Nigeria News (Standard)
Gunmen Kill Seven in Sayaya, Katsina State as Residents Fear Further Attacks
Military withdrawal blamed for rising insecurity in Matazu LGA; local officials confirm seven dead, several injured
Military withdrawal blamed for rising insecurity in Matazu LGA; local officials confirm seven dead, several injured
Seven people have been killed and several others injured after gunmen attacked Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on Thursday morning. The assault, which occurred at about 9:00am, has left residents in fear of renewed violence amid reports that military operatives have withdrawn from the area.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers, numbering many, stormed Sayaya and began shooting indiscriminately, moving from house to house. The gunmen also broke into shops, making away with valuables including food items. According to Mansir Bala, Information Officer of Matazu LGA, those killed included six men and one woman: Lawal Ciki Sayaya, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mairuwa, Marme Dantani (female), Ado Isau Maharba, Salma Tasiu, and Ibrahim Uncle. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The incident comes against a backdrop of persistent insecurity across Katsina State and much of Nigeria’s North-West zone. Local sources allege that military personnel previously stationed in the community to combat banditry were recently withdrawn—a development many residents link to the latest attack. The loss has heightened anxiety among locals who now fear further raids due to reduced security presence.
Funeral prayers for the victims were held the same day at Sha’iskawa graveyard. The event was attended by hundreds of mourners including the executive chairman of Matazu LGA, Hon. Shamsuddeen Muhd Sayaya; his deputy, Hon. Abubakar Sulaiman; and other elected officials. Community leaders have appealed for urgent intervention by both state and federal authorities to restore security.
As at press time, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding any arrests or planned response. Residents are calling on government to redeploy security personnel to prevent more bloodshed in Sayaya and neighbouring communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/apprehension-as-gunmen-kill-seven-in-katsina/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Rescues 53 Civilians After Dismantling ISWAP Roadblock in Borno’s Biu LGA
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion, rescued 53 civilians on Wednesday after dismantling an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation was conducted under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI following reports of insurgents blocking the highway.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, soldiers deployed at Dutse Kura observation post detected the illegal checkpoint through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force team responded swiftly to the scene and engaged the terrorists near Mangari–Dora, forcing them to abandon their position after a gun battle. The troops then cleared withdrawal routes and recovered eight vehicles seized by the insurgents.
The rescue comes amid persistent insecurity in North-East Nigeria, where groups like ISWAP and JAS have used road ambushes to abduct travellers and steal property. Roadblocks remain a major tactic for disrupting civilian movement and targeting commuters along key highways in conflict-affected areas such as Borno.
“The prompt action by our personnel prevented what could have been a severe hostage situation,” Captain Goni said in a press statement released by Theatre Command. He confirmed that all rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were safely escorted to Buratai town for documentation and medical checks before reuniting with their families. The command commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response.
Military authorities are urging residents across Borno and neighbouring states to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities or movements to security forces. They reiterated the importance of community support for ongoing counter-insurgency operations aimed at securing major roads and preventing further attacks by armed groups in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Three-Storey Building Collapse Claims Nine Lives in Satellite Town
Emergency agencies intensify rescue efforts as several victims remain trapped at Ori-Ade LCDA site
Emergency agencies intensify rescue efforts as several victims remain trapped at Ori-Ade LCDA site
Nine people have now been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey residential building at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, Lagos State, on Thursday. The incident, which occurred within Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), triggered a swift response from emergency agencies as at 11 a.m.
The building, occupied by numerous tenants and housing several businesses such as cyber cafés, phone repair shops, and a photo studio, caved in suddenly, trapping many occupants under the rubble. Rescue teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse to commence search-and-rescue operations. According to LSFRS officials, firefighters from Ijegun-Egba Fire Station reached the site around 11:49 a.m. and joined ongoing efforts to save trapped individuals.
Building collapses remain a recurring challenge in Lagos due to factors including poor construction practices and disregard for safety standards. Satellite Town has witnessed similar incidents in recent years, raising concerns among residents about regulatory enforcement and urban safety. Many affected families are now left seeking information on missing loved ones as rescue operations continue into the evening.
Speaking at the scene, an official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said efforts were ongoing to locate survivors beneath the debris. “We are working closely with other agencies to ensure all those trapped are rescued or accounted for,” he stated. As at press time, authorities had not released an official figure for those still missing.
Government has appealed for calm while urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders. The incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny on building approvals and monitoring within Lagos metropolis. Meanwhile, further investigations are underway to ascertain the immediate cause of the collapse and prevent future occurrences.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Teams, Underdogs Compete as MILO Basketball Championship Marks 26th Edition
Fresh talents from across Nigeria join established schools as iconic youth tournament celebrates another milestone year
Fresh talents from across Nigeria join established schools as iconic youth tournament celebrates another milestone year
New contenders have emerged from Lagos and other parts of the country as the MILO Basketball Championship entered its 26th year on Friday. The popular youth basketball tournament, which holds annually, continues to attract both seasoned and first-time teams eager to showcase their skills on a national platform.
The championship, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots basketball event for secondary schools, has consistently drawn participation from a diverse range of schools. This year’s edition sees increased competition as new teams challenge established favourites, aiming for a chance to clinch the coveted trophy and gain recognition among scouts and sporting bodies.
The tournament’s longevity is seen by many sports stakeholders as evidence of its impact on youth development in Nigeria. Over the past 25 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has produced several national players and provided opportunities for young athletes to pursue careers in sports. Many participants credit the championship with helping them develop discipline and teamwork while exposing them to competitive basketball at an early stage.
As matches tip off this weekend in Lagos, organisers say they remain committed to providing a fair and exciting environment for all competitors. While official statements highlight the importance of sportsmanship, coaches and players are focused on advancing through each knockout round. With fresh talent on display and new strategies being tested, fans are expecting an unpredictable contest this season.
Winners of this year’s MILO Basketball Championship will be celebrated at a closing ceremony set for later in June. Organisers have promised enhanced support for outstanding players, with scouts and basketball officials expected to attend the finals in Lagos.
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