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The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

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The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

In times of crisis, the greatest threats are often believed to come from outside terrorists, kidnappers, or criminals lurking in the shadows. Yet, as the tragic murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State reveals, sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one within.

Father Okechukwu was not just a clergyman; he was a man who dedicated his life to service and faith. But even within the sanctity of his home, danger lurked. The person who orchestrated his abduction and eventual murder was not a faceless criminal from a distant land, but someone who shared his living space.

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN made a major breakthrough on March 25, 2025, when they arrested the killers of Father Okechukwu. Acting on intelligence, security forces raided the hideout of the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere Local Government Area (LGA). Under questioning, Yau confessed that he had been contracted to carry out the abduction by none other than Douglas Henry a man who lived under the same roof as the slain priest.

The revelation was as chilling as it was tragic. Douglas Henry, a man trusted enough to share a home with the priest, had allegedly masterminded the crime. Acting swiftly, troops proceeded to Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA, where Henry was arrested. Both suspects are now in custody, undergoing further interrogation.

The brutal murder of Father Okechukwu forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: sometimes, the greatest threats do not come from strangers but from those closest to us. The concept of the enemy within is not new, but it is one that continues to haunt societies worldwide. Whether it is betrayal within families, workplaces, or communities, the pain of being harmed by someone trusted cuts deeper than any wound inflicted by an outsider.

In this case, Father Okechukwu’s killers were not unknown bandits roaming the forests; they were people who knew his routines, his vulnerabilities, and, tragically, his kindness. It is a chilling reminder that while we often look outward for danger, we must also be vigilant about those within our circles.

The arrest of the suspects is a victory for security forces, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Nigerians, particularly those in positions of service and leadership, must exercise caution in their interactions and associations. The rising cases of kidnappings and assassinations orchestrated by trusted associates are a stark warning loyalty is not always guaranteed, and familiarity does not always mean safety.

This case also point to the need for improved intelligence gathering and communal vigilance. Security forces can only do so much; communities must play their part by reporting suspicious activities and individuals. Trust is essential in any society, but blind trust can be dangerous.

The enemy within is often the hardest to detect, but it is also the most dangerous. As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, it is crucial that people remain vigilant not just against external threats, but also against those who might be hiding in plain sight.

The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna

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Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno

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Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Eight police personnel and eight other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries in a motor vehicle accident along the Rann–Maiduguri axis in Borno State.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Musene village in Ngala Local Government Area.

The source said the accident involved a Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle conveying police personnel escorting electoral materials and officials of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) from Rann to Maiduguri, and a Sharon car.

According to the source, the vehicles had a head-on collision due to poor visibility caused by heavy dust along the road.

The injured police personnel were all attached to Kal-Balge Division.

The source added that eight passengers in the Sharon car, including an immigration officer whose identity was not disclosed, also sustained injuries.

Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ngala led a Motor Traffic Department (MTD) team to the scene, where photographs and relevant measurements were taken.

The sources said that all the injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Ngala, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, the source said.

The case is under investigation.

Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno

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10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen

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10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen

By: Zagazola Makama

Tension heightened in Gero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, following the killing and injury of livestock in an attack against Fulani allegedly carried out by Berom militias, an incident residents warned could trigger another round of reprisals across the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed grazing areas around Gero village and opened fire on cattle belonging to Fulani herders.

According to the sources, no fewer than 10 cattle were killed on the spot, while 12 others sustained fatal injuries and were later abandoned.

Community leaders described the attack as part of a growing pattern of unreported violence against pastoral communities in Jos South and adjoining local government areas.The attack at Gero is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been happening quietly, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The sources alleged that repeated complaints to authorities had yielded little response, accusing the Plateau State Government of reacting mainly to incidents from one side of the conflict.

Zagazola reports that the Gero incident came amid heightened tension following a series of violent episodes across Plateau in recent days, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas.

In one of the most disturbing incidents, four children were killed on Thursday in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA, in a reprisal attack linked to earlier assaults on pastoral communities and large-scale cattle rustling.

The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.

The reprisal followed coordinated attacks in which more than 160 cattle were reportedly rustled in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs, while several others died after grazing on poisoned substances in Riyom LGA.

Zagazola report that concern of recent narratives suggesting bandits were planning fresh attacks ahead of the Christmas season failed to reflect the realities on the ground. Many of these reprisals are being triggered by killings, cattle rustling and livestock poisoning that go largely unreported, some allegedly involving government-supported militias,” another source said.

Zagazola warned that unless the government intervened decisively by investigating all attacks, arresting perpetrators irrespective of affiliation and addressing grievances on all sides, Plateau would continue to slide into more violence.

“We fear another round of reprisals if these issues are ignored. Innocent people, especially women and children, who dont know anything always pay the price,” the source added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government and security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the Gero village incident.

10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen

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Gunmen kill police inspector, two others in Nassarawa, cart away rifle

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Gunmen kill police inspector, two others in Nassarawa, cart away rifle

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have killed a police inspector and two civilians during an attack on a patrol team in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the police have confirmed.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Dec. 14, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m. along Ajimaka Village road en route to Rukubi town.

According to the sources, the patrol team, attached to Operation Restore Peace and led by Inspector Jampi Mbursa, was ambushed by a group of unidentified gunmen while on routine patrol alongside vigilante members.

“The assailants shot Inspector Jampi Mbursa, as well as two other persons identified as Julius Igbogh and Raphaeal Julius, all from Ajimaka Village,” the sources said.

The attackers reportedly carted away the inspector’s AK-47 rifle containing 30 rounds of live ammunition before fleeing the scene.

The victims were rushed to Rukubi General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

The police said efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen firearm and arrest those responsible for the attack.
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