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Tag: gunmen

  • Gunmen Kill Scores, Abduct Several Chinese Nationals In Niger State

    Gunmen Kill Scores, Abduct Several Chinese Nationals In Niger State

    Gunmen have killed persons, injured and abducted many others including four Chinese nationals in an attack on a mining site in Ajata- Aboki, Gurmana Ward of Shiroro Local Government, Niger State.

    The Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths Of Niger State, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki, as well as the Niger State Government confirmed the incident in separate statements issued on Thursday.

    “During yesterday’s deadly encounter, a large number of casualties were instantly recorded at the said mining site being owned and managed by Chinese Nationals as the AK-47 rifle wielding terrorists gunned down their victims at sight as well as shot sporadically into the air thereby leading to more devastating consequence,” Kokki’s statement read.

    “Information at my disposal further proved that about thirteen (13) people including seven (7) mobile policemen attached to the mining site probably as guards (providing security cover for the expatriates) and six (6) other civilians were gruesomely killed through an ambush while scores of others who sustained various degrees of multiple gunshots injuries (some in critical condition) have been taken to various medical facilities for treatment.”

    “However, a yet-to-be ascertained number of workers in the mining site including four Chinese nationals were reported to have been abducted,” the Niger government added in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar.

    Although Kokki noted that the Nigerian Army stationed nearby swung into action to repel the attack, he said several officers were gunned down by the assailants.

    In a separate update, he added that the death toll had risen, noting that “almost thirty soldiers have been discovered in the bush and confirmed dead”. More bodies are still being expected as search efforts have intensified, Kokki said.

    While reacting to the incident, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, commiserated with the families of the victims.

    “It really saddened my heart to hear about this. It is even more worrisome to know that lives of security personnel were involved and expatriates were also among those kidnapped,” the governor said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje.

    “My heart goes out to the family of our security men killed, I pray that Allah will grant them Aljannah Firdausi and quick recovery to those injured.”

    While urging the security personnel not to be dampened by the incident, the governor charged them to remain committed to discharging their duties and ensure the safe return of the four Chinese Nationals and others kidnapped at the mining site.

  • University Don, Two Others Assassinated by Gunmen in Benue State

    University Don, Two Others Assassinated by Gunmen in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    A Lecturer with the Federal Unversity of Wukari, Fred Akaayar and three others have been allegedly assassinated at Joortar, Mbterem in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State by yet to be identified gunmen.

    Day Break learnt that the incident occurred about 8:pm while the trio were sitting at a joint close to Federal Quarantine checkpoint when the assailants numbering three came on a motorcycle and shot the them to dead.

    Investigation further revealed that the Motorcyclists who came from Melabu direction operated for a period of five minutes, murdered the victims and left immediately through the same direction.

    The reasons for the gruesome murder at the moment could not be ascertained, however, sources hinted that the community has witnessed criminal activities such as kidnapping among others in the area in recent times.

    It was gathered that two of the victims, Ayange Apever until his death was the chairman, drivers association in Jootar while Mr ShiAondo Kachina was a taxi driver.

    Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer Benue State, ASP Sewuese Anene to confirm the incident wasn’t successful as she was unreachable.

  • Gunmen Attacks Eika Police Station, Kill Police Inspector In Kogi

    Gunmen Attacks Eika Police Station, Kill Police Inspector In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    A Police Area Command office at Eika-Ohizenyi in Okehi local government area of Kogi State was at the early hours of Friday bombed by some unknown Gunmen.

    The Police Inspector on duty, Mr Jibril popularly known as yellow was reportedly killed by the attackers.

    The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Edward Egbuka, who visited the scene of the attack few hours later for on-the-spot assessment has immediately ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the area.

    “The Operational assets consist of operatives of the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Quick Response Unit, State Intelligence Bureau in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.”

    The Commissioner’s visit was contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relation Office William Aya in Lokoja on Friday.

    The statement pointed out that part of the Area Command Office was razed by dynamite used by the attackers and a Police Inspector died in the exchange of fire with the hoodlums.

    The Commissioner of Police, however, assured that the Command is committed to working in synergy with other security agencies as well as patriotic stakeholders to make the State a safe and secure place for all and sundry.

    An eye witness who resides in the area, Mallam Momoh Abubakar told our correspondent that the attackers invaded the station 12:15 a.m, saying the first bomb they threw into the station made heavy sound that woke many residents from sleep, while the second bomb, brought down part of the station’s building.

    He added that the attackers had a field day as they operated for more than two hours without any interference either from security agents or the people of the community.

    He also revealed that the only police officer on duty Mr Jibril popularly known as Yellow was killed in the process of the attack while the only operational vehicle in the police station was also bombed.

    According to him, bullets perforated windows of Eika community central mosque and a Catholic church near the police station during the heavy attack.

    “I am using this medium to appeal to security agents to be proactive and respond quickly to this type of incident because the gunmen spent more than two hours operating freely without any interference.

    “The first attack of the station occurred on Friday and this second one which happened after five years also took place on Friday and to our surprise no body has been arrested in connection to the attack.”

    “As I am talking to you now there is serious fear and apprehension in Eika community as people remained indoor as the attack is becoming unbearable” he said

    Meanwhile, the corpse of the policeman has been taken to Obangede General hospital mortuary.

  • Again, Unknown Gunmen Behead Eight Persons in Benue Community

    Again, Unknown Gunmen Behead Eight Persons in Benue Community

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    No fewer than eight persons have been allegedly beheaded at Tiir village in Tongov Community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Investigation by Day Break revealed that militia activities have continued in the Sankera axis of the state with several killings and destruction of properties.

    It was learned that the killers invaded the area at night and shot sporadically killing the aforementioned victims on the spot.

    Day Break further gathered that some of the communities in the local government area have known no peace for many years due to militia activities.

    Efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, ASP Sewuese Anene to comment on the incident failed as She could not be reached.

  • Gunmen Abduct DPO in Nasarawa, Demand N5m as Ransom

    Gunmen Abduct DPO in Nasarawa, Demand N5m as Ransom

    Gunmen have abducted the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government of Nasarawa State, CSP Haruna Abdulmalik.

    Reports gathered that the DPO was kidnapped on Thursday while on patrol off Nasarawa Eggon – Akwanga Road.

    According to reports, the kidnappers have contacted the family of the victim, demanding N5m ransom

    Details later…

  • Bandits Shot Dead Fifteen Persons in Gov Ortom’s Village

    Bandits Shot Dead Fifteen Persons in Gov Ortom’s Village

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    At least fifteen persons have been reportedly murdered by unknown gunmen at Tse Tule in Udei, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Checks by Day Break indicated that the victims went to the bush for timber activity when the attackers opened fire on them killing fifteen on the spot.

    Findings further showed that the incident instilled fears among members of the community most of whom have fled the area for safety.

    The incident occurred shortly after unknown gunmen murdered a Legislator and his Cousin in Benue South Senatorial District when they were trying to rescue a kidnapped victim in the area.

    When contacted, the Chairman Guma Local Government Area, Mr Caleb Aba who confirmed killings via phone call, condemned the dasterdly act in its entirety, describing it as devastating.

    Mr Aba who expressed worry over continued attacks on members of his community called security operatives to apprehend and prosecute those behind the act.

    Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, ASP Sewuese Anene, opined that she had not receive briefing on the said incident at the time of filing this report.

  • Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap Another Plateau Monarch

    Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap Another Plateau Monarch

    Gunmen numbering over 20, have again, reportedly kidnapped a traditional ruler in Plateau State, His Royal Highness, Aminu Derwan, after attacking his palace in Panyam, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

    It was learnt that the gunmen took away Derwan, the district head of Panyam, after scaring residents with gunshots in the early hours of Monday.

    A resident of Panyam community, Moses Garuba, confirmed the abduction of the monarch to The PUNCH in Jos, on Monday.

    Garuba said, “It was last night around midnight that the bandits, who were more than 20 and heavily armed, surrounded the district head’s palace in Panyam.

    “Because his house was not fenced, some villagers who saw how his house was surrounded by strange people alerted other members of the community through a community bell. But immediately the bandits heard the bell, they started firing gunshots and eventually went away with the traditional ruler, leaving the community helpless.”

    Some residents, who condemned the attack said that the incident had been reported to the police division in the locality

    The spokesman for state police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached when contacted on the incident as his mobile phones were switched off

    The kidnap of the district head is the latest in a series of abductions targeted at traditional rulers and the clergymen in the state.

    On Sunday, last week, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Jos East Local Government Area of the state, Reverend James Kantoma, and a traditional ruler in the state, Ugoh Ababs, were kidnapped by gunmen.

    While Kantoma, who is also the Catholic priest in charge of St. Anthony’s parish in the Jos East LGA, was kidnapped at his church compound in Angware community, the traditional ruler was abducted when the gunmen attacked his palace in Amo district, Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

    The two personalities were, however, released a few days later, after a ransom was allegedly paid to the abductors.

  • Gunmen Kill Lawmaker, Cousin in Benue State

    Gunmen Kill Lawmaker, Cousin in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    A Legislator representing Orokam Ward Three in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr Paul Ojile and his Cousin have been allegedly beheaded by herdsmen in the area.

    Findings by Day Break indicated that the incident occurred when hunters engaged in searching for a community member who was alleged to have been kidnapped by suspected herders.

    Piqued by the dasterdly act, the angry youths of the area blocked the major high way in the area for several hours, causing traffic rule.

    Confirming the killings, the Chairman, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Onuh described the heinous act as unacceptable, explaining that the Victims were among the local hunters who had joined the Vigilant Group and some Police Operatives to rescue the man who was earlier kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.

    The Chairman, Implored the Federal Government to address the security challenge in the area to enable the people go about their normal businesses.

    When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer Benue State Command, ASP Sewuese Anene opined that two of the kidnappers have been apprehended, stressing that the kidnapped were rescued and have since been reunited with their families.

  • Gunmen attack Kaduna church, kill three, injure others

    Gunmen attack Kaduna church, kill three, injure others

    Bandits stormed the Maranatha Baptist Church and St. Moses Catholic Church in Rubu Village, Kajuru on Sunday, killing three locals in Kaduna State.

    The victims were identified as Peter Madaki (Ward head of Ungwan Fada), Elisha Ezekiel, (Resident of Ungwan Fada) and Ali Zamani (Youth leader of Rubu).

    Reports gathered that two persons were left injured in the attacks —one Aniro Mai, a yet unidentified woman and an unspecified number of locals were also kidnapped.

    “The bandits came on motorcycles and attacked our people shortly after closing from church service. The two communities attacked were inside Rubu village. The ward head of Anguwar Fada is among those killed,” a resident who simply identified himself as Maigari said.

    He stated that other worshippers escaped through the nearby bush.

    While confirming the incident, the State Commissioner, Internal Security, and Homes Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the attackers started from Ungwan Fada and moved into Ungwan Turawa, before Ungwan Makama and then Rubu village.

    He explained that the bandits looted shops and carted away some valuables from the villages.

    Aruwan said, “On a sad note, security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that bandits attacked worshippers and locals at Ungwan Fada, Ungwan Tarawa, and Ungwan Makama in Rubu general area of Kajuru local government area.

    “Receiving the report, the Acting Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, expressed deep sadness and condemned the attack in the strongest terms. She sent her sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims, as she prayed for the repose of their souls.”

    Aruwan said security patrols were being conducted in the general area as investigations proceed.

  • Bandits attack Bauchi communities, kill four people, injure three

    Bandits attack Bauchi communities, kill four people, injure three

    Bandits on Thursday night attacked some communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, killing four persons and leaving three others severely injured.

    Reports gathered that the bandits attacked Tudun Wadan Jada, old Jamari, Sabuwa Garin Jauro Bano communities.

    It was gathered that the gunmen were in the communities to abduct someone, who raised the alarm upon their arrival.

    The alarm he raised, it was further gathered, attracted the people of the area, particularly the youth who mobilised themselves with a view to preventing the abduction.

    “As a result of the large number of people mobilised, the bandits opened fire on them and in the process killed four people on the spot and injured three others.

    “They were unable to abduct any one,” a resident told journalists on the telephone.

    Another resident of the area, Muhammad Usman, informed newsmen that the attackers arrived in the community around 11:45 p.m.

    “They came on motorcycles and when people raised the alarm, they started shooting sporadically and fled to the bush after they killed four people,” he said.

    The source added that those injured in the attack were taken to a hospital in Gombe for treatment.

    Other sources confirmed that police, army and other security agencies visited the communities attacked and assured residents of their protection as well as those of their property.

    Confirming the attack to journalists in Bauchi on Friday, the chairman, Alkaleri LGA, Yusuf Garba, said four persons were killed by the bandits.

    According to Garba, the bandits went to the communities to abduct the village head of Jimari Sabuwa, New Tudun Wadan Jada Jauro Banu, adding that they did not succeed in the mission as people raised the alarm, which made them (bandits) to flee from the community.

    The chairman noted that the bandits came to the affected communities through the largest border forest that traversed among Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Plateau States.

    He revealed that he held a security council with the head of security agencies in the state and the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government.

    Garba added that security operatives had been deployed in the area and they were already pursuing bandits.

    When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, could neither deny nor confirm the attack, but only promised to make the police’s position known to the public after he might have received information on it.