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Tears as demolition of shops in Onitsha main market begins

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Tears and lamentations filled the air on Sunday following the demolition of shops in the Onitsha Main market by officials of the Onitsha North Local Government Council.

The Nation gathered that as at 12.30 am, security operatives, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agunechemba security outfit, had barricaded the roads leading to the market.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Anthony Nwora, the council reminded owners and occupants of illegal structures located at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 of Main Market, Onitsha, that the grace period granted to them had expired.

The notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that an initial 14-day notice had been given to the affected occupants, which expired on February 14, 2026.

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According to the council, the deadline was further extended by another 14 days at the request of the occupants, with the new expiration date fixed for February 28, 2026.

While some shop owners began voluntary removals ahead of the demolition notice deadline, others were said to be awaiting last-minute government intervention before enforcement commenced.

Scavengers reportedly had a field day as they made brisk business with iron features and other wares, which they sold at giveaway prices.

A trader at the market, Okeke Jude, whose shop was affected, said he collapsed on sighting his shop razed to rubble.

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Narrating his ordeal in the hands of security operatives, Okeke said, “When I heard that they had started demolishing the Main market, I rushed to evacuate my wares around 2 am.

“On approaching the entrance to the market, a security man said I must ‘settle’ him before passing, and I gave him N500.

“But when I got close to my shop, it was already demolished with the wares, and I collapsed. On regaining consciousness, I left without a pin from my shop.”

Another victim, who simply identified himself as Udoka, alleged that an iron structure from his shop was sold by a security operative despite his appeal.

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“He asked me why I did not comply with the order that we should remove our wares within 14 days,” the man sobbed.

Traders at the market might likely not gain entrance on Monday as the market had been barricaded by security operatives who took over the market over the weekend.

The government had insisted that structures erected outside approved building plans, including extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels, would be removed to restore order, safety, and sanitation within the market.

According to officials, the exercise is aimed at restoring order rather than disrupting legitimate businesses.

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Delta police arrest officer who shot handcuffed suspect to death in Effurun

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The Delta State Police Command has arrested and transferred an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Nuhu Usman, to Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action over the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Effurun, sparked public outrage after a disturbing video went viral showing the suspect — already handcuffed and begging for mercy — being shot at close range in the head. His body was subsequently lifted and thrown into a police operational vehicle.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Nigeria Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.

According to the police, operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command acted on credible intelligence that Ogidi was attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition. The suspect was apprehended at the scene, but ASP Nuhu Usman, who led the team, discharged his firearm, resulting in the suspect’s death.

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“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the immediate arrest of ASP Nuhu Usman and his transfer to the State Headquarters in Asaba for necessary disciplinary action,” the statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, read.

The officer has since been queried and moved to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will face the Force Disciplinary Committee for sanction and possible prosecution.

The Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for recklessness and extrajudicial killings.

CP Oyeniyi extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, friends, and concerned members of the public, assuring them that justice would be served.

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The video of the shooting surfaced barely two days after soldiers attached to the Guards Brigade in the Federal Capital Territory were accused of killing a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member inside his room. The army had claimed the corps member was caught in crossfire during an armed robbery response, but the deceased’s parents debunked the claim, insisting he was shot in his locked apartment.

Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu had earlier alleged that Usman Nuhu, a former Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operative with a history of alleged extrajudicial killings, was involved in the Effurun incident and that other officers might be shielded.

The police statement identifies only ASP Nuhu Usman as the officer who fired the fatal shot and confirms he is now in custody facing disciplinary proceedings.

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Gunmen invade Ekiti church, k!ll pastor, abduct members during revival

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Gunmen suspected to be bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government, opening fire on worshippers gathered for a special revival programme.

A pastor identified simply as Aregbe was killed on the spot.

Several others were injured.

An unconfirmed number of congregants are missing.

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Witnesses said the attackers stormed the church around 6:45 p.m., shooting into the congregation.

Worshippers scattered into the surrounding bush. Some made it out. Others were hit.

Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman Pius Alaba confirmed the attack.

He said the pastor in charge reported that several worshippers remain unaccounted for, and the exact number of those abducted is still unknown.

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“The corpse of the slain pastor has been deposited at the morgue,” Alaba said.

At least six worshippers are declared missing, raising fears they were taken by the gunmen.

Others are nursing gunshot wounds.

Panic has gripped Eda Oniyo.

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A community member said residents are living in fear and appealed to government to urgently deploy security personnel to the area.

As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

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Boko Haram Issues One-Week Ultimatum, Threatens To Kill, Marry Off 176 Abducted Women And Children In Kwara

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Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised alarm after suspected Boko Haram fighters reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to secure the release of 176 abducted women and children or face mass execution.

Community members and families of the victims told SaharaReporters that the abductees delivered the message after a Jumu’ah prayer session held with their captors on Friday.

According to them, one of the victims was allowed to contact her family on Saturday and confirmed that all the abductees were alive. She also said the captors had been teaching them Arabic and Islamic studies.

A community source said the captors accused the government of not taking negotiations seriously, claiming they were spending resources to keep the victims. The militants allegedly warned that if no agreement is reached within one week, they would begin forcing some of the girls into marriage and kill others they consider “unimportant.”

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Residents say the threat has heightened fear in the community, with families of the abducted living in distress as the deadline approaches.

Earlier reports indicated that the victims were shown in a video released by the captors in April, appearing weak and pleading for rescue. In the footage, an armed man claimed responsibility for the abduction of residents from Woro and nearby Kososo communities, saying the victims had been “indoctrinated.”

The group had also previously demanded a ransom of N20 million per victim, but negotiations reportedly stalled as the Kwara State Government refused to meet the demand.

Families of the abducted say they are increasingly worried about the survival of their loved ones, especially children and pregnant women, as captivity continues under harsh conditions.

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