Crime
Renewed violence in Otukpko as Fulani harder killed, over 20 cows slaughtered in Benue
Renewed violence in Otukpko as Fulani harder killed, over 20 cows slaughtered in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension has been building up in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State following a disturbing wave of coordinated attacks that claimed the life of a Fulani herder and led to the killing of more than 20 cows across several communities, in a dangerous escalation of violence and a troubling sign of institutional failure.
Zagazola gathered that the incident, which occurred between Dec. 4 and 5, resonates across Ondo, Ogobia, Ugboju and Otukpo Nobi areas already struggling with periodic communal hostilities. What is raising even more concern is an allegation of compromised handling of a key suspect by a the security agency, a move that has angered community members and reverberated fears of further reprisals.
The crisis deepened on Friday, Dec. 5, when armed men from the Ondo community in Ogobia reportedly laid an ambush for a Fulani herder, Hassan Sule, popularly known as Alhaji Foder. Reliable local sources said the victim was riding a motorcycle with one of his labourers to check on his cattle when the attackers opened fire.
The labourer escaped with injuries, but Foder was shot dead instantly.
In the moments that followed, panic spread among Fulani families in the area, prompting them to alert troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at the Ogobia military post. The soldiers immediately mobilised and accompanied the herders to recover the body.
But, according to eyewitnesses, the attackers struck again. as the joint team advanced, gunmen allegedly launched a second ambush, believing only Fulani herders were approaching.
“The soldiers returned fire instantly and overpowered them,” a source familiar with the operation said. “One of the attackers was arrested alive and disarmed.” The arrest was expected to be a breakthrough in identifying the masterminds of the attacks — until events took an alarming turn.
The arrested suspect was handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogoli/Ogboju for interrogation. But in a move that has stunned both the Fulani community. It was reported that the DPO allegedly released the suspect less than an hour after receiving him.
The Fulani Leaders alleged that when community representatives questioned the rationale for the sudden release, the DPO dismissed their concerns, saying the military had “no right” to arrest and hand suspects to him, insisting he “knew how to do his work.”
The decision, described as reckless and provocative, further fuelled anger in the already charged environment.
The killing of the herder came barely 24 hours after a separate attack on Dec. 4, when armed youths from Otukpo Nobi allegedly invaded grazing locations and killed more than 20 cows belonging to Fulani herders. Several animals were also reportedly injured.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter, confirmed the series of attacks, describing them as coordinated, unprovoked and aimed at instigating a wider crisis.
In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the association said: “These persistent and unprovoked attacks constitute a serious threat to peace, security and inter-community harmony.
“Our member, Hassan Sule, was killed in cold blood, and over 20 cows were slaughtered. Worse still, the suspect arrested by the Army was released without investigation.”
MACBAN demanded the immediate re-arrest of the released suspect, a full-scale investigation into the killing and destruction of livestock, and deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks.
The association expressed anger over what it called “a dangerous failure of policing,” insisting that such actions embolden attackers and undermine fragile peace efforts.
Zagazola warned that failure to swiftly address the situation and hold perpetrators accountable could provoke retaliatory attacks and further destabilise the area as the atmosphere remains tense, with both communities accusing each other of provocation.
Reacting, a Police Sources who spoke to Zagazola and preferred to be anonymous said the report he saw was that “On 05/12/2025 at about 0830hrs, one Alh. Usman Amodu ‘m’, Fulani, of Onyilaba Ukpobi in Ohimini LGA, reported to the DPO Ogoli that on the same date, one Alh. Forda ‘m’ (surname yet unknown), Fulani, was attacked and killed in the bush by unknown armed gunmen numbering about eight.
He said that the DPO Ogoli mobilised a patrol team with detectives to the scene. The corpse was photographed, removed and deposited at the mortuary.
He added that the nearby bushes were thoroughly combed and efforts were ongoing to identify and track the suspects for arrest.
The sources however said he was not aware of any arrest of suspect made and their release by the DPO as alleged by the leaders of the Fulani.
Renewed violence in Otukpko as Fulani harder killed, over 20 cows slaughtered in Benue
Two additional ISWAP prominent Qaids neutralised in Sambisa air strikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Two additional prominent qaids of the ISWAP have been confirmed neutralised in the recent precision air strikes conducted at Yuwe in the Sambisa general area of Borno.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the two senior terrorist leaders killed in the strikes are Ali G3, identified as the qaid in charge of Yuwe, and Abdullahi Muga, also a qaid within the group’s command structure.
Their deaths come after initial reports confirmed the neutralisation of other key figures, including Saddam and Saleh Garin Kago, both described as senior commanders, as well as Hussaini Ubaida and Ba Alayi Benbem.
The air interdiction mission was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI at about 6:08 a.m. on Friday following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) on structures identified as terrorist command hideouts and logistics warehouses within the Yuwe axis.
“Upon confirmation of the targets, the aircraft acquired and engaged the selected objectives with precision-guided munitions,” a source said.
Post-strike battle damage assessment indicated that the identified command hubs and logistics facilities were effectively destroyed, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the terrorists in the Sambisa corridor.
The sources added that the earlier-mentioned commanders have also been confirmed dead, while efforts are underway to obtain the identities of other prominent qaids and ISWAP commanders believed to have been neutralised during the operation.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist leadership structures and consolidating recent gains in the North-East.
Two additional ISWAP prominent Qaids neutralised in Sambisa air strikes
Troops repels bandits’ attack in Katsina, two injured
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits on Unguwar Sani Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:28 p.m. on March 1, following a distress call received from residents of the community.
According to the source, a joint security forces were swiftly deployed to the village, where they encountered the hoodlums in a gun duel.
“The troops intercepted the armed men and engaged them in an exchange of gunfire, forcing the bandits to retreat into the bush,” the source said.
It was later discovered that two residents, identified as Isiya Alhaji Sale, 40, and Rabilu Abdulhamid, 25, sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
The victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Sabuwa, for medical attention.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops repels bandits’ attack in Katsina, two injured
12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead
By: Michael Mike
A maritime tragedy has struck off the South African coastline after a Nigerian tugboat, LEO, sank in turbulent waters late Saturday night, leaving one crew member confirmed dead, five missing, and 12 others rescued in a coordinated emergency response.
The vessel, which had travelled to South Africa for repairs, was reportedly heading back to Lagos with 18 persons onboard when it ran into severe storm conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban. The rough seas forced the tug aground before it eventually went under.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.
According to her, one fatality has been recorded, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.
“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” the minister said, adding that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is leading rescue efforts. She disclosed that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular support.
Maritime sources indicate that the southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is notorious for sudden weather shifts and heavy swells, conditions that can quickly overwhelm vessels — particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.
While the immediate focus remains on locating the missing crew members, questions are expected to arise regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, the intensity of the storm, and whether distress signals were transmitted in time to facilitate rescue.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is reportedly working closely with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families back home, as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.
As search operations continue against the backdrop of unpredictable seas, the incident underscores the persistent risks faced by maritime operators navigating some of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.
Further details are expected as South African authorities provide updates on rescue efforts and investigative findings.
12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead
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