Villagers from Umunobo, Nkwu-Emeke, Akalovu in Emekuku in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State have raised the alarm following the presence of masked herdsmen in the community.
This is even as the Imo State Police Command has assured the residents that there was no cause for alarm as security operatives had been deployed to ensure calm and safety.
One of the villagers who pleaded anonymity told PUNCH Metro on Thursday during our correspondent’s visit to the community that eight masked herdsmen were seen advancing towards the village on Wednesday morning from the bushes.
The source said villagers had a misunderstanding with the herdsmen over the trampling of their crops in the farms by their cows adding that they later dispersed.
However, early Wednesday morning, they said eight masked herdsmen were seen bearing AK-47 rifles and advancing into their village, a development that triggered panic and confusion.
When contacted, the Imo State Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command was aware of the incident.
Okoye said “the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had immediately deployed the DPOs of Owerri Urban, New Owerri, Owerri North divisions to the place to guard against any attack.
“Furthermore, he immediately deployed men from the Special Intervention Squad of security operatives in synergy with Nigeria Army operatives to patrol the area.
“There is no cause for alarm as the situation is under control. We have an adequate security presence. We appeal to the people to go about their lawful business, as their safety is guaranteed”, Okoye said.
The lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, on Monday clarified that an earlier report attributed to him regarding an attack on former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai (retd.) in Borno State was misrepresented.
The former Senate Leader clarified this speculation in a statement he signed on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the ‘Buratai’ he referred to was a town in Biu Local Government Area of the state and not the ex-chief who shares the same surname with the place.
Ndume, who featured as a guest during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, had raised concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region.
While revealing the extent of killings in the area, he added that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and soldiers when they attacked Buratai last Friday.
While on the show, Ndume lamented, “We are in a dire security situation
“Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno.
“Some soldiers responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets.”
“The attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.”
Ndume added that the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also cart away weaponry and equipment.
Barely 24 hours after his interview, the senator clarified his earlier statement, saying he wasn’t referring to the immediate past Chief of Army Staff.
“It was Buratai town in Borno state that was attacked, not the person of the erstwhile Chief of Army Staff,” he clarified.
Incidentally, the former service chief also hails from the same Buratai town in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and was a central figure in the country’s counterinsurgency campaign.
Since his retirement, he has remained an influential figure in security circles.
The Gombe Police Command has confirmed the death of a 45-year-old man, Ahmed Aliyu, who was fatally attacked by unidentified assailants in Hammadu Kafi, in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the incident was reported at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday by a relative of the deceased, Bashir Umar, while the attack occurred around 8:00 a.m. that day.
Abdullahi said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attacked with a knife and sustained fatal injuries to the left side of his chest and back.
“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe, where a medical doctor sadly confirmed him dead.”
The Police Command described the act as “senseless and unwarranted,” and has launched an intelligence-driven investigation to track down those responsible.
“We strongly condemn this heinous crime.
“An intelligence-based investigation has commenced immediately, and every effort is being made to identify, trace, and apprehend the perpetrators so they can face the full wrath of the law,” Abdullahi added.
In its appeal for public cooperation, the command urged residents to remain calm and assist in the investigation by volunteering any information that could aid in solving the case.
“We call on members of the public to support the police by providing credible information that can help unravel the circumstances behind this tragedy,” the police spokesperson said.
The command in the statement reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, adding, “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of everyone in Gombe State.”
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, on Sunday, raised the alarm of intimidation, cattle rustling, and a threat to life in some communities in the state.
The leaders of the association in the state, Ardo Risku and Ibrahim Galma, chairman and secretary, respectively, raised the alarm in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday.
The leaders of the association said that already, one of their members, identified as Sanni Hassan, was killed at North Bank, Makurdi, last Tuesday by suspected Tiv youths.
They also alleged that a total number of 1,185 cows were rustled between the middle of May and June 2, in Agatu and Guma Local Government areas of the state, out of which they said that police have recovered 162 cows.
The statement read partly, “In the middle of May, 2025, 150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and another 130 cows of another herder were rustled in Agatu LGA of Benue State.
“Recently, a total number of 905 cows and 54 sheep belonging to Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba and Sanni Hassan were rustled on June 2, 2025, close to Yogbo community in Guma LGA of Benue State.
“Benue State Police Command intercepted the rustlers and recovered 162 cows, of which 33 were injured, leaving 743 cows and 54 sheep unrecovered.”
The association regretted that while the owners of the cows came to Makurdi to claim the recovered ones by the police last Tuesday, “they were attacked along the expressway close to Laafia garage in North Bank by suspected Tiv youths, leading to the death of Sanni Hassan.”
They called on the state government, Benue State Police Command, and other security agencies in the state to investigate and arrest the killers of their member and the rustlers.
They also solicited support from the state government for their members whose cattle were rustled and the family of the deceased.
When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, said that he received the report and that security operatives were already investigating the matter and urged the association to be patient until the outcome of the investigation.
He said, “We received such reports that the police is investigating the matter, I urge the MACBAN to be patient until the outcome of the police investigation.”
Also contacted the spokesperson for the state command, DSP Udeme Edet
confirmed the killing of a member of the association and rustling and recovery of some cows, but she did not give the total number of rustled and recovered cows.
She said, “It is true, the command has recovered some cows from rustlers and the killing of their member at North Bank.”
While appealing to criminals to desist from rustling of cows so as not to further heighten tension in the state, the PPRO, however, warned that the command would make sure that such people are made to face the wrath of the law.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.
The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.
NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.
Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.
Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.
According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.
“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?
“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.
“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said
Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.
“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.
“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.
“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.
‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said
The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.
According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.
Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said the Biafra civil war was never his choice.
Gowon was presiding over the affairs of Nigeria during the civil war from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.
He described the civil war as the most difficult period of his life.
The former ruler spoke after he was honoured with a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday in Abuja.
He also disclosed that his decision to prosecute the Biafra civil war was never born out of hatred.
Gowon explained that he prosecuted the civil war due to the urgency to preserve national unity.
The former Nigerian ruler called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity across faiths and ethnicities.
He said, “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.
“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.
“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”
Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.
“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.
“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.
“That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added
Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli forces killed at least 13 Palestinians on Saturday, six of them in a shooting incident near a US-backed aid distribution centre in the territory’s south.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at around 7:00 am (0400 GMT), “six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout” in southern Gaza’s Rafah area.
Gazans have massed at Al-Alam almost daily since late May to collect humanitarian aid at a centre about one kilometre (0.6 miles) away, operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told AFP that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout.
“As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians,” Abu Hadid said.
Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it was looking into the incident, the latest deadly fire near the Al-Alam aid point.
The GHF began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations, which has refused to cooperate with the GHF over neutrality concerns, has warned that Gaza’s entire population of more than two million people was at risk of starvation.
In the territory’s north early Saturday, Bassal said seven people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a house near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital.
The Israeli military said it was looking into the report.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights has faulted the Ogun government for failure to install speed breakers on the newly rehabilitated Ikangba/Agoro road, in Ijebu Ode area of the state.
The group claimed that the absence of these speed breakers is responsible for the frequent accidents and deaths recorded on the road almost daily.
In a statement on Saturday by the Coordinator of CDWR, Eko Nicholas, the group said at least eight lives had been lost, including two female students of Seico Secondary School who were writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, between February and June, when the rehabilitation of the road was completed.
The group stated that it was wrong for the government to have refused to yield to several past appeals regarding the need to construct speed breakers on the newly rehabilitated road, which would help mitigate the challenge of over-speeding by motorists plying this road.
The statement partly read, “The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) Ogun State chapter, for the umpteenth time call on government of Prince Dapo Abiodun to save the lives of residents of Obalende-Olorunsogo, Ikangba-Agoro, and other road users from the continuous, needless, and avoidable deaths on the newly rehabilitated road, by immediately constructing speed breakers, providing lightings and traffic signs.
“This is to limit and regulate vehicular speed and caution motorists against reckless driving.
“The Ikangba/Agoro road has become a death trap since the completion of rehabilitation works in February this year.
“Eight people have lost their lives thus far, on the road, as at the last count.
“Many have also sustained serious and life-threatening injuries.
“The most recent deaths include Mr Demion Chukwu, a 70-year-old man, who till his unfortunate death resided in Ikangba Housing estate. He died on the 2nd of June,2025, due to a fatal accident involving him on a motorcycle and another motorcycle (Okada) that occurred on Sunday, June 1st,2025.
“The other victim, a boy, resident in Sagamu, whose identity couldn’t be ascertained, had serious injuries and was admitted to one of the hospitals in Ijebu Ode. However, unconfirmed sources reported that he died on June 4, 2025.
“Recall also, that on the 23rd of May 2025, Mosaku Aisha and Omobewaji Sanni, two female students of Seico Senior Secondary School, Ikangba Town, who were writing the ongoing WASSCE were crushed to death by a truck on this same road”
The group urged the State Governor Dapo Abiodun to act on constructing speed breakers, streetlights, and traffic signs on the road to prevent the ugly occurrences.
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.”
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.
