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  • Buhari govt told security operatives not to go after murderous Fulani herdsmen – Ortom

    Buhari govt told security operatives not to go after murderous Fulani herdsmen – Ortom

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has levelled a damning accusation against President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government over the country’s ongoing insecurity.

    Ortom claimed that security operatives informed him that Buhari had directed them to leave the killer herdsmen alone.

    The Benue governor claimed in an interview with ICIR published on Monday that he received confidential information from top security personnel that the regime had ordered them not to intervene against the killer herdsmen.

    Ortom’s claim could not be verified independently.

    “I have spoken to some security men who told me the federal government gave them directive that they do not have to move against these Fulani men,” the Benue governor claimed.

    He added, “That is why I keep saying that the federal government’s action and inaction clearly show that they are complicit in the criminality that is going on in Nigeria. They call them bandits because they do not want people to call them Fulani herdsmen.”

    Ortom, a former ally-turned-critic of Buhari’s regime, further claimed that he would have taken up arms to lead the fight against killer Fulani herdsmen in Benue if he were not a child of God.

    “If I were not a child of God, if I did not believe in being lawful, if I did not have respect for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would have taken arms myself to go there and fight,” Mr Ortom asserted. “Because this impunity is too much. They (Fulani herdsmen) think that as their brother is there, nothing will happen to them, and they do anyhow and go scot-free.”

  • Greece dismisses Erdoğan’s 1922 war comments

    Greece dismisses Erdoğan’s 1922 war comments

    Following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan’s references to the 1922 war and “despicable Greeks,” government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou responded that the Turkish leader “has chosen to distort history in order to serve his revisionist narrative.”

    “On the contrary, Greece has written history in its long history,” Oikonomou said. “When necessary, Greece knows exactly how to vigorously and effectively defend its rights.”

    Greece can mobilise its traditional allies and the force of international law to deter Turkey’s escalating provocations, he said, adding that the country’s defence capability is strong enough to counter any threat if necessary.

    “Our allies are on our side, justice is on our side; and we can effectively deter challenges to our rightful claims,” Oikonomou said.

    Speaking on the occasion of the centenary of the Greek-Turkish war, Erdoğan celebrated the “great attack” of the Turks against the Greeks, whom he presented as “pawns” in the service of “treacherous” foreign powers, with an eye on the events of 1922.

    In a similar vein, Erdoğan’s nationalist ally and governmental partner Devlet Bahçeli also stoked tensions on Monday when referring to an alleged incident on Sunday where Greek missile defence systems were supposed to have locked onto Turkish fighter jets in the Aegean, something Greece denies.

    “Stop pursuing this madness,” said Bahçeli about the Greek government, calling on Athens to “get it together” soon or face consequences that will dwarf those of the Asia Minor Campaign in 1922.

  • Why our football is in Doldrums, Akinwunmi explains

    Why our football is in Doldrums, Akinwunmi explains

    Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)1st Vice President has explained why the nation’s football is doldrums, pointing out that for a long, there has been a disconnect from the grassroots haven of talents, promising to revive the conveyor belt if elected as President of the federation.

    Addressing members of the football family on his ambition to succeed Amaju Pinnick at an event in Abuja, the Lagos State FA Chairman declare to the amazement of his audience that Nigeria football has suffered mismanagement, as he tried to distance himself from the shipwreck left by outgoing Presidency where he claimed to be a passenger.
    “Our Football also suffered from the downturn of the economy and we have not moved rapidly enough with the reality of the times which demands and has demanded for a long time, that Football be run as a business. We have lagged behind in the development of football infrastructure and we are far behind in the race for digital supremacy in the administration of football”, he said.

    Failing short of saying Pinnick ran a one-man show, Barrister Akinwunmi promised to do things differently with a focus on grassroots development, infrastructure revival and a strong marketing drive

    “My administration will create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem beginning with the grassroots to develop a sustainable national football culture, provide pathways to success and exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit.

    “I intend to achieve my vision and action plans for Nigeria’s football upliftment through four key growth drivers – development, the business of football, infrastructure and technology.

    “I am coming to restore those glorious days when Nigeria used to be respected in the comity of football playing nations in Africa and the world.

  • Two vigilante members arrested for allegedly raping housewife

    Two vigilante members arrested for allegedly raping housewife

    The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two members of a vigilante group for allegedly raping a housewife at gunpoint in the state’s Ningi Local Government Area.

    The Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, said in a press statement issued on Tuesday at the Command that another 27-year-old man had been arrested for defiling a 3-year-old girl in Jimbin Village, Ganjuwa Local Government.

    According to Wakil, the incidents occurred on August 24 and 25, 2022.
    Wakil said that the incidents happened on 24 and 25 of August, 2022.

    The vigilante members, according to the PPRO, are Lawali Sule (30 years) Babangida Shehu (30 years) all of Dogon-ruwa village.

    The PPRO added that, “On 25th August, 2022 at about 0200hrs, the two suspects who were all armed, conspired, stormed the house of one Alhaji Gare and broke into his wife’s room, one Hadiza Alhaji (not real name). They asked for her husband’s whereabouts but he was not at home. Thereafter, they threatened her with dane-guns with the view to have carnal knowledge of her. She succumbed out of fear.”

    Wakil also said that one Mato Yohannah, 27 years of Jimbin Village, Ganjuwa LGA was arrested by the detectives of Ganjuwa Divisional headquarters after he had carnal knowledge of a-3-year old of the same village.

    He said that all the three suspects confessed to have committed the crimes after grilling.

    He said that the Command would be charging them to court for prosecution.

  • Ogun govt to empower 1000 youths

    Ogun govt to empower 1000 youths

    As part of efforts to reduce employment among youths in Ogun State, about 1000 youths drawn from Saje-Elega, Mokola, Ajitaadun and Iberekodo communities in Abeokuta North local Government Area, are to benefit from the Youths Empowerment Programme of the State government.

    Speaking while on an inspection tour of Saje-Elega road, the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun explained that his current administration is determined to assist the youths to be self dependent, stating that the government has put in place empowerment programs that would be beneficial to the youths across the State.

    “I will ask the local government chairman and the liaison officers to compile the list of youths in this local government and 1,000 of them will be empowered and we will also give them some stipends. This is because when the youth are able to take care of their needs, there will be less problems in our communities.

    “I know that our youths are hardworking and since not all of them can be employed or given contracts, we will empower them and make them feel a sense of belonging”, the governor noted.

    While appreciating the people of the community for their steadfastness and commitment to the development of the State, the governor explained that he was at the area to inspect the road and fashion out the lasting solution to make it accessible for the people of the area.

    Speaking on his ordeal at the community during the last electioneering campaign, the governor, who was full of praises to God and the people of the communities, said he and his entourage were attacked at the Iberekodo market by some sponsored hoodlums, but survived the attack through God’s intervention and the help of the people.

    “When I came here in 2018 to campaign, some hoodlums came and attacked us with guns and other dangerous weapons. We were able to survive through the intervention of God and your support and so I am here to appreciate you and to thank you for all that you have given us so far,” he said.

    Assuring the people of the area of more dividends of democracy, the State helmsman urged them to continue to support the government in its quest to reposition the State and the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

  • Okun Becomes ACG, Hands Over PTML Customs To Comptroller Bomai

    Okun Becomes ACG, Hands Over PTML Customs To Comptroller Bomai

    Comptroller Suleiman Bomai has been appointed as the new Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command (NCS).
    He succeeds Festus Okun, who was promoted from Comptroller to Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG).

    Yakubu Mohammad, the Command’s Customs Public Relations Officer, made the announcement in a statement released over the weekend.

    Mohammad, a Superintendent of Customs (SC), stated that the new Controller has promised to maintain the Area Command’s robust stakeholder engagement.

    Meanwhile, Comptroller Bomai, while taking over from Acting Assistant Comptroller General, Festus Oyedele Okun, in Lagos at the weekend, assured that the four-hour clearance of vehicles for compliant traders would be sustained

    The new CAC also urged licensed customs agents, importers and freight forwarders to be compliant at all times as this will guarantee them the full benefits of trade facilitation.
    The new CAC said he would continually improve on the laudable revenue collection, trade facilitation, customs community relations and non-compromise on their duties.

    At the brief handover ceremony, Acting ACG Okun, the immediate past Controller described the command as one blessed with dedicated officers and stakeholders, and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), for the opportunity given him to serve in PTML Command from February 2020 to August 2022.

    The outgoing Controller said revenue profile which was at N11billion monthly moved up to N27billion.He said: “It gives me great pleasure to sit here this morning to address you and make a farewell comment. First, I want to give all thanks to Almighty God for making this day possible.

    “I want to thank Almighty God for what He has done in the Country, in the Service, in this Command and in my life. So, unto him, all Honor and adoration”.

    Also, I want to seize this opportunity to thank the Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his entire management team, for considering me worthy of being appointed an acting Assistant Controller General of Customs and giving me the responsibility of being the Zonal Coordinator, Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “It is a great privilege to be so considered and I promise that I will do all things within my ability to serve Nigeria diligently, to Serve Nigeria Customs Service diligently, and to make sure that I do not slack in any area of my responsibility, and remain 100 percent committed in carrying out my responsibility in upliftment of the country, and in the pursuit of the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “I have come, I have seen and to the glory of God, I think I have conquered. Because a journey of about 30 Months and God has always being in charge and the CGC and the entire Management gave us the full support to perform in the command. With the marching order given to me now, to continue, I am sure I will not disappoint the management, I will not disappoint my family, and I will not disappoint God.

    “Back to why we are here, I am proceeding, I have rounded up my tour of duty in PTML Command and I am proceeding to my new assignment. The journey started here 3rd of February, 2020. The takeoff was a bit rough, but the sailing was smooth and landing has been smooth.

    “Let me start from our major responsibility, which is revenue generation, within the period I stayed here, I and my team have been able to raise the revenue profile of the command from barely N11billion per Month to about N27 billion per Month which is the highest in this command. That was achieved in the Month of June.

    “So, we have been doing well and getting better, regularly on our revenue generation. I believe that this trend will continue because the man who is here today to take over from me is a man who has the knowledge, has the experience. I believe he will keep the flag flying.

    “During my tour of duty in this command, we have enjoyed relative peace, and this is with the help of Almighty God, the support of the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service ably led by our CGC, the support of our stakeholders and my entire team, we have enjoyed this peace because even our modest achievement couldn’t have been possible in the absence of peace. So to our stakeholders, I say thank you for your support, members PTML command Customs team, I say thank you for your support throughout my stay.

    “ I will please implore you to give all the necessary support to the in-coming Area Controller both from the officers, the stakeholders and terminal operators particularly, please, let him enjoy the peace and let him continue from where we are handing the baton. I am sure that God being on our side every positive thing in this command shall be sustained and even improved on.

    The incoming Area Comptroller, I want to tell you that you have good officers, reliable, teachable, at the same time, I will like you to see them as your children. Forget about their age, some of them may be older than you. Be the mother hen that will shield the chicks from hawks.”

    Comptroller Bomai said at his maiden speech that this was not a handing over ceremony, because he had not seen where an ACG is handing over to a Comptroller. This is a very rare occasion. What I think we are doing here is my superior, the ACG, is conveying the directives of the CGC for me to carry on with the leadership of the command.

    “Acting ACG Sir, Your coming has ushered in peace stability and industrial harmony with strategic communications that would help achieve efficiency in service delivery.

    “Inter agency collaboration and constant engagements can solve trade disputes and promote team work for maximum results. These are necessary ingredients in the management of 21st

  • Peter Obi accused of Vote-Buying, Sharing ‘Dasuki’ Money

    Peter Obi accused of Vote-Buying, Sharing ‘Dasuki’ Money

    Popular Social Critic, Deji Adeyanju has called on the Nigerian Public to avoid seeing Peter Obi as a ‘Saint’.

    Adeyanju in a series of tweets on Wednesday, accused the Labour Party Presidential Candidate of ‘buying Votes’ during the 2019 general elections.

    The Former PDP spokesperson added that Obi was in-charge of sharing what he described as ‘Dasuki Money’ in the South-East in order to secure votes in the last Presidential Elections. It can be recalled that Obi was a running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the then and also Present Presidential Candidate of the party.

    He wrote; “Obi may buy votes or pay agents/canvassers last last like APC and PDP. Their ideology of not giving Shi Shi is gradually moving. Are the people no longer structure, why do you need to build one?”

    “Obi was in PDP with Atiku during the 2019 election; they bought votes. In fact he was the one that shared the vote buying money for South East. Stop sounding like your Obi is a saint.”

    “In 2015, he shared Dasuki money for vote buying.”

  • Tinubu lobbied to become Abacha’s minister, joined NADECO after rejection – Peter Obi camp

    Tinubu lobbied to become Abacha’s minister, joined NADECO after rejection – Peter Obi camp

    The Peter Obi media office has lampooned Dele Alake after his comments about the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.

    Alake is the Director of Strategy and Communication of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Presidential Council.

    The former Lagos Commissioner for Information had declared that Obi’s achievements were way less than Tinubu’s.

    Reacting, Obi’s media office noted that Alake is among those who believe Nigeria begins and ends in Lagos.

    The camp said he might not have been to Anambra and was too biased to read up the LP candidate’s records in the public domain.

    “Obi’s records won him numerous awards, including “Governor of the Decade, while Alake’s paymaster ruled Lagos State”, a statement reads.

    It noted that the most to remember about Alake’s principal “is his huge internal revenue harnessing which has boosted one Bourdillon family’s income”.

    Alake had also said Obi’s business was anchored on imports that destroy the economy and that Tinubu was a leading light during the struggle for democracy.

    In reply, the office said Alake should not have celebrated Asiwaju’s role in the democracy struggle because of subsequent revelations.

    “It was revealed that he lobbied to be made a Minister in late Sani Abacha’s government and only joined NADECO after he was rejected by the juntas.

    “Obi is highly verifiable, but Alake’s man is not; Obi has an origin; Alake’s has none; Obi has educational credentials; his counterpart has affidavits,” he said.

    The statement added that Obi is ready to face the challenge of leading Nigeria, while “the other candidate acts by proxy.

    “Alake’s man says it’s his turn to rule Nigeria, Obi says it’s the turn of Nigerians to take back their country.”

    The rejoinder said it was laughable that “attack dogs” keep targeting the man they claim has no structure, instead of selling “their structured candidate.”

    “Let Alake’s man enter the stage and sell himself. Never again will anybody become Nigeria’s President through fake and unsubstantiated packaging”, it concluded.

  • 2023: Tinubu visits Jonathan, seeks support

    2023: Tinubu visits Jonathan, seeks support

    Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate in 2023 polls, has met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, as part of his nationwide consultation with critical stakeholders ahead of the 2023 elections.

    Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State met with Jonathan on Tuesday night at the latter’s residence and was accompanied by his running mate, Kashim Shettima and five APC governors, among others, on the visit.

    The source, who was at the meeting, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the brief meeting gave the leaders the opportunity to discuss various national issues and the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

    Mr Tinubu, after the brief meeting, was quoted as saying that he was on a courtesy visit to the former president being a former leader and one of the critical stakeholders in the Nigeria project.

    According to the source, Tinubu told Jonathan of his presidential ambition and sought his support.

    Those who accompanied the APC presidential candidate included governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Bello Matawale of Zamfara, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, among others.

    The source pointed out that the meeting was part of efforts by Mr Tinubu to get the support of all critical stakeholders for his presidential ambition.
    “Truly, Jonathan was at home with us. He was very receptive. You know the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) no longer accords him that respect.

    “He is more comfortable with us. He is happy that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu visited him, he is at home with his aspirations,” the source said.

  • Kogi: Police arrest man for killing, burying friend in own house

    Kogi: Police arrest man for killing, burying friend in own house

    Kogi State Police Command has arrested a middle aged man for killing his friend Kehinde Ajayi and burying the corpse in his own house in Lokoja, Kogi state capital.

    The ugly incident occurred in Felele community, Lokoja where the late Kehinde resided with his family.

    It was reliably gathered that the middle-age man killed his friend, Kehinde Ajayi on Sunday, July 24, 2022 after buying a Toyota Sienna ash colour car with Reg. No. LSD 228 HJ.

    The source added that the suspect, who is into air condition repair, tricked the late Kehinde about 10am on that fateful day to an undisclosed place to celebrate the new car he just bought but never returned.
    The family of late Kehinde, who could not find him for three days, reported the matter to the Police and one of his friends, who is a suspect, was arrested last week and gave useful information about what happened to the deceased.

    The source said, after killing Kehinde, the suspect went away with his car.

    It was gathered that the suspect, Monday, took the policemen to his own house where he buried the body of Kehinde.

    It was learnt that some angry youth who were around when the police exhumed Kehinde’s remains, attacked the suspect’s house.

    Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah, confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying the body of late Kehinde had been recovered and investigation was still ongoing to arrest others who might have participated in the dastard act.

  • Electricity sector pensioners demand N34.9bn arrears

    Electricity sector pensioners demand N34.9bn arrears

    The Electricity Sector Retirees Welfare Association (ESREWA) has called for action on the lingering outstanding accrued rights and arrears amounting to N34.9 billion owed electricity sector pensioners.

    In a statement signed by its President, Elder Benjamin M. Amako, the association said the “N34.9 billion owed to us, the electricity sector pensioners was established in 2014 by NELMCO. We were even told by NELMCO that the money was approved and budgeted for onward payment to us. But till date unfortunately, we have not heard, seen, or received a dime.

    “We are joyful and grateful when we heard that Vice President Osibanjo has inaugurated the board. So in a special way, we thank President Buhari and his Vice for the job well done. We cannot stop praising them for the unrelenting effort towards ensuring that pensioners are well treated. Posterity we judge them well for this.

    “We are using to opportunity to urge President Buhari and Vice President Osinbanjo and the members board, especially the Minister of Finance to leave no stone unturned in ensuring we receive the entitlements of our life sweat. We have in the past written to President Buhari and Vice President Osinbanjo on the matter and we are once again calling on them to specifically help us.”

  • Breaking: Wike replies Sule Lamido, roasts him over ‘Slave’ Comment

    Breaking: Wike replies Sule Lamido, roasts him over ‘Slave’ Comment

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has again condemned former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, over a fierce criticism from the latter.
    It was recalled that Lamido said that nobody in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offended Governor Wike. He also said that Wike can only order “his slaves” in Rivers State.

    Responding last Wednesday, Wike stated that Lamido has lost political relevance, accusing the 74-year-old of cracking the wall of unity.

    Speaking again when he interacted with journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), shortly on arrival from London, United Kingdom (UK) recently, the governor subtly accused Lamido of nepotism.

    In the company of the Rivers State governor were the governors of Benue and Abia State, Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu respectively.

    “Never mind some people who are just interested in their own, some people who only know how to produce their own children as governors or members of National Assembly,” Wike said.

    “It’s unfortunate that’s the country where we are in.

    “A man finished to be a governor. Now, what the man does again, how his own son will be a governor. And this is what has been part of the crisis we are having.

    “It’s unfortunate. And these are the kinds of people who said they are leaders of this country. What exactly are they showing as leaders of the country?

    “Leadership is not about you and your family. Leadership is about everybody.

    “Somebody finishes eight years as governor. Somebody doing his own son to be governor, doing his own son to go to the National Assembly [sic].

    “It is only in this part of the world that you can see that. When we are talking about poverty everywhere.”

    This newspaper reports that former governor Lamido’s son, Mustapha, is the PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State for the 2023 election.

  • Breaking: Bola Tinubu visits ex-president Goodluck Jonathan

    Breaking: Bola Tinubu visits ex-president Goodluck Jonathan

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu on Tuesday visited former president, Goodluck Jonathan in his residence.
    This is coming months after speculations that the APC might give Jonathan its presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The rumour became heightened after a group purchased the nomination form of the ruling party for the ex-president.

    The speculation was doused after Jonathan failed to show up for the presidential screening of the APC.

    Tinubu on Tuesday visited Jonathan alongside his running mate, Kashim Shettima.

    Other APC members who followed Tinubu include Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

    The visit to the former President might not be unconnected to the presidential ambition of the former Governor of Lagos State who is seeking to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari at the end of his tenure.

    Tinubu’s meeting with Jonathan is coming few days after he met with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun State.

  • Veteran actor, Dele Odule joins PDP in Ogun

    Veteran actor, Dele Odule joins PDP in Ogun

    Popular Nigerian actor, Dele Odule, on Tuesday joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.
    It was reported that Odule joined the PDP at an event held in Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State.

    The thespian was received into the opposition party by the Chairman of the PDP in Ogun, Sikirulahi Ogundele; the governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu; his running mate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade and others.

    The Oru indigene was handed the party’s flag by Ogundele, Adebutu and other PDP chieftains at the occasion.

    Speaking, Odule said he would support the PDP and Adebutu in the 2023 governorship election.

  • Two KWASU students found dead in private hostel

    Two KWASU students found dead in private hostel

    The Kwara State Police Command, has confirmed the report of two 200 level students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Tobiloba Daniel and Arewa Abayomi found dead inside their hostel.

    The spokesman of the command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, who confirmed the development on phone, said the two students were found dead in their room and police were alerted.

    He disclosed that “the door of their room was pulled down and their corpses were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, for autopsy.”

    Okasanmi, said investigation into the matter has commenced.

    When contacted, the Director, University Relations of KWASU, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, said the authorities of the institution were yet to receive official information on the reported death of the two students.

    She said that investigation was ongoing on the incident.

    Sources, however, hinted that “We suspect they are lovers and we became concerned when they were not seen during the ongoing examination in the university and also in their class for three days.

    “It was when some of their friends got to their hostel outside the school that they found them both dead and naked.

    “But we suspect it is a case of poison,” according to the sources.

  • Police arrest suspected bandits in Zamfara

    Police arrest suspected bandits in Zamfara

    The Zamfara State Police command has revealed that its tactical operatives attached to 42 PMF squadron have rescued a baby girl at Dajin Kate Kunkanka village of Rungawa area of Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Gusau, by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Mohammed Shehu, the baby girl was about 12 months old.

    “On 30th August, 2022, Police Tactical operatives attached to 42 PMF Squadron Gusau, while on joint operations with the vigilante at near Dajin Kare kukanka forest, acted on intelligence report that led to the unconditional rescue of twelve hostages including a 5-month-old baby girl from Rungawa village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

    “The victims who were rescued unhurt, were abducted by armed bandit/terrorists and taken to Kare Kukanka forest, a bandit camp of a notorious bandit leader popularly known as “Bello Maibille” , and spent one month in captivity. Victims were medically checked at 42 PMF Clinic Gusau, thereafter, debriefed by the Police and handed over to their families.”

    The Commissioner of Police while congratulating the victims for regaining their freedom, assured the public of the command’s commitment towards apprehending the perpetrators of these dastard acts.

    The commissioner further commended the joint police/vigilante operatives for the job well executed, and enjoined all and sundry to be security conscious and report suspicious characters to the Police or any security agency for prompt action.

  • Breaking: Ex-Police spokesman in Rivers, Nnamdi Omoni is dead

    Breaking: Ex-Police spokesman in Rivers, Nnamdi Omoni is dead

    Former spokesman of Rivers State Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni is dead.

    SP Omoni died on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and the cause of his death is still unknown.

    He had celebrated his birthday last Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Before his death, Omoni was the Divisional Police Officer for Elimgbu police station in Obio Akpor local government area.

    He took up the position after his was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police.

    The Rivers State Police command was, however, yet to issue a statement on the latest incident.

  • Breaking: Fidelity Bank seals pact to buy Union Bank UK

    Breaking: Fidelity Bank seals pact to buy Union Bank UK

    Fidelity Bank has agreed to take over the United Kingdom unit of Nigeria’s second oldest lender, Union Bank, the former said Tuesday.

    It is the latest phase in the train of divestments by the latter which, beginning late last year, saw Union Bank offload 90 per cent of its shareholding to a new owner, Titan Trust.

    Fidelity Bank will be acquiring Union Bank UK 100 per cent if the deal goes through, according to a binding agreement between the two, published by the Nigerian Exchange.
    More details shortly…

  • Middle Belt groups endorse Peter Obi

    Middle Belt groups endorse Peter Obi

    The leaders of the Middle Belt communities and delegates known as the Southern and Middle Belt Alliance have endorsed the presidential ambition of the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Other groups that also endorsed the former governor of Anambra State in a communique read by Rev. Aminchu Adamu, at the ‘Middle Belt Save Nigeria Conference’ held in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday, were trade unions, market leaders, students, religious and youth leaders in the middle belt region.

    A statement made available to our correspondent by the Peter Obi Support Group on Tuesday, indicated that the leader of the Middle Belt Community Leadership Delegates, Mr Joshua Mape, led the endorsement of Obi.

    Mape, who lamented the economic hardship of the people in the region as a result of bad governance and insecurity in the region, said that Obi has what it takes to turn the economic fortunes of the country around just as he did when he was the governor of Anambra state.

    He said, “Peter Obi is a wealth creator and we believe, he will transform Nigeria by moving the country from a consumption economy to a productive economy and he will also reduce the cost of governance the way he did while he was the governor of Anambra State.

    “Under his watch, Anambra was the least indebted state in the country. He returned all public schools to missionaries with N600m take-off grant, Anambra also has the best road network under his administration.

    “We support Peter Obi because we believe in justice and fairness.”
    The representative of Youth and Students Alliance, Mr Augustine Danladi, also expressed dissatisfaction on the inadequate funding of the country’s higher institutions of learning and the apparent indifference of the present government to the precarious situation.
    Danladi, however, opined that with the emergence of Peter Obi as the president, the higher institutions will be better funded, and the nation’s education sector will be transformed.

    “We know what he did when he was the governor of Anambra state. He took the state from number 24 to number one in WAEC results in the country. I am confident that if given the chance, he will do the same thing at the nation’s education sector”, Danladi stated.
    Also, the representative of market groups and traders in the Middle Belt also supported the ambition of Peter Obi saying that they are sure of his capacity to industrialise the nation.
    On their part, SAMBA, and Peter Obi Support Network under the platform of Political Action groups said that Peter Obi has the character and credibility to make Nigeria work again adding that he is a man who is ready to take Nigeria from a consumption economy to productive economy.

    The groups said, “Obi has shown from his track record that he is competent, and he has what it takes to move Nigeria forward. He has the character and credibility; he is a man who is ready to take Nigeria from consumption economy to productive economy.”

    Religious group in the middle belt represented by Rev. Aminchi Adamu said they are under perpetual fear to attend at their place of worship because of insecurity in the country.

    Adamu further submitted that the groups look forward to vote Peter Obi as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in February 2023.

    Responding, the presidential candidate of Labour Party, appreciated the groups for the confidence reposed in him by their endorsement.

    Obi who spoke via a recorded video message said he has been listening to the deliberations despite being in faraway Germany.

    He said, “I appreciate your sacrifice, I have been listening to your deliberations, I thank you most sincerely for your trust in me. I assure that I will bring development to Nigeria.

    “Next year’s presidential election must not be based on tribe or religion, but on competence and character. I assure that we will build better Nigeria together.”

  • Anambra police recover vehicle abandoned during gunmen operation

    Anambra police recover vehicle abandoned during gunmen operation

    Police in Anambra State have recovered a Mercedes Benz 4matic SUV dumped by criminals during operation in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area.

    Anambra State Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a press release, said a live AK-47 bullet, two masks were also discovered in the car.

    It is believed that the SUV was dumped by the criminals during operation on Monday, after it was driven into a ditch, where it was abandoned.

    Ikenga said: “Anambra State Police Operatives on 29/8/2022 at about 3pm, while on patrol along Amaokpala-Awgbu highway recovered one abandoned black Mercedes 4matic ML 350 jeep with Reg No Abuja RBC 527 AL, one AK-47 live ammunition and some criminal masks.

    “Preliminary information showed that the vehicle is suspected to have been snatched by criminal elements who had an accident on their way to yet unidentified location. The Armed robbers abandon the vehicle inside a gutter and fled the scene.”

    Ikenga said Police Operatives have intensified patrol in the area, with the aim of apprehending the criminal elements.

    He also called on members of the public to come forward with valid proof/evidence of ownership to claim the vehicle, which is believed to have been snatched for the operation.