Month: February 2026

Multiple Dried Corpses Discovered in Scrap Metal Factory in Cross River

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

Several dried corpses have been found in a metal factory in Isong Inyang community of Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State.

Residents in the surrounding communities are reported to be enraged and emotional following the discovery of countless dried corpses.

Security operatives, on a tip for, stormed the factory and were stunned at the sight of multiple corpses erected all about within the factory.

As a result of the discovery, residents have become panicky given the fact that before now there has been several reports about missing persons in many communities.

The gruesome find has sparked outrage among residents, prompting calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of citizens.

Concerned citizens and community leaders have called on the state government to take swift action and conduct swift security checks in all scrap factories in rural communities across the state.

In a swift reaction, Friday evening, the state Police Command said they have arrested one suspect, identified as Sunday Ben Reuben, a native of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State.

A statement by the PRO, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said that “Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary, Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Police described the factory where the corpses were discovered was a local embalmment hall in Isong inyang Community along Calabar–Ikom Highway.

Akata stated that on 13th February 2026 at about 11:56hrs they received credible information regarding the presence of corpses at the facility. “Operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene to verify the report. Upon arrival, eight well-dried corpses were discovered in the hall.”

Akata disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, and a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the matter and to determine whether any laws have been contravened.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation, as further verified updates will be communicated in due course.”

February 13, 2026
Illegal Miners Kill Policeman, Burn NSCDC Patrol Van in Niger

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Suspected illegal miners have killed a police constable and set ablaze a patrol vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an attack on a joint security team in Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, February 11, 2026, targeted a patrol team comprising personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes at a mining site operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company.
The slain officer was identified as Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi.
Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, confirmed the attack and described it as the second such deadly assault by illegal miners in the state within five months.
He disclosed that 15 suspects were arrested while allegedly mobilising to launch a second attack on reinforcement teams deployed to the area.
Aniviye further revealed that the Village Head of Zuzungi community in Katcha Local Government Area and 18 others were arrested during a meeting at the traditional ruler’s residence in connection with the attack.
In addition, a total of 34 suspects have so far been apprehended over the incident, as security agencies intensify investigations.
According to the NSCDC commandant, the attackers were armed with dangerous weapons and attempted to overpower security operatives and seize their rifles, but were repelled.
He noted that the illegal miners were part of organised groups involved in unlawful mining and smuggling of mineral resources using motorcycles and other covert means.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Aniviye reaffirmed the NSCDC’s determination to crack down on illegal mining activities and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets.
He warned that individuals or groups sabotaging the nation’s economic resources would face decisive action.

February 13, 2026
Witchcraft Accusation Turns Fatal in Rivers; Bayelsa Courts Hand Down Tough Rape Sentences

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A middle-aged man, Mr Nwalozie Chiwendu, has allegedly killed his elder brother, Mr Chidiebere Isaiah, following accusations of witchcraft in Umunwacha village, Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Residents said the incident occurred around 4pm on Thursday after the suspect accused his brother of being responsible for his lack of progress. He allegedly attacked the victim during a confrontation.
The victim was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary.
The suspect fled the community immediately after the incident and is currently at large.
Youth President of Ofeh community, Mr Chinonso Favour Chima, who confirmed the development, described it as shocking and unfortunate. He said community leaders promptly alerted the police and appealed to residents to remain calm.
Chima added that youths have commenced efforts to locate the suspect and hand him over to the authorities, stressing that the community is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The incident was reported to the Police Division in Eberi, Omuma Local Government Area.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the case and said police had recovered the body and launched a manhunt for the suspect on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
Meanwhile, a High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced 33-year-old Amaebi Joseph Amasa of Otuabula II Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, to 20 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault of a minor.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/OG/CR/6/2025 on February 12, 2026, Justice (Dr.) S.W. Amaduobogha held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State, 2021.
Bayelsa Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo, SAN, welcomed the verdict, describing it as a strong warning against sexual and gender-based violence. Lead prosecutor, Mrs Pere Amanda Egbuson, also urged members of the public to promptly report abuse cases.
In a related judgment, another High Court in Yenagoa sentenced 29-year-old Ebimie Ajalla of Polobubo Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault of a three-year-old child. Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, Justice Enegesi found the defendant guilty and commended the prosecution team for its diligence.

February 13, 2026
Don’t Return If You Don’t Win Niger Delta Games, Cross River Deputy Gov Tells Athletes

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey, has charged athletes representing the state at the forthcoming Niger Delta Games to excel, warning that failure to win would be unacceptable.

Odey gave the charge when organisers of the Games paid him a courtesy visit in his office to present the ceremonial Games Touch to the state government.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, the deputy governor assured the athletes of government support, promising that adequate welfare and resources would be provided to enable them perform optimally at the competition.

He emphasised that the state government would ensure the athletes were properly catered for, adding that there would be no excuses for poor performance.

“On our part, we will take good care of you so that you can excel during the Niger Delta Games. We will provide the welfare and other resources you need to participate effectively,” Odey said.

“This time around, we do not want to hear complaints from athletes. If you don’t win, don’t come back home.”

He further assured that Cross River would field a strong delegation to the Games, stressing the importance of making the state proud.

Odey reminded the athletes of Cross River’s rich sporting heritage, describing the state as a bastion of sports and urging them to consolidate on its longstanding record of excellence.

He urged the athletes to remain disciplined, focused and determined to achieve victory at the regional sporting event.

February 13, 2026
Rampaging Armed Herders Threaten Farmers in Cross River

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

Farmers and landowners in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised alarm over increasing incursions by armed herders, accusing them of destroying crops and threatening residents with rifles.

Residents across several communities said herders, some carrying AK-47 rifles, have allowed cattle to graze freely on cultivated land, leaving farms devastated and villagers living in fear.

A native of Ntan Obu, a riverine community, Ikpeme Effiom, alleged that his farmlands had been repeatedly destroyed since last year. He claimed that herders with large cattle herds have settled along riverbanks stretching from neighbouring Itu in Akwa Ibom State through Ntan Obu and adjoining Ukwa Eburutu communities.

“These cows have ravaged nearby farms, and when villagers protest, the herders intimidate them with guns,” Effiom said.

The situation also featured prominently during a live phone-in programme on HIT FM, Calabar, where callers recounted similar experiences and accused the herders of operating with impunity.

One caller, Atim Otu, a teacher, alleged that cattle recently invaded her sister’s cassava farm in Okoyong, uprooting crops. She claimed her brother-in-law was threatened at gunpoint when he confronted the herder.

“They move about with their cows carrying rifles. They scare farmers who challenge them. People are now afraid to speak up while their farms are being destroyed,” she said.

Other callers from Atan Okoyong, Inua Akpa and Okurikang communities echoed the complaints, alleging that herders not only allow cattle to graze on farms but also uproot crops to feed their animals.

Some residents further alleged that farmers who attempt to resist sometimes face intimidation or are reported to security agencies, worsening tensions in the affected areas.

Reacting to the reports, the Secretary of Okun and Eniong Abatim Clan Council in Odukpani, Chief John Asanye, said while he could not immediately confirm incidents in Ntan Obu due to coastal changes, clashes between farmers and herders have been frequent in the Okoyong axis since 2019.

“These skirmishes have been common in the Okoyong neighbourhood since 2019,” Asanye said.

Efforts to reach representatives of the herders’ association for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

Similarly, calls and messages to the State Security Adviser for the Southern District, Patrick Odion; the Cross River State House of Assembly member representing the area, Francis Asuquo; and the House of Representatives member, Bassey Akiba, were not returned.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said he would contact the Divisional Police Officer in Odukpani to confirm whether any formal complaint had been lodged.

February 12, 2026
28-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Kano, Police Investigate

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of 28-year-old Mubarak Hamisu, found unresponsive in the Gyadi-Gyadi area of Tarauni Local Government Area. The deceased, described by family as a person with a speech disability, is suspected to have died by suicide.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed that the incident was reported by the Divisional Police Officer in Tarauni around 6:10 a.m., following information from residents of Ja’oji Quarters. Detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Kiyawa stated that no visible signs of physical violence were observed on the body. Mubarak was evacuated to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. The corpse has since been released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
“The police have commenced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Kiyawa said, adding that updates would be communicated to the public as they emerge.
Speaking on the tragedy, the deceased’s uncle, Muhammad Ghali Abdulwahab, recounted that the family was shocked upon discovering Mubarak. “We were called early in the morning that Dan Kurma was found hanged. We rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. We tendered a statement at the Police station,” he said.
Abdulwahab said Mubarak had returned home the previous night with a friend’s bicycle and later went out. “Since then, he was not seen until the morning. We cannot say for certain what happened, and we do not believe he intentionally killed himself,” he added.
He also noted signs of a prior injury on Mubarak’s neck, which the family had noticed but could not explain. “One of my brothers saw it before, but he refused to elaborate. We are not suspecting anyone at this time, but we are cooperating with security agencies to uncover the full circumstances,” Abdulwahab said.

February 11, 2026
Army Degrades Terrorist Network in Kogi, Recovers Arms and Ammunition
By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Nigerian Army has significantly weakened the operational and logistical capacity of a terrorist network in Kogi State.
Troops of the 12 Brigade overran a notorious terrorist enclave linked to Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu, recovering a massive cache of arms and ammunition during a daring operation.
State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Fanwo, disclosed the development to journalists on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital. He said the success was achieved during a coordinated counter-terrorism operation that dismantled a camp operated by the kingpins.
1. “These terrorists were long associated with coordinated attacks and criminal activities across parts of the state, with devastating effects,” Fanwo said.
  He added that Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi led the operation, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition and a box of high-velocity grenades. Following the raid, troops destroyed the camp by fire, denying the terrorists the chance to reuse it as a staging ground for future attacks.
  Fanwo stressed that the state government is collaborating closely with security agencies on ongoing clearance operations across Kogi State.
  Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, he said, remains committed to ending criminality in the state through aggressive security action and preventive measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Kogi State Security Adviser, Retired Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, commended the professionalism and bravery of the Nigerian military, describing the intervention as timely and courageous.
Omodara added that the success of the operation sends a clear message that terrorists will find no sanctuary in Kogi State.
February 11, 2026
Neurologists Push to Close Epilepsy Care Gap

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

Neurologists and other brain health specialists have called for urgent action to bridge wide gaps in epilepsy care in Nigeria.

The call was made in Kano at the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences (NSNS), themed: “Bridging Gaps in Epilepsy Care: Innovations, Integration and Interdisciplinary Collaboration.”

President of NSNS, Prof. Morenikeji Komolafe, described the conference as historic, noting that hosting it in Kano reflects the society’s commitment to inclusivity and national spread. She said the theme aligns with the vision of the current executive and highlights epilepsy as a common yet highly stigmatised neurological disorder.

“This conference provides a platform to discuss practical solutions to epilepsy care and other neurological conditions,” she said.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Lukman Femi Owolabi, said bringing the conference to Kano marks a milestone in efforts to strengthen neurological practice nationwide. He noted that plenary sessions, workshops and symposia were structured to address contemporary challenges and emerging innovations in neurology and allied neurosciences.

Representing the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Prof. Suwaid Mohammed Abba described epilepsy as a major public health challenge characterised by delayed diagnosis, treatment gaps, stigma and limited access to specialised care.

“These realities confront us daily in our clinics and wards. A forum focused on practical solutions, innovation and collaboration is timely and necessary,” he said, citing advances in imaging and surgical interventions for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Musa Borodo, said epilepsy remains widely misunderstood, particularly in developing countries where diagnostic and treatment gaps are more pronounced. He stressed that untreated epilepsy in children can hinder social and educational development, underscoring the need for early intervention and multidisciplinary care.

Kano State Health Commissioner, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the state had upgraded 18 primary healthcare facilities to secondary status, renovated 320 primary healthcare centres and commenced recruitment of over 2,000 health workers, including 250 doctors, to strengthen service delivery.

February 11, 2026
Police Officer Survives Fatal Accident, Credits Leader Olumba Olumba Obu for Miraculous Escape

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

Bishop Joseph Anako, a former police officer and current Supervisor of Bishops in Ogun State, has recounted a harrowing bus accident that claimed the lives of other passengers but left him miraculously unharmed. He credits the survival to the intervention of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, the Sole Spiritual Head of the Universe and Supreme Father of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS).

Anako, a committed member of the Association of Brotherhood Academic Scholars (ABAS) both in Rivers State and internationally, was travelling from Port Harcourt to Calabar for a religious duty. He boarded a J5 bus for the four-hour journey, dressed in his soutane.

According to Anako, the bus driver lost control after a tyre burst near Itu Bridge on the way to Odukpani junction, causing the vehicle to somersault multiple times. “I could hear other passengers screaming, shouting, calling Jesus!” Anako said. “I tried to pray but did not know exactly what to do.”

He described a trance-like vision during the accident, in which he saw a muscular man approach him holding an axe. The man reportedly asked why Anako had “forgotten to call on that Name,” before blowing a white powdery substance over him. Immediately afterward, Anako said he found himself standing outside the wrecked bus, unharmed, while other passengers perished inside.

“All other passengers had died. Many of them were decapitated or severely dismembered,” he said. “I checked myself to make sure I wasn’t injured or a ghost. I had no injuries at all.”

Anako added that bystanders initially reacted with suspicion, believing he had used mystical means to escape. “While the mob wanted to attack me, I prayed to the Father to keep me safe,” he said. He flagged down a passing car, which transported him directly to 34 Ambo Street in Calabar, where he met with Leader Obu.

At 34 Ambo, Leader Obu reportedly told Anako: “If a child of BCS dies in an accident, he should be asked if he was truly a child of Brotherhood of Cross and Star. The Angels should have identified him before the accident.”

Anako said the Supreme Father personally arranged for a vehicle to return him to Port Harcourt. “My heart is full of joy for His grace and mercy upon me and my family,” he said.

Bishop Joseph Anako’s testimony adds to numerous accounts within the BCS community of supernatural protection attributed to Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, highlighting the spiritual devotion and faith of his followers.

February 11, 2026
Labour Party in Turmoil: Secretariat Seized, Billboards Torn Down In Abuja Showdown

By BANNERNEWS Reporter

The leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Tuesday night as the faction loyal to former National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure claimed to have regained control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja from the camp led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman. The takeover came just hours after the Nenadi faction assumed control of the facility.

The Abure-led faction alleged that Nenadi Usman’s group, reportedly backed by the Abia State Government, had illegally broken into the Utako-based secretariat in the early hours of Tuesday. According to the statement, around 1am, the group allegedly gained entry with the help of “about eight truckloads of policemen,” forcibly breaching security doors to access the offices of the National Chairman and National Secretary.

The faction further claimed that sensitive party documents were removed, billboards bearing Abure’s image were torn down, and an unauthorised press conference was held inside the secretariat. It described the incursion as “illegal and unauthorised” and said the party had since regained control.

“The leadership of the party has since recovered its secretariat after it was discovered that the operation by Nenadi Usman and the Deputy Governor of Abia State was illegal,” the statement read. It added that the party would take inventory of losses and press formal charges over the invasion.

The Abure-led group assured party members that normal activities would resume at the national headquarters on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and apologised for any inconvenience caused. The development underscores the prolonged tussle over the party’s national leadership, which has intensified following conflicting court rulings.

In response, the Nenadi Usman-led faction said the police had arrested suspected vandals who allegedly attempted to breach the secretariat. In a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, the faction commended the Nigerian Police for their swift intervention in repelling the attack and restoring order.

“The Labour Party wishes to thank the Nigerian Police for their swift response in flushing out the vandals and miscreants who attempted to break into the Labour Party National Secretariat last night,” the statement read. It added that the suspects were assisting police in providing information that could identify their sponsors.

Observers who visited the secretariat on Wednesday noted a visible police presence, including patrol vehicles, armed officers, and Hilux vans stationed near the entrance. The Nenadi-led faction warned elements of the former leadership allegedly involved in the breach that acts of “brigandage” would no longer be tolerated.

The faction reiterated that the leadership question had been legally settled, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognising Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

“Nigeria is a nation governed by laws, not a banana republic,” the statement read. “Those rogue elements within the Party who are bent on creating unnecessary hysteria are hereby advised to desist forthwith from doing so in the name of the Labour Party.”

February 11, 2026