Nine Dead as Bandits kill each other over ransom sharing.
Nemesis has caught up with two groups of armed bandits in Giwa Local Government who in a fratricidal gun duel killed nine of their fellows. The state’s Commissioner of Internal Security …
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Nemesis has caught up with two groups of armed bandits in Giwa Local Government who in a fratricidal gun duel killed nine of their fellows. The state’s Commissioner of Internal Security …
Nemesis has caught up with two groups of armed bandits in Giwa Local Government who in a fratricidal gun duel killed nine of their fellows.
The state’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan made this known in a statement.
The commissioner said the cause of the fratricidal face-off was unclear, but was said to revolve around a disagreement over sharing of accumulated ransoms, during which one of the groups felt cheated.
According to the Commissioner, a credible human intelligence networks informed the Kaduna State government of the development, which was further corroborated by security agencies.
“Intelligence sources had reported that a notorious bandit known as ‘Godon Mota’ stormed Garke village last Wednesday with his gang and clashed with a rival bandit group, leading to the killing of nine members.”
“Acting Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe noted the report with thanks, and urged security agencies to sustain pressure towards the apprehending of criminal elements in the general area.
The leader of Shua Arab in Edo State, Alhaji Idris Adanno, who is to be coronated as the “Sultan” of Edo, has quickly beaten a retreat, after the declaration of war by the …
The leader of Shua Arab in Edo State, Alhaji Idris Adanno, who is to be coronated as the “Sultan” of Edo, has quickly beaten a retreat, after the declaration of war by the Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Adanno, on Friday in Benin, the Edo state capital, pledged absolute loyalty to the state government and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
He said: “The whole issue was misunderstood because of the language used. All the tribes from the North, who are resident in Edo State, are all under the Sarkin Hausawa, but we all now have our individual Sarkin like those of Kanuri, Nupe and others.
“In our Shua language, Sultan is our own Sarkin and we only wanted to celebrate my appointment as the head of Shua Arab in Benin, because we are the second largest local ethnic group from the North.
“We are all under Sarkin Hausawa of Benin, who gave us an introductory letter, which we submitted before the governor of Edo State, the Oba of Benin and the Secretary to Edo State Government.
“We are all law-abiding citizens and under the laws of the state. We are also loyal to our royal father, the Oba of Benin, who is father to all of us. We wish to apologise to Edo State government for the mix-up. As law-abiding citizens, we have also cancelled all the activities we wanted to do, as directed by the state government.”
While also speaking at the news conference, the Sarkin Hausawa of Benin, Alhaji Adamu Isa, stated that the whole incident was because of the choice of language.
He said: “They are a community resident in Edo State. They have a large percentage of their people here too. They are into cattle breeding and other businesses. The thing is misuse of language from them.
“About five months ago, they came to me that since they are large, they want to have a traditional head. So, I told them to go and look for someone among them, who is going to be their leader. So, they came with one Idris and then some issues came up. I asked them to go and resolve the issues and I gave them a date to come back.
“Then, we did the turbaning of their leader so that in case we have issues concerning them, we know who to hold responsible. You know our culture, it is easier for you to regulate the activities of people, using the traditional heads. That is why I said anytime we have a large set of people from the same place, we look for a traditional head.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly kidnapped lecturers of the Abia State University, Uturu. Information about the kidnap at the time of filing report was still sketchy, but our correspondent …
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly kidnapped lecturers of the Abia State University, Uturu.
Information about the kidnap at the time of filing report was still sketchy, but our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred along ABSU-Ogboro road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen were said to have shot one Miss Ezinne Esike in her stomach and thigh.
She was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital.
The names of the ABSU lecturers were given as Prof. S. O Eze of the Department of Industrial Chemistry and Mr. Christian Afulike of the Department of Mass Communication (a former Student Union Government President of the university), an indigene of Umuobiala in Isuikwuato LGA.
The gunmen were said to have abandoned Afulike’s car and phone along Isuikwuato-Uturu road.
A source within the university community who confirmed the kidnap of the professor said that he was not the primary target.
”The gunmen were attacking a commercial bus when the professor ran into them.
”They picked the professor and others and moved them into the bush.
”From the information available, soldiers from the 14Brigade, Ohafia have rescued three persons as at the early hours of today (Friday).”
Asked about the reported ransom demanded by the hoodlums, the source said “I don’t know about any ransom demand. The truth is that no one can say how many people that were abducted alongside Prof. But we hope that the professor and others will regain their freedom.”
When contacted, the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) Captain Iliya Dauda, confirmed the rescue operation which he said was carried out by troops of 143 Ranger Battalion of 14 Brigade, Headquarters, Ohafia.
According to the APRO, the rescued victims have been handed over to the Police.
The Abia State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna in a telephone interview also confirmed the rescue of the victims.
Ogbonna went further to disclose that five persons have been rescued by the police as efforts to rescue the professor were ongoing.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, says he has received with deep shock and sadness, the news of abduction of two lecturers of the university.
”The Vice-Chancellor assured the families, university community and the public, that all combined security operations have been deployed to ensure the immediate release of these academics from their abductors without any harm.
”The Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Governing Authorities of ABSU urge for calm and prayers at this time and not rumors that may escalate the situation.”
Edo State Government has condemned the planned coronation of Idriss Addano as the ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State’. It described the alleged move as sacrilegious and a threat to peace …
Edo State Government has condemned the planned coronation of Idriss Addano as the ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State’.
It described the alleged move as sacrilegious and a threat to peace and security.
Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie on Thursday in an online statement, assured residents that a firm and a decisive action would be taken to prevent the actualisation of the illegal act.
Ogie said: “Edo State Government has been inundated with complaints from indigenes and residents over the alleged move to embark on the coronation of Idriss Addano as the ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State.’
“The government wishes to state as follows: That whether or not this event is held at the said, or any other location within the state, it will constitute a direct assault on the tradition, custom and culture of the people of Edo State, by individuals who clearly have sinister motives and are trying to abuse the well-known Edo hospitality by their act of sacrilege.
“That it is a potential threat to the peace and security of Edo State, with the capacity to cause a breakdown of law and order, as citizens of the state are likely to be provoked by the obnoxious ceremony.
“Under the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, it is an offence for anyone to proclaim himself, or allow himself to be proclaimed as the holder of any traditional title not recognised under the said law and/or without the approval of the appropriate authorities.
The SSG said anybody found to have been involved in the conception and/or execution of the illegality would face the full wrath of the law.
He said residents should be calm and law-abiding, as the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration was on top of the situation.
The marriage between Paul Okoye aka Rude Boy, one half of the defunct music group, P-Square and his entrepreneur wife, Anita Tonye Okoye is over as the latter has filed for …
The marriage between Paul Okoye aka Rude Boy, one half of the defunct music group, P-Square and his entrepreneur wife, Anita Tonye Okoye is over as the latter has filed for divorce.
Sources close to the couple disclosed that an official petition citing irreconcilable differences as the basis for divorce was filed at an Abuja court recently.
The couple got married in 2014 after dating for 10 years and they both have three beautiful children together.
The news of the couple’s impending divorce comes as a rude shock to both of their families and close friends.
The source further revealed that both parties will proceed amicably with the legal resolution of the marriage and be the best parents to their children. “Paul and Anita have always been very good friends and like every couple they have had issues for a while but plan to remain on good terms and keep the friendship they have always had since their days as university students,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Anita has since relocated with the children to the United States of America where she is studying for her Masters degree.
All efforts to reach Paul Okoye for confirmation have been unsuccessful.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has come under scurrilous attack for allegedly failing to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerians. Reacting to the Katsina Governor, Bello Masari’s admonition to his people …
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has come under scurrilous attack for allegedly failing to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerians.
Reacting to the Katsina Governor, Bello Masari’s admonition to his people on Tuesday to acquire arms and defend themselves against bandits, the Ohanaeze, the Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum (MBLF) and other prominent Nigerians, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to carry out its primary responsibility as a government. They agree that the security situation has reached a point where Nigerians must take their destiny in their own hands.
This is not the first time top government functionaries are calling for self-help over what they considered precarious situation. In February, Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd) had challenged Nigerians to show that they were not cowards by defending themselves.
“In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us. I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capabilities to defend themselves,” he said. In May, Governor Samuel Ortom had also enjoined residents to rise up and defend themselves against every form of attack.
Reacting yesterday, National publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia said Masari’s call was a dangerous trend that indicated the failure of government in its social contract to protect the people.
“Now, the instruments of violence are no longer the monopoly of government and the government now asking the people to arm and defend themselves is a dangerous trend. Arms have proliferated among the people and it is a sign of a failed state.”
Ohanaeze calls on the government to work hard to avert the impending doom to Nigeria.
Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said Nigeria was in a mess and the situation in Afghanistan was already playing out in the country. He regretted that Nigerians were living in denial, saying the nation was gradually cascading toward a totalitarian state.
The elder statesman stressed the need to change the 1999 constitution, cautioning that the 2023 election may not hold if the status quo remains.
Publicity Secretary of MBLF, Dr. Dogo Isuwa, said the right to self-defence is constitutionally guaranteed, but that of providing defence that the Federal Government failed in should be vested in regional security outfits like Amotekun controlled by governments to prevent abuse.
But for the spokesman, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Emmanuel Yawe, governor as chief security officer has the constitutional powers to put in place security measures that would safeguard his state. He said other governors can emulate Masari if they feel that such measure would help their respective states.
“Governor of Katsina, as provided in the 1999 Constitution, is the chief security officer of his state. He is, therefore, permitted by the constitution to introduce security measures within the boundaries of his state and his state alone. If other states in the country see that his measures are good and have helped in securing the state, there is no stopping them from emulating his policies. Anybody who lives in Nigeria knows how bad our situation is. You don’t need to ask whether Nigerian citizens have a right to protect themselves.”
A group, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), said Masari urging people to acquire arms and defend themselves was a sign of frustration with the Nigerian security services. Its spokesman, Abia Onyike, said the call on the citizenry to arm and defend themselves was a natural reaction given the circumstances they found themselves in Katsina and other states. However, the Igbo National Council (INC) urged Masari to take the first step of self-defence in his state even as it pointed out that Igbo would protect themselves from the killer herdsmen and other hoodlums terrorising the zone.
Its National President, Chilos Godsent, in a statement, noted that it was a clear indication that President Buhari has failed to secure the lives of Nigerians and therefore called for his immediate resignation.
But Elder Statesman, Tanko Yakassai, said though the security situation is bad, it has not got to the stage where people would have to take up arms to defend themselves.
“Masari sounded like a pessimist by saying that. But don’t forget that we have 36 governors and he is just one of them. If it was a meeting of governors and they took a decision along that line, then it can be enforced. Whether someone is a governor or not, he is an individual in Nigeria and his views are not law; he is just expressing his personal opinion. I don’t see his statement as a positive development but I don’t give it the value others are giving it because I know that Nigerians are going about their businesses. So, the point is that the situation in Nigeria is not good but it is not as bad as it is being painted and I do not pray that we should get to the stage where people would have to take up arms to defend themselves,” Yakassai said.
But former lawmaker, Senator Rufai Hanga said Masari’s statement was a vote of no confidence in the president who also hails from Katsina.
“That also confirms what people have always said, that the security situation in the country is terrible and there doesn’t seem to be any capacity from the government to defeat it. Masari has only proved the president’s critics right.”
•Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu reacts
“We’ve heard of calls on citizens to pick up arms to defend themselves from other quarters, so it’s not an isolated case.The governor is the chief security officer of the state, therefore, the zeal and passion for the protection and security of his people is what I see here. I believe that the call is to promote citizens engagement in tackling the menace, such as forming vigilante groups, similar to the Civilian JTF in the North East. However, in the demonstration of this, it is necessary to remind ourselves that possession of firearms is a subject under regulatory or statutory control. We must understand that the employment or deployment of the instrument of violence is a function of state power and anything contrary could orchestrate breakdown of law and order.
“The Joint security forces are relentless and are working round the clock to ensure normalcy is restored in the troubled areas. Sadly, these criminals are taken advantage of the taciturn posture of the people, in not volunteering information to the security forces. Timely and actionable information is a major game changer in tackling this insecurity menace.
“We urge well meaning members of the public, particularly in the concerned areas to support the security forces and collectively, we can defeat our common adversaries.”
Team Nigeria became the centre of attraction at the Kasarani Stadium, venue of the ongoing World U20 Championship in Nairobi yesterday, as the country’s 4x400m mixed relay team grabbed the first …
Team Nigeria became the centre of attraction at the Kasarani Stadium, venue of the ongoing World U20 Championship in Nairobi yesterday, as the country’s 4x400m mixed relay team grabbed the first gold medal at the event. They also set Championship record twice.
After Nnamani Johnson, Opeyemi Oke, Ajayi Bamidele and Imaobong Nse Uko dazzled the spectators with a new record of 3:21.66 on their way to the final, the athletes increased their pace in the final race to shock the entire crowd with their spectacular display of talent, which earned Team Nigeria, the gold medal with another Championship record of 3; 19.70.
The first time in a long while, Nigeria’s flag was held by the athletes running round the entire stadium with cheers from the spectators.
In the women’s 100m semifinal event, Praise Ofuku gave the spectators a tip of what to expect in today’s final as she powered past all contestants to anchor at a time of 11.57 seconds. She came from behind to win the ticket to the final.
Nigeria’s hope of having two women.runners in today’s 100m final was aborted when Godbless Tima ran a slow race of 11.61 second to finish in the 8th position.
Tima had earlier in the day run 11.59sec to raise the hope of Nigerians.
One of Nigeria’s best male junior sprinters, Godson Brume lived up to the expectations of the people yesterday, as he raced to the men’s 100m final in 10.24 seconds.
Brume, who is the younger brother of Tokyo Olympics medallist Ese Brume, had run 10.35 second earlier in the day to win the heat.
Team Nigeria now has two contestants in today’s 100m event, one each in male and female categories.
Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa was full of praises for the athletes and their coaches. He stated that the gold medal was a good beginning for the current AFN board.
Also, former AFN President Solomon Ogba commended the athletes saying: This is just the beginning.”
Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly stormed Jibi community on Monday night, kidnapping the community chief (Esu Jibi), Ibrah Dahiru Liman and injuring two vigilantes who attempted to rescue the …
Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly stormed Jibi community on Monday night, kidnapping the community chief (Esu Jibi), Ibrah Dahiru Liman and injuring two vigilantes who attempted to rescue the victim.
JIBI is a community directly behind Mopol 45 (Ibrahim Abubakar Barrack) along Deidei – Zuba Express way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to an eyewitness, Alex Minga who spoke to Afripost in Abuja, the kidnappers invaded the community at about 10pm on Monday night.
Minga said, “The community at about 10 pm to 11pm yesterday, started hearing gunshots which experts confirmed to be sound of AK47.
“Everyone in the community is now completely terrified as throughout the night, there were exchange of gunshots with the kidnappers but they, however, succeeded in Kidnapping the village Chief of Jibi.
Minga lamented that despite the community’s proximity to the Mopol 45 barracks, Jibi has suffered serious kidnappers’ attacks without any reasonable help from the police.
“This is about the fourth time the community is being attacked this year and the police will only come after the incident and claim they are on top of the situation. For how long will this continue?
“The fear of who is next has completely beclouded the community and no one is sleeping with two eyes closed anymore. Something has to be done fast before it gets out of hands.”
Another resident who was a victim of the suspected kidnappers on the 26 March, 2021, Simon Abah, called on the appropriate authorities to kindly shift attention to the community before everyone is kidnapped in Jibi.
“I appeal to the Niger State government, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), the Nigerian Police Force and other security operatives to, as a matter of urgency, come to their rescue in Jibi community before everyone is kidnapped.”
Esu Jibi’s abductors are yet to establish contact with the family.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer Maryan Yusuf was unable to be reached as at press time.
The Federal Government has said the pump price of petrol will remain N162 per litre, until it reaches an agreement with the Organised Labour for full deregulation of the downstream petroleum …
The Federal Government has said the pump price of petrol will remain N162 per litre, until it reaches an agreement with the Organised Labour for full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, stated this on Tuesday while speaking with reporters in Abuja.
According to Sylva, President Muhammadu Buhari will shed more light on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) on Wednesday.
He however noted it is now constitutional for Nigeria to deregulate the oil and gas sector.
“I cannot give you a timeline now. But it is not going to be too long from now, because we have done quite a lot of extensive work.
“So we will keep it here at N162 within that band now for the time being but we are also in the time at the moment trying to work out to allow the deregulation to come to fruition,” Sylva said.
The bill prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock has been passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The bill with the caption: “Rivers State Prohibition of Open Rearing and Grazing …
The bill prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock has been passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The bill with the caption: “Rivers State Prohibition of Open Rearing and Grazing Bill, 2021” was passed into law yesterday following a committee report presented by the House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Ansalem Ogwugwo.
Majority Leader of the House, Martin Amaewhule, who led the debate, said the bill would address issues of encroachment of farm produce and unlawful killing of farmers in the state.
Speaker of the House, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, in his submission, expressed the confidence that the bill would address challenges emanating from open rearing and grazing of livestock in the state.
After an extensive debate, the lawmakers passed the bill into law.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly also enacted the “Rivers State Residents Registration Agency Bill, 2021.”
Speaker Ibani, in his resolution after Committee of the Whole, said the bill came to cure some anomalies and also ensure government did not face further expenses in the dwindling economy.
He said the bill would enable the state enhance effective service delivery.