Metro News Archives - Page 3 of 21

Gunmen Attack Worship Centre, Kill Three, Abduct 15 in Kwara

May 24, 2026 by admin

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that three worshippers were killed and 15 others abducted after armed attackers launched a deadly assault on a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of the local government area, throwing surrounding communities into panic. Sources in the area had earlier disclosed that terrorists stormed the community in large numbers, attacking worshippers and residents before fleeing through nearby forest routes. A resident told The Many villagers spent the night searching for missing relatives and loved ones after the assailants escaped from the area. He said, “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning.” Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, described the attack as gruesome and condemnable. The statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.” Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police explained that the incident was reported to the authorities by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation when the gunmen struck. He said, “While conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically.” He confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack, while 15 others were taken away to an unknown destination by the gunmen. According to the police boss, operatives attached to the Ekiti Division were immediately mobilised to the scene after the distress report was received. “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene,” he said. Adekimi further disclosed that he has ordered a coordinated tactical and intelligence-driven rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack. “A comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets has been deployed for a coordinated rescue mission,” he noted. The police commissioner described the attack as barbaric, assuring residents that the command remained committed to restoring security in the affected communities. “The command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act,” he promised. The police boss also assured residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and the wider Kwara community that security operatives had intensified bush combing and intelligence gathering across the area. He said, “Vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice,” the statement added. The command urged members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing rescue and security operations. The latest attack comes amid recurring assaults on worship centres in Kwara South. In November 2025, armed bandits attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 congregants before the victims were later rescued after a security operation. In March 2026, another ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA was attacked, with eleven worshippers abducted before a joint security response led to the rescue of three victims, while the other eight remain in captivity as of press time. Both incidents heightened fear in rural communities and led to intensified security operations across forested areas in Kwara State.

Oyo Attack: Burial of Slain Teacher Begins

May 22, 2026 by admin

The burial arrangements for late Adesiyan Adegboye, one of the teachers killed during the coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, commenced on Friday at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso. Adegboye, 49, was killed at the scene of the abduction last Friday and is scheduled to be buried later today at his residence in the Owolake area of Ogbomoso. The deceased, born on December 11, 1976, was murdered by the bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, at about 9:30am. PUNCH reports that teachers and students were abducted during the coordinated attacks on the three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited the scene on Saturday and deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to collaborate with the joint security team in ongoing rescue operations. The deployment, according to the police, was aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and students. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. He also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack. The incident triggered widespread panic in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children over fears of further attacks. Some schools were also forced to shut down temporarily following rumours of bandits infiltrating the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, an allegation the institution’s management later dismissed as false. Details later…

Outrage Grows Over Oyo School Attack As Stakeholders Call For Victims’ Rescue

May 18, 2026 by admin

Condemnations have continued to trail the recent attack and kidnapping in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with many describing the incident as barbaric, disturbing, and a threat to education and public safety. Among those who reacted to the attack were the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Akintunde; an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Ololade Bakare; and the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan. The attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire LG led to the killing of no fewer than two persons, the abduction of seven teachers, and the abduction of more than 30 students. Viral videos showed some of those abducted asking the government to intensify efforts to secure their release, and the gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde, during a broadcast on the incident, said security agencies had already arrested six suspects and three other persons of interest. Reacting on Monday, Akintunde, in a statement made available to journalists, described the attack on schools and innocent children as painful and unacceptable. Akintunde said, “My heart goes out to the affected pupils, teachers, parents, and the entire communities. An attack on innocent children and places of learning is painful and unacceptable.” He commended security agencies and the Oyo State Government for their swift response to the incident, while urging them to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted victims safely. The senator also called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the attack, stressing that insecurity must not disrupt learning or create fear among residents. On her part, Bakare condemned the abduction of the students and teachers, describing the incident as a “heinous and cowardly attack.” He said, “The targeting of our schools is a disgrace and a betrayal of our collective responsibility to safeguard the future of our children. “Oyo State, with its proud history as a centre of learning and civilisation, must not be reduced to a place where students are hunted, and educators are terrorised.” The APC chieftain blamed the worsening insecurity on what he termed the failure of leadership, insisting that urgent and decisive action must be taken to restore public confidence. Bakare urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, warning that “anything less than urgent action is unacceptable.” Also reacting, Hassan described the killings as barbaric, wicked, and unacceptable, noting that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and moral development. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. Hassan also advocated for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters, OPC, and Agbekoya groups to improve surveillance of vulnerable communities and schools. The monarch further appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Osun State Government to convene the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference to address rising insecurity, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Yorubaland. He urged Nigerians to support security operations through vigilance and intelligence sharing, stressing that insecurity could only be defeated through collective commitment and unity.

Makinde Promises Safe Return Of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Students Despite Explosive Attacks On Security Team

May 18, 2026 by admin

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would deploy every available resource to secure the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing with security chiefs, amid growing tension over the abduction of pupils, students and school staff from communities in the Oriire axis. Makinde disclosed that some members of the joint security operation involved in rescue efforts were wounded after suspected terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted around the Old Oyo National Park, where the victims were reportedly being held. According to him, the injured operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, are currently receiving medical treatment. The governor described the situation as painful and challenging, promising that the state government would continue to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release. “First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working around the clock to ensure that we tackle the challenges and support our troops and service commanders,” Makinde said. “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, believed to be the Mathematics teacher, was seriously injured by the terrorists.” He added that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation, but vowed that the government would “push itself to the limits” to ensure the victims return safely. The governor also confirmed that religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders had joined intervention efforts, including the Nigerian Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the denomination. “There have been interventions from leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools is a Baptist school,” he stated. Makinde appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of frustrating ongoing rescue operations. The abduction occurred on Friday when armed men invaded schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and students in one of the most disturbing attacks recorded in the area. The governor further disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered possible collaboration between the attackers and some residents within the affected communities. According to security reports presented during the briefing, six suspects had already been arrested over alleged involvement in logistics and information sharing for the terrorists, while three other persons of interest were also being interrogated by security agencies. “Some of them are believed to be informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists,” the governor said. Makinde stressed that sustained government presence in vulnerable communities remained critical in the fight against insecurity, warning that terrorists could return once security operations are relaxed. He also acknowledged concerns over the safety of schools in remote communities and assured residents that the government would continue reviewing and strengthening security architecture around educational institutions and other vulnerable locations. The governor confirmed that he had also engaged neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on the need to strengthen cross-border security cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attacks.

Panic In Oyo As Gunmen Kill Teacher, Abduct Pupils And School Staff

May 15, 2026 by admin

The Oyo State Police Command says it has begun a massive manhunt and rescue mission after armed hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks on schools and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the attack occurred in the early hours of May 15, 2026, and led to the death of an assistant headmaster. The police said preliminary investigation showed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L. A Primary School, Esiele, abducting pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe. Ayanlade said no pupil or student had been confirmed killed as at the time of filing this report, adding that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. He also disclosed that an okada rider was shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle. The police said, “The command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as L. A Primary School, Esiele. The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest. “Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators. “Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.” The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and provide credible information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.

Osun NURTW chairman Denies Alleged Plot Against Adeleke’s son, Requests Police Protection

May 12, 2026 by admin

The acting chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Osun State, Kazeem Oyewale, has dismissed claims that he plotted to assassinate Governor Ademola Adeleke’s son, Adebayo Adeleke, also known as B-Red. In a recent statement released by the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, the government claimed that B-Red escaped an assassination attempt and linked the incident to hoodlums allegedly led by Oyewale, also known as Asiri Eniba. Alimi further said the incident happened in the Oke-Fia area, a few metres from the Osun Government House. But reacting to the allegations during an interview with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, Oyewale, who threatened to approach the court for redress, accused the state government of making false allegations against him. Oyewale, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, however, called on President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to protect him and his followers from further harassment by government officials. He said, “I want to call the attention of President Bola Tinubu, the IGP and Nigerians. They should come to my aid because the governor and Kolapo Alimi (Commissioner for Information) have called for my arrest over untrue allegations, and they are even threatening me. “Those after me killed my younger brother in November 2022, and they have not released the corpse to us till today. This is another election cycle in Osun State. “They have been trailing me and want to kill me. They are lying against me, making claims that they cannot substantiate, among which is the allegation that I want to kill the governor’s son. “They killed my younger brother and now they are alleging that I am behind the destruction of billboards. It does not sound logical. I don’t know anything about these allegations. This is the style they adopted in 2022. I am a member of the APC. What is my business with Accord? Any time something goes wrong within their party, they will blame me for it.” He urged his “followers and supporters not to entertain fear because nothing will happen to them. They used the style of indiscriminate arrest of NURTW members in 2022, but it can’t happen again. That is why they have embarked on a campaign of calumny against my personality.”

Gunmen Kill Pastor, Kidnap Worshippers in Ekiti Church Attack

April 29, 2026 by admin

Gunmen on Tuesday night stormed a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers. The attack, which occurred around 8.30 pm during a church programme, has thrown the community into panic, with residents expressing fears over rising insecurity in the area. Sources in the community said the assailants, who were armed and arrived in numbers, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, shot the pastor dead and whisked away several worshippers into a nearby forest. One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted victims. “The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. Moves to collate those who are missing have begun. The community is in a panic mode for now,” the source said. Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said it had launched a rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators. “The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu said. He added that the police were working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible. “The commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence. “Members of the public are charged to be security conscious, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or group of persons found within their environments to the police and other security agencies for necessary proactive actions,” he added. Abutu also advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.

Gunmen Abduct 23 Children in Kogi Orphanage Raid

April 27, 2026 by admin

Armed men have kidnapped 23 pupils along with the wife of a school owner after attacking an orphanage and school complex in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State. It was gathered that the incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools. Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils. The commissioner disclosed that the school was operating outside regulatory oversight. “The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” Fanwo said. According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. “The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he added. Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorisation, describing such practices as dangerous. “While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he said. The commissioner further urged operators to comply with safety regulations. “The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” Fanwo said. “All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.” The commissioner added that security agencies are working to bring the situation under control, noting that updates will be provided as operations continue. “The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” Fanwo said. According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. “The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he added. Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorisation, describing such practices as dangerous. “While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he said. The commissioner further urged operators to comply with safety regulations. “The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols,” Fanwo said. “All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.” The commissioner added that security agencies are working to bring the situation under control, noting that updates will be provided as operations continue.

Boko Haram Gives 72-Hour Deadline Over 416 Hostages

April 20, 2026 by admin

Boko Haram insurgents have issued a warning in a video, daring the Nigerian government to carry out a forceful operation to free 416 captives in Borno State. This is as it was warned that if their demands are not met within 72 hours, the victims will be taken to different locations where they may never be seen again. Our correspondent who obtained the video in the early hours of Monday reports that the group said it “welcomes” any attempt by the government to rescue the victims by force. The terrorists, dressed in military camouflage, stated that they are battle-ready if the government chooses force instead of meeting their demands. Previous reports from April 10 indicated that BOSYA has been in communication with the press and serves as an intermediary between the terrorist group and the affected victims. This was when Boko Haram displayed the abducted victims. The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English on screen, read: “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu. “Today, 19th April 2026, we are issuing a new message to the Borno South Youths Alliance and to the Nigerian government, which we do not recognise as our government. This is our first and final message. We are giving you 72 hours. “If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations. All of them. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. We instruct you, in the name of Allah, not to exceed the given time.” However, the group did not state its demands in the video. “And take a look at them before we do so, because you may never see them again. If the government believes it can rescue them by force, you are free to try. We depend on Allah,” the group’s spokesperson added. He further stated, “Let this message reach the Borno South Youth Alliance and the Nigerian government. We do not act lightly. This is our message.” Earlier, the group had demanded ₦5 billion on Sunday night for the release of the victims. Confirming this, the President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said the demand was communicated through a video described by the terrorists as a “final warning.” The statement read: “Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public and the international community that on 19th April 2026, Boko Haram reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum regarding ongoing mediation efforts for the release of the 416 Ngoshe women and children in their custody. “According to information received during the mediation process led by BOSYA President, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, a final warning video was sent after demands were communicated, including a ransom request of ₦5 billion for the release of the abducted women and children.” Samaila called on the government and concerned Nigerians to prioritise efforts to secure the victims’ release. “In view of the urgency of this humanitarian matter, BOSYA renews its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, concerned Nigerians, and philanthropists, including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and other well-meaning Northern billionaires. “We respectfully call on all capable stakeholders to urgently intervene and use every lawful and available means to secure the freedom of these 416 women and children,” he said. It will be recalled that on March 4, PUNCH Online reported that the group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security forces, killing an unspecified number of people, and abducting several others.

18-Year-Old Kills Varsity Student During Niger School Party

April 6, 2026 by admin

A Niger State resident, Jafar Musa,18, has murdered a student of the Federal University of Education, Seyi Simon, 25. The incident happened on Easter Sunday in the school hall of Kontagora LGA during a party organised by the students for newly admitted students at FUE Kontagora. There was a misunderstanding between one Musa of the Angwan-Gwari area of Kontangora and Simon, a student of the school. It was further learnt that in the course of the fight, Musa stabbed Simon with a dagger, and Simon was rushed to the general hospital in Kontangora, where he was confirmed dead. Musa was immediately arrested for further investigation. Spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident, said Musa was arrested for further investigation. “On 5/4/2026 at about 1.40 am, it was reported at A Div Kontangora that during a party organised by the students for the newly admitted students at FUE kgora in the school hall. “There was a misunderstanding between one Jafar Musa, 18 years of Angwan-Gwari area of Kontangora, and one Seyi Simon, 25 years, a student of the school. “In the course of the fight, Jafar Musa stabbed the student with a dagger. The victim was rushed to the general hospital in Kontangora, where he was confirmed dead. “The suspect was arrested for further investigation,” Abiodun said.