News
Police Arrest Key Suspect in Kogi Attack, Recover 100 Rustled Cattle
The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough following the arrest of a key suspect linked to the recent bandits’ attack on Ayegunle Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and along the Kabba–Obajana Road.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the arrest was made in the early hours of June 1, 2026.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical and operational teams after a distress call was received at about 2:49 a.m. reporting sporadic gunfire in Ayegunle Community.
She said joint security personnel comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, Forest Guards, Civilian Joint Task Force, and other security stakeholders were mobilised to the affected areas.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the attack was masterminded by a notorious bandit leader identified as Batijo, who allegedly ordered the invasion in retaliation for the arrest of some of his associates.
Afusat explained that the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was the primary target of the attackers, who reportedly planned to abduct him. However, the monarch escaped the attack as he was not at home during the invasion.
The hoodlums reportedly ransacked parts of the community and abducted three residents identified as Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi. Chief Obayomi was later killed while attempting to escape from captivity, while the remaining victims are still being held.
The attackers also blocked the Kabba–Obajana Road and opened fire on moving vehicles in an attempt to stop motorists. During the incident, a container truck driver was shot in both legs, while passengers travelling in two commercial 18-seater buses with registration numbers ENU 444 ZJ and MKD 698 XH were abducted.
Another commercial bus with registration number MKA 837 ZA was also attacked after the driver reportedly refused to stop. A passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, died on the spot from gunshot wounds, while four others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities in Kabba for treatment.
Police said about 30 persons were abducted during the attack, including residents and passengers travelling on the affected buses.
Security operatives, while trailing the fleeing criminals into the forest, reportedly discovered a Fulani settlement where the suspects had taken about 200 rustled cattle.
Afusat stated that sustained bush-combing operations and intelligence-led pursuits forced the hoodlums to abandon about 100 of the stolen cattle.
The operation also led to the arrest of one Ibrahim, described as a core member of Batijo’s criminal network.
“The suspect is currently assisting investigators and has provided useful information regarding the activities and whereabouts of the gang,” the statement said.
The police added that information obtained from the suspect has led to the identification of other gang members, including Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire, and Kache, while efforts are ongoing to arrest them and dismantle the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, alongside the Director of the DSS in Kogi State and other senior security officers, visited Ayegunle Community to assess the situation and reassure residents.
During the visit, Kankarofi met with the traditional ruler, community leaders, and stakeholders, expressing sympathy over the attack and assuring residents that security agencies were working to rescue all abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
He commended the collaboration among security agencies and local security groups, noting that the swift response helped disrupt the criminals’ operations, recover rustled cattle, and generate useful intelligence.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency cooperation, and proactive crime-fighting strategies.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has urged Christian leaders to defend truth, speak to political authorities when necessary and promote peace and moral values amid the social, economic and security challenges facing the country. Kefas made the call on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while addressing participants at the Ministers’ Conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, in Jalingo.
The conference, themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” brought together Christian ministers and leaders to discuss the role of the Church in nation-building, peacebuilding and good governance. The governor said government and the Church have distinct constitutional and spiritual responsibilities but could collaborate in areas that promote peace, development and social stability.
He urged Christian leaders to uphold truth, compassion, justice and moral discipline while advising political authorities without allowing partisan interests to compromise the Church’s independence. “The Church must not become an extension of any political party,” Kefas said, urging ministers to provide constructive guidance and resist divisions based on politics, ethnicity or personal interests.
Kefas also called on religious leaders to use their platforms to discourage corruption, drug abuse, violence, hatred and injustice, while encouraging young people to pursue legitimate opportunities. He assured residents that his administration would continue to promote fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence while protecting citizens’ rights and freedom of worship.
The governor also expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with religious institutions in education, peacebuilding, community development and efforts to address drug abuse. He appealed to citizens and religious leaders to embrace unity and forgiveness, saying the development of Taraba required collective responsibility.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command will hold a three-day Police–Youth Engagement Programme from Thursday, August 20, to Saturday, August 22, 2026, as part of activities to mark International Youth Day and strengthen community efforts to prevent crime and promote peace.
The programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” will bring together police officers, youths, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the initiative was in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to deepen engagement between the police and young people.
According to the Command, activities will include a Walkathon/Peace Walk aimed at promoting unity, healthy living and responsible citizenship. A medical outreach will also provide basic healthcare services and health awareness to young people and community members.
The programme will conclude with a lecture and interactive session addressing crime prevention, cultism, drug abuse, political and digital thuggery, responsible social media use, youth participation in community policing and emerging security challenges.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, urged youths, community leaders and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme. He called on participants to support efforts to promote peace, unity, responsible citizenship and a safer Kaduna State.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 900 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ggenga Solomon Ibileye, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening its research culture. Ibileye made the commitment during the postgraduate matriculation ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja.
The Vice-Chancellor said research remained central to the value of postgraduate education and stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining and improving its academic standards.
He said postgraduate students would undergo prescribed coursework and examinations, while their projects, theses and dissertations would be subjected to originality and similarity checks. According to him, students would also be required to defend research proposals, participate in internal seminars and submit their work to external examiners.
“These processes ensure that the certificate eventually conferred by the university is worth the years a candidate will spend earning it,” he said. Ibileye said the university currently offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy levels, covering both professional and academic disciplines.
He commended the Provost of the postgraduate college, Prof. Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi, for his leadership and expressed confidence that the institution’s academic standards would continue to improve. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students and welcomed them to the postgraduate scholarly community of the university.
Kefas Urges Church Leaders to Defend Truth and Promote Peace in Taraba
Kaduna Police to Hold Three-Day Youth Engagement Programme on Crime and Drug Abuse
FUL Matriculates 900 Postgraduate Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Research
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