Some yet-to-be-identified assailants have attacked the office of vigilante operatives in the Umunze community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that during the attack that was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, the hoodlums set about five operational vehicles and some parts of the building housing the security operatives ablaze.
An eyewitness around the scene said, “The hoodlums invaded the premises in the early hours of Thursday and started shooting indiscriminately. The matter got escalated when the security operatives, in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives.
“About five operational vehicles were set ablaze, and some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums, who later fled the scene before the arrival of the police-led joint security force.”
When contacted on Thursday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development and said the Police-led Joint Security Force had taken over the scene.
Ikenga said the police seek the collaborative efforts of the local communities on the ongoing onslaught operations in the area to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack on vigilante operatives in Umunze Community, Orumba South Local Government Area, emphasising the need for community support to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, where the suspected armed men attacked the vigilante’s office at Umunze and set five of their operational vehicles ablaze.
“The security operatives, in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel, recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives. Some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums.
“Given the above, the police-led Joint Security Force has taken over the scene and seeks the collaborative efforts of the local communities on the ongoing onslaught operations in the area to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable.
“Further developments shall be communicated, please.”
Commuters across the Lagos metropolis were once again trapped in a frustrating gridlock on Thursday, with vehicular movement grinding to a halt for hours, an ordeal that appears to have no end in sight.
For those heading out of Lagos via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the traffic bottleneck, which began at the popular Otedola Bridge, stretched through the Ogun State corridor and terminated at the Fatgbem Filling Station, leaving thousands stranded or trekking.
Stranded passengers, unable to wait for commercial buses caught in the gridlock, were seen trekking towards the Fatgbem filling station.
Others, particularly the elderly and families with children, stood helplessly by the roadside under the sun.
The usually bustling Berger Bus Stop, which serves passengers heading to Mowe, Magboro, Wawa, and Arepo, was nearly deserted.
The Berger bus shed and its space were fully consumed by vehicles stuck in traffic and stranded passengers.
Vendors, taking advantage of the standstill, moved freely between vehicles, selling sachet water, soft drinks, and snacks.
Commercial drivers who managed to navigate through the chaos exploited the situation by increasing transport fares from the usual N500–N700 to as high as N2,000.
Occasionally, a few sympathetic private car owners were seen picking up exhausted passengers.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, a commuter, Kazeem Olarewaju, described the situation as unbearable.
Olarewaju said, “I don’t understand why a few people are allowed to inconvenience everyone else.
“Why can’t the government relocate these ram sellers? Why should people suffer like this just because they want to use a public road?
“This is 5 p.m. I left the Lagos Secretariat around 3 pm, and I’ve barely moved. The bus fare has tripled.”
Another road user, who declined to give his name, echoed the same frustration and urged the government to relocate the Kara market.
“You won’t see any of our leaders plying this road. It’s only the common man. Please, help us beg them to move this market elsewhere.
“It’s not a difficult thing to do if the government truly wants to help us, especially during festive seasons,” he noted.
Ademola, a passenger travelling to Ibadan with his family, described the Kara market as a recurring problem.
He lamented, “That market has become a menace for road users during Sallah celebrations. This isn’t the first time commuters are facing this kind of hardship.
“If it’s not road repairs, it’s ram sellers. Every year, there’s a problem. The FRSC officials are trying, but this is beyond just traffic control.”
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the FRSC, Florence Okpe, had confirmed the situation and attributed the congestion to increased pre-Sallah activities at the Kara Market.
“Our officials are already on the ground and will remain there to manage the traffic throughout the festive period,” she had told our correspondent on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, massive gridlock was witnessed across several parts of Lagos on Thursday evening as pre-Sallah market activities and the usual closing-hour rush brought vehicular movement to a crawl in major commercial corridors.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in a traffic update posted via its official X handle at 4:26 p.m., reported that the CMS Bridge inward Offin Canal Market was experiencing significant congestion due to market-related activities.
“There is slow movement on the CMS bridge heading towards Offin Canal Market, specifically impacted by vehicles entering and exiting the market area.
“However, the stretch immediately following Offin Canal Market to the Ijora Olopa by NEPA intersection is currently clear,” LASTMA stated.
The agency further revealed that traffic was building up steadily along Broad Street, with congestion stretching toward the Apongbon underbridge section.
“The congestion is tied to activities at Offin Canal Market and Olowogbowo, alongside the usual evening rush,” it added.
In contrast, LASTMA noted that traffic was flowing smoothly on Eko Bridge by the NEPA intersection heading toward Apongbon.
It also said that movement was “good” descending Eko Bridge toward CMS, Elegbeta Mini Stadium, and the Ebute-Ero Market areas.
According to the agency, the stretch from Ebute-Ero Market through Leventis, UBA Roundabout, and extending to the inner and outer Marina remained clear, with “traffic moving without obstruction.”
LASTMA officials were observed at several choke points, coordinating traffic to ease the flow and reduce delays.
In areas like Egbeda, particularly along the Idimu-Isheri Road corridor, traffic was intense due to high volumes of ram trading activities.
A similar scene unfolded around the College Bus Stop in Ikotun, where makeshift ram markets had sprung up in open spaces, further compounding vehicular delays.
WBC title holder and 2022 Commonwealth medallist Elizabeth Oshoba talks about winning a world title, beating the odds to win a medal in Birmingham, her boxing journey and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
How did you start boxing?
It was actually my brother who introduced me to it; he came to me when I was 12 and said he wanted me to start boxing, he said, ‘I saw one video of a girl boxing and she is just like you, you guys look alike so I would like you to try boxing too’ but I told him I don’t want to box. So, actually, I do sports, I like sports, then I played football, I played table tennis then too, all these street sports, but I said I couldn’t do boxing, I didn’t want them to spoil my fine face, I can’t do it. My parents like sports as well, so they encouraged me, and one particular day, my Dad lied to me that we should go out to get fuel and he drove me to coach Smart of Smart Boxing, and when we got there was when I realised it was a boxing gym. The coach was now encouraging me too, and I saw a lot of ladies like me boxing so I now decided I could do this if these ones were doing it because I had the mind that if they saw me outside, they could just beat me and go, and I can’t let that happen and that is when I started.
When you first started boxing, did guys in the neighbourhood try to fight you?
Actually, when I started boxing, I was going to a public school so some of my schoolmates stayed in the area of the boxing gym, and when they saw me there, the next day they came to school and told everyone I was fighting boxing, and the guys then in the school did not want to accept that a lady could be doing this so they started bullying me, and it got to the point that I had to fight back, although it is not professional and we shouldn’t fight back, I had to just fight back but then I fought with a guy in my class and he started bleeding and that was when they all knew that I was a good boxer and they started leaving me alone.
Since you started your career till now, what will you define as the highlight of your career?
When I won the WBC world title and when I went for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, I couldn’t believe it, God did it so those are the best ones so far from me. I couldn’t believe I could make it to the Games and even win a silver medal, it was a very tough journey for me before I got to the Games dealing with a COVID-19 positive test before it later showed negative after three tests and I made the trip.
How did you and the family feel when you won the silver medal?
I was the happiest person in the world when I won the silver medal. I thanked God a lot because after all that I went through, I did not expect this at all, I was even happier than the person who won gold, I was so glad, that was my happiest moment. Initially, while I was training, I believed I would win the gold medal but after what happened, being weak, losing weight, and not training enough gave me second thoughts so I really value the silver medal. My family were watching the fight live with me and after I got my medal, they were so excited and happy for me.
Where is your medal now?
It is with me in the UK, I carry it everywhere I go, I don’t leave it in Nigeria, and the National honours I got from President Muhammadu Buhari after coming back from the Games. That is what I worked for so I cannot just treat it anyhow, I need to take care of it very well.
You are fighting now in the United Kingdom professionally in the super-featherweight, how is it going?
It is going very well, and very soon, I will fight for more titles. I have won all of my fights now, seven fights in the UK and two in Nigeria.
How did you feel when you won the WBC silver title?
I was on top of the world. I am very happy with this title, it is my first (world) title but I am still focused and I can’t wait to fight more world title fights, win more and claim the main WBC belt. The IBO belt too is very important to me and I am happy to have achieved this success. It wasn’t easy though, but I am fully prepared for any kind of opponent. I knew I was going to be announced the winner once the fights ended.
Do you think your training in Nigeria prepared you for your fights abroad?
I had tough training, sparred with male boxers and had to improvise a lot back home in Nigeria. I had to motivate myself a lot. So, I think that prepared me for the opportunities I am seeing now, all those challenges made me stronger. Whenever I remember those moments, it really motivates me to give more than 100 per cent.
What will you call the lowest point of your career?
That was when I lost in the semi-final at the All African Games in 2019 in Morocco; that was my first time representing Nigeria and I won the bronze medal then.
Any advice for young female boxers in Nigeria?
I would like to tell them not to give up on whatever they are doing. No matter how difficult it is, no matter the struggle, hard work is going to pay off, they should not give up and keep working towards their goals.
The Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, in partnership with Hasene International Organisation and Baris Charity Foundation, Nigeria, on Thursday distributed fresh cow meat to over 6,000 vulnerable individuals across all 361 political wards of the state.
Our correspondent learnt that each local government area received between 10 and 12 cows, while Katsina LG alone received 90 cows, from which 1,000 meat packages were shared just as half of the packages were reserved for people with special needs while the remaining portions were distributed to orphans, internally displaced persons, the less privileged, and other vulnerable community members.
To ensure fairness, transparency, and efficient delivery, she constituted a dedicated oversight committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Commissioners for Special Duties, Internal Security, and Sports, Senior Special Assistants on Livestock and Disability Affairs.
The First Lady and her team also toured various key institutions across the state, such as the juvenile correctional facility, Katsina old and new prisons, Katsina State Orphanage, General Hospital Katsina, and the Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre, with not just food, but messages of hope and love, offering heartfelt support where needed.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady in one of the places visited, Abdulkadir Nasir said, “Her Excellency wants you to know that you are not forgotten. She sends her love and prayers, hoping everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging.
“More than charity, this initiative reflects Hajiya Zulaihat Radda’s enduring philosophy of service, compassion, and inclusive leadership.
“It is about being present not only in times of celebration, but also in moments of silence where kindness speaks the loudest.
“As the people of Katsina mark this sacred season, they do so with renewed strength and faith, thanks to a First Lady whose actions continue to echo deeply in the hearts of the people she serves.”
Men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested two persons over alleged kidnapping activity in Akunnu Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Njoka Irabor on Thursday.
According to the statement, the suspected kidnapper was arrested while making a move to collect ransom from the family of a 10-year-old boy who had earlier been abducted by the hoodlums, while the other suspect was caught giving information to the bandits.
The statement read, “In an effort to sustain its operational activities, while maintaining maximum security to decimate kidnappers and other criminal elements within its Area of Responsibility, troops of 32 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed on operation Fast Strike Squad at Forward Operating Base Auga, on June 3, 2025, captured a suspected kidnapper and rescued one kidnapped victim.
“The operation was carried out following credible information received from locals about a family making plans to pay ransom to kidnappers around Sabon Hanya, along the road Aiyere – Kabba in Ondo State. Troops swiftly laid an ambush along the route that the kidnappers prescribed for those to deliver the ransom.
“Consequently, troops captured one of the kidnappers and rescued a kidnapped victim, aged 10.
“The victim has been in the kidnappers’ custody for three days. However, the suspected kidnapper sustained injury during the operation.
“Relatedly, in a follow up operation on 4 June 2025, troops arrested one Mr Abubakar (aka Maude), a suspected informant stationed around Auga in Akoko South East LGA of Ondo State. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect is a member of a kidnapping syndicate, placed in the area to monitor the movement and activities of troops and inform members of his syndicate accordingly.”
Iraboh further stated that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate security agency for onward prosecution.
“The suspects are presently in our custody for further interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution,” he said.
He added that the Commander 32 Brigade, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, had implored the people of the state to always avail the troops with credible information on the movement and activities of criminals and unknown persons within their neighbourhood, “as this would enhance the capacity of troops in conducting operations with precision and further stem the tide of criminals within 32 Brigade.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on those in leadership to demonstrate compassion and place the well-being of the people above all, in accordance with divine guidance.
In a statement from his media office on Thursday, congratulating Muslims on Eid al-Adha, Atiku encouraged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to embody kindness and peace in their daily lives.
He stated, “The essence of Eid-al-Adha, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammad, calls us to reflect kindness and peace in our lives.
‘The Waziri Adamawa urged Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged, noting, kindness and generosity are integral to our faith – values we must uphold not only during this celebration but at all times.”
He also urged leaders at all levels to embody the spirit of compassion and sacrifice reflected in the festival.
The statement added, “Leadership demands forbearance and commitment to the greater good. I appeal to those in authority to show compassion and prioritise the welfare of the people, in line with God’s command.
“Atiku concluded by advocating for peace and unity, encouraging Nigerians to pray for harmony in their homes and society during this sacred time.”
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has urged Muslims to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-ul-Adha with love, moderation, and reflection.
Basiru, who is seeking the APC governorship ticket for the 2026 Osun governorship poll, in a statement by the spokesperson for the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation, Prof. Sulaiman Ajala, called for prayers for the prosperity of the state and peaceful conduct of the August 8, 2026, governorship election.
He felicitated Muslims on witnessing another Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
The governorship aspirant admonished the Muslim Ummah to extend kindness to everybody irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for another grace of life to be part of this year’s celebrations. It’s a privilege, not by our doing, strength, or power. I want to appreciate the people of Osun State for sustaining their confidence in the APC. I appreciate the sacrifices we have made so far under the clueless administration in the state.
“I treasure the support of our people for the Alubarika Movement. I relish your unrelenting efforts and admire your courage in ensuring that our determination to govern the state sees the light of day.
“I still want to prod us to use this period of acceptance of prayers to pray for our dear state, nation, and party, particularly APC’s triumph in next year’s governorship poll in Osun and other elections elsewhere,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has donated rams, bags of rice and other food items to the Muslim community in Abia State ahead of the Sallah festivities billed for Friday.
Presenting the items to the Muslim faithful led by Sarki Shehu Bello in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of the State, Kalu urged them to use the occasion to spread love to the indigent people and put a smile on their faces.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, quoted Kalu as saying that he would not relent in championing the cause and welfare of his people by spreading the dividends of democracy.
Wishing them a joyous celebration, the Deputy Speaker who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State appealed to the Muslim faithful and indeed, all Nigerians to continue to pray for and support the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
In his response, the leader of Abia Muslim Community, thanked the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence, and ensuring that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrate Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy.
He said, “On behalf of the Muslim community, we want to appreciate His Excellency, the Deputy Speaker for remembering us, for making sure that the Muslim community residing in Abia State celebrate this Sallah in harmony, happiness and joy. May God bless him more and more. He will have long life and things will go well for him.”
Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu, who held power for almost seven years until 2021, died Thursday in a hospital in South Africa at the age of 68, his party and family announced.
Lungu had been receiving specialised medical treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, the Patriotic Front, his political party, said in a statement.
“My father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks,” his daughter Tasila Lungu-Mwansa announced in a video shared on social media.
“His condition was managed with dignity and privacy with support from all well-wishers,” she said, without providing details of the cause of his death.
Lungu had suffered from recurring achalasia, a condition caused by narrowing of the oesophagus, for which he had been treated in South Africa.
Lungu, a trained military officer and lawyer, stepped down from the presidency in 2021 when veteran opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, the current president, won elections by a landslide.
He had said he planned to run for president again in the 2026 elections.
He came into power in 2015, after the death in office of his predecessor Michael Sata, and described himself as an “ordinary Zambian of humble beginnings”.
The immediate past Senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi, has lost his mother, Victoria Adeyemi.
PUNCH Online gathered that she died on Wednesday morning at her Abuja residence.
The National President of Iyara Development Association, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the Iyara community has lost a matriarch, entrepreneur and virtuous mother.
Badaki stated, “This is to announce the glorious exit of our dear, lovely grandma, mama, Mrs Victoria Oyeyemi Adeyemi (nee Ibilola). She will always be remembered for her love and passion towards the development of Iyara.”
He extended the condolences of the community to Adeyemi and the family on the unfortunate loss, praying that God to grant her eternal rest.
“May her soul rest in peace. Our condolences to the entire family, especially the Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi and the community in general. Adieu, mama,” the statement added.
When our correspondent got in touch with the former Senator, he simply thanked him for the message.
Asked to confirm the development, the senator replied, “Thank you so much, and God bless you.”
