A man, Bilyaminu Idris, on Monday dragged his former fiancée’s father, Alhassan Dayyabu, before a Shariah Court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, seeking the balance on the dowry he paid.

The complainant said he was supposed to marry the defendant’s daughter and paid N220,000 as dowry, but the marriage was later cancelled.

Idris said the amount of N150,000 was returned to him by Dayyabu, with a promise to pay the remaining N70,000.

“He kept making empty promises on paying the balance for five months but failed. I pray the court to compel him to pay me the money,” he said.

Dayyabu agreed that he was supposed to pay the balance of N70,000 to Idris.

He begged the court to give him time to put the money together.

The Judge, Malam Mu’awiyah Shehu, adjourned the case until Nov. 26 for the defendant to pay Idris his money. (NAN)

By Our Reporter with agency report

Four local vigilantes have been killed by gunmen who attacked Shurum village in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a report by Vanguard, the incident reportedly occurred at about 11:56pm on Friday, when the assailants invaded the community and attacked the vigilantes while they were on duty protecting residents.

A community member, Mr Bulus Bature, confirmed the killings, expressing sadness over the death of the volunteers who had taken it upon themselves to safeguard their neighbourhood.

“They were watching over our community when the gunmen struck and killed them.”

Bature lamented the attack, describing it as a painful loss for the community, particularly because the victims were killed while carrying out their voluntary security duties.

“It is painful that people who volunteered to protect their community could be attacked and killed while carrying out their duty.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident.

Tengwong said the association had received reports of the attack, which claimed the lives of four people.

“We received information about the attack and can confirm that four people were killed by the gunmen.”

He condemned the killings, describing the targeting of community members involved in local security efforts as unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that our people, who were keeping watch over their community, were targeted and killed.”

The BYM spokesman expressed concern over the latest violence and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

“We are deeply saddened by this latest attack and call on the relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Tengwong warned that residents should not be left to live in constant fear, particularly when those volunteering to protect their communities were themselves becoming targets of attacks.

“Our people cannot continue to live in fear while those volunteering to protect their communities are being attacked and killed.”

He also urged the government and security agencies to increase security measures in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.

“We appeal to the government and security agencies to strengthen security around the affected communities.”

Efforts to obtain comments from security operatives on the incident were unsuccessful as of press time.

(VANGUARD)

By Chidera Orji

The 2026 Globacom-sponsored Ofala Festival began on a spectacular note on Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra State, with the Youth Carnival organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC).

The carnival featured different cultural groups, including the Otu Odu Onitsha, Egwu Odu, and Agbalanze, dressed in full traditional regalia dancing through the streets of Inland Town, Onitsha, in celebration of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The carnival was also used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha indigenes.

A striking aspect of the ceremony was the way young people embodied the grandeur of traditional institutions, appearing in carefully made costumes of prominent traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife.

After the street procession, the youths gathered at the old Ime Obi, St Stephen Anglican Church Road, where they held fashion parades and different competitions among the different groups.

Ofala celebrations will continue with the Iru Ofala on Friday, October 16, and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 17. A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of Igwe Achebe will be held on Wednesday, October 21, at the Ime Obi, Onitsha. The activities will be rounded off with an Ofala Thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at St. Stephens Anglican Church.

Globacom disclosed in a statement that its continued association with Ofala “reflects a philosophy that places culture alongside connectivity as instruments of national development.

“Ofala is far more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration. Our sustained partnership with this magnificent institution reflects our belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are not competing imperatives; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation. This is the spirit of Globacom’s clarion call, ‘Never Settle for Less’, which is to honour what is worthy, while continually striving for something greater,” the company added.