Panic has gripped residents of Venra community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a midnight attack by suspected bandits that left one person dead and a farm owner abducted.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Musa Parapura farm settlement along the Venra-Tenebo road, saw gunmen storm the area, killing a labourer and whisking away the farm owner, identified as Musa Parapura.

The deceased worker, believed to be a national of the Republic of Benin, had reportedly arrived at the farm just a day before the attack.

A community leader, Sariki Samari, disclosed that the kidnappers later established contact with the victim’s family using his mobile phone, demanding a ransom of N20 million and two brand new Haojue motorcycles for his release.

“They called the family with the victim’s phone and are insisting on N20 million cash and two new motorcycles before they can free him,” the community leader said.

Security sources confirmed that a joint team comprising police operatives, other security agencies and local vigilantes has since been deployed to the area.

According to the sources, the team has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation across nearby forests and bush paths to track down the assailants and rescue the abducted farmer.

“The joint patrol moved swiftly after receiving the report. Efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the victim is rescued safely,” a source said.

It was further gathered that security personnel have visited and documented the crime scene, while photographs of the deceased labourer were taken as part of ongoing investigations.

Authorities say efforts are underway to establish the identity of the slain worker, apprehend those behind the attack, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the area.

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The Kwara Governance Reform Group (KGRG) has called for restraint and respect for judicial processes in the ongoing discussions surrounding the reopening of investigations into the 2018 Offa bank robbery, insisting that justice for victims must not be derailed by political narratives.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ilorin on Friday, April 24, 2026, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Arewa Queen Latifah Olanrewaju, said recent developments linking some political figures to the case should be handled strictly within the ambit of the law.

The group noted that the case, which left at least 33 people dead, including police officers, remains one of the most painful criminal incidents in Kwara State’s history and must not be reduced to political propaganda.

According to KGRG, “rather than preparing to submit himself to due legal process to clear his name, Senator Saraki has chosen to resort to media campaigns, using political affiliates to cast the matter as persecution and to blackmail the Kwara State Government, as has often been the pattern whenever legal scrutiny arises.”

The group maintained that attempts to frame the renewed attention on the case as a political witch-hunt were misleading, stressing that the process was triggered by a petition from stakeholders.

KGRG explained that the Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU), in October 2024, formally requested the Kwara State Government to investigate individuals allegedly mentioned in connection with the robbery following revelations from convicted suspects.

It further referenced the ruling of Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced five suspects to death by hanging for their roles in the 2018 incident, as well as the January 2026 decision of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, which upheld the convictions.

“With proceedings still alive at the Supreme Court, there is no legal or moral basis to suggest that those indicted in the course of investigation cannot face trial,” the group stated.

KGRG stressed that individuals mentioned in the course of investigations should focus on clearing their names through lawful means rather than engaging in political attacks.

“What is expected at this point is not political grandstanding or attacks on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is neither the police nor the court, but a direct response to the grave allegations arising from the investigation,” Olanrewaju said.

She added that the statements under reference were made by convicted criminals who had already been tried by competent courts.

The group also cautioned political actors, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against framing the matter as partisan persecution.

“We urge political actors, particularly aspirants under the PDP who have rushed to frame this issue as partisan persecution, to rethink their posture. Turning a grave criminal matter into a platform for political solidarity undermines the cause of justice,” the statement read.

KGRG emphasised that the pursuit of justice for the victims should remain the priority, especially at a time when violent crimes and insecurity remain major concerns across the country.

“The memory of the victims of Offa robbery demands truth, accountability and justice; nothing less,” the group declared.

It concluded by urging all stakeholders to allow due process to take its full course without interference, insisting that only the courts can ultimately determine culpability in the matter.

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One ISWAP fighter was captured alive while a top commander identified as Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, was neutralised alongside 24 other insurgents in Borno State.

It was earlier reported that troops of Operation HADIN KAI foiled coordinated attack on Kukareta community in Borno, k!lling the terrorists

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theartre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Maiduguri on Thursday, April 23, 2026 while providing situational update on the failed attack by ISWAP terrorists.

The insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Thursday, shortly after midnight, in an attempt to overrun the location but were decisively engaged by troops of Sector 2 in a sustained counter-offensive that lasted till about 3;00 a.m

Abubakar said that during the encounter, the terrorists’ commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, was among those neutralised as troops repelled the assault and forced the remaining attackers into a disorganised withdrawal.

He theatre commander also confirmed that a total of 24 other terrorists were k!lled in the operation, bringing the overall neutralised figure to 25.

Troops subsequently conducted exploitation of the battlefield, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns and three RPG tubes

Others include two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.
 
According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and have since been stabilised, while an armoured reinforcement vehicle had its tyres damaged during the firefight.

He added that further exploitation operations were ongoing to recover fleeing terrorists bodies, and abandoned equipment along withdrawal routes reportedly marked by blood trails and medical items.

The commander described the operation as a significant success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, noting that sustained pressure would be maintained to deny terrorist elements freedom of action in the North-East theatre.

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The Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful foiling of a planned bomb attack in Akure. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of materials suspected to be components for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), alongside several other incriminating exhibits on 15th April, 2026.

This achievement followed credible and actionable intelligence received by the Command regarding the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate operating along state lines.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives were strategically deployed to the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their planned attack. A thorough search of the scene and a subsequent operation at the suspects’ apartment resulted in the recovery of a cache of items, including 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, the sum of ₦187,000, two HP laptops, eight slings, one knife, an external hard drive, two identity cards, one National Identity Number (NIN) card, two motorcycles, among other items.

Preliminary assessments indicate that some of these materials were intended for the construction of explosive devices, while others may have been used to facilitate coordinated criminal activities. The suspects have been identified as Adekunle Prosper (male, 56), Ojo Olumide (male, 39), Tope Kolawole (male, 40), Ahmed Salihu (male, 40), Bolaji Adebowale (male, 46), and Gbadebo Abidemi (female, 43).

Early findings from the investigation reveal that the group actively engaged in assembling IEDs allegedly intended for deployment on government infrastructures, with indications that their operations may extend beyond the state capital to other parts of country.

Further intelligence uncovered that the suspects had recently rented an apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure, which they used as a base for their activities. Notably, a document mapping out potential target locations was also recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan. The timely intervention of the police undoubtedly averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.

The Ondo State Police Command strongly condemns this act and advises house owners and property managers to carry out thorough background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their apartments, in order to prevent such premises from being used as criminal hideouts or operational bases.

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State Command, Under the leadership of Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye JP, wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of 2 suspected rapists in Akure.

In two separate cases, one Emeka Chidi Innocent, Farmer, aged 22, raped a 13 years old girl at SIB, Igbatoro area on 3rd of March, 2026. He has since been on the run until he was tracked and arrested at Idanre.

Ayodele John, Tiler, age 38, defiled a 15 years old minor in her parents’ house at Oda road, akure. The suspect committed the crime on 13th April, 2006 and was arrested on 14th April.

Both suspects have made confessional statements and will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.

The command is using this medium to inform parents and members of the public of the need to do proper profiling and checks in on their artisans. Parental duties should not be outsourced. In these cases, both suspects are known to the victims and their parents.

For any inquiries, please contact:

08075534103
Instagram: nscdc_ondo
Facebook: NSCDC Ondo State Command
email: cdcomm_ondo@nscdc.gov.ng

SC Daniel Aidamenbor fwip
Head, Media & Public Relations
NSCDC Ondo State Command
For: State Commandant

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 25-year-old woman, Nafisa Usman, in Kano for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits operating in Katsina State.
The suspect was apprehended at a major motor park in Kano with 200 rounds of ammunition concealed in garri and rice bag, reportedly procured from Nasarawa State and destined for Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina.

Security sources disclosed that Usman, a native of Zango village in Kankara, was intercepted following credible intelligence. She was allegedly caught while attempting to move the consignment for onward delivery to bandits in the Kankara forest.

She further revealed that she had been involved in the illicit trade for about two months, alleging that a man identified as “Teso,” said to be working with a soldier in Lafia, regularly supplied her with the ammunition.

She further revealed that she had been involved in the illicit trade for about two months, alleging that a man identified as “Teso,” said to be working with a soldier in Lafia, regularly supplied her with the ammunition.

Usman also alleged that she delivered the consignments to a bandit leader identified as Mallam Haruna, believed to be operating within the Kankara forest. She claimed she was introduced to the alleged bandit by one Sulaiman, a livestock trader based in Kano.

According to her, transactions carried out within the period amounted to about N5 million, with supplies also allegedly made to other individuals identified as Buba and Abu, said to be part of the bandit network.

She later confessed to have regretted her action and engagement with bandits

The post DSS ARRESTS 25- YEAR OLD WOMAN SUPPLYING AMMUNITION TO BANDITS appeared first on Germane Reporters.

Tension is mounting in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District following the killing of two local hunters by suspected bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victims were reportedly part of a local security team escorting a convoy from Oro-Ago to Oke-Oyan in the Ilere district when they were ambushed on Tuesday.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers opened fire on the hunters, killing two of them on the spot before making away with their motorcycles.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the movement of local security operatives. “These bandits seem to know the hunters and vigilantes. They are targeting them to weaken community defence,” the source said.

Despite the attack, other members of the security team were able to repel the assailants, ensuring the safety of those in the convoy.

Community members expressed growing concern over what they described as a calculated attempt by armed groups to dismantle local resistance. According to them, the continued targeting of hunters, vigilantes and forest guards could expose rural communities to more frequent attacks.

“We are no longer safe. These people are eliminating those protecting us. Government must act fast,” another resident lamented.

The latest incident comes barely days after gunmen invaded an ECWA church in Omugo, near Oro-Ago, abducting eight worshippers, including the wife of a pastor. Security operatives later rescued three of the victims.

Security concerns had earlier been raised by the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Olaitan Zubair, who warned of looming attacks in the area.

Zubair had criticised what he described as the lukewarm response of political leaders to intelligence reports, urging them to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property.

Residents are now calling for urgent deployment of more security personnel to affected communities, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal elements operating across the district.

The post Fresh Fear In Kwara As Bandits Gun Down Community Hunters, Seize motorcycles appeared first on Germane Reporters.

Justice Ahmed Gegele, who delivered the judgment, said the evidence presented in court firmly established the involvement of the two men in the crimes. “The law clearly prescribes the punishment for these offences, and the court cannot exercise discretion where justice demands a strict application of the law,” he said.

The defendants were also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and life imprisonment for kidnapping, with the sentences to run according to the provisions of the law.

During the trial, the first defendant pleaded for leniency, while the second claimed he had no knowledge of the alleged crimes and asked to be discharged and acquitted. Counsel to the defendants, Shu’aib Ibrahim, urged the court to temper justice with mercy. The prosecution, led by Muslimah Suleiman, argued that the evidence fully supported the charges and noted that neither defendant had any prior criminal record.

The case, which began on April 29, 2025, concluded with final addresses on July 30, 2025, before the judgment was delivered.

The victim, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi of Boriya in Baruten Local Government Area, had earlier testified that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million as ransom but eventually accepted N10 million before releasing him.

The judgment marks the culmination of a high-profile case that has drawn attention to the state’s firm stance against violent crimes.

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The Ondo State Government has expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping incidents in the state which has been discovered that it was orchestrated by some locals within those parts of the state and the government has directed all security agencies to crackdown on them.

2. The government is aware that the unscrupulous elements want to use the criminal activities to portray Ondo State as unsafe. Such acts are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.
3. The government has consequently directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities. Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law.
4. The government reiterates that significant investments have been made to strengthen the state’s security architecture. These include the provision of utility vehicles and other logistics support to security agencies, the construction of a state-of-the-art Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), and the recent recruitment of 500 well-trained Amotekun personnel to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the state.
5. Traditional rulers are hereby urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor activities within their domains. They are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or gatherings to the appropriate security agencies. Community-based intelligence remains a critical component in the fight against crime.
6. Residents are also advised not to remain silent in the face of suspicious activities. If you see something, say something. The protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the peace, security, and stability of our dear state.

Signed:
Hon. Idowu Ajanaku
Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

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‎‎‎COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, NUJ, ONDO STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT THE PRESS CENTRE, ALAGBAKA, AKURE
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‎The Congress convened at half past four in the evening at the Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, and presided over by the State Chairman, Leke Adegbite.
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‎It deliberated extensively on wide range of issues from political, economy, environment, to security and other issues affecting the media industry. After exhaustive deliberation, the Congress resolved as follows;
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‎1. That the Congress appreciated the Ondo State Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for yielding to the call by NUJ to convert the Owena Press Limited, a private liability company to a Corporation under the State Ministry of Information, noting that the move would automatically mainstream the staffers of the organization into the State Civil Service.

The Congress, while congratulating the workers in the organization, however called for quick passage of the execution bill which has understood the second reading at the State House of Assembly.
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‎2. That the Congress commended the Ondo State Government for the recent engagement of new staff members at the state owned Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) and called on the Government to expedite action on the absorption of contract staffers whose appointments were not regularized alongside their colleagues during the last recruitment exercise.
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‎3. That the Congress expressed concern over the worrisome security situations in some parts of the state, particularly the increasing cases commercialized kidnapping in Akure North local government area to Uso-Owo axis;

The Union called on governments, both at state and federal levels to intensify efforts at curbing the menace and ensuring that perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
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‎4. That the Congress commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the recent recruitment of additional officers into the Ondo State Security Network Organization, the Amotekun Corps, to strengthen security architecture in the state, and urged the state government to sustained its efforts at guaranteeing the safety of lives and property of the people of the state.
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‎5. That the Congress decried frequent increase in transportation fares across all routes in the state, even as the prices of petroleum products seemed stable, and called on the Ondo State Government; the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to regulate unwholesome activities of commercial drivers and to address the situation to guide against putting undue hardship on travellers.
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‎6. That the Congress frowned at the arbitrary increase in building materials and house rents across the state, particularly, in Akure, and called on the State Government to regulate activities of House Agents and dealers of building materials to ease the burden being put on residents.
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‎7. That the Congress appealed to the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission to urgently intervene in the oil-rich Eba Island boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun States, in order to prevent escalation and possible violence.

It also urged both states to exercise restraint and resolve the faceoff amicably legally.
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‎8. That the Congress condemned in strong terms the crisis that erupted during the recent political congress in Ondo state and urged politicians to exercise restraint ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also called on security agencies to investigate and ensure that culprits are prosecuted appropriately in line with the laws of the land.
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‎COMMUNIQUE DRAFTING COMMITTEE;

** Damilola Isaiah — Correspondents’ chapel

** Adebiyi Jimisayo — Federated Chapel

** Joy Pius — OSRC/Orange FM chapel

E-signed;
Olaoluwa Meshack
State Secretary.

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