Metro
Protest rock Ondo as gunmen attack farmers, kill one
Vehicular activities were paralysed on the ever-busy Akure-Owo expressway on Tuesday as scores of angry residents trooped the road to protest the incessant kidnappings and killings by armed men.
The protestors stormed the highway and barricaded the road with logs, causing a complete standstill as motorists and commuters were stranded for several hours.
They carried placards bearing different inscriptions as they expressed their frustration, demanding urgent action to resolve the escalating security challenges.
The protest came after suspected bandits attacked two farmers, Ben Daniels and James Unekwu along the Agunla Farm Road at Ayede-Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government of the state.
One of the farmers, Daniels was killed by the bandits.
The State Police Command in a release by its Spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident, explaining that the case was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday by a concerned citizen.
Abayomi said preliminary investigations reveal that the duo of Daniels and Unekwu were both riding a motorcycle to the farm when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
He explained that Unekwu reportedly escaped from the assailants, while Daniels was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“Unekwu is currently in police protective custody as tensions rise over a possible conspiracy, while investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace, as such actions infringe on the rights of other road users,” Abayomi said.
Disappointed with the development, the protesters lamented that bandits have allegedly been invading their farmlands and community, killing and abducting residents at will.
One of the protesters, Adesoji Oyedele complained that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being attacked.
He also explained that the situation had worsened the economic hardship in the community which largely depends on agriculture for survival.
“At this very spot last year, they came and killed a man. Yesterday again, they came and killed another person. How do you expect us to keep quiet? How long are we going to continue like this?” he said.
Oyedele revealed that the latest victim, a farmer, was attacked while working on his farm on the outskirts of Ayede Ogbese.
He added that his killing has thrown the entire community into mourning, with many accusing security agencies of failing to protect lives and property.
He said the expressway and surrounding forests had become hideouts for criminal elements who strike and retreat without being apprehended.
The protesters, however, called on the state government and the security agencies to immediately deploy military personnel to establish a permanent checkpoint in Ogbese to deter further attacks.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given a marching order to security agencies to launch an immediate and coordinated “crackdown” on suspected kidnappers terrorising residents across parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the governor expressed deep concern over the rising cases of abduction in the state.
The governor noted that investigations conducted by the security agencies have unraveled that some of the crimes were being orchestrated with the involvement of local collaborators.
He claimed his government was aware that certain “unscrupulous elements” are deliberately using criminal activities to portray the state as unsafe, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
“The government is aware that the unscrupulous elements want to use the criminal activities to portray Ondo State as unsafe. Such acts are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.
“The government has consequently directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities.
“Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
He called on traditional rulers to heighten vigilance within their domains and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security operatives, describing community-based intelligence as critical to combating crime.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Metro
Boko Haram Issues One-Week Ultimatum, Threatens To Kill, Marry Off 176 Abducted Women And Children In Kwara
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.”
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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