Gunmen

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen have killed an 18-year-old vigilante member, Divine Dung Davou, during a midnight attack on Rachas Village in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 12:30am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, triggering grief and renewed fears over insecurity in the community.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing in a statement, saying the deceased was a member of the community’s local vigilante group.

He described the incident as devastating to the victim’s family and residents of Rachas.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Divine had volunteered to help protect the village because of the absence of adequate security personnel during the night.

The leader lamented that the young man was killed while carrying out his community protection duties and appealed to the government not to abandon the residents.

Another resident, Mrs Mary Chollom, said the gunshots during the attack left many people terrified and unable to sleep.

She called on the government to deploy security personnel to the area, expressing concern over the safety of residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihood.

Similarly, a youth in the community, Mr Dalyop Gyang, demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing and called for stronger security patrols.

Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association urged the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the killing, apprehend the attackers and strengthen patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities.

The association also called on the Plateau and Federal Governments to move beyond assurances and implement sustained security measures to protect lives and property, particularly in communities repeatedly targeted by gunmen.

Tengwong expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Rachas, while urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The students were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while assisting their Mallam with maize harvesting on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that the number of abducted students was 14, not 50 as claimed in some reports.

According to the police spokesman, preliminary information indicated that the students were helping their Islamic school teacher harvest maize when the gunmen struck.

He said joint security operatives had commenced rescue operations to secure the students’ release.

Abiodun added that further developments would be communicated as efforts to rescue the victims continued.

The abduction adds to concerns over the safety of students and residents in parts of Niger State, particularly communities exposed to attacks by suspected bandits.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Five police officers are feared dead following an ambush by suspected bandits on a police convoy travelling from Sokoto State to Zamfara State for a special duty assignment.

The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 1, when armed men opened fire on the convoy, which was made up of three vehicles.

A police officer who was part of the team but survived the attack confirmed the incident, explaining that the gunmen targeted the vehicle at the rear of the convoy.

Speaking to PUNCH on condition of anonymity, the officer said five of his colleagues were killed in the attack.

“We were travelling in three vehicles when they suddenly opened fire on the third vehicle behind us. Five of our members were killed in the process,” he said.

The officer disclosed that the personnel were travelling to Zamfara State for a special assignment when they were ambushed.

Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed the bodies of some officers inside a vehicle, with their hands and legs allegedly tied with ropes. Their belongings were also seen scattered around the scene, while bloodstains were visible inside the vehicle.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Police Zone 10 spokesperson, ASP Abdallah Faruku, were unsuccessful, as his telephone number could not be reached at the time of filing the report.

As of the time of publication, the police had not issued an official statement confirming the reported deaths.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least seven people have been killed after gunmen attacked Georo community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday night.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community at about 10:20 p.m., opening fire on residents in shops and at a local restaurant where food was being prepared.

A community member, Bot Silas, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos, said the sudden attack triggered panic as residents fled for safety.

“The gunmen arrived in the community at about 10:20pm and started shooting sporadically. Some of the victims were killed in their shops, while others were attacked at a local restaurant where food was being prepared,” Silas said.

He added that seven people were killed in the attack, which left residents terrified as the assailants struck under the cover of darkness.

According to the Punch newspaper, the spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

“The killing of innocent people in Georo is condemnable and must not be allowed to continue. We call on the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that residents can live and carry out their legitimate activities without fear,” Tengwong said.

He also urged security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities and intensify efforts to apprehend the attackers.

As of the time the report was filed, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, was reportedly unavailable for comment when contacted, as his telephone was switched off.

The latest attack has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect communities in Plateau State and ensure that those responsible for violent attacks are brought to justice.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least three people have died while several others sustained injuries after a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night after a large crowd gathered at the Government House. The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for treatment.

Reports indicated that the gathering was initially linked to efforts by government officials to engage youths who were planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

Two of the victims were identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, who were internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Hurairat’s husband, Abubakar, was reportedly killed by bandits in 2023 along the Allawa–Pandogari Road. Following repeated attacks that forced residents to abandon the community, Hurairat relocated to Minna as an IDP.

Sources said Dije, who was living with her husband in Gurmana, had travelled to visit her daughter when they heard reports that money would be distributed at the Government House. They subsequently joined the crowd.

Mallam Musa Allawa, an IDP, told journalists that the mother and daughter were scheduled to be buried on Wednesday morning.

Earlier, some government appointees had posted on social media that youths gathered at the Government House to express solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

However, a government source said the crowd later increased after reports spread that the governor would distribute N10,000 to people who gathered at the venue.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government would issue an official statement on the incident.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the incident and provide further details.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force lance corporal have lost their lives after gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to information published by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the attackers also escaped with the slain officers’ service rifles after the attack.

The report stated that the incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It said four security personnel from two guard locations had mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road before the attack.

“The sources said that while the team was returning to their respective duty posts, two of the personnel failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a clearance operation,” Makama reported.

“During the search, security forces discovered the bodies of an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.”

The publication said security operatives later evacuated the bodies of the deceased personnel from the scene. It added that their motorcycle was also recovered.

Preliminary findings reportedly showed that the ambush took place near an area previously occupied by herders, who were said to have fled with their cattle before reinforcements reached the location. The report also noted that the attack occurred close to a Berom community.

“Security forces have since commenced cordon-and-search operations around nearby communities, while clearance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons,” Makama said.

“Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, with additional details expected as operations progress.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed terrorists stormed the residence of Bungudu Local Government Chairman Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi in the early hours of Saturday, abducting him and several family members after overwhelming his security detail, military authorities have confirmed.

Troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded to distress calls and immediately engaged the assailants in a hot pursuit, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire that forced the attackers to abandon five of the Chairman’s relatives, including his mother, wife, two children, and other family members, who were successfully rescued.

However, the terrorists managed to escape with Abdullahi into the surrounding bushes, according to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North West).

The attack claimed the lives of two police officers and one local vigilante who were part of the Chairman’s security detail, all of whom “gallantly resisted the attackers,” Danja said. A civilian was also killed, while the Chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the assault.

The Theatre Command has since activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at suspected terrorist hideouts in a bid to secure the Chairman’s safe release.

“The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies,” Danja said. “The Theatre Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.”

The military appealed to the public to remain calm and provide credible information that may assist ongoing efforts, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property.

Zamfara has been plagued by banditry and terrorist activities in recent years, with local government officials frequently targeted in kidnapping-for-ransom attacks. The abduction underscores the persistent security challenges facing the North-Western region despite intensified military operations.

By Uzair Adam

Unknown gunmen have abducted the wife and twin children of the younger brother of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday morning at Elewura in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Confirming the incident, one of Adelabu’s media aides, Femi Awogboro, said the woman, identified as Laide, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were travelling within the city when they were intercepted and taken away by the attackers.

According to Awogboro, the family was heading from Elewura to connect to the expressway when the gunmen struck.

“Adelabu’s younger brother’s wife, Laide, together with her twins, Peter and Paul, was kidnapped this morning by unknown gunmen at Elewura, Challenge, Ibadan,” he said.

He added that the victims were forcefully taken away by the kidnappers during the attack.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately confirm the development.

“I cannot independently verify this for now. Please hold on,” Ayanlade stated.

Further details were still being awaited as of press time.

By Uzair Adam 

No fewer than 45 pupils were abducted during a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, triggering widespread panic and grief across affected communities.

The schools targeted include Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School. 

Residents said the attackers stormed the area in the early hours, disrupting school activities and whisking away children and some teachers.

A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, recounted that the gunmen arrived around 8 am on motorcycles, speaking Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English. She explained that they fired sporadically, creating chaos before moving into classrooms.

“They came into my class first and tried to take me along with a child I was carrying,” she said, noting that she managed to escape after pleading with them. 

According to her, the assailants operated for only a few minutes but left with dozens of pupils drawn from Yawota, Esiele, and Alausa communities. 

She added that a teacher was also abducted, while motorcycles were stolen and a rider killed during the нападение.

The traditional ruler of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, confirmed that about 45 pupils were taken, adding that efforts were underway to secure their release. 

A former lawmaker, Bamigboye Abidoye, said the number of abducted pupils from one of the schools alone was significant, while several teachers were also taken from the secondary school.

Security sources disclosed that three suspects had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, assuring that operations were ongoing to rescue the victims.

Meanwhile, parents of the abducted children expressed anguish over the incident. One mother, Ajarah Ayanwale, said the attackers initially deceived residents by posing as security personnel.

“We thought they came to protect us,” she said, explaining that panic set in when gunshots followed shortly after.

Another parent, Shukurat Pius, whose young son was taken, said some pupils escaped through windows, but younger children who could not flee were captured. She pleaded with authorities to ensure the safe return of the victims.

For Nafisat Agunle, the ordeal has been devastating since her child went missing. 

She described sleepless nights and constant searching, while Adijat Ibrahim said she still hopes her son will return home.

Other parents narrated similar experiences, with some losing more than one child in the attack. A resident, Gabriel Sunday, said two of his children were abducted while one managed to escape through the bush.

Amid growing fears, security operatives have reportedly surrounded forest areas near the communities, particularly around the Old Oyo National Park axis, where the attackers are believed to have fled. 

The state government said joint teams comprising the Nigerian Army, police, and local security outfits had launched coordinated rescue operations.

Authorities in neighbouring South-West states have also heightened surveillance and deployed additional security personnel to schools and vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

Security experts and regional leaders have warned that the нападение signals a growing threat in the South-West, urging stronger collaboration between governments and local security groups to address the worsening situation.

Despite ongoing efforts, uncertainty remains over the exact number of abducted pupils, complicating rescue operations. 

Officials, however, insist that efforts are being intensified to locate the victims and restore calm to the affected communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A serene evening of religious devotion turned into a scene of horror in the Daɗin Kowa area of Maiyama Local Government Area on, when suspected bandits stormed a mosque and opened fire on worshippers attending a nightly Qur’anic Tafsir session.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, believed to be members of the Lakurawa gang, invaded the community just as the Islamic lecture was concluding. The gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, reportedly surrounded the mosque and unleashed a hail of bullets on the congregation, sending worshippers fleeing in panic.

The attack left four people dead at the scene. Several others sustained varying degrees of injury and have been rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. The names of the deceased have not yet been officially released as relatives work to identify their loved ones.

The incident has plunged the community into deep mourning. Residents described the attack as a senseless act of violence against innocent people engaged in peaceful worship during the holy month of Ramadan.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Meanwhile, local religious and community leaders have called for calm and urged the government to step up security measures to prevent further atrocities.

In the wake of the tragedy, prayers have poured in for the victims.