Police escort shot dead as gunmen attack Local Gov’t Chairman’s residence

Tragedy struck Malumfashi Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State on Tuesday when suspected bandits launched an assault on the residence of the local council chairman, Maharazu Dayi.

During the violent attack, the chairman’s police escort, Corporal Shamsudeen Lawal, was fatally shot.

Sources reveal that the assailants stormed the chairman’s home, sparking a violent confrontation with the security personnel.

Despite the heavy gunfire, Dayi and his family were fortunate enough to escape unharmed, seeking refuge in a safe location.

The attack left significant damage to parts of the chairman’s property, according to eyewitnesses.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the region, as Malumfashi LGA has long been a hotspot for criminal activity, including banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

The rise in terrorist activities across the state, particularly in areas near forest reserves, has prompted increased efforts by the state government and security agencies.

Through the Community Watch Corps (CWC), authorities have been working to curb the rising wave of insecurity, Tuesday’s attack has reignited concerns about the adequacy of these measures.

Husband detained by Govt for allegedly chopping off Wife’s left hand

The Enugu State Government says it has detained for prosecution, Mr Sunday Echegi, who allegedly chopped off wife’s left hand, Mrs Chinonso Echegi, in Nsukka Area of the state.

Mrs Ngozi Enih, the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.

Enih’s statement underscores Gov Peter Mbah’s administration’s commitment to combating domestic and gender-based violence in Enugu State.

“This zero-tolerance stance is part of the administration’s broader efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly vulnerable populations,” she said.

Enih said the governor’s action demonstrated a strong resolve to address these issues head-on.

“This move not only provides support to the victim but also sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Echegi’s alleged brutal act surfaced on social media on Jan. 26.

Enih said that Echegi, who hails from Ibagwa Ani in Nsukka Local Government Area, had allegedly cut off his wife’s hand following a quarrel.

“This is yet another sad development, which we are following up to ensure that justice is done.

“The information we have is that the man in question aimed for the wife’s head during a disagreement, but ended up chopping off the left hand with which she tried to fend off the machete.

“She also sustained injury on the right hand. So, we swung into action immediately we got the information and had him arrested immediately and he is now in police custody,” she said.

The commissioner emphasised that the top priority at the moment was to save the victim’s life and ensure she received the necessary medical attention.

“So, we have moved her to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, where she is currently receiving full medical attention.

“Meanwhile, this is a case the government is taking very seriously.

“The wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, is personally on this matter and has vowed that justice must be served.

“The suspect will be moved to the Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, Enugu today for a thorough investigation.

“From there, the law will take its full course,” Enih said.

“The Enugu State Government is taking a strong stance against domestic and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as child abuse.

“Residents are warned to refrain from such acts, as the current administration will not tolerate them.

“This move aims to protect vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, from harm,” she added.

NAN reports that The Mbah administration has taken a strong stance against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child abuse since taking office.

This is evident in the numerous arrests, investigations, and ongoing trials for various offenses related to GBV and child abuse.

The administration’s efforts are part of a broader movement to combat GBV and child abuse, which are pervasive issues affecting many communities.(NAN

Man, 27, allegedly assaults 2 Police officers with cutlass

A 27-year-old Buda Umaru, on Tuesday appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, for allegedly assaulting two police officers with a cutlass.

Umaru, whose address was not provided, was charged with conspiracy, assault and perversion of justice.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The prosecutor, Insp Femi Omilana, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Dec. 22, 2024 at about 11.00 a.m. at Ogbomosho.

Omilana alleged that the defendant unlawfully assaulted two police officers, Sgt. Simeon Agbara and PC Samad Lawal with a cutlass, while performing their lawful duties.

He said that the defendant assaulted the police officers while they were trying to arrest one Mohammed Alabi and one Babuga Umaru, who attempted to obstruct the course of justice.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 355 and 126 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case until March 21, for hearing. (NAN)