News
22 mobile policemen killed in North Central community
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
At least 22 Mobile Police (Mopol) officers have been killed at different times and locations in Ayilamo community, Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, amid renewed attacks by armed bandits.
The latest attack, which occurred on September 10, 2026, reportedly claimed the lives of four Mobile Police officers and several residents, further deepening fears over the security situation in the farming community.
Ayilamo, located along the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari road, has come under repeated attacks by armed groups, according to residents.
A resident, Tyolumun Ugande, said more than 200 armed bandits reportedly invaded the community from Alufu Road in neighbouring Taraba State, shooting at residents and setting houses ablaze.
He said a detachment of Mobile Police officers deployed to the community confronted the attackers, who were reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons.
According to Ugande, after several hours of exchange of gunfire, the attackers retreated.
However, four Mobile Police officers were later found dead in the bush on Friday morning.
“We also discovered eight bodies of residents of Ayilamo who were killed by the bandits,” he said.
The Divisional Police Officer in Ayilamo confirmed the attack and the casualties, adding that the police had requested reinforcement.
Another resident, James Udough, said the latest incident was the second time in one month that Mobile Police officers deployed to Ayilamo had been killed.
“This is the second time in one month that Mobile Police men deployed to Ayilamo are killed,” he said.
“The bandits have been trying to set the whole Ayilamo ablaze for more than two years now. We call on the Benue and Federal Governments to help secure our land and lives.”
The latest attack reportedly claimed the lives of community elders, residents, security personnel and two children.
Among those identified as victims were Baba Nyikyaa Mbanengen Agia, Mkohol Ahowe, Agah Saanmoyol, popularly known as Dodo, Baba Mlahaga Kpurkpur, Geoffrey Aondoakaa Gaku, also known as Bala, and two children.
The four Mobile Police officers identified were ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu and Inspector Edeh Andrew, all said to be officers of Mopol 32, Ebonyi.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of both civilians and security personnel deployed to the troubled community.
According to Umishi Terungwa, Security Secretary of Tombo Council Ward, the death toll among Mobile Police officers killed in attacks around Ayilamo has now risen to 22 at different times and locations.
He described the situation as a serious security challenge requiring urgent intervention by the state and Federal Governments.
Residents also expressed concern that the persistent attacks may be linked to reports of substantial mineral deposits in and around Ayilamo.
The community has called for urgent deployment of additional security personnel, protection of residents and measures to prevent further attacks on the farming settlement.
The latest killings have left Ayilamo in mourning while residents continue to appeal for sustained security operations to restore peace and enable them to return safely to their farms and homes.
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
Seven members of a local vigilante group have been killed. In contrast, eight others sustained injuries after a suspected military bomb struck their camp in Kukoki-Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a Nigerian Air Force jet allegedly dropped the explosive on the camp occupied by the vigilantes, popularly known as DSS Hunters.
The victims were reportedly gathered at the time to plan a response to reported movements of bandits around the community.
Sources said the injured vigilantes were rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna for treatment, with some said to have sustained severe injuries, including the complete loss of both legs.
Commander of the vigilante group in Kukoki, Ayuba Umar Kamas, said three aircraft were sighted in the area shortly before the incident.
According to him, one of the aircraft flew over their position before releasing the bomb that struck the camp.
Kamas said the seven persons killed comprised four members from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku.
He expressed concern that the vigilantes were attacked while suspected bandits were allegedly moving freely through the area.
Kamas claimed that the bandits, numbering about 250 motorcycles and reportedly transporting rustled cattle, passed through the area around the time of the airstrike.
Community sources, however, suggested that the Air Force operation may have been based on intelligence concerning terrorist or bandit movements in the area, but that the intended target might have been missed.
The circumstances surrounding the airstrike and the identity of the intended target were not immediately clear.
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
A commercial bus driver, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has explained why he returned more than N400,000 in cash and other personal belongings left behind in his vehicle by a passenger in Abia State.
The passenger, Mrs. Nkechi John, a petty trader, had boarded Ikpendu’s bus from Uzuakoli to Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal before alighting at Ubani Market.
Unknown to her, she left behind a bag containing the cash, which she said was meant for her business, as well as other personal effects.
After discovering her loss, Mrs. John immediately headed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in search of the vehicle.
She was, however, relieved to find that Ikpendu had secured the bag and its contents and was waiting for the owner to return.
Explaining his decision to return the money, Ikpendu said his conscience would not allow him to keep what belonged to another person.
“I am grateful because I am not eating somebody’s sweat; I am eating my own.
“No amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” he said.
The driver added that honesty was more valuable to him than the money, stressing that he believed God rewards people who do the right thing.
“I have no intention of keeping somebody’s money. I believe God rewards honesty and good deeds,” he added.
Speaking after recovering her belongings, Mrs. John expressed gratitude to the driver for his honesty and commended the Abia State Government for establishing the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.
She said the terminal made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover her money, adding that the incident could have ended differently if there had been no organised terminal from which to trace the bus.
Reacting to the development, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating what he described as integrity, sincerity and commitment.
Ukaegbu said the driver’s action provided a positive example of responsible citizenship and should encourage others to always do the right thing.
He also described the incident as an indication of a changing mindset among residents of the state, which he attributed to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
“Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for the good work.
“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing without even being compelled to do so,” the commissioner said.
Ukaegbu urged residents to continue to uphold honesty and integrity in their daily dealings, saying Ikpendu’s action deserved commendation and emula
By Philippine Duru
pilippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after regaining his freedom from his abductors.
The traditional ruler was kidnapped on August 22, 2026, when gunmen invaded Igbesi community and abducted him.
He was later released after spending several days in captivity.
President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, announced the monarch’s death on Friday, expressing sadness over the development and praying for the repose of his soul.
One of the deceased monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed that his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday following a brief illness after his release.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
The monarch’s death came days after he was rescued from his abductors during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.
The Kwara State Police Command had confirmed the rescue of Oba Iwedunmoye and two other kidnapped victims during the operation.
The command said the rescue operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante who reported that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Security operatives subsequently moved into the area, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
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