September 2020 – Page 19

Post Date : September 22, 2020

26 Kidnapped FRSC operatives regain freedom-Gov Sule

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Tuesday said that the remaining operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) allegedly kidnapped by suspected bandits had been freed. Sule said this when he received the Market Enterprise Development Advisor, Fatima Buhari, in Lafia. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three out of the 26 operatives recently kidnapped along Maraban-Udege in the state had earlier been rescued. Sule commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bola Longe, other security agencies and all those who worked hard to free the remaining operatives of tge FRSC. “I am happy to announce that all the 26 members of the FRSC that were recently kidnapped were released yesterday (Monday). “I want to thank all the security agencies and all those who worked very hard to ensure that we achieved that feat. “I want to thank them for all the efforts they are making in order to ensure that Nasarawa State remains safe,’’ he said. NAN reports that the 26 officers were travelling for training at the FRSC’s Academy at Udi in Enugu State when they were abducted by suspected bandits.

Post Date : September 22, 2020

God will reinstate Ihedioha as Imo governor – Evangelist Israel

The President of CIS Gospel of Christ Int’l (a Global Evangelist Outreach), Rev. Evangelist C.O. Israel has prophesied that God will return the former Governor of Imo state, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to the state Government House as the Governor. It would be recalled that the Evangelist prophesied the emergence and victory of Ihedioha in 2018 before the People’s Democratic Party held her primaries, which produced him (Ihedioha) as the party’s flag bearer. After the election, the man of God came up with another prophecy that Ihedioha would be sacked which was published on Nairaland media on 25th May, 2019 few days before his swearing-in. The man of God also said God told him that the man enthroned and reinstated in Abuja would be reinstated in the physical world. He further said Ihedioha’s return was orchestrated by the things God didn’t want, which he mentioned in his previous publication. “God will therefore maintain His choice of Chief Emeka Ihedioha and his Deputy Engr. Gerald Irona as Governor and Deputy Governor of Imo”. In another development, he said that God told him that the North should relinquish power to the East, but that they would not agree, adding that the Lord God further told him that they would cling to power and install another Northerner, which would bring about a major ‘disbanding’ between 2023-2027. “I therefore urge our Northern politicians not to do anything that is capable of causing separation. The nation needs prayers; I have a message from God for Atiku Abubakar”. He also said that God told him that the Yoruba’s should beef up security around Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from now henceforth.

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Angry youths protest as cop shoots Rivers musician dead

Angry youths have taken to the streets to protest the death of a musician, Daniel Chibuike , aka Sleek, who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt , Rivers State PUNCH Metro gathered that Daniel and his friend , identified simply as Reuben , were waiting outside a hotel for the driver of a car-hailing company to convey them to a destination in the state when they suddenly sighted men of the Special Anti -Robbery Squad advancing in their direction . Out of fear of being arrested, it was learnt that Daniel and Reuben took to their heels but in a bid to apprehend them , the SARS operatives labelled the duo as thieves. Daniel and Reuben , while fleeing from the policemen , reportedly passed through De Topic Supermarket , where a riot policeman allegedly shot the 20-year – old musician. The bullet penetrated Daniel ’ s body and he fell to the ground close to the supermarket and was in a pool of his own blood. Footage of the tragic incident posted on Twitter by one Wisdom Echefula showed a man suspected to be Daniel lying unconsciously on the road as some armed policemen were also seen dragging another man suspected to be Reuben at the scene of the incident . Echefula , through his Twitter handle , @WEchefula , also attached a note that chronicled the circumstances surrounding Daniel ’ s death . The post read in part, “ Sleek and his friend Reuben came out from the hotel dey lodge to wait for there bolt man then suddenly sars men came and strted chasing them they ran into market and passed to the junction (de young junction) the sars men began shouting thief thief they ran pass a supermarket and that supermarket also got sars men too then they shot sleek till he died . ” Another post on Instablog9 ja alleged that the policemen shunned several pleas by Reuben to rush Daniel to hospital, adding that he was left for dead at the scene of the incident. The post read in part, “The SARS operatives started screaming and calling them (Daniel and Reuben ) thieves, which made the Mopol guarding De Topic Supermarket to fire a direct shot at Sleek (Daniel ). “ He didn ’t die instantly . His friend kept begging and pleading with them to rush him to the hospital but they refused and asked him to shut up . They left him to die in the pool of his blood in front of the supermarket. “They later took both Sleek and Reuben to Miniokoro police station where they later transferred Reuben to the state CID, then the commander after hearing what really happened from Reuben , ordered them to detain all the SARS operatives involved. “An eyewitness call my mom to inform her of what happened My mom went to the DPO ’ s office at Akpajo, Elelenwo and he said they shot him in the leg, that it was a mistake. “He said they rushed him to hospital , and asked us to go and check, but on getting there , we found out that he was already dead and in the mortuary. The DPO later asked us to leave his office and even threatened to detain my mom . ” Footage attached to the Instablog post showed angry youths, including friends of the deceased , protesting the circumstances surrounding the death of the musician and also called for the end of SARS . Footage also showed the youth singing solidarity songs during a candlelight procession held in Daniel ’ s memory. When contacted , the state Police Public Relations Officer , Omoni Nnamdi, “ SARS operatives were not involved in that matter . What happened was that men of the Anti -Kidnapping Unit were responding to a distress call when, unfortunately, a riot policeman from Jigawa State shot and killed the man . “ The riot policeman and the personnel of the Anti -Kidnapping Unit involved in the incident have been detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, where they are being interrogated . ”

Post Date : September 22, 2020

CP orders post-mortem on lady allegedly killed by SARS in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said it will investigate the alleged murder of one Ifeoma Abugu, a graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology , Enugu. The spokesman for the command , DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, had ordered a discreet investigation and post-mortem on the corpse to unravel the true cause of her death . The deceased was said to have been sexually assaulted and murdered by the personnel of the Special Anti – Robbery Squad, FCT Command, on September 10, 2020. PUNCH Metro had reported that three policemen stormed the residence of Ifeoma ’ s fiancé , Afam Ugwunwa , at Wumba village in the Lokogoma area of Abuja to arrest him , but instead whisked away Ifeoma , who was the only one they met . Ifeoma ’ s brother , Alex , said the deceased , who had just concluded her National Youth Service Corps mandatory service , was arrested and killed four days after she had her ‘ introduction’ with Ugwunwa in Enugu State . He said , “ I was in Lagos when one of my junior brothers called me that he learnt that SARS arrested our sister and she died in detention. “ I just came to Abuja today ( Sunday ) and I have asked some of my uncles , who have been to the police station , and they said that the policemen alleged that they met my sister unconscious on the bed and they carried her to hospital , where she died . ” But reacting to the incident on Monday , Manzah said in a statement that the CP had ordered a post-mortem to unlabelled the true cause of Ifeoma ’ s death . He stated , “ Consequent upon this , the Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma , has ordered a discreet investigation and post-mortem to unravel the true cause of death. “ While sympathising with the family and friends of the deceased , the command wants to assure the public that it will be professional and transparent in the investigation. ”

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Two lynched for armed robbery in Calabar

There was pandemonium Monday night when two out of a three-man gang were lynched along Marian road after robbing Sunnytex Supermarket, opposite Lion’s park in Calabar, Cross River. Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:00 pm at Sunnytex near Lion’s park when three unidentified gunmen stormed the shop to rob but luck ran out on them as people in the neighbourhood who noticed them during the operation raised an alarm and went after them immediately they came out from their victims’ Supermarket. An eyewitness, Who simply identified himself as Olayinka told Vanguard that when they noticed the boys numbering about three were robbing at Sunnytex supermarket they alerted people in the neighbourhood and they laid siege on them. “When we noticed that the boys were robbing, we decided to lay siege and accost them, we were not afraid because we discovered they had locally-made gun. “Immediately they came out from the supermarket the mob went after them, and raised the alarm, funny enough, one of them too joined the mob in shouting “thief ooo” not knowing that he has been marked already. “Two ran through a nearby street while the one who joined us in raising alarm wanted to escape via Rabana roundabout , he was apprehended and lynched. “While the other was also lynched and set ablaze, the people in the area have suffered a lot in the hands of these boys and when you look at them, you will see they are just teenagers, but it’s unfortunate they are involved in armed robbery, I believe there are charms around their neck and waist. “The third person is still at large as some people have already gone after him and I believe he will be apprehended too because everyone around at alert as we speak,” he said.

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Arewa Youth claims bandits kill 11,000 in Zamfara

…leaving about 22,000 widows Killings by bandits in Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 11,000 adult males that were bread-winners of their families , leaving behind an estimated conservative figure of about 22,000 widows, the Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, has stated. Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, the National President of AYF ,in a statement ,explained that the aftermath of the killings was an estimated conservative figure of forty four thousand (44,000) orphans at an average of four (4) children to a deceased person. AYF,he stressed, viewed with great concern the incessant and prevailing security situation in the North West particularly Zamfara state, and decided to as a matter of utmost urgency, intervene in finding a lasting solution. “It’s worrisome that the present situation of incessant and barbaric killings, maimings, kidnapping for ransom, rape, cattle rustling and wanton destruction of property and economic livelihood assets by devilish forces of evil and blood thirsty insurgents has reached an unimaginable and horrendous proportion in a region which was hitherto peaceful and calm, called Northern Nigeria.” “Infact, hardly a day passes without such incidents occurring. Of great disturbance equally, is the fact that the lives of Nigerians in towns and villages within the zone are now completely at the mercy of armed marauding bandits, wrecking havoc at will which is negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of locals, in spite of intervention of security agencies.” “Therefore, in view of this state of affairs and pursuant to Arewa Youth Forum’s Conflict Mitigation and Peace Building (CMPB) Project, we undertook a deep and holistic research aimed at finding out the root causes of the persistent security challenge, with a view of finding lasting and sustainable solution. ” “Our preliminary findings showed that within eight (8) dark years only of Banditry in Zamfara State, a conservative figure of about eleven thousand (11,000) adult males that were bread-winners of their families were killed, leaving behind an estimated conservative figure of about twenty two thousand (22,000) widows (with at least two 2 wives to a person), and in another alarming breath, an estimated conservative figure of forty four thousand (44,000) orphans at an average of four (4) children to a deceased person. A very conservative estimate indeed for this figure could be a double or triple of this.” “It is worthy to note that in terms of frequency and the alarming casualty ratio, Zamfara State is ahead of many States in the Country that experiences security challenges, but alas, receives less prominence in terms of attention from mainstream media in terms of objective clarion call reporting, and most importantly, Federal Government’s attention based on recognition and intervention.” The youth stated that the humanitarian catastrophe in Zamfara State wasvery disturbing, horrible and portended great danger to Nigeria’s national security interests. “Therefore, to compliment the ongoing process of security operations across-board, there is a need, for an urgent and strategic solution, which is to target one of the key breeding grounds of banditry in the North-West, Zamfara State, and give it the required attention it deserves. The orphaned children, due to their dire situation of pain, trauma, depression, lack of care, hunger, abject poverty-stricken life, helplessness of their widowed mothers to fill the gaps as created by an unforeseen situation left by their deceased fathers, lack of compassion from society from whom they expect succur and compassion but feel ignored, will undoubtedly, become easy prey and willing tools in the hands of criminal elements that pays them pittance and recruit them.” “Unfortunately, due to their huge number, these recruited orphans that become bandits due to hopelessness in life, have added to the number of this marauding criminal elements. Hence, Banditry has now spread into neighboring States with whom Zamfara State share borders, namely, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and now, Nasarawa State.” “We must therefore realise, in view of the reasons adduced above that their number is vastly growing by the day. Hence, we are indeed sitting on a Volcano of Humanitarian and security challenges brewing and about to erupt with a looming consequences . God forbid! The time to act is Now!” “Consequently, based on the benefit of hindsight, we recall a visionary, sincere and sustainable solution aimed at tackling this challenge in Zamfara State; and this is the motion, which was sponsored by Senator Kabiru Marafa for the creation of an intervention fund of N10b in the 2019 Budget for the victims of Zamfara crisis, which the Nigeria Senate approved. Unfortunately, the fund is yet to be released.” “Also, another critical part of the motion was the fact that the Federal Government was urged to set up an ad-hoc committee to be known as the Presidential Initiative of Zamfara State (PIZAMS), which seeks to cater for the humanitarian crisis in the area. The N10b is intended to among other things, assist in resettlement of the IDP’s and other persons affected by the activities of armed banditry, cater for their needs, provide shelter, water, basic education, health care (especially the wounded, children and rape victims) and others.” “It is in this regard that the Arewa Youth Forum ( AYF ) fervently urge President Muhammad Buhari to, as a matter of strategic national interest to expedite the setting up of the Presidential Initiative on Zamfara State (PIZAMS), which should have a ten-year life span to manage the said fund and subsequent allocations and donations.” “Also, and most critical, we call on the Senate, especially those from Zamfara to make sure that the approved N10b fund becomes a reality, and it’s made available for, it is in our collective national self interest to fast track the implementation of what the fund is set to achieve.” “Equally, Senators and other members of the House of Representatives, as well as other major stakeholders need to push for the implementation of this initiative which has an over riding national security interest. For we must, at all times ensure unity of purpose, determination and action for sustainable peace, security and national development. As humans posterity is

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Revealed: How Army Commander Colonel Bako was killed by Boko Haram

Nigerian Army, Monday revealed how Col DC Bako, commander of 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, was killed in an ambush on Sunday. Ado Isa, the spokesman of the Nigeria Army’s Operation Lafiya Dole, said Bako led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorits from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m Sunday 20 September 2020. Explaining further, he said, the troops cleared the ambush resulting to the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment. Colonel Bako, according to Isa, was wounded in action and immediately evacuated by the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE to the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment. He was reportedly recuperating well after a successful operation at the hospital. He said “his prayers in the early hours of this morning before his sad passing at the hospital. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest, Amen.” Read the full statement as obtained by Premium Times below: “Operation LAFIYA DOLE wishes to intimate the general public of the demise of one of our gallant and finest war heroes Col DC Bako. “It could be recalled that the professional, gallant senior officer who always led from the front and a patriotic Nigerian, led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorits from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m Sunday 20 September 2020 “Under his able leadership, the troops cleared the ambush resulting to the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment. “Sadly however, he was wounded in action and immediately evacuated by the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE to the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment. “The late senior officer was recuperating well after successful operation at the hospital, in good spirit and also said his prayers in the early hours of this morning before his sad passing at the hospital. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest, Amen. “The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai on behalf of himself, gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and indeed well meaning Nigerians hereby express his heartfelt condolences to his esteemed family. We are most grateful for his contributions and sacrifices to the motherland. “May God grant eternal rest to the gentle soul of Col DC Bako and the souls of all Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who paid the supreme prize in the defence of our father land.”

Post Date : September 22, 2020

APC congratulates Gov. Obaseki on re-election

Mai Mala Buni, Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee, has said that the peaceful conduct of the just concluded Edo governorship election and its outcome represents a victory for Nigeria’s democracy. He said this in a statement issued in Damaturu, Yobe, on Monday, adding that the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari remained committed to free and fair elections. This, he said, was critical to strengthening the foundation of the country’s political and moral authority. Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all political parties that contested the election for the successful conduct of the exercise. He also commended the APC candidate at the election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for his tenacity and leadership qualities. Buni also appreciated the efforts of the immediate past national chairman of the APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, and other members for demonstrating unwavering support for the party and its candidate in the election. Gov. Buni added that with the election over, it was time to unite to move the country’s democracy forward and put an end to the era when the electoral contest became warfare. “We appeal to our members to be strengthened by the outcome of the election and unite in order to correct the problems that worked against our party and our candidate in the election. “As progressives and democrats, we are confident that all leaders and members of the party will celebrate the outcome of the election as free and fair as acknowledge by our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. “Let us unite to move our democracy forward. “We must put an end to the era when electoral contest become warfare. “We urge our candidate and all our members to join us in congratulating Mr Godwin Obaseki and the PDP as winner of the election. “Our attention must now shift to Ondo State and ensure that we win the Oct. 10, 2020 election. “Sept. 19, 2020 Edo election should present a new watershed,” Buni stressed.

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Police arrest 96 suspects over alleged cultism, robbery in Benue

The Police Command in Benue says it has arrested 96 persons over alleged house breaking, theft, armed robbery and cultism in Makurdi, the state capital. A statement by its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, said on Monday in Makurdi that the suspects were arrested following complaints from residents of Welfare Quarters, Yarkiyo, wadata, Ankpa Quarters, NUJ and North-Bank areas. She said that the suspects were arrested between August 24 and September 15. The official listed items recovered from the suspects to include two locally-made pistols, one dane gun, two live cartridges, one canister of 38mm, tear gas cartridge, one military camouflage cap, three black berets, four red berets, and military jungle hat. Other items were two pairs of military uniforms, one Ipad, two desert boots, one animal horn, cutlasses, knives and assorted charms, and wraps of herbs suspected to be Indian Hemp. Anene said that the Command had resolved to rid the state of all criminals and urged the public to offer useful information to assist the security agencies. (NAN)

Post Date : September 22, 2020

Flood: Imo Govt to restore Owerri masterplan

The Imo Government says it is desirous to restore the original masterplan of Owerri, the capital city, as part of the efforts to tackle flood-related issues in the state Gov. Hope Uzodimma stated this when a delegation of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) came on an advocacy to the state. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr Cosmos Iwu, said that plans were underway to demolish all the houses built on the waterways in the city “in order to give the water access to flow into Otamiri River.” He also said that government had carried out series of sensitisation programmes in the state aimed at preparing the people for emergencies and called for the agency’s support. “We are appealing to NEMA to assist us because the environmental impact of the flood in Imo is bigger than us. “We have been doing our best and we will continue to do our best. We have received some relief items from NEMA but we are asking for more. “We also commend your visit to Imo, it shows serious commitment on the side of NEMA,” the governor said. In a speech, the Director-General of the agency, AVM Mohammed Mohammed (rtd.), appealed to the state government and major disaster stakeholders to demonstrate greater commitment to disaster management. Mohammed, who was represented by Deputy Director (Accounts) in the agency, Mr Abdul-Aziz Jibrin, said that the visit was to ascertain the level of preparedness by Imo government in case of any disaster. He said that the state was among the states in Nigeria likely to witness flooding this year as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency. The NEMA boss said that Imo had shown capacity in disaster management in the past and urged Gov. Hope Uzodimma to show more commitment in mitigating flood and other disasters in the state. “We are here on advocacy visit and awareness campaign to sensitise the people on the need to be prepared at all times. “I am assuring Imo of NEMA’s full commitment to partner with the government and dissaster stakeholders in the area of disaster management,” he said. Mohammed listed Ohaji-Egbema, Ogutta, Oru-East and Owerri North as highly probable flood risk local government areas in the state. He warned that other council areas, “which does not fall under high probability may also be affected.” He said that although the state seemed prepared for any disaster, there was need for the government to ensure regular sensitisation of the people to be vigilant. “We have interacted with all the disaster stakeholders and government and I can assure you that we are satisfied with their level of preparedness. “But they must not relent in showing commitment at all times,” Mohammed said. He said the agency was also in Imo to interact with other disaster stakeholders to know their challenges and the way forward. The Commander, 211 Quick Response Group Nigerian Air Force, Group Capt. Elisha Bindul, assured the NEMA delegation in his office of the command’s commitment to disaster management. Bindul said the command had also embarked on advocacy visits to various community leaders in Imo to sensitise them on disaster management. He said the command also carried out rescue operations in various communities and also provided security to NEMA officials during emergencies. “It is our legal responsibility to carry out rescue operations during emergency and to also collaborate with other stakeholders in mitigating disaster,” Bindul said. Bindul listed limited speed boats and life jackets, ambualances and mattresses as some of the challenges facing the command during interventions in disaster management. He solicited the assistance of the agency in providing the necessary logistics to the command for a better proactive approach to disaster management. The Commander promised the command’s readiness to continue to partner with the agency in disaster management in the state.