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Tag: Gunmen

  • Residents of communities occupied by gunmen vow not to vote

    Residents of communities occupied by gunmen vow not to vote

    Residents of communities currently occupied by gunmen in Anambra State have vowed not to return home to cast their votes on Saturday.

    They said their decision followed the continued occupation of the surrounding bushes by hoodlums, contrary to government and security agencies’ claims that the areas had been cleared.

    The affected communities include Lilu, Isseke, Orsumoghu, and parts of Ihiala, all in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state. Others are Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, and Owerre-Ezukala and Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area.

    Speaking with The Nation on Monday, a woman who sells tomatoes and onions at Eke-Awka Market said she had no plans to travel home for the election.

    “I’m from Lilu, and I will be the last person to travel home in the name of voting for anyone,” she said.

    “Where were they when my son was killed in February? Where were they when innocent people were being murdered daily by those who have taken over our bushes?

    Read Also: Suspected cultist, robber nabbed enroute attack on rival group in Anambra 

    “My once-beautiful community, which used to be our pride, has been under the control of hoodlums for over two years now. Everyone is afraid to go there and rescue it. We can’t hold any ceremonies; the place looks like a ghost town.

    “They should conduct their election and leave some of us alone to mourn our loved ones. No fewer than 50 people have been killed in my community, and many houses have been burnt. We’re not interested in their election,” the 56-year-old aggrieved woman said.

    Another resident, a civil servant from Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, who pleaded anonymity, said she would remain indoors with her children on election day.

    The 51-year-old woman told The Nation that her elder sister and niece were killed in October 2024 while returning from their farm, and the area has remained deserted since then.

    “The governor and the police keep telling us to go about our normal business, but they surround themselves with countless security personnel. Who’s deceiving whom?

    “We know all eyes will be on Anambra that day, but those boys operating in the bushes are dangerous. Nobody understands their modus operandi. Everyone is afraid of them, and no one wants to lose their life,” the Level 12 officer said.

    Meanwhile, despite a peace accord signed by candidates to discourage violence, anxiety remains high among residents across the state.

    However, the police have assured that all flashpoints and vulnerable communities will be adequately secured, with helicopters deployed during the election.

    Despite these assurances, many residents say they still fear for their safety.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also pledged to ensure security in the troubled areas.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, told The Nation that arrangements had been concluded with security operatives on how to manage the situation, declaring, “There’s no cause for alarm.”

  • Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Operatives of the Ebonyi Police Command have neutralised two suspected members of a criminal gang and foiled a kidnap attempt in separate operations across the state.

    In a statement on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the command said the suspects were killed during a gun duel with security operatives at their hideout in Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government Area.

    According to Ukandu, the operation, conducted within the Iyonu/Idodo forest, followed credible intelligence on the gang’s activities in the area. 

    Upon sighting the police team, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire in which two suspects were neutralised.

    Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated Dane guns, twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition, and five live cartridges.

    In another operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha Local Government Area.

    Three suspects, Monday Okorie, Ngwuta Friday, and Simon Joshua, were arrested, while one member of the gang escaped. 

    The police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun from the suspects.

    Ukandu stated that the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, commended the operatives for their gallantry and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminality.

    She urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to aid the police in sustaining peace and security across Ebonyi State

  • Gunmen kidnap medical doctor in Nnewi

    Gunmen kidnap medical doctor in Nnewi

    Gunmen have abducted a yet-to-be identified medical doctor in Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Friday said the victim was kidnapped by the assailants under yet-to-be-ascertained circumstances.

    He said Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered launch of intensive investigation for safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

    While assuring ongoing efforts to ensure swift resolution of the case, Ikenga said the CP called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive, including providing credible information to assist in the investigation.

    According to him: “The Anambra State Police Command has received a report of the abduction of a medical doctor at Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State.

    Read Also: Gunmen injure police, rob bank customer in Ibadan

    “According to preliminary information, the incident occurred yesterday 30th October 2025, when the unidentified assailants reportedly abducted the victim under yet-to-be-ascertained circumstances.

    “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu immediately ordered the launch of an intensive investigation and directed the tactical teams of the Command to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

    “The Command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the swift resolution of the Case. 

    “The CP further calls on residents, especially within Nnewi and its environs, to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the Police by providing credible information that could assist in the investigation.

    “Anyone with useful information is encouraged to contact the nearest Police Station or reach the Command Control Room via 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) through 08039334002 for prompt response.

    “The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those behind such criminal acts are brought to justice.”

  • Family laments as gunmen refuse to release kidnapped Imo businessman weeks after abduction

    Family laments as gunmen refuse to release kidnapped Imo businessman weeks after abduction

    A family member of Mr. John Udodiri Duru, who was abducted weeks ago in Imo State, has raised alarm over the continued silence of his captors, saying all efforts to secure his release have failed.

    Mrs. Chinyere Ezeala, a relative of the victim, told reporters that Duru was kidnapped on Saturday, September 13, 2025, while on his way to church along the Okigwe–Owerri Road. 

    Witnesses said armed men intercepted him, forced him into their vehicle, and fled the scene.

    According to Ezeala, the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release, but negotiations hit a dead end after the kidnappers suddenly cut off communication.

    “Negotiations were ongoing when communication with the kidnappers was abruptly cut off, and all efforts to re-establish contact have since failed. The kidnappers later sent a threatening message warning that any attempt to involve security agencies or delay payment would lead to his death. His whereabouts remain unknown,” she said.

    She said the case was reported at the Divisional Police Station in Orji under the Imo State Police Command, adding that there has been no update on Duru’s condition.

    Security experts have called on the government at all levels to nip in the bud the growing wave of abductions across Imo and other parts of Nigeria.

    In the Southeast, residents also continue to endure a weekly “sit-at-home” lockdown enforced by unidentified armed groups, a situation that has crippled economic, educational, and commercial activities in the region.

  • Gunmen injure police, rob bank customer in Ibadan

    Gunmen injure police, rob bank customer in Ibadan

    Gunmen suspected to be robbers, yesterday, carted away an undisclosed huge sum of money from a bank depositor around Osuntokun Avenue, Ibadan.

    A police officer on routine patrol was also severely injured during the incident.

    According to an eyewitness, the victim, a middle aged man was said to have been trailed from the bank where he had gone to make withdrawal by the suspected gunmen.

    It was gathered that the victim’s grey Nissan Primera marked EPE 901 PS was crossed at Osuntokun area.

    The eyewitness said: “The unsuspecting victim was forcibly dispossessed of substantial amount of money by the suspected gunmen. A police officer on a routine patrol was severely injured during the raid.”

    Confirming the attacks in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the robbery incident occurred around 8am, along Secretariat Road, Agodi.

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    The statement reads in part: “A bank depositor traveling in a metallic grey Nissan Primera was tracked and forcibly robbed of a substantial, yet-to-be-ascertained amount of cash.

    “Initial investigations indicate that an officer with the Oyo State Police Command sustained severe injuries during a confrontation that arose when his team on patrol engaged the suspects in a bid to thwart their further plans of causing chaos following the attack on the unsuspecting individual.

    “Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, and the injured officer is currently receiving immediate medical attention at a secure healthcare facility.

    “In light of this incident, the Oyo State Police Command urged members of the community to come forward with any credible and timely information that may aid in the prompt apprehension of the suspects involved.

    “We assure the public that an extensive investigation is underway, and updates will be communicated as they become available”.

  • Gunmen abduct couple, another in Imo

    Gunmen abduct couple, another in Imo

    Gunmen have abducted a nursing mother, her husband, and two other women in Ndegwu community, Umunwoha, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on Wednesday.

    One of the female victims, who later escaped from the abductors, disclosed that the hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen wore military camouflage, armed with an AK 47 riffle, besieged their shop located close to the farmland of the community at about 8 pm, shot sporadically before whisking them away.

    According to the witness, as they dragged the four abducted individuals into a nearby bush, she managed to escape and ran while raising the alarm.

    “When they came, we initially thought they were military men. They approached us as if they wanted to buy something, but before we could understand what was happening, they pulled out their guns and ordered us to follow them. I mustered the courage to run into a nearby farmland. They even shot at me, but thankfully, I was not hit,” she stated.

    Further narrating her experience, the female victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said the abductors later released the nursing mother and took her husband away along with their neighbour, known only as Odinaka.

    ”But the gunmen later released one of the victims after her husband abducted alongside with her pleaded they should release his wife because she’s nursing a baby.”

    While the gunmen released the nursing mother, they took the husband and Odinaka to their hideout.

    Efforts by a combined team of vigilantes from the community and neighboring areas to find them have so far been unsuccessful.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, was yet to respond to the incident.

  • Gunmen kill two officers inside Kaduna police station

    Gunmen kill two officers inside Kaduna police station

    Gunmen on Friday evening attacked a police station in Zonkwa, headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least two officers.

    The incident, which occurred around 8 pm, threw the usually quiet town into confusion as residents scampered for safety amid heavy gunfire.

    Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the police station, located a few metres from Kamyim Hotel in Kurmin-Bi area of Zonkwa and opened fire on arrival.

    It was learnt that the attackers were attempting to free some suspected vandals arrested in Kachia town, believing they were being held at the Zonkwa Police Station.

    A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said: “They came shooting sporadically. It was later discovered that the suspects they came for were not even detained in Zonkwa. But before that became clear, damage had already been done.”

    Read Also: Gunmen kill doctor, kidnap his 3 children in Abuja

    A security source confirmed the attack but declined to give details, saying investigations were ongoing.

    In a video sighted by The Nation, two police officers were seen lying motionless in uniform, while a crowd gathered around the scene discussing the assault.

    The attack, residents said, has heightened fears over the deteriorating security situation in the area, despite recent peace efforts by authorities.

    Security operatives were later deployed to restore calm in the town.

    As of press time, the Kaduna Police Command was yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

  • Gunmen kill doctor, kidnap his 3 children in Abuja

    Gunmen kill doctor, kidnap his 3 children in Abuja

    Former chairman  of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, has been killed by suspected kidnappers, who abducted his three children afterward.

    It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the deceased’s residence in Kubwa district, along the Kubwa-Kaduna road, on Friday night and abducted Ogbu alongside his three children.

    They subsequently killed him and dumped his body by the roadside.

    Dr Ogbu’s death was confirmed by one Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu, via his Facebook page.

    He wrote: “Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, was found dead.

    Read Also: 450 terrorists arrested, 180 kidnap victims rescued in September – DHQ

    “The three children are yet to be released. May God please intervene.”

    The late Ogbu, described as a dedicated professional, leaves behind a nursing wife among other bereaved family members.

    Ogbu’s relatives remain distressed amid efforts to locate and rescue his three abducted children.

    Colleagues and friends have expressed shock at the killing, describing it as a devastating loss to both his family and the veterinary profession.

    The attack comes just a week after the killing of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise TV, who died during a robbery in Katampe, another area of Abuja.

    Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement.

    All calls and messages sent to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh were not responded to.

  • Gunmen kill doctor, abduct three children in Abuja 

    Gunmen kill doctor, abduct three children in Abuja 

    Gunmen have killed former chairman  of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu..

    It was gathered the gunmen invaded the deceased’s residence in Kubwa district along the Kubwa-Kaduna road on Friday night. 

    They abducted him with the three children and dumped his body by the roadside.

    Dr Ogbu’s death was confirmed by 

    Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu confirmed his demise on Facebook. 

    He wrote: “Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, was found dead.

    Read Also: Three killed as gunmen ambushed Amotekun corps in Osun

    “The three children are yet to be released. May God please intervene”.

    The late Ogbu was described as a dedicated professional. He leaves behind a nursing wife and grieving family members.

    Colleagues and friends have expressed shock at the killing, describing it as a devastating loss to the family and veterinary profession.

    The attack comes just a week after the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise TV, during a robbery in Katampe, another area of Abuja.

    Police authorities were yet to issue an official statement.

    All calls and messages to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh were not responded to. 

  • Gunmen reportedly kidnap Plateau lawmaker

    Gunmen reportedly kidnap Plateau lawmaker

    Gunmen have reportedly abducted the lawmaker representing Panshin South  constituency in Plateau Assembly Laven Denty Jacob.

    Laven was reportedly  kidnapped on Monday night in his residence in Angwan Kagji area of Dong in Jos North Local government area. 

    A close aide of the lawmaker who served him while he was vice chairman of Pankshin local government area during the Simon Lalong adminstration, said the incident happened around 7.30pm.

    Three masked men, he claimed, whisked the lawmaker away at the entrance of his gate while waiting for his security man to open the gate..

    Several calls by The Nation to Hon. Kwarpo Sylvanus, chairman, committee on information, were not answered..

    it was however gathered the matter has been reported to security agencies who are yet to confirm the incident.