A violent cult-related clash in Owo, Ondo State, has left five people dead, including Fisayo Oladipupo, a former youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heightening concerns over the growing insecurity in the region.
The deadly confrontation, which occurred on Sunday night, was part of an ongoing feud between rival cult groups that has simmered for over a decade, leading to numerous fatalities.

Oladipupo, 56, was shot and killed around 2:00 am on Monday, and his death triggered further violence across the town, with four other individuals gunned down in various parts of Owo, including the Eyinogbe, Ekusi, and Uselu areas.
Tragically, a mother and her child also fell victim to the violence when stray bullets struck them while they were attempting to flee the chaos at Mobil Junction.

Sources close to the community suggest that Oladipupo’s murder was likely carried out by individuals familiar to him, based on the nature of the attack. His death sparked widespread fear and panic, with the town reeling from the loss of several lives in a matter of hours.

The long-standing nature of the feud between the cult groups, fueled by unresolved disputes, has left the community on edge. Residents are now demanding increased security and a stronger police presence to prevent future bloodshed.

The police have confirmed the incident, with the Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stating that investigations are underway to uncover the perpetrators and their motives.
While there are conflicting reports about Oladipupo’s status as an APC chieftain, the local authorities have confirmed the deaths of four individuals and reassured the public that efforts to restore order are ongoing.

The Obidient Movement has raised alarm over the abduction of Hon. Justice Azuka, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, describing the incident as a wake-up call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security framework.

Hon. Azuka was abducted at gunpoint on Christmas Eve along Ugwunaobamkpa Road, Onitsha, while returning home. The kidnappers whisked him away, sparking widespread concern and outrage across the state and beyond.

In a press release issued on December 27, 2024, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, called on the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, and local vigilante groups to join forces in combing suspected hideouts to secure Azuka’s immediate and unconditional release.

“The kidnapping of Hon. Azuka is a test of the resolve and efficiency of our security agencies. They must act swiftly and decisively to rescue him and reassure Nigerians of their safety,” the statement read.

The movement commended the police for recovering the lawmaker’s vehicle but stressed that achieving his safe return must remain the top priority.
Azuka’s abduction highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, where incidents of kidnappings and violent crimes have been on the rise.

The lawmaker gained prominence after reclaiming his mandate from Hon. Douglas Egbuna of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a landmark 2023 electoral victory. His abduction, therefore, raises concerns not just about security but also about the safety of elected officials tasked with representing the people.
The Obidient Movement urged Azuka’s supporters, associates, and the general public to remain calm while cooperating with security operatives by providing any useful information that could lead to his rescue.

“We are confident that Hon. Azuka will regain his freedom soon. We are leaving no stone unturned in working with stakeholders to secure his release,” the statement assured.

The group also used the opportunity to advocate for sweeping reforms in the nation’s security apparatus, emphasizing that the safety of citizens must be prioritized to build trust and stability.

The statement concluded with a call for unity and hope, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to building a “New Nigeria” where security, justice, and prosperity prevail.

By Friday Idachaba

In a chilling act of betrayal, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested Abdulmuqeet Musari for allegedly attempting to murder his close friend, Usman Tijani, a 19-year-old Cyber Security student, after robbing him of N200, 000
The suspect reportedly lured Usman to a Cemetery in New Zango, Adavi Local Government Area, where he overpowered him, slit his throat, and fled with the cash
Confirming the incident on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Ovye Aya, said Musari is now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations
Preliminary reports revealed that the victims, who also operates a Point of Sale(POS) business was deceived by Musari under the pretext of an errand on the night of December 24th, instead, the suspect ambushed himat the burial ground, leaving him for dead.

A family member of the victim, Zainab Avosuahi, who narrated the ugly incident disclosed that the suspect had on the evening of Tuesday December 24, allegedly requested his friend to accompany him to the area, luring him.

Avosuahi alleged that suspect, on getting to the destination, attacked her nephew, overpowered him and slit his throat, robbed him of N200,000 cash and escaped.

“We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. Please this is a call for Justice for my nephew whom his friend dragged to the bush, collected 200,000 from and still have his throat butchered.

“He is currently undergoing surgery in Lokoja while the ‘devil in disguise’ of a friend is on the run. Please we are on the look out for him. This is all the information we can get now as the victim can’t say much,” she had stated.

However, the suspect was later apprehended by the Vigilante and security outfit of Adavi Local Government who placed him on surveillance and traced him to a neighbouring community in Ekiti State.

According to Suleiman Abdulrazaq Acheneje, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the LG chairman, Hon. Bashiru Okatenwu, the security personnel of the LG swung into action when they heard about the terrifying action.

Acheneje said that the intention of the suspect, Abdulmuqeet Musari, was no doubt, to kill Usman.

“The victim was found nearly dead and rescued around 2am (on Christmas day) in new Zango, Adavi LGA where he was immediately rushed to Lokoja and has since been receiving treatment in a very sound hospital there.

“The culprit was already on the run but kudos to the Executive Chairman Of Adavi, and their security intel as they were able to apprehend the culprit in Ekiti state.”