The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gunmen

  • Gunmen hijack passenger boat in Bayelsa

    Gunmen hijack passenger boat in Bayelsa

    Unidentified gunmen suspected to be pirates, yesterday, hijacked a passenger boat along the Nembe-Brass waterways, Bayelsa State.

    The incident occurred a few days after suspected pirates killed three passengers along the same axis prompting some residents to endorse the proposed second phase of the Operation Crocodile Smile by the military to dislodge hoodlums in the creeks.

    It was gathered that the boat was seized by the gunmen shortly after it discharged its occupants at the Brass jetty.

    Sources said the hoodlums shot sporadically into the air before hijacking the boat.

    It was learnt that the boat driver and his crewmen were later asked to disembark the boat by the gunmen.

    The Bayelsa Chapter Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Mr Lloyd Sese, who confirmed the incident lamented the nefarious activities of sea robbers saying they were making life unbearable.

    Sese said that the union urged authorities to come to the aid of commuters on the waterways, adding that the attack on boats had become a frequent affair.

    Also, a youth leader from the area, Mr. Robert Desmond, condemned the increasing attacks on passengers traveling along the Nembe-Brass waterways.

    He described it as senseless and inhuman and wondered why a group of Ijaw youths should be attacking their own people.

    Desmond appealed to security agencies to protect lives and properties saying that the Brass-Nembe people were in need for marine security.

    He begged them to arrest the pirates, destroy their network and restore peace to the affected communities.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asinim Butswat, also confirmed the incident.

    Butswat,  a Deputy Superintendent of Police said that the command was intensifying efforts to check criminality and in the area.

  • Pirates kill two in Bayelsa waterways 

    Pirates kill two in Bayelsa waterways 

    Gunmen suspected to be pirates have attacked a passenger boat in Bayelsa State killing two people.

    It was gathered that the bandits who struck along the waterways of Brass Local Government Area, left many other passengers critically injured.

    One of the passengers who survived the attack, identified as Saddam, said the ugly incident happened near the Obama Flow Station, in Okoromo, Nembe Local Government Area.

    He said: “One of the deceased is called Pale (male) and he hails from Akipelai community in Ogbia LGA, while the second person’s name is Doris (female) from Delta State.”

    He said they died when the pirates, after dispossessing the passengers of their valuables, shot sporadically while escaping from the scene.

    Gunmen have been laying ambush in the creeks and waterways of the state killing innocent citizens and security operatives.

    On Friday, suspected pirates ambushed an oil barge escorted by security operatives and killed two policemen, an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian.

    The military has proposed a second phase of Operation Crocodile Smile to calm the tensed waterways.

  • Ajimobi condemns attack on Olubadan palace

    Ajimobi condemns attack on Olubadan palace

    Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi has condemned Monday’s attack by unknown gunmen on Olubadan palace.

    In a statement issued and signed by Mr.Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the Governor reads ” the attention of the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has been drawn to the alleged act of brigandage during a ceremony at the palace of the Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, today (on Monday).

    ” The governor condemns the said act in its entirety and has directed security agencies to ensure that the masterminds are swiftly arrested, interrogated and brought to justice.

    ” The governor has vowed not to brook anyone or group of people desirous of bringing back the regime of violence and brigandage to the state.

    “He wishes to reiterate his commitment to the security and protection of lives and properties of all citizens of Oyo State, which he has laboured hard to restore and maintain in the last six years”

  • Ladoja , Ex-Oyo SSG, others escape death in Ibadan

    Ladoja , Ex-Oyo SSG, others escape death in Ibadan

    Former  governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and ex-SSG, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli  and others escaped unhurt Monday  when some suspected gunmen numbering about seven (7) attacked the Popoyemoja Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.

    Alli who is also the Asiwaju Balogun of Ibadanland, though was unhurt when the gunmen shot his car (a black land crusier jeep with registration EPE 447 ER) several times

    Three journalists ( Femi Atoyebi  (Punch), Demola Babalola ( ThisDay), and Jeremiah Oke ( Daily Trust) were not so lucky as they sustained various degrees of injuries on their legs, heads arms ,and fingers.

    The trio and their colleagues had gone to the palace to cover the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan.

    The three journalists were just arriving at the gate of the palace when they were caught in the gunfire.

    They were said to have taken   refuge in the gutter‎ in front of the palace for about 10 minutes until the gunmen sped off towards Molete end of Popoyemoja.

    Their cloths were also toured while running to save their lives.

    Though the identity of the gunmen were not known, it was gathered that the gunmen who rode in a black Toyota sienna car attacked the palace at about 11.45am.

    A source said they had gone to the palace to prevent the installation by the Olubadan.

    Also attacked during the sporadic shooting is one Alhaja Iyabo Adeyemi whose car, a Black Honda Accord with registration number GGB 690 CU was damaged. Other occupants of the car also sustained injuries.

    Scores of sympathisers who stormed the palace after the incident, expressed shock on the development.

    They however thanked God no lives were lost.

    But the attack did not prevent the installation of the new Baales by the Olubadan.

    Those installed are Chief Saheed Adeyemi Alatise who was installed as Baale Lagelu Aboke Village and Chief Taye Makinde Aikomo who emerged as Baale Adigun Village.

    Present at the event are former Governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Iyalode of Ibadanland Chief Aminat Abiodun.

    Others are Mogaji Abduljeleel Adanla (Mogaji Adanla), Mogaji Abass Oloko (Mogaji Oloko) among others.

  • Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Edo zoo chief

    Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Edo zoo chief

    Three policemen providing security for fun-seekers at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State were killed yesterday by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    They were killed at about 6pm and their arms and ammunition stolen by the attackers.

    The park’s director and chief executive Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted by the gunmen.

    It was gathered that the killing disrupted activities at the zoo as many fun-seekers scampered for safety.

    Police spokesman  DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killings and abduction, said the situation has been brought under control.

    Nkombe said the attackers would soon be arrested as security has been strenthened in the area.

    He assured the public that the zoo is safe for fun-seekers.

  • Gunmen kill policeman, NSCDC operative in Bayelsa

    Gunmen have killed a policeman and an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State.

    The assailants, suspected to be sea pirates, attacked a team of security officials on Friday on Ekebiri Waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The attack came three weeks after suspected Niger Delta militants ambushed a houseboat operated by the Joint Task Force and killed a soldier and a civilian crew member.

    Confirming the latest attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Asinim Butswat, said a Tugboat, towing a barge with a combined team of policemen from the Nigerian Inland waterways, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, and civilians onboard was attacked by suspected sea pirates at about 6.45pm on Friday.

    He said that a reinforced team arrived shortly and rescued a policeman, three NSCDC personnel and four civilians while another policeman is still missing.

    “A policeman, one NSCDC personnel and a civilian were shot dead by the sea pirates (while) one policeman is still missing,” he added.

    The Command’s spokesman said the corpses have been deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre for autopsy while a search party has been deployed to recover the missing policeman.

    He said all security operatives in Southern Ijaw LGA have been alerted and efforts were ongoing to arrest the culprits.

  • Gunmen kill policemen, two others in Bayelsa

    Gunmen kill policemen, two others in Bayelsa

    Gunmen suspected to be pirates have ambushed and killed two policemen, an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian in Bayelsa State.

    It was gathered that the bandits launched the attack on Friday night along the Ikebiri waterways in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

    The victims were escorting an oil barge when the gunmen opened fire on them.

    The gunmen snatched riffles of their victims, whose bodies were later recovered by divers.

    The deceased NSCDC operative identified as Sango Potipher, was said to be an indigene of Okpotuari community in Southern Ijaw.

    Sources said the security operatives were heading for the Tebidaba Flow Station from Koluama when the gunmen struck at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

  • Gunmen ‘kill’ Tiv monarch

    Gunmen ‘kill’ Tiv monarch

    The kindred head of Ushir, in Shitile clan, Katsina Ala Local Government of Benue State, Chief Yimaorga Asogo, has been allegedly killed by gunmen.

    A source said: “Chief Asogo was abducted from his home last night by gunmen after they overpowered his family.

    “He was taken away, strangled and his body was abandoned in a bush before it was later found by a search party.”

    Killings have been on the rise since the state government declared criminal gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, wanted.

    Those murdered are mostly from Yooyo ward, Kpav Shitile in Katsina Ala Local Government, the country home of the wanted gang leader.

    The President of Sankera Development Association (SADA), Gboko branch, Teryila Asom, who confirmed the killing of the monarch, urged security agencies to live up to their responsibility.

    He lamented that Sankera, known for yam production, was gradually being turned into a war zone.

  • Herdsmen predawn attacks: Plateau’s unending nightmare

    The wee hours of September 8 will remain some of the darkest in Plateau State. That was the day gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded Ancha village of Bassa Local Government Area of the state, killing 19 people. The victims were killed in their sleep. The death toll would have been more than that if other targets had not escaped. Many are in the hospital receiving medical attention for gunshot and machete wounds inflicted on them by the attackers.

    The situation has thrown Bassa community and the entire state into another mourning mood.

    The attack came when residents of the state had almost forgotten about the dark days of bloodshed in the state. The state could be said to have recovered fully from the era of crisis. The last time such attack was carried out in the state was 2014.

    Governor Simon Lalong made it a priority to end conflicts in the state. Those conflicts, when they occurred, were always between Fulani herders and local farmers, and they were often concentrated in Berom communities comprising Jos South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and part of Bokkos local government areas. In those areas, between 2010 and 2014 hundreds of residents lost their lives. The attack on Dogo Nahawa community, which produced the highest casualties of all the predawn attacks, is a case in point. Similar attacks were carried out in Jol, Rim, Foron, Hiepang, Gwarim, Kakik, Shonong, Bashi, Rafpen, Mase, Lua, Gwol, Tahol, Sopp, Jebbu, Kwaki, Gwarim, Gwom, and Torok, among others.

    These attacks produced numerous mass graves. In one of those attacks in Mase village, sympathisers who were conducting a mass burial were also attacked. That was what led to the sudden death of a senator representing Plateau North senatorial zone at the National Assembly, Senator Gyang Dantong alongside his house of assembly counterpart, Hon. Gyang James DanFulani. They both ran out of gas while fleeing from their attackers. That was the peak of attacks in Berom communities.

    Now the attacks seem to be shifting to the other side of Plateau North. The latest fresh attack on Ancha village lends credence to this.

    The death of those 19 persons was said to be a reprisal for the death of one Fulani boy.

    The Plateau State police command confirmed to newsmen that the attack in Bassa was a reprisal.

    The police said, “We went to the village as soon as we got wind of the attack to see things ourselves. We discovered that people were killed during their sleep by suspected Fulani men. There were 19 people killed in the attack.

    “This attack were said to have been a reprisal because a Fulani boy was reported killed earlier. As police, we have always cautioned residents not to take the law into their hands, this Fulani boy that was found dead without his head was alleged to have committed mischief, he was not reported to law enforcement agents, some people took laws into their hands and killed him, that was what must have led to this very attack. We followed the Fulani petition and arrested 5 suspects over the death of the Fulani boy, they have been in our custody.

    “So we are still appealing to citizens not to ever take laws into their hands because information reaching us shows that this very attack was a reprisal over the death of the Fulani boy killed earlier”.

  • Gunmen abduct groom, best man in Ondo

    Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted a groom, Moses Yakubu, his bride, best man and two other friends at Akunnu in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State few hours to their engagement.

    It was learnt that the couple and three others were returning from Okene in Kogi State, to Akure, the state capital, for their engagement ceremony scheduled for yesterday when their vehicle was seized at gun point at Akunnu.

    The father of the bride, Ahmed Amodu, who confirmed the incident, said the bride and her younger sister were later set free by the suspected kidnappers.

    The hoodlums reportedly held the groom and the other two male and female friends hostage.

    It was learnt that the engagement was scheduled to hold yesterday afternoon at Aule Quarters on Agagu Road in Akure.

    The engagement venue was said to be in pensive mood as guests and the two families called for the assistance of security agents to rescue the bride, the groom and others held in captivity.

    The bride was said to have been in distress since the incident happened.

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said policemen had been deployed in the area to comb the forest and rescue the victims.

    Joseph said the command would end incessant kidnapping in Akoko, especially with its Kogi and Edo states’ neighbouring towns and villages.

    According to him, the Police Commissioner Gbenga Adeyanju was meeting top officers of the command on strategies to tackle kidnappingsin Akoko area.

    Penultimate Sunday, four Akure-bound passengers from Ikare-Akoko were kidnapped on the Owo-Oba-Ikare-Akunnu Road, while a Pastor, who resisted being abducted by the gunmen, was killed on the spot.