Tension builds in middle East as Trump threatens response after Iranian military shut down US helicopter

United States President Donald Trump has vowed that Washington will respond after Iran allegedly shot down an American Apache helicopter during a patrol mission over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump disclosed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying he had been briefed by the U.S. military on the incident, which reportedly occurred overnight.

According to the U.S. president, the aircraft involved was a “highly sophisticated Apache Helicopter” and was conducting patrol operations in the strategic waterway when it was brought down.

He, however, said both pilots aboard the helicopter survived the incident without injuries.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote.

Providing an update on the condition of the crew, he added: “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured.”

Despite the absence of casualties, Trump signalled that the United States would take action in response to the attack.

“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he stated.

Bandits kill NSCDC officer, abduct daughter, others in expressway attack

Suspected bandits have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter alongside several residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, threw the community into panic as gunmen reportedly invaded the area, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee their homes.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the residence of the NSCDC officer during the operation, shot him and whisked away his daughter and other victims into a nearby forest.

Olukotun was said to have been rushed to a hospital following the attack but did not survive the injuries he sustained.

“Mr. Olukotun was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary,” a community source said.

The killing has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack and described the death of the NSCDC officer as a tragic loss to the community.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde, Olokun sympathised with the bereaved family and residents affected by the attack.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he said.

The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could aid efforts to combat criminal activities in the area.

Also reacting, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, described the attack as barbaric and heartbreaking.

“The news of the killing of Mr. Ayo and the abduction of his daughter came to me with profound sadness. This is a painful moment for the people of Odo-Ere, Yagba West and Kogi State as a whole,” Abejide said.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims, especially the daughter of the slain NSCDC officer.

Meanwhile, residents have urged the state government to deploy the recently unveiled surveillance drones to vulnerable communities and forested areas frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

According to them, the technology was introduced to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response capabilities against criminal elements operating across the state.

“The government and security agencies should leverage technology-driven security infrastructure to prevent further attacks and improve the protection of lives and property in Yagba West,” a resident, Ayobami, said.

Government agency demolishes building used as kidnappers’ hideout

The Oyo State Government has demolished the three-bedroom bungalow where kidnappers held hostage Mrs Busayo Adelabu John-Paul and her twin sons in Ibadan.
Mrs Adelabu John-Paul and the twins, the younger sister and nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, were abducted at Elewura area of Ring Road in Ibadan on June 3.
The hostages were, however, rescued by the police on Saturday night at Lako Community, Ayegun Anaye area of Ibadan, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised and others arrested.
The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday by a team led by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The commissioner said that the demoltion was part of efforts by the government to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
According to Mogbonjubola, the state government has also revoked the land from its owner in its commitment to ensure safety of lives and combat insecurity in the state.
He admonished landlords’ associations, housing agents and residents in the state to always be vigilant about their surrounding and tenants living in their areas.
The commissioner advised residents to alert security agents and the government to any suspicious criminal activities.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Landlords Association, Ayegun- Lako Community, Mr Matthew Olaiya, said that occupants of the three-bedroom bungalow rented the apartment recently.
Olaiya said that the occupants of the building always returned late in the night and used to be away for days.
Also present during the demolition was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Prince Goke Adenrele and other officials of the ministry (NAN)