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  • Gunmen Kill One, Kidnap Woman in Kogi Border Community

    Gunmen Kill One, Kidnap Woman in Kogi Border Community

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    One person was killed and a woman abducted on Wednesday night after gunmen attacked Ijekpe village in the Ette community, Ogugu District of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Kogi State.Local sources said the attackers invaded the village at about 11:00 p.m., firing shots sporadically and forcing residents indoors for several hours.

    It was later discovered that a stray bullet struck a young man, killing him instantly, while a woman was taken away by the assailants.Security sources confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to the area and are currently conducting joint search operations in surrounding forests alongside local security groups.

    Residents of Ette and neighbouring communities along the Kogi–Enugu boundary said they have witnessed a rise in kidnapping incidents in recent months. They appealed to the Kogi State Government to strengthen security at boundary communities, similar to efforts in other parts of the state.

    The Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) also reported an increase in kidnapping cases in the zone compared to figures recorded late last year.In a related development, security operatives reportedly rescued a woman travelling from the South-East to Kaduna after pursuing suspected kidnappers and forcing them to abandon their victim.

    Residents have been advised to avoid night travel, as search and rescue operations are more difficult under low visibility. The Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time.

  • Kogi Government Vows Crackdown on Criminals, Pledges Rescue of Kidnapped Victims

    Kogi Government Vows Crackdown on Criminals, Pledges Rescue of Kidnapped Victims

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its determination to intensify a statewide crackdown on criminals, pledging to rescue kidnapped victims and restore lasting peace across the state. The assurance was given on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, amid ongoing security operations.

    Fanwo said security agencies are actively tracking criminal elements, with coordinated operations already underway to dismantle gangs and free abducted persons. He noted that the government is fully aware of the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims and remains deeply concerned about their safety and well-being. “We understand the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims, and we are very concerned about their well-being,” Fanwo said. “The Governor has invested heavily to ensure the state has the capacity to crush criminal elements.” The commissioner acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for their continued backing in combating insecurity in Kogi State.

    According to Fanwo, the state government is scaling up preventive security measures to curb crime before it occurs, while maintaining pressure on criminal networks. He emphasized that the administration is committed to rescuing every Kogite currently in captivity. “We will ensure that every Kogite in the hands of criminals is rescued,” he said. “We sympathise with families who have lost loved ones. While the challenge remains, we are making progress, and the security situation has improved significantly.”

    Addressing public reactions to insecurity, Fanwo acknowledged that peaceful protests are a lawful expression of civic rights. However, he cautioned against politicising security concerns, warning that divisive actions could undermine collective efforts to restore peace. “We can’t afford to be divided at this critical time,” he said. “We must come together as a people to win this war against criminality.”

    The Kogi government also commended individuals and stakeholders for their cooperation with security agencies. Fanwo specifically praised the Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, for providing logistical support to security operations within his constituency.“ He has put his money where his mouth is by matching words with actions,” Fanwo said. “The Kogi State Government appreciates this support and calls on others to defend the people rather than play politics with security.”

    The commissioner warned that individuals who disrupt public peace under the guise of protest, as well as those who sponsor such actions, would face the full weight of the law. He reiterated that the government remains resolute in its mission to secure lives and property across the state. With ongoing operations and strengthened collaboration among security agencies, the Kogi government crackdown on criminals is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as authorities work to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safe return of abducted victims.

  • Benue Police Rescue Kidnap Victim Unhurt, No Ransom Paid

    Benue Police Rescue Kidnap Victim Unhurt, No Ransom Paid

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr. Akume Geoffrey, unhurt and without the payment of any ransom, following a swift security operation along the Gboko–Makurdi road.The rescue occurred at Tiotyu after armed men suspected to be kidnappers intercepted Mr. Geoffrey while he was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi.

    According to the police, the prompt response of operatives prevented the suspects from taking the victim deeper into a nearby forest.In a press statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command received a distress alert shortly after the incident occurred. “Upon receipt of the distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action and commenced intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area,” the statement said.

    DSP Edet explained that the suspects abandoned the victim and fled upon sighting the police patrol team and hearing the sound of sirens. The swift intervention, she noted, prevented the kidnappers from escaping with the victim into the forest.“ The victim, who escaped from the fleeing kidnappers, was successfully rescued by the police patrol team unhurt and without the payment of any ransom,” the statement added. Mr. Geoffrey was subsequently taken to the Abinsi Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari. He was later reunited with his family.Commending the officers involved in the operation, CP Emenari praised their professionalism, courage, and rapid response. He described the rescue as a demonstration of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

    The Commissioner reassured residents of Benue State that the police remain resolute in combating crime and criminality, particularly kidnapping and other violent offences.CP Emenari disclosed that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety.He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police stations or security formations.

    According to the statement, efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the attempted abduction.The Benue State Police Command reiterated its commitment to working with communities to strengthen security and ensure a safer environment for residents and travellers across the state.

  • 28 Travelers Kidnapped in Plateau Community, Police Launch Investigation

    28 Travelers Kidnapped in Plateau Community, Police Launch Investigation

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    No fewer than 28 travelers were abducted on Sunday night in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, raising renewed concerns over insecurity in the area. The victims, comprising men, women, and children, were reportedly traveling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend a Maulud religious event when gunmen intercepted their vehicle.Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, a youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, said the abduction occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the outskirts of the community.According to Sambo, the attackers ambushed the vehicle conveying the travelers, forcefully took all occupants away, and abandoned the vehicle by the roadside.“The victims included two princes and a religious leader who was leading the journey. The gunmen took everyone, including children, and left the vehicle behind,” he said.

    Another resident of Bashar town, Ibrahim Musa, also confirmed the incident, noting that the whereabouts of the abducted travelers remain unknown as of Monday.Sambo explained that the incident came to light on Monday morning when other road users discovered the abandoned vehicle, which was later identified as belonging to the Zak community leader.“ It was after people saw the abandoned vehicle on the road that investigations began, and it was discovered that it was the same vehicle conveying the travelers to the Maulud event,” he added. He said efforts by the community to trace the victims had so far proved unsuccessful, prompting them to alert security agencies about the development.

    When contacted, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the police were aware of the report and had commenced investigations into the incident. Residents of Wase Local Government Area say kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling have become increasingly frequent, particularly in remote communities.They are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and flush out criminal elements operating within the area to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.The latest abduction adds to growing security challenges in Plateau State and underscores persistent calls for stronger security interventions to protect lives and property in rural communities.

  • Gunmen Kill 12 Miners in Plateau State Community, Others Missing After Night Attack

    Gunmen Kill 12 Miners in Plateau State Community, Others Missing After Night Attack

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    At least 12 miners have been killed after gunmen attacked a mining site in the Ratoso Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, residents and community leaders confirmed on Wednesday.The attack occurred on Tuesday night when the assailants stormed the site while the victims were engaged in mining activities. Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, forcing many miners to flee into surrounding bushes for safety. Local sources reported that several persons remain missing following the incident, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise as search efforts continue. The remote nature of the mining site and the timing of the attack have complicated immediate rescue and verification efforts.

    Confirming the incident, the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) said the attack left the community in shock and mourning. The group noted that the number of missing persons had not yet been fully determined.Chairman of BECO and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, Mr. Dagallang Davott, said the miners were attacked while carrying out their normal activities late at night.“The number of those missing is yet to be ascertained because the incident happened at night,” Davott said. “There was an attack at Fan yesterday. It happened in the night, but I cannot give the exact time.”He added that the gunmen arrived suddenly and began shooting at the miners, creating panic across the site. According to him, many workers escaped by running into nearby areas, but 12 deaths have so far been confirmed.

    Davott condemned the attack and described it as another reminder of the persistent security challenges facing rural and mining communities in Plateau State. He called on relevant authorities to intensify patrols and improve intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas. Residents of Barkin Ladi said attacks on mining locations have become a growing concern, particularly in isolated districts where security presence is limited. They urged the state and federal governments to strengthen protection for miners and host communities. As of press time, efforts to reach security agencies for official confirmation and details of any arrests or deployments were unsuccessful. There was also no immediate statement on whether an investigation had been launched into the incident.

    Plateau State has experienced repeated security incidents in recent years, often affecting farming and mining communities. Stakeholders have consistently called for improved surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and sustained engagement with local communities to curb violence. Community leaders said they were working with local volunteers to search for missing persons, while families of the victims awaited further information. The situation remains tense as residents fear possible further attacks. Authorities are expected to provide updates as more details emerge regarding the identities of the victims, the number of those missing, and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.

  • Executive Proclamation in Kogi State Not a State of Emergency, Ododo Clarifies

    Executive Proclamation in Kogi State Not a State of Emergency, Ododo Clarifies

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has clarified that the recent Executive Proclamation in Kogi State on security protocols is not a declaration of a state of emergency but a set of lawful measures designed to strengthen the state’s security architecture and curb criminal activities.The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah. The statement explained that the proclamation is a constitutional step aimed at improving coordination among security agencies and safeguarding lives and property across the state.Governor Ododo stressed that the Executive Proclamation in Kogi State falls within his constitutional powers as the Chief Security Officer of the state, as provided under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He emphasized that the measures do not suspend civil liberties or undermine democratic governance.

    According to the Governor, the proclamation is focused on enhancing collaboration among security agencies, strengthening intelligence-sharing, and closing gaps that have been exploited by criminal elements. He noted that at no point did the government contemplate or declare a state of emergency.The security measures outlined in the proclamation include the verification of security operatives, mandatory identification checks, and the prosecution of individuals or groups found aiding or abetting criminals such as bandits and terrorists. The Governor explained that these steps are necessary to address the growing menace of impersonation by fake security personnel.Ododo warned that anyone found supporting or facilitating criminal activities would be treated as an enemy of the state and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws. He added that properties and assets used in the commission of crimes would be confiscated by the Kogi State Government.The Governor noted that the forfeiture of such properties is backed by relevant constitutional provisions as well as the Kogi State Anti-Kidnapping, Robbery and Terrorism Law of 2016. The law, he said, empowers the state to seize assets linked to violent crimes committed within its territory.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment to peace and security, Ododo expressed appreciation to security agencies for their sustained efforts in combating crime. He assured residents that the government remains fully committed to protecting lives, maintaining public order, and restoring confidence across all communities.The clarification follows public reactions to the rollout of new security protocols announced on Tuesday, shortly after security agencies recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts in the state. The recovery, according to the government, was the result of intelligence-led joint operations involving multiple security agencies.Governor Ododo urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of security agencies by providing credible information. He reaffirmed that the Executive Proclamation in Kogi State is a proactive and preventive measure aimed at eliminating criminal networks and ensuring lasting security for all citizens.