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Sokoto Attack: ‘Bandits’ve Turned Nigeria Into Killing Field’
A coalition of Northern youth group under the aegis of Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEYGA), has condemned the killing of travellers by bandits in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Earlier reports had indicated that bandits, last Wednesday, openly set travellers ablaze in Sokoto leaving 23 dead while several others injured.
Reacting, the group, in a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, lamented that “this is one attack that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“Nigeria has been turned into a killing field by these bandits terrorising the country where innocent civilians looking for their daily breads are forced to live in perpetual fear,” the group added.
The spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, said “the body language of Mr. Monguno shows that he is only interested in power and more power and acquisitions of properties instead of intelligent gathering”.
He added; “Virtually all parts of Nigeria are currently battling with one form of insecurity or the other with various crimes going on, largely unabated.
“Despite attempts by Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to curb the rising criminalities and killings across the country, the nation’s security apparatus under Monguno appears to be overwhelmed with criminals maiming and extorting their victims.”
He revealed that under Monguno, “Nigeria police force is poorly funded and motivated, and the military, which is fighting a decade-long insurgency in the North-East, appears to be at the end of their wits on how to curtail the downward spiral in security.
“Swathes of the North-West have, virtually been taken over by rampaging bandits who kidnap for ransom and kill victims who cannot pay for their freedom.
“The North-Central is not free from the deadly assaults by these bandits, and kidnap gangs who now operate freely in parts of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa are making it into the Federal Capital Territory.
“The North-East is yet to experience peace as Boko Haram insurgents are in a deadly battle of supremacy daily with the nation’s military in a bid to carve out an Islamic state.
“Now largely ‘degraded’ as stated by federal officials, and focusing more on soft targets and solitary military formations, the insurgents still carry out attacks in a bid to terrorise the numerous communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa,” the statement partly read.
However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the gruesome murder of innocent travellers by terrorists in Sokoto State and many other attacks on citizens of Nigeria by these criminals, insisting that it has further shown how human life is cheaper than that of chickens today in Nigeria.
Vice Chairman, CAN, 19 Northern States and Abuja,Rev John Joseph Hayab, said this in a statement, yesterday.
The Christian body therefore, “condemn the animalistic behaviour. CAN is concerned that these terrorists have taken their crime against Nigerians too far.”
CAN called on the Federal Government and Governors in the Northern states, especially in the North-West region to take strong measures to stop this evil permanently.
“How can people be productive when they are living in perpetual fear of terrorists in their homes and everywhere they go?
Security of lives and property is a serious government business but what we are seeing today is how some of our leaders are playing politics with a serious matter that has almost destroyed the peace, joy and hope of the citizens.”
“CAN is appealing to security agencies to stop the unhealthy competition amongst them and work together in unity for the common good of all Nigerians.
“Our security agencies have all it will take to defeat these terrorists.
“CAN on its part will continue to offer our prayers, support and play any role that will help to bring this evil to an end.
“CAN Northern states commiserate with families of those who lost their lives and pray that God comfort them and repose the souls of the departed,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government, yesterday, confirmed 23 deaths among travellers attacked by bandits in Isa Local Government Area of the state.
This came as the Senate, mourned the deaths of travellers burnt to ashes on Monday by suspected bandits on their way to Gayan in Kaduna State.
Also, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State sympathised with his Sokoto counterpart, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, as well as the government and people of the state over the massacre of the commuters.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene