News
Popular bishop shot dead
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@yahoo.com
A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Nigerian Citizens Association, South Africa (NICASA), which announced the incident yesterday, said Fakunle, an indigene of Ekiti State, was killed by two unidentified persons who gained access to his residence.
National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the suspects opened fire on the bishop multiple times, reportedly firing more than seven bullets.
Onyekwelu said the association had formally notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the killing, while a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station.
He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic authorities, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
According to him, the killing was not only a devastating loss to Fakunle’s family but also a painful blow to the Nigerian community in South Africa.
“According to the information available to NICASA, two suspects gained access to his residence and opened fire on him, reportedly discharging more than seven bullets.
“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” Onyekwelu said.
NICASA expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the killing and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and transparent.
The association also appealed to Nigerian diplomatic representatives to closely monitor the investigation and support the deceased’s family and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
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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