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Suspected cultists have allegedly killed a middle-aged man identified simply as Yemi in Iyara community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect was machete to death following a suspected cult clash in the area.

“It is believed that the assailants were members of a rival cult group”, one source said.

According to residents, the attackers reportedly trailed the victim to his residence where they reportedly killed him and fled the scene.

Some residents who mourning the deceased and seen discussing the incident in a hush tones when newsmen arrived the scene on Wednesday, described the deceased as a lively and friendly young man who was known for his singing talent and cheerful disposition.

“Yemi was a good singer, full of life and always making people laugh. He related well with everyone and was very friendly,” a resident said.

Other community sources, who spoke on condition of anouymity, alleged that the deceased had previously been linked to the killing of another youth in the area.

The source claimed that the deceased was captured in a video allegedly circulated after an incident sometime ago, leading to his arrest by security operatives.

“He was taken to Zone 5 Police Headquarters for investigation and was recently released on bail after spending some time at the Okere Correctional Centre”. They further alleged that he had only recently recovered from a gunshot wound to his leg before his death.

It was not clear whether cult group attacked him this time around but some residents expressed concern over the rising wave of cult-related violence in Warri and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.

They lamented that many young people were losing their lives to cult clashes at a time when the country was already battling insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

“Something urgent must be done to stop these killings before our youths wipe themselves out. Rather than killing one another, young people should unite against the security challenges facing our communities,” a resident said.

When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident but didn’t give details.

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The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The 60-year-old community leader was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night when armed men invaded his residence and forcefully took him away to an unknown location.

According to police authorities, the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. when six heavily armed assailants stormed the monarch’s home and whisked him away through a nearby bush path.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives immediately swung into action after receiving a distress report about the attack.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene,” Jimoh stated.

He explained that officers promptly secured the area and carried out an initial assessment of the crime scene as part of efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the abductors opened fire during the operation, leaving the victim’s wife injured.

According to him, she sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

“She is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment,” the statement noted.

The Command further revealed that a large-scale rescue operation has been activated, with security personnel combing forests, surrounding communities, bush paths, and other suspected hideouts believed to be linked to the abductors.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to locate and secure the safe release of the victim while apprehending the kidnappers,” the police said.

As part of efforts to prevent further security breaches, the Command said additional tactical teams have been deployed to Owo and neighbouring communities to strengthen surveillance and improve response capabilities.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has also directed all tactical units, intelligence teams, and operational squads to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the traditional ruler and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

Police authorities reassured residents that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the victim is rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, members of the public have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies.

The Command appealed to residents to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts, emphasizing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and abductions targeting community leaders and prominent individuals in various parts of the country, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and intelligence-driven policing.

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Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked Kautikari village in Borno State on Saturday evening, setting two schools ablaze and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Fresh fears have gripped residents of Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists launched another attack on the community, setting two schools on fire and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes.

According to Vanguard, the attack occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, reigniting concerns over the security situation in the area, which has suffered repeated assaults by insurgents in recent years.

Sources said the terrorists stormed the village and targeted public facilities, including the community’s primary school and day secondary school. The assault triggered panic among residents, many of whom abandoned their homes and ran for safety as the attackers operated in the area.

A security operative from Kautikari, who is currently based in Maiduguri, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that our village (Kautikari) in the Chibok Local Government Area is under Boko Haram attack.

“Our people are scampering for safety, even as two schools (primary and day secondary school) are on fire,” he said.

As of press time, the number of casualties, if any, had not been confirmed. Security sources said efforts were ongoing to assess the situation and determine the extent of damage caused by the attack.

Kautikari has been a recurring target of insurgent violence, with residents repeatedly facing displacement and destruction of property due to attacks by terrorist groups operating in the region.

Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, were not answered at the time of filing this report.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgents in the North-East.