Metro
Man in custody for allegedly killing neighbour over goat
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested and put in protective custody one Kolawole Akinsanya for allegedly conspiring with hoodlums to beat his neighbour, Lukmon Ajibola, to death at Ilepa in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened on Monday, February 5, around 8pm.
A resident of the community who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said that a goat belonging to the deceased strayed into the compound of Akinsanya and ate his dried yam. This was said to have infuriated Akinsanya who allegedly killed the animal in the process.
In his reaction, Ajibola was said to have confronted Akinsanya over his action which our source said resulted in an argument whereby the latter allegedly invited some thugs who went to attack the former.
Our source said Ajibola became unconscious after the attack and later died in the hospital.
The resident who preferred anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident said, “Ajibola rears goat to support his motorcycle business. It was around 4pm when one of his goats went into Akinsanya’s compound and ate the dried yams he spread in the compound. When he came out and saw the goat eating it, he picked up the kid and beat it to death.
“Since they were both neighbours on the same street, Ajibola approached him and questioned his action. This led to an argument and Akinsanya called some hoodlums numbering about three who came and descended on him. While they were beating him, they also poured alcohol into his ears.
Residents who rushed to the scene found him lying motionless and he was taken to Zion Hospital in Ilepa for treatment and later referred to the State Hospital Otta on the third day. Unfortunately, he passed away at the State Hospital.”
Our correspondent learnt that the family of the deceased was thrown into mourning as a result of the incident.
The suspect, Akinsanya, was also said to have been arrested by the police while three other accomplices were said to have fled the community.
A relative of the deceased who spoke to our correspondent while also craving anonymity, however, alleged that the police were trying to cover up the case.
The relative said, “The principal suspect is with the police. He has been taken to the Ogun State Police Command at Eleweran, Abeokuta. His accomplices who are known as Chicago, Agbara and one ID are on the run.
Meanwhile, the colleagues of Akinsanya are presently mobilising funds to secure his release and make the police cover up the case. They are also trying to prevent the police from arresting the three others.
“Akinsanya had bragged that he would return the way someone who lived two streets away returned after killing another person in the same circumstance last year. Ajibola’s poor widow, Aminat and her children are left to suffer unjustly because they are poor and have no connection. We want justice for the slain man and his family.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, while confirming the incident, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
She said, “The suspect, Kolawole Akinsanya, has been arrested and detained. Ongoing efforts are being made to apprehend other fleeing suspects.”
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the killing of a police officer in Delta State.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for 82 Division Nigerian Army said the IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpin popularly known as ‘Calamity’ was arrested during a raid on the terrorists’ hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Calamity was arrested alongside four others by troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA during the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY in the early hours of today, Tuesday, April 21.
According to Ayeni, the operation was conducted by the troops following credible intelligence that linked the suspect and his accomplice to the killing of a police officer.
He added that another individual was also injured by the suspected criminals during an attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State on February 26.
Ayeni stated that during the said attack, the suspects carted away two AK-47 rifles.
“In an attempt to evade arrest after intensified security operations in Delta State, “Calamity” and his men relocated to Ebonyi State to look for a haven and established a new criminal camp to continue their violent activities.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, troops stormed the hideout and apprehended five suspects, including the commander (Calamity) and 4 other suspects who are also key members of IPOB/ESN.
“At the time of arrest, “Calamity” was found in possession of a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys,” Ayeni said.
He mentioned other items recovered from the suspects include a black Kcsanya motorcycle.
The suspects, he said, are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to dismantle the wider network of criminal collaborators and recover other weapons hidden by the group.
“This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralise terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens across the region.
“The military reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and calls on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information that will aid ongoing operations,” Ayeni noted.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a prophetess and a suspected ‘fake’ midwife in connection with separate cases of maternal and infant deaths in the Akure and Emure-Ile areas of the state.
The arrests, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, followed incidents recorded earlier this month in which two women and their newborns died after childbirth was handled outside recognised medical facilities.
Abayomi said the prophetess identified as Blessing Efiong was apprehended in Emure-Ile after allegedly conducting the delivery of a 20-year-old woman, Jenifer Sunday, inside a church.
He explained that Augustine Kufre reported the case on April 11, stating that his girlfriend was taken to the church after she went into labour.
“The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother died on the way to the hospital following complications,” Abayomi said.
In a related development, operatives of the command also apprehended one Elizabeth Aremu in Akure for allegedly posing as a midwife.
DSP Abayomi said the incident, reported on April 16, involved the death of a woman, Blessing Lawal, who was said to have gone into labour at Aremu’s residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road.
According to him, the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be rushed to a medical facility.
He said detectives who visited the scene discovered the newborn’s lifeless body wrapped in a sack.
Abayomi said the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo morgue for preservation and autopsy.
He added that investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidents and bring those found culpable to justice.
Abayomi, however, cautioned residents against patronising unqualified individuals for medical services, especially during childbirth, stressing the need to seek care from licensed health professionals.
“In both cases, detectives from the Command have commenced thorough investigations. The remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue, respectively, for preservation and autopsy.
“The Ondo State Police Command assures the public that diligent investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents and to ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.
“The Command strongly advises members of the public to always seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in critical situations such as childbirth, and to avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners,” he said.
The command reiterated its resolve to protect lives and clamp down on all forms of criminal negligence in the state.
Tension is mounting in Benue State after bandits demanded ₦9 million each for two students believed to be JAMB candidates abducted from a commercial bus, even as the Nigeria Police Force announced a major breakthrough with the arrest of seven suspects and the rescue of some victims.
The victims were among passengers seized on Wednesday when gunmen intercepted an 18-seater Benue Links bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, forcing occupants into nearby bush paths in what has become a chilling pattern of highway kidnappings in the region.
Family In Distress As Ransom Soars
In an emotional appeal, the father of two of the abducted students said the kidnappers have escalated their demands after a series of confusing negotiations, leaving the family devastated and helpless.
According to him, the abductors initially demanded ₦10 million for each of the victims before briefly dropping the figure to ₦500,000, only to return with a hardline demand of ₦9 million per child.
“I have two children that were kidnapped in that bus and none of them has been released,” the distraught father said.
“They first asked for ₦10 million each, later said ₦500,000, but now they insist on ₦9 million each. We are still begging them.”
The father, who spoke under anonymity for security reasons, revealed that his children were travelling from Nasarawa State when they fell into the hands of the kidnappers after boarding the ill-fated vehicle.
“Even if you sell me, I cannot be worth the ₦9 million they are asking for each of them,” he lamented.
He said the incident has thrown the family into emotional turmoil, disclosing that his wife has not eaten since the abduction, while the family now clings to hope for government intervention.
Sources say several of the victims were young travellers, including students heading to write examinations, heightening public outrage over the targeting of vulnerable citizens on Nigerian highways.
The attack has again spotlighted the growing insecurity along major routes in Benue and neighbouring states, where bandits and suspected armed herdsmen have increasingly tightened their grip.
Amid the rising anxiety, the Benue State Police Command confirmed a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command said a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies has yielded results.
“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident,” the statement read.
According to the police, operatives launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, leading to the rescue of some victims, who are now receiving medical attention.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in custody as investigations continue.
European top scorers: Harry Kane tops chart ahead of others
ADC protesters in Jigawa demand recognition of Mark-led leadership
Tinubu appoints Fatima Zuntu as DG of biosafety agency
-
News18 hours agoFG Reveals Identities Of Alleged Coup Plotters, Files Treason Charges
-
News20 hours agoJust in: Kwara youths protest prolonged abduction of 176 women, kids by Boko Haram
-
News16 hours agoUS Lawmaker Accuses Tinubu’s Minister Of Bribery To Cover Up Genocide Report
-
News18 hours agoTinubu Makes Fresh Key Appointment In Government
-
News18 hours agoDefection Storm Rocks Reps as Parties Jostle for 2027 Advantage
-
News16 hours agoSaudi Arabia seeks partnership with FCT on green city, security, economy
-
News16 hours agoNDLEA secures forfeiture of N33.6 billion worth of opioids intercepted at Onne Port(Photos)
-
News16 hours ago
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa