At least 23 people have lost their lives in two separate road accidents in Kebbi State, throwing families and communities in both Kebbi and Sokoto states into mourning.

The victims included five youths from the Ambursa area of Birnin Kebbi who died while travelling to a friendly football match, and 18 travellers from Sokoto State who were returning home from Lagos when their commercial bus was involved in a fatal collision.

According to information obtained by DAILY POST, the two accidents occurred days apart but shared a common outcome, multiple fatalities and scores of grieving families.

In the Ambursa tragedy, a Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying 18 youths reportedly lost control and somersaulted along Airport Road in Birnin Kebbi. Five occupants died, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The victims were said to be travelling to participate in a friendly football match when the accident occurred.

The incident sparked widespread grief in the community, with residents describing the deceased as promising young men whose lives were cut short.

The tragedy drew a response from the Kebbi State Government, which dispatched a delegation led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Dutsinmari, to Ambursa to convey Governor Nasir Idris’ condolences to the victims and their families.

According to state officials, the governor witnessed the accident and immediately directed emergency measures to assist the injured.

Days later, another tragedy struck along the Sokoto–Yauri Road in Kebbi State when an 18-seater commercial bus carrying passengers from Lagos to Sokoto collided head-on with a trailer.

Eighteen of the 20 occupants died at the scene, while two others survived with injuries.

Findings showed that most of the victims had travelled to Lagos in search of economic opportunities and were returning home when the accident occurred.

A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Bello Muhammad, said rescuers arrived at the scene in the early hours of Tuesday only to find the commercial bus completely destroyed by the impact of the collision.

Rescue workers and community members who participated in the evacuation described the crash as devastating, with several bodies badly mutilated by the impact of the collision.

The victims were from different communities across Sokoto State, including Shagari, Yabo and Gada Local Government Areas.

Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved vehicle maintenance and better road infrastructure are necessary to reduce the frequency of deadly crashes.

Unknown gunmen have abducted Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde of the NKST, alongside two members of his congregation in Benue State.

The victims were reportedly seized in the early hours of Tuesday after armed men invaded the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, located in the Ishan Classis area of the state.

Confirming the incident, the NKST leadership described the abduction as unfortunate and appealed to Christians and the general public to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the victims.

In a statement dated June 30, 2026, and signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. T. A. Targba, the denomination said Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members were taken from the church premises by their captors.

The church extended its sympathy to the affected families and members of the Andyar congregation, praying that God would strengthen and comfort them during the ordeal.

NKST also called on security agencies, as well as the Benue State and Federal Governments, to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

The church urged both levels of government to adopt more proactive and long-term strategies to combat kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing that preventing such crimes should take priority over responding after attacks occur.

Reaffirming its faith, the denomination said it remained steadfast in prayer, expressing confidence that Rev. Dr. Gbinde, the two church members, and others currently in captivity would return safely.

It also prayed for God’s protection over the Church and for lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 33 suspects for alleged offences, including armed robbery, drug-related crimes and other forms of criminality.

The command said the suspects were arrested during raids on locations notorious for harbouring young criminal gangs known as Shila Boys.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said on Monday that a joint operation involving Divisional Police Officers was conducted on Saturday, June 27, at identified criminal flashpoints.

He identified the locations as Bamgel Mafias Quarters, Yolde Pate Junction/New Road, behind LCCN Church, Shagari Phase II, Sabon Fegi, Unguwan Burauba, Mbamoi, Hayin Gada, Anguwan Tsamiya, Anguwan Fulani, Sokoto Street and Yola Market in Yola South and Girei local government areas.

He said the operation led to the arrest of 33 young men suspected of involvement in various criminal activities.

“The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling. Those found culpable will be charged to court in accordance with the law, while investigations continue to determine their involvement in other criminal activities,” Nguroje said.

He added that the operatives recovered exhibits, including one cutlass, one knife, 10 razor blades, substances believed to be banned, and dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.