Eyewitnesses reported that the armed assailants stormed the village around 9 p.m. on Saturday, wreaking havoc and forcing residents to flee for their lives. According to survivors, five youths were reportedly burned alive in a building where they sought refuge, while over 20 homes and all commercial shops in the village were set ablaze.

“The bandits came from the Dan-Musa forest and descended on our village. We are still counting the dead and searching for missing people,” said Sani Abdullahi Kuki, a resident who survived the attack.

Abdullahi added that women, children, and the elderly were among those allegedly abducted during the assault, which left the once-thriving community largely deserted.

“Some victims were burnt beyond recognition inside grain silos where they hid,” he told journalists, noting that others who survived the initial attack were rushed to Dutsinma General Hospital, with some later referred to a facility in Katsina for further treatment.

He called for urgent government intervention, warning that the violence was creeping closer to the Dutsinma town, which also hosts a federal university.

Police authorities have confirmed the attack but offered a lower casualty figure. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said five persons were confirmed dead, and two vehicles were destroyed during the incident.

“Five persons were fatally shot and two vehicles set ablaze. Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” DSP Aliyu stated.

Katsina State has witnessed a surge in violent attacks, with Dutsinma being one of 22 local government areas designated as “frontline” zones due to frequent incidents of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The latest attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in rural areas, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies.

The incident has left Gobirawa community in mourning and displacement, as surviving residents continue to flee to neighboring areas for safety. Community leaders are calling for increased security presence and sustained action to prevent further violence.

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Journalists report that the summons follows a petition filed by the civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, which highlighted the worsening security situation in both states. The petition called for the House to intervene, questioning whether the executive and legislative branches of the affected states should continue to function amidst the insecurity.

A statement from the House Committee, issued by its Head of Media, Chooks Oko, confirmed the scheduled appearance of the governors and their respective Assemblies. The statement emphasized that the committee’s action was intended to uphold the rule of law and prevent any form of anarchy.

Mike Etaba, the Chairman of the Committee, personally signed the summons, inviting the governors and lawmakers to explain why the House of Representatives should not assume the constitutional functions of the state legislatures in light of the growing threat to public safety.

This summons signals the House’s commitment to addressing the security challenges plaguing Nigeria, especially in states where the threat of lawlessness is becoming increasingly apparent.

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According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations in Benin City and nearby communities. The raids targeted members of rival cult groups reportedly engaged in deadly clashes for territorial dominance.

Police identified the arrested individuals as suspected members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities—groups long associated with violent turf wars in the region.

“So far, 64 of the suspects have been formally charged in court and remanded,” Yamu confirmed. “Investigations are still ongoing regarding the remaining suspects.”

During the raids, law enforcement also recovered a cache of weapons, including two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges.

The violence, described as part of a renewed battle for supremacy, has heightened concerns among residents of Edo State, particularly in Benin where the clashes are concentrated.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards, warning that involvement in secret cults can lead to devastating consequences.

“This is a serious issue,” Agbonika said. “We urge youths to stay away from unlawful groups that offer nothing but destruction and death.”

The police emphasized that the crackdown would continue until the state regains full stability.

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The encounter took place on May 1, 2025, after troops on a fighting patrol engaged a large group of armed terrorists who had infiltrated the village, attacking residents and setting homes ablaze, according to a statement released Friday by Brigade spokesperson Captain Suleiman Omale.

Among the high-profile bandits killed in the operation were identified kingpins: Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

The troops, supported by reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF), pursued the fleeing criminals and recovered a significant cache of weapons. These included four AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, six RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.

Unfortunately, two civilians were injured by stray bullets during the firefight. Omale said the situation is under control and security forces are continuing efforts to clear any remaining threats in the area.

In a related development on the same day, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), working with other security agencies, responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA. Frustrated by repeated bandit attacks, the villagers had blocked a major supply route with burning tires and barricades.

The troops carried out a peaceful crowd dispersal operation, restored normalcy, and reopened the route to traffic.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, praised the troops for their professionalism and bravery. He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Zamfara State and urged the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible information, while cautioning against vigilantism.

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Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on Friday at the command headquarters. He noted that six of the recovered vehicles have been verified and returned to their rightful owners.

One of the arrests was made on April 11, when officers attached to the Central Police Station intercepted a Toyota Camry (1999 model) being driven suspiciously near the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, Central Area. The suspect, Hassan Bukar, attempted to flee but was apprehended after a chase.

Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to one Samson Otijede and had been stolen from the Commission’s premises. A bunch of master keys was also recovered from the suspect, who confessed he intended to resell the vehicle in Kaduna.

In a related incident on April 10, a man, Daniel James, reported his 2011 Toyota Camry missing after giving it to his mechanic, Abdulazeez Auwal Salisu. Detectives traced the vehicle to one Alex Lucky Ologhosele in Gwarinpa, who had unknowingly purchased the stolen car. While the car was recovered and Alex arrested, efforts are ongoing to locate the mechanic who remains at large.

Also, the official Hilux vehicle of Engr. Lawal Abdulrasheed from the Ministry of Regional Development was recovered after being taken by his driver, Abubakar Saidu. The Hilux was tracked to Kaduna where the suspect was caught trying to sell it. Another unregistered Hilux was also recovered at the scene.

In another operation on April 28, officers from Life Camp Area Command arrested five suspects attempting to sell a suspicious black Mercedes Benz 4matic E-400. The car was traced to its rightful owner in Lekki, Lagos State. The suspects – Suleiman Idris, Isyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen – remain in custody.

Commissioner Adewale confirmed that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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The victims were said to be aboard a boat traveling from Oron in Akwa Ibom to a destination in Cross River when the incident occurred on April 18. The attack reportedly took place along the Calabar waterways, a known route for inter-state marine travel.

Confirming the incident, Timfon John, spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, stated that the abduction happened within the Calabar axis of the waterway.

“The incident happened in Calabar waterways. However, we are collaborating to get the people involved released unhurt, please,” she journalists.

Meanwhile, Irene Ugbo, spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, said she had not yet received an official report of the abduction. She added that she would contact relevant authorities to verify the incident.

This latest development adds to a string of similar attacks on Nigeria’s inland waterways. Earlier this month, suspected pirates abducted five travelers aboard a commercial boat along the Degema–Akuku-Toru route in Rivers State. In September 2024, about 10 passengers were kidnapped by armed men on the Bonny waterways.

The recurring incidents have raised fresh concerns over the safety of riverine travel, especially in the Niger Delta and coastal regions, where waterways remain a critical means of transportation for many communities.

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Speaking through the Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development, and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, during a formal event on Friday, Governor Alia said his administration remains committed to the safety and welfare of corps members, emphasizing close collaboration with security agencies to ensure a secure environment throughout their service year.

“While our nation continues to grapple with serious security concerns, Benue State is no exception. However, I want to assure you that we are taking your safety seriously,” the governor stated.

He revealed that comprehensive security measures have been put in place in partnership with law enforcement agencies to secure NYSC lodges and corps members’ areas of deployment.

Governor Alia also urged corps members to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a vital tool for economic empowerment and long-term self-reliance.

“The gifts and abilities that brought you this far are the same ones that will shape the future of our country,” he said, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

In her remarks, State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Veronica Garba, expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government and residents for their ongoing support of the NYSC scheme. She advised corps members to fully engage in the core activities of the orientation course, which include physical fitness, intellectual development, recreational activities, and skills training.

The orientation programme officially commenced with the swearing-in of 1,600 corps members, presided over by Justice Peter Ukande, who represented the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambeae.

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The directive was issued during a meeting with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, aimed at reassessing police operational strategies in light of rising insecurity.

“Directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments,” Egbetokun stated. “A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.”

The IGP lamented that the PMF—originally designed as a tactical response unit—has been diverted from its primary function, with many officers serving as escorts and private guards. He noted that this misuse has weakened the Force’s capacity to respond to emergencies and security threats.

Egbetokun announced that all PMF squadrons must now maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit for tactical deployment and send personnel for quarterly training in ethics and professionalism.

He also stressed that misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. “Commanders will be held accountable for their units. Discipline, accountability, and human rights must be at the core of our operations,” he said.

The IGP highlighted growing threats, including attacks on security personnel by terrorists and separatist groups, and emphasized the need for improved synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies. He noted that the newly established Special Intervention Squad (SIS) will support PMF deployments in volatile regions.

As part of broader reforms, the Police Force will embark on a major restructuring of the PMF, including a reduction in VIP escort assignments.

Egbetokun thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and acknowledged the role of international partners in enhancing training and technical capacity.

He urged all commanders to embrace the reform agenda as both a professional obligation and a moral responsibility, adding, “The PMF must once again become the elite tactical unit it was meant to be—disciplined, professional, and ready to defend the nation.”

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