News
Daylight Bloody Attack In Kwara, Multiple Fatalities Reported
Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Friday afternoon invaded Babanla community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing an unconfirmed number of people, including security operatives.
Saturday Tribune recalls that a similar attack occurred in the same local government area last Friday, in Ganmu community, where two people were killed and three abducted.
In response to the latest incident, the state government has established an immediate security cordon around Babanla.
According to a viral voice note by a resident, the armed attackers fired sporadically, targeted the local police station and looted several grocery shops and a hotel before being repelled by security forces and some brave members of the community.
The resident claimed that the invaders numbered about 300 and described them as herders.
He added that most members of the local vigilante group were absent during the invasion, having reportedly travelled for a meeting, a development which, he said, gave the attackers a free hand to loot shops, homes and cart away food items.
He said the number of those killed or kidnapped could not yet be ascertained, adding that many residents fled to Oreke, a neighbouring community, for safety.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, describing it as “a sad development.”
She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, as saying that the command was on top of the situation and had deployed additional security operatives to the area to contain the attack and forestall future incidents.
In a separate statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the government had taken swift measures to secure Babanla following the breach.
“The criminals on Friday targeted a police station, attempted to loot a few grocery shops and a hotel in the community before they were repelled by the security forces and bold members of the community,” the statement read.
It added that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has been in constant touch with security commanders and local vigilante leaders, has ordered a sustained security lockdown of the axis to neutralise the threat and ensure public safety.
“While further briefings are awaited, the Governor reassures the public that concerted efforts are being made, in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to cleanse the area of the criminals,” the statement continued.
The governor also urged residents to give maximum support to security forces and not to panic as operations continue in the area.
On Friday last week, in the same local government area, two travellers were killed and three others abducted by unknown gunmen in Ganmu village, in the same Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Saturday Tribune gathered that the victims were travelling from Lagos to Babanla town when their vehicle developed a flat tyre near Ganmu.
While attempting to fix the fault, they were ambushed by five armed men. The attackers shot dead Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village, and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu.
The gunmen also abducted Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi and Mufutau (surnames of the latter two yet to be confirmed) and took them to an unknown location.
In a statement on Thursday, the state police spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations were ongoing.
She said every effort was being made to rescue the abductees unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators.
The statement also addressed a viral video circulating on social media, which claimed that residents of Ganmu Ahileri near Babanla had fled due to repeated bandit attacks, portraying the community as a “ghost town.”
“The command categorically states that the information is misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and fear among citizens,” the statement said.
“While it is true that an unfortunate criminal incident occurred on July 31, 2025, resulting in the death of two victims and the kidnap of three others, the command has since taken prompt and decisive action.
“Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives, including a combined team of police personnel, the military and local vigilantes, were immediately deployed to the scene,” it added.
The statement further explained that the armed security presence shown in the viral video reflected the coordinated deployment of forces to restore confidence, maintain public safety and ensure the rescue of kidnapped victims, adding that normalcy had been restored to the area.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
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.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
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.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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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