Four seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Diocese lost their lives, and nine others sustained injuries in a road accident near the base of the iconic Obudu Ranch Resort hill in Cross River State on Saturday, May 3.

The seminarians, part of a group of 13, had concluded a guided tour of the resort led by a Reverend Father when the vehicle transporting them suffered brake failure while descending the hill. The crash occurred just outside the resort’s perimeter.

The Guardian learnt that members of the Nigerian Army stationed at the Ranch led swift emergency response efforts, working with other first responders to evacuate the injured and recover the deceased. The injured are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased, as efforts are ongoing to contact their families. The seminarians had been visiting one of Nigeria’s most prominent tourist destinations before the tragedy.

In an official statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Nsa Gill, expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as a devastating moment for the state and the affected families.

“This is a dark day for all of us. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. The government is already reaching out to offer support during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Gill also highlighted the government’s commitment to safety across the state’s tourism sites, announcing an immediate review of transport and safety protocols at the Ranch. He urged visitors to ensure their vehicles are in proper condition and to adhere to all safety guidelines when visiting the state’s attractions.

As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, the state government has pledged transparency and assured the public of support for the victims’ families. Officials have also requested that the public respect the privacy of those grieving.

At least 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Several others remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll may increase.

The confrontation took place on Friday when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted approximately 40 bandits who were attempting to raid Magonho village.

According to a local source, the assailants arrived on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed. They reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.

The source said, “initially it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed in the early exchange of gunfire.

“The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group”

Another eyewitnesses revealed that the vigilantes had mobilized quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.

He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.

“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication mast and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest”

The source however confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes. “Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest”.

The latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilante killed.

According to him, “Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community.

“On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now”.

At least four soldiers were feared killed and several military assets destroyed following an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province/Boko Haram on the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Buni Yadi, located in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The attack occurred less than 24 hours after the North-East Governors’ Forum convened in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, where they endorsed a comprehensive strategy to combat insurgency in the region.

Just two weeks earlier, Boko Haram insurgents reportedly launched an assault on a military post in the Chalie area of Buni Yadi, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers.

Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, one of the political aides to the state governor, Mai Mala Buni, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said about four soldiers were killed in the Saturday attack.

“There was an attack by the Boko Haram militants. They engaged the soldiers in a gun battle. They killed about four soldiers and vandalised their machines, including armoured tanks and some weapons,” he said.

The source noted that Buni, who was out of the state at the time, returned on the same day amid the attack.

He stated, “He (Buni) was in Katsina State for a wedding. He came back because of this incident, and action has commenced immediately.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, in a post on its official X handle on Saturday morning, disclosed that it was battling the terrorists.

The post read, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI currently in a fierce battle against ISWAP attack at Buni Gari, Yobe State. Details later.”

Efforts by our correspondents to get the Army spokesperson, Onyechi Anele, were not successful.

She didn’t pick up her calls as of the time of filing this report. She has yet to respond to a message sent to her.