Police in Katsina State have taken 14 suspects into custody following an attack on a convoy of All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters travelling to Funtua for a campaign flag-off.

The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, along the Yashi–Funtua road in Malumfashi Local Government Area, leaving several vehicles damaged and a female passenger injured.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the attackers also targeted commercial vehicles using the road.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly gathered along the route with knives and stones before attacking the convoy and other vehicles. Several windscreens were smashed during the incident, while a woman travelling in a commercial vehicle sustained injuries.

The arrested suspects were identified as Sagir Musa Maikudi, 35, popularly known as Yarkwanatuwa; Abubakar Aliyu, 21; Fahat Aminu, 25; Mubarak Kabir, 27; Shamsu Aliyu, 29; Buhari Adamu, 20; Imrana Dalha, 20; Suleiman Sani, 20; Ismail Nasir, 22; Abdulganiyu Babangida, 23; Abbas Tukur, 22; Gaddafi Sani, 25; and Abdulkadir Muktar, 18. A 17-year-old was also arrested.

The police said some individuals allegedly involved in the attack escaped before officers could apprehend them. However, their identities had been established, and efforts were underway to track them down.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, denounced the violence and cautioned political groups and their supporters against resorting to intimidation or attacks as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The police in Akwa Ibom have arrested two Ekpo masquerade participants over allegations of extorting money from passers-by and assaulting members of the public in Ikot Ekpene.

In a statement on Thursday, Timfom John, police spokesperson in the state, said the suspects were arrested along the Ukana/Abak highway during an operational show of force.

John said the suspects were allegedly found with masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows.

“The suspects, identified as Ine Isong, aged 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, aged 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects and other persons allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Reports further indicate that some innocent persons, particularly women, were assaulted in the process.”
John said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged offences.

He quoted Baba Azare, the state commissioner of police, as warning that the police would not tolerate the use of cultural practices or masquerade activities as a cover for criminality, intimidation, extortion or violence against members of the public.

“While respecting lawful cultural traditions, the command remains resolute in ensuring that no individual or group takes the law into their own hands or threatens the peace and security of residents.”

Suspected Mamudawa/Lakurawa terrorists have killed a police inspector and 11 civilians in attacks on Waiwayi and Kystu villages in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the killings, saying the inspector died during an exchange of fire with the attackers.

Report quoted Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, as saying in a telephone conversation , that the inspector’s identity had not been released pending the conclusion of investigations.

“Yes, there was an attack on the villages of Waiwayi and Kystu by suspected Mamudawa, and unfortunately, during an exchange of fire, they killed one police inspector. I can’t give you his name yet till we finish investigation,” he said.

The attackers reportedly set houses ablaze and looted food items from shops in the affected communities.

The attacks also forced residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

Usman said the police and other security agencies had cordoned off the affected areas to prevent further attacks.

He added that security operatives had launched a manhunt for the assailants.

The incident adds to security concerns in parts of Kebbi State, where attacks on rural communities have threatened lives, livelihoods and residents’ safety.