Category: Metro

Tragedy struck Zike hamlet in the Kimakpa community of Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Sunday night as no fewer than 49 people were killed in a violent attack by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

According to Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), the incident occurred around midnight when residents were asleep. The community was jolted by sporadic gunfire, with eyewitnesses reporting that the attackers struck from multiple directions.

“The leadership of the Irigwe Development Association woke up to yet another massacre,” Jugo said. “By Monday morning, 49 corpses had been recovered. The number of injured victims is still unknown. Witnesses claim the attackers were Fulani.”

Jugo disclosed that despite prior intelligence and community warnings about the impending threat, the attack still occurred. He questioned the lack of aerial surveillance from a nearby drone station and expressed deep concern over the rising death toll in the region, which has reached at least 75 since December 2024.

He urged the Federal and Plateau State governments to act swiftly to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis and appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.

The Plateau State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the assault. “This is an attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the state,” she said, warning that the Mutfwang administration would hold perpetrators accountable and urged residents to remain vigilant.

Troops Rescue 16 Abducted Passengers

In a separate development, troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) rescued 16 kidnapped passengers along the Jos-Mangu road in the Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

Major Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, confirmed that the rescue followed the discovery of an abandoned vehicle near Mararaban Kantoma at about 9 p.m. on Sunday. Troops immediately launched a search operation in the surrounding bushes.

The kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the soldiers but were overpowered. All 16 captives, including six children, were rescued unharmed or with only minor injuries.

Troops administered first aid where necessary and escorted the victims safely to resume their journey to Jos. A manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects, some of whom are believed to be injured.

These twin developments underscore the persistent insecurity challenges in Plateau State, despite recent efforts to restore peace across affected communities.

The Federal Government has strongly criticized a recent social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja and testimonies presented at a U.S. Congressional hearing on religious persecution in Nigeria, describing the claims as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the country’s security efforts.

In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed concern over the publication and the testimonies of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, which it said oversimplify a complex national security situation.

“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution,” the statement noted.

The Ministry rejected claims that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked, calling such assertions “both inaccurate and unfair.” It stressed that the government has taken “decisive actions” including deploying security forces, initiating peace-building efforts, enhancing intelligence operations, and introducing policies to address root causes of violence such as land disputes and poverty.

“It is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent. The reality is that Nigeria is battling multiple security threats—banditry, terrorism, and organized crime—that affect communities regardless of religious identity,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and freedom of expression, the government promised to investigate any threats made against religious leaders and take appropriate actions.

The Ministry also rejected narratives that frame the crisis as an “Islamist extermination” of Christians, emphasizing that the government remains focused on protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. It called for responsible reporting and urged all parties to promote dialogue over division.

“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarization,” the Ministry added.

A thunderstorm-induced fire on Sunday razed the Saint Peter’s Primary School building in Igbemo, Ekiti State, leaving pupils displaced.

The fire, which started after a lightning strike during a heavy downpour, destroyed five blocks of classrooms. Following the incident, teachers relocated the pupils to a nearby school, AUD Pilot Nursery Primary School, to continue their learning.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, visited the school on Monday and assured that the structure would be rebuilt soon.

“I am saddened by this fire, but grateful that no lives were lost,” Oyebanji stated. “We will rebuild the school promptly so that the pupils and teachers can return to their base.”

The governor also addressed concerns about residents dumping waste and defecating within the premises of AUD Pilot School, ordering an immediate halt to such practices.

Education Secretary, Mrs. Adesola George-Ojo, emphasized the need for perimeter fencing to prevent further health hazards in the school environment.

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu cited the prolonged political crisis in the state and the collapse of its legislature as justification for the move. He appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd), as the administrator, pending confirmation by the National Assembly.

Rivers State has now become the sixth state to experience a state of emergency since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. It is also the third state, after Plateau and Ekiti, where both the governor and lawmakers have been suspended under emergency rule.

Tinubu explained that the decision was necessary to restore governance, peace, and security in the state, noting that efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue had failed. He pointed to the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, which found constitutional breaches in the state government’s handling of legislative matters.

“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said. He also referenced security concerns, including pipeline vandalism by militants, as part of the reasons for the emergency measures.

The President assured that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function normally and that the administrator would focus on stabilizing governance rather than making new laws.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some legal experts and political figures have strongly opposed the declaration, arguing that the President lacks constitutional powers to suspend elected officials. Senior lawyers, including Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) and Kunle Edun (SAN), described the move as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive authority.

Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar condemned the action as politically motivated, stating that Tinubu has failed in his duty to prevent the escalation of the crisis. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, also criticized the decision, calling it a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy.

However, some legal practitioners have supported the intervention, with Dr. Benson Enikuomehin commending Tinubu’s boldness but urging him to also remove FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of fueling the crisis.

The declaration has been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, and its legality is likely to face challenges in the coming days.

In a major crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes, operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Abia and Nasarawa states have rescued four abducted victims and neutralized seven suspected kidnappers in separate operations.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer on Sunday confirmed the successful rescue missions and disclosed that a notorious kidnapping kingpin, identified as ‘Honor,’ was killed during the operations. Several firearms and ammunition were recovered, while some suspects managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

According to the statement, on March 9, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., the Abia State Police Command received reports of four individuals abducted while driving a Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa.

“Leveraging credible intelligence, the Command’s tactical team traced the kidnappers’ hideout to a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Local Government Area. On March 14, 2025, operatives stormed the location, encountering heavy gunfire from the suspects,” the statement read.

The ensuing gun battle led to the neutralization of six suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of all four victims, who were unharmed. Security personnel recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition at the scene. The victims were later taken to a police hospital for medical evaluation.

In a separate operation, security forces in Nasarawa State, comprising police operatives, Nigerian Army personnel, and local vigilantes, tracked down and eliminated a notorious kidnapper, identified as Abdullahi, alias ‘Honor.’

The suspect, wanted for multiple crimes, was intercepted on March 14 near the Akwanga Central Mosque while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.

“During the encounter, the suspect brandished a firearm to resist arrest but was swiftly neutralized. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol and 12 rounds of 9mm live ammunition. However, one accomplice managed to escape with gunshot wounds, prompting an ongoing manhunt,” the police statement added.

Commending the operatives for their swift and decisive action, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the force’s commitment to tackling crime across the country.

“These recent operations underscore the resilience of the Nigeria Police Force in curbing gunrunning, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” the IGP stated.

He further warned criminals to abandon their illicit activities or face severe consequences, reaffirming the force’s dedication to safeguarding communities and dismantling criminal networks.

Following last Thursday’s violent attack on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), fifteen injured staff members were still receiving medical care at undisclosed hospitals as of yesterday. The company’s office remained deserted, and power had yet to be restored at the Sam Ethan Air Force Base.

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has strongly denounced the attack, in which scores of employees were brutalized and company property was vandalized. NECA called on the Federal Government to investigate outstanding electricity debts at military bases nationwide and ensure prompt payment to prevent future conflicts.

Chairman of Ikeja Disco, Kola Adesina, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force owes the company N4 billion, a debt that has remained unsettled despite seven years of negotiations.

“We are being owed a significant chunk of money, about N4 billion,” Adesina stated. “As a distribution company, we are responsible for collecting and remitting funds to the electricity supply chain, including gas suppliers and transmission companies. This outstanding debt has put a huge strain on our operations, making us financially unstable.”

While Ikeja Disco and the Air Force have exchanged numerous correspondences over the years, efforts to resolve the issue have not yielded results.

A visit to the Ikeja Disco headquarters in Alausa, Lagos, yesterday revealed a tense atmosphere. The usually bustling office was nearly empty, with many employees staying away due to fear and trauma from the attack.

Employees who were present recounted harrowing experiences, with some sustaining physical injuries, including sprains and bruises. A female staff member, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as a terrifying ordeal.

“I thought we were under attack by armed thugs,” she said. “I fell in the chaos and got bruises on my knee. Some of my colleagues sprained their ankles while trying to escape. It’s shocking that military personnel could attack a privately owned company in this manner.”

The company’s Public Relations Officer, Kingsley Okotie, confirmed that many injured employees were still receiving medical care.

“I am limping. I am not even at home. I am taking care of myself medically, like some other colleagues,” Okotie stated. “People are scared and traumatized. What assurance do we have that they won’t come again?”

He further confirmed that electricity had not been restored to the Air Force Base, emphasizing that it was impossible to resume operations under duress.

Condemning the attack, NECA Director General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, called for an urgent response from the Federal Government to prevent a recurrence.

“This unlawful attack diminishes Nigeria’s democratic progress and sends a negative signal to investors,” Oyerinde said. “No rational investor would put money into a country where businesses and their employees are subjected to such impunity.”

NECA urged the government to immediately clear the N4 billion debt owed by the Air Force and set up a committee to review military electricity debts nationwide to avoid further disputes.

“The attack on Ikeja Electric is a national embarrassment. We call on the Federal Government to ensure that debts owed by military institutions are settled to maintain stability in the electricity sector,” the statement read.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to seek urgent resolutions to ensure the safety of workers, the stability of electricity distribution, and respect for lawful business operations.