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CRIME

Stakeholders Seek Implementation of Criminal Laws in Benue

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Benue State Governor Ortom
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From Chris Gaga, Makurdi 

In continued efforts to ensure that permanent peace is achieved within the state, Stakeholders in Benue have advocated full implementation of State gazzetted laws against Cultisms, drug abuse, hostage taking, and other varying crimes to avoid breach of peace in some quarters of the state.

 

The stakeholders, comprising of representatives of Benue state government, the police, DSS, Immigration,Civil defence.

traditional rulers, civil society organizations and human right groups, farmers, herders as well as People With Disabilities, made this recommendation at a Peace Architecture Dialogue meeting called by Search for Common Ground, an international NGO working for peace in Benue.

They emphasized the need for institutions to be more stronger than individuals as well as elimination of undue influence by higher authorities on the operation of security agencies in their quest to curb crimes. 

The stakeholders also observed that a deeper collaboration between government, Security agencies and Civil Society Organizations among other institutions will reduce the incidences of herder/farmer crisis to the barest minimum.

They noted that incidences of herder/farmer crisis and other vices heightening insecurity in the state have continued to linger due to lack of honesty, transparency and cooperation among various institutions and higher authorities within the state.

The stakehokders who commended security agents for hard work, however condemned the unhealthy role played by some “authorities” especially when culprits are arrested and handed over to the police.

It was learned at the meeting that when culprits are arrested, some “big men” will use their Privilleged positions to bail the boys back into the society even before the case is established, a situation they observed was encouraging crimes in the state.

They noted that as a way out, government, security agencies, professional bodies, CSOs and all stakeholders must synergize with the aim of dealing wholesomely with the tide. 

The stakeholders who noted that every traditional ruler or community leader knows his subjects and what they were capable of doing, sugggested that government should make a pronouncement of dethronement on any traditional leader found to be shielding criminals.

They also urged authorities to recruit both farmers and herders into vigilantee groups for easy identification of strangers and criminals in their various communities just as they also called for attitudinal change and the will to accept change to enable peace return to the state.

The State Project Coordinator for Search, Mr. Joshua Chorbe said Search for Common ground has continued to  create understanding, social integration and pathway to sustainable peace among farmers and herders in Benue.

He said the aim of the meeting is to seek ways to engender peace through collaborative and cooperative approaches that will stop the crisis,  usher in enduring changes and peace in the state.

Mr Chorbe urged PAD members to use their organization to carryout advocacies in their domain participant called on the federal government, security agencies and other stake holders to give it the seriousness it deserves  to usher in peace and unity in the country.

Our Correspondent reports that ‘Search for Common Ground’ according to the stakeholders has contributed immensely to the current peace experienced in the State especially in the LGs that were the worst hit of herdsmen attacks.

CRIME

Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver over Minor’s Kidnapping, Assault

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A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the student’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road, Sapele.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement in Warri on Sunday.

According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

“The suspect subsequently contacted him (the father), demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid,” the statement added.

The police said the girl was abandoned along Oton Road after the ransom was paid and later reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The school principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The police spokesman added that arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.

The commissioner assured that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice”.

He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to “exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children”, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.

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CRIME

Enugu CP Orders investigation into Man’s Death During Police Operation

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From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

 

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Oficer, Enugu State command, Daniel Ndukwe said that the CP has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.

Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia. 

He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.

During the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

CP Giwa has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action. He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.

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CRIME

Police Officer Shoots Female Colleague to Death, Kills Self in Kogi

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja 

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ajaokuta Local Government Area after a male officer allegedly shot his female colleague, before turning gun to shoot himself.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), on Sunday, said the Command was investigating the fatal shooting at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, on October 23, in which two serving police officers died.

According to the statement, “the incident was reported at 11:04 p.

m., and the Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta, led a team of police officcers to the scene.

“Preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi and thereafter shot himself. Both officers were taken to separate medical facilities, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the mortuary of ASCO Hospital.

“An AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene as exhibits.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation. The circumstances and motive remain subjects of investigation, and the Command will not speculate on matters yet to be established.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, extends his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers over this tragic incident. The Command will provide verified updates as appropriate” the statement said.

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