Security forces and men of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, led by super cop, Abba Kyari, say they have neutralized the leader of the ‘ ‘ Unknown gunmen gang’ ‘ in the state, popularly known as Dragon.
The security forces which was made up of airmen, soldiers and policemen who were on joint operation, reportedly went into wild jubilation after the defeat of the notorious gunman, ‘ ‘ Dragon. ‘ ‘
Dragon and his gang after setting ablaze the country home of Declan Emelumba, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State, had attempted to attack the police command headquarters, according to Bala Elkana, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State.
The PPRO disclosed this while briefing journalist at the command headquarters.
Elkana disclosed that Dragon was an army deserter who succeeded Ikonso, the late commander of the military wing of IPOB.
The police spokesman further said that Dragon’ s gang were behind the killing of four policemen in Omuma Police Divisional Headquarters and also recently attacked the Orji Police Station in Owerri.
Elkana revealed that four Ak47 rifles that were stolen from policemen, local explosives, ammunitions and charms were recovered from the fallen hoodlums.
Elkana further disclosed that, Stanley Osinachi, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state was the only suspect captured alive and he confessed that he was conscripted to attack government and police formations.
The statement reads in part, ” He confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN (Eastern Security Network). ‘ ‘
” A Police Inspector sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire this morning and is currently receiving medical attention. ‘ ‘
” The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, has commended the gallant effort of the security forces who stood firm and put their lives on the line in this accomplishment and restore sanity to Imo State. “The CP used the opportunity to condole with families of Policemen that lost their lives in the hands of these terror gangs over the last few weeks and those that sustained various degrees of injury. ‘ ‘
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has commissioned an all-female combatant squad, as part of its ‘Safe Schools Initiative’.
It has consequently announced the first phase of deployment of some of its personnel, to schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Katsina state, promising to deploy more to other states.
NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Dr Ahmed Audi, made this disclosure on Monday, during a special parade, simulation exercise and unveiling of the squad, at the NSCDC Headquarters parade ground in Abuja.
Audi directed them to take on criminals without hesitation, as a quest for security stability in the country.
“The new squad was established due to the unprovoked and mindless attacks on Nigerians by kidnappers and bandits, which has led to loss of lives and left gory images in its trail.
“That driving force and initiative brought about the establishment of the first set of female squad.
“This is in keeping to my belief that women can make and have been making valuable contributions to nation building.”
According to the CG, with the recent government proposed Safe School Initiative, the NSCDC made bold to express readiness to confront kidnapping and banditry activities, within and around school’s environment.
He said that the female squad was to complement the efforts of their male counterparts and work together with sister agencies.
“As we gather again today, I urge you to comply strictly with the rules of engagement, based on universal best practices in any security operation you may be involved in, either within or outside the nation.
“Officers and Men are also availed to training opportunities in the course of their career, to enhance their capacity to contribute to the Corps and nation at large,“ he said.
He further urged all stakeholders to partner with the Corps, in proactively implementing measures and undertaking actions that will neutralise any form of aggression and provide assurance of public safety. (NAN)
MAJOR General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd) has resigned as the chairman of the South East Security Committee which was formed on August 31, 2019.
Umahi tended his resignation in a letter dated June 4, 2021, entitled: “Resignation As Chairman South east Security Committee – Ebubeagu” and addressed to chairman of the South East Governor’s Forum.
Part of the letter reads: “Since this Security Committee was formed, we deliberated and agreed on ways to raise security consciousness down to the community level in Igbo land, mode of operations, logistics and some types of equipment required, such as drones, vehicles etc. We also crafted the Concept of SE Security.
“Additionally, I chaired a 21-man Committee set up to draft a legal framework for the SE Security outfit. The committee was composed of members of SE Security committee, the Attorney generals of the five Se States and some prominent Igbo sons and daughters. The 21-man Legal Framework Committee was funded to completion by the Governor of Ebonyi State.
“On 11th April, 2021, SE Governors announced the formation of EBUBEAGU at Owerri. Subsequently, the draft legal framework produced by the 21-man Committee was reviewed by SE Security Committee members and the Attorney Generals of the five Se States to suit South East Ebubeagu Security outfit.
The SE Security Committee thoroughly prepared and submitted the modalities, including the structure, for the take-off of EBUBEAGU to the Governors’ Forum during the security of South East Governors’ Forum, attended by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and some other Igbo leaders a request that EBUBEAGU should be jointly rolled out as a matter of urgency and also funded by the Government of the five SE States. From inception to date, SE Security Committee was never funded at all in any capacity and not even an office space was provided.
At this juncture that EBUBEAGU will soon come fully on-stream, I respectfully request that Your Excellencies kindly permit me to resign my appointment as the chairman, SE Security Committee. in the spirit of my love to serve Ndigbo, i can assure you that i will always be available to advice on the success of EBUBEAGU at no cost, just as i served as the Chairman of South East Security Committee from 31 August 2019 till date at no cost directly or indirectly to the five South East State Government, groups and individual. I highly appreciate Your Excellencies for the opportunity you gave me to serve Ndigbo.
“Please be assured of my loyalty, respect and accept my highest regards of your esteemed considerations.”
The letter was copied to Amb. (Prof) George Obiozor, president general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and director general, South East Governors’ Forum.
Blood flowed freely in Igangan, one of the seven principal towns of Ibarapa land in Oyo State, on Saturday night as gunmen reportedly dispatched many persons to their early graves in the town.
The bandits, according to sources, were about 50 and they invaded the town around 11 pm on Saturday on more than 20 motorcycles.
During the invasion, the palace of the paramount ruler of the town, the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Adeoye, as well as a popular petroleum station and some cars were reportedly razed.
The exact number of people killed during the attack could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report. Some people said 20 persons lost their lives, while another set said 10 persons were killed.
The Secretary of Farmers Union in Igangan, Mr Taiwo Adeagbo, at least 10 lives were lost during the invasion, adding that the invaders shot at least five residents dead, while security agents also neutralised five among the attackers.
According to him, a petrol station, cars and a truck were burnt down by the attackers.
He said: ”The Fulani terrorists wage war on Igangan from around 12 midnight today, Sunday. They burnt much property, including cars, a truck and a petrol filling station. We will know the exact number of people killed, those injured and the number of property they destroyed later.”
The convener of Igangan Development Advocate, Oladiran Oladokun, said Igangan suffered human losses as the town came under heavy gunfire by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
“On numerous occasions, Ibrahim, Seriki Saliu’s son kept pledging that Igangan would be razed down to ashes. He had the audacity to proclaim this on social media as well as on radio shows, perhaps his words were taken as mere groans, but local vigilantes at Igangan kept receiving the news of impending danger.
“The state, I believe thought it’s just another hype, for we notified the state of our fears on the 14th of April when covert information reached us of a meeting of the Fulani towards fulfilling their oath of allegiance towards reprisals.
“Today we lick our wounds. We suffered heavy losses and casualties. The Fulani fulfilled their pledge. I cannot say the same for those who are supposed to see to our security. In fact, Igangan did all within her limit to see to her own security. Folks contributed to power local hunters. And the local hunters, vigilantes and some OPC were the only shreds of a tiny armour that shielded us as we came under heavy gunfire from 11 pm of 5th June to 3 am of 6th June. And no state security apparatus got to us during the storm.
“If we had not made a little cover. Perhaps, as Ibrahim, son of Seriki pledged, Igangan would have become a dunghill of ashes, or perhaps, this is just their beginning.”
A former caretaker chairman of Ibarapa North, where Igangan is located, Tunji Omolewu, stated: ”People had barely retired to bed when they said they sighted motorcycles entering the town. Before our people could know what was going on, they had started killing people. I got the call around 11 pm. We were on our way from Ekiti where we had gone to do the Yoruba nation rally. I got to Ibadan around 12 am and when the calls did not stop coming, I decided to come home. I have counted more than 20 dead bodies. The palace of our monarch was torched. Adolak filling station too was burnt. We are assembled here.”
A former caretaker chairman of neighbouring Ibarapa Central, Yemi Akinlabi, also spoke from the United States: ”It is so sad. Only a few days ago, our people got an intelligence report and forwarded it to the appropriate quarters for actions but here we are today. Are we going to continue to live in fear in our land? I have spoken to General Togun about last night’s incident and we would want him and his team to do something. Our people must not be allowed to resort to self-help.”
The Chairman of Amotekun Corps in the state, Gen Ajibola Togun (retd), former Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) and former Deputy Director-General of the State Security Service, had on Wednesday, June 2, this year, raised the alarm that foreign Fulani have saturated the entire South West and ready to strike the geo-political zone very soon.
He raised the alarm during a lecture on the topic: Security Challenges: ‘The Significance of Regional Security Dimensions,’ organised by the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS) Students’ Association, University of Ibadan.
But he enjoined all residents of the South West to prepare for self-defence because the invaders have concluded all arrangements to strike on the claims that God has given the land of Nigeria, especially the South West to them as an inheritance.
“The foreign Fulani herdsmen have invaded South West. There is nowhere in the South West that they are not. They are there. They are the okada riders. They are the ones using wheelbarrows to sell carrots and other things. I said they are foot soldiers. These okada people, many of them, have weapons under the seats of the motorcycles.
“They said they have come in to take the inheritance given to them by Allah, and that is Nigerian land, particularly South West. So, they will still strike. I am not just screaming aloud. So, everybody has to be ready. Everyone should go and learn how to fight. If it is a cutlass, buy it, learn how to use it, and keep in your house for self-defence. If it is a knife, buy it to defend yourself. You have to defend yourself. Before they kill you, defend yourself. I know it,” Togun had said.
But the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached on his mobile phone on Sunday morning via calls and text message, to confirm the number of casualties and property that we’re destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, has condemned the fresh attack on Igangan, by bandits and suspected criminal herders overnight.
His words: “Early this morning, I received distressed calls of a fresh attack on our people in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government by bandits and suspected criminal herders in which about five residents were allegedly killed, some injured and property burnt.
“I condemned this unfortunate attack and sympathise with the families who lost their loved ones and property. I also appreciate the security personnel, vigilantes, Amotekun corps, our local hunters and brave men that rose in the middle of the night to combat the bandits and save the lives of our people.
“These murderers are not tired and it is our collective responsibility to protect our lives, women, children and our communities from these evildoers.
“While assuring my continuous support to every adoptable security measures and strategies, I’m also calling on all security agencies- the Nigerian Police, Operation Burst, Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, local hunters, community leaders within and around Ibarapaland for an urgent security meeting.
“If this insecurity persists, it means we have not done enough. All of us. It is not time to sleep…let us all stay awake.”
Home of Imo State Commissioner for Information Hon Declan Emelumba has been burnt by unknown gunmen.
The gunmen attacked his Community Ubulu-Ihejiofor in Oru West L.G.A in the early hours of Sunday and set the two houses in his compound ablaze.
Heavy shooting was reported in the hitherto peaceful Community as villagers ran into the bushes for fear
A villager who confided in EverydayNews disclosed that the community is living in fear.
“It was a terrific night. Nobody slept last night. People are just coming out from the bushes. The shooting was so much and people had to take cover in the bushes.’
When contacted the Commissioner Hon Emelumba confirmed the attack.
A member of the Governor Uzodinma kitchen cabinet, Emelumba was among the very few that were not affected in the recent cabinet shake up.
Our source confirmed that soldiers are already being moved into the community.
Recall that fee days ago gunmen attacked the neighbouring Community, Ibiasoegbe killing 3 persons including a policeman.
Professor of Bone marrow transplantation and former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof Usman Yusuf has claimed that Igbo leaders in the South East are afraid of speaking against Kanu.
Prof Yusuf who fielded questions from newsmen also stated that the leaders in the South East region are trying all they could to appease Kanu.
He asserted that elders are only interested in power and not the problems at hand. “These Igbo leaders that are shouting Igbo presidency will run to Abuja or Lagos. They are afraid of Kanu and are because they are trying to appease him.” he said.
According to the professor, the silence by the Igbo leaders regarding the attacks on the northerners has worsened the situation.” I have personally interacted with these families. Nobody is saying anything. I blamed Igbo leaders for their silence.” he said.
He cited the Northern leaders who always swing to action whenever something happen to an igbo person. He said the traditional rulers in the North try their possible best to calm the situation.” the first people that will come out are traditional rulers and the clerics will be calming down the situation.”
He said the scenario is different in the South East because the elders always run to Abuja seeking for Power.
He warned that if the current security problem in the South East is not tackled, it would be worse than the case of North
The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanding the investigation of the misappropriation and diversion of the N499 Million meant for the purchase of fertilizers by the former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari.
The group in a petition to the Chairman of the Commission routed through the Sokoto Zonal Office of the EFCC demanded the Commission to invite, investigate and possibly prosecute the former Governor Yari and the Managing Director Zamfara Agricultural Supply Company Limited for illegal withdrawals, misappropriation of funds belonging to the Zamfara State Government.
The Executive Director of PAPSD Dr Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi in the petition alleged that “the fertilizer Dealers Associations in Zamfara State deposited the sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N370,800,000) only, which is equivalent to the value of 103 trucks and 278 bags of fertilizer into Zamfara State Agricultural Supply Company Limited Fertilizer Sales Account domiciled in Access Bank Gusau Branch with Bank Account Number 0029140950.
“The money deposited is for the payment of allocation of 103 trucks and 278 bags of fertilizer for the 2019 wet farming season up to the end of second tenure of the former Governor Hon. Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari the fertilizer allocated to the beneficiaries was not released and the funds were not returned to them for the past two (2) years. After several complains to the authority it has been revealed that the money is no more in the bank account,as deposited into Zamfara State Agricultural Supply Company Limited Fertilizer Sales Account.
Shinkafi said “we hereby urge the commission to do a discreet investigation on illegal withdrawal and misappropriation of funds during the transitional period at the end tail of Hon. Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari administration.
“Find below the breakdown of how the misappropriated fertilizer funds were illegally withdrawn few days to the expiration of Hon. Abdulaziz Abubakar Yariadministration.
Bank Account Debit Advice Details S/No. Date Amount 1. 20-May-2019 N170,000,000.00k 2. 20-May-2019 N130,000,000.00k 3. 21-May-2019 N63,000,000.00k 4. 23-May-2019 N136,000,000.00k Total N499,000,000.00K
The underlisted are documents attached in the petition for your examination and scrutiny.
Report of the Committee on Genuity and screening of 103 trucks for 2019 wet season.
Access Bank letter to M.D ZASCO for Debit Advice on the withdrawal of funds from the Zamfara State Agricultural Supply Company Limited Sale of Fertilizer Bank Account.
List of the beneficiary farmers that paid but not lifted their fertilizer
Payment official receipts & Access Bank tellers deposit slip
Shinkafi added “In light of the highlighted above we urge the commission to investigate our petition any person found wanting should face full wrath of law and justice.
Enugu Police has reacted to Thursday attack at the Garki Market where one person was shot claiming that the victim is not dead.
The police has also said that the attack which caused pandemonium in the area was cult related.
A statement from the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer PPRO ASP Daniel Ndukwe said the police swiftly moved in following a distress call received at Awkunanaw Police Division at about 1:pm.
The call he said alleged that a young man was shot by suspected cultists, along Agbani Road, close to Garki Market, Awkunanaw Enugu.
“Police Operatives swiftly moved to the scene, secured and rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he is responding treatment.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, psc, has ordered Anti-Cultism Unit of the Command to conduct discreet investigation to fish out and bring the assailants to book.
Gunmen on Thursday morning hijacked a school bus in Oba-Ile Estate, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting one of the staff of Chimola School, who was on duty to convey pupils to the school.
The incident occurred around 6:45 am while the driver and the attendant were moving round to pick the pupils of Chimola School, situated inside the estate to their school.
A source in the school said the gunmen, numbering about eight, swooped on the victims on motorcycles, forcing the bus and driver to stop.
He said the abductors, who were armed with guns, cutlass and some other weapons, dragged down the driver from the vehicle and threatened to kill him.
According to him, the bus with vehicle registration number: Lagos LSD 853 FJ, with “Chimola Schools” boldly inscribed on it, was driven away by one of the hijackers while others moved away from the scene on motorcycles.
“The driver and the attendant were about to pick the first student when the incident happened,” the source said. “The gunmen rounded the vehicle and came down with dangerous weapons.
“The driver was dragged down from the bus while one of them take the driver’s seat and drove off with the attendant in the bus. The whereabouts of the attendant are still unknown but we have reported the incident at the Oba ile Police station.
“This is the first time we are experiencing this kind of situation here. It is quite unfortunate, “the source said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, while contacted, said he has not been briefed as at press time, but promised to confirm from the Divisional Police Officer in the area
