Metro
JUST-IN: Benue Boils As Bandits Kill Dozens

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.
Metro
Mob kills man over suspected dog theft in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man identified simply as Peter, who was killed by a mob in Bauchi metropolis over allegations of dog theft.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025, and involved a mob assault on two individuals accused of stealing a dog.
Wakili said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into what he described as an “egregious act of jungle justice.”
The second victim, identified as Dokagk Danladi, aged 38, was also attacked by a group of youths in a secluded area behind Lushi. He sustained severe machete wounds to the head and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Peter, whose surname is yet to be identified, was found at the scene and was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has led a team of detectives to the crime scene to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CP Aliyu condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and a threat to the nation’s legal framework. He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
“No individual has the authority to brutalize a suspect. Anyone apprehended for any alleged crime should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” the Commissioner stated.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing relevant information that could aid the investigation.
“The Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and is committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are brought to book,” Aliyu added.
Metro
Pastor sentenced to 15 years in jail for raping member under pretense of conducting deliverance

A 42-year-old Limpopo Pastor identified as Thabiso Victor Mongatane bagged 15-year jail term for r@ping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of offering her spiritual deliverance.
The Mahwelereng Regional Court, South Africa handed down the sentence for the 2022 r@pe that took place in Masodi village.
According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Mongatane exploited his position of trust and manipulated the woman into believing she was suffering from a condition that required spiritual intervention.
The incident dates back to March 2022 when the victim’s mother became ill and Mongatane was recommended by a relative to assist with her healing.
The victim brought her mother to Mongatane’s premises where he conducted what was described as spiritual treatment.
Several months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied over the young woman and instructed her to return two days later for further intervention related to so-called “obstacles” in her life.
On September 7, the woman complied and returned to Mongatane’s premises.
Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself for steaming as part of the ritual.
After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to get dressed as he wished to continue the treatment. It was during this session that Mongatane raped her.
The victim later opened a r@pe case at her local police station. The case was taken over by the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, with Sergeant Lesetja Langa leading the investigation.
Mongatane was arrested on March 28, 2024, and initially released on R1,000 bail before being convicted and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigative team for their thorough work and welcomed the conviction, calling it a victory for justice and a message to others who exploit positions of trust.
Metro
Court orders final forfeiture of properties connected to ex-banker in Lagos

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, ordered the final forfeiture of seven properties linked to Muiz Tijani Adeyinka, a former First Bank Plc employee.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, listed the properties. They include Plot 9, Block 28, Itunu City, Veritas Homes & Properties Ltd, Aiyetoro, Epe, Lagos State; a three-bedroom flat (Block A, Floor 6, Flat 2) at Le Moriah Residences Estate, Off Kusenla Road, Ikate Ancient City, Lekki Peninsula, Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State; and a parcel of land (Block L1, Plot 13) at Amen Estate, Phase III Extension, Abomiti Zone, Lekki/Epe Express Way, Epe LGA, Lagos State.
Other properties are Block 3, Plot 13, Arizon Estate, within Idera Scheme Allocation via Eleko Junction, Ibeju-Lekki LGA; one plot within Arizone Estate, Idera Scheme, Ibeju-Lekki LGA; one plot within Itunu Residential, Aiyetoro, Ibeju-Lekki LGA; Plot 7, Block 4, Itunu City, Veritas Homes & Properties Ltd, Aiyetoro, Epe LGA; Plot 1, Ido Gwari 2 Extension, Ochacho Real Homes, LifeCamp, Abuja; and Block Q, Plot 25, Tiara by Amen City Limited, along Lekki/Epe Express Way, Yeguda Resettlement Scheme, Epe, Lagos State.
The order followed a motion filed by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, through lawyer Zeenat Atiku. Justice Dipeolu had previously ordered an interim forfeiture and its publication in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to object.
Atiku presented the final forfeiture motion, noting no objections were received within the 14-day period. She supported the application with an affidavit from EFCC operative Isah Yusuf Nadabo. He stated that Adeyinka, a settlement office worker at First Bank, exploited his access to conduct “illegal, unauthorised and fraudulent activities” against the bank.
Nadabo added that investigations traced N35 billion benefitted by Adeyinka and his associates. Atiku argued that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Dipeolu found merit in the EFCC’s case and ordered the final forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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