Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed attackers suspected to have come from Bandawa Gwenzo community have invaded a herders’ residence at Yompi in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing several livestock.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred late on Monday, July 7, at about 10:45 p.m., was reported by a resident of the community who said the assailants stormed the settlement and began shooting indiscriminately.

According to preliminary findings, two cows and eight sheep were killed in the attack, while four other cows and eight sheep sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Security operatives visited the scene on Tuesday morning to assess the damage and commence investigations into the incident.

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. Residents of the affected area have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

By:Michael Mike

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) has concluded plans to construct and operate a 500,000 barrel per day (BPD) refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in Ogboti, Eruuna and establish the Sunshine Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The refinery, a joint venture with the Ondo State Government represented by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will cost $15 billion, with phase one expected to be completed within 48 months.

BINL is exploring partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to facilitate the delivery of this ultra-modern crude oil refinery.

According to a statement on Wednesday. BINL has scheduled a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on July 14, 2025.

BINL and the Ondo State Government represented by ONDIPA, will then formally execute memoranda of understanding on July 15, 2025 to kick off the delivery of these projects.

According to BINL, a multi-sectoral infrastructure development company with offices in Abuja, London and Zug, this project will be phased commencing with a 100,000 refinery.

BINL’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Mr Wale Adekola, said the BINL refinery will provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products for the international market.

The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.

The development framework includes a comprehensive and strict governance structure the development of the local community in compliance with international standards and relevant laws.

According to Adekola, these projects will contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s trade deficit, conserving foreign exchange reserves, increasing government revenue and economic development.

He said at the state and local levels, these projects will create local jobs, stimulate the local economy through increased demand for goods and services, noting that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy includes community engagement programmes, such as education initiatives, local employment quotas, and infrastructure development for surrounding communities.

He revealed that the company is engaging local stakeholders early to mitigate potential opposition to the project.

BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly attack by unknown gunmen along the Bantang–Dogon Fili highway in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State has left one person dead, three others injured, and one abducted.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 7, when armed assailants ambushed commuters traveling in a Toyota Picnic vehicle.

One of the victims, identified as Iliya John, aged 38, from Dogon Fili Village, was reportedly attacked with machetes and other weapons and later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Kafanchan. Two other occupants of the vehicle, James Ishaya, 39, and Elisha Mallam, 38, both from Antang Village, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Another victim, Danladi Idris, 35, from Lere LGA, who was driving a Zevera vehicle was abducted during the attack and taken to an unknown location.

Following swift intervention by a combined team of security operatives and community vigilantes, the kidnapped victim was successfully rescued and has been receiving medical attention.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the family for burial in accordance with Christian rites after the family declined a post-mortem examination.

Security operatives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one