Two persons have been confirmed dead while another is missing following a fresh attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Thursday.

The attack reportedly occurred around 3 a.m. when unidentified gunmen stormed the community and opened fire sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety amid panic.

Eyewitness accounts and community sources said the attackers invaded while residents were still asleep, leaving destruction and confusion in their wake.

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Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said local vigilantes had already begun a search operation for the missing resident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm in the area.

The latest assault adds to growing insecurity concerns in Riyom LGA, which has witnessed a rise in violent incidents in recent weeks, including reported destruction of farmlands in nearby communities.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community as residents fear possible further violence.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention from security agencies to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and investigation into the incident as efforts continue to track the perpetrators.

The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a suspected armed robbery operation and arrested three suspects along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway during a routine patrol and stop-and-search exercise.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka anipr, Mnisma, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, noting that the operation was part of sustained efforts to strengthen security on major highways.

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According to the Command, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Mazda commercial bus during a routine stop-and-search along the expressway.

During the search, one of the passengers, identified as Imoleayo Ibrahim ‘M’, was found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, leading to his immediate arrest.

The suspect was reportedly interrogated on the spot and allegedly confessed that the firearm was meant for armed robbery operations along the expressway.

He also revealed that he was working with two accomplices identified as Ibrahim Najeem ‘M’ and Olamilekan ‘M’, who were responsible for coordinating and executing attacks on unsuspecting road users.

Following the confession, police operatives swiftly moved into action and arrested the two accomplices, bringing all three suspects into custody.

Reacting to the development, the Command said: “This arrest is part of our sustained proactive policing strategy aimed at ensuring that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and other highways remain safe for commuters.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, describing the operation as a reflection of effective intelligence-led policing.

He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his leadership and operational guidance, stating: “The support of the IGP has continued to strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.”

The CP further emphasized the importance of public cooperation, noting: “Security is a shared responsibility. We urge residents to continue providing timely and credible information that can help prevent crime.”

The Command assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the suspected robbery operations and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

For emergencies, the Command urged the public to contact: Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615
Police Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as the Department of State Services arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was docked on a five-count charge before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

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According to the DSS, the former governor allegedly conspired with others—currently at large—to intercept the private communications of the NSA, an act said to be in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Prosecutors told the court that El-Rufai had, during a television appearance in February, admitted to having links with individuals involved in the unlawful act.

The security agency further alleged that despite having knowledge of the crime, El-Rufai failed to report it to appropriate authorities, an omission it described as a punishable offence under the law.

It also claimed that the alleged use of technical equipment to carry out the interception posed a threat to national security and heightened public anxiety.

However, when the charges were read in court, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

His legal team, led by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, subsequently filed an application seeking his release on bail pending the determination of the case.