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We hid in church for one hour as bandits killed people outside – Nursing graduate
Ojo Abiola, a recent nursing graduate from the Kwara State College of Nursing, Oke Ode, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the terrifying bandit attack she witnessed in her school community on September 28, 2025....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
A TikTok video you posted recently went viral. I would like you to speak on what happened on that day you went to church?
That Sunday started like any other. I woke up early, got ready for church, and headed out as usual. In my church, I serve as the media team leader in my department, so I often arrive earlier than others to handle media setup, sound, camera, projector, and other technical arrangements.
That morning was supposed to be routine. Nothing suggested that the day would take such a tragic turn. However, the tension began the night before. On Saturday evening, a disturbing rumour spread across the community.
Saturday happened to be our regular market day, a period when buyers and sellers from different villages come together. Everything was moving normally until later in the evening when a commotion broke out.
People began running, whispering, and warning one another that ‘some guys’ were coming. In our area, the phrase ‘some guys’ almost always refers to dangerous groups, armed robbers, bandits, or violent criminals. These rumours are never taken casually because the community has experienced multiple attacks in the past.
There was a time when armed men invaded the community on a market day, shooting into the crowd and robbing people openly. Many traders lost goods, some were injured, and some died. There were also other incidents where traders returning from nearby villages were chased by armed men.
A young Igbo man in my church, who sells farm chemicals, once narrated how they were attacked on the road. They had to abandon their goods and run into the bush to save their lives. So, hearing a rumour like that on Saturday evening was enough to put the entire community on edge.
Are you saying the people in the community were already tense because of previous similar incidents?
Yes, people were already uneasy. The fear was not new. It had happened many times before. But that night, even though there was tension, nothing eventually happened. So, everyone simply returned to their homes and tried to continue life as usual.
On Sunday morning, I went to church early, around the time I normally arrived. I had barely settled in when everything changed. Just about 10 minutes after I got to the church, we suddenly heard loud gunshots—sharp, fast, intense gunshots—so close that it felt like the shooters were right at the church entrance. There was no time to think, no time to process anything. Everything happened instantly.
How did you and the others in the church react to this?
We immediately shut all the doors. Everyone who had already arrived for service remained inside. Panic broke out. My heart was racing. I remembered the rumour from the previous night and instantly knew this was not a false alarm. Something serious and dangerous was happening very close to us.
The gunshots continued for several minutes. People outside were running. You could hear chaotic movements. The church is located in a developing area surrounded by bushy paths, so we were terrified that the attackers could easily reach where we were hiding. We stayed indoors, fully locked in, for close to an hour.
During that time, I kept communicating with my neighbour on the phone. I asked if he knew what was happening or whether we were safe. No one had clear information. Everyone was afraid. The entire place was silent except for the distant sounds of people crying or running.
Eventually, after about an hour of complete silence, I decided to step out. Only my pastor, his family, and I were in the church at that point. Many other members had not yet arrived because the incident started before the normal service time.
What time did this incident happen?
It happened around 7:53 am. We were waiting for the bus that usually conveys members to church. The service had not even begun. The attack took place before typical church activities started.
When I stepped outside, the first thing I saw was a dead body lying on the pathway leading away from the church. I froze. I tried to speak, but my voice was shaky. From where our church is located, slightly elevated, you can see down to the main road. When I looked further, I saw two more persons lying motionless by the roadside. The sight stunned me.
People think they understand fear until they stand in front of death like that—sudden, unexpected, violent death. I was trembling.
Up until that moment, everything had felt like a rumour, like something happening somewhere else. But seeing those bodies made it painfully clear that the gunshots we heard were aimed at real people, right there in front of the church.
That must have been very shocking.
It was extremely shocking. I was shaking uncontrollably. I took out my phone and recorded a short video, not because of social media, but because I needed evidence for myself. Everything felt unreal. My brain couldn’t process what my eyes were seeing. I needed something to confirm later that I wasn’t mistaken—that the horror I witnessed actually happened.
When we stepped further outside, we saw soldiers approaching the area. There is usually a checkpoint at the entrance of the town with three soldiers on a normal day. But that morning, there were several more and some were not even in uniform. When we saw them, we raised our hands, and they signalled for us to move towards the gathering villagers.
By then, the attackers had already completed their mission and escaped.
Villagers were crying. Hunters and vigilantes were running around. Everyone was confused, terrified, and trying to understand what just happened. People started reporting what they had witnessed. That was when we heard that the Baale (traditional leader), Baale Ogba Ayo, had been killed. They also shot and killed a young man who was with him at the time. They kidnapped a man popularly known as Baba Gold, who works as a medical practitioner in the community, he has since been freed. Until we left the village of Oke Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area on the 30th of September, 2025, we never went back there.
This incident happened exactly when?
It happened on September 28th.
Living in that environment, how has the constant threat of armed banditry and violence affected you?
Living in that environment has changed me deeply. Emotionally, I have been severely affected. Before the incident, I used to stay off-campus, outside the school premises. I never imagined that something so violent could happen so close to where I lived.
After the attack, I understood that my anxiety was not about stress, transportation, or financial inconvenience; it was pure fear—fear of being attacked, kidnapped, or killed. The idea that heavily armed bandits could invade a peaceful community in broad daylight, kill people, kidnap others, and leave without resistance is something that stays with me. It made me constantly anxious, uneasy, and hyper-alert. It has changed how I see that environment completely.
So, you haven’t been able to go back to that environment since the attack?
After the incident, our school authorities quickly evacuated all students from the area. They moved us to Ilorin and provided temporary accommodation so we could continue our lectures from there. I haven’t returned to the area since. Fear—absolute fear. I was shaking. I was in disbelief. I remember moving closer to take the video, but even my hands were trembling.
Did you see any survivor—people who managed to escape or were shot but not killed?
I didn’t see any survivor personally. I only heard rumours from the school group chat and from students living in the hostel near the general hospital. But at the exact scene of the attack, I did not witness any survivor.
Were emergency responders able to reach the scene, and if so, how did they respond to the situation?
The soldiers were already stationed at the checkpoint, which is what makes the situation even more disturbing. People kept asking, ‘How did the bandits enter? How did they execute the attack so easily? How did they escape without confrontation?’
Later, I heard from villagers that many of the security personnel on duty that weekend were not fully armed. Some of them were undercover agents wearing civilian clothes. According to community members, their ammunition had reportedly been taken away on Saturday for “servicing.” Whether that is true or not, I cannot confirm, but that was what multiple people said.
The few officers who had weapons were not heavily armed, while the attackers came in groups, on motorcycles, fully armed and prepared. There was simply no match.
Have the authorities reached out to the community since the attack?
Since we were evacuated, I have not followed up closely. The school authorities are still trying to decide whether students will ever be taken back to the campus. But from what I’ve observed, it may not be safe anytime soon.
What made you share the video on TikTok?
People had already started posting videos online, especially the heartbreaking video of the Baale’s wife crying beside her husband’s body. The incident was circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp.
I did not post my own video for clout or attention. I posted it because I wanted to confirm the truth. I wanted people to see evidence—not rumours, not exaggerations. This was reality, and the world needed to know.
What has this incident taught you?
The incident made me reflect deeply on the growing insecurity in Kwara State and its impact on everyday life. It taught me the importance of communities prioritising safety and staying informed and alert.
It also highlighted how quickly situations can change and the need for young people like us to speak up—not to spread fear, but to raise awareness and encourage better solutions. Overall, it made me more conscious of my surroundings, more appreciative of stability, and hopeful that with the right attention and support, things can improve.
Honestly, everything feels scary these days in Kwara State; I won’t lie. Even in Ilorin, there is serious fear in the minds of many of us. Personally, I don’t feel safe or free enough. For example, I would usually start the road jog at 5:45 am; I now have to wait until past 6 am or even 7 am before leaving the house. We are genuinely living in fear.
What message do you have for the public, for authorities, and for the families of the victims?
For the government, I want them to understand how deeply communities like ours are suffering. These attacks happen repeatedly, but many never reach the news. People are dying, and families are being displaced.
Students like us are being traumatised and uprooted. What we need is real security—not temporary checkpoints, not short-term interventions, but consistent, intentional protection for rural communities.
To the families of the victims, my heart goes out to you. Losing loved ones in such a violent and unexpected way is heartbreaking beyond explanation. I pray for strength, comfort, and justice for you. May God be with you during this painful recovery.
To the public, I want Nigerians to understand that insecurity in rural areas is real. It is not a rumour. It is not an exaggeration. It is the daily experience of many communities. I shared my story so that more people can become aware, and hopefully, awareness will one day lead to real change.
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The Association of West African Exporters and Marine Professionals has warned that the worsening scarcity of shipping containers at Lagos ports is threatening the country’s export sector, which is valued at $44.06bn as of 2025.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
This is even as the group lamented the refusal of shipping lines to pick export cargoes, a development they said is undermining Nigeria’s growing export market.
The President of AWAEMAP, Bunmi Olumekun, stated this in a recent chat with journalists in Lagos. The warning comes as Nigeria’s export sector has recorded significant momentum under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In February, The PUNCH reported that Nigeria’s total exports in the first nine months of 2025 outpaced the corresponding period of 2024 by $3.76bn. The figures feed into the improving local currency amid calls for inclusive gains for businesses and households.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria Quarterly Statistics (December 2025) showed that the country’s total exports in the first nine months of 2025 rose to $44.06bn, an improvement over the $40.29bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.
However, Olumekun warned that deliberate actions by foreign shipping lines are now putting those gains at risk.
“The shipping companies don’t even bring vessels to Nigeria to take exports again. They prefer to go to Cotonou rather than coming to Nigeria. They want to make sure that Nigerian goods are not sellable outside Nigeria. You will see a vessel coming in to discharge cargoes and sail empty to Cotonou to carry exports,” he said.
The AWAEMAP president said export cargoes are now piling up inside terminals across the Lagos ports, with no vessels available to evacuate them and no containers to load intended exports.
“Currently, we are having a challenge getting containers to load our export cargoes out of the country. Currently, we have more export than import cargoes lying inside the terminals. Somebody told me that his export containers of perishable items have been at the port since December 2025, and there is no vessel to evacuate them,” Olumekun stated.
He said the problem is further compounded by a lack of space at the terminals to accommodate export containers, adding that the situation has triggered congestion that plagued Lagos ports before the introduction of the e-call-up system.
The AWAEMAP president also raised concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could provide foreign shipping lines with additional justification to avoid Nigerian ports, further worsening the situation.
Despite the setbacks, Olumekun acknowledged the progress recorded under the current administration. “Under President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian economy is improving in terms of export, but these foreigners want to cripple it,” he said.
Olumekun called on the Federal Government to urgently address the container scarcity.
Also speaking, an exporter who is the Managing Director of LWL Concept, Lawal Wasiu, said, “One of the challenges we are facing at the port right now is so many empty containers with no vessel to pick them up. And one big reason for that is the Iran-US war, which has affected the routes these ships follow. For example, some shipping lines have cancelled any Middle East consignment because of the war.
“So there are so many containers laden with exports, as we speak, that are still at the port waiting for vessels to come. Some terminal operators have stopped accepting export containers. Even transporters now do not want to drop empty containers at the ports because of the delay. So this is also causing the scarcity of empty containers.”
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There are indications that airfares may jump in the coming weeks following the hike in the cost of aviation fuel, commonly referred to as Jet A1, a development that is already putting pressure on airline operations and signalling higher ticket costs for passengers.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The spike in JetA1 price is largely due to the crisis in the Middle East, which has slowed the production and movement of crude oil across countries, worsening the operational cost of domestic carriers.
Checks by our correspondent with airlines showed an astronomical increase in the operating cost of airlines, particularly caused by the spike in aviation fuel, which has become the dominant cost driver in recent weeks.
At the time of filing this report, aviation fuel, which was sold between N900 and N995 before the Middle East crisis commenced, has jumped to between N2,500 and N2,700, depending on the airport of delivery, sharply raising the cost burden for operators.
Operators said they were monitoring developments, stressing that an increase in airfares was imminent, with strong indications that the prices of air tickets might double if the current trend persists.
Aviation fuel remains the single highest component of airline operations, accounting for about 30 to 35 per cent of total operational costs, a figure that industry players say is rising rapidly under current market conditions.
Airline sources said the price of the product had remained unstable since February 28, 2026, when the war started in Iran, changing about five times since that time, further complicating planning and pricing decisions.
The spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Uloka, challenged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to urgently engage domestic airline operators over the sustainability of current ticket pricing amid rising operational costs.
The FCCPC recently accused airlines of price fixing, with special attention on five unnamed airlines. This was, however, dismissed by the airline operators.
Uloka noted that despite aviation fuel prices soaring beyond N2,000 per litre, many carriers had continued to maintain fares at around N195,000, raising concerns about how long such pricing could be sustained under prevailing economic conditions.
He, however, warned that the situation could deteriorate further if fuel prices get to N3,000 per litre, stressing that not all airlines would be able to remain in operation under such pressure, a development that could further shrink capacity and push fares even higher.
He said, “Honestly, this is a very good time for FCCPC to come out and ask operators how they have been able to sustain flight tickets at N195,000 despite the increase in aviation fuel crossing N2000 and above. They should please ask how operators have kept on with operations? These are hard times. But most definitely, the current prices can’t be sustained for long periods.
“If this continues the way it is, because the way we are now, the price is also getting to N3000 per litre, and if it eventually gets to N3000, not all operators will be able to fly. And the ones that will be able to fly will not be Father Christmas. What we are asking now is not even profit, but at least to be able to operate optimally. Aviation has become a daily necessity because people must be able to move from one place to another. But FCCPC must be able to come out now and ask operators how we are faring.”
The PUNCH understands that Nigeria has been unable to produce enough crude oil for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, forcing the indigenous refining company to import crude.
Crude prices have jumped from $65–$69 to about $112 per barrel as of the time of filing this report, further worsening the cost of aviation fuel and pushing airlines closer to inevitable fare adjustments.
This effect has also upped gantry prices, with operators warning that sustained increases will ultimately be transferred to passengers through higher ticket fares.
Industry expert, Samuel Caulcrick, projected an imminent rise in airfares, attributing it to the growing burden of operational costs on airlines, which is increasingly being driven by the surge in aviation fuel prices.
He explained that current market conditions suggest that operating expenses have surged significantly, with aviation fuel now accounting for about 45 per cent of total airline costs, making it the single largest cost component in the sector and leaving operators with little choice but to adjust fares.
Caulcrick noted that the shift in cost structure marks a departure from previous years when maintenance expenses dominated airline spending. However, the persistent increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel has altered the dynamics, placing greater financial pressure on operators and inevitably influencing ticket pricing across the industry.
He stated, “Before now, the highest component of airline operation was maintenance, but that has changed with the continuous rise in the prices of Jet A1. In those days when aviation fuel was less costly, the maintenance cost was higher, but now fueling has taken over.
“If that component goes up, it will definitely affect the prices of every seat. But we should expect the airfares to go up by 20 to 25 per cent in the coming days.”
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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has ramped up its regional footprint with the export of 12 cargoes of refined petroleum products totalling 456,000 tonnes to five African countries, amid a growing fuel supply crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The PUNCH gathered on Sunday that the cargoes, sold through international traders on a Free on Board basis, were shipped to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo, marking a significant milestone since the refinery attained its 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity in February 2026.
A senior official at the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, described the development as a reflection of growing confidence in Nigeria’s refining capacity and a shift in Africa’s fuel supply dynamics.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strengthened Nigeria’s presence in the regional energy market with the successful sales of 12 cargoes by traders, totalling 456,000 tonnes (456KT) of refined petroleum products.
“The shipments by traders, destined for countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo, represent the refinery’s export of Premium Motor Spirit since achieving 650,000 barrels a day capacity in February 2026.
“The products were sold on an FOB (Free on Board) basis to international traders for deliveries to the above-identified countries of export,” the official said.
A total of 456,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products is equivalent to roughly 608 million litres, underscoring the massive scale of the shipments and their potential impact on fuel supply across multiple African markets.
The official further noted that the surge in export volumes aligns with recent reports indicating increased demand from several African countries grappling with fuel supply shortages and rising import costs linked to global market disruptions.
“This accomplishment underscores the Dangote Refinery’s capability to not only meet but also exceed Nigeria’s domestic fuel demands. It also demonstrates the refinery’s growing role in supplying high-quality Euro 5 gasoline and diesel to West Africa, a region long underserved and historically regarded as a dumping ground for lower-quality fuels, and other regions which have become destinations of exports,” he added.
According to him, the refinery’s production of Euro 5 standard gasoline and diesel is also a key factor driving patronage, as many African markets move to phase out lower-quality fuels.
The exports, the official explained, are expected to improve energy security in West, East, and Central Africa by reducing dependence on long-haul imports from Europe and the Middle East, while also cutting logistics costs and delivery timelines.
“By supplying neighbouring and other economies, the Dangote Refinery is expected to contribute to enhanced energy security in West, East, and Central Africa, reducing logistics and supply chain delays associated with long-distance fuel imports, lowering cost pressures on regional fuel markets through proximity sourcing, and building stronger trade relations between Nigeria and key African economies,” the official asserted.
The development signals a gradual reordering of Africa’s fuel supply chain, with Nigeria emerging as a refining hub following years of reliance on imports despite being a major crude oil producer.
The refinery official also addressed concerns that increased exports could tighten supply in the domestic market, insisting that adequate provisions had been made from the outset.
“Solid yes, it won’t affect meeting local demands, because we factored that into our strategy from the time we started constructing the refinery,” he stated.
“We have 54 countries in Africa, but how many of them have functional refineries? The reality is that demand will continue to rise, and we are positioning to meet both domestic and regional needs,” he added.
The export milestone comes as the Dangote refinery continues to scale operations, following its phased ramp-up and eventual attainment of full production capacity earlier this year.
Africa, despite being rich in crude oil resources, relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products due to limited refining capacity across the continent.
Recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have further exposed the vulnerability of many African countries, leading to fuel shortages and price volatility.
In response, several nations have increasingly turned to regional suppliers, with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery emerging as a key alternative due to its scale, proximity, and product quality.
A report by Bloomberg on Friday revealed that at least three African countries—South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya—have formally reached out to the refinery, while several others are making enquiries, as disruptions linked to the Iran war continue to choke global fuel supply chains.
According to the report, the refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand from across the continent.
A company executive confirmed that the facility “has been approached by South Africa and many other countries” seeking alternative fuel supply arrangements.
The report read, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has been approached by South Africa and many other countries to secure fuel supplies after the Iran war disrupted flows.
“South Africa is seeking a standard contract for fuel supplies with Nigeria, and other countries such as Ghana and Kenya have also reached out to Dangote for fuel supplies.”
This development follows earlier projections that the crisis in the Middle East is tightening the noose around Africa’s fuel supply chain, with many countries now running on just weeks of refined petroleum products as key import routes come under severe strain.
The sustained exports from the refinery would not only stabilise fuel supply across Africa but also boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthen its strategic influence in the continent’s energy market.
The latest shipments underscore a broader trend of rising intra-African energy trade, positioning Nigeria at the centre of a new regional fuel distribution network.
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