Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • Outrage as Eight Killed in Renewed Plateau Bloodshed

    Residents of Plateau State have expressed outrage following the killing of eight members of the same family in a fresh attack in Bokkos Local Government Area.

    The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has heightened fears of renewed violence in the area, with locals calling for urgent government intervention to halt the recurring bloodshed.

    Eyewitness accounts indicated that suspected armed assailants stormed a rural settlement in Bokkos under the cover of darkness, targeting the victims’ residence and killing all eight occupants before fleeing.

    A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as “barbaric and deeply disturbing,” noting that the victims included women and children.

    “This is a painful loss. An entire family has been wiped out. People are angry and scared because these attacks seem to be happening repeatedly,” the source said.

    Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area shortly after the incident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm and prevent reprisals.

    The Plateau State Police Command has yet to officially confirm the casualty figures, but a security source told NAN that investigations had commenced to apprehend those responsible.

    Meanwhile, residents have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to intensify surveillance and provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.

    Bokkos and other parts of Plateau have witnessed recurring violent attacks in recent times, often attributed to complex communal tensions and disputes over land use.

    Humanitarian concerns are also growing, as some residents are reportedly considering relocation amid fears of further attacks.

    Authorities have called for calm and assured that measures are being implemented to address the security challenges and ensure lasting peace in the region.

  • Outrage Trails Borno Attack as Group Demands Stronger Response to Killing of General, Soldiers

    A civil society group has condemned the killing of a senior military officer and other soldiers in Borno State, calling for urgent and decisive measures to curb rising attacks on security formations in Nigeria’s North-East.

    The group, Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA), described the incident as a “heinous and cowardly act,” stressing that the continued targeting of military personnel underscores the evolving threat posed by insurgents.

    The attack, which occurred on April 8 at a military base in Damboa, claimed the life of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah alongside other troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

    Call for Urgent Action

    In a statement signed by its Convener, Mary Abayomi-Fatile, the group urged authorities to intensify efforts against terrorist networks and their sponsors, warning that persistent attacks on military bases could weaken national security architecture.

    The organisation emphasised that beyond condemnation, there must be concrete actions to prevent recurrence, including improved intelligence gathering, better protection for frontline troops and sustained military support.

    “We salute the courage and sacrifice of these fallen heroes,” the group said, noting that their deaths represent a significant loss to the nation.

    Rising Concern Over Military Targets

    Security analysts note that the incident reflects a troubling pattern of insurgent offensives targeting military installations in Borno State, long considered the epicentre of the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency.

    Recent reports indicate that such attacks often involve coordinated assaults on bases, destruction of equipment and attempts to overrun positions, highlighting the resilience of armed groups despite ongoing military operations.

    The killing of a high-ranking officer has further heightened concerns about the intensity of the conflict and the need for renewed strategic response.

    National Loss, Collective Grief

    PSNAFSA expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, describing the slain personnel as patriots who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.

    The group also called on Nigerians to support the armed forces and remain vigilant, stressing that national unity is critical in confronting insecurity.

    Outlook

    Observers say the condemnation reflects growing public demand for accountability and a more robust counter-insurgency approach.

    As attacks persist in the North-East, stakeholders warn that safeguarding military personnel and strengthening operational capacity will be crucial to reversing the tide of insurgency.

  • Nigeria Expands Crude Portfolio as NNPC Exports 950,000 Barrels to Europe

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has expanded Nigeria’s crude oil portfolio with the export of 950,000 barrels of a newly introduced crude grade to the European market, marking a significant milestone in the country’s oil sector.

    The state-owned oil company disclosed that the cargo, which was shipped to the Netherlands, represents the first international lifting of the new crude blend, designed to meet evolving global energy demands and specifications.

    According to NNPC Ltd., the development is part of ongoing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s crude offerings, improve market competitiveness, and optimise revenue generation from the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

    A senior official of the company noted that the new crude grade was carefully formulated to appeal to European refiners, particularly in response to shifting supply dynamics and demand patterns in the region.

    “The successful export of this new crude stream underscores Nigeria’s capacity to innovate within the oil sector and adapt to global market realities,” the official said.

    Industry analysts say the move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international crude market, especially as European countries continue to seek alternative energy sources amid changing geopolitical and supply considerations.

    They added that expanding the crude slate would not only attract a broader range of buyers but also enhance pricing flexibility and long-term trade relationships.

    The export also aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to boost crude production and maximise value across the oil and gas value chain, while ensuring sustainability and efficiency in operations.

    NNPC Ltd. reaffirmed its commitment to exploring new opportunities in the global energy market and leveraging innovation to sustain growth in the sector.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has in recent years pursued reforms aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and investment in the petroleum industry.

  • NUJ Condemns Wike’s Statement, Calls for Immediate Apology

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as inappropriate and capable of undermining press freedom.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said the union found the remark directed at a television anchor deeply troubling and unacceptable.

    Yahya noted that such comments from a public office holder could intimidate journalists and create a hostile environment for media practitioners carrying out their constitutional duties.

    “The statement is condemnable and does not reflect the responsibility expected of public officials in a democratic society,” he said.

    The union called on Wike to tender an immediate and unreserved apology, stressing that failure to do so could erode public trust and embolden attacks against journalists.

    According to the NUJ, it had initially withheld its reaction in anticipation of a retraction or clarification but was compelled to speak due to the absence of any official response.

    The body also urged the Federal Government to take appropriate steps to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists across the country.

    Meanwhile, an aide to the minister, Lere Olayinka, has downplayed the controversy, describing the statement as exaggerated and taken out of context.

    Olayinka maintained that the minister had no intention of threatening the journalist, adding that the remark was made in the heat of the moment.

    However, the development has continued to draw reactions from stakeholders, who emphasised the need for caution in public communication, especially by government officials.

    They reiterated that safeguarding the independence of the media remains essential to sustaining democratic governance in Nigeria.

  • Gunmen Invade Kaduna Churches, Kill Seven, Abduct Several on Easter Sunday

    Suspected gunmen on Sunday attacked worshippers in parts of Kaduna State during Easter celebrations, killing seven persons and abducting several others in a coordinated assault on two churches.

    The incident occurred in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, where the attackers reportedly stormed the premises of two churches during service and opened fire on congregants.

    Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers, operated for an extended period, taking advantage of the remote nature of the area and poor telecommunications network.

    A local official, Mr Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, stating that seven deaths had been recorded, while an unspecified number of worshippers were abducted and taken to unknown destinations.

    “The situation is still being assessed as security agencies and local authorities move into the area to ascertain the full extent of casualties and damage,” he said.

    Residents of the community were said to have fled into nearby bushes during the attack, as panic and confusion engulfed the area.

    Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report, but efforts are reportedly underway to rescue the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.

    The latest attack highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target vulnerable communities, including places of worship.

    Analysts say the timing of the incident, coinciding with Easter celebrations, raises fresh concerns about the safety of religious gatherings and the need for improved security deployment, especially during major national and religious events.

    They warn that recurring attacks on soft targets could further exacerbate humanitarian concerns and deepen insecurity in affected regions.

  • JNI Confirms Four Muslims Killed, 10 Missing in Plateau Attack

    The Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has confirmed that four Muslims were killed, while 10 others remain missing following a recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.

    The Secretary of JNI in the state, Salim Umar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.

    Umar said the figures emerged after investigations and reports collated from affected Muslim communities in the area.

    According to him, the victims were part of those affected in the Sunday night attack, which reportedly claimed several lives and left many others injured.

    “The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State Chapter, regrets to confirm the death of four Muslims and reports 10 others missing following the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community,” he said.

    He added that some of the victims’ bodies had been identified at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while the missing persons had not been contacted since the incident, with their phone lines unreachable.

    The JNI secretary noted that two survivors of the attack were currently receiving treatment at the hospital, adding that the organisation was in contact with families of the victims.

    He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents to remain calm, while commending efforts by the state government and security agencies in containing the situation.

    The incident is part of a series of violent attacks in Plateau State, where gunmen recently invaded communities in Jos North, leading to multiple casualties and heightened security concerns.

    Security agencies have yet to provide a comprehensive update on the number of casualties, although previous reports indicated that several persons were killed during the assault.

    Meanwhile, stakeholders have continued to call for improved security measures to prevent further attacks in the state.

  • Lebanon Condemns Killing of Three Journalists in Israeli Strike

    The Lebanese government has strongly condemned the killing of three journalists in what it described as an Israeli airstrike, heightening tensions amid ongoing hostilities along the country’s southern border.

    In an official statement issued on Saturday, Lebanese authorities accused Israel of deliberately targeting media personnel, describing the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law” and press freedom.

    The journalists, whose identities were yet to be officially released at the time of filing this report, were reportedly covering developments in southern Lebanon when the strike occurred.

    Lebanon’s Ministry of Information said the incident underscored growing risks faced by journalists operating in conflict zones and called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable.

    “This act constitutes a direct assault on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties,” the statement said.

    The ministry further urged relevant international bodies, including the United Nations and global press freedom organisations, to launch an independent investigation into the incident.

    Meanwhile, emergency responders were said to have rushed to the scene shortly after the strike, recovering bodies and transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities.

    Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated in recent months, with intermittent cross-border exchanges raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

    Observers say journalists have increasingly found themselves at risk as they attempt to cover developments in volatile border areas, often without adequate protection.

    There has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities regarding the incident as of press time.

    Media advocacy groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by reporters in conflict zones, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian laws that guarantee the protection of civilians, including journalists.

    The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of media workers in the Middle East, as calls intensify for stricter enforcement of laws safeguarding press personnel in war zones.

  • Auto Crash Claims Five from Same Family in Yobe

    No fewer than five members of the same family have lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway in Yobe State.

    The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, also left three other family members with varying degrees of injuries, according to sources.

    A relative of the victims, Dahiru Musa Talba, confirmed the development, describing the حادث as devastating and a huge loss to the family.

    The injured victims were reportedly rushed to the General Hospital in Damaturu, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said five persons were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries.
    He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.

    “The accident involved members of the same family. Five persons were confirmed dead, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Abdulkarim said.

    The deceased were identified as Hajjagana Dahiru Zayi, Ibrahim Dahiru Zayi, Muhammad Dahiru Zayi, Hauwa Dahiru Zayi, and another family member.

    Residents of the area described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway is a busy route prone to heavy vehicular movement.

    They called on motorists to exercise caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives.

    The accident has thrown the victims’ community, particularly in Potiskum Local Government Area, into mourning.

  • Explosion Near UMTH Gate Triggers Panic in Maiduguri

    Panic erupted in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following a bomb explosion near the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) on Monday.

    Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred around the hospital’s main entrance area, sending residents, commuters and hospital visitors fleeing for safety as security operatives rushed to the scene.

    Sources said the blast was suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), although authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the exact cause as of press time.

    Security personnel, including troops of the Nigerian military and other emergency responders, quickly cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to allow bomb disposal experts to assess the situation.

    Some witnesses reported that the explosion created a loud bang that was heard in several parts of the city, particularly around the University of Maiduguri axis and nearby communities.

    Emergency teams were seen evacuating victims from the scene, while injured persons were reportedly rushed into the hospital for treatment.

    A security source said investigations had commenced to determine whether the incident was linked to insurgent activities in the North-East.

    Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has for years been at the centre of the insurgency led by the extremist group Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The groups have carried out numerous bombings and attacks across the region since the insurgency began in 2009.

    Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while investigations into the explosion continue.

    Further details, including possible casualties and arrests, were still being awaited at the time of filing this report.

  • Abuja–Kaduna Train Derails, Several Passengers Injured

    Several passengers sustained injuries on Monday when a train operating on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, causing panic among commuters and disrupting rail services along the busy route.

    The incident reportedly occurred along a section of the standard gauge rail line between Abuja and Kaduna, one of Nigeria’s most frequently used rail corridors.

    Eyewitnesses said the derailment happened while the train was in motion, forcing some coaches off the track and leaving passengers stranded for several hours.

    Some passengers were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the incident, while others escaped unhurt but were visibly shaken.

    Emergency responders and railway officials were said to have arrived at the scene shortly after the derailment to evacuate passengers and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.

    A passenger who spoke with reporters said the situation caused panic inside the train as passengers struggled to understand what had happened.

    “We suddenly felt a violent jerk and the train slowed down abruptly. Some coaches tilted slightly and people began shouting. It was a frightening experience,” the passenger said.

    Another passenger said some injured persons were given first aid at the scene before being moved to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.

    Officials of the Nigerian railway authorities were said to have begun preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the derailment.

    Although the exact cause of the incident had yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report, railway engineers were reportedly inspecting the affected section of the track and the train coaches involved.

    The Abuja–Kaduna rail line remains one of Nigeria’s most important transportation routes, conveying thousands of passengers daily due to security concerns along the Abuja–Kaduna highway.

    Rail services on the corridor have experienced occasional disruptions in the past due to technical issues, track maintenance and other operational challenges.

    Authorities are expected to release an official statement on the incident and outline steps being taken to restore normal services and prevent future occurrences.

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