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  • Gunmen Attack Labour Party Meeting In Enugu, Injure Members, Vandalise Cars, Property

    Gunmen Attack Labour Party Meeting In Enugu, Injure Members, Vandalise Cars, Property

    Ahead of the 2023 general elections, gunmen suspected to be political thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly attacked members of the Labour Party during their meetings in Enugu State.

    It was gathered that the attacked happened on Sunday during Ward meetings at Aninri and Awgu local government areas of the state.

    Sources stated that whil nobody was killed in the attack, some people were injured while their cars, chairs and canopies were vandalised.

    The LP governorship candidate, Hon Chijioke Edeoga, confirmed the attack on the party members.

    Edeoga said he received a report of gunmen suspected to be political thugs attacking their members during their monthly meetings at Aninri ward and Awgu ward 1, and destroyed chairs, cars, canopy and wounded some people.

    Read Also: Discos suffer N543bn revenue loss in 12 months

    He said, “Nobody was killed but some people were wounded and cars vandalised.

    “I was told that the gunmen chased away our members and shot indiscriminately, causing panic. Chairs and canopies were destroyed, cars of members packed were also vandalised.”

    Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the state police command were unsuccessful as the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, could not take his calls or respond to text message.

  • Gunmen kill driver, abduct 8 passengers in Rivers

    Gunmen kill driver, abduct 8 passengers in Rivers

    A bus driver identified as Salvation Taylor Harry was gruesomely murdered while eight passengers were abducted in an attack on a commercial bus by deadly gunmen along Abonnema – Emohua- Kalabari road of Rivers State on Saturday night.

    According to reports, the bus passengers had taken off from Mile One Park in Port Harcourt with the passenger on a trip to Buguma when the gunmen ambushed them.

    The Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Onengiyeofori George, confirmed the attack on the bus, the killing of the driver, as well as the abduction of the passengers.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr John Paul Braide, on Sunday in Buguma City, the local government Council boss charged the Police to safeguard the Abonnema – Emohua- Kalabari road, the only route to Kalabari land.

    Onengiyeofori George, who condemned the kidnapping incident on Saturday night, sympathized with the bereaved family of the driver over their loss.

    He also ordered the closure of Buguma motor park after 6pm daily, warning all motorists and drivers alike to desist forthwith from endangering the lives of the people of Asari-Toru local government area by continuing to ply the route after the closure of the park.
    He further advised passengers and all residents of Asari-Toru to be conscious of their personal safety by avoiding night traveling until security on the road is improved.

    Read Also: Adamawa APC removes chairman

    Motorists alleged that the Policemen manning the few checkpoints on the road were only interested in the money they collect from taxi drivers and illegal refiners of petroleum products.

    The Chairmen of Emohua, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema, the four local government linked by the road had many times in the past promised to ensure improved security on the highway.

    They made the same promise after soldiers were withdrawn following the killing of some of them in checkpoints by gunmen last year.

    But the youths of Kalabari ethnic nationality said the chairmen are not doing enough to curb kidnapping along the Emohua/Kalabari road.

    They noted that expressway is the only motorable road leading to the three Kalabari Local Government Areas veering off from Emohua.
    Kalabari Clan Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Comrade Edward Asiki-Tams told journalists that the youths of the region are ready to provide lasting security on the road in synergy with the Nigeria security operatives.

    “Our challenge is lack of commitment on the part of the Chairmen to provide us with the needed tools and logistics to secure that road.

    “If we man that road, no person born of a woman can kidnap, rob or commit crimes on that road.”

    The IYC chairman also advised politicians in the affected LGAs to empower the youths so as to bring them out of the creeks.

    “No job creation, skill acquisition programmes nor any meaningful engagement for the youths. The youths are hungry and as a result prefer to remain in the creeks.

    “Though hunger can not justify crime, but if they get empowerment from the politicians, philanthropistts and business moguls in our area, a lot of them will leave the creeks and that will help to reduce the crime rate,” he said.

    While calling on the kidnappers to immediately release their victims unconditionally and forthwith desist from perpetrating such barbaric and criminal act.

    Read Also: PDP crisis: Devil resides in your heart – Dino Melaye fires back at Fani-Kayode

    He noted that upsurge in kidnapping can also reduce the Kalabari voting strength if it’s not promptly and holistically addressed before 2023.

    “This consistent kidnap incident mainly on the Emohua-Kalabari road will cause political fear mongering that will lead to poor participation in the ongoing INEC continuous voters registration exercise which may possibly reduce our voting strength.

    “In every responsible clime, security has always been citizens duty, therefore let us give maximum support and cooperation to governments at all level devoid of political colouration, acrimony and ethnocentrism in making our environment a safe heaven, he added.

    The Rivers State Police Command through its Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.

    She assured that the adequate security has been mobilized to the road to forestall future occurrence.

  • PDP crisis: Devil resides in your heart – Dino Melaye fires back at Fani-Kayode

    PDP crisis: Devil resides in your heart – Dino Melaye fires back at Fani-Kayode

    Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has berated ex-Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, over his latest comment against him.

    Melaye had claimed that all governors under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, spent money on ensuring that Iyorchia Ayu emerged as the party’s National Chairman.

    Reacting, Fani-Kayode knocked Melaye for making such a comment.

    He urged security operatives to arrest and prosecute Ayu and the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    Reacting, Melaye said Fani-Kayode’s mind was not in sync with the world’s reality.

    Read Also: Abiodun distributes motorcycles to ward chairmen

    Melaye said Fani-Kayode’s comment lacked comprehension, stressing that it was “a voyage in meddlesomeness and idleness.”

    A statement Melaye signed reads partly: “My attention has just been called to a statement issued by Femi Fani-Kayode, which as usual, was an incoherent gibberish produced from his temporary relief from insanity.

    “How can one explain his momentary consciousness to react to an interview long granted, if not that his world of reality is not in sync with the world of sound minds.

    “Truly, an idle hand and heart like that of FFK is the devil’s residence. Ordinarily, his rambling would have been ignored, but in this age of unrestricted access to the media even by unwholesome minds, care must be taken to put issues in the right context and perspective.”

  • Discos suffer N543bn revenue loss in 12 months

    Discos suffer N543bn revenue loss in 12 months

    The latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission shows that total billing to electricity consumers by the 11 distribution companies stands at N816bn.

    The report also shows that out of this amount, only N370bn has been collected by the DIiscos, leaving a total outstanding of N543bn.

    The data was contained in the NERC’s Annual Report. The latest report shows that the loss was recorded in 2020.

    The figures show that 74.33 per cent and 66.50 per cent billing and collection efficiencies were recorded, indicating 8.44 and 1.34 percentage points decline when compared with 2019.

    The level of collection efficiency indicates that as much as N3.35 out of every N10 worth of energy sold during the year 2020 remained uncollected from customers as and when due.

    Due to the low billing collection recorded by the Discos, the utility firms were also not able to fully pay for the quantum electricity supplied to them by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.

    Read Also: Killer of NSCDC officer demand N30m ransom on captives

    Further findings reveal that during the year under review, a total invoice of N883bn was issued to the 11 Discos for energy received from NBET and for service charge by the Market Operator.
    Out of the N883bn charged the utility firms, a sum of N370bn was settled, leaving a total deficit of N512bn in the market.

    This payment represents 42 per cent remittance performance, indicating six percentage points increase from the final settlement rate recorded in 2019 (36 per cent).

    The individual performance indicates that Benin and Eko Discos met the expected Minimum Remittance Obligations to MO and NBET, Ibadan met its MRT to NBET while Enugu and Ikeja met their MRTs to MO.

    The average remittance performances to MO and NBET increased respectively from 78 per cent and 29 per cent in 2019 to 93 per cent and 31 per cent in 2020.

    Discos’ remittance performance levels ranged from 48 per cent (Yola) to 100 per cent (Benin) for MO, and 10 per cent (Yola) to 45 per cent (Ikeja) for NBET.
    Tariff shortfall is the difference between cost-reflective tariff and allowed end-user tariffs payable by consumers.

    NERC said the shortfall contributed to liquidity challenges being experienced in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

    Despite the general shortfall recorded by the market, the NERC’s report indicates that the individual remittance for 2020 was an improvement from that of 2019.

    It noted that the improvement in the Discos’ remittance performance was partly linked to the continuous enforcement of the MRO, and the OpEx loan facility offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria-NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited to DisCos.

    The facility was meant to part-finance the Discos’ payment obligations to NBET and MO as well as their operations in order to support the transition to the Service-Based Tariff regime.

    The Executive Secretary, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, could not be reached for response on how the low remittances and bill collections was affecting their performances.

    Electricity consumers have over the years complained about estimated billing, which according to them, result in apathy towards bill payments.

    The spokesperson for Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, had recently said electricity consumers under the billing methodology consume more energy than those already metered.

    “Whenever consumers say they are paying excessively, the reason is that someone living in one bedroom sometimes pays more than the person in a three-bedroom flat. For instance, someone in a three-bedroom uses a gas cylinder. Someone in one bedroom uses an electric cooker bought from Lawanson.

    Read Also: EPL: We made mistakes – Referees’ body breaks silence on Chelsea vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Palace

    “Those cookers are probably 10 years old and they consume more energy than the modern ones. But NERC introduced capping and we were asked to remove our billing methodology, and were asked to bill according to certain parameters mostly on availability of electricity. So, some people in certain areas are on capping but their bill is high because of the availability of power supply. Don’t forget that the guy using a prepaid meter is more careful in managing his light than those without prepaid meters.”

    According to a metering expert, Sesan Okunola, the solution to the billing collection challenge is for all electricity consumers to be metered.

  • Abiodun distributes motorcycles to ward chairmen

    Abiodun distributes motorcycles to ward chairmen

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has distributed motorcycles to ward chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 10 wards of Remo North Local Government Area.

    The presentation was in fulfilment of a promise made by the governor.

    The motorcycles were handed over on Friday September 2, 2022 by Senator Dipo Odujinrin to the ward chairmen at his Ode Remo residence.
    The motorcycles, which were also presented to APC ward chairman in the remaining 226 across the other 19 local government areas of the state, would assist them to reach remote parts of the state during the forthcoming election campaigns.

    Read also: EPL: We made mistakes – Referees’ body breaks silence on Chelsea vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Palace

    In attendance were Senator Dipo Odujinrin, Hon. (Otunba) Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, MHR,

    Hon. Member, representing Remo Federal Constituency, in the Federal House of Representatives, Otunba Muyiwa Sobambo, APC LG Chairman, Remo North LG, Mr. Ladipo Odujinrin, SSA to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji G. O. Ogunfowora, APC, LG, Women Leader, Remo North LG and few other leaders.

  • Adamawa APC removes chairman

    Adamawa APC removes chairman

    The Adamawa State executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has removed the state chairman, Ibrahim Bilal, over alleged anti party, financial misconduct and gross violation of the party’s constitution.

    Following Bilal’s removal, his deputy, Ismaila Tadawus, was sworn in as the new chairman of the party, with 24 out of 36 officers appending their signatures.
    The executive committee at a meeting held at the APC state Secretariat in Yola, on Monday, accused the chairman of extortion.

    In a speech read by the State Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Abdullahi, the executives alleged that the chairman stayed away from the Secretariat for two months and was absent at the venue of the governorship primary election.

    Abdullahi said Bilal had refused to respond to allegations against him while absconding from his official duty to stay in Abuja at a time when the party needed to reconcile members and address grievances arising from the primaries.

    Read Also: Speeding truck loses control, crushes mother, baby, three others in Anambra

    “The chairman has shrouded the finances of the party in secrecy and has been running the affairs of the party like a personal investment with no checks and balances and without auditing since he cane on board”, he said.

    “The chairman blatantly refused to congratulate the winner of the gubernatorial primaries of our great party, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani on time without any justification even though some party EXCO prodded and advised him to do so”.

    He added that Bilal violated Article 21.2 of the APC Constiturion by urging the electorates in his Northern Senatorial Zone through his verified Facebook page to vote for the NNPP candidate against the APC candidate, Senator Ishiaku Cliff Abbo, and also Article 23 as amended which provided that joint signatories for the party’s bank account shall include the chairman, the secretary, the treasurer and the financial secretary.

    Bilal could not be reached for comment as he did not answer a call from our reporter as at the time of filing this report.

  • Speeding truck loses control, crushes mother, baby, three others in Anambra

    Speeding truck loses control, crushes mother, baby, three others in Anambra

    An over speeding truck, Sunday night, crushed an unidentified mother, her baby and three others to death at Enugu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State.

    It was learnt that the incident which occured at about 7.20pm along Onitsha-Enugu expressway was between a black Lexus RX330 with registration number KJA182HS and a Red Truck with no registration number.

    An eyewitness, Mr Nonso Ikem, alleged that the truck driver whose identify could not be ascertained at press time, was on speed, and later lost control and rammed into the Lexus SUV.

    As a result, the Lexus was destroyed beyond repair with three men, one woman (probably a mother) and a female child lying in the pool of their blood at the scene of the incident.

    The Acting Sector Public Education Officer, Anambra command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Miss Margaret Onabe, who confirmed the report, said the FRSC rescue team took the victims to a nearby hospital were they were further pronounced dead and deposited in a morgue.

    According to Onabe, the rescue team on ground managed the traffic and ensured that the obstruction caused by the crash was removed.

    “The Sector Commander Anambra State, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi has sympathised with the family of the dead victims and sends his prayers to the victims’ repose souls. He warned motorist especially truck drivers to avoid speeding and ensure they keep to recommend speed limit,” she added.

  • EPL: We made mistakes – Referees’ body breaks silence on Chelsea vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Palace

    EPL: We made mistakes – Referees’ body breaks silence on Chelsea vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Palace

    Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has admitted that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) incidents at Chelsea and Newcastle on Saturday were mistakes, according to Sky Sports.

    This comes after the Premier League asked the officiating board to investigate the referees’ body.

    Saturday’s Premier League action was marred by a couple of decisions that were either overturned, thanks to the intervention of VAR or not given.

    After the Premier League called for an investigation into key decisions at Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park, PGMOL has acknowledged errors were made in the incidents that denied West Ham and Newcastle goals.

    In west London, West Ham were denied a late equaliser when Maxwel Cornet’s goal was chalked off after a VAR review judged that Jarrod Bowen had fouled Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy in the build-up.

  • Enugu APC: Nnamani, Okechukwu, others manufacturing crisis – Ada Ogbu

    Enugu APC: Nnamani, Okechukwu, others manufacturing crisis – Ada Ogbu

    The Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu East, Princess Ada Ogbu has blamed the current crisis rocking the party on some of the stakeholders.

    Ogbu, who spoke to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, said the party chieftains who visited the national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu were actually the ones manufacturing a non-existent crisis in the party.

    It was reported that the party chieftains, led by a former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani were in Abuja last week where they demanded the removal of the State Chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah.

    But Ogbu, a chieftain of the party, came hard on them, declaring that they were on a fruitless voyage.

    “Enugu State APC has been in the news for the wrong reasons, but I don’t think it is a crisis. A lot of people classify what is happening now as a crisis but I really don’t think there is one.

    “Some people are trying very hard to manufacture a crisis which does not exist. Enugu State APC since our congress last year has been very strong, very focused, has been working very hard to make sure that it wins all the elective positions in Enugu State and they have gone a long way. Compare Enugu State APC now to Enugu APC of a few years ago, there is no comparison. So, some people are just trying very hard to manufacture a crisis.

    Read Also: Killer of NSCDC officer demand N30m ransom on captives

    “The only issue Osita Okechukwu said he has with the State chairman of the party is that he is dictatorial, but that is not enough reason to remove the chairman of a party six months to the election, unless you are actually trying to manufacture a crisis.

    “The fact that he is doing this six months to the election means he is trying to manufacture a crisis. What are the impeachable offenses the chairman can commit- anti-party activities, embezzlement; he did not accuse Ugo Agballah of anti-party activity or embezzlement, so what is his reason, just dictatorial, so it seems to me that these people have self-sense of importance in the scheme of things.”

    Asked whether the development would not affect her chances in the election, as well as that of other APC candidates in the election, she replied: “I will say they have one vote, thanks to Mr. President for signing the amended electoral act; somebody who refuses to be reconciled for whatever reason, with the party leadership, I cannot help him or her, some people are irreconcilable; even in divorce case, there is what is called irreconcilable differences, there is really not much anyone can do about it, you move on and appeal to the voters directly.”

    She equally played down the request for Agballah’s removal.

    “I am not worried about the petition because I know it holds no water whatsoever, there are rules, systems to these things. There are processes to remove a party chairman and anyone who goes ahead to attempt to remove a State party chairman six months to election does not mean well for that party, does not mean well for the candidates.

    “What these people are doing is to make sure that the opposition is killed. You don;’t impeach someone because of being dictatorial.

    “I repeat, this crisis is being stage-managed from somewhere. But I have words for these people, whoever you are, wherever you are coming from, and you actually have a hand or you are sponsoring the so-called manufactured crisis in the Enugu State APC, you just lost your investment, because it will not work.

    Read Also: Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah names campaign Director-General

    “We are not going to be deterred in any way, we are going to campaign vigorously, talk to the voters directly, and offer them an alternative.

    “I will tell the National Chairman to ignore people who are trying to manufacture a crisis in Enugu State APC, there is no crisis. We are going to shame the naysayers,” she declared.

  • 2023: New NASS bill seeks to 20-year, N40m for politicians who campaign on basis of ethnicity, religion

    2023: New NASS bill seeks to 20-year, N40m for politicians who campaign on basis of ethnicity, religion

    Nigeria’s house of representatives is considering a bill that proposes 20-year jail term and N40 million fine for anyone who causes people to vote on the basis of religion, community, tribe, language or territorial region in the 2023 general elections.

    The bill also provides that any candidate who distills a piece of information that undermines the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or unity of the federation and promotes feeling of hate during campaigns, will be jailed for 20 years.

    These are prescribed and contained in Electoral Offences Commission Bill currently undergoing consideration at the House of Representatives.

    The bill, which has already been passed by the Senate, is sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Aishatu Dukku, Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House, Kingsley Chinda, John Dyegh and Francis Charles Uduyok.

    It is seen an attempt to appropriate stiffer penalties to bring about credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Read Also: Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah names campaign Director-General

    The bill also stipulates a fine of N40 million for anyone who shall loot, damage or destroy ballot boxes, papers or any material during voting.

    It reads: “No person shall propagate or cause to be propagated anything or information that (a) undermines or is capable of undermining the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or unity of the Federation;(b) promotes or is capable of promoting feeling of enmity or hate on the basis of any religion, community, caste, tribe, language or territorial region; or (c) causes or is capable of causing people to vote on the basis of any religion, community, caste, tribe, language or territorial region.

    “Any person who commits an act in contravention of subclause (1) of this clause shall be guilty of a serious electoral offence and liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term of at least twenty (20) years without an option of a fine.

    “No candidate or agent of his or any other person shall grab, loot, damage or destroy in any manner ballot boxes or ballot papers or any other electoral document or material before, during or after an election, or take or attempt to take or cause to be taken ballot boxes or ballot papers or any other electoral document or material before, during or after an election without the permission of election official in charge of the election at a polling station or election official in charge of the electoral materials or abet to the commission of such act or cause obstruction of any kind in any manner to any other acts relating to an election.”

    “Contravening the provision of this section attracts a sanction of at least 20 years in prison with an option of N40 million fine”.

  • NCDC records yellow fever deaths in 10 states

    NCDC records yellow fever deaths in 10 states

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced 14 deaths in 10 states from suspected cases of yellow fever between January and July.
    The affected states included Abia (one), Bayelsa (one), Benue (one), Imo (one), Kaduna (one), Katsina (two), Kebbi (one), Taraba (two), Yobe (one) and Zamfara (three).

    The NCDC stated this via its official website on Sunday.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

    The Nigerian Public Health Institute said 1,179 suspected cases of yellow fever were reported in 416 local government areas from January 1 to July 31.

    Read Also: Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah names campaign Director-General

    It said one case each was confirmed in five states, namely Sokoto (Dange-Shuni LGA), Osun (Atakunmosa East LGA), Ondo (Akure South LGA), Anambra (Idemili South LGA) and Imo (Nwangele LGA).

    The NCDC stated that the male-to-female ratio for suspected cases was 1:1.7, with males 637 (54 per cent) and females 542 (46 per cent), and 74 per cent of the cases were aged 30 years and below.

    “One hundred and twenty-six (10.7 per cent) of 1,179 suspected cases had at least one dose of the yellow fever vaccine,” it said.

    Yellow fever is preventable with a highly effective, safe and affordable vaccine. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to grant sustained immunity and life-long protection against yellow fever disease. A booster dose of the vaccine is not needed.

    “Further yellow fever vaccination campaigns are planned in Nigeria in the states of Ogun and Gombe in June 2022,” NCDC.

    It further explained that the campaigns targeted 8.8 million people and that additional PMVCs would be implemented in the latter part of 2022 in Kano, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno and Enugu.

  • Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah names campaign Director-General

    Enugu PDP guber candidate, Mbah names campaign Director-General

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Peter Mbah has named the former State Chairman of the party, Chief Ikeje Asogwa as the Director General his campaign organization.

    Mbah in a statement issued by the Head, Peter Mbah Media Office said that Asogwa will coordinate, oversee and drive all aspects of the PDP electioneering for the 2023 governorship election in the state.

    The statement read in parts:

    “I’m happy to announce Chief Ikeje Asogwa as the Director General of the Peter Mbah Campaign Organization.

    “Chief Asogwa brings on board a wealth of experience as a former Chairman of our great party in Enugu State. He will energize the campaign with his characteristic charisma, ebullience, grasp of politics and mastery of political strategy and effective communications.

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    “As the Director General, he will coordinate, oversee and drive all aspects of the PDP electioneering for the resounding victory of our party in the 2023 governorship election in the State.”

    The statement added that other appointments will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

    Asogwa is a former two-term Managing Director of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation and until his present appointment the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Commission (EN-SUBEB).

  • Killer of NSCDC officer demand N30m ransom on captives

    Killer of NSCDC officer demand N30m ransom on captives

    Suspected gunmen who shot dead an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Segun Ayebulu, and kidnapped three other persons on Saturday had demanded a sum of N30million ransom on those being held hostage.

    The NSCDC officer was gunned down along Oke Ako-Irele Ekiti road while traveling to his town in Ogbe, Kogi State , while three other occupants of the car conveying him were abducted .

    An uncle to the deceased told journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday evening that, “The abductors contacted the family this evening and demanded N30million to secure release of the victims.

    “The three abductees were younger brothers of the late NSCDC officer, five year-old child of the deceased and 11 year-old child of the slain officer’s elder brother while two others in the car escaped.

    Read Also: 2023: Tinubu’s money causing crisis, we don’t need it – Enugu APC

    “They called this evening demanding N30million naira. We heard the voices of the abductees with them. The younger brother of the slain NSCDC officer appealed to us from the kndnappers’ den that we should do something urgently for their release that the way they were being tortured was unbearable.

    “On our side, the demand is on the high side, there is no way the family and even communities can raise it, so we are still negotiating that it should be brought down”, he said”.

    “There were six persons in the car, the NSCDC officer was killed, two escaped and three were whisked away. Those abducted are the younger brother of the deceased, and two children aged 11 years and five years old. The three are still in the custody of the gunmen.

    “When I received information that the officer was killed, we immediately mobilized hunters in the community. Fortunately, I saw a military man and when I told him what happened, he said I should take him to the military outpost so that they could mobilize, which I did.

    “On my way back riding on my motorbike, I saw two children in the bush not far away from the scene. I was trying to have a proper view when I saw an armed man who pointed a gun at me and fired a shot. I escaped death probably because my appointed date had not come. God saved me.

    “When I got to where the soldiers were, I told them I was the one who was shot, perhaps they heard a gunshot. So, soldiers and hunters rushed to the place, but before they could get there, the gunmen had taken the children away.”

    A credible source in the area, who preferred anonymity, said, “I do not know what appeal to make again because it has been happening on the same spot. All the efforts that we are making, it is either the government cautions us not to take laws into our hands or don’t do this and when the need arises, we will not see them”.

    Read Also: Police rescue three kidnap victims in Bauchi

    Also, the Chairman, Ajoni LCDA, Michael Ogungbemi, said the LCDA had mobilized its security network, Eradicating Bandits at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities, to begin combing the forests, especially the axis.

    “They are in the forest now with the military. I hope they will be able to have a positive result out of this combing.”

    NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Tolu Afolabi, said that the corps had mobilized some men to the community and as well contacted the commands in Kogi and Kwara states for the success of the effort to secure safe release of those kidnapped by the gunmen who killed one of its officers on Saturday evening.

  • Terrorists invade mosque, gun down Chief Imam, three others, abduct worshipers

    Terrorists invade mosque, gun down Chief Imam, three others, abduct worshipers

    Terrorists suspected to be members of the Boko Haram fighters have attacked a Mosque in Borno State, killing the Chief Imam and three other worshipers.

    It was learnt that the incident occured on Friday during the Fajr prayers in the Ngulde community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

    According to reports, the terrorists, numbering about 20, invaded the worship center and opened fire on worshippers, leading to the death of three persons on the spot, while another victim who sustained injury died in a hospital.

    The insurgents also reportedly looted livestock and foodstuff and set ablaze two vehicles belonging to members of the Ngulde community.

    Read Also: 2023: Tinubu’s money causing crisis, we don’t need it – Enugu APC

    The Councilor representing Ngulde Ward, Hon Bilyaminu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the attack claimed four lives, while properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed by the terrorists.

    The Borno State Deputy Speaker, Abdullahi Askira also confirmed the incident on Sunday.

    According to him, the terrorists invaded the community and asked the whereabouts of the chairman of the local hunters/vigilantes who were their prime target.

    He said when the insurgents were not satisfied with the response, they went straight to the Mosque and opened fire on the worshippers.

    Terrorists suspected to be members of the Boko Haram fighters have attacked a Mosque in Borno state, killing the Chief Imam and three other worshipers.

    It was learnt that the incident occured on Friday during the Fajir prayers in Ngulde community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

    According to reports, the terrorists, numbering 20 invaded the worship center and opened fire on worshippers, killing three persons at a spot while the other victim died in a hospital.

    The insurgents also reportedly looted livestock and foodstuff and set ablaze two vehicles in Ngulde community, which is located at some part of Sambisa forest in the state.

    The Councilor representing Ngulde Ward, Hon Bilyaminu who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the attack “claimed four (4) lives and left many with casualties, while properties and businesses worth millions of naira were also destroyed and carted away by the insurgents.”

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    The Borno State Deputy Speaker, who is also representing Askira-Uba constituency, Abdullahi Askira, confirmed the incident.

    According to him, the terrorists invaded the community and asked the whereabouts or house of the chairman of the local hunters/vigilantes.

    He said when the insurgents were not satisfied with the response, they went straight to the Mosque and opened fire on the worshippers.

  • Police rescue three kidnap victims in Bauchi

    Police rescue three kidnap victims in Bauchi

    Police operatives in Bauchi state have rescued three kidnapped persons.

    The victims included Alh. Alhassan Gambo (60) of Unguwan Bawa in Kaduna State, Badamasi Saadu and Abdullahi Sani.

    SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the Bauchi Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement, stated that the victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families after undergoing proper medical examination.

    He explained, “The suspects on August 26, 2022, kidnapped Alh Alhassan Gambo of Unguwan Bawa, Kaduna State and shot one Alh Mujitafa Usman of Funtua LGA in Katsina State who were on a business trip to Tulu village in Bauchi State.”

    The PPRO lamented the supreme price paid by a vigilante member in the gun duel led by Divisional Police Officer of Tulu Division while combing the kidnappers’ enclave.

    He further explained that on 27th August, 2022, at about 2100hrs, credible intelligence available at the disposal of Tulu Divisional Police headquarters showed that suspected kidnappers blocked Tulu-Rishi Road.

    After follow-up and intense surveillance in the area on 28th August, 2022, he explained that two suspects were apprehended who were found wandering aimlessly in the area, assuring that investigation was ongoing to establish their connection or otherwise with the suspected kidnappers.

    The statement explained that the State commissioner of police, CP Umar Mamman Sanda had commiserated with the family of the vigilante member who sacrificed his life while protecting life and property of the citizens.

    Read Also: Fuel subsidy: NNPC ready for forensic audit, insists daily supply is 68 million litres

    He disclosed that some group of notorious thugs armed with cutlasses, knives, sticks and other dangerous weapons last Tuesday attacked members of peace and security committee of Bakin Kura office and mercilessly inflicted serious injuries to two committee members, namely Danladi Suleiman (32) and Yakubu Ibrahim (42).

    According to him, a team of detectives led by Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) swiftly swung into action to the scene and succeeded in arresting twenty-two (22) male suspects namely Aliyu Adamu (15) of Bakaro quarters, Ukasha Abubakar of Kofar mukaddas, and Abdulmalik Abdullahi of Kandahar quarters in Bauchi metropolis.

    Others are Nura Inuwa (17) of Bakaro, Umar Abdullahi (18yrs) of Malan Goje, Mohammed Mohammed Koli (18), Umar Sulaiman (23), Ibrahim Idris (15), Kabiru Shehu (14), Musa Usman (14), Buhari Sani (18), Aliyu Yakubu alias (Ali luta), Isah Nuhu, Abdulsamat Aliyu, Muhammad Umar alias, Aliyu Adamu Aliyu, Abubakar Adamu, Mujahid Abdullahi (alias (James), Ibrahim Yunusa alias ‘Dan-mama’, Mubarak Ismail alias ‘Dangongo’ and Abdullahi Garba alias (Dan Alhaji).

    He confirmed that all the suspects confessed to the crime, saying that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mamman Sanda directed that the suspects be charged to court.

  • Fuel subsidy: NNPC ready for forensic audit, insists daily supply is 68 million litres

    Fuel subsidy: NNPC ready for forensic audit, insists daily supply is 68 million litres

    NNPC Ltd has reacted to allegations of Nigeria spending way too much on litres of subsidized fuel, stating that it will offer itself for a forensic audit of fuel supply and subsidy management, insisting that daily fuel supply is 68 million litres.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Malam Garba Muhammad, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC.

    The House of Reps has also started a probe into subsidy payments approved by the FG, coming as Nigeria expects to spend over N6 trillion on fuel subsidy next year.
    Garba Muhammad noted that between January and August 2022, the total volume of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imported into the country was 16.46 billion litres, which he says is an average supply of 68 million litres per day.

    He added that import in the year 2021 was 22.35 billion litres, which is an average supply of 61 million litres per day.

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    “The average daily evacuation (depot truck out) from January to August 2022 stands at 67 million litres per day as reported by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    “While daily evacuation (depot load outs) records of the NMDPRA carries daily oscillation ranging from as low as four million litres to as high as 100 million litres per day,” he said.

    NNPC added that rising crude oil prices and PMS supply costs above PPPRA (now NMDPRA) cap had caused oil marketing companies’ withdrawal from PMS import since the fourth quarter of 2017, which NNPC had remained the supplier of last resort and continued to transparently report the monthly PMS cost under-recoveries to the relevant authorities.

    He noted that the average cost on the international market determined landing cost, citing that in Q2 2022, it rose to 1,283 dollars per metric tonnes and N46 per litre approved marketing and distribution cost.

    “The combination of these cost elements translates to retail pump price of N462/litre, an average subsidy of N297/litre, and an annual estimate of N6.5 trillion on the assumption of 60 million litres daily PMS supply.

    NNPC says it will continue to work with Nigerian Ports Authority, NMDPRA, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, NIMASA in all PMS discharge operations as well as smuggling of PMS.

    Read Also: 2023: Tinubu’s money causing crisis, we don’t need it – Enugu APC

    It would be recalled that last week, the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) faulted the daily consumption figures of petrol claimed by the NNPC Limited to justify the over N6.34 trillion subsidy payment on the product annually.
    It was also reported last week that the Nigerian House of Reps summoned the Auditor General of the Federation, Mr Okolieaboh Sylvia over documentary evidence on the audit carried out on the monies spent on fuel subsidy.
    They requested that the auditor-general provide documentary evidence on the audit carried out on the monies spent on fuel subsidy by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd for the period.
    The Nigerian Government has estimated petrol subsidy payments up to N6.72 trillion for full-year 2023.

  • 2023: Tinubu’s money causing crisis, we don’t need it – Enugu APC

    2023: Tinubu’s money causing crisis, we don’t need it – Enugu APC

    Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State, on Sunday, rejected any form of campaign fund from the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    It was reported that this formed part of the resolutions reached during a stakeholders’ meeting at the South-East Secretariat of the party.

    The governorship candidate of the party, Chief Uche Nnaji, who made the proposition before it was unanimously carried by members at the meeting, said the campaign fund was the cause of the current crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the APC.

    Reffering to the meeting of some of the party leaders in the State with the APC national leadership, he said the demand for the removal of Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah as the State Chairman was an exercise in futility.

    The party leaders, led by former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani had told the national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu to constitute a caretaker Committee for the party in the State.

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    Speaking on the development, Nnaji said, “We learnt of the mischief going on among our brothers, but the mischief will not go anywhere under our watch. About six months to election you want to remove the State exco of a party that is doing very well.

    “When we took over, there was no party, it was existing for another party, which was paying them. We asked those ones to leave and we are happy they have left.

    “Most of these gladiators don’t have presence in any ward. Some of them, their ward is owing rent for two years, they can’t pay N30,000.

    “Yet, they want to remove a capacity chairman. You can’t touch an exco that is doing super well.

    “Tinubu’s money is behind the APC crisis in Enugu State. They want to create confusion, after which they will say, there is faction, divide the campaign fund.

    “They did it in 2015, did it 2019. The same human beings that did it then are the ones repeating it now.

    “I will be meeting with our national chairman on Monday and then with Tinubu on Tuesday. I will tell Tinubu not to bring his money to Enugu.

    “Enugu State doesn’t need Tinubu’s money, let them not send it. We will use our money and work. When we finish election, we will go for refund. If they bring it now, they may start killing us.”

    “The issue of Tinubu money, I believe I have your support to tell them,” he asked, with the members chorusing ‘yes’.

    Nnaji equally declared that they were not a party to any 25 percent voting arrangement.

    “We reject in strongest term the 25 percent they want to ascribe to us. As it stands now, over 50 percent of the voters are with us.

    “Anything less than 70 percent, then we have failed. I challenge everyone to come and check after the election, there will be nothing less than 70 percent,” he boasted.

    Earlier in a remark, Agballah said he was on the move to reposition APC in the State and won’t be distracted.

    He said, “today, I’m happy that APC is not just ready to take part in this election, but poised to win.

    “We parade the best, our guber candidate is the best, we can trace the source of his resources. We shall investigate the source of the phantom wealth the other candidates are parading.

    Read Also: Missing Director found dead, head cut off in Ondo

    “Nobody contesting the governorship election in Enugu State is as clean as our candidate.

    “We rejected some candidates that are questionable, we also disqualified some surrogates.”

    Meanwhile, at the meeting, the party’s local government and ward chairmen said they remained behind the Agballah-led State Working Committee.

    They announced that they would be meeting the APC national chairman to make their position known.

  • Pastor allegedly defiles 14-year-old church chorister – Police

    Pastor allegedly defiles 14-year-old church chorister – Police

    Police in Ogun have arrested a pastor for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old choir member at Agbado area.

    Police spokesman in the state, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, stated on Sunday that the 38-year-old pastor is the General Overseer of the church.

    His arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Agbado Divisional Headquarters of the police by the mother of the victim.

    Mr Oyeyemi explained that the pastor would have long been arrested, but the victim’s mother frustrated earlier moves as she said she did not want to offend her pastor.

    He explained further that she changed her mind and invited the police after noticing that her daughter had been bleeding ceaselessly since the rape on Oct. 2021.
    The victim, currently recuperating in a hospital told the police that it was the pastor who deflowered her.
    The mother reported that she was away from home to seek medical treatment when her daughter went to church, but the pastor lured her into his room and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.

    Read Also: Missing Director found dead, head cut off in Ondo

    “Upon the report, police operatives were deployed to the church where the pastor was arrested.

    “During interrogation, the pastor admitted to defiling the victim and pleaded for forgiveness.
    “According to the pastor, his family and that of the victim are friends, but he didn’t know how and why he got himself into committing the crime,’’ he stated.

    Mr Oyeyemi stated that Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, has warned parents to stop shielding their daughters’ assailants as they could be charged as accessory to the crime.

  • 2023: Steer clear of face off between Atiku, Wike – Bauchi Governor warns PDP members

    2023: Steer clear of face off between Atiku, Wike – Bauchi Governor warns PDP members

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stakeholders in the state to steer clear of the political feud between the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

    Speaking shortly before a stakeholders’ meeting he held with chieftains of the party behind a closed-door, the governor advised all candidates of the party in the state to respect the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar as well as the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.

    Bala Mohammed advised, “I don’t want any of us to get involved in the controversy at the national level. It is above us. Leave it to me to handle it as your leader the way l am handling it as your leader. Certainly, we cannot afford it because it will have disparaging consequences on us”.

    The governor stressed that the PDP candidates in the state must steer clear of the current controversy in the PDP at the national level in order not to be consumed with it.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise three bandits in Kaduna, recover weapons

    Recall that the party is currently facing serious challenges as the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is having a face-off with the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike who lost to the former Vice President in the party’s presidential primary.

    The Bauchi State Governor while addressing the meeting, which started at about 12:00 midday on Saturday, emphasized all the candidates in the state must stay clear of the raging controversy.

    He then urged the candidates to focus on the challenges in the state saying, so far, the administration has been able to address grievances that arose in the aftermath of the party primaries amicably.

    He further advised candidates to accept the fact that the party is supreme to any member, hence any complaint must be addressed within the ambit of the party guidelines saying, “Whatever we become we must remember the party is supreme. We have problems but it’s about swallowing our problem for the greater benefits of the bigger picture.”

    The governor also said that he convened the meeting in order to confront the challenges ahead of the 2023 General elections and ensure that the PDP does not lose the state in 2023.

    “We have done quite well but I believe we will do better. I called for this meeting to for us to sit down, reminisce, discuss and address new challenges, especially looking at the electoral act, our party guidelines, and of course our personal challenges to regroup and refocus”, he added.

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    According to him, “We are confronted with a long period of electioneering and campaigns. It’s going to take a lot of time so we have to strategize. We have so many projects and programmes we have not completed. We have fulfilled 80 percent of our promises but the party is not going to win at the Government House but at the villages where we come from”.

    Bala Mohammed added that, “The candidates are the most important variables now because the party has finished its own, meaning we must manage scarce resources. The people appreciate what we have done but we cannot afford to be complacent.”

    However, observed that the party leadership at the local government is not doing as was expected as the general election approaches.

  • Missing Director found dead, head cut off in Ondo

    Missing Director found dead, head cut off in Ondo

    A Director in the civil service of Ondo State who had been missing since last Thursday has been found dead.

    The body top civil servant identified as Mr. Gbenga Olofingboyegun was discovered on Sunday with his head already cut off.

    Olofingboyegun, who was the Director of the Department of Research and Statistics, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), was declared missing on Thursday after he left the office for undisclosed reasons.

    Following his sudden disappearance, family and friends had suspected that he was a victim of kidnappers.

    Before the discovery of his body, the family had been waiting for the call of his supposed abductors for a ransom payment.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise three bandits in Kaduna, recover weapons

    His decomposing body was found in Saint Theresa Primary School beside Saint Peter’s Unity School in Akure.

    According to sources, Olofingboyegun’s head was cut off and taken away with his stomach also ripped open by his assailants.

    A family source said the deceased was still in his office dress of suits and tie that he wore to the office when his decomposing body was discovered.

    Meanwhile, the Police spokesperson in the state, SP Funmilayo Odunlami said the identity of the decomposing body was yet to be ascertained.