CRIME
Working Towards Predetermined Answers on Uromi Violence
By Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced on 10 April that the State and Federal Governments have decided to investigate the killings in Uromi of sixteen “hunters” from Kano State.
Exactly one week before, he had flown to Kano and paid compensation to the families of the sixteen.
This gave the impression that investigations had been conducted and concluded finding the sixteen innocent hunters and not bandits.The Uromi people are not opposed to any transparent investigation of the 27 March violence. They are telling their stories, insisting they must be heard, demanding that crass generalization must be avoided, and asserting that any transparent investigation must equally take into consideration the concrete conditions that led to the violence.
Questions must continuously be asked for they are critical tools in understanding, appreciating, tackling, and resolving problems. Besides, questions help promote critical thinking, gain beneficial knowledge, discover gaps, foster meaningful dialogue, encourage collaboration, build trust, take informed decisions, and implement practical programmes, plans, and projects.
But the concrete conditions which lead to problems, including violent ones, must equally be investigated, as they expose the underlying and immediate causes; the forces and actors involved; and what is to be done to avoid violence.
Without these, the outcome of any investigation will be, what the Hausa people call, dogon turanci – ‘groundless, senseless, meaningless, and useless grammar’. Grammar that mystifies issues, complicates matters, inflames passion, deepens hatred, and further aggravates the crises by compelling people to take their faith into their hands.
The Uromi people insist that the violence which led to the killing of sixteen “travelling hunters” was only an aspect – the climax – of the physical and psychological violence Fulani bandits/terrorists have subjected them to for years. One told ‘Saturday Vanguard’ of 5 April that bandits/terrorists: “kidnap poor men, they kidnap our women, they rape our women, and they insert sticks in their private parts…”
Another said that the bandits/terrorists: “fed a newborn baby to their dogs in the mother’s presence… She (the mother) is still living with the trauma… After this incident, they still asked for ransom before they (mother and father) were released.”
One Esan king, HRH Solomon Itoya Itoya Iluobe, bitterly complained in January, that: “Our women are raped on their farms, and in some cases, they even set them ablaze. I have paid ransom three times to Fulani herders – they kidnapped my elder sister and two others from this community. Even last month, I paid a ransom. We are tired. We can’t sleep peacefully. Travelling on these roads requires security. Whoever supports their stay in our forests must tell them to leave. We need protection before we are all wiped out.”
Where was the Edo State Government (EDSG), the police and other security forces when all these were happening? What did they do? Why did they leave people to their faith?
Uromi indigenes are still insisting that the sixteen people killed were neither “hunters”, nor “travelers”, but bandits/terrorists. They are insisting that huge cash, arms and ammunition were found in the Dangote trailer which carried them. Why were these not displayed for the world to see?
They are still asking why the trailer refused to be checked in Ubiaja by the vigilante squad. Why, even in Uromi, was it a tipper, fully loaded with sand, that was used to stop the trailer?
Some Uromi indigenes kidnapped in the past, who were at the scene of the violence, identified some of the “travelling hunters” as those who kidnapped them. They also asked, if they were hunters, why was any animal not found in the trailer? Another said: “They use the weapons they carry to hunt and kill their fellow human beings, not animals.”
So, where were governments and security agencies in all these crises?
The on-line ‘Daily Excessive’ newspaper quoted the sister of one of the sixteen victims who said: “My brother is not a hunter; he is a terrorist who has been going from village to village, killing people. Before he and his fellow terrorists set out on their last mission… my mother warned him, saying, ‘The South East is not like the North, where people are killed indiscriminately.’ But he refused to listen. Now the truth is out.”
Some have argued that it is not only Fulani that are bandits/terrorists; that other ethnicities participate as informants/collaborators and even kidnappers! Videos to this effect are circulating in social media. Definitely true. But whether in the north, south, east, west or centre of Nigeria, Fulani constitute over 95 per cent of the people terrorizing others.
Fulani bandits/terrorists created the conditions which others are capitalizing to kidnap and terrorise their people. Worst still, while other ethnic groups severely punish, ostracize, expel and even inflict jungle justice on their informants/collaborators and kidnappers, some top Fulani aristocrats, politicians, clerics, and even academics, shamelessly rationalize, justify and defend the bandits/terrorists.
Uromi violence was triggered by EDSG lackadaisical attitude and ineptitude towards security. The insecurity that the vigilantes were trying to tackle was what the government, in the first instance, should have been doing. If the vigilantes did not do it well, then, EDSG must bear a greater responsibility.
But where was the Federal Government of Nigeria when sophisticated weapons flooded Nigeria? What did state governments do when these bandits/terrorists took over their forests? What did governments do when rag-tag, gun-carrying, blood-thirsty, human-hunting, and blood-shedding bandits/terrorists were recklessly terrorizing people throughout the federation?
Where was the FGN when bandits/terrorists were destroying farms; burning food granaries; imposing fines and taxes on villages; raping women, children and even men; feeding infants to their dogs; sacking villages; desecrating places of worship; and indiscriminately shooting, injuring, maiming, and massacring people, especially in the rural areas?
Where was the Federal Government when Muslim faithful, observing Friday afternoon congregational prayers, were killed and beheaded? When churches were invaded and worshippers mercilessly massacred during Sunday Services? When clerics were abducted, killed and corpses thrown into bushes? When traditional rulers were killed in Kachia and Gobir?
What did the Federal Government do when primary, secondary, and Islamic school children were abducted in their hundreds? When students of tertiary institutions were kidnapped and wasted?
Why is it that whenever victims of banditry/terrorism are defending themselves, they are disarmed, but the marauding bandits/terrorists are left with their sophisticated weapons?
Have they seriously taken time to investigate why victims of terrorism are now and then bombed from the air?
What did the Federal Government do, when bandits/terrorists caught in the act and, taken to police stations or courts, are released? The bandits/terrorists even boast that they will be released when caught!
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, confirmed this, when he said, that: “We arrested the bandits, and they confessed to killing people and possessing weapons. They had contacts in Abuja who assured them that they would be released even before being taken to court. However, we received news yesterday that they were granted bail.”
The Edo State Government and Federal Government should take the main blame for the escalating violence in the country. They failed to tackle the psychological and physical violence inflicted on Nigerians and non-Nigerians by the bandits/terrorists.
There would have been no resistance to the various forms of terrorism, if there had not been terrorism in the first place. Whenever and wherever injustice becomes the norm and the law, resistance naturally becomes an obligatory duty.
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio, who was attacked and robbed at Panteka Market in Mpape on June 14, 2024.
The Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh disclosed in a statement that the arrests followed months of sustained investigation and surveillance by detectives attached to the Mpape Division.
“Following the incident in June 2024, detectives from Mpape Division immediately launched a comprehensive investigation,” she said.
The suspects reportedly robbed the victim of his mobile phone and other valuables before stabbing him.
However, efforts to trace the stolen phone proved difficult for months, as the device remained switched off.According to the police, the breakthrough came on August 2, 2025, when the phone — a Redmi 13C — was switched on and tracked to one Mutari Lawal, 32, of Kano State.
“Upon arrest, Mutari confessed to the crime and revealed the identities of his accomplices: Dan’Asabe Ibrahim, 22, from Zamfara State, and Danjuma Ibrahim, 18, both with no fixed address in Mpape,” the statement noted.
Lawal reportedly admitted he took the phone to Kano, where he kept it powered off for over a year. He returned to Abuja and switched it on only after attempting to wipe its data and insert a new SIM card.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, commended the officers for their professionalism and perseverance, stressing that justice has finally caught up with the suspects.
He also warned criminal elements in the territory to either “repent or relocate,” as the law will eventually catch up with them.
“The long arm of the law is patient, persistent, and resolute,” the CP declared.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via its emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883.
…Nab Herder with Ammunition, Six Suspected Robbers in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a herder in possession of an AK-47 magazine loaded with six live rounds of ammunition, along with six individuals suspected of involvement in robbery and kidnapping across parts of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ramhan Nansel disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Lafia.
According to him, the arrests followed credible intelligence from a concerned citizen, leading operatives of the Doma Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to raid a known criminal hideout in Yelwa Ediya, Doma Local Government Area.
The suspects arrested include Dardau Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, and Mohammed Musa, all residents of Yelwa Ediya Village.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the abduction of a local councillor (name withheld) on May 26, during which two mobile phones, an Infinix Note 30 (valued at N250,000) and a Tecno phone (valued at N20,000) were taken.
They also allegedly admitted to staging a roadblock along the Doma–Yelwa road on July 19, 2025, around 9:00 a.m., during which they dispossessed one Ibrahim Haruna of a Bajaj motorcycle valued at N970,000. The motorcycle was later sold, with one of the suspects reportedly involved in arranging the sale.
“Officers recovered N100,000, identified as proceeds from the sale, which had been concealed in the bush. A Bajaj motorcycle was also recovered during the operation,” the PPRO stated.
In a separate incident, officers from the Keana Division arrested a herder accused of discharging a firearm during a dispute with local farmers at Gidan Zaki Hassan, Kuduku, in Keana LGA.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Suleman Mohammadu, was arrested with support from community members. An AK-47 magazine containing six live rounds was recovered from him.
The Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
CP Mohammed reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring public safety across the state and called on residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely and credible information.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the state, with the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and recovery of N5 million ransom from the criminal gang.
In a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated that the arrests were made during a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad and the CP’s Special Assignment Team.
According to the statement, on July 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, operatives led by Godwin Osadolor tracked and apprehended one Sanusi Abdulahi at a hideout in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Abdulahi was reportedly found in possession of ₦5 million, believed to be part of a ransom paid by a recent kidnapping victim.Preliminary investigations linked the gang to multiple kidnapping incidents in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Uku, and Isele-Asagba. The gang was also fingered in the abduction of a young woman in Ogwashi-Ukwu on July 9, 2025. Based on intelligence provided by Abdulahi, police raided hideouts in Second Deputy and Oko, both in Asaba, leading to the arrest of four other members of the gang.
Meanwhile, in a separate sting operation on July 9, 2025, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway near the Unenurhie axis, operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team stormed the hideout of a notorious gang led by one Solomon Danisco, alias “Picolo.”
Other gang members include Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, and Whisky Rufus, also known as “Asawana,” a native of Ewu community.
The suspects reportedly engaged the police in a fierce gun duel. Six of them sustained severe gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are receiving treatment under police custody.
Items recovered from the scene include four locally-made guns and 19 rounds of live cartridges.
Edafe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda to rid Delta State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
He also called on the public to continue supporting the police by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.
 | ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction |
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
No fewer than 20 people were killed on Monday night in an attack by gunmen in the Bindi village, Ta-Hoss District of the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The assault, which also left many injured, is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the state’s rural communities.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the village while residents were asleep, launching a coordinated house-to-house onslaught.
Women, children and the elderly were among the victims, as many were unable to flee the violence in time. Survivors described the assailants as heavily armed.
Senator Pam Dachungyang, representing Plateau North, condemned the killings and expressed concern over what he described as a “War situation.
”In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Eric Dung, the Senator said the recurring attacks, including previous ones in Jol and Rim villages, point to a deliberate effort to terrorize and displace farming communities.
“This cycle of daily, unprovoked attacks is an indictment on all of us. The situation in Bindi (Jebu) last night is beyond tragic and stands to be condemned by all. These are people whose primary occupation is farming, and the continued violence is not only destroying lives but also threatening food security and livelihoods,” Dachungyang said.
The Senator further disclosed that he had reached out to the leadership of the National Assembly to push for a more practical and coordinated military response aimed at dislodging the armed elements behind the attacks.
He also called for an urgent review and strengthening of the state’s security architecture, especially the Special Task Force (STF) responsible for peacekeeping in the area.
Also reacting, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), Riyom Chapter, issued a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Gideon Manjal and Publicity Secretary, Gadu Dong, condemning the attack and calling it part of a broader campaign to displace indigenous people and seize ancestral lands.
“This assault occurred despite the visible presence of security forces in and around the area, including armored military assets. The identities and hideouts of these attackers are known to authorities, yet no meaningful action has been taken to dismantle them,” the group stated.
COPDEM accused both the state and federal authorities of negligence, stressing that repeated attacks on communities like Ta-Hoss, Jol, Rim and Bachi have occurred without adequate protection or justice.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang to authorise a full-scale military operation to flush out terrorist elements from Plateau’s regions.
It also urged the government to provide urgent humanitarian aid, trauma counselling and reconstruction support for the affected communities.
INC Rallies Support for PINL as Women Applaud Inclusion Efforts
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on host communities and stakeholders in the Niger Delta...
Terrorist Infiltration Alleged at Federal Polytechnic Wannune as Deputy Rector Cries Out, Accuses SGF of Shielding Suspects
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Federal Polytechnic Wannune (FPW), Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, is at the centre of...
Nigerian-Based Engineer Receives Unprompted Recognition from AI
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja A Lebanese civil engineer based in Abuja, Engr. Mazen Kalassina, has become the first human to...
UCare, ECOWAS Commission Borehole, Launch Medical Outreach as Ichwa IDPs Cry for Food
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja UCare Nigeria, with funding from the ECOWAS Peace Fund, has commissioned a solar-powered borehole and flagged...
KDSG Enrols 15,000 Vulnerable Persons into Health Insurance Scheme
ShareThe Kaduna State Government has enrolled over 15,000 vulnerable persons into the State’s Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts...
Police Apprehend 4 Suspected Traffickers, Rescue 11 Victims
ShareThe Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a suspected child trafficking syndicate allegedly involved in recruiting and transporting young...
EPL: Liverpool Edge Bournemouth in 6-goal Opener
ShareLiverpool opened their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in an emotional night at Anfield on...
FG Removes Tax on Sanitary Towels
ShareThe Federal Government and stakeholders have validated and adopted the first-ever National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM)...
Ebonyi Gov. Rewards D’Tigress Ejiofor with N30m, Duplex
ShareGov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, on Friday, rewarded a member of the victorious Nigeria’s D’Tigress Basketball team from the state,...
Army Relocates Special Forces Training School to Nasarawa
Share The Nigerian Army has relocated its Special Forces Training School from Buni Yadi in Yobe State to Doma Local...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish