Wahala Don Set Oo! Bello Turji Storms Eastern Sokoto Villages, Residents Flee For Their Lives

Wahala don burst for Sokoto State as notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has launched fresh attacks on several communities in the eastern axis, beginning with a deadly raid on Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area. According to reports, Turji’s fighters stormed the village in large numbers, forcing residents to abandon their homes and flee in the middle of the night to neighbouring communities. A video from the scene showed families escaping as fear gripped the area. Security alerts from Bakatsine confirmed the attack, describing it as part of a wider plan by Turji to seize and dominate rural settlements across eastern Sokoto. Bargaja village was also reportedly targeted days earlier in the same campaign. Despite government assurances, communities continue to face attacks, abductions and displacement. As villages empty and bandits tighten control over abandoned areas, concerns are growing over the response of security agencies and the safety of civilians.

Wahala Don Set for Adamawa: Bachama Group Accuses Nigerian Army, Big Men of Backing Tchobo Militia to Grab Mineral Land

Wahala don set for Adamawa State oo! Serious allegations don burst as Bachama militia group accuse the Nigerian military and powerful political big men of backing armed Tchobo militia to chase dem from their ancestral land – because of mineral wealth wey dey the area.

According to Bachama leaders, this no be ordinary communal clash again. Dem talk say the fight don pass ethnic matter and don turn calculated land grab, where money, minerals and political interest don enter the matter.

Dem say the crisis scatter well-well on July 7, 2025, when armed Tchobo fighters allegedly attack Bachama villages, kill innocent people without provocation. Bachama leaders insist say their people no retaliate, saying dem always try to remain on the defensive.

When security forces later enter the area, Bachama people initially happy. But e no take long before dem begin cry say the deployment turn to “occupation in favour of our attackers.” As in, soldiers wey suppose protect everybody allegedly begin protect only one side.

Wahala come rise again on December 8, 2025, when another attack allegedly happen. In a viral video, the Bachama group claim say while their youths try defend the community, soldiers allegedly intervene in a way wey lead to the killing of unarmed Bachama women wey gather dey pray for their men.

Till today, dem say no serious investigation don come out, one full month after the incident.

The group still talk about selective justice. Dem allege say two Bachama youths were arrested inside their bedrooms while sleeping, labeled as terrorists, and accused of keeping guns. As we speak, dem dey prison, waiting for trial.

Meanwhile, according to the group, a Tchobo youth leader wey publicly issue threats and even call for the removal of the Hama Bachama (their paramount ruler) still dey walk free, untouched.

“This is not accidental,” one Bachama leader talk. “The troops deployed here are compromised. They have taken sides and are protecting a tribal militia because powerful political actors want access to the mineral resources on our land.”

Dem even question why soldiers – instead of mobile police wey dem usually use for communal crisis – were sent to the area. According to dem, this military presence don embolden armed militia, who now dey move freely with weapons while residents dey trapped inside their homes.

Farmers no fit go farm. Families no fit work. Life don freeze. Meanwhile, armed men allegedly dey roam under the watch of security forces.

According to Bachama leaders, the real plan be to intimidate and weaken their people until dem abandon the land, which dem believe say get valuable, untapped mineral deposits.

“We are urging the Federal Government to withdraw these troops and stop this injustice,” the group said. “There can be no peace where security forces are seen as partners in exploitation.”

Dem also call on the Adamawa State Government to release their arrested kinsmen within 48 hours, warning say if the detention continue while anger dey build, e fit ignite another round of violence.

Police spokesman in the state, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirm say two men don be charged to court over the conflict. But Bachama people insist say justice no dey balanced.

SaharaReporters don previously report several times on the Bachama–Tchobo conflict, including allegations of village attacks, displacement, and claims of security bias. Observers don warn before say if elite interest and competition over land and minerals continue, the crisis fit turn full-blown humanitarian disaster.

As e stand now, one thing clear:
This no be ordinary communal clash again. Money, minerals, power don enter the matter. Wahala don set for Adamawa oo!

Pope Leo XIV Warns “War Is Back in Vogue,” Urges Global Leaders to Choose Dialogue Over Force

In a blunt address to the Diplomatic Corps, Pope Leo XIV has warned that “war is back in vogue” as nations increasingly pursue peace through military force instead of diplomacy, justice, and dialogue. The pontiff expressed deep concern over rising geopolitical tensions, the erosion of multilateral institutions, and the growing culture of unilateralism, stressing that innocent civilians always bear the highest cost of armed conflicts.

The Pope called on world leaders to embrace humility, dialogue, and compromise, emphasizing that lasting peace cannot be imposed by force but must be patiently built through justice, listening, and cooperation. He also highlighted the crucial role of global institutions in mediating conflicts, even as the world faces challenges like wars, displacement, economic inequality, and climate crises.

Diplomats at the address described it as one of the strongest critiques of contemporary international politics by the Holy See, underscoring the Vatican’s role as a moral voice for peace. Pope Leo XIV concluded by urging leaders to resist the temptation of violence and “have the courage to choose peace, even when it is difficult.”

Who Is Responsible for Oworonshoki’s Death Traps? How Exposed Electric Cables From Illegal Demolitions Killed a Lagos Teen After Oba-Ordered Evictions

How did a demolition exercise in Lagos turn into a deadly public hazard? And why were dangerous electric cables left exposed for months in a residential community?

Another teenager has been electrocuted in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, after coming into contact with live electricity wires abandoned following what residents describe as illegal demolitions ordered by the Oloworo of Oworonshoki Kingdom, Oba Saliu Babatunde. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has intensified outrage over the failure to remove or secure exposed cables after buildings were pulled down late last year.

According to community members who spoke to SaharaReporters, the demolitions carried out in November 2025 left behind dangling electric wires and open power lines, effectively turning streets and former residential areas into death traps. Despite repeated complaints, the hazardous infrastructure was never cleared, ultimately leading to the fatal electrocution of a young resident. A photograph obtained at the scene reportedly shows the teenager lying lifeless on the ground.

This latest death adds to a series of traumatic events linked to the demolition exercise. On November 25, 2025, SaharaReporters documented how two young girls returned from school to find their home allegedly burned down during the operation. In a widely circulated video, the children—one still in school uniform—described how their house was destroyed while their parents were at work, with no opportunity to retrieve personal belongings.

Residents allege that police officers and local vigilantes known as “Madanwo” participated in the operation, acting on the monarch’s directives. Bystanders in the footage accused authorities of burning houses without notice, arresting residents during clashes, and ignoring claims that government had ordered a halt to forced demolitions in the area.

Now, the fatal electrocution has raised urgent questions:
Why were live electric cables left exposed for months?
Who bears responsibility for clearing dangerous infrastructure after demolitions?
And how many more lives must be lost before accountability is enforced?

Community members insist the tragedy was preventable, arguing that basic safety measures—such as disconnecting power lines or fencing off hazardous areas—could have saved lives. The incident highlights a broader pattern of urban displacement, alleged abuse of authority, and neglect of public safety, especially in low-income communities affected by forced evictions.

As families mourn the teenager’s death, residents continue to demand answers from traditional authorities, security agencies, and government officials. The Oworonshoki case has become a stark symbol of how demolition policies, when carried out without planning, oversight, or accountability, can turn vulnerable neighborhoods into deadly zones—raising a chilling question: is urban “development” in Lagos now coming at the cost of human life?

Terrorists Launch Coordinated Midnight Attacks in Katsina, Kill, Injure, and Kidnap Residents

Heavily armed terrorists have attacked multiple communities in Katsina State during a night assault, killing and injuring residents while abducting several others. The attacks targeted Unguwar Alhaji Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo in Na’alma Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The incident follows a previous attack in Unguwar Daudu, Funtua LGA, where at least 20 people were kidnapped. Despite recent peace agreements, Katsina remains a hotspot of banditry and violent crimes, with local residents often facing kidnappings, killings, and displacement. Security agencies are yet to release official casualty figures or a statement on the incident.

Terrorists Raid Katsina Community, Abduct 20 Residents in Night Attack on Unguwar Daudu Despite Ongoing Peace Deals

Terrorists have launched a deadly night raid on Unguwar Daudu community in Dukke Ward of Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State, abducting no fewer than 20 residents and injuring two others. The attack occurred on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, when heavily armed assailants stormed the rural community, spreading fear and chaos among residents.

A Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, confirmed the incident, noting that the attack happened despite multiple peace agreements recently brokered between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area. Funtua Local Government is among several parts of Katsina State that have witnessed persistent banditry, including kidnappings, killings, and mass displacement of residents.

The incident comes amid a surge of violent attacks across Katsina. SaharaReporters had earlier reported a separate assault on Naino village in Naalma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, where bandits killed two people and injured six others during an early morning attack on January 1, 2026. Security sources said the attackers entered the village from the Musawa axis at about 6:30 a.m., firing sporadically and causing widespread panic.

Following the attacks, joint security forces were deployed to affected areas, with blockades established along suspected escape routes and cordon-and-search operations launched to track down the perpetrators. The injured victims from the Malumfashi attack were taken to Malumfashi General Hospital, where two were confirmed dead on arrival, while others are receiving treatment.

The renewed violence has heightened concerns over the effectiveness of peace deals and security measures in Katsina State, as communities continue to face repeated attacks despite assurances of improved security.

More US Airstrikes Coming As Congressman Riley Moore Says Trump’s Nigeria Strikes Are Bringing Hope, Security To Christians

United States Congressman Riley Moore has said that additional American airstrikes against terrorist camps in Nigeria are imminent, dismissing claims that President Donald Trump’s actions could trigger war. Moore stated that the Christmas Day airstrikes, carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, have boosted morale and renewed hope among vulnerable communities, particularly Christians facing violence from ISIS-linked groups, Boko Haram and Fulani militants. He cited widespread killings and displacement, especially in Benue State, and stressed that the military operation is only the first phase of a broader counterterrorism effort supported by Nigerian authorities.

Christmas Reflections: Northern Nigeria’s Journey from Unity to Division

On Christmas Day, Samuel Aruwan reflects on Northern Nigeria’s historical trajectory, highlighting the contrast between its once-promising unity and its current state of division. He recalls Sir Ahmadu Bello’s 1959 Christmas message, which emphasized religious tolerance, shared citizenship, and mutual respect as foundational principles for the region. This vision of “Work and Worship” promoted coexistence and a common purpose despite ethnic and religious diversity.
Aruwan traces the erosion of this unity to the late 1970s, when political maneuvering, economic frustrations, and sectarian ideologies began to weaken communal bonds. Ethno-religious conflicts of the 1980s and 1990s, followed by terrorism and widespread banditry in the 21st century, further fragmented society. Incidents such as the Kaduna clashes (2000), Jos violence (2001), terror in Maiduguri (2009), and the spread of banditry from Zamfara (2011 onward) illustrate the human and social costs, including mass displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
Aruwan emphasizes that restoring Northern Nigeria’s cohesion requires deliberate, courageous leadership at all levels—community, religious, and political. He calls for a return to religious tolerance, impartial law enforcement, and rebuilding of trust as essential steps toward reconciliation. The article concludes that Northern Nigeria’s redemption depends on acknowledging past failures and actively reconstructing a society rooted in mutual respect, security, and opportunity for all.

Five Killed, Many Abducted as Suspected Herdsmen Launch Deadly Ambush on Ortese Community in Benue State

At least five people have been confirmed dead, several others injured, and an unidentified number of residents abducted following a deadly attack on Ortese community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The violent incident occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo Road, triggering panic and a mass displacement of residents.

Local sources disclosed that the attack was allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, who reportedly staged a coordinated ambush along the road. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers barricaded the Ortese–Yogbo route before opening fire indiscriminately on commuters and villagers who were either travelling or hiding in nearby bushes.

Among those killed were Solo Uchi, Alhaji Iorlaha, and Tersoo Uker, while two other victims are yet to be formally identified. Community members fear the death toll may rise, as several residents remain missing and local youths continue search efforts in surrounding bushes and farmlands.

One of the deceased, Tersoo Uker, was an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had fled earlier violence and was living in the Igyungu Aze camp. He was reportedly gathering grass behind the camp to roof a makeshift shelter due to severe overcrowding when he was attacked and killed.

Residents described the scene as horrifying, recounting how some victims were shot dead instantly, while others were chased into the bush during the assault. A local youth leader said the attackers deliberately targeted vulnerable civilians, leaving the community traumatised.

“This attack happened just two days after another deadly incident in Daudu where two people were killed,” a community source said, highlighting a worrying pattern of recurring violence in the area.

The abduction of several residents has intensified fear, forcing many families to flee Ortese community for safer locations. Survivors are reportedly taking refuge in neighbouring towns and IDP camps amid growing insecurity.

The latest incident has renewed calls for urgent government intervention, enhanced security deployment, and decisive action to curb persistent attacks in Benue State, which has long been plagued by communal violence, armed herdsmen attacks, and mass displacement.

As of the time of reporting, security agencies had yet to release an official statement, while residents continue to demand protection and accountability to prevent further bloodshed.

Rights Groups Warn of Christmas Season Attacks in Northern Nigeria, Urge Tinubu to Protect IDPs and Churches

A coalition of human rights, faith-based, and civil society groups has raised alarms over potential attacks during the 2025 Christmas season in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. Citing a history of seasonal violence, including attacks from 2010 to 2024 that caused mass killings and displacement, the groups warned that failure to act could lead to renewed atrocities. They urged President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government to deploy security forces to protect communities, churches, and travellers, and to prioritize the welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The coalition also called for activation of NEMA and SEMA to provide food, water, shelter, and security, and advocated for the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention to ensure a rights-based response to displacement.

Report Raises Alarm as Killer Herdsmen Camps Are Discovered in Enugu Communities, Urges Urgent Nigerian Government Action

A security report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised serious concerns after the alleged discovery of more than 20 organised killer herdsmen camps in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to the report, the camps are spread across several communities, including Imezi-Owa, Agu-obu-Owa, Olo, Mgbagbu-Owa and Oghe, and are said to operate through a layered command structure linked to long-running violent attacks since 2010. Intersociety warned that the presence of the camps has devastated local farming economies, polluted the Ajali River, and fuelled insecurity, killings and displacement. The organisation has called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations and dismantle the camps to restore safety and livelihoods in the affected communities.

Ebonyi Community Alleges Former Gov. Umahi Orchestrated Demolitions, Land Seizures

Residents of Umuchima community in Ebonyi State accuse former Governor and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, of orchestrating forced demolitions of homes, ancestral compounds, and farmlands since 2015. Alleged demolitions have reportedly caused deaths, psychological trauma, and displacement. Community leaders are calling on both state and federal governments to intervene, investigate, and protect the affected families.


#EbonyiCommunity #LandDemolitions #DavidUmahi

Atiku Demands Independent Probe Into Alleged Army Killing of Female Protesters in Adamawa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a transparent and independent investigation into allegations that soldiers from the 23 Brigade shot and killed female protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State. The unrest stems from renewed clashes between the Bachama and Tsobo communities, which have resulted in deaths, displacement, and rising tension. While locals accuse the military of opening fire on unarmed women demonstrating over security failures, the Army has denied involvement, blaming the deaths on local militia clashes. Atiku condemned the violence, urged government intervention, and insisted that all responsible parties—civilian or military—must be held accountable.

Miyetti Allah Says Fulani Pastoralists Have Faced 25 Years of Systematic Attacks, Labels Crisis ‘Genocide’

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore has claimed that Fulani pastoralists have been victims of systematic killings, displacement, and targeted hostility for over 25 years across several Nigerian states. Speaking on Channels TV, the group’s National Secretary, Engr. Saleh Alhassan, argued that the only situation resembling genocide in Nigeria is the violence against Fulani herders. He criticized media narratives, accused “genocide town criers” of seeking foreign aid, and insisted that herders are often blamed without evidence. His comments come amid worsening insecurity in northern states, marked by mass abductions, farmer-herder clashes, and rising attacks on communities.

Concerned Nigerians petition Trump over Zamfara killings.

A coalition under the banner of Concerned Nigerians for Human Security has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, calling for international attention and decisive action over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria.

In a petition addressed to the US President, the group described the killings and mass displacement in Zamfara as “a humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent global response”.

According to the coalition, thousands of Nigerians, including men, women, and children, have been killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes as a result of ongoing attacks by armed groups.

“We write not just as citizens mourning the thousands whose lives have been brutally cut short across parts of northern Nigeria, but as people who recognize your important role as a global leader always ready to confront moral wrongs,” the letter read in part.

The group alleged that while billions of naira are allocated for security across states, the crisis in Zamfara continues to worsen, leading to the deaths of innocent citizens and the destruction of entire communities.

It claimed that the situation reflects what it called “a total breakdown of leadership and accountability in the management of security resources”.

The coalition urged President Trump and the US government to impose visa restrictions on certain political figures, including Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, to “apply international accountability pressure on political actors who trade human lives for political and financial gain”.

“Leadership is a moral duty, not a personal luxury,” the group said, adding that sanctions would “disrupt the comfort derived from foreign refuge and compel responsibility at home”.

Nigeria Seeks UN Partnership for $10bn Long-Term Fund to Address Internal Displacement.

The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations for support in accessing a $10 billion long-term financing plan aimed at tackling the country’s growing internal displacement and humanitarian challenges.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the appeal during a roundtable on “Humanitarian Development and Peacebuilding Approaches to Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Bagudu said the government could deploy such financing ideally at a four percent interest rate to create wealth among displaced populations while addressing the root causes of displacement. He noted that donor-based grants were shrinking and urged the UN to help Nigeria tap into the capital market for sustainable, long-term funds.

He added that the government’s fiscal policies were designed to reduce waste, empower subnational governments, and promote inclusive development through programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan and Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) initiative, which maps economic opportunities across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stressed that Nigeria’s humanitarian response must transition “from relief to resilience,” focusing on prevention, national leadership, and coordinated accountability.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, pledging continued UN support to help displaced persons “regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.”

ADC Slams Tinubu Administration Over Insecurity Amid UN Security Council Push

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over what it described as the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement reported by Vanguard on Monday, September 29, 2025, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted the government’s priorities, questioning why it is seeking a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council while Nigerians face increasing threats from bandits at home.

According to Abdullahi, bandits have overrun some communities across the country, leaving citizens vulnerable to killings and displacement.

“The ADC finds it absurd that the Tinubu administration could be requesting a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, even as bandits slaughter Nigerians at home and take control of some of the nation’s territories,” he said.

The ADC emphasized that the government must focus on securing the lives and property of Nigerians first, stressing that no global recognition would hold meaning if the country continues to grapple with internal security crises.

Israel Warns Gaza Residents To Flee As Military Prepares Stronger Offensive
The Israeli military has warned Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately, vowing to act with “greater force” in operations aimed at defeating Hamas. The announcement comes amid intensified bombardments and preparations for a full ground assault. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes that brought down 50 “terror towers” were only the opening phase of the campaign. Hamas condemned the threat, calling it forced displacement and a violation of international law.

#Israel #Gaza #MiddleEast

Africa Can’t Afford To Be Bystanders In Tech Advancement – Amina Mohammed

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has warned that Africa must be proactive in shaping the use of emerging technologies, stressing that the continent cannot afford to remain passive.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, she noted that insurgent groups were exploiting digital tools and improvised devices to fuel terrorism, while technology was also being misused to spread hate, manipulate elections, and undermine democracy.

Mohammed highlighted that artificial intelligence could equally provide solutions—such as predicting displacement, tackling food insecurity, and detecting landmines—but cautioned that its risks must be managed.

She urged stronger regional cooperation among African nations, warning that division gives adversaries their greatest advantage.

#Africa #Tech #AminaMohammed #Security

News Brief: Katsina Acting Gov Seeks Stronger Military Support Against Banditry

The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Jobe, has appealed for deeper military collaboration to tackle the persistent banditry threatening rural communities in the state.

Jobe made the call during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on the sidelines of an International Organization for Migration (IOM) event in Abuja on Tuesday.

He highlighted the displacement, loss of livelihoods, and disruptions to farming caused by bandit attacks, stressing the need for a more coordinated response between state authorities and the military.

“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces and other security agencies until this menace is defeated,” Jobe said.

In response, General Musa assured him of the Armed Forces’ total commitment to defeating banditry, pledging to strengthen ongoing operations in Katsina and other troubled areas.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and IOM Deputy Director-General (Operations), Ogechi Daniels, among others.

#Katsina #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaSecurity #NigerianArmy #BreakingNews