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Again, Gunmen Attack Igangan, Kill Amotekun Commander, Three Others
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen again struck late Friday night in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo state killing four residents.
The attack was however repelled by the swift response of local security operatives.
The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ibarapa Central simply identified as Muri was among the victims of the attack.
The attackers were said to have stormed the town in two Hilux vans, an 18-seater Hummer bus, and a Toyota Sienna bus wearing military and customs camouflage.
It could not be confirmed at press time if the attackers were real security operatives as sources who spoke with The Nation said the residents initially lowered their guards thinking the men were customs operatives in search of suspected smugglers.
It was gathered that the suspected gunmen arrived in the community around 7 pm on Friday and attacked some areas.
A resident said the attackers stormed the community in large number but could not give actual figure.
The convener Igangan development advocate, Oladiran Oladokun confirmed the attack saying the incident was an attempt to invade the state through the axis, a border community but was resisted by the local security operatives.
Oladokun said although, the suspected herders came in customs and military camouflage to deceive the people and change the narrative that it was security operatives who stormed the town in search of those who engage in smuggling activities, a practice that is alien to the people of the community.
He expressed disappointment over inadequate security despite the recurrence of the attacks.
A community leader, who spoke in confidence said: “Report reaching me now reveals that around 8:00 pm people suspected to be herdsmen again invaded Igangan and shoot sporadically for over 30minutes. Some said they were Customs men as they wore Custom uniform but they were chased by local hunters after killing some people.
“They also passed Igboora and continue shooting and it was reported people died in Igboora too including one Amotekun operative.
“It was reported that the Commander of Amotekun in Ibarapa Central has been killed.”
Contacted, an Amotekun operative in Igangan who craved anonymity explained that the quick intervention of the local security operatives forced the assailants to retreat but not without killing some residents as they escaped through Abeokuta axis.
He said: “It is true. Around past 7 pm, we started hearing a noise around town that attackers have come again, and we quickly rushed out. They were shooting sporadically and heavily around AUD Quarters on their way to the town.
“By the turning to Jabele hotel, they killed a man there. When they saw that we were coming after them there, they turned back and headed towards Tapa. When they got to Tapa, they killed another person.
“When they got to Ayete, they killed one person, when they got to Igboora, they killed the Commander of Amotekun in Ibarapa Central named Muri.
“They wore customs and military uniform as camouflage. They wore a fake uniform. In fact, they passed in front of Operation Burst operatives in Ofiki and those ones didn’t know they were assailants on a deadly mission.
“We suspected them to be herdsmen with the way they operated and shot randomly while carrying out the attack.
“They came in two Toyota Hilux vans, one 18-passenger hummer bus and a sienna bus. They wore both military and custom uniforms.
“I cannot ascertain their numbers because before we got to where they were, as they entered into the town in Igangan, they shot at someone who sat outside of his house at AUD Quarters, that was where everybody took to their heels.
“It was when we were hearing repeated gunshots that we too quickly organised ourselves to face them and when they knew we were coming after them, they changed direction and faced Tapa.
“When they got to Tapa, they killed one person, killed another at Ayete and when they got to Ideere, they shot at a soldier and they killed Amotekun Commander in Igboora.
“We have informed the Police. But Operation Burst operatives are at Ofiki River, they said they taught they were customs and army operatives and that was why they allowed them to gain access into the town but that they didn’t know and they were deceived.
“We even gathered that they also shot at the customs operatives stationed in the axis too, an indication that the attackers are not genuine security operatives but we are not sure if they also have any casualty.”
Recall that, only last month, suspected herdsmen invaded the town overnight killing many people in the process.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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