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Oyo Police Dismiss Terror Infiltration Claims, Step Up Patrols in Ogbomoso and Old Oyo Park

Command urges residents to ignore recycled social media videos, assures area is under heightened surveillance

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Command urges residents to ignore recycled social media videos, assures area is under heightened surveillance

The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports of suspected terrorist infiltration in forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, South-West Nigeria, describing circulating social media claims as baseless and capable of causing panic. The clarification came on Wednesday, following viral videos and voice notes alleging the movement of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into the area.

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade, comprehensive intelligence assessments conducted by the command showed no evidence of terrorist movement or camps within the affected communities. Ayanlade said preliminary investigations revealed that the widely shared video and accompanying audio message were old materials deliberately recycled to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear among residents.

The command further emphasised that security operatives have intensified surveillance and patrols across Ogbomoso North and South local government areas, as well as surrounding forest reserves. Police authorities urged residents not to share unverified security information online and to always seek clarification from official sources before spreading such content. “The command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Ayanlade stated.

This development comes amid heightened concerns over security in parts of Oyo State following past incidents involving bandit attacks in rural communities. However, police have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and prevent criminal activities within the zone.

The command has called on community leaders, religious heads, and stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible information. Residents were also advised to remain calm while remaining vigilant. As at press time, there were no official statements from local government officials or opposition politicians regarding the rumoured infiltration.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-dismiss-terror-infiltration-claims-intensify-surveillance-in-ogbomoso/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Boko Haram Strikes Chibok’s Kautikari Community, Burns Down Two Schools in Borno State

Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East

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Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East

Suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday evening, setting both the primary and secondary school buildings ablaze. The assault left hundreds of residents fleeing into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities to escape the violence, with the attackers targeting public infrastructure before withdrawing from the area.

Local sources reported that the gunmen stormed Kautikari after nightfall, focusing their attack on educational facilities. While no fatalities were immediately confirmed, the destruction of both schools has disrupted learning for children already affected by years of insecurity in the North-East. Residents described scenes of panic as families abandoned homes and livelihoods, adding that this incident marks another round of violence in a community repeatedly targeted by insurgent groups.

The attack comes just over a decade after the infamous abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014, which drew international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges. Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, communities across Borno continue to face threats to education and safety. Reports indicate that Kautikari has suffered multiple attacks in recent months, forcing some families to relocate permanently out of fear.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding Friday’s incident. However, parents and local leaders have called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen protection for schools across Borno State. “The repeated targeting of our schools is endangering the future of our children,” one community elder said during a telephone interview. Education stakeholders warn that continued attacks could undermine efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions and keep displaced pupils out of classrooms for even longer.

As assessment teams begin evaluating the extent of damage in Kautikari, humanitarian agencies say urgent intervention is needed to provide temporary learning spaces and psychosocial support for affected children. The latest assault underscores the persistent challenge posed by armed groups in the North-East despite military gains claimed by government forces. Authorities have pledged to intensify patrols around vulnerable communities while promising swift reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/boko-haram-attacks-chibok-again-razes-down-primary-and-secondary-school-2026061409232230884

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno School, Kill One and Burn Classrooms in Chibok LGA

Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions

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Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday evening, killing one person and setting fire to part of a secondary school. The incident was confirmed by local authorities and the Borno State Police Command on Sunday.

According to Malah Kyari, Education Secretary for Chibok LGA, the attackers specifically targeted the junior secondary section of Government Day Secondary School. “I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.

Kautikari is a community that previously gained international attention during the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014. The latest attack has revived concerns about the safety of educational institutions and residents in the area, which remains vulnerable despite years of counter-insurgency efforts by government forces.

Police Public Relations Officer for Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident and said security personnel responded promptly to limit further damage. “They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt two classrooms at Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said. He added that security operatives faced resistance from the assailants but were able to repel them before more harm could be done.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing while patrols have been intensified in Chibok LGA to prevent further attacks. The state government has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, education officials are assessing damages with a view to restoring learning facilities for affected students.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/boko-haram-attacks-borno-school-kills-one-burns-classrooms/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Anambra Government Arrests Pastor Over Alleged Conversion of 75 Women as Wives in Onitsha

State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries

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State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, following allegations that he converted 75 women—including married congregants—into his wives and encouraged wife-swapping among church members. The arrest was effected by operatives of the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, after a viral video surfaced online detailing accusations against the cleric.

According to Dr Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Charles was apprehended on Thursday and has been handed over to the police for further investigation. The state government said the move is part of a wider campaign against individuals accused of running fraudulent religious organisations within Anambra State.

The allegations against Pastor Charles have generated significant public concern in Onitsha and beyond, particularly given recent debates around unregulated religious practices in Nigeria’s South-East. Many of the alleged victims are said to be members of his church, with claims that they were pressured into unconventional marital arrangements under spiritual pretexts.

“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Dr Opara stated in a press briefing. “He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”

Authorities have urged residents to report similar cases involving religious institutions or leaders engaging in practices deemed harmful or illegal. As at Friday morning, police investigations are ongoing and no formal charges have been filed yet. The state government has reiterated its commitment to regulating religious activities and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/anambra-arrests-pastor-accused-of-converting-75-women-as-wives/

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