The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, has successfully intercepted a boat filled with approximately 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil along the Idiogba-Mahin coastline in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The operation, led by Capt. Aliyu Usman, the Commanding Officer of the base, took place on Thursday after the team acted on reliable intelligence. Capt. Usman explained that the Navy deployed its Quick Response Team to intercept the illegal shipment, which included a wooden boat loaded with the stolen oil as well as equipment commonly used in bunkering activities, such as discharge hoses and pumping machines.

Upon sighting the Naval team, the perpetrators fled the scene, leaving the boat behind. The team secured the vessel, and a sample of the crude oil was taken for a laboratory test to confirm its origin. The boat and its contents were handled in accordance with the Navy’s protocols.

This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to tackling illegal oil activities and protecting the nation’s resources.

Fear has gripped the people of Yaav and Mbakyol council wards of Kwande local government area of Benue State as armed bandits suspected to be herdsmen invaded the two communities on Christmas day, killing over 12 people and abducted seven children.

A resident of now deserted Mbadura council ward who is taking refuge in Jato-Aka Lawrence Akerigba, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, informed that the attackers abducted seven children with the oldest being 6 years, while the youngest is 2 years of age.

According to him, “The attackers invaded Yaav and Mbakyol councill wards of Turan community at about 4pm when most residents were at home with their families enjoying the cool breeze of the yuletide, killing 12, injuring scores, and abducted children while others were still mssing.

“On Christmas day evening, eight young boys who are also taking refuge in Jato-Aka town which is Yaav council wards were sent by their parents to bring some crops from the farm so as to prepare food for the family on the Boxing Day and on their way, they met the attackers who opened fire on them, killing one person while the remaining seven who escaped with gunshot injuries are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Akerigba also disclosed that there is sustained attack by bandits on the community after the burial of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, adding that out of the five council wards in the Turan community, four have been deserted for over 10 years due to sustained attacks by bandits suspected to be armed herdsmen.

“I am from Mbadura Council ward here in Turan Community of Kwande LG, but all of us have left our communities, we are now taking refuge in Jato-Aka town for fear of the unknown, and it seems the government has totally forgotten that his people are going through hell here, nobody is coming to our rescue, no relief materials, even as many were celebrating we were just hearing and the sudden attack on the already traumatised communities.

He said, “Our young people are combining the bushes around because as we talk now, many people are still missing including women and children, 9 corpses were picked at the scene of the attack while three were recovered from the surrounding bushes, search is still on and there is the likelihood that more corpses will be recovered.

“What we are calling for now is for the government to make our communities safe to enable us go back to our ancestral homes to continue with our farming to feed our families and pay our childrens school fees, because from all indications, it seems the security here are helpless. These bandits come with more sophisticated weapons, since yesterday 4pm and today almost 11am now no security personnel has come here to access the situation and give the people hope, those who lost their loved ones are just crying since yesterday

Akerigba gave the names of the slain victims to include Vanen Iorvihi, Mike Azege, Anyisa Akpa, Ausa Imbior, orwua Abur Hwande,.Iornumbe Tse, Zaki Ashivor Mbailuve Tyohemba,Terhemba Tyohemba Jim Ierkwagh and Ijeyol Ierkwagh.

He however said the number was still counting, adding that the search team was still searching for those missing in the bush.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene proved abortive as she was neither.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Theophilus Osazuwa for allegedly killing his four-year-old son.

The command said Osazuwa was suspected to have committed the act while under the influence of hard drugs.

The spokesperson for the command, Moses Yamu, revealed in a statement on Wednesday night that the incident, which resulted in the death of the four-year-old boy, occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

He stated that Osazuwa had just returned to his apartment at Ogbeson Quarters, off Benin-Agbor Road in Benin City, when he suddenly fell into a trance.

While in a trance, the suspect reportedly screamed, “Holy Ghost fire,” grabbed the four-year-old boy, and slammed him against the wall, resulting in the child’s death.

Yamu stated, “Edo Police Command has arrested one Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin City, for the murder of his four-year-old son named Testimony Osazuwa.

“The suspect was said to have arrived at his home on 24/12/2024 at about 1230 hrs, went berserk screaming ‘Holy Ghost fire,’ then reached for the four-year-old boy and slammed him to the wall. The child was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the young man who is known for the consumption of illicit (colloquial, ice, etc.) substances must have acted under the influence of the same.”

He stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umoru Ozigi, cautioned youths against the dangers of consuming illicit substances and drugs, emphasising their harmful effects on health and the potential risks they pose to both their lives and the safety of others.