Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Residents in Recent Niger Attacks

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Residents in Recent Niger Attacks

According to local sources, the attacks occurred between Sunday, 9 November, and Thursday, 13 November 2025, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities for safety.

A source said the bandits first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday, abducting 22 residents.

When they came on Sunday, the vigilantes pursued them and engaged them in a gun duel. In the process, three vigilantes were killed, and five people are currently receiving treatment in hospital,” the source explained.

He added that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, 13 November, invading Magama village during early morning prayers. The bandits reportedly surrounded the mosque while worshippers were praying and abducted more than 20 people.

According to him, some vigilantes attempted to confront the attackers, unaware that the bandits had set an ambush. The bandits opened fire, killing 13 vigilante members and injuring several others.

In a statement, the Press Secretary to the Chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend their communities.

Bokuta added that the local government appreciated their courage and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and revert.

Again, Trump speaks on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria

The president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has again addressed the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria by some Islamic terrorists.

Speaking in a 15-second video while on board Air Force One on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the American President said the US government would not sit back and watch the ongoing acts of terrorism in Africa’s most populous nation.

He said, “They’re killing a record number of Christians in Nigeria and the country is going bad also. You know, that part of the world, very bad. They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very numbers and we’re not gonna allow that to happen.”

This reaffirmation by Trump on the alleged killings comes barely two days after he announced the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Describing Nigeria as a “now disgraced country”, Trump also threatened to invade the African nation with troops from the US Department of War while ending the flow of funds for various humanitarian interventions.

He said, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”Trump wrote on social media.These declarations by Trump followed a series of allegations of Christian genocide in the Northern part of Nigeria, including a bill – The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 – which was sponsored by US Senator Ted Cruz.

Cruz, had, under the International Religious Freedom Act, cited what he described as “the world’s deadliest persecution of Christians.

While his move caused commendation by some Nigerians across the globe, the Federal Government at different times denied such claims, describing the US lawmaker’s allegations as a calculated effort to spread false narratives about Nigeria.

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor Collapses In Kuje Prison

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has collapsed while in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja

This development is happening barely 24 hours after the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, allegedly refused to sign his bail bond for release.

Ejimakor was said to have slumped after complaining of weakness and difficulty standing.

Prison medical staff rushed to attend to him. His condition is believed to be getting worse, and authorities are considering transferring him to a hospital for urgent care.

Ejimakor is among 13 individuals arrested earlier in the week during the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest. Those arrested also include Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

They were reportedly tear-gassed, beaten, and taken into custody before being moved to the notorious SARS detention facility known as “Abattoir”.

On Tuesday, they were taken to the Kuje Magistrate Court without their legal team present. The magistrate ordered their remand, and despite granting bail the following day, he allegedly disappeared without endorsing the bail documents

Human rights activists have since raised concerns over the treatment of the lawyer and others arrested, accusing security agencies of intimidation and abuse of power.

However, lawyers and supporters are demanding immediate medical attention and full respect for their legal rights.

US Presidential Adviser Dismisses Claim of Christian Genocide in Nigeria

Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has downplayed reports suggesting that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria.

Boulos made the statement during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

He dismissed what he described as “misleading claims” of a Christian genocide, saying the crisis in Nigeria goes beyond religion.

According to him, violence in parts of the country is driven by terrorism and insecurity, not faith.

ObasEmpire reports that his comment comes at a time when several U.S. lawmakers are urging Washington to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

Responding to questions on the matter, Boulos said, “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.”

He added that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS have killed both Christians and Muslims.

People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts, but it’s very unfortunate,” he said.

We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians. People are suffering from all sorts of backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted about one group or the other.”

Boulos noted that conflicts between farmers and herders, especially in the Middle Belt, have claimed many lives, including those of Christian farmers, but stressed that the violence is not one-sided.

But definitely it’s not something that we can say is specifically targeted about a specific group,” he stated

He described Nigeria as a nation with diverse ethnic and religious identities that has coexisted peacefully for decades.Nigerian politics book

This has never been a serious religious issue and should not be,” Boulos added.

The U.S. adviser also commended the Tinubu administration for its ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, noting that sustained collaboration between both countries would help address terrorism and communal violence more effectively.

Recall that in recent months, several international rights groups and U.S. politicians have accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to alleged attacks on Christian communities, an issue that continues to draw global attention

Nigerian Policemen Flee As Kidnappers Block Popular Highway In Enugu State

The incident reportedly caused a total standstill along the busy route, which connects Nsukka city to several northern communities of the state.

A disturbing video circulating on social media has captured a scene of chaos along the Ugwuogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka road in Enugu State, where suspected kidnappers reportedly laid siege to motorists on Friday evening.

The video, posted by an X (formerly Twitter) user identified as Chuks, was captioned: “Kidn@ppers were operating along Ugwuogo Nike by Opi, Nsukka, Enugu State at exactly 7 PM this evening. Police officers on duty reportedly fled for their lives until the Nigerian Army arrived at the scene.”

The 2-minute clip, recorded by a trapped commuter, showed several vehicles halted on the highway as panic spread among travelers.

The narrator in the viral footage was heard saying: “Happening life, Nsukka road. Road don block. East is no more safe. Nsukka hers. Everywhere is blocked. Happening now, life, life, kidnappers. We are stuck here because of kidnappers. Kidnappers. God help your people.”

The incident reportedly caused a total standstill along the busy route, which connects Nsukka city to several northern communities of the state.

Eyewitnesses said the confrontation began after some traders accused one of their members of armed robbery and attempted to stone him to death.

From what we understand, one Hausa trader was identified as robbing people every night. So on Tuesday, some fellow Hausa traders at the New Artisan Market stormed to his house and dragged him out,” Yusuf Usman, an eyewitness, told SaharaReporters.

The situation escalated when another group of traders attempted to rescue the accused man, triggering a retaliatory attack that resulted in two additional deaths and left one person seriously injured.

The Robbery Suspect Confesses the death of the Arise TV anchor

One of the suspects involved in the armed robbery attack at Unique Apartments, a 16-flat, four-storey building in the Katampe area of Abuja, Sani Sirajo, has confessed that he tried to stop Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the late Arise Television news anchor and producer, from jumping off the building during the incident.

According to him, he attempted to hold Somtochukwu—fondly known as Sommie—from falling off the building but was unable to sustain her weight.

The report claims that each of the armed robbers involved in the tragic operation was paid a large sum after the act that led to the death of the journalist and another individual

According to Arise TV, the arrested suspects confessed to the crime, and a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims was recovered.

The suspects also confessed to stealing and driving away a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims and shared ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.”

Details of the report also revealed that the suspects stole a car belonging to one of the victims.

Sirajo’s confession came after personnel of the Nigeria Police Force obtained statements from members of the robbery gang following their arrest.

Man caught Stealing N290,000 from foreign passengers Luggage On ibom Air Flight

A dramatic scene unfolded on an Ibom Air flight yesterday when a male passenger was caught stealing N290,000 from the luggage of a foreign national, sparking outrage among other travellers.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect had boarded the flight like every other passenger, but soon after settling in, he opened the overhead bin and moved the bag belonging to the foreigner. Moments later, the foreign passenger noticed his luggage was missing and raised an alarm.

A female passenger who witnessed the incident immediately identified the suspect, saying she saw him tampering with the foreigner’s bag. A quick search was conducted, and the missing cash of N290,000 was found hidden under the suspect’s seat.

Passengers were shocked further when the suspect’s own carry-on bag was opened, revealing just a single shirt inside.

Airport security was promptly alerted, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft by officials. A video circulating online shows the moment he was led away in disgrace.

Actor Tyrese Gibson Arrested over dog attack that left Neighbors pet dead

The 46-year-old star, best known for playing Roman Pearce in the Fast & Furious franchise, turned himself in on Friday morning, October 4, at Fulton County Jail. He was officially booked around 6 a.m. and later released on a $20,000 bond.

Hollywood actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after one of his Cane Corso dogs allegedly mauled a neighbour’s pet to death in Atlanta.

According to police, the incident happened on September 18 in the Buckhead area of Atlanta while Tyrese was away from home. A neighbour’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was reportedly killed in the attack, with authorities linking one of Tyrese’s four Cane Corsos to the fatal mauling.

The actor had previously been warned multiple times about letting his dogs roam off-leash, officials said.

Following the tragedy, Tyrese rehomed all four of his dogs and, through his lawyer, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased pet. His attorney also stressed that Tyrese has been fully cooperating with investigators and will continue to do so until the case is resolved.

Police, however, maintain that his negligence directly led to the death of the smaller dog, with Captain Nicole Dwyer confirming that all four of Tyrese’s dogs are to be handed over to the authorities as part of the ongoing case.

The arrest has stirred reactions online, with many shocked that the star — who recently spoke publicly about taking a “mental health break” and even travelled to Dubai — is now facing legal troubles back home.

Tyrese, who rose to fame as a singer before becoming a Hollywood regular, has yet to personally address the case.

Traders Count Losses As Fire Guts 26 Shops In Lagos’ Bariga Market

Traders in Bariga Market, Lagos State, were thrown into wailing on Wednesday after a raging fire destroyed no fewer than 26 shops, leaving goods worth millions of naira in ashes.

Obasempire understands that the incident occurred barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) hosted a summit on tackling emergencies across the state.

Confirming the sad development in a statement issued on Wednesday, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the Bariga Market fire started at about 4 a.m. and spread quickly through the market before emergency responders arrived.

Further information received at the incident scene revealed that the fire started from one of the shops and quickly spread to other shops because the key-clamp shops were supported and partitioned by wooden frameworks,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained.

He added that by the time responders arrived, several shops were already fully engulfed in flames.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the fire was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of emergency responders, who worked to prevent it from spreading to other sections of the market.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, he confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

The fire was extinguished through collaborative efforts of emergency responders and was quickly contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the market. The incident scene was proactively managed to avoid any secondary incidents,” he said.

The agency’s damage report indicated that 26 key-clamp shops were destroyed, with properties worth millions of naira lost.

Many of the traders, who arrived at the market after being alerted, were seen weeping uncontrollably as they counted their losses.

This is all I have. Everything I worked for is gone. I don’t even know how to start again,” the PUNCH quoted one trader, who preferred not to be named, lamenting.

ObasEmpire reports that Wednesday’s tragedy adds to the growing list of fire incidents in Lagos.