Crime
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
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
Crime
Nigeria: Boko Haram attacked Governor Buni’s home tomorrow, killing 36 soldiers and police officers
Nigeria: Boko Haram attacked Governor Buni’s home tomorrow, killing 36 soldiers and police officers
By: Our Reporter
At least 36 soldiers and mobile police officers were reportedly killed after Boko Haram insurgents launched coordinated attacks on two military formations in the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, northeast Nigeria.
The attacks, which occurred around 1 am on Friday, May 8, 2026, targeted the Theatre Training Centre in Buniyadi and the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari.
Soldiers who survived the attacks said that the insurgents stormed both camps almost simultaneously, forcing troops into fierce gun battles that lasted several hours.
One of the soldiers narrated that the insurgents overwhelmed parts of the formations during the midnight assault.
“My camp was attacked by Boko Haram. In 27TF BDE Buni Gari, three soldiers were killed in action, and the attack started by 1:00a.m. The Boko Haram were attacking us and, at the same time, attacking our neighboring camp,” the soldier said.
“This is in Gujba Local Government in Yobe State, at Governor Mai Mala Buni’s hometown. The names of the two camps attacked are the Theatre Training Centre Buniyadi and the 27 Task Force Brigade Buni Gari.”
Another soldier at the camp also confirmed the development, saying, “The attack happened in two locations near our neighboring camp, which was the NSF. So we were in Bunigari, which is the governor’s town. The other camp is in Buniyadi. The two camps are very close.”
“So, unfortunately, we started hearing that Boko Haram was attacking Buniyadi last night around one o’clock a.m. They started attacking them. We were preparing to go and reinforce them. Before you know it, we started hearing gunshots in our own camp too.
“So we could not go and get involved with the Buniyadi camp. Those in Buniyadi are the ones in charge of training soldiers coming to the Northeast with the police. Those are the MOPOLs. They are meant for training those people. But we are not training anybody. We are in Gujba Local Government, which is the governor’s town.”
The soldier said that although his own formation lost three soldiers, the casualty figure at the training center was significantly higher.
“But in our 27 Task Force Brigade, we lost three soldiers. There are casualties at the training center too,” he added.
“Information sharing on the platform shows that the training center has more casualties. Thirty-three people were killed: 17 mobile police officers that came for training were killed in action; 10 soldiers that came for training were killed in action, while six soldiers permanently deployed there were also killed in action. Yesterday was bloody.”
The total casualty figure from both attacks currently stands at 36, based on information obtained from military sources.
Nigeria: Boko Haram attacked Governor Buni’s home tomorrow, killing 36 soldiers and police officers
Crime
Berom Man condemns five youths caught manufacturing weapons, says act same as terrorism
Berom Man condemns five youths caught manufacturing weapons, says act same as terrorism
By: Zagazola Makama
A Berom man has condemned the alleged arrest of five youths reportedly caught manufacturing firearms, describing the act as terrorism and urging communities to refrain from supporting unlawful armed activities.
He made the remarks in a two-minute video circulating online.
He said the arrested youths were allegedly found manufacturing guns and assembling ammunition on their own, adding that such actions should not be justified under the guise of community protection.
According to him, any claim of self-defence by individuals or groups must be known to community leaders and relevant government authorities, rather than being carried out secretly by a few persons stockpiling arms.
He argued that the development amounted to terrorism and should be treated as such, insisting that the youths involved must be properly investigated to determine who they were producing the weapons for and how they were being used.
The speaker also cautioned against ethnic interpretations of the incident, noting that criminal acts should not be defended on communal or religious grounds.
He further urged members of the Berom community and other groups to openly condemn the act, warning that protests or calls for the release of suspects could be seen as complicity.
He stressed the need for full legal action against those involved, adding that communities must avoid creating what he described as “another armed group in the name of fighting insecurity.”
Below is the full transcription of his statement:
This pictures you are seeing are pictures of five Berom youths that were apprehended yesterday manufacturing guns. This is another level of terrorism that I have been talking about. Another different level of terrorism.
They have now learnt how to assemble ammunitions by themselves. I will come out and say it. Because I swear nobody sent them. In the other video that I made I said if you say that you are getting weapons to protect your community, the community head should know. The government should know, not a few individuals will just start to stockpile arms and then you will say that you are protecting your community. No, this is terrorism. These people are terrorists and there are no two ways about it.
Now you see, they have now started calling them Berom terrorists. One Berom man will be angry. Sincerely speaking, I am Berom too. But I must tell you, you should not be angry because you are being referred to as Berom terrorist, you should be angry because these are your children caught in this act. You have no right to be angry that they are calling Berom terrorists, Berom militia. This type of attitude. We have been telling you to speak to these children, stop the revenge attacks, we told you to tell these children to stop doing things that would get them into the net of the authorities like this. Because when they get caught, they will be used as an example. Now these things will be flying all over the world just to prove that the Berom people too are doing terrorism.
If anyone comes out now to say that the people of Berom are terrorists, will you say that they are not terrorists? Will you say you don’t engage in terrorism? Because definitely that is what they are doing. Ethnic profiling, we did it too. We are also coming out to say Fulani militia. Why are we saying it? Because of what they are doing. Now our children are also being caught.
If we know what is better for us, be it a Muslim, be it a Christian, it is better for us to come out and add our voice and tell the world that what the children are doing is bad. Because the truth is it is not right. And now that they have been caught like this, I am begging you because of God not to hear that our people have come out for protest because it will be very shameful. It will show that you have a hand in this.
Anyone who comes out to protest, anyone who speaks that they should be released or do anything, I swear he is complicit too in the crimes and he should be arrested and also added into their team and asked since when did you start producing weapons, who are they manufacturing them for, what are they being used for. There should be serious interrogation and they should face the full wrath of the law. All of them have no excuse whatsoever.
When they come out you will say because they are being terrorized so we are being terrorized, so then you will start making guns without anybody monitoring you. It is an act of terrorism and I hope that this thing will stop and I hope and pray that people will come out and call this out. And I keep saying we cannot create another terrorist organization in order to fight terrorism.
And you see as a Christian or a son of Berom, if you don’t come out and condemn this, if they continue like this as time goes on we are going to be the victims of this stupidity.”
Berom Man condemns five youths caught manufacturing weapons, says act same as terrorism
Crime
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Eight kidnapped victims abducted from their farmlands in Kaduna State have regained freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

Security sources said the victims arrived at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tantatu in Kajuru Local Government Area at about 9:00 a.m. on May 7.
The sources disclosed that the victims were among persons abducted on April 12 from farmlands near Kankomi village.

According to preliminary investigations, the victims were released from a terrorist camp located within Rijana Forest on May 6 before making their way to the troops’ location.

The sources said the victims were subsequently handed over to local authorities in Chikun Local Government Area for further care and necessary assistance.
Security agencies said efforts were ongoing to intensify operations against criminal groups operating within forests and rural communities across Kaduna State.
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
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