Residents of Fowowawo, Ajerogun and Magbon-Etido communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have reportedly fled their homes following a failed kidnap attempt that resulted in the deaths of at least six people.

The incident, which occurred on Monday at a dredging site in the area, has left the communities gripped by fear, with many residents abandoning their homes over concerns of possible fresh attacks.

A visit to the affected communities on Wednesday showed that several houses and shops were locked, while commercial and social activities had significantly declined.

The Ogun State Police Command had earlier confirmed that suspected kidnappers invaded the dredging site in an attempt to abduct a Chinese national. The operation, however, failed after security operatives engaged the attackers.

According to the police, the attack led to the deaths of a soldier, a local hunter and four other persons. The command also disclosed that one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during a gun battle with security operatives.

Residents who remained in the communities expressed fears that the attackers could return, citing a similar kidnapping incident that occurred about three years ago.

One resident, who claimed to be among the local hunters that responded to the attack, said the gunmen ambushed community security volunteers who initially believed they were responding to a fight among workers at the dredging site.

“We were informed that some boys were fighting, and our Baale called us to go there. When we got there, we were in the midst of the kidnappers, but we didn’t know they were kidnappers,” he said.

According to him, the attackers opened fire after local hunters attempted to identify their positions, resulting in casualties and forcing others to flee.

He lamented the delayed arrival of security reinforcements and noted that kidnappers had previously used nearby waterways as escape routes during earlier attacks.

The Baale of Ajerogun Community, Nurudeen Salisu, said the attackers appeared to be targeting a Chinese national working at the dredging site.

He explained that the presence of soldiers providing security at the facility may have triggered the violent confrontation.

“It was a Chinese man who joined them at the dredging site about a year ago who was the target of the kidnappers. When they saw the soldiers, that was why they attacked,” he said.

Salisu alleged that the gunmen killed a soldier, injured another and abducted four persons before fleeing.

According to him, local security volunteers from neighbouring communities attempted to intercept the kidnappers, leading to another deadly confrontation that claimed additional lives.

He further disclosed that one of the abducted victims later escaped and identified the attackers as suspected Fulani gunmen.

The community leader commended the efforts of security agencies but expressed concern over inadequate equipment and poor road infrastructure, which he said hampered emergency response.

“The police, army and other security agencies have tried their best. But the first set of policemen that arrived were not adequately armed, and the bad road also delayed response,” he said.

Another resident and Chairman of the Agbekoya group in Fowowawo Community, Musbau Adenekan, confirmed that many residents had relocated their families due to fear and uncertainty.

“This community is always full of activities from traders and dredgers, but since the incident happened, there has been panic, and some people have already left their homes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has assured residents that the incident is not linked to banditry and reiterated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Security agencies have continued combing nearby forests and waterways as investigations into the attack progress.

The post Residents Flee Ogun Communities After Failed Kidnap Attempt Leaves Six Dead appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers linked to the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The property, located in the Lako community along Aiyegun-Anaye Road in Ibadan, was pulled down on Monday by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The demolition is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and dismantle criminal networks operating across Oyo State.

The exercise was carried out under tight security, with government officials and law enforcement personnel supervising the operation. Authorities said the action underscores the government’s resolve to ensure that properties used for criminal activities do not escape the full weight of the law.

According to the government, eliminating criminal hideouts is critical to disrupting kidnapping syndicates and strengthening public confidence in the state’s security framework.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 at Elewura in the Challenge area of Ibadan.

The incident generated widespread concern, prompting security agencies to launch investigations that reportedly led operatives to the suspected hideout.

Officials believe the demolished building played a role in the planning and execution of the abduction.

Security agencies have continued investigations and are working to identify and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to be connected to the crime.

Authorities disclosed that intelligence-led operations are ongoing across several locations as efforts continue to dismantle criminal cells involved in kidnapping and related offences.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity, warning that any property found to have been used for criminal purposes would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It also assured residents that collaboration with security agencies would be strengthened while investments in intelligence gathering and law enforcement would continue to enhance public safety.

Investigations into the abduction remain ongoing, with security agencies expressing confidence that sustained cooperation between law enforcement authorities and local communities will aid efforts to combat kidnapping and organised crime across the state.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja, describing the claim as a false alarm.

The Command said investigations conducted after the incident found no evidence of any abduction, suspect or victim within the school premises or surrounding areas.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that officers attached to the Nyanya Division received a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday alleging that kidnappers had invaded the school.

According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nyanya Division immediately deployed officers and surveillance teams to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Adeh said preliminary findings revealed that some pupils suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and ran out of the school premises, creating panic among teachers, parents and members of the surrounding community.

She noted that security operatives swiftly cordoned off the school and conducted an extensive search of the premises.

“Following extensive search and questioning of persons within and around the school premises, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified,” she stated.

The police spokesperson added that officers also searched nearby hills, boundaries and adjoining areas while precautionary visits were made to neighbouring schools as part of security measures.

She urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear and unnecessary tension within communities.

“The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities,” Adeh said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency response channels.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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Sokoto Eid security warning has been issued as residents prepare for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. The Sokoto State Police Command urged citizens to remain alert due to ongoing security concerns.

According to the police, festive periods often attract criminal activity. Therefore, residents must stay vigilant and report any suspicious movement.

Police Intensify Patrol and Surveillance

To strengthen safety, the Commissioner of Police directed officers to increase patrols across the state. Security teams will also carry out intelligence-led operations in key locations.

In addition, area commanders and divisional officers have received instructions to maintain a strong presence. This move aims to prevent crime and ensure peaceful celebrations.

Heightened Security Amid Ongoing Threats

Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, especially in the North-West. As a result, authorities consider festive periods as high-risk moments that require extra vigilance.

The Sokoto Eid security warning reflects broader concerns about public safety. It also highlights the need for cooperation between security agencies and residents.

Residents Urged to Stay Alert and Law-Abiding

Police advised residents to remain law-abiding during the celebrations. They also encouraged people to avoid actions that could disrupt public peace.

Furthermore, citizens should monitor their surroundings, especially in crowded places such as mosques and markets. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity remains critical.

Security Measures Target Peaceful Celebrations

The police say the goal is to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration across Sokoto State. Increased patrols and surveillance will continue before, during, and after the festivities.

Meanwhile, authorities reaffirm their commitment to protecting lives and property. They also urged community leaders to support efforts to maintain peace.

The Sokoto Eid security warning highlights the importance of public awareness during festive periods. As insecurity persists, both residents and security agencies must work together.

The post Sokoto Tightens Security as Police Issue Eid Warning appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos-based civil society groups have called on the state government to accelerate urban development in Makoko, warning that failure to act could endanger thousands of residents living under high-tension power lines.

The Coalition for Good Governance, comprising over 80 organisations, stressed the need for immediate evacuation and infrastructure improvements to safeguard lives and property.

Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, convener of the coalition, highlighted that previous demolitions in 2005 and 2012 were necessary for public safety, but the persistent construction of informal structures under high-voltage wires has heightened risks of fire, electrocution, and flooding.

He noted that Makoko remains one of Lagos’ most vulnerable urban settlements, home to between 80,000 and 250,000 people who largely depend on artisanal fishing and informal trade.

The coalition urged government authorities to engage transparently with residents while enforcing safety regulations. They called for fair compensation for families affected by the demolitions and warned that continued noncompliance by residents under unsafe conditions could lead to avoidable tragedies.

Ekujumi added that Makoko’s recurring demolition pattern underscores systemic planning challenges in Lagos. He urged the Lagos Assembly to expedite oversight and implementation of the urban development programme to prevent further humanitarian and environmental risks.

The post Lagos CSOs Call for Urgent Makoko Development to Protect Residents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria is set to experience deteriorating weather conditions over a three-day period as dust haze and isolated thunderstorms spread across multiple regions, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In its latest weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet warned that dusty atmospheric conditions will dominate much of the country from Sunday through Tuesday, raising concerns over air quality, public health, road safety, and aviation operations.

The agency said the situation is expected to be most severe in the northern and central regions, where suspended dust particles will significantly reduce visibility and intensify respiratory risks.

Dust Haze to Intensify in the North and Central States

NiMet forecast moderate dust haze across northern states on Monday and Tuesday, with conditions expected to worsen by midweek. By Wednesday, thick dust haze is projected to blanket much of the region, potentially disrupting daily activities and transport movement.

The central region is also expected to experience persistent dusty conditions throughout the forecast period. NiMet noted that dust haze levels in the region will range from moderate to thick, limiting visibility and reducing air quality in major cities.

Southern Inland Cities Affected, Coastal Areas Face Storm Risk

In the southern region, inland cities are expected to record moderate dust haze, while coastal areas will experience relatively clearer conditions marked by sunshine and cloud patches.

However, NiMet cautioned that coastal states may witness unsettled weather later in the day, with isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall expected in parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.

The agency said the combination of dust haze and intermittent rainfall could further reduce visibility in affected areas.

Health, Transport, and Aviation Concerns

NiMet explained that high concentrations of airborne dust particles pose serious health risks, particularly for people with asthma, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular issues.

Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions were advised to limit outdoor exposure and take preventive measures such as wearing face coverings and staying hydrated.

Motorists were warned of poor visibility on highways, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Drivers were urged to reduce speed and exercise caution, particularly if rainfall coincides with dusty conditions.

For aviation operations, NiMet advised airline operators to rely on detailed, airport-specific weather briefings to avoid delays, diversions, or safety risks linked to low visibility.

Advisory Remains in Effect

NiMet said it will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions and issue updates as necessary, urging Nigerians to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories during the forecast period.

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The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has begun a special operation aimed at tackling crime across Abuja and its surrounding areas.

According to a statement from the Command, the operation will run from November 2025 through January 2026.

It will involve officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, the Department of Operations, and all divisional police formations in the FCT.

Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh Dantawaye said the exercise is designed to identify and arrest criminals hiding in various parts of the city. He added that police teams will focus on black spots, criminal hideouts, and vulnerable communities to ensure the safety of residents.

He said the operation will be carried out with intensity and consistency and directed all officers to take full control of identified areas to prevent criminal activities.

The Commissioner warned officers involved to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect for human rights, stressing that no act of misconduct will be tolerated.

He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and to report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station. Dantawaye also reminded the public that community support remains crucial to maintaining peace and security in the FCT.

The post FCT Police Launch Special Operation to Flush Out Criminals appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A petrol tanker went up in flames on Saturday evening after falling at Ogheghe Junction along Sapele Road in Edo State.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker lost balance due to a bad portion of the road, spilling its content before it caught fire.

The incident caused panic in the area as residents and motorists fled to safety.

The Edo State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that officers and firefighting trucks were deployed to the scene around 7 p.m.

However, the agency noted that heavy traffic and motorists’ refusal to clear the way delayed their arrival.

An official from the fire service, identified as Faith, explained that despite the challenges, firefighters eventually contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings and vehicles.

The Ogheghe axis of Sapele Road has long been described by motorists as a death trap due to its large potholes and poor road condition, which frequently lead to accidents.

Authorities have not reported any casualties as of press time, but traffic in the area remained heavy hours after the incident.

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An explosion tore through several floors of an apartment building in Bucharest on Friday, killing at least three people and injuring 13 others, according to Romanian rescue officials, who suspect a gas leak as the cause.

The blast destroyed two floors of the eight-storey block, leaving the structure at risk of collapse. Firefighters evacuated all residents, as well as pupils and teachers from a nearby high school in the southwest of the Romanian capital.

Emergency teams continued to search for survivors, including one person found trapped under debris on the sixth floor.

“The building is at risk of collapse, which is why it is being completely evacuated,” said Raed Arafat, head of the national rescue services. He added that the area had been sealed off due to safety concerns.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as terrifying, with some mistaking the explosion for a bombing or earthquake.

Authorities said two of the injured are in critical condition. The blast also shattered windows at the nearby school, where several pupils sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site before being released to their parents.

The post Three Killed, 13 Injured in Bucharest Apartment Explosion appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A fire outbreak on Monday disrupted activities at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, sparking panic among civil servants and visitors. The blaze, which affected the ground floor of the Podium Block, was quickly brought under control through a coordinated emergency response.

Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, confirmed that no casualties were recorded. She commended the swift intervention of the Rivers State Fire Service and its partners  including the Federal Fire Service, the military, and private responders for containing the fire before it spread.

“We were informed of a fire at the right wing of the ground floor of Podium Block and immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly,” Brown said. “We also received quick support from the Federal Fire Service and other partners. It was a combined effort, and thankfully, the situation is now under control.”

Dr. Brown expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for revamping the state’s fire service infrastructure, noting that his proactive investment in emergency response helped avert a major disaster.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault. The Head of Service advised civil servants to adhere to strict safety measures by switching off and unplugging electrical appliances after work hours to prevent similar incidents.

She added that Governor Fubara has directed plans for the refurbishment of affected sections of the secretariat, assuring that the government remains committed to ensuring a safe and functional work environment for state employees.

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