Tension at UMTH as patients, relatives locked out by security officer

By: Zagazola Makama

A tense situation is unfolding at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) after the Chief Security Officer, Mr Izge Ibrahim, allegedly ordered a total lockdown of the gates, preventing patients and their families from gaining access.

The action, which has left hundreds of patients and relatives stranded outside, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of those on admission.

Families lamented that they were barred from delivering food and essential items to their loved ones, after Ibrahim allegedly introduced a controversial directive banning meals in food flasks, describing them as “a new way of stealing.”

The development has thrown patients into hunger and distress, with some reportedly left without meals for hours. Relatives who spoke to Zagazola described the order as inhuman, reckless, and life-threatening.

“This is wickedness. How can a man come in and suddenly shut down the hospital gate, blocking us from seeing our sick relatives? People are starving inside. Patients need food and care, not punishment,” one aggrieved relative said.

Zagazola observed chaotic scenes at the hospital entrance, as desperate relatives argued and pleaded with security personnel while patients inside reportedly cried for help. The situation created an atmosphere of anger and fear, with growing concern that lives could be endangered if urgent action is not taken.

As at the time of filing this report, the hospital management has not made any official statement on the matter.
End

Four killed, 15 injured as rival cult groups clash in Anambra

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast four persons have been killed and 15 others injured following a suspected cult-related attack in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

Sources said that the attack occurred late on Thursday during a family meeting ahead of the burial of one Uche Ndilika, a plumber and alleged member of the Aye cult group.

“Armed men suspected to be cultists stormed the gathering at Ezi village, Ogidi, and opened fire on the mourners.

“Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ogidi, responded swiftly and rushed the victims to Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital, where four were confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

“Fifteen others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and are receiving treatment at Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital and Twinkle Hospital, Ogidi,” the sources said.

The sources said 16 expended cartridges were recovered at the scene of the attack.

The sources added that preliminary investigations linked the assailants to the rival Bagger cult group, noting that detectives had commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Four killed, 15 injured as rival cult groups clash in Anambra

Police alert as Boko Haram insurgents sighted in Yobe after false report of attack

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Yobe has raised an alert after suspected Boko Haram insurgents were sighted in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists were sighted on Thursday, about 25 motorcycles and two gun trucks carrying armed insurgents were spotted around Mafa bush area of Tarmuwa, the same location that was rumored to have been attacked by Boko Haram with a claim that 84 persons were buried.

In a statement published on Thursday, titled “ No attack, no mass burial in Yobe” the newspaper confirmed that no such incident occurred in Yobe State on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, or in recent times.

The reported event, it stated, actually took place last year. “The error arose from a mix-up. We acknowledge the mistake and deeply regret the mix-up,” the statement said. The newspaper further apologised to the government and people of Yobe State, particularly the Mafa community, for the distress caused by the report. Apologies were also extended to readers for any confusion created.

However, it was gathered from sources
that hourz after the report circulated, there was a misunderstanding among the insurgents which led to an exchange of gunfire, though the cause of the fracas remained unknown.

Consequently, following the report, troops of Operation HADIN KAI were alerted to heightened vigilance and awareness around Babangida and Yobe state.

The sources said also that all Divisional Police Officers in adjoining locations have also been directed to remain on high alert while the area is under close surveillance.

Police alert as Boko Haram insurgents sighted in Yobe after false report of attack