Banditry and armed violence have intensified across northwestern Nigeria, with multiple attacks reported in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, leaving dozens dead, scores kidnapped, and communities devastated. Daily Trust reported that in Zamfara State, bandits have launched a fresh wave of deadly assaults across Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least two people and abducting over 60 others. The attacks are believed to be reprisals for the recent killing of top bandit warlords by security operatives, including Kachalla Yellow, also known as Dan Isuhu, who died in a failed ambush on the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards in Keta. He was killed alongside his nephew, the son of the notorious kingpin Adamu Aliero. Another unnamed bandit leader was reportedly eliminated in a separate operation around the same time. In apparent retaliation, gunmen loyal to Aliero have intensified attacks. On Sunday, bandits struck Gidan Arne village, killing two residents and injuring another. About 40 women were abducted, and several homes set ablaze. That same day, Keta community suffered another assault in which one person was killed, 11 vehicles were torched, and shops looted. Additional coordinated raids occurred in Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida, where 21 people were kidnapped11 in Yan Doton Daji and 10 near Kucheri town. A community leader said the dense forests around Tsafe have made the area a stronghold for kingpins like Aliero and Dogo Gide, allowing them to operate with impunity. Bandits have also imposed levies on farmers, threatening violence if they refuse to pay before harvesting crops. Zamfara has seen relentless attacks over the past year. Last month, six members of the Community Protection Guards and four local vigilantes were killed in an ambush following a military-led operation in Sunke Forest. In October 2024, nine guards were ambushed and killed near Tsafe, and shortly afterward, their Director General, retired General Lawal B. Muhammad, was shot but survived. In February, dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during an attack on a mosque in the area. Efforts to reach state security officials for comment on the recent surge in violence were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired Captain Bala Mairiga, went unanswered. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he would revert after contacting the Divisional Police Officer in Tsafe, but no update was received. In Sokoto State, suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village, Tangaza LGA. The attackers, riding motorcycles from a nearby forest, struck on Tuesday morning, killing Zubairu Kusugu, Aminu Ibrahim, and Salisu Dangwati. The incident followed similar attacks in Sutti and Takkau villages, where two others were wounded and livestock stolen. Garzali Raka, security aide to the Tangaza council chairman, confirmed the attacks. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the Sokoto Police Command spokesperson, also confirmed the killings and said the attackers would be brought to justice. In Kebbi State, gunmen invaded the Istijaba Villa off-campus hostel of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Kalgo LGA, abducting a 400-level Economics student, Augustine Madubiya, and killing a local herder. The attack occurred early Tuesday while Augustine was sleeping outside due to heat. Another student, Collaneous Steven, escaped. The attackers assaulted students after demanding money and fled with Augustine. Malam Siddi Hussaini, a herder tending his cattle, was shot dead while trying to rescue the students. Governor Nasir Idris has ordered immediate action by security agencies to ensure Augustines safe return. The states anti-terrorism unit is reportedly on the case. Police spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed that a joint operation is underway, and the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, has visited the scene. These coordinated attacks underscore the deteriorating security situation across the region, with civilians caught in the crossfire of deepening criminal insurgencies.The post Bandits kill 2 and abduct 60 in Zamfara in revenge for kingpins killings appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has strongly opposed the nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri as an ambassador, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove his name from the list of nominees.

The group described the nomination as a contradiction and a failure of integrity checks.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 7, OYC’s National President, Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, criticised Omokri’s nomination, calling it “an institutional endorsement of hypocrisy and political opportunism.”

“It is contradictory that somebody who previously distrusted the president is now deemed fit to become Nigeria’s ambassador,” Igboayaka stated.

He referenced Omokri’s past remarks about Tinubu, particularly a December 2022 Facebook post where he described Tinubu as “a known drug lord, who belongs in jail, not Aso Rock.”

Igboayaka further questioned how security agencies cleared Omokri for the appointment despite his previous claims against Tinubu.

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“If Nigeria’s security agencies cleared Reno to represent Nigeria, does it imply that Reno’s allegations of a drug-related issue involving Tinubu have been substantiated?” he queried.

The OYC leader also referenced another post dated December 17, 2022, where Omokri claimed to have obtained verified documents from Chicago implicating Tinubu.

Omokri suggested that a hair or urine sample could confirm whether Tinubu was still using drugs.

The OYC called on security agencies to demand that Omokri produce the “verified drug documents from Chicago” and make them public.

According to Igboayaka, Omokri’s past statements should disqualify him from any government role.

“Reno Omokri’s criticism of the Nigerian government and certain politicians seems to be motivated by personal political gains rather than a commitment to strengthening democracy,” he added.

The group further warned that nominating Omokri sends the wrong message about the integrity of the Tinubu administration.

“The presidency should know that clearing Reno Omokri implies and confirms the perception of Nigerians that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration lacks integrity and credibility,” the statement concluded.

At least 27 people have been confirmed dead and more than 160 injured after the roof of a nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, authorities said on Tuesday.  The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at the Jet Set club during a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Prez. Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency teams continue to search through the debris for potential survivors. Juan Manuel Mndez, director of the emergency operations centre, expressed hope that some victims may still be alive beneath the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble, he stated. Officials have yet to determine what caused the roof to collapse, which took place nearly an hour after the concert began. Among the injured is Rubby Prez himself, according to authorities. His manager, Enrique Paulino, recounted the chaotic moments leading up to the collapse, saying, It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner. He also revealed that the bands saxophonist was killed in the incident and that he initially thought it was an earthquake. President Luis Abinader responded to the tragedy with a message on social media, stating that all emergency services were “working tirelessly” to assist those affected. We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred, he posted on X. The president later visited the site, offering support to families searching for missing loved ones. At a nearby hospital treating the injured, an official read aloud the names of survivors as anxious family members and friends listened, many shouting out names through tears in a desperate search for news. Footage allegedly taken inside the nightclub before the collapse circulated on social media, showing patrons glancing up at the ceiling and moving away from the centre of the dancefloor. Screams were heard before the video abruptly ended. While the video has not been independently verified, it has added to the growing sense of shock surrounding the incident. The tragedy has cast a pall over the Dominican capital, as authorities continue their investigation and search efforts. Watch some of the videos below   – A roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has left at least 13 people dead and 93 others hospitalized, according to local reports. The tragic incident, which occurred in a popular entertainment venue. Authorities are investigating the cause of the pic.twitter.com/ZoR3Oq12wb The Informant (@theinformant_x) April 8, 2025   World Series champion missing after nightclub ceiling collapse that killed at least 27Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel is among dozens of people missing after a roof collapsed and killed 27 at a popular night club in the Dominican Republic.The incident took place pic.twitter.com/KVUcK76cn5 Grifty (@TheGriftReport) April 8, 2025 The post Many feared d3ad as nightclub roof collapses in Dominican Republic appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.