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Insecurity: Kogi Bans Okada Operations In Bunu District, Night Travel

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The Kogi State Government has announced sweeping security measures targeting criminal elements operating in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated hinterland communities, the closure of markets, restrictions on fuel sales, and a statewide prohibition on night travel after 7:00 p.m.

The measures, which take immediate effect, were announced on Saturday in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

The government said the directives followed ongoing security operations in Bunu District after a recent terrorist attack on Iluke community that was “successfully repelled” by security forces.

According to the statement, intelligence and operational reports indicate that joint security forces have made significant gains against the attackers, with several of them neutralised and others sustaining injuries while remaining trapped in forested areas across the district.

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Okada Ban Targets Supply Routes

To prevent the fleeing criminals from receiving supplies and logistical support, the government imposed an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations across several routes in Bunu District.

“The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands,” the statement said in part.

The government explained that security intelligence had identified motorcycle operators as a major channel through which food, water, drugs and other essential items were being transported to bandits hiding in forest locations.

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Authorities also alleged that some criminal elements use motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before launching attacks.

The state government warned that anyone violating the directive would face severe legal consequences under existing anti-terrorism laws.

“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law,” the statement added.

The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) was directed to immediately sensitise its members on the new restrictions.

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Markets Shut

In addition to the motorcycle ban, the government said that all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice.

Mobile medicine vendors and drug distributors were also instructed to suspend the transportation and sale of medicines on motorcycles within the affected communities for the duration of the security operation.

As part of efforts to further isolate criminal groups, the government announced a ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

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Officials said the restriction was designed to prevent fuel supplies from reaching bandits operating in remote forest camps.

The government maintained that the measures were necessary to consolidate gains already recorded by security agencies and to deny criminal elements access to resources that could prolong their activities.

Statewide Night Travel Ban Begins

Beyond Kabba/Bunu, the government also announced a statewide restriction on movement along all state-owned roads after 7:00 p.m.

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“As part of measures to strengthen security across the state and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the cover of darkness, the Kogi State Government hereby announces a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State.

“Consequently, all movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Any person found travelling on a state-owned road after 7:00 p.m. shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

The government disclosed that it possesses credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and assured residents that actions were already being taken against such persons.

While acknowledging that the directives may cause temporary inconvenience to residents and businesses, the state government said the protection of lives and communities remains its top priority.

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“The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of these measures and full compliance by all residents and stakeholders.

“The Government further warns that any individual found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists in any form shall be treated as an accomplice to terrorism and prosecuted accordingly,” it added.

On Wednesday, a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, left three people dead, including a vice principal and a six-year-old boy.

The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., heightened security concerns in the community.

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The Kogi State Police Command said the attackers, who arrived on about 40 motorcycles, stormed the area in large numbers with the suspected aim of kidnapping students and other residents.

According to the Command, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly activated a joint security response after receiving distress calls from the area.

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DSS intercepts arms shipment bound for bandit kingpin, nabs suspect

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.

According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements.

“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”

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The report said preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.

“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.

“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.

The report described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in the North-West.

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It added that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

According to the report, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that sustain banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime across the country.

(NAN)

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Chimamanda Adichie alleges cover-up, negligence following son’s death

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Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of medical negligence and an subsequent attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding her son’s death by taking her pursuit of justice for her late son, Nkanu Nnamdi, to the public.

In a four-part series shared on Instagram, Adichie detailed a devastating sequence of events. According to her, her son suffered a hypoxic brain injury caused by improper sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Beyond the medical tragedy, Adichie alleges that the hospital has engaged in a pattern of dishonest practices. These include:

Issuing an inaccurate death certificate that falsely attributed the cause of death to meningitis.

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Failing to provide complete or accurate medical records to her family.

Employing heartless language in legal correspondence, including referring to her son’s death as a “dispute”.

Stalling and attempting to obstruct a coroner’s inquest, which was originally initiated by the hospital itself. Describing the immense toll this has taken on her.

She said, “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing… The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that”.

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The author also recounted an encounter with a senior figure in the hospital’s ownership who allegedly attempted to discourage her from pursuing legal action by suggesting her reputation could be dragged in the mud during court proceedings. Adichie said this was a manipulative and threatening message.

“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death,” she stated.

Adichie explained, that it is not a trial or a claim for damages, but simply a search for the truth. By making these details public, she hopes to demand the accountability and transparency that she feels have been denied to her family.

“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it”. She stated.

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Tinubu condemns death of retired general Rabe in kidnappers’ custody

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and later died while still in their custody.

According to a State House statement issued on Saturday, the president said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with “shock and sadness,” describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement read.

General Abubakar, who had retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career, was said to have been travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed men.

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“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement stated.

The presidency also revealed that the late officer’s wife was taken alongside him and is still being held by the abductors, a detail that has further intensified public concern over the incident.

The president extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the military establishment, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable.

He also reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism and kidnapping, warning that the state would not be blackmailed into concessions.

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While condemning the attack, Tinubu declared: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

He further stressed national unity and resilience in the face of insecurity, insisting that the country would ultimately prevail.

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” the President said.

On the broader fight against insecurity, Tinubu said the tragedy should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, rejecting any form of negotiation with armed groups.

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“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the statement added.

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