Crime
Owo Massacre: A Nation Can Only Develop in Atmosphere of Peace and Harmony- IPCR
Owo Massacre: A Nation Can Only Develop in Atmosphere of Peace and Harmony- IPCR
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has condemned the killing of innocent worshippers during a church service at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State last Sunday, describing the gruesome massacre of the defenseless faithful as disheartening, despicable and barbaric.
The Institute also noted that such heinous crime is a smear on the serenity, sacredness and dignity of humanity as well as an affront to the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state.
The IPCR, in a statement on Friday by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Bakut Bakut, noted that a nation only strives and develops when citizens avoid act of criminality and stay together in peace and harmony.
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Bakut called on Nigerians to be accommodating, tolerant and receptive to one another as well as shun vices that are inimical to peace and antithetical to development.
The DG admonished that as a nation, we should let unity and oneness define us, noting that clear cut ideas that bring development are incubated in a peaceful environment.
The Institute appealed to those perpetrating all manner of violence and criminality in the country and in a way, sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government, to desist and give peace a chance given that Nigeria is the only country we can call our own. We should treasure our country as a common heritage for the present and the generation to come.
Bakut commended the security agencies especially the Armed Forces and Police who are the frontline agencies for their commitment and gallantry in maintaining peace and order. He however charged them to deploy all necessary machineries in making sure that the perpetrators of St. Patrick Catholic Church Massacre are apprehended and face the full wrath of the law.
He commiserated with the families of the victims of the unfortunate attack, the Catholic Church, the government as well as the people of Ondo State.
Owo Massacre: A Nation Can Only Develop in Atmosphere of Peace and Harmony- IPCR
Crime
One killed as rival groups clash over Donga Central Mosque in Taraba
One killed as rival groups clash over Donga Central Mosque in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between two rival groups over ownership of the Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State has claimed the life of one person and left property destroyed.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening following reports that members of the Izala Jos sect and the Danburam family were planning to forcefully gain access into the disputed mosque in Donga town.
Upon receiving intelligence about the planned confrontation, police authorities immediately summoned both parties and warned them against any act capable of breaching public peace.
In collaboration with other security agencies, personnel were deployed to the mosque to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
However, despite the intervention, both groups reportedly mobilised in large numbers, armed with dane guns, cutlasses and stones, leading to a violent clash.
Security operatives dispersed the rioters using smoke grenades, but not before one person, identified as Biliya Zakari, aged 20, of Asibiti Ward, was killed.
A temporary structure close to the mosque was also destroyed during the unrest.
Authorities said the area is now calm, though additional reinforcements have been requested to maintain peace and order.
One killed as rival groups clash over Donga Central Mosque in Taraba
Crime
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 43 Fulani herders have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks by suspected vigilante groups across parts of Kebbi and Niger States, according to community sources and local leaders.
Zagazola Makama report that the attacks, which occurred between Oct. 24 and 26, affected several rural settlements in Argungu, Arewa, and Bunza Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, where armed vigilantes reportedly invaded Fulani communities, killing dozens and setting houses ablaze.
In Lailaba District of Argungu LGA, particularly at Maini Fulani settlement, and in Bui and Tilli districts of Arewa and Bunza LGAs respectively, at least 37 people were killed, several others injured, and more than 200 houses destroyed. Many residents, including women and children, were displaced, while some persons remain missing.
Eyewitnesses said the attacks were carried out by groups of vigilantes who stormed the herders’ camps, shooting sporadically and torching homes. The violence was said to have begun on Oct. 24 in Argungu, followed by another on Oct. 25 in Bunza, and a third on Oct. 26 in Bui.
Community members alleged that the assailants came from neighbouring villages in Arewa LGA, including Yeldu District, while others involved in the Bui incident were said to have come from Tunga Bature, Tunga Tsoho, Bui, Sangela, and Danmairago villages.
Authorities in Kebbi have since visited the affected areas, promising to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The state government also assured displaced families of support and called for calm to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, similar violence was reported in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt on Sept. 21 in Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi villages.
Such acts of reprisal and mob justice could worsen communal relations and heighten insecurity across the affected states.
Reacting to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the attacks in a statement issued in Abuja by the association’s National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo.
The group described the killings and destruction of herders’ settlements as unjustified and inhumane, calling for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
MACBAN lamented that herders in the region were already contending with the activities of armed bandits locally referred to as Lakurawa, who extort illegal taxes, seize livestock, and terrorise rural dwellers.
“Now, in addition to these threats, peaceful herders are being attacked by vigilantes acting outside the law. Allowing people to take the law into their hands will only worsen insecurity across the state,” the statement warned.
The group further expressed grief over a similar incident in Niger State, where six Fulani herders were killed and more than 60 houses burnt by vigilantes on Sept. 21, 2025, in the communities of Ejjin, Runji, Majina, and Ginshi in Edati Local Government Area.
MACBAN said the violence followed a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder, after which some vigilantes mobilised and attacked herders’ homes while the herder involved was already in police custody.
The association commended the Governor of Niger State for his prompt intervention, which prevented the crisis from escalating further.
MACBAN, however, called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to urgently address the rising wave of insecurity affecting rural communities across the country, noting that the situation had severely impacted livestock rearing and farming activities.
“The security crisis in rural areas demands immediate and coordinated attention from all tiers of government to protect lives and livelihoods,” Gotomo stated.
43 herders killed in renewed vigilante attacks in Kebbi, Niger States
Crime
DSS Arrests Man Who Used Own Social Media Handle To Canvass Military Coup
DSS Arrests Man Who Used Own Social Media Handle To Canvass Military Coup
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has trailed to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma who used his social media handle to rally the military to overthrow the current government.
Posting on his “X” handle “@TheAgroman,” Chukwuma stated that a coup was needed in Nigeria and called on the military to “suspend the Nigerian government.”
He posted, “A coup in Nigeria is needed.
Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.
“It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.
“The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,” Chukwuma posted.
A source disclosed that the suspect is cooperating with DSS investigators.
DSS Arrests Man Who Used Own Social Media Handle To Canvass Military Coup
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