Crime
PHOTOS: Many k!lled as armed herders attack Benue communities
Many people have been feared k!lled after armed invaders attacked several communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents told Daily Trust that the attackers laid siege on at least six villages at about 4:30am on Sunday, August 16, 2026, where they shot sporadically and k!lled an unspecified number of people.
Locals alleged that the armed invaders rode on several motorcycles during the invasion on Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Ikpur, Aboajio and Yina communities in Mbaterem council ward of Ukum LGA.
A witnesses also said several people sustained gunshots wounds while the incident forced residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
Ukum LGA, Jonathan Modi, told the publication as at 5pm on Sunday that the situation was brought under control by security operatives who responded promptly.
Modi said he was still at the scenes evacuating both d3ad bodies and injured victims to the hospital.
“The security responded immediately to the attacks. Sadly, there were casualties but we are at the scene moving those wounded to the hospital. We have recovered some bodies.
“More security operatives have been deployed to areas where there are perceived threats,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, Peter Aondongu, also confirmed the attack but said details were still being gathered as of press time.
“I can confirm that there was an attack in Ukum LGA. More details will be communicated to you as soon as I have them,” the PPRO said.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciated the security agencies for their prompt response to the attack and commiserated with families who lost their loved ones.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers invaded Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities, k!lling some residents and injuring others.
Alia vowed to continue supporting security agencies to protect the people, while warning those bent on frustrating the peace process in the state that they would not succeed.
“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” the governor said.
“I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent. I must appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is advancing a lot of support for us to tackle these acts of terrorism,” he added.
The governor who blamed the attack on armed herders, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that timely information remained critical to tackling criminal elements.
He also charged security agencies to maintain their presence in strategic areas across the state and confront what he described as enemies of the state who appeared unrelenting in their attacks.
Alia assured residents that his administration would not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
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Crime
PHOTOS: “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts: Suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, drug possession – Borno police
The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.
The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance,” the statement read.
“Brief of the Case:On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
“The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
“Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.”
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The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
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