Metro
Again, Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities, Kill 13, Raze Houses
No fewer than 13 persons – mostly children and the elderly – have again been reported killed and houses burnt in Juwan and Manja communities of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State.
They were alleged to have been killed by armed herders.
The deadly attack on Juwan in the Tangur District of Bokkos Local Government Area occurred on Thursday night, with 10 persons killed and some others sustaining serious injuries.
In Manja, Chafem Chiefdom of Mangu Local Government Area, three persons were reportedly killed on Thursday evening.
They were on the farm tilling the grounds and tending their farmland when the attackers caught them unaware and killed them. Others escaped with injuries after the intervention of security operatives following a distress call from those who escaped the onslaught.
Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Amalau Samuel, confirmed the tragic incident, describing it as barbaric and inhuman.
“The attackers came late at night and started killing innocent people. They were going from house to house, and where they could not gain entrance, they broke through the ceiling,” the LG boss said.
“Those affected mostly are the aged and children who could not run, while those agile fled for safety.”
The terrorists in the other attack in Manja, Chafem Kingdom of Mangu, killed three persons on the farm with over twenty houses burnt before the intervention of security operatives.
A member representing Mangu South in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mathew Kwarpo, said the terrorists invaded the community and killed three persons before they were repelled by security men in conjunction with the youths.
According to the parliamentarian, the marauders later launched another attack that day, during which they burned down over twenty houses.
Kwarpo said that due to the attackers’ large number, the people of the community had to flee for safety, though no casualty was recorded.
“In the second attack, there was no casualty, but the people are already displaced. So, we are appealing to both the state and Federal governments to come to our aid.
“The attacks in recent times on our communities are just too much. Anytime they issued notice of an attack, they would fulfill it.
“The security men are no doubt trying their best, but they are being overpowered. This is a calculated attempt to seize our land from us and to occupy our land illegally. So we are calling on President Tinubu to intervene,” he said.
Some communities in Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State have been under increased attacks from suspected herdsmen in recent times.
This has resulted in the loss of lives and property.
Unidentified gunmen late on Thursday attacked Oko community near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing at least four persons suspected to be students and injuring about seven others.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, sources in the area suspect it to be cult-related. The assailants reportedly opened fire without provocation, triggering chaos in the community.
Eyewitnesses and local residents confirmed that four people were killed instantly and around seven others injured, though the police gave a lower casualty figure of two.
One local source said, “The incident happened late yesterday (Thursday). The armed men arrived near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and started shooting unprovoked. At least seven students of the polytechnic were shot today. Four casualties were recorded while the remaining students are in critical condition at local hospitals.
A video circulating online shows two victims — a male and a female student — lying in pools of blood and struggling to breathe, reportedly in a hospital.
Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, describing it as a cult-related attack.
Ikenga said police operatives, led by the Aguata Area Commander and supported by the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and Vigilante operatives, had taken control of the area and were pursuing leads from eyewitnesses.
“The police operatives led by the Area Commander, Aguata, complemented by the Joint Security Force comprising the Army, Navy, Civil Defence and Vigilante Operatives have taken over the scene of an alleged cult-related shooting by 8.40pm on June 19, 2025, at the Total Junction and Tipper Junction all in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.
“Two victims including a lady who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital were rescued. Sadly, the incident recorded the death of two persons and the alleged abduction of two others.
“An eyewitness account revealed that the armed criminals operating with a motorcycle and a black Lexus 350 SUV without a plate number started shooting indiscriminately at the Total Junction.
“Four persons were allegedly wounded, including a lady that is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The two others were allegedly abducted at the Tipper Junction before they fled the scene.
“Meanwhile, the Command has sued for calm as the Operatives are already acting on some clues from the scene and leveraging on necessary information from some eyewitnesses for the possible arrest of the hoodlums. Further developments would be communicated, please.”
Metro
Benue Massacre, Insecurity: NAOSNP Condemns Attacks, Calls for Proactive Measures in Policing and Intelligence Gathering
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) condemns the increasing Security lapses in the country leading to the unwholesome massacre of Nigerian citizens, some in their sleeps, with special emphasis to the Yelwata killings, in Benue State.
It would be recalled that in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, more than 200 persons were slaughtered by alleged heavily armed herdsmen in Yelwata, a farming community in Guma, Benue State. This mass killing is part of a disturbing wave of targeted violence that has swept across central Nigeria in recent weeks, with Plateau State on the mind.
This latest massacre reportedly follows a string of well coordinated attacks across Benue State.
The Association notes with total dismay that the Security agencies have conscientiously relapsed in their various duties, thereby prompting the preventive killings of Nigerians across the regions.
Much as we applaud the renewed efforts of various agencies in tackling the agelong insurgency that has ravaged the country overtime, we want to put it on record that the best of our security apparatuses has not been enough as lives, in hundreds, have continued to be lost, major security facilities, including army barracks overwhelmed and insurgents barking threats on a daily basis against the Nigerian populace. This situation is no longer acceptable.
A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Eric Elezuo, quoted the National President, Comrade Oki Samson as saying that the association is aware of the various governments, both the federal and states’ efforts at providing facilities and equipment to tackle insurgencies, noting however, that the results have been minimal in comparison to the humongous allocation to security in the budget year in and year out.
In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while presenting the 2015 Budget, “We have laid the foundation for stability. Now, we must build on it. With an unprecedented ₦54.99 trillion budget, we are making the largest-ever investments in critical sectors: National Security – ₦6.11 trillion: The highest defence allocation in Nigeria’s history to secure our nation from threats.” To whom much is given, much is expected, but the reverse seems to have been the case.
While acknowledging the skirmishes of successes, it is worthy of note that they are not enough as Nigerians’ lives are continually worth less than a kobo in the hands of the bandits and herdsmen, who have been alleged to be behind the attacks.
Who are these killers? Where do they live? How do they communicate? Where is the place of intelligence in policing and maintaining our territorial integrity? What is the function of the National Identity Number (NIN) without which no one can own a communication gadget within our borders? Are there saboteurs against our collective will to peaceful coexistence?
These and many more are questions our security operatives must answer if we must have a foreclosure. Human lives should no longer be sacrificed on the alter of ego and vendetta, and then punctuated with the now boring “we condemn”, and the the more boring condolence visits. Nigerians are tired of hearing this slogan from people in whose hands we entrust our lives. It’s obvious the ‘we condemn’ cliche has never brought back lost lives, or stopped other attacks. Time is now to be more proactive in policing and intelligence gathering to nip in the bud actions of those that are gradually making the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations. The functions of our security operatives and elected representatives, whether executive or legislature is not to run to crime scenes for condolence visits, or blurring a well rehearsed ‘we condemn’ cliche. Their function is to protect lives and property.
Recall that in May, Amnesty International reported that at least 30 persons were killed when gunmen attacked travellers in Imo State, just as 20 commuter vehicles and trucks were set ablaze during a “vicious attack” along the Okigwe-Owerri road, and none has yet been arrested or held accountable. The new normal!
We praise the brevity of our soldiers at the frontlines, but until uhuru is achieved, every effort remains vain attempt. It must not be forgotten that many months after the Agatu massacre, no one has been brought to book, and this has continued to feather the ego and boldness of the evil doers.
We agree with Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who said that the Yelwata attack is “one attack too many”, and therefore, call on stakeholders and interest groups; the Military, the Police, the Department of Security Services (DSS), the NSCDC, Nigerian Immigration, Nigeria Customs and Intelligence department, in fact, everyone that dorns a security outfit, to rise to the occasion, and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
This is not the time for grandstanding. This is not the time for flowery speeches. This is not the time for eye service to impress.
This is the time for national reawakening. This is the time for action. This is the time to rebuild and bring to justice all collaborators. This is the time to heal. This is the time for the Security agencies to rise, and be counted.
This is the time for ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
E-signed:
Eric Elezuo
National Public Relations Officer
NAOSNP
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has said that the Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing section of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will greatly complement the NPF’s efforts in fighting insecurity in Nigeria, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
The Minister stated this during the Training workshop on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors held at the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Center, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Minister, whose speech was read by the Director, Police Services, Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammed, stated that the workshop will present a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and share expertise on how to tackle these bedbugs, called Money laundering and terrorism financing.
In his words, “The Frontline officers and prosecutors will play a vital role in disrupting financial crimes and terrorism financing networks. This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and best practices to tackle these complex challenges. As the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, I want to assure the Inspector-General of Police and all officers present that I will continue to support initiatives that would strengthen our nation’s security and justice system”.
Gaidam urged the recently established special section entitled, “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Section of the NPF” to seize the opportunity to utilized the data from the Crime and Incidence Database, the upcoming Criminal Data Fusion Center and the West African Police Information System database all at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to boost their operation.
The Minister commended the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police in creating the section of the NPF because Money laundering and terrorism financing pose significant threats to national security by undermining financial systems, enabling organized crimes, and providing resources for terrorist activities.
These illicit activities can destabilize economies, erode public trust, and create an environment conducive to violence and instability. He stressed.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC) advised the officers not to misuse their power of investigation and avoid getting involved in land matter issues, adding that the commission is ready to discipline any erring officers according to extant law.
He urged the officers to imbibe the international best practices as the challenges of investigating and prosecuting a case need commitment, facts, and adherence to truth.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training and Development), DIG Frank Mba pointed out that Nigeria continues to grapple with twin trends of money laundering and terrorism financing through complex crimes that not only weaken the economic foundations but also tarnish the international reputation of the country.
According to him, “to address this, the Federal Government has undertaken commendable steps by establishing specialized agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). These institutions form the backbone of the institutional response to financial crimes and terrorism.”
