Armed bandits have killed 12 members of a family after setting their residence ablaze during a night attack on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the residence of Mallam Muhammadu Sani on Saturday night and ordered the occupants to open the door.

However, when the family members refused to open the door, apparently in an attempt to avoid being abducted, the gunmen allegedly set the house on fire, leaving the occupants trapped and unable to escape.

Daily Trust reported that the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, confirmed the incident, describing it as heartbreaking.

The victims reportedly included the family head, his wives and young children.

Several other residents were also said to have been abducted during the attack.

However, local vigilantes reportedly engaged the bandits in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of some of the abducted residents.

The 12 victims were buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites, with the local government chairman leading the funeral prayers.

The attack has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, as residents called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further killings and kidnappings.

Security sources have suggested that the attack may have been a reprisal against the head of the family, who was reportedly an active member of the community’s vigilante group.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from welcoming and congratulating Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at the Abuja airport.

Obi made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday, titled, “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” in which he expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of national affairs and intolerance of political differences.

According to the former Anambra State governor, he arrived at the Abuja airport at about 7 am on Monday to catch a flight to Enugu when he encountered the Flamingos, who had just returned from Morocco after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

He said he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players to congratulate them on their historic achievement.

However, he alleged that he was subsequently informed that NFF officials had rejected his request and warned against allowing him to approach the team.

Obi described the incident as another disturbing example of how political differences were allegedly being allowed to interfere with ordinary national interactions.

He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when he was allegedly prevented from greeting Nigerian players after the match.

He said that although the state governor had earlier welcomed him at the VIP stand, officials later stopped him from approaching the players, claiming they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to do so.

Expressing disappointment over the incidents, Obi said Nigeria was increasingly being consumed by what he described as toxic politics, warning that the trend was undermining national unity and mutual respect.

He called for a country where political affiliations would not determine how citizens interact, stressing the need to prioritise shared humanity, mutual respect and national cohesion.

The NFF had yet to publicly respond to Obi’s allegation as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco, securing Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has appointed popular Nollywood actress, Destiny Etiko, as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy.

Etiko announced her appointment in a post on her Instagram page on Monday, November 9, 2026, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve in his administration.

Describing the appointment as a great honour, the actress pledged her loyalty, dedication and commitment to Mbah’s vision and the development of Enugu State.

“With profound gratitude and humility, I am honoured to announce my appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Enugu State on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy,” she stated.

Etiko expressed appreciation to Mbah for the confidence reposed in her, promising to discharge her responsibilities with dedication and a determination to make meaningful contributions to the state.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for this confidence and opportunity to serve.

“I pledge my unwavering loyalty, dedication and commitment to your administration’s vision and the good people of Enugu State,” she said.

The actress further said she would approach the assignment with humility and work towards creating opportunities for young people while contributing to the growth of the state’s creative economy.

“I embrace this responsibility with pride, humility and a determination to make a meaningful impact,” she added.

She concluded her message with a call for collective efforts to transform talents into opportunities and translate the state government’s vision into reality.

“Thank you, Your Excellency. Thank you, Enugu State. Together, let us turn talent into opportunity and vision into reality!” she said.