•14 arrested as gov suspends security corps boss, illegal vigilante groups

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Sunday, strongly condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The CDS pledged, as the Edo State government said, that Governor Monday Okpehbolo had reached out to the victims’ families, the Hausa community leaders in the state, and the northern governors about the incident.

About 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the tragic incident.

A mob killed the hunters in Uromi, Edo State, last Thursday while travelling to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.

The incident was said to have happened when the truck conveying them was stopped by a vigilante group, and the men who were found with dane guns were lynched by the interceptors who mistook them for kidnappers.

No fewer than 16 victims were set ablaze, while 10 were rescued by the police. Those who died in the incident were buried on Saturday.

The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers.

In a statement on Sunday by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS stated that the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.

It read, “Gen Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.

“Gen Musa condoled with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”

He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.

Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served.

The statement added, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authority in matters that affect security. The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.

“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”

He warned vigilante groups, hunters and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.

Musa also admonished local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, Department of State Services, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.

Security chief suspended

Meanwhile, Okpehbolo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), over the March 27 killing of the 16 travellers.

The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state in a statement on Sunday.

The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.

“Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd). It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.

“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.

“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and 14 persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”

The state government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.

“In the meantime, the government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.

“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.

Okpebholo peace efforts

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, said the governor has reached out to the Hausa community to let them know that he is not in support of the act.

He explained that Okpehbolo has also charged the security operatives to ensure that such an occurrence does not take place again.

“I am sure the action the governor has taken will deter the aggrieved party from carrying out reprisal attacks because this is what usually happens.

“But such a reprisal is precipitated by delay in doing the right thing by bringing those involved to book. If they kill your person and you see those involved are being dealt with, it will reduce your desire to carry out reprisal attacks.

“But if they are allowed to walk freely, that will amount to calling the bluff of the aggrieved party. The police and other security agencies are also aware that occurrences like this breed reprisal attacks.

“On the side of the governor, he has instructed a thorough investigation because he sees the killing as barbaric and it is wrong for people to take laws into their own hands,” he stated.

On whether Okpebholo had reached out to the Northern governors, Ohonbamu said, “Senator Okpehbolo belongs to the Governor’s Forum, and I am sure that he has reached out to them to let them know the actions he has taken and the one he will take, which will not be made known to the public.

“It could have happened in another state, and I am sure the same step will also have been taken to douse tension.

“The first thing that will gladden the hearts of Northern governors is that the Edo State Government has shown that it is against the killing. He rushed down from Abuja by road to the scene of the incident, warned the people and promised that justice will be done.”

Sanusi wants justice

In a related development, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sañusi II, warned the youth in the state against reprisals, reminding them that revenge is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The monarch gave the warning during the Eid prayer sermon at the Kano Eid ground, Kofar Mata in Kano, on Sunday.

The Eid prayer was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, his entourage, and a large gathering of the Muslim faithful.

He called on the people of the state, especially the youths, to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful coexistence, stressing that any act of vengeance would undermine the pursuit of justice and destabilize the community.

The monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served for the Kano indigenes who were brutally killed in Edo State.

Sanusi emphasized the importance of justice in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

He said, “This matter must not be allowed to go unpunished. Justice must be done to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace.”

The Emir extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, urging them to seek redress through lawful and peaceful means.

He reminded the grieving families that justice can only be achieved through proper legal channels. The Eid prayer was conducted peacefully across the state.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, similarly condemned the brutal killing of the Hausa hunters, stressing that Nigerians should be free to live anywhere in the country without fear of intimidation and harassment.

The monarch spoke on Sunday after observing this year’s Eid-il-fitr prayer alongside many Muslims in Iwo.

Oba Akanbi, while praying for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu, called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan and not go back to the habits they dropped during Ramadan.

Oba Akanbi said, “I condemned the jungle justice on the Fulani hunters. They are Nigerians, and Nigerians should be protected at all times, anywhere. ‘’

CAN condemn act

The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also flayed the mob action, describing it as lawless and a grave violation of human rights.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep sorrow over the extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and stronger law enforcement measures.

“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner. Our thoughts are also with all families affected by recent acts of violence and injustice across Nigeria.

“These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law. The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served,” the statement partly read.

Okoh also called on Nigerians to unite for peace and security in the face of the current challenges while calling on the government to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practise charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division.

“Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and ensure the perpetrators face justice. Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation,” he added.

The President highlighted the shared values between Christianity and Islam and further called on religious and community leaders to discourage mob violence and promote understanding among different faiths, while reaffirming the body’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing the need for a society where every life is valued and protected under the rule of law.

“As we extend our goodwill on this special occasion, let us all embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect. These values are the foundation of a society where justice prevails, and every life is protected,” the statement read.

The National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, described the act as “barbaric and ungodly,” emphasising that even if the victims were mistaken for kidnappers, it was unacceptable for the people to take the law into their own hands.

Bakare appealed for calm, urging against reprisal attacks and emphasizing that “two wrongs cannot make a right.”

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

Bakare said, “We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act of killing travellers under any circumstances.

“Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.

“We urge that a thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be. We appeal against reprisals because two wrongs won’t make a right. Our prayers are with the families of the victims.”

Also, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that Nigerians should coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, spoke on Saturday in Ayede Ekiti during the Second Ramadan Annual Lecture he organised in honour of the National Vice President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.

Rotimi said, “Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of our cultural and traditional differences. There must be love and harmony among us.

“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti North I) Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travellers in Edo State. We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” the lawmaker said.

Edo Hausa community

The Head of Hausa Community in Edo State, Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, said that his people had been advised not to take laws into their own hands, pointing out that the government is taking steps to bring to book all those connected with the crime.

He said his members had been told to remain crime as the security agencies have arrested some of the perpetrators, adding that they are apprising their people in the North of the situation.

He said, “We have told our people not to take laws into their hands. We have seen the action of the government and we can see that they are not relenting, which has made us calm.

“We have also spoken to our people in the North and have told them that the situation is under control and that Governor Okpehbolo is working to ensure that those that committed the crime are brought to book. The governor’s action gives us joy.

“We were there with the security agencies when the governor came to Uromi on Friday. The police, the DSS and the fourth brigade commander were all there. We commend their effort.

“The police are already going after the people that committed the crime, and some have already been arrested. We are sure that anyone that has something to do with the killing will be prosecuted.”

In the same vein, the Secretary of the Arewa Community in the 17 southern states and the Senior Special Assistant to Gov Dapo Abiodun on Inter Ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sani, assured that the condemnable killing of 16 Hausa hunters would not lead to reprisal attacks in any part of the country.

He said that engagement has already been activated to ensure that nothing disrupts the peaceful coexistence between the Hausas and other ethnic groups in the southern part of the country.

Sani, who condemned this unfortunate incident, describing it as disheartening and barbaric, however, said that such lawless incident should not be used as a yardstick to generalise the southern Nigeria ties with the northerners

“However, we can assure the good people of Ogun State that there can’t be any reprisal attack as we are sensitizing our people on the effort taken so far by the government to bring the perpetrators to book.

“Such effort includes Edo State governor leading a delegation to the community to sympathize with them and direct on immediate arrest of the perpetrators, which is ongoing.

“Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. There is also obvious evidence of a series of arrests of the alleged perpetrators.

“As an Arewa Community regional representative and peaceful coexistence expert, we cannot allow this issue to degenerate into regional conflict, rather, we will ensure the security agencies should do their job diligently to ensure the perpetrators face the law and justice is been served accordingly to prevent future occurrences.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur  Muhammad-Baba, in Kaduna on Sunday,  condemned the Edo incident, describing it as part of a larger pattern of attacks and harassment of Northerners in Southern Nigeria.

“The tragic incident at Uromi, Edo State, cannot be isolated from the pattern of ethnic profiling and vigilante meted out to Northerners as they seek to eke out livelihoods in Southern Nigeria,” the group alleged.

The President of the Southern Youth Association of Nigeria, Pastor Okikiola Fayomi, joined others in calling on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

Fayomi, while sympathising with the families of the victims, urged the northerners to also ensure that this condemnable act did not trigger any form of reprisal attack that could hurt the much cherished peaceful coexistence in the country.

PDP slams Okpebholo

But the Edo State People’s Democratic Party Caretaker Committee said the suspension of Ibadin is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

The Publicity Secretary of the committee, Chris Nehikare, in a statement, said the incident indicated deep-rooted inefficiencies of the state’s security outfit.

“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed,’’ the party pointed out.

To avoid a reoccurrence and prove the security in the state, the PDP called for a comprehensive audit and overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said the command had begun an investigation into a shooting incident involving a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force that resulted in the death of a 400-level student of the Federal University, Dutsinma, in the state to apprehend the perpetrator.

Sadiq made this known in a statement on Monday in Katsina.

According to the statement, “The Katsina Police Command has commenced an investigation into a shooting incident involving a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The incident resulted in the injury of an okada rider and the death of a 400-level student of the Federal University Dutsinma.

“Preliminary reports indicate that on February 23, 2025, at approximately 11:26 am, a commercial motorcycle rider conveying a passenger, Sa’idu Abdulkadir, was flagged down by a team of CJTF members in a Hilux vehicle. One of the JTF members fired at the victims, causing gunshot injuries.

“Detectives promptly responded to the scene and rushed the victims to Dutsinma General Hospital. Sa’idu was later referred to the Orthopedic Hospital Katsina, where he was certified dead on arrival.”

He stated that the command was deeply concerned about the incident and was committed to ensuring justice was served, noting that “We are working closely with the school management and other stakeholders to identify and arrest the suspects. Further developments will be communicated in due course”, he said.

Earlier, TheNigerian Metro reported that the management of the university had, on Monday, shut down the school following violent protests by students over the killing of their colleague.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told our correspondent in Katsina on Monday morning that “some officials of the CJTF shot two students in error, thinking they were bandits’ informants.

“One of the students died on the spot while the other one was shot in the leg and has since been taken for medical attention in a nearby hospital.

“Following this development, students have been involved in violent protests since yesterday when the incident happened and they took to the streets in Dutsinma, burning vehicles as well vandalising property.”

Meanwhile, the Offa Descendants’ Union under the leadership of Alhaji Muideen Olaniyi Azeez-Salako, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic shooting of Abdulkadir Saheed, from Offa, a 400-level student of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the Federal University Dutsin-ma, who was killed by vigilante operatives.

In a statement on Monday, the group stated, “The ODU described the act as a heinous and wicked crime, emphasising that such actions are unacceptable and that those responsible will face not only human justice but also divine retribution.

“According to reports, the incident occurred when the vigilante operatives attempted to stop an Okada (motorcycle) rider. The rider, however, refused to comply with their instructions and continued moving. In response, the operatives discharged their weapons, tragically striking and killing Abdulkadir Saheed. The Okada rider sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalised in critical condition.’

TheNigerian Metro reported on Sunday that the Ogun State Police Command said it had launched an investigation into the murder of Alfa Mustapha, a 50-year-old farm worker whose lifeless body was discovered on his farm in Ageri Village, near Olodo, Odeda Local Government Area.

The deceased was reportedly shot at close range by an unidentified assailant.

The spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the Chief Imam of Ageri Mosque, Moshood Mustapha, reported the case to the police outstation in Olodo at about 6:30 pm on Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has vowed to re-arrest the two fleeing suspects initially arrested in connection with the killing of the member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

The CP made the vow when he received the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, alongside other members of the House and high-ranking officials of political parties in the state, at the Police Headquarters, Awka, on Wednesday.

Azuka, who was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, while returning home for Christmas, was found dead with his lifeless body found on the Second Niger Bridge, on February 6, 2025.

His remains were buried on Saturday.

But in a shocking turn of events, the spokesman for the police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the two suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder had escaped some days ago.

Ikenga, in a press statement on Tuesday, said the suspects escaped when they led police operatives to arrest

Their escape was officially announced by the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement on Tuesday.

But during the meeting with the members of the state Assembly, Orutugu called for calm and assured the delegation that the Command is taking all necessary steps to ensure the re-arrest of the fleeing suspect and that justice will be served.

He said, “The command is taking all necessary steps to ensure the rearrest of the fleeing suspects, and justice will be served.

“We are committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the security architecture of the state.”

The CP further briefed the delegation on the measures already implemented to apprehend the two suspects currently at large, as well as the disciplinary actions initiated against the officers involved in the regrettable incident.

Among those in attendance were the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze; the Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme; Jude Ifenanyi Umennajiego; the State Chairman of the Labour Party; and other senior political delegates.

The meeting concluded with a solemn one-minute silence in honour of the late Honourable Justice Azuka.

Some personnel of the Anambra State Police Command are under investigation following the disappearance of two suspects held in connection with the killing of the member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and his lifeless body was found on the Second Niger Bridge, on February 6, 2025.

Thereafter, the police command subsequently arrested about nine suspects in connection with the murder.

But in a shocking turn of events, two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of the lawmaker were said to have escaped from the hands of the police a few days after their arrest.

The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, officially announced their escape in a press statement on Tuesday.

Ikenga said the suspects disappeared somewhere in the Obosi community in Idemili North LGA when they led police operatives from Awkuzu command in an operation to arrest the receiver of the stolen vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities.

He said, “Although the receiver of the vehicles was arrested, and two vehicles were recovered, the two suspects fled the scene. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has already ordered a manhunt on the fleeing suspects.”

Speaking further with our correspondent over the telephone, on Wednesday, Ikenga, who disclosed that the suspects escaped on February 8, confirmed that all operatives involved in the operation during which the incident happened were currently at the State Police Command Headquarters undergoing debriefing.

He said although the suspects were handcuffed at the time of their escape, the area where they fled was swampy, which may have aided their movement, adding that the command is thoroughly investigating the details of how they escaped to avoid a recurrence.

He said, “Disciplinary actions are already being taken to address any negligence involved. The CP has assured that anyone found culpable will not go unpunished. As that goes on, a part of our main priority now remains to re-arrest the fleeing suspects and ensure that they face justice.

“The suspects have not yet been declared wanted because the police are following due process. Declaring someone wanted is a process. We must exhaust all investigative options first.

“However, we are also working towards obtaining a court order to formally declare them wanted.”

While describing the incident as “very unfortunate”, Ikenga, however, reiterated that the state police command had nothing to hide, emphasising that security remains a collective responsibility.

He, however, explained that the command had nine suspects in custody in connection with the murder of the lawmaker and other heinous crimes.

He said, “The command arrested nine suspects in connection with the murder but during interrogation, two of these suspects, who played key roles in the crime, provided information about their sponsor, as well as their meeting point and location where they used to keep their operational vehicles.

“In a follow-up investigation, operatives took the two suspects to the location they identified as their meeting point with their sponsor and receiver of stolen items in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area. The goal was to arrest this notorious individual and dismantle their network. Unfortunately, during the operation, the two suspects escaped.

“Despite the escape, the police successfully arrested the criminal gang’s sponsor and receiver as was identified by the suspects. In addition to the arrest of the sponsor, two operational vehicles used in the abduction and murder of the lawmaker —a black Lexus 350 SUV and a black Toyota RAV4— were also recovered during the operation that night.”

He added that the arrested individual, whose full identity will be made public in due time, was the main financier of the group, providing them with operational tools and logistics.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, has demanded the immediate re-arrest of the criminals at all costs.

Udeze, in a statement he released on Wednesday, following the announcement of their escape, expressed his disappointment at the development, urging the police to take all necessary measures to ensure that the escaped suspects were re-arrested and brought to justice.

The statement read, “The attention of the Anambra State House of Assembly has been drawn to a press release by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announcing that two of the arrested suspects in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka of Onitsha 1 State Constituency escaped during an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used in their criminal activities.

“The state House of Assembly deeply regrets this unfortunate development, which casts a shadow over the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the police have been handling the investigation. The position of the state legislature is clear: the fleeing suspects must be tracked and apprehended at all costs.

“I, therefore, call on the state Commissioner of Police to redouble his efforts and take all necessary measures to ensure that the escaped suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. The state police should immediately declare them wanted and publish their full names, addresses, and photographs to enlist public support in tracking them down.”

The Delta State Police Command has assured residents of Mosogar and Oghara communities in Ethiope West Local Government Area, that the command is investigating the incident that led to the mob killing of two youths said to be suspected kidnappers.

TheNigerian Metro gathered that the mob had last Thursday in Mosogar whisked away, beaten and set ablaze the two youths.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, while speaking with journalists in Warri on Wednesday, noted that “the police are on the trail of the vigilante leader and community leader who masterminded the mob action.”

According to the police spokesman, “Some lawless vigilante personnel from Mosogar had gone to a community in Oghara and abducted three persons, claiming they were kidnappers but one of the boys escaped and was rescued after running to a nearby police station.”

The PPRO said a mob in Mosogar overpowered the vigilante and set ablaze the other two persons.

He said, “We are currently on the trail of the vigilante leader as well as the community leader who masterminded that act to see that they are brought to justice.

“We are using this opportunity to call on residents in the area to remain calm and we guarantee them that justice must be served.”

Meanwhile, a socio-cultural organisation in Delta State, Oghara Elite Forum, has stoutly condemned the extrajudicial killing of the two youths in the community just as it demanded swift intervention of the security agencies “to avert the possible breakdown of law and order between the Oghara and nearby Mosogar Kingdoms.”

It also urged the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area, Christian Onogba, “to quickly set a machinery in motion and judiciously revisit the matter to calm already frayed nerves.”

The organisation, in a statement signed by its President-General, Dr Jacob Ighere, at the end of its extraordinary meeting held in Oghara, maintained that “the manner Mosogar youths raided Ijomi community in Oghara Kingdom, forcefully whisked the deceased suspects to Mosogar and allegedly slaughtered them extrajudiciously was condemnable.”

It then appealed to the Delta State Commissioner of Police and the special agencies of the State Government vested with peace and conflict resolution to ensure justice in the matter “without delay before it snowballs into communal war.”

The Anambra State Police Command has sealed the building where three siblings were brutally murdered, their lifeless bodies found in a deep freezer.

The incident reportedly occurred in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday when yet-to-be-identified assailants killed the siblings — a five-year-old boy and two girls, aged seven and nine — in their apartment.

It was gathered that the attackers stormed the apartment while the children were eating, killed them, and placed their bodies in a refrigerator in one of the rooms.

Their remains were later discovered by their mother and neighbours after an extensive search proved futile.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene on Wednesday, observed that the building had been fully sealed off with police tape, and the occupants temporarily relocated pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the sealing of the building in a telephone interview on Wednesday, explaining that it was necessary to prevent any interference with the investigation.

“Yes, the vicinity has been temporarily sealed because it is a crime scene. The Commissioner of Police ordered the sealing pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

“No arrests have been made yet, but inquiries and findings on the likely cause of the incident are ongoing. Information that could aid the investigation is still being gathered from residents.

“The police have launched an investigation, and we assure the grieving family that we are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Ikenga added.

Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday, the father of the murdered children, Udochukwu Ejezie, said the incident had left his family “terribly devastated,” noting that they now only have their eldest son, who is currently in seminary school in Ukpor.

Ejezie explained that the family is temporarily staying at a relative’s home since their residence remains sealed off.

He said, “This tragedy has left my family in deep despair. We have done nothing to warrant such wickedness. They did not just kill my children; they killed brilliant minds.

“We urge the authorities to ensure the truth is uncovered and the culprits are brought to justice. We have always had a good relationship with our neighbours and have no reason to suspect anyone.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has vowed to track down those responsible for the heinous crime to prevent a recurrence.

The State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, made this known during her visit to the crime scene on Wednesday, stating that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is aware of the incident and has pledged justice for the deceased.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, where the children’s bodies were deposited, Obinabo assured that the state government would not relent until the perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

She said, “The perpetrators will be dealt with according to the full extent of the law. The state government is committed to bringing hope and support to the bereaved parents.

“The Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in Anambra State will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”

Some neighbours who spoke to journalists described the incident as horrifying and prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family.

The Ogun State High Court sitting in Kobape, Abeokuta, on Monday, sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for killing Mr Kehinde and Mrs Bukola Fatinoye and their son, Oreoluwa on January 1, 2023.

While Fatinoye was an employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abeokuta branch, his wife was an employee of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, until their gruesome murder in the early morning of January 1, 2023.

Their assailants, led by their driver, Lekan Adekanbi, struck at about 2 am when the couple who had just come back from the crossover service into the New Year 2023 were relaxing and hoping for an exciting year.

They never knew that something horrible, the end of their journey in life, was lurking at their Ibara GRA residence when it was invaded by the trio of Adekanbi and two other cultists who snuffed the life out of the couple and their only son after which they set the house and the corpses ablaze.

Lekan and his gang had cruelly tied both the hands of Oreoluwa, their only son and another adopted son and threw them inside the Ogun River.

Unfortunately, while Oreoluwa did not make it, the adopted son miraculously survived the cruel act.

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An Ogun State High Court sitting in Kobape, Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023.

The couple was attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover service.

Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants invaded their home at about 2am, killing them before setting the house and their bodies on fire.

They also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, and an adopted son before throwing them into the Ogun River.

Oreoluwa did not survive, but the adopted son miraculously escaped.

During an interview with journalists in February 2023, Adekanbi confessed that he orchestrated the attack because the Fatinoyes refused to increase his salary or grant him a loan.

“I took the step because the couple refused to increase my salary, and when I approached them for a loan to buy a motorcycle, they didn’t oblige,” he admitted.

He revealed that he invited two accomplices, Odetola and Adeniyi, to help him rob the couple.

“The three of us waited for the couple until they came back from the crossover service. We pounced on them immediately after they entered the house,” he said.

According to him, they forced Kehinde Fatinoye to transfer N1,102,000 to his Access Bank account at gunpoint after a previous transfer attempt to Odetola’s Kuda Bank account failed.

“When I realised that my identity had been exposed through my bank account, I decided with others to terminate the lives of the couple,” he confessed.

Adeniyi then used a knife to slaughter Kehinde Fatinoye, while Adekanbi struck Bukola Fatinoye on the head with a sledgehammer, killing her instantly.

When the couple’s son, Oreoluwa, and their adopted son, Felix Olorunyomi, walked in, the criminals tied them up and threw them into the Ogun River, Felix managed to escape.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, recounted how Adekanbi initially escaped from custody after faking an illness.

“The suspect, Lekan Adekanbi, suddenly collapsed in the cell on January 2, 2023, and was rushed to the hospital for medical care. But while receiving treatment, he suddenly jumped from the bed and escaped through the hospital fence,” Oyeyemi said.

Following a technical and intelligence-driven investigation, police tracked him to his brother’s house in Iseyin, Oyo State.

Although he had fled before officers arrived, he was later arrested in Abeokuta on January 21, 2023.

His accomplices, Odetola and Adeniyi, were arrested in Ogere on February 9, 2023.

“The three suspects, who are members of the Aiye confraternity, have all confessed to their roles in the gruesome and callous murder of the family,” Oyeyemi stated.

Adekanbi, Odetola, and Adeniyi, along with six others, were charged with 24 counts, including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, murder, arson, and perverting the course of justice. They pleaded not guilty.

Delivering her judgment, Justice Basirat Adebowale ruled, “The trio of Adekanbi, Odetola, and Adeniyi are guilty of nine counts because the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.”

Adebowale sentenced them to death by hanging.

“You, Adekanbi, Odetola, and Adeniyi, for killing a father, mother, and son, do not deserve mercy. You are hereby sentenced to be hanged by the neck until you are dead or by lethal injection. May God have mercy on your souls,” she declared.

Other sentences included: Temitope Fadairo (Adekanbi’s wife) to two years imprisonment for hiding her husband, Adenike Adekanbi (Adekanbi’s mother) to one-year imprisonment for providing false statements to the police, Azeez Usman (the welder who dismantled the stolen vehicle) to 14 years imprisonment for receiving stolen property, plus additional sentences to run concurrently, Anuoluwapo Owolaja to two years imprisonment, Abass Odetola and Lukmon Adewusi were discharged of all charges.

During the trial, Chief State Counsel, Adefisoye Temilola, told the court that the trio committed the crime at Karounwi Street, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.

“The defendants, while armed with a gun, hammer, and cutlass, robbed Mr. Fatinoye of N1.102 million and a Hyundai vehicle worth N12 million. They also robbed Mrs. Bukola Fatinoye of her phones valued at N1 million.

“After robbing the couple, Adeniyi used a knife to slaughter Kehinde Fatinoye, while Adekanbi struck Bukola on the head with a sledgehammer.

“They set the house ablaze and killed their only son, Oreoluwa, by tying his hands and legs and throwing him into the Ogun River, leading to his death.” Temilola said.

The management of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, said it had set up a three-member committee that would relate with the police and assist in unmasking the assailants involved in the recent killing of a student of the institution.

Earlier, the Osun State Police Command said its detectives had commenced an investigation to unravel the identities of those who stabbed to death the 200-level student of Bowen University, identified simply as Paul.

The command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, who made the disclosure, further said the incident was reported at the Iwo Divisional headquarters last Wednesday at about 10: 55pm.

Opalola also said the deceased, until his death, was a student in the Department of Computer Science at the university.

“On 22/01/2025 at about 10:55pm, one Akindoyo Joseph, CSO, Bowen University, Iwo, came to the Iwo Police Divisional Headquarters, Iwo and reported that one Paul Thinker, a 200-Level Computer Science student was stabbed by unknown person or persons,” Opalola said.

Speaking on the efforts by the management to investigate the incident and expose the perpetrators, Bowen University’s Public Relations Officer, Havillah Sam Aliyu, in a message sent to TheNigerian Metro, commended the police’s prompt response when called by the management.

Aliyu also said family members of the deceased student held a meeting with the management last Thursday, adding that normalcy “is gradually returning to the campus, though the atmosphere remains one of cautious hope as we await swift justice for the perpetrator(s) of this despicable act.”

He further said, “Management is satisfied with the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the police, and we are optimistic that the culprit(s) will be apprehended soon.

“While the police are leading the investigation, a three-man committee was immediately set up during an emergency Senate meeting on the morning of Thursday, January 23, 2025. This committee, with full support from the management, has been tasked with gathering as much information as possible and relaying it to the police.

“The management has taken proactive steps to enhance security by increasing manpower and enlisting the assistance of the police and other sister agencies to intensify patrols in and around the campus.”

The Ogun State Police Command has begun a manhunt for the suspected killer of the prophet from the Celestial Church of Christ’s Hebrew Parish, Yomi Adetula, who was shot dead during a church service in Idiroko, Ogun State.

A statement by the spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, sighted by TheNigerian Online, stated that the pastor was shot dead on Sunday morning.

The PPRO for the command said the Divisional Police Officer of Idiroko received a distress call reporting the fatality at the Celestial Church along Old Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko.

Odutola stated that police officers rushed to the scene and found the 54-year-old prophet lying lifeless in a pool of blood.

According to her, the pastor’s white Celestial church garment was stained with crimson, and his body was riddled with bullets when detectives arrived at the scene.

Odutola added that despite the pastor’s visible wounds, preliminary inspection indicated that the assailants took further steps to ensure the victim’s demise by brutally hacking his head with an axe.

She noted that witnesses later told detectives that the suspect had entered the church, brandishing long double-barrelled shotguns.

In the confusion that followed the invasion, she said the assailants aimed at their target and fired, bringing the prophet to the ground.

Odutola disclosed that the attackers fled the scene and made their way towards the border area, evading capture.

She said, “When we received the report, police officers raced to the scene and saw the victim’s lifeless body in the pool of blood that stained his white garment lying face down up.

“On careful observation, his body was riddled with bullets, and his head was not spared. To ensure the victim was dead, it was mangled with an axe.”

The command said the body had been taken to the General Hospital Mortuary in Ilaro and normalcy had been returned to the area.

The command added, “Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped the scene through the border area, as possible clues will be revealed in the coming days as investigations have been launched into the very sad occurrence.

A reliable source from the Social Orientation and Safety Corps in Ogun State confirmed to TheNigerian Metro that the victim was a senior officer within the corps.

The source further revealed that the officer was a key witness in an ongoing legal case involving a suspect in the state.

“He is one of our senior officers in Idiroko. He was a key witness in an ongoing litigation,” the source told our correspondent.

A similar incident occurred in 2023, as reported by TheNigerian Metro, when gunmen attacked the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abule-Ori, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The assailants killed the pastor and abducted seven worshippers during a night vigil service.