Category: News

Fresh developments have emerged in the controversial death of Patrick Peresuodei, as a formal petition has been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), seeking the transfer of the investigation from the Bayelsa State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The petition, dated February 10, 2026, was filed by Arthur & Co Legal Practitioners on behalf of Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei. It calls for what the lawyers describe as an “independent and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Peresuodei’s death.

According to the petition, Peresuodei was arrested on January 15, 2026, at his residence in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police outfit, Operation Puff Adder, in Yenagoa.

The legal representatives stated that the arrest followed an alleged Facebook post and video in which Peresuodei was accused of threatening their client. They noted that after his arrest, Peresuodei was expected to be charged to court on January 20, 2026.

However, events reportedly took a different turn.

The petition claims that on the evening of January 20, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) informed the petitioner that Peresuodei was “acting irrationally and speaking in strange tongues” and had been taken to the hospital. He was said to have been granted administrative bail and asked to return on January 26 for possible arraignment.

The situation escalated on January 30, when news of Peresuodei’s death surfaced on social media. The petitioner reportedly contacted the IPO, who confirmed the death.

In the petition to the IGP, the lawyers expressed concern over widespread allegations and counter-allegations circulating online.

“The entire social media landscape is awash with the news of the death of Mr. Patrick Peresuodei, and insinuations of complicity of officers of Operation Puff Adder,” the petition stated.

The legal team further argued that given the nature of the allegations, the Bayelsa State Command should not lead the investigation.

“Prudent and common sense should dictate that in view of the facts and circumstances, the investigation should not be led by the State Command of the Police, whose officers are likely to be held complicit in the incident,” the petition read.

They requested that the case file be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja or, alternatively, that a high-powered investigative panel be constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.

“The grant of this request has become imperative to restore confidence in the Force and to ensure that justice is done to the deceased and the family,” the lawyers stated.

The petition also indicated that their client is willing to make himself available at short notice to provide his account of events.

The death of Patrick Peresuodei has generated widespread public attention, with civil society groups and concerned citizens calling for transparency, accountability, and justice. As authorities deliberate on the petition, many await official clarification on the next steps in the investigation.

Makurdi, Benue State – February 11, 2026 — Armed gunmen ambushed a commercial bus in Benue State on Monday night, February 9, 2026, killing two passengers and abducting at least 14 others in a brazen attack along the Utonkon–Okpoga Road. The incident, which occurred in the Okpokwu axis of the state, has heightened security concerns amid a recent surge in kidnappings and violent crimes in the region.

According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the bus was conveying 16 passengers from communities in the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas. The travellers reportedly departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7:00 p.m., heading toward southern parts of the country, when the vehicle was intercepted by armed assailants along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road linking Ado and Okpokwu Local Government Areas.

Reports indicate that the gunmen forced the bus to a stop and opened fire when the driver allegedly failed to comply immediately. Two passengers were killed at the scene. The attackers subsequently abducted 14 others, leading them into a nearby bush and leaving the area in disarray. While some accounts suggest that two passengers may have escaped during the attack, this has not been officially confirmed. Authorities have consistently stated that 16 passengers were on board at the time of the incident.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two passengers and the abduction of 14 others. In a statement, police described the attackers as suspected bandits and said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible. The command noted that the victims were travelling from Oju LGA when the ambush occurred. No group has claimed responsibility, though similar attacks in the area are often attributed to bandit or kidnapping syndicates operating in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

The Utonkon–Okpoga Road has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal activities, particularly kidnappings for ransom. The route, which traverses rural and semi-rural communities in Okpokwu and adjoining areas, is frequently used by commuters travelling within Benue State and beyond. Security analysts attribute the vulnerability of the road to its relative isolation and limited security patrols.

The latest attack comes days after another high-profile abduction in the same vicinity, where nine Catholic worshippers were reportedly kidnapped during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District. That incident also sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for urgent security intervention.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the bus attack and expressed concern over the growing insecurity along the corridor. Local residents in Makurdi and surrounding communities have described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of violence disrupting travel and economic activities.

Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has faced persistent security challenges, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and kidnapping. Criminal groups have frequently targeted highways, markets, and places of worship, demanding ransom payments from victims’ families.

In response to the ambush, security agencies have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and intensified patrols along major routes. Authorities have urged residents to provide credible information that could aid rescue efforts, while cautioning families against engaging in private ransom negotiations that may further embolden criminal elements.

As investigations continue, the identities of the deceased and abducted passengers have not been publicly disclosed, pending notification of next of kin. Civil society organisations and national media outlets have condemned the attack, calling for stronger and sustained measures to safeguard lives and property across vulnerable communities.

For now, the immediate priority remains the safe rescue of the 14 abducted travellers and the restoration of confidence among commuters using the Utonkon–Okpoga corridor.

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The ongoing issue of violent attacks and alleged Islamisation threats linked to armed Fulani herdsmen remains a major concern to many Nigerians, particularly as such incidents have been widely reported in parts of Northern and South-Western Nigeria.

It is therefore deeply worrying when similar threats begin to surface in Bayelsa State—widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country, where people of different tribes and religions have coexisted harmoniously for decades.

In recent times, several reports have emerged from various Bayelsa communities of farms being destroyed by cattle allegedly owned by Fulani herdsmen, with little or no decisive response from the appropriate authorities.

In a trending video, Enibo Albert, a young and dedicated female farmer from Bayelsa State, has taken to social media to sound the alarm over the alleged destruction of her farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen. She also criticised a Bayelsa State Government appointee for allegedly attempting to justify or downplay these actions.

Many citizens are questioning why cattle owned by private individuals—kept purely for personal profit—are allowed to roam freely and destroy the means of livelihood of other law-abiding citizens. More troubling are reports that some of these herdsmen are armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, violently attacking farmers who attempt to challenge or resist them.

There is no doubt that Enibo Albert’s outcry reflects the growing fears of many riverine communities across Bayelsa State, where residents lack the capacity to defend themselves against such brutal incursions, similar to what has been reported in other parts of the country.

It is important to recall that the Bayelsa State Government, having foreseen such threats, enacted the Anti-Grazing Law to prevent exactly this kind of situation. Unfortunately, these alleged perpetrators appear to show little or no respect for the laws of the land.

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*Bayelsa Gov Increases Prize Money, To Host International Race In April

Marathoners from Plateau State emerged champions in the male and female categories of the 6th Senator Douye Diri (SDD) National Marathon held on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

James Gang, who came second last year, led the pack of 207 participants in this year’s race, breasting the tape in the elite male category in 30:58:75 secs, closely followed by Francis James, also from Plateau, in 32:05:87 secs.

Ishmael Sadjo from Cross River finished in third place in 32.14:31 secs.

In the elite female category, Plateau runners dominated with Akusho Lydia-Thomas coming first in 38.30.37 secs ahead of compatriots Vivian Obadiah (38:52.78 secs) and Tanko Iyanj (38.54.84 secs) in second and third positions respectively.

In the teens male category, Andrew Richards of Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, Yenagoa, came first while Okenema Samuel of Community Secondary School, Okutukutu, came second and Chinedu Deindein, also of BDGS, was third.

The teens female category saw ‎Igbeita Innocent of Divine International School, Yenagoa, Alex Sunshine and Yebiboh Favour respectively finish first, second and third respectively.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who presented prizes to the winners, announced an increase in the prize money across all categories from the next edition.

He said winners of the elite category will get N2m from the 2027 edition and that the state will host an international marathon event in April this year.

The governor commended the organisers for the improvement in organisation and participation, and directed chairmen of the eight local governments in the state to organise similar marathon events in their areas.

Governor Diri stated that there was an abundance of budding talents in the rural areas that needed to be exposed through sporting events and expressed the hope that his directive would be carried out in next year’s edition.

His words: “I have been approached by some top sports officials in our country that, because of the good roads in our state, they want to bring an international marathon to Bayelsa, and I approved it. So, in April this year, we would have such event in our state capital.

“Beyond that, I believe this is the right form of empowerment; an empowerment that brings out your skill and talent. This is empowerment that sends you to the world.

“Today, I like to also challenge local government chairmen in Bayelsa to organise marathons in their areas in a small way. I like to see that dovetailing to the finals of the SDD Marathon.“

While congratulating the winners in all the categories, Diri noted that the SDD Marathon was geared towards fostering unity and discovering talents across the country and not only for the state indigenes.

In his opening remarks, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, appreciated the organisers for doing a good job with the competition, which he noted was deliberately organised to improve talents among the state’s middle distance runners.

Igali also stated that the distance in the sixth edition improved by one kilometer and thanked Governor Diri for his support for the competition and sports development in the state generally.

Also, the initiator of the SDD Marathon, Odonkumo Igbeita, expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for supporting and believing in his vision, which he said was a huge boost to youths of the state and for sports development.

He also commended the the wife of the governor, Dr Gloria Diri, Dr. Igali and sponsors for their immense support for the race.

Igbeita explained that the marathon initiative was to create wealth through sports and to identify young talents through the teens category.

While also appreciating the participants, he stated that with the introduction of the online registration, the organising committee received entries from international runners but later declined due to the prize money.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of dummy cheques to the winners and runners-up.

‎Both Gang and Akusho got one million naira each as winners in the elite category while the runners-up received ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 for third place.

Fifty school bags were also given to student participants courtesy of the Glory Diri Foundation.

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The Amassoma Police Division has arrested the High Chief Priest of Amassoma, Chief Agusi Oyeintari, in connection with the alleged murder of Mr. Patrick Peresuodei.

Reports indicate that Chief Oyeintari has been transferred to Yenagoa for further investigation as detectives intensify efforts to unravel circumstances surrounding the killing.

Sources allege that Chief Oyeintari, who also serves as the Chief Priest of the Adegbe Deity, was instrumental in leading Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei and others to the residence of the deceased on 15 January 2026, an operation that allegedly culminated in the death of the young man.

It was gathered that Bodmas initially did not know the exact location of Patrick Peresuodei’s residence and had reportedly been making inquiries unsuccessfully. Sources claim he later contacted Chief Oyeintari, who allegedly instructed one of his children to guide him to the victim’s residence. Patrick Peresuodei was reportedly taken away by force shortly thereafter.

The development has continued to attract public outrage, with concerned citizens demanding justice and calling for the immediate arrest of all individuals allegedly involved in the incident. They specifically accused Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers of participating in the alleged torture that reportedly led to the victim’s death.

The citizens also called for the dismissal of any NSCDC personnel found culpable, as well as the police officer allegedly responsible for the illegal detention of Patrick Peresuodei at the Operation Puff Adder Unit, pending the outcome of investigations.

As at the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest, while investigations remain ongoing.

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