Tag: Violent

  • Davido Condemns Attack on Osun Accord Chairman, Urges Politicians to Choose Ballots Over Violence

    Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has condemned the attack on the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo, Osun State, urging political actors to reject violence and allow democracy to prevail.

    The singer reacted on Thursday through a post on his X account, following reports that the party chairman was attacked by suspected political thugs.

    Davido Speaks Against Political Violence

    In his statement, Davido said insecurity should not be encouraged by any political group regardless of party affiliation.

    “Regardless of our political differences, everyone must make sure they are not contributing to insecurity in our nation,” he wrote.

    The singer described the attack as unacceptable and called on Nigerians to reject acts of violence in the political space.

    “The attack on the Chairman of Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government by political hoodlums must be condemned and rejected by all,” he added.

    Calls for Democratic Process

    Davido also stressed that elections should be decided through the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.

    “If APC is sure they are popular, let’s settle this with ballot papers, not guns or weapons,” he stated.

    His comments quickly attracted widespread attention on social media, generating thousands of reactions and views within hours of publication.

    Mixed Reactions Follow Statement

    The singer’s intervention triggered mixed reactions online.

    While many users praised him for speaking against political violence and insecurity, others accused him of being selective in his activism because of his family’s political involvement in Osun State.

    Some critics argued that similar attacks involving members of other political parties had not received the same level of public attention from the singer.

    Others, however, defended his comments, insisting that condemning violence should not be viewed through a partisan lens.

    Attack Raises Security Concerns

    The incident comes amid growing concerns over political violence and insecurity in parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The attack on the Accord Party chairman has renewed calls for political tolerance and peaceful democratic engagement among political actors and supporters.

  • Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Two Officers in Anambra

    Two police officers were killed after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea–Ufuma Road on Sunday night.

    The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m., left the government official unharmed but claimed the lives of two police operatives and affected several civilians in the area.

    Police Order Immediate Action

    Following the incident, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, directed all tactical formations and operational units to identify and arrest those responsible within 48 hours.

    The directive was issued during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters.

    According to the commissioner, the attack represents a direct challenge to the authority of the state and must not go unanswered.

    “I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results,” he said.

    Concern Over Criminal Tactics

    Orutugu expressed concern over intelligence reports indicating that some criminal groups now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to evade suspicion.

    He warned residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

    The commissioner also stressed that criminal elements would not be allowed to continue operating under the cover of darkness.

    “This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.

    Warning to Road Users

    The police chief specifically cautioned motorists travelling along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as an isolated route that has recently witnessed a rise in criminal activities.

    “The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.

    Security Operations Underway

    The command said intelligence-led operations have already commenced across the state, with security agencies intensifying efforts to track down the attackers.

    Orutugu assured residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property and restoring confidence in public safety.

    He expressed confidence that those behind the attack would be apprehended within the timeframe set by the command.

  • One Dead, Teen Critical After Violence Erupts Following PSG Champions League Victory

    A football fan has died while another remains in intensive care after violence erupted in several French cities following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory over Arsenal.

    The unrest was reported across Paris, Rennes, Strasbourg, Grenoble and other cities as supporters celebrated PSG’s European triumph.

    Fatality and Serious Injuries Reported

    Authorities confirmed that a 23-year-old man died after crashing his motorcycle into a concrete block during the disturbances.

    A separate police investigation has also been launched into the stabbing of a 17-year-old male near the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The teenager reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds and remains in intensive care.

    Another serious incident involved a vehicle that lost control and crashed into a restaurant terrace, leaving two people injured, one of them seriously.

    Hundreds Detained Across France

    French prosecutors said 277 people had been placed in police custody in connection with the violence, including 82 minors.

    The arrests were linked to a range of alleged offences, including attacks on police officers, theft, vandalism and public disorder.

    According to reports, some groups set fires, damaged shops and attempted to force their way into a police station in Paris.

    Police Officers Injured

    French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 57 police officers were injured during the unrest.

    He noted that incidents were recorded in 15 cities across the country as celebrations turned violent in some areas.

    Despite the disturbances, authorities said planned celebrations for PSG’s Champions League success would proceed as scheduled at Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower.

    PSG Set for Presidential Reception

    The PSG squad is expected to continue victory celebrations with an official reception hosted by Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

    French authorities have warned that security forces will respond firmly to any further acts of violence during the celebrations.

  • NiDCOM Issues Fresh Warning as Anti-Foreigner Protests Escalate in South Africa

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has warned Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution following a surge in violent anti-foreigner protests across several cities, raising fresh concerns over safety.

    Violence spreads across major cities

    The advisory follows a communication from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, which reported that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent.

    According to the April 22 circular, the unrest has led to looting, destruction of property, and injuries, with fears that the situation could worsen.

    The consulate also warned that more protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.

    NiDCOM urges caution, avoidance of protest areas

    In response, NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid protest zones, steer clear of confrontations, and stay updated through credible local media.

    The commission stressed the need for Nigerians to remain law-abiding while the situation unfolds.

    Business owners told to shut down temporarily

    Nigerian business owners were specifically urged to close shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extend the shutdown until April 29.

    The warning follows concerns that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such protests.

    Diplomatic efforts underway

    NiDCOM reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the situation.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued vigilance as developments unfold.

  • NYSC Member Beaten to Death by Vigilantes in Benue After ‘Bike Thief’ Suspicion

    A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ben Agir Une, has been beaten to death by a community vigilante group in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State after he was allegedly mistaken for a motorcycle thief.

    Incident during night patrol

    The killing reportedly occurred late Sunday night between 11 pm and midnight at Mbajor settlement, near the Buruku Local Government Secretariat.

    Une, said to be serving in Gombe State, had returned home on a short break and was weeks away from completing his service year.

    How the attack happened

    Chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that the corps member was apprehended by vigilante members during a patrol.

    He said the group suspected him of being a bike snatcher and attacked him before he could properly identify himself.

    “Before he could explain himself and present his identification card, one of the leaders started beating him,” Aondoakura said.

    The chairman added that the victim was beaten into a coma and later died at a hospital.

    Arrests made, vigilante activities suspended

    Aondoakura confirmed that those involved in the attack have been arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

    “We have arrested all of them and handed them to the police for arraignment. We confirmed that the deceased was a serving corps member,” he said.

    He also announced the immediate suspension of vigilante operations in the area, stating that the groups have been disbanded pending proper regulation.

    Victim’s background

    Une was an indigene of Tongov in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and was expected to complete his NYSC programme next month before the incident.

    Police yet to comment

    As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the development.

    The incident has sparked concern across communities and is trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today amid calls for accountability and justice.