The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gunmen

  • Gunmen open fire on police checkpoint in Ondo, injured two officers

    Gunmen open fire on police checkpoint in Ondo, injured two officers

    Suspected gunmen have attacked police officers attached to the Ondo State Police Command at a checkpoint in Ipele Junction, Owo Local Government Area of the State.

    The attackers, said to be about three and riding on a motorcycle, reportedly opened fire on the operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol while they were on duty at the checkpoint.

    During the attack, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries, while a female bystander identified simply as Taiwo was also injured.

    Confirming the incident in a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Kazeem, said the officers were attacked while discharging their lawful duties.

    Kazeem explained that the operatives responded swiftly and were able to repel the attackers.

    “All the injured victims were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” he said. 

    He added that one of the suspects, identified as Nwabali, was arrested during the operation, while the motorcycle used by the attackers was recovered.

    “The suspect is presently in custody and has made useful statements that are aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices,” Kazeem added. 

    He noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. 

    The police spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as tragic and reprehensible.

    However, the commissioner commended the Safer Highway Patrol operatives for their bravery, vigilance and swift tactical response, which he said prevented loss of lives.

    CP Lawal noted that the incident underscored the effectiveness of ongoing policing reforms and enhanced operational strategies being championed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

    He expressed appreciation to the IGP for his strategic leadership and continued support in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

    Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, the commissioner assured residents of the state that the police would remain resolute in the fight against criminal gangs and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

  • Gunmen abduct mourners, five others in Kogi

    Gunmen abduct mourners, five others in Kogi

    Gunmen clutching sophisticated weapons have reportedly abducted nine people in the early hours of Friday in Inele- Ugoh ward, Igah Ikeje in Olomaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state.

    The residents said the victims included a woman and her three children who were going to a nearby community for burial. The remaining victims were said to be farmers who were picked up on their respective farms.

    Sources revealed the community sent distress calls to troops of 12 Brigade Nigeria Army who were at a checkpoint within the community.

    It was said that the gunmen had disappeared into the forest with the victims before the arrival of the troops.

    It was learnt that troops and local vigilance group members were already combing the forests to rescue the victims.

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    “These groups of bandits are going about in large numbers, they could be up to 200, and they split into two groups. They don’t stay in one location; they keep moving their captives from one location to another. Troops can only succeed when there is support from the airspace. So, a drone or a police helicopter is required to root out these criminals from our community. We will not enjoy Christmas if these criminals remain in our forests.

    “These are bandits; they are very desperate and audacious, operating day and night. We need more deployment and air surveillance by the state and Federal government to curtail the menace of these criminals.

    The spokesman for the state police command, SP William Aya ,could not be reached for comment as of press time.

  • Gunmen abduct two-month-old baby from tricycle in Delta

    Gunmen abduct two-month-old baby from tricycle in Delta

    A two-month-old baby, identified as Riches, has been abducted by suspected gunmen operating in a commercial tricycle along the NNPC Link Road, Ekpan, in Delta State.

    The incident occurred at about 4 pm on Monday when the baby’s mother, Mrs Rita Oghale, boarded a tricycle, popularly known as a keke, from Shaguolor Junction to Airport Road with her two children.

    Mrs Oghale said two other passengers—a man and a woman—were seated at the back of the tricycle.

    She explained that upon reaching the NNPC Link Road, close to the Delta Careers College fence and shortly before the traffic light, the male passenger suddenly pulled out a gun and demanded her two-month-old baby.

    According to her, the suspect forcefully snatched the baby, collected her phone number, and pushed her and her other child out of the tricycle before speeding off.

    The distraught mother said the incident had been reported to the police and appealed to members of the public with any useful information that could lead to the recovery of her child to contact the nearest police station.

  • Gunmen abduct ex-Customs officer in Osun–Kwara border community

    Gunmen abduct ex-Customs officer in Osun–Kwara border community

    The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected gunmen who attacked the Ora Igbomina community, bordering Kwara State, and kidnapped a former customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi.

    The incident occurred around 7 pm on Tuesday at Akisa Road in Ifedayo Local Government Area, where Owolabi resides.

    The Nation gathered that about eight armed men stormed the community, firing shots indiscriminately to instil fear before forcefully taking the victim to an undisclosed location.

    A resident, identified as Jumoke, said the attackers also moved towards the Oteere/Ila axis, where they targeted travellers in an attempted abduction.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen attack Osun community, kidnap ex-customs officer, kill one

    “We heard that one person was shot during the attack. It was a terrible experience for the area. The gunmen reportedly escaped through the Ayedun community in Kwara State,” the source said.

    According to the source, the assailants resisted efforts by local security guards and community vigilantes who tried to stop them.

    Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command had commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators.

    “We have launched a manhunt for the suspects,” he said.

  • Gunmen abduct 18 passengers in Edo

    Gunmen abduct 18 passengers in Edo

    About 18 passengers have been kidnapped along the Benin-Akure highway, near Obarenren village, Ovia North East local government area.

    The kidnappers were said to have fired sporadically before taking their victims into the bush.

    Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, who confirmed the abduction, said a joint security operation launched a manhunt for the abductors.

    Ikoedem said massive bush combing led to the rescue of 11 victims.

    She said efforts were underway to rescue other victims

    According to her, “The incident happened last Saturday. The passengers were in an 18-seater Big Joe bus. We have been combing the bush in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.

    “No arrest has been made yet.”

  • Suspected gunmen kidnap APC chieftain in Ibadan

    Suspected gunmen kidnap APC chieftain in Ibadan

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Wale Oriade, has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Ibadan, the capital city.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred around 7:10 PM on Wednesday at PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside NNPC Elewure, Iyana Ajanla, Akala Express, New Garage, Ibadan, where Oriade operates his office.

    Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the attackers arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants — a driver and a gunman, who was said to have forcibly seized the APC chieftain and whisked him away in the same vehicle. 

    The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community.

    Sources explained that, after the kidnap operation, the victim was whisked to an unknown destination yet to be ascertained at the time of filing the reports.

    Also, no link has been established, nor has ransom been demanded from the families and political associates of the kidnapped victim.

    Confirming the incident, the APC Oyo state, in a statement signed by Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Senatorial Chairman, APC Oyo South, and Hon. John Aremu, State Youth Leader, APC Oyo State, requested the immediate intervention of the Nigeria Police Force.

    It called on the Police authorities to launch a swift, coordinated, and intelligence-driven rescue operation to ensure the safe and unharmed return of Hon. Oriade.

    The statement read, “A timely rescue will not only bring relief to Hon. Oriade’s family also reassure the people of Oyo State that the Police Command remains proactive and committed to the protection of lives and property.

    “The Oyo State APC appreciates the efforts of the Command in maintaining law and order and urges heightened vigilance during this critical time.”

    Also, the former Senate leader and Chieftain of the APC, Senator Teslim Folarin, condemned the kidnapping of Oyo APC Chieftain, describing the incident as shocking and unacceptable.

    He called on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Oriade.

    The statement reads in part, “This is a deeply troubling development. I urge our security operatives to deploy all necessary intelligence and resources to secure his prompt release. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

    Folarin also reiterated the need for tighter security collaboration across Oyo State to curb the growing wave of kidnappings and appealed to residents to remain calm while providing credible information that could aid the rescue operation.

  • JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap five Rivers varsity students

    JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap five Rivers varsity students

    Gunmen suspected to be cultists have abducted about five students of the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, at their residence in Emuoha Local Government Area of the state.

    Prior to the incident, the off-campus students in Emuoha satellite campus protested their constant attacks and harassment by hoodlums and called on the management of the school to relocate them to the main campus in Port Harcourt.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP. Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the abduction of the students, describing the suspects as cultists.

    Iringe-Koko said the miscreants shot many times before whisking the students to an unknown destination.

    She said tactical police personnel had been deployed to rescue the students and apprehend the suspects.

    She said, “They were abducted by cultists. In the early hours of Tuesday a group of cultists numbering five stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot and abducted five persons to an unknown destination.

    “We (police) have put efforts in place for their safe rescue. As I speak, the Commissioner of Police has gone there with tactical teams to ensure they regain their freedom.”

    But one of the students, who escaped from the abductors, said the gunmen stormed their residence at about 2 am and killed the security dog.

    The female student said she called her father, who contacted the Emuoha Police Division, but complained that there was no response.

    She said that the attackers shot at her while they came from the bush to pursue her.

    She said, “He was running after me and even shot at me. I don’t know how many times. I couldn’t even look back because I was more focused on escaping.

    “So the person just stopped and went back to my compound. Then someone from the bush came out and ran after me. I had to run faster to the gate of the person who was supposed to open it for me. Some of our students, about four or so, are missing now.”

  • Gunmen attack Abia gov’s advance team in Imo

    Gunmen attack Abia gov’s advance team in Imo

    …as commercial bus passengers reportedly kidnapped

    The advanced team of the convoy of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, was on Tuesday attacked in Imo by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

    The incident, which occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, a short distance from the airport, happened while the team was en route to the facility for official duties.

    Our correspondent reports that there was initial panic in the state that Governor Otti was in the convoy when the gunmen struck.

    Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, confirmed the incident.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary, “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

    “The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.

    “The general public is hereby informed that the convoy of Governor Otti was not involved in this attack, and no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident.”

    Meanwhile, according to yet-to-be confirmed information, some passengers heading to Owerri, the Imo State capital, were reportedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

    The incident happened on the same route where the convoy of the Abia State Governor was attacked.

    The Police from Abia State are yet to make an official statement about the incident.

  • Gunmen abduct passengers in Benue

    Gunmen abduct passengers in Benue

    Gunmen yesterday abducted passengers in Otukpo, Benue State.

    Council chairman Maxwell Ogwi said it occurred on the Ogobia road.

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    He said the attackers laid an ambush to force the fully loaded vehicle into the bush after shooting the driver.

  • Protest as gunmen kill four Okada riders

    Protest as gunmen kill four Okada riders

    • Bandits abduct five nursing mothers in Kano

    Some gunmen yesterday killed four commercial motorcyclists popular known as Okada riders in Gboko town, Benue State and went away with their motorcycles.

     This led to a protest as hundreds of Okada riders took to the streets and grounded commercial activities in the ancient Tiv town.

    Tension flared as parents hurriedly withdrew their children from schools.

    The protesters marched to the office of the Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, who said he had convened a security meeting and directed security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators.

    Yina sympathised with the Benue Motor Association (BEMOA) and the families of the deceased.

    In another development, bandits kidnapped five nursing mothers in Yan Kwada village of Faruruwa, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano state, leaving their babies.

    The gunmen, who rode on motorcycles, also rustled 50 cows and unspecified number of goats and sheep.

    The attackers invaded the community on Sunday at 9pm, carrying out house-to-house raids, witnesses said.

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    The Chairman of the Community Security Forum (CSF) of Faruruwa, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, expressed dismay that the attack was carried out despite the deployment of armed military personnel and other security agents in the area.

    He said that one of the kidnapped nursing mothers, however, escaped from the bandits and found her way back to Yan Kwada.

    Bagobiri lamented that in the last three weeks, even as the military men and other security personnel were drafted to Yan Kwada, the village had been under daily attacks and rustling of their animals.

    Many of the residents are fleeing the area, he said.

    “We continue to see these attacks almost on daily basis, despite the presence of the military and other securities.

    “Even yesterday (Sunday), we heard that bandits were coming to attack and we alerted the security but nothing was done until they came around 9pm.

    “They raided homes and whisked away five nursing mothers. One of them luckily escaped back to her family, but we don’t know the whereabouts of the remaining four women whose babies have continued to cry.

    “What the bandits did was that, anywhere they saw a nursing mother, they threw away the baby and take away the mother,” the CSF chairman said.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to come to their rescue before the affected community will become a ghost town.