From a deadly midnight attack in Kwara State where gunmen stormed Yashikira community, burning part of the Emir’s palace and abducting residents, to a political shake-up in Katsina involving a former senior government aide linked to an alleged kidnap syndicate, and a growing list of Premier League players who have won titles with two clubs, the day has been marked by security concerns, political developments, and sports milestones across Nigeria and beyond.

Here’s your complete afternoon roundup:
1. 10 abducted as bandits raze palace in Kwara community

Rising tension in Kwara State followed a coordinated overnight attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, where suspected armed bandits reportedly invaded the area, setting parts of the Emir’s palace on fire and abducting residents.

The assault, which occurred around midnight, was also said to have targeted a nearby police formation in what security operatives described as a coordinated operation across multiple points in the community.

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The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that “the armed criminals, in a coordinated and desperate assault at about 0200hrs, simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira,” while noting that 10 people were abducted during the raid.

The command added that the police station attack was repelled, even as security agencies launched a full-scale tactical operation involving the military, police, and vigilantes.

Residents, however, gave additional accounts of the attack, describing how gunmen moved through the community on motorcycles, firing sporadically and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes. One resident said, “I just finished communicating with my father right now.

In his report, he said three of the wives of the Emir and four children were abducted, including some resident members of the community.”

Read here: https://punchng.com/ten-abducted-as-bandits-raze-palace-in-kwara-community/
2. Ex-gov’s aide linked to kidnap syndicate in Katsina

Amid growing concerns over insecurity, Katsina State authorities confirmed the involvement of a former government aide in an alleged kidnapping syndicate, following a recent police parade of suspects connected to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.

The development has drawn attention to alleged internal corruption and criminal links within political structures in the state.

The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, said the suspect had earlier been suspended from office before contesting for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly.

The statement read, “Suspected Mastermind of bandit syndicate suspended as Gov Aide earlier before contesting,” adding that the suspect had previously been removed over alleged diversion of empowerment materials meant for community development programmes.

The government also commended security agencies for their efforts, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as the police continue to pursue members of the alleged syndicate still at large.

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Read here: https://punchng.com/ex-govs-aide-linked-to-kidnap-syndicate-in-katsina/
3. 10 players who won EPL with two different clubs

Fresh attention in the football world has turned to a rare group of players who have achieved Premier League success with more than one club, highlighting careers marked by consistency across different teams and eras.

The list, compiled from football records, features players who adapted successfully to new systems while maintaining top-level performance.

Among those featured are Henning Berg, Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole, Gaël Clichy, Kolo Touré, Robert Huth, Carlos Tevez, James Milner, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté, all of whom lifted the Premier League trophy with two different clubs during their careers. The compilation also includes Gabriel Jesus as a notable mention for his achievements with Manchester City and Arsenal.

The list reflects the growing movement of elite players across top English clubs over the years, with many of them playing key roles in title-winning squads for multiple teams, underlining their adaptability and longevity in the league.

Read here: https://punchng.com/full-list-10-players-who-won-epl-with-two-different-clubs/
4. Gaya loses Kano South senatorial ticket after joining NDC

Political realignments in Kano State continued to unfold as former senator Kabiru Gaya lost the Nigeria Democratic Congress senatorial ticket for Kano South despite his recent defection to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development followed the adoption of Kassim Batayya as the party’s consensus candidate during a stakeholders’ meeting.

The decision reportedly came during a meeting held at the residence of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, where party leaders settled on Batayya as the preferred candidate.

A video shared by Kwankwaso’s aide also showed Gaya endorsing the decision, as he acknowledged internal party consensus despite his absence during the selection process.

In his remarks, Gaya said, “We are all working for the progress of the party. Although I was not present when the decision was taken, I have accepted it in good faith,” adding that “Politics is about sacrifice and understanding. What is important is the collective interest of the party and the future of Kano South.”

The development is expected to influence political calculations in Kano South ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as party alignments continue to shift across major political blocs.

Read here: https://punchng.com/gaya-loses-kano-south-senatorial-ticket-after-joining-ndc/
5. NSCDC arrests suspect over N3m online car fraud

Mounting cybercrime concerns have intensified in Edo State following the arrest of a 24-year-old suspect by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps over an alleged online car purchase fraud worth over N3 million. The suspect was apprehended after a complaint involving a compromised vehicle auction platform.

The state Commandant, Mr Saidi Akintayo, said the case was reported in February after a complainant attempted to purchase a 2010 Toyota Corolla through an online platform but unknowingly transferred N3,005,000 into a fraudulent account. Investigations later led to the arrest of one suspect who allegedly received part of the proceeds from the crime.

“The suspect confessed that his bank account was used by his friend, popularly known as ‘Destiny Money,’ who is currently at large, to receive the fraudulent funds,” Akintayo said, adding that the arrested suspect received N277,000 as his share from the transaction.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down other suspects, while reaffirming their commitment to tackling cybercrime and related offences in the state.

Read here: https://punchng.com/nscdc-arrests-suspect-over-n3m-online-car-fraud/

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