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Post Date : June 21, 2021

Troops Kill Over 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists In Lambom Forest

Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with the Air Task Force on Sunday 20 June 2021 inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorist groups who were camping around Wartek in the general area of Lambom Forest. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops with close air support from the Nigerian Air Task Force component swiftly carried out a simultaneous land and air offensive, penetrating deep into Lambom forest in Borno state. “The troops overran the position of the terrorists with a heavy volume of fire from both land and air, killing over 20 insurgents,” army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated in a communique early on Monday. The troops also captured heavy fire weapons and arms, including three Anti Aircraft Guns, three AK 47 Rifles, and two Gun Trucks, aside from two other Gun Trucks that were destroyed by the troops. General Nwachukwu disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya has congratulated the troops for the successful conduct of the operation. The COAS enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation HADIN KAI, until the insurgents are completely surmounted. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to bring terrorism and insurgency to an end in the North East. In a similar vein, troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) deployed at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) of 152 Battalion, Kumshe in Borno State have on Sunday, foiled an attempted attack by Boko Haram terrorists. The terrorists mounted on four gun trucks and several motorcycles attempted to infiltrate and attack the camp through the northern part of the troops’ deployment but were met with fierce fire by the highly alert troops, resulting in the instant killing of six terrorists. Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. According to Nwachukwu, the troops, who remained dogged and sustained heavy gunfire on the terrorists during the encounter, routed and forced the terrorists to flee in total disarray, leading to the capture of six AK 47 Rifles, one handheld grenade, assorted drugs, and other first aid items. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya was at the Theatre Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on his maiden operational visit to the Theatre from 16-19 June to assess the operational and welfare state of the troops. During his visit to the hospitals, he assured troops of adequate medicare and support in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The COAS gave the assurances on Friday, 18 June 2021 when he visited the 7 Division Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to commiserate with the sick and wounded in action troops recuperating at the medical facilities. The COAS also prayed for their speedy recovery. While at the hospital, the COAS took time to interact with the soldiers and assured them of proper medical care and welfare, adding that their medical care is of utmost importance to him. He averred that the nation is indeed proud of the soldiers’ selfless service and sacrifices towards restoring peace to the North East region.

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Post Date : June 21, 2021

Buhari has accepted dialogue to address agitations in south-east, says Ngige

Chris Ngige, minister of labour, says President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the adoption of dialogue to address agitations in the south-east. He stated this on Sunday, while speaking with state house correspondents after a meeting with the president in Abuja. There have been attacks on government buildings across the south-east, leading to the killing of several security operatives. While the police and the army have accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of masterminding the attacks, the group has repeatedly denied its involvement. There have also been agitations from parts of the south-east for secession, while various stakeholders have also lamented the marginalisation of the region. However, according to Ngige, the federal government is working out some modalities to ensure that the people of the south-east do not “feel unwanted” in Nigeria. “We also looked at the security situation, especially in my zone, the south-east, and we made some proposals to him based on the yearnings on the people, and what the government also wants,” the minister said. “We are following up with dialogue, which at the end of the day, is what will happen. We have to talk; we have to discuss. Part of the discussion starts tomorrow. The minister of defence, minister of interior, and service chiefs were in Enugu last Saturday and we’re going to do follow-up meetings on that. “We briefed him and he accepted that dialogue is the way to go in all this. Like I keep on saying, there is a very thin line between perception and reality. So, certain things will be done, at least to assuage the feelings of the people in the area, and make them not feel unwanted.”

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Post Date : June 21, 2021

Constitution review a waste of time —Bode George

FORMER Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has advised the Federal Government to expedite action on devolution of powers to the states instead of wasting time on the ongoing constitution amendment. George spoke on a Radio programme “Ijoba Alagbada”, a Yoruba political platform aired on Diamond FM 88.7, monitored in Ilorin, on Sunday. He also used the occasion to comment about threats of secession by some groups. He said, “People are agitating for freedom because the present 1999 Nigeria Constitution cannot allow the various minority tribes to thrive in the country. “It was as a result of fear of the minority tribes that the military government led by Yakubu Gowon, created states. But now, every section of the country is educated and they want to have a say in the affairs of the country, so there is the need to review how they are being governed.” Speaking on the clamour for the setting up of another constitution review committee just like the Goodluck Jonathan administration did in 2014, George said, “I thank God that I participated in the Confab which is the first time that diverse people of the country would sit under the Chairmanship of Justice Idris Kutugi, now late who is very patient and wise. “The three-volume report was submitted to the government and it contains everything needed for the restructuring of the country. We don’t need to look elsewhere other than to implement the report. “The report was submitted to President Jonathan which he handed over to the present regime of President Buhari. There is no need for another constitution review committee. “It is a waste of time and resources, let us bring out the report of the 2014 Confab and start its implementation.” He appealed to separatist agitators such as the Indigenous People of Biafra to lay down their arms and embrace peace. He equally appealed to those seeking for the creation of Oduduwa Republic in the South West to sheathe their swords.

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Post Date : June 21, 2021

Five dead, four injured as police officer goes on shooting spree in Enugu

A police inspector has been arrested in Enugu, after a shooting spree on Sunday that resulted in the death of five persons. Four others, who also sustained injuries, are currently receiving treatment at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. Confirming the incident in a statement, the state police command said it was unclear what led the police officer to shoot sporadically. The officer, who reportedly attacked a neighbourhood in Golf Estate, GRA, Enugu, is said to be attached to a lottery company in the area. Mohammed Aliyu, Enugu commissioner of police, in the statement issued by Daniel Ndukwe, spokesman of the command, said the police officer has been taken into custody, pending the conclusion of investigation. “The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu, has ordered the deputy commissioner of police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident,” the statement reads. “The incident involved a police inspector attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia, and said to be on duty at a lottery company located within the Golf Estate. “The commissioner made the order after visiting the hospital where four of the persons said to have sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment. “Five others, whose injuries were critical, have been confirmed dead by doctors on duty and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.” The police commissioner also sympathised with the family and friends of the deceased persons and urged them to remain calm while the police concludes its investigation. Aliyu also urged residents who witnessed the incident to come forward with information. On his part, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of Enugu, sympathised with the victims when he visited those who were hospitalised. While promising that the state will cover the medical bills of the affected persons, he also condoled with the families of the deceased.

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Post Date : June 21, 2021

APC fixes convention for October, crisis in states persists

There were strong indications on Sunday that the All Progressives Congress would hold its national convention in October. A member of the national caucus of the party, who confided in our correspondent, said with the myriad problems arising from membership registration, there was no way the national convention would be held earlier than October. It was also learnt the panel was still battling with crisis in state chapters of the party. Recall that when the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee was dissolved in on June 25, 2020, and the Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary National Committee was constituted, the caretaker committee was given six months to conduct the party’s national convention. But on December 8, 2020 the tenure of the caretaker committee was extended to allow for membership registration. On Sunday, The PUNCH learnt there was a plan to extend the tenure of the Buni-led caretaker committee again. Our correspondent gathered that those who were pushing for additional time for the Buni-led committee were hinging their advocacy on the fact that the panel had yet to conclude the data capturing required to finalise the membership registration and revalidation. It was also learnt that the committee would seek additional time to conclude the reconciliation of aggrieved party members to prepare ground for congresses before the national convention. It was also gathered that the issue of logistics would also be a huddle as the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), had insisted that public funds should not be used to fund party activities. The PUNCH learnt that those who were against the tenure extension had stepped up efforts to thwart the plan of the committee on the grounds that giving the panel additional time would dent the image of the party. It was learnt that although consultations were still ongoing about the zoning formula, multiple sources within the party hierarchy confirmed the party’s plan to commence the sale of forms for the various party offices “by the end of June.” A member of the party’s national caucus, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media on the issue, said, “To be realistic, if we want to do a thorough job like I’m sure we want to, we cannot hold this convention before October. “As we speak, we are still processing the raw data collected from the states after the just concluded membership registration and revalidation. We need to have the database which is required for the national membership register. “If you recall, that was what our party was doing in Lagos in 2014 or thereabouts when the DSS (Department of State Services) under the Jonathan administration disrupted it. This whole exercise is designed to rebuild and update the database. “You also have the issue of the ongoing reconciliation of party leaders and members across board. No party member would want us to enter into the convention with a divided house. To the best of my knowledge, members of the Buni-led committee are eager to conclude their assignment and move on but they cannot leave their job half done. That is where we are.” An Enugu State chieftain of the party, Osita Okechukwu, who before now spoke about the possibility of the convention holding in June, said fresh evidence available to him indicated that the issue of logistics had yet to be fully sorted out. He said, “Logistics is still a major factor. I am aware that Mr President has made it clear to all party members that under his watch, public funds would not be used to fund party activities. President Muhammadu Buhari is a stickler for respect for the rule of law and adherence to financial regulations. “The party must look within to generate funds to fund its activities; this is a major factor. I am however confident that the caretaker committee under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni remains committed to delivering its mandate.” However, Spokesman for party supporters, under the aegis of Concerned APC Members, Abdullahi Dauda, said, “We have known from the very beginning that this delay tactics will stretch to this time. The committee was initially given six months to reconcile aggrieved members and convene a national convention but the committee added another function to its original mandate. “The registration of members was not part of their mandate; they included it and got another six months. We can only wait to see what they want to do this time after the second six months expires.” Recall, the pioneer Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, had warned the committee against yielding to the temptation of sitting tight. While speaking during his membership revalidation in his country home, Akande said, “Please, permit me to make two observations. The first is that in normal circumstances, a caretaker executive committee for a political party is an abnormality. If not carefully controlled and expeditiously managed, most aberrant authorities end up in contempt and disgrace.” Attempts to get a response from the party’s National Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. A response to a text message sent to him on the subject was still being awaited at 9:42pm.

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Post Date : June 20, 2021

Nigeria Needs To Continue Borrowing, Says Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has justified the loans obtained by the Federal Government, saying the country needs to borrow for development. Critics of the current administration have at different times accused President Muhammadu Buhari of mortgaging the future of Nigerians, especially the younger generation. But speaking at ‘NAN Forum’, the flagship interview programme of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Fashola said the country would not make meaningful progress without taking loans to boost infrastructure. ”It is in our own interest that government does some borrowing and spends it on investment because that sector contributes to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and contributes to employment.” “I do not support irresponsible borrowing so let us be clear; there has to be some sense to this. So long as you are borrowing to invest and you are investing in assets then we can have this debate from morning till night and I don’t think I will come out unsuccessful. “I agree everybody must keep their eyes open about how money is being borrowed, what it is being used for and whether the debt is sustainable. We just delivered a rail programme through the Ministry of Transportation; that is a 100-year asset that you have got now. “So some economists say wait until you gather the money, that’s bad economics,” the minister said. While pointing out that many developed countries created super economies through borrowing, Fashola said the recent loans obtained by the Federal Government would not mortgage the future of Nigerians. “We came from a background of colonialism where we were told that if you go borrowing you go sorrowing, so, my parents and their generation told us never to borrow.” “But while we were not borrowing, those who led the rules started borrowing. “The largest debtors in the world today are from the West. But with borrowing they have created super economies, built massive train terminals, massive airports, schools and hospitals. “And you know what is happening, we go to use them and they charge us, so who is paying? I have heard people say they are mortgaging the future of people, as we are holding this meeting, one new baby has arrived, if you don’t prepare for him you make that future bleak. “As at the time we were building Lekki Bridge in Lagos, it was N29 billion, the child that was born then in 2010 is going to be 11 this year. “If his mother carrying his pregnancy had crossed that bridge at any time, he used that bridge before he was born and we had secured that asset for him before he arrived. “If we wait until he is about 30 to build that bridge, we can’t build it at N29 billion anymore. So, if he contributes to paying it so be it because he started using it before he even arrived. “So, those who said don’t borrow have changed their minds, they have set parameters of debt to GDP and within those parameters you play very well. “And those who say so now, where were they in 2005 or 2006 when government paid out 12 billion dollars in cash to go and buy up tent when the house is flooding, who does that? “They took 12 billion dollars in cash to go and write off debts that have been classified. The roads were bad then, the rail was not built, airports needed expansion, Lagos-Ibadan (express way) needed to be built. “But since the aftermath of going to write off that debt, we started borrowing again, so this administration did inherit all the debt. There is a sector of our economy called the financial services sector, if all of us put money in a bank and nobody is borrowing, that bank is going to fold up. “So, if you have anybody in any venture capital, finance house, mortgage bank, it is because government is borrowing that they can pay their salary. So, borrowing is not a sin, it is part of the essence of keeping the economy growing and the armchair economists talking about public expenditure for example who have never run a government must be careful what they feed to the public,’’ Fashola said. (NAN)

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Post Date : June 20, 2021

Police confirm killing of popular Ibadan radio presenter Titus Badejo

The Police Command in Oyo State, on Sunday, confirmed the murder of a popular Ibadan Radio Presenter, Mr Titus Badejo, by unknown gunmen. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident in a text message sent to the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan. NAN gathered that Badejo, a former presenter with Naija FM Ibadan, was murdered by unknown gunmen on Saturday, outside Club 407 in the Oluyole Area of Ibadan at about 11.30pm. The PPRO said that investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the assailants. “At about 0730hrs, Sunday 20th June 2021, One Damilola Afolabi ‘m’, Manager, at Club 407, Oluyole Ibadan, reported at the Oluyole Divisional Police Headquarters that on Saturday, 19th June 2021, one Titus Badejo, journalist and freelance disc jockey with the club, was shot outside the club’s premises by unknown assailants. “However, comprehensive investigations are in top gear to unravel circumstances surrounding the incident and to apprehend the assailants. Verifiable updates would be provided soonest,” Osifeso said in the text. A source, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the deceased, popularly called ‘Ejanla”, meaning ”Big fish” in English, had been at the club with friends since 9.00pm. “When he was leaving with his friends in his car around 11.30pm, two masked men on a motorcycle suddenly stopped his car, wielding a gun and asked all of them to lie down. “He was the only one shot by the gunmen who left immediately without taking anything or touching the other occupants of the car”, the source said. NAN gathered that his corpse had since been deposited at the morgue of Adeoyo Hospital, Ring road, Ibadan. (NAN)

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Post Date : June 20, 2021

14 Gunmen Killed As Bandits Attack Benue Police Station

The Police in Benue State, early hours of Sunday, killed 14 bandits during a gun battle to repel the attackers from freeing detainees at a police cell in the Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of the State. Our correspondent reports that this incident was the first attempt on a police facility in the state since the wake of similar attacks carried out in some states of the country. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State command, DSP Catherine Anene, in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi, noted that the armed bandits, in large numbers, attempted to rescue their colleagues in police custody on Sunday morning. She said the foiled attempt followed series of security operations going on in the Kastina-Ala area of the state during which some bandits were arrested and held in police custody. “These activities are geared towards a total clampdown on bandits activities in the area. “On 19th June 2021, five bandits were arrested and detained at Kastina-Ala Police Division for investigation and prosecution. “On 20th June 2021 at about 1:30 am more than fifty other gang members of the detainees mobilized and invaded the police station to rescue their counterparts. “Officers at the division, who were already at alert, engaged them in a gun duel and were able to subdue the bandits. “Fourteen (14) of them were brought down during the exchange of fire while several others escaped with gunshot injuries,” Anene stated. The PPRO added that operatives in the area are currently on the trail of suspects at large just as she urged the residents of Kastina-Ala town to remain calm and avail every useful information about the bandits to the police.

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Post Date : June 20, 2021

Man shoots 19-yr-old mentally deranged to death in Enugu

A man identified as Lawrence Ezeoha, has allegedly shot a 19-year-old mentally deranged young man, Ifeanyi, AKA, Agudo, to death at Ikem, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. This is even as irate youths from the community set his house and that of his son ablaze when they noticed that he had absconded to the police station in the area to avoid being harmed. Vanguard gathered that the deceased who was a commercial motorcyclist before he was struck with madness, strayed into Ezeoha’s compound Wednesday morning and accused him of being responsible for his mental illness. Angered by the accusation which has been happening before this incident, it was further gathered that the suspect shot him on the chest region after every effort to make him leave his homestead proved abortive. One of the community sources who confirmed the incident to Vanguard said “Some boys took him to Ikem General Hospital but on arrival to the hospital, he was pronounced dead by the doctors on duty. “This development angered the youths of the community and they quickly mobilized themselves, went and razed down houses belonging to him and that of his son. “The youths wanted to kill the man too but he quickly rushed to the police before they arrived. Left with no other choice, they destroyed everything in his house and set it ablaze. They also went and set ablaze the house his son newly built.”

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Post Date : June 20, 2021

HORROR: Woman tortures, nearly starves stepchildren to death with husband’s consent

A housewife in Bauchi with the ‘consent’ of her husband who happens to be the father of the children, subjected them to domestic violence, torture, dehumanization, cruelty and starvation. The said housewife is the stepmother of the children and due to the reason that their mother, Habiba Sani Khalid of Bakin kura area of Bauchi metropolis has been divorced paving way for the other woman to come in to take her place as well as the custody of the children. According to Habiba Sani who cried out over the alleged starvation and torture of her two children by their stepmother, the situation was not known to her until few days ago when her attention was called to the situation the children were going through in the hands of their stepmother. While speaking to Journalists at the Tashan Babiye General Hospital where the children are currently receiving medical attention, Habiba alleged that one of the children, a three-year-old girl, Sumaiya Yakubu almost died of torture by her stepmother for reasons best known to her. According to her, the stepmother had been starving the children, beating them unnecessarily while the 3 years old girl was being punished with fire by her 18-year-old elder half-sister in the presence of the stepmother as commanded leaving her with no option but to carry out the heinous act on her younger sister. Habiba further revealed that the elder half-sister used to put burning firewoods on the girl’s back when she is asked to clean her defecation while the stepmother often beat both Sumaiya and her five-year-old brother, Abubakar Yakubu indiscriminately even as she denied them food as and when due. The embittered divorced woman added that, “The older half-sister of Sumaiya did that in the presence of her mother and their father who were said to be helpless for fair of incurring the wrath of his wife, that was said to have continued until the matter was later exposed by neighbours who could no longer bear the pains of seeing how the children were been maltreated just because their mother is no longer in the house. Habiba continued that, “It was their father that later called me on phone and asked me to come and pick my children. He said, if I didn’t carry them, he would not bother about their plight because he has other children he cares for.” Habiba continued that, “It was their father that later called me on phone and asked me to come and pick my children. He said, if I didn’t carry them, he would not bother about their plight because he has other children he cares for.” ALSO READ: BUA company distances self from N260 increase in cement price “I declined to go and pick the children, so he eventually sent the girl to me. I realized that she was staggering. She asked me for food. I also saw wounds of beating and burns on her body. She was asked what happened to her and she narrated her ordeals. Her relative who also saw the girl’s condition wept and posted her pictures on social media. It went viral and attracted the attention of human rights organizations who came to Bauchi to bring us succour,” she explained. Habiba who is in her mid 30s in tears seek justice for the children saying, “I cannot understand why a human being will treat another human being like this, more so, a 3 years old girl. I want concerned authorities to come to the aid of my children, the pain is too much for me to bear.” Asked if the father was aware of the situation, she said, “Yes, he was aware, it was him who came to tell me to come over to the house to pick my children or whatever happened to them, it is not his problem and later brought Summaiya to me.” Also speaking on the matter, a human rights activist and Executive Director of Syndicate In Supporting Women And Children Initiative (SISWACHI), Hajiya Binta Adamu Ibrahim said that she was called from the organization’s headquarters in Abuja and asked to come over to Bauchi in order to intervene in the matter to ensure justice was done for the victims. She also said that the organization has been dealing with sexual and gender based violence cases uncovering, however, that this torture case was odd saying that as part of their response, the organization reported the matter to Township Police Division in Bauchi which arrested the father, stepmother and the elder half sister of the victims. Binta Adamu added that the torture on the children were severe and the organization deemed it necessary to bring them to Tashan Babiye General hospital for medical attention because according to her, the children almost looked as skeletons due to malnutrition before succour was brought to them by the organization. The Medical Doctor in charge of the treatment of the victims at the hospital, Mark A. Garba said that when the children were brought in to the facility, they were malnourished, highly dehydrated adding that their conditions have now grossly improved saying. He expressed confidence that with proper medical care and attention, the victims will get back to their normal selves and be able to do what children of their ages will do. When contacted on the issue, the Bauchi State Police Command through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Wakili confirmed the incident and said that the culprits have already been charged to court assuring that the matter will be pursued to a logical conclusion.

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