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Black Sunday: Catholic priest burned to death in Niger

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Black Sunday: Catholic priest burned to death in Niger

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Isaac Achi, has been burned to death in his residence at Kafin Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The late Rev Father Achi, until his death, was the Kafin Koro Deanery of the Minna Diocese of Niger state and the Reverend Father in charge of St. Peter’s and Paul Catholic Kafin Koro.

According to a source close to Kafin Koro, the gunmen in their numbers stormed the uphill residence of the deceased Rev. Father which is about one Kilometer from the main town around 1:00 am and surrounded his house.

After about an hour of fruitless effort to force their way into the house, the gunmen were said to have poured Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly refers to as petrol around the house before setting it ablaze.

His assistant, whose name was given as Rev Father Collins, was shut on his leg while trying to escape from the fire and he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical fertility in Minna, the state capital.

It was gathered that while the gunmen were trying to get access into the house, the deceased, according to our source, put a distress call to a family member who alerted the Divisional Police Office in charge of Kafin Koro Division but the gunmen were said to have outnumbered the police.

It was further gathered that the gunmen, after setting the building on fire, waited until it was razed down to ashes with the late Reverend Father inside before taking their leave without any challenge.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command was yet to issue a statement on the incident, but the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Umar, confirmed the murder of the Catholic Priest but said the security agents have been mobilised to the area.

It could be recalled that the late Reverend Father Isaac Achi, a native of Kafin Koro, survived the December 2011 bombing of Saint Theresa Catholic Church, Madella in the Suleja local government area of the state.

Two years later in 2013, the late Reverend Father escaped another kidnap attempt when the gunmen invaded his residence.

Black Sunday: Catholic priest burned to death in Niger

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Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

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Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the bodies of four herders allegedly killed by local youths in a reprisal attack in Kamantan Chiefdom, Kaduna State.

Security sources said the incident followed a kidnapping episode at Zuturuntinta village, where the herders were reported missing.

The sources disclosed that troops received intelligence on April 4 indicating that the victims were attacked and killed while relocating with their cattle to a safer location on the same night of the incident.

“They were reportedly intercepted and attacked by some angry youths, allegedly in retaliation for the death of a local during the kidnapping incident,” the source said.

Following the report, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area requested military assistance to mobilise the community for a search operation to locate the missing herders.

Troops were immediately deployed to the village, where they convened a meeting with community members, including the village head.

The village head was said to have provided local hunters and members of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) to support the search alongside troops and Fulani representatives.

During the operation, troops identified multiple indicators suggesting the herders had been killed.

“Following blood trails, troops discovered a shallow grave where the four victims were buried,” the source added.

Items recovered at the scene included two mobile phones.

The remains of the victims were reburied at the same location in accordance with Islamic rites, with the consent of their families and Fulani community leaders.

The Sector Commander has directed community leaders to produce those responsible for the killings not later than Wednesday to face justice and help restore peace in the area.

Troops have since been deployed to reinforce security and prevent possible reprisal attacks.

Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

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Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

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Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered suspected rustled cattle during a night patrol in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the recovery was made on April 3 at about 10:05 p.m. following intelligence on the movement of suspected cattle rustlers along Suma Ruga Rakwok village axis.

It was gathered that troops deployed at Kanse laid an ambush along a bush path in the area.

On sighting the troops, the rustlers reportedly abandoned the cattle and fled into the surrounding bush.

The recovered livestock have been secured, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number and identify the rightful owners.

Sources added that Fulani community leaders would be contacted to facilitate proper identification and handover of the cattle.

Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

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Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

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Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation UDO KA have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim during a search-and-rescue operation in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted on April 3 at about 6:05 a.m. following a distress call from the Nigeria Police, Obolo Division, based on a report by the Ezimo Community Neighbourhood Watch.

It was gathered that the troops, drawn from 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, made contact with the suspected kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle.

One of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush.

During exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued the kidnapped victim.

Items recovered at the scene included six mobile phones, a power bank, a torchlight, energy drinks, clothing and food items.

The corpse of the neutralised suspect and the rescued victim were handed over to the police for further action.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure the area remains secure.

Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

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