Locals and Bandits Sign Truce to End Attacks…Kidnapped Student Dies in Captivity…Terrorists Kill 10 in Mining Site Attack…and others
- Nigerian Community Negotiate Peace Agreement with Armed Groups
Residents of Jibia in northern Nigeria have struck a peace deal with armed bandits after years of deadly attacks. The agreement was reached on February 28, 2025, in Kwari village, with community leaders and representatives of the Nigerian Army present.
According to Zagazola Makama, authorities said it was the bandits who requested reconciliation with the residents. “We agreed to negotiate peace based on Islamic law, with the hope of bringing lasting stability to our people,” Ibrahim Sabi’u, a legal practitioner and resident, said.
The deal requires the bandits to stop attacks and criminal activities, while residents agreed to coexist peacefully. During the meeting, the bandits surrendered two AK-47 rifles and admitted kidnapping ten people recently. The victims were later freed and taken to a hospital.
- Gunmen Kill at Least 6 in Attack on Benue State Community
Gunmen suspected to be armed herders killed at least six people in Ukum County of Benue State on Saturday, local sources said.
The attack happened in three villages namely Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, and Ugbaam. A resident told reporters that seven bodies had been recovered, with others still missing.
According to reports, youths had attempted to chase cattle from their farmlands when armed men ambushed them. “While the youths were going after the cattle, unknown gunmen who laid ambush opened fire and killed some of the youths,” a source told The Punch.
Benue police spokesperson CSP Catherine Anene said she had not yet received a report on the incident. Ukum County Chairman Jonathan Modi confirmed the attack but declined to comment.
- Bandits Kill Abducted Student in Zamfara Despite Family Paying Ransom
A 21-year-old university student, Zarah Abubakar Shehu, has died in captivity four months after being abducted in Zamfara State, despite her family paying a ransom for her abducters to set her free.
Zarah, a 300-level student at Federal University Gusau, was kidnapped along with her two siblings from their home in the Damba area of Gusau on November 3, 2024. The abductors initially demanded ₦35 million ($23,295) but later accepted ₦10 million ($6,656)after negotiations.
Despite receiving the ransom, the kidnappers refused to release her, demanding four motorcycles and cartons of engine oil. After her family met the demands, the abductors revealed she had already died and had been buried two days earlier.
- Terrorists Target Miners in Niger State, Murder 10
Armed bandits killed at least 10 people and injured one at a mining site in Karaga village, Shiroro County of Niger State, reports Zagazola Makama.
The attack happened on February 26, but news of the incident only emerged on March 2. Sources said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, shooting indiscriminately before targeting miners and residents.
The victims were identified as Lurwsnu Saidu (32), Zubairu Ibrahim (27), and Alheri Gambo (21), the only female victim. A survivor, Sabiu Yakubu (25) was shot in the right hand and is receiving treatment at Erena Comprehensive Health Centre.
The assailants are reportedly part of a terrorist network operating in Shiroro. The town has seen repeated attacks on mining sites, villages, and security forces in recent months.
- Nigerian Christian Group Opposes Five-Week School Shutdown for Ramadan
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized the decision by four northern state governments—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—to close schools for up to five weeks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement cited by The Guardian, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said, “While we honor the religious diversity of our nation and recognize the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.”
Okoh warned that shutting down schools in these states, where many children are already out of school, could further harm education. He also noted that even Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not close schools entirely during Ramadan.
He called for state governments to reconsider the policy and engage in dialogue, saying, “Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith.” CAN also warned that it may take legal action if the decision is not reversed.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
