16 Hunters Mistaken for Bandits and Killed…Nigerian Boxer Dies Mid-Fight…Nigerian Military Operation Saves 20 Abducted Victims…Nigeria’s Billionaires Shine on Forbes 2025 List
- 16 Burned Alive in Nigeria After Citizen Guards Mistake Hunters for Radical Islamic Bandits
Sixteen travelers were brutally killed in Nigeria’s Edo State after a mob, mistakenly believing they were Fulani ethnic militia, set them on fire. The victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were heading home for the Eid al-Fitr holiday when the community watchmen stopped their vehicle late Friday night.
Dayyabu Yahya, a survivor, recalled, “They flogged him [the driver] and ordered the passengers to get out of the vehicle, during which they beat us up before grouping us together. Realizing that we would likely be killed, some of us made a run for our lives.”
The killings sparked outrage. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the act as “barbaric.” President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians that “jungle justice has no place in Nigeria” and ordered a swift investigation.
Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Musa vowed justice, stating, “The Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.” Authorities have since arrested 14 suspects as the investigation continues.
- Nigerian Boxing Star Segun Olanrewaju Dies During Match in Ghana
Former Nigerian light-heavyweight champion Segun “Success” Olanrewaju died after collapsing during a fight in Ghana on Saturday night.
The 40-year-old boxer was facing Ghanaian fighter John “Power” Mbanugu in an undercard bout at the Professional Boxing League to the canvas with just 15 seconds left in the third round.
The referee immediately called for medical assistance, and paramedics rushed in, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead. Early reports suggest a possible cardiac arrest.
Olanrewaju, born in Lagos, had a career record of 13 wins—12 by knockout—out of 23 fights. However, he had struggled in recent years, losing four straight matches before Saturday’s bout.
- Nigerian Troops Rescue 20 Kidnapping Victims After Gunfight
Nigerian Army troops rescued 20 kidnapped victims Saturday night in Taraba State after a firefight with the abductors.
According to Zagazola Makama, the operation began around 9:50 p.m. local time following reports of a kidnapping in Muji town. Soldiers from the 6 Brigade, backed by 67 Police Mobile Force personnel, swiftly responded and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
Overpowered by the troops’ firepower, the kidnappers fled into the forest, abandoning their captives. Among those rescued were Yakubu Usman and Godwin Peter, both of whom sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital.
Security forces also recovered vehicles left behind at the scene. Authorities are continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
- Aliko Dangote Tops Forbes’ List of Africa’s Richest as Four Nigerians Make the Cut
Forbes has named Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote the richest person in Africa for the 14th consecutive year, with a net worth of $23.9 billion. His wealth surged from $13.9 billion in 2024, largely due to the valuation of his Lagos refinery, which began operations last year.
Dangote is the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, salt, seasoning, pasta, beverages, real estate, and major projects in oil & gas and fertilizer.
Other Nigerians on the list include telecom tycoon Mike Adenuga ($8.5 billion), cement mogul Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.1 billion), and banking executive Femi Otedola, who ranks 16th in Africa with $1.5 billion.
South Africa leads with seven billionaires, while Nigeria and Egypt each have four.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
