded sum.

    Many Residents are desperate to avoid the threat and have started selling their farm produce and livestock.

    Each family has been asked to raise N500,000. A local source, speaking under the condition of anonymity due to fear of retribution, revealed that the least amount any household is expected to contribute is N50,000.

    “Some people have started disposing of their farm produce and livestock to raise the levy, while others have contacted their relatives outside to gather the funds,” the source revealed.

    The fear is palpable, with nobody, including the village head, daring to report the threat to security forces to avoid provoking the local militias.

    Confirming the development, the local government chairman, Victor Iorzaa, said he had alerted the police and the state security council. Iorzaa said, A notorious militia leader, known as Full Fire, is the mastermind behind the threat. “The report is true, and the person behind it is Full Fire.

    He has been terrorizing the area for the past five years, often collaborating with Fulani militias,” Iorzaa explained. “If you recall, the military recently launched an attack on his house.”

    Iorzaa described the community as living in constant fear, noting that anyone venturing into the village risks being attacked. Despite this, he commended state security operatives and Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for their efforts in combating crime in the area. “The security operatives are doing their best to curtail the militias,” Iorzaa added. Meanwhile, State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, stated that the command had not received any reports of such an incident.

    Similarly, the Governor’s Security Adviser, Joseph Har, dismissed the possibility of bandits collecting taxes from villagers

    “The issue of this illegal levy is a common practice among bandits worldwide as they use it to survive,” Har said.

    “However, only an irresponsible government would allow such a callous thing to happen. The bandits are on the run, they cannot collect any taxes.” Har emphasized the ongoing efforts to dismantle the bandits’ operations. “Most of them have fled their camps, and we intend to sustain the momentum until they surrender or are neutralized. There is a reduction in their impunity, and we aim to fill the security gap they have created.”

  • INHUMANITY! Bandits kill negotiator after delivering N16m to free abductees in Kaduna

    INHUMANITY! Bandits kill negotiator after delivering N16m to free abductees in Kaduna

    Inhumanity taken too far as bandits operating in Kaduna State have killed a 27-year-old man named Abba after he delivered a ransom of N16 million and three motorcycles for the release of nine kidnap victims.

    A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in an X post on Thursday, said the abduction took place on April 16, 2024, when bandits attacked homes in Unguwar Iya and Jere, kidnapping nine residents.

    They reportedly initially demanded a N30 million ransom.

    A resident, Shuaibu Hussaini, confirmed the killing, saying the incident occurred last Saturday when Abba, who had been negotiating with the bandits, went to deliver the agreed-upon ransom to the group’s leader at a designated location in the area.

    “The bandits’ leader, after collecting the ransom and the bikes, tied the deceased with a rope and opened fire on him,” Hussaini said.

    According to him, the motive behind the killing was revealed by one of the released victims.

    “It was one of the victims who was among those released who said the bandits’ leader claimed that they decided to kill Abba for being rude to him during negotiation of the ransom.”

    The brutality of the act was further emphasised when the bandits callously informed the victim’s family about his fate.

    “It was when one of the family members of the victims tried to find out the whereabouts of Abba after delivering the ransom that the bandits’ leader asked the family to go to a particular location and pick up his corpse.

    “The death of the deceased had thrown not only Abba’s family into mourning, but Jere chiefdom as a whole,” Hussaini added.

    The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to comment on the incident.