Year: 2025

Indian villagers beat family of five to death over witchcraft allegation

 

Indian villagers beat a family of five to death and dumped their corpses in a lake， accusing them of “practising witchcraft” after the death of a boy, police said Tuesday.

 

Three people have been arrested and have confessed to the crime, police in the northern state of Bihar said in a statement.

 

Three women — including a 75-year-old — were among those murdered.

 

The main accused believed that his son’s recent death was caused by one of those killed, and blamed “him and his family of practising witchcraft”, the statement said.

 

“After beating the victims to death, the perpetrators loaded the bodies onto a tractor and dumped them in a pond,” police said.

 

The murderers and victims all belonged to India’s Oraon tribe in Bihar, India’s poorest state and a mainly Hindu region of at least 130 million people.

Despite campaigns against superstition, belief in witchcraft remains widespread in rural areas across India, especially in isolated tribal communities.

 

Some states, including Bihar, have introduced laws to try to curb crimes against people accused of witchcraft and superstition.

 

Women have often been branded witches and targeted, but the killing of the family of five stands out as a particularly heinous recent example.

 

More than 1,500 people — the overwhelming majority of them women — were killed in India on suspicion of witchcraft between 2010 and 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.

 

Some believe in the occult, but attackers also sometimes have other motives including usurping their rights over land and property.

 

AFP

Oyo women’s affairs ministry unveils new security teams 8th July 2025

 

Oyo State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, on Tuesday, swore in ten state coordinators and 33 Local Government Commanders to enhance the security architecture of the state.

 

The ministry’s commissioner, Toyin Balogun, administered the oath of office and swearing-in of the committee members at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

She said, “The event became necessary to enhance grassroots security towards fostering community-based security across the 33 local government areas of the state.”

 

Balogun, therefore, advised them to understand that true security extends beyond patrols and checkpoints, stressing the importance of building trust within communities and addressing the root causes of social unrest.

 

The commissioner urged the committee “to incorporate gender sensitivity in their engagements and collaborate actively with social and women-focused groups to tackle domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and other societal vices.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mofoluwake Ibitoye, emphasized that security is anchored on equity and justice.

 

She also charged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate quality leadership, uphold integrity, and remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties.

 

In his acceptance speech, the Commandant of the committee, Olabanji Abiodun, expressed profound gratitude to the State Government, the Governor, and the ministry for their continued support.

 

He pledged that “the committee would uphold its mandate and work assiduously to improve safety and order at the local level.”

Oborevwori defends multibillion-naira flyover projects amid criticism

 

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended his administration’s plan over the ongoing flyover projects in Warri and Effurun.

 

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, was reacting to criticisms by former Ethiope West Local Government Chairman and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Chief Wilson Omene.

 

The APC chieftain had, in a recent interview, described the ongoing flyover projects in Warri and Effurun as “ill-informed and misleading.”

 

Defending the project, Oborevwori said the flyover and road expansion projects were strategic interventions aimed at decongesting traffic in Warri and Effurun.

 

Oborevwori said, “The flyovers, road expansions and sleepway interchange are not cosmetic.

 

They are long-term investments in urban mobility, ease of doing business, and economic growth.

 

“These are gateway cities connecting the ports, industries, and the hinterland. The projects are unlocking commercial potential and creating an enabling environment for further private-sector participation. Perhaps, Chief Wilson Omene may have to check the meaning of enabling business environment,” the statement read.

 

The governor argued that the Warri-Effurun corridor served a fast-growing population and played a pivotal role in Delta’s economy, stating that only those out of tune with modern urban planning would fail to grasp the significance of the projects.

Responding to Omene’s claim that such funds should have been channelled into building industries in Delta Central, the governor labelled the argument as narrow-minded and sectional.

 

“Delta State is bigger than any single senatorial district. The M.O.R.E agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—is being implemented equitably across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. No part of the state has been left behind,” the statement read.

 

On the governor’s defection to the APC, Ahon said the decision followed wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across Delta and was geared towards attracting federal support and deepening development.

 

“Governor Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC was not for personal benefit but to synergise with the Federal Government in delivering more dividends of democracy to Deltans.

 

“Chief Wilson Omene is merely acting out a script written by those who view the governor’s move as a threat to their political interests,” the statement added.

 

Ahon urged Omene and other critics to embrace constructive engagement rooted in facts, rather than divisive commentary and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and lasting infrastructure.

“Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be rooted in facts and guided by a sincere desire to move Delta State forward,” he concluded.

Displaced Benue residents reject return amid insecurity

 

Survivors of the Yelewata attack currently taking refuge in the temporary camp located at the International Market, Makurdi, have rejected the call to return home.

 

No fewer than 3,000 displaced persons from the Yelewata community are currently taking refuge in the camp, after the gruesome murder of about 200 people in coordinated attacks on the community by suspected armed herders on June 13, 2025.

 

Our correspondent who visited the camp on Sunday reliably gathered that traditional rulers and stakeholders from the community were mounting pressure on their people to return home, as a result of the infiltration of the temporary camp by other displaced persons.

 

“These infiltrators have continued to feast from the humanitarian support supposed to be for survivors of the Yelewata community,” one of the displaced persons who identified himself as Uker Amos said.

The 41-year-old survivor said some of them had to protest against the call by their traditional ruler to return home when they were not sure of adequate security in the community.

 

He said, “Yesterday, (Saturday) some of us came to the gate of this camp and voiced our position that we are not returning now until there is adequate security for us to return.”

 

Speaking in a telephone chat on Sunday, the Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, confirmed that traditional rulers of the Yelewata community were mounting pressure on their people to return home.

“But the people (displaced persons) are opposed to the move by the traditional rulers.

 

“They said they could only go back when there is assurance from the government that their community is safe.

 

“In fact, some of them came out to protest the call for their return,” he said.

 

Ager added that the government would assess the situation and decide when the people would return home.

 

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kumde, recently raised the alarm of infiltration of the camp by market women, criminals and people from the host community.

 

The commissioner said at least 50 infiltrators had been arrested.

Oyebanji debunks ADC defection, defends Fayemi 8th July 202

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, dismissed a report claiming he alongside some leaders and officeholders in the state was being led to the African Democratic Congress by the immediate past Governor Kayode Fayemi.

 

Oyebanji, who described the report as false and misleading, described it as “nothing but another tissue of lies from the camp of some disgruntled elements in the state.

 

“But, keeping quiet in the midst of such a bare-faced falsehood would amount to a disservice to the good people of the state, some of who could be hoodwinked into believing the misleading report.”

 

The governor spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.

 

Oyebode stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oyebanji and the public officeholders mentioned in the report remain firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress and have no link, neither do they have any plan whatsoever to join the ADC.

 

“While Dr Fayemi and other leaders of the party mentioned in the report are eminently qualified to defend themselves, it is on record that Dr Fayemi attended the recent APC caucus meeting held in Iyin-Ekiti, where the caucus endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term, a decision that was widely published in the print, broadcast and online media.

“It should also be noted that Governor Oyebanji had since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, remained in the progressive fold. He is one of the very few who has never moved out of the progressive movement in Ekiti State.

 

“We are aware of a deliberate attempt by some mischief makers to weaponise Governor Oyebanji’s association with Dr Fayemi in a bid to cause a rift between the governor and President Tinubu.

 

“Unfortunately for these jesters, Mr President is a strategic politician who can see through their shenanigans and hidden agenda.

 

“Ekiti people are urged to disregard this childish media attack which is being sponsored by some desperate politicians interested in contesting the governorship election in the state.

 

“While these desperate politicians have no clue about how to market their candidature to the Ekiti electorate or connect with the people, they have resorted to attacking the government on social media and heaping up every unimaginable and unintelligent lie against the governor to mask their frustrations.”

 

The statement added, “Now that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the date for the primary election, we expect them to be bold enough to come out and sell their candidature to party members and Ekitikete rather than seeking an ignoble way to gate crash,” the governor’s media adviser stated.

NNPC donates 35 CNG buses to presidential initiative 8th July 2025

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd has handed over 35 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.

 

During a brief ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Monday, the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, reiterated the Company’s commitment to support the Federal Government’s gas aspirations.

 

The GCEO stated that the move was in line with NNPC Ltd.’s efforts to drive the adoption of CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable fuel alternative.

 

He added that the company has recorded significant progress on gas supply, infrastructure, distribution, and retail outlets.

 

“I am proud that NNPC Ltd is playing a pivotal role in driving the Federal Government’s gas agenda towards energy transition,” the GCEO stated in a statement signed by the

NNPC Ltd on Monday in Abuja.

 

Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the CNG buses represent not just vehicles but serve as instruments of economic relief, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

“They signal a future where the ordinary Nigerian can commute safely, affordably, and efficiently,” he added.

 

The Minister described the initiative as a direct reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a bold step to reduce the cost of transportation, lessen dependence on petrol, and ensure the utilisation of the Nation’s abundant natural gas resources for the benefit of the people.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mumuni Dagazau, said the adoption of CNG as a fuel alternative has significant economic benefits for the Nation by reducing reliance on PMS and AGO as automotive fuels which also leads to substantial cost savings and supports the growth of local gas industry.

 

The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the initiative, NNPC Ltd was advancing and shaping a new energy future that will purposefully serve people, communities, and the planet.

 

The Programme Coordinator/CEO, Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, commended NNPC Ltd for supporting the Initiative, stressing that the company has been a reliable partner for the Initiative since its commencement.

NAF airstrikes kill terrorists, destroy Boko Haram strongholds in Borno

 

The Nigerian Air Force on Saturday, July 6, 2025, launched coordinated precision airstrikes targeting key Boko Haram enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State

 

The operation, executed under Operation Hadin Kai, focused on Wa Jahode and Loghpere, two long-established strongholds of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction of Boko Haram.

 

The area, known for its difficult terrain along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, had recently seen a surge in terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics buildup and the presence of senior JAS commanders.

 

A statement on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes were carried out after intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of terrorist infrastructure.

 

Ejodame said, “In a major blow to insurgent networks in Nigeria’s North-East, the Nigerian Air Force under OPHK, launched precision air strikes on 6 July 2025 against key terrorist strongholds nestled in the Mandara Mountains, located in Borno State.

 

“The high-profile targets, Wa Jahode and Loghpere, have long served as fortified enclaves for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction of Boko Haram.

“The locations, known for their rugged, mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS Commanders.

 

“The strikes followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds, clear signs of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks. In response, NAF strike aircraft executed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, targeting and destroying high-value terrorist infrastructure including logistics warehouses, command centres, and defensive shelters.”

 

He said many terrorists were killed during the operations.

 

“Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives.

 

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute to sustain the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and restore lasting peace to all troubled regions across the Country, ” Ejodame said.

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