BENUE

On December 16, 2024, a tragic boat accident occurred on the River Benue near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Credible sources reported that 20 people, mostly women and children, lost their lives. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the recovery of 20 bodies and stated that 11 people were rescued alive.

On the same day, police operatives in Benue State arrested a driver and a native doctor for allegedly stealing a truck belonging to CHEC Construction Company, which is working on road projects in the state. SP Catherine Anene, the state’s police spokeswoman, confirmed the arrests following an intelligence report.

Residents of the Ezza-Ezekuna community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State accused warlords from the Akparata community in Ebonyi State of killing four prominent members of their community.

EDO

On December 17, 2024, operatives of the Edo State Police Command rescued four kidnapped family members following a gun battle with their abductors. The command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the development and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

LAGOS

On December 19, 2024, the Lagos State Environment Taskforce apprehended 27 individuals for allegedly engaging in the unlawful act of street begging. The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests.

NIGER

On December 17, 2024, a 22-year-old man, Ibrahim Abba, from Sauka Kahuta Area of Minna, Niger State, was apprehended for allegedly stabbing his friend, Usman Abubakar, to death during a misunderstanding. The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.

On December 20, 2024, a suspected bomb explosion in the Bassa community of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, reportedly claimed one life and injured four others.

ONDO

On December 16, 2024, reports indicate that a yet-to-be-identified man died after setting himself and his wife ablaze in Ijika, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident.

OYO

On December 19, 2024, credible sources reported that many children were feared dead during an end-of-year carnival held at the main gate of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.

TARABA

On December 17, 2024, a clash erupted between worshippers of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Church in Taraba State. Police spokesman SP Usman Abdullahi confirmed the incident, reporting that three people lost their lives and six suspects were arrested in connection with the clash.

YOBE

On December 20, 2024, the Yobe State Police Command apprehended one Agugu Joshua, a 29-year-old man from High Court Gizza Plaza, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, for possession of a fake naval identity card. The Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the arrest in Damaturu, following credible intelligence.

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT)

On December 17, 2024, intelligence reports revealed that the combined efforts of the military, police, and other security forces resulted in the elimination of 8,034 terrorists and the rescue of 7,967 kidnap victims in 2024. This was disclosed by the Director of Legal Services and Coordinator of Strategic Communication, Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), during a briefing in Abuja.

On the same day, reports indicated that a fire outbreak, which began around 10:00 a.m. in Kubwa, Abuja, destroyed six apartments previously occupied by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kubwa, CSP Paul Lazarus, confirmed the incident.

On December 20, 2024, it was reported that five people lost their lives in a fatal motor accident near Asio Filling Station in Abaji, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway. An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident and attributed the cause to fatigue, speeding, and loss of control.