Bandits who abducted worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have demanded ₦100m ransom for each victim, community sources disclosed on Friday.

The gunmen had stormed the church in Eruku on Tuesday during a service, killing three worshippers and whisking away about 30 others.

A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were among the victims, said the attackers had begun reaching out to families.

Olukotun, who said he had been in the church with five of his family members, explained that he and one of his wards escaped through a window at about 6.06pm when the shooting started.

“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.

“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding ₦100m for each person. As for my own people, I have not received any call concerning them yet,” he said.

The pastor of the church, Abiodun Bamidele, also confirmed that between 30 and 35 worshippers were abducted.

“The bandits came and kidnapped almost 30 to 35 members of the church.

We were holding a Thanksgiving service for the 18 people kidnapped here three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued,” the cleric said.

Angered by the latest attack, youths in Eruku on Wednesday blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway, causing gridlock as they protested what they described as the failure of security operatives to respond during the incident, which reportedly lasted close to an hour.

A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, faulted the police division in the area, saying residents had supported the building of its facilities but officers failed to act when needed most.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for an urgent security reinforcement in the council to curb what he described as a disturbing resurgence of attacks in border communities.

The Eruku incident adds to a string of recent security breaches affecting settlements along the Kwara–Kogi axis.

The post Bandits Demand ₦100m Ransom Per Victim After Abducting CAC Worshippers in Kwara first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Bandits Demand ₦100m Ransom Per Victim After Abducting CAC Worshippers in Kwara appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Suspected bandits have abducted four rice farmers in Bokungi community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the victims were working on their farms during the peak of the harvest season. It came barely 24 hours after gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Ekiti LGA of the state, killing two worshippers and abducting several others.

According to sources, the attackers stormed the farms suddenly and surrounded the farmers as they gathered their harvested rice.

“It has been confirmed that bandits struck again at Bokungi under the Lafiagi Emirate. Four people were abducted. Information is still emerging,” the sources said.

Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, forcing the farmers into a nearby bush before whisking them away to an unknown location.

Community members also lamented rising insecurity in Edu LGA, noting that several farming settlements had been abandoned as farmers now fear venturing out during the harvest period when they are most vulnerable.

The Kwara State Police Command and the state government had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

The post Suspected bandits abduct four farmers in fresh Kwara attack first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Suspected bandits abduct four farmers in fresh Kwara attack appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a trader and former ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Boriya–Shiya Ward, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Abubakar Sise.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the assailants invaded his residence in the Boriya community.

According to the news scooped from Channels Television, the residents informed that the attackers arrived around midnight and shot repeatedly into the air to scare people away before forcing their way into the compound.

Sources said one of Sise’s sons ran into the gunmen as he returned home late at night. The assailants reportedly ordered him to call his father and open the door for them.

Upon gaining entry, the kidnappers were said to have taken only the former ward chairman, leaving other members of the family untouched.

By daybreak, empty shells and some live bullets were found within the premises, confirming heavy gunfire during the operation.

Residents described the raid as brief but terrifying, noting that the gunmen left the area within minutes after seizing their target.

The Boriya local vigilante team was immediately alerted and had begun combing nearby bushes at the time of filing this report.

Thursday’s abduction is the second in the axis within two months. On September 17, gunmen reportedly whisked away another businessman from his residence in the nearby Shiya community.

As of press time, Sise’s whereabouts remained unknown, and the kidnappers had yet to make contact with the family.

The post Gunmen abduct ex-PDP ward chairman in Kwara first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Gunmen abduct ex-PDP ward chairman in Kwara appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Presidential hopeful, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on Wednesday donated N5m to the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, dedicating his Award of Excellence to Nigerian youths and victims of institutional abuse.

The gesture came during the chapel’s 45th anniversary celebration in Ilorin, which drew journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures.

Represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, Olawepo-Hashim said the honour was not a recognition of personal achievement but a call to give voice to those silenced by systemic injustice — a remark that drew prolonged applause from the audience.

“This award is for the Nigerian youth and all victims of institutional abuse,” he said. “A vibrant and independent press remains the pillar of democracy, and I urge journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable.”

‘Institutional Abuse Is a Silent Killer of Democracy’

Olawepo-Hashim described institutional abuse, particularly in the academic sector, as a “silent killer of democracy” that stifles innovation, silences dissent, and erodes public trust.

Recalling his personal ordeal, he narrated how the University of Lagos withheld his degree certificate following disagreements linked to student activism.

“They could withhold a certificate, but not knowledge,” he said, adding that the setback propelled him to establish Set and Sell, a political communication firm that became a launchpad for his success as a PR strategist and entrepreneur.

He also cited Hamzat’s experience of being expelled and denied a Master’s certificate by the National Open University of Nigeria over disputes relating to student association activities. Such actions, he warned, were “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.”

“Institutions should address intellectual issues intellectually, not through victimisation,” he added.

Kwara NUJ Hails Vision, Humanitarian Efforts

The Correspondents’ Chapel, which comprises journalists from 50 national media organisations, said Olawepo-Hashim was honoured not only for his national vision but also for the humanitarian work of the Gbenga Hashim Foundation, which has touched lives across the country.

Analysts at the event noted that his remarks reinforced his long-standing advocacy for human rights, systemic reform, and institutional accountability.

The anniversary celebration ended with calls for stronger institutions that protect rather than oppress, with attendees saying Olawepo-Hashim’s message added fresh urgency to the demand.

The post Presidential Hopeful, Olawepo-Hashim Gives Kwara NUJ N5m, Speaks Against Institutional Abuse first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Presidential Hopeful, Olawepo-Hashim Gives Kwara NUJ N5m, Speaks Against Institutional Abuse appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who passed away in police custody in the early hours of Friday.

Abdulquadri, who was arrested on December 19, 2024, reportedly died under controversial circumstances, with his family accusing police operatives of subjecting him to brutal treatment during his detention. Reports indicate that the deceased had been detained over an alleged debt of N220,000 owed to an individual identified as Peter.

In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the case. A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the IGP also visited Kwara State to meet with the bereaved family.

During the visit, the IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who represented the family. The IGP expressed his condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation.

“The IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. He has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation,” the statement read.

The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights. He further called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to take its course.

The post IGP Steps In: FCID to Investigate Death of Man Detained Over N220,000 Debt first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post IGP Steps In: FCID to Investigate Death of Man Detained Over N220,000 Debt appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Four unidentified undergraduate students of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, are facing serious legal consequences after being apprehended for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of a fellow student.

The tragic incident transpired penultimate week within one of the private hostels located outside the university premises. The assailants reportedly targeted the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, accusing him of surreptitiously filming them.

According to an account from a student who spoke with Channels Television, the victim succumbed to the severe injuries inflicted during the assault. The motives behind the alleged filming and subsequent attack are yet to be fully understood.

Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the distressing event on Friday, stating, “The alleged culprits were four but I cannot confirm their names now. They have been arrested while an investigation is still ongoing over the matter.”

The post KWASU Students Arrested for Allegedly Beating Peer to Death first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post KWASU Students Arrested for Allegedly Beating Peer to Death appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The victim, an unidentified vulcaniser, sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach, leading to immediate panic among residents.

The unsettling event unfolded at approximately 8:00 a.m. when a group of prison inmates was being led out of the facility. Seizing the opportunity, one inmate took control of a warder’s rifle and discharged several rounds, hitting the unsuspecting vulcaniser.

The wounded vulcaniser was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the assailant was apprehended and is currently held at the ‘C’ Division Police station, Isale-Ojo, in the Ilorin metropolis.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as residents scrambled for safety during the alarming incident.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s access to the weapon and the events leading up to the shooting.

The post Prison Inmate Shoots Roadside Vulcaniser in Ilorin first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Prison Inmate Shoots Roadside Vulcaniser in Ilorin appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested no fewer than 13 Chinese nationals over offences bordering on illegal mining activities, in Kwara State.

The offence, as gathered, is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17, 1983.

The suspects, including one female and twelve (12 ) males were arrested on Wednesday at the Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, the state capital, following credible intelligence about their activities such as illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.

Briefing journalists, the Ilorin Zonal Head of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, explained that before their arrest, the investigation revealed that the operators have different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local government areas of the state.

The suspects were also arrested for the illegal production of marble and were arrested at a house near the EFCC office.

The official of the anti-graft agency said efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspects’ Nigerian collaborators.

The suspects, according to him, would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The post Alleged Illegal Mining: EFCC arrests 13 Chinese in Kwara first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Alleged Illegal Mining: EFCC arrests 13 Chinese in Kwara appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The Kwara State Government has approved a temporary palliative measure to bring some ease to workers following the removal of the petrol subsidy by the Federal Government.

She directed all heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state to immediately work out a format indicating the alternating workdays for each worker under them.

The head of the service, however, warned the workers not to abuse the magnanimity of the governor, stressing that the regular monitoring of MDAs by her office would be intensified to ensure strict compliance.

The post Kwara civil servants to work three days a week first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Kwara civil servants to work three days a week appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

A Point of Sale (POS) operator, simply identified as Alfa Rafiu has been arrested in Kwara State for allegedly lavishing 280 million naira mistakenly sent to his account.

The suspect, as gathered, is a resident of Akuji compound, Abayawo area in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

Sources in the area, who are familiar with the issue, explained that Rafiu had suddenly gone on a spending spree after he received the alerts in batches of several millions some weeks ago.

“About two weeks ago, he received several bank alerts that scaled up to N280 million, which he knew nothing about.

“But instead of him drawing the attention of the bank that mistakenly transferred the huge fund, he went on a speeding spree.

“Rafiu bought houses, cars and sponsored people to the lesser Hajj. Some of those he sponsored are presently in Saudi Arabia as we speak. Although he was generous to several people in the community, some residents were surprised about his sudden wealth as a POS operator,” one of the sources said.

It was also learnt that the suspect had been arrested by police officers from the “C” Division Police station, Oja-Oba, Ilorin which is in charge of the area, accompanied by some bank officials.

The POS shop has been closed and some residents in the compound said he has travelled, and they don’t know when he will be back.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kwara State Command, Ajayi Okasanmi (SP), confirmed the incident.

“Yes, the matter is true, but his arrest was effected by the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) from Alagbon-Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, which makes it completely out of our purview”, Okasanmi replied.

The post KWARA: POS operator arrested for allegedly squandering N280m sent to his account in error first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post KWARA: POS operator arrested for allegedly squandering N280m sent to his account in error appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.