News
Five Forest Guards Killed by Bandits in Kwara Attack
Suspected bandits have again struck in Kwara State, killing five forest guards during a fresh attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area in the early hours of Friday.
The assailants reportedly stormed the community at about 3:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and throwing residents into panic as they unleashed violence on the settlement.
A community source, who spoke to PUNCH Online on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for hours without resistance.
The source said, “They entered through their usual route in large numbers in the early hours of today, April 10, 2026, at Nuku.
“They started shooting directly and, within a short time, killed several innocent people, including the newly recruited forest guards.”
In addition to the loss of lives, several properties were destroyed during the assault.
“The motorcycles belonging to the forest guards were set ablaze, while patrol vehicles operated by the mobile police were also burnt,” the source added.
The Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, told our correspondent that she did not have details of the attack but promised to provide updates when more information becomes available.
“I have not been briefed about the incident, but I will get back to you as soon as I have information,” she said.
The latest killings have heightened fear among residents, many of whom continue to express concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The attack comes barely two months after a deadly assault on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in the same local government area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed, and about 176 others abducted, including women and children.
Fresh anxiety has also been triggered by the emergence of a new video on Thursday showing abducted villagers from Woro and surrounding communities, with victims making desperate appeals for government intervention.
“We are begging you, this is our last opportunity. We have been here since February 3. Please, come to our rescue.
“We have small children with us and some women are pregnant,” another captive added in Yoruba. “Please, Kwara State Government, Oyo State Government, help us. This is the last chance they gave us,” ” a young woman in the footage dated April 8 said in English.
In the background of the video, one of the armed men claimed responsibility for the abduction while attempting to justify the act.
“We are the ones who kidnapped them. They have been begging us, and we have given them this opportunity so their government can hear from them,” he said.
Earlier footage released in February had shown rows of women and children surrounded by armed men, with some of the captives confirming they were taken from Woro and Kaiama in Kwara State.
“They said those abducted were about 25 or 30. Let them look here. Ask them how many they are,” one of the gunmen had said in Hausa.
“We are 174,” some of the women responded, although other segments suggested the number could be as high as 176.
Reacting to the development at the time, the Kwara State Government expressed concern over the videos and reassured residents of intensified rescue efforts.
“The Kwara State Government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video allegedly showing persons abducted during the February 3 attack,” the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, said in a statement.
Olukoju said, “Our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.”
She, however, cautioned against speculation on the exact number of abducted persons, noting that conflicting reports from affected communities had made verification difficult.
“For this reason, neither the state government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen,” she added.
Despite these assurances, residents say the renewed attack on Nuku underscores the persistent vulnerability of rural communities in the area, as families of abducted victims continue to wait anxiously for their loved ones’ return.
News
NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.
Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.
“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.
The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.
According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.
Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.
He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.
“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.
News
Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date
The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.
He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.
The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.
The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.
They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.
International News
Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal
Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.
Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.
Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.
The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.
On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.
Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.
The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.
“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.
“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.
“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”
The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.
Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.
His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.
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