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Police, soldiers storm Kogi communities over renewed clash

Published

3 years ago

June 5, 2022

Some unidentified persons have been feared killed in a renewed communal clash between Igburra and Bassa militia, Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A source close to the community told Sunday PUNCH that the renewed crisis began on Monday, May 30, when two Bassa indigenes were killed at a farm at Uga-Cheure near Oguma and Korumu near Udogbo, both in Bassa LGA of the state.

The source said the incident was due to past clashes between the Igburra Mozum people and Bassas in the area.

The source said, “The Bassa people were said to have believed that it was Igburra Mozum people who carried out the killings though the perpetrators were not apprehended at the scene of the crime.

“In spite of these misgivings, the Bassa were said to have reported the incident to the Divisional Police Headquarters at Oguma and remained calm.

As the dust of the killings had yet to settle, the source said two Bassa indigenes were again killed at a farm in Sheria and Korumu by unidentified attackers.

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The source added, “In the early hours of Saturday, June 4, another crisis erupted at Udogbo with the burning of houses by unidentified men.

“Security agents, the police and the army stationed at Oguma swung into action to quell the crisis of both Monday, May 30 and Thursday, June 2, 2022.

“By Saturday morning, both the police and a detachment of the army moved to Udogbo town to repel the invading gunmen,” he added.

A resident, Mr Keke Kaku, who spoke with our correspondent at Oguma, said Bassa claimed that since the crisis erupted on Monday, six of their people had been killed by the invading gunmen.

Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that over 18 persons had lost their lives from both the Igburras and the Bassas with property worth millions of naira burnt to ashes in Udogbo town.

A member representing Bassa LGA constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly, Ranji Daniya, called on the people of Bassa to maintain peace.

He urged the security agents to leave no stone unturned in arresting the perpetrators of the act. He noted that the state had zero tolerance for any form of criminality.

Also, Executive Chairman, Bassa LGA, Muktar Shuaibu, who also visited the affected areas, called for calm to allow security agencies to do their jobs.

He added that citizens should be vigilant and give relevant information to security operatives to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators.

Contacted, state police spokesperson, SP Williams Ayah, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

Ayah said the state police command had returned normalcy to the troubled communities by its quick intervention.

“I can confirm this incident. We have deployed our men to the affected areas and normalcy has returned. Some men of the Nigeria Army were also deployed and the situation has been put under control,” he said.

On the number of casualties, Ayah said, “There was no casualty following the renewed attack.”

Related Topics:clash Kogi police soldiers

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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

Published

17 minutes ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on all Igbos to extend a warm and jubilant welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural official visit to Enugu State.

The visit, scheduled for today, marks a significant moment as the president is set to commission key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.

Ohanaeze, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, highlighted the importance of this visit as a testament to the president’s commitment to the Southeast.

The organization expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads and establishing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDEC).

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“These developments symbolize hope, opportunity, and progress for our people.

“Under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, these infrastructural strides are transformative, addressing years of neglect and paving the way for socioeconomic revitalization in the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.

The group said it has mobilized millions of Igbos to celebrate the president’s commitment to improving the region’s welfare.

“Let us come together to show our unity, appreciation, and cultural vibrancy,” Isiguzoro urged.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo assured that every effort had been made to ensure President Tinubu feels at home, with mechanisms in place to reflect the timeless Igbo values of warmth and generosity.

Furthermore, the group reiterated its advocacy for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency beyond 2027.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on every Igbo person to take advantage of Tinubu’s visit to showcase the Igbo nation’s unity, resilience, and aspirations.

“This visit marks a pivotal step toward a prosperous and united Nigeria,” Isiguzoro added.

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

Published

26 minutes ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

Governor Abdullahi Sule

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners.

This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties, Office of the SSG, in Lafia on Friday.

The statement indicated that the dissolution takes effect immediately.

The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over the affairs of their ministries and government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.

Similarly, the SSG is required to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.

Governor Sule expressed his gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

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He acknowledged their efforts in various capacities during their tenure and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Political analysts view the move as a potential step towards reconstituting the cabinet for a fresh start in the new year.

Observers speculate that the decision may also be aimed at aligning the administration’s priorities with evolving governance needs in Nasarawa State.

The development has sparked discussions within the state, with citizens and political stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the governor’s office regarding the composition of the new cabinet.

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

(NAN)

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Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate

Published

52 minutes ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

former Governor of Rivers State Dr Peter Odili and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Nyesom Wike

Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations against him that he converted the resources of Rivers State into his private estate while serving as Governor.

Wike, who hosted some stakeholders in the state on Friday in Port Harcourt, stated that the allegation, attributed to former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, is false.

The Minister noted that those making the allegations have children serving in government as commissioners, questioning how he could have turned Rivers State into his personal property.

“Those who made the allegations have their children serving as commissioners. Is any of my children a commissioner? I never converted the state into my personal estate,” he said.

He reiterated that individuals like Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara were among those who opposed the candidacy of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor.

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“Those who parade themselves as elders of the state today were the same people who opposed Fubara’s emergence as Governor. I stood my ground. But today, they are the ones moving everywhere, calling themselves elders.”

Wike nostalgically recalled that since 1999, when he contested elections for the Obio/Akpor local government council, “I have been winning every election I contest because we know how this game works.”

He also recounted how he risked his life to help former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki win reelection. “I had an ulcer, but I still went to Edo and ensured Obaseki won that election. I fought Oshiomhole. The police ordered me to leave Edo State. I left my car at the hotel and disappeared. But the same Obaseki turned against us.”

The FCT Minister appealed to Monday Okpebholo, the current Governor of Edo State, not to turn against Oshiomhole as his predecessor did.