Soldiers kill 13 IPOB members, arrest 3 kidnappers in South-East

Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, codenamed “Operation UDO KA,” have successfully neutralized 13 armed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and apprehended three kidnappers in the region.

The task force’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, announced the development in a statement on Monday in Enugu.

He noted that the operation was part of ongoing clearance efforts to ensure safety and peace across the South-East during the festive season.

“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.

“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line -193 and press Option 2—to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA,” he said.

On operational details, Unuakhalu said that troops of Sector 1 of the task force on December 21, conducted an ambush operation along Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, to deny kidnappers freedom of action.

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According to him, during the operation, troops came into contact with the kidnappers, and in the ensuing firefight, the troops neutralised one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered at the scene were: one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell phones; one power bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch; a bunch of keys; and the sum of N8,900,” he said.

The spokesman also said that on December 16, troops of Sector 5 conducted a clearance operation within Mbosi and Isseke general areas in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, where three IPOB members were neutralised.

“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines, and three Dane guns, while a house belonging to one of the irredentist commanders and a shrine used for their fortification were destroyed.

“The gallant troops had earlier recovered five water gel Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and two batteries used for detonating the IEDs while on routine patrol along roads within Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu general areas in Anambra State.”

He explained that on December 14, troops acting on credible and reliable information from members of the public arrested three suspected kidnappers at Itungwa in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.

He said that on receiving the information about the movement of the suspected kidnappers, troops quickly mounted a snap checkpoint to apprehend the suspects.

“The suspects operating in a stolen tricycle on sighting the troops attempted to make a U-turn but were apprehended.

“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made single-barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two G3 rifle magazines, and one live cartridge.

“Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of N6,600, and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he said.

Soldiers kill 13 IPOB members, arrest 3 kidnappers in South-East

(NAN)

Yoruba youths reject Sharia law introduction in region

The Yoruba Nation Youths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, have strongly opposed plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West region of Nigeria.

This stance was expressed in a joint statement by the Yoruba National Youth Leader (Diaspora), Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and the Homebase Leader, Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole.

The group affirmed their readiness to defend Yoruba ancestral land against any form of destabilization, including efforts to impose Sharia law. Their statement followed reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025.

The event is slated to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.

The statement declared: “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fierce opposition.”

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Describing the proposal as “laughable,” the group vowed to mobilize resistance if the plan moves forward.

“We warn the Nigerian government not to create divisions in Yorubaland. Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow any external influence to derail our struggle.”

Quoting Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they reiterated their resolve: “Instead of a Yorubaman prostrating for a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.”

The youths demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plans and called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, South-West governors, Yoruba monarchs, senators, and other leaders to reject the proposal and safeguard Yoruba cultural heritage.

They emphasized that Sharia law is incompatible with Yoruba values, culture, and way of life.

“We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition.”

Expressing concern about potential destabilization and the rise of extremist activities, the group stated:

“We reject any effort to entrench practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our might.”

The Yoruba Nation Youths also reaffirmed their commitment to establishing an independent Yoruba Nation, free from oppression.

“No force on earth or in hell can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.”

They urged Yoruba citizens to remain vigilant and ready to defend their land from any external influence or imposition.

Yoruba youths reject Sharia law introduction in region

Edo Govt dares AGF, says LG chairs remain suspended

The brewing constitutional crisis in Edo State took a dramatic turn on Monday, as Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly insisted on the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen.

On Friday, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court had issued a mandatory injunction, declaring the suspension null and void and restraining the state government and other parties from meddling in local government operations until the substantive case is heard.

President Bola Tinubu’s government had secured a landmark Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial and administrative independence of local councils.

But the gains of Local Government autonomy suffered setback when the Edo State Government masterminded suspension of Local Government chairmen.

The crisis begun when Governor Okpebholo issued a 48-hour ultimatum for local council chairmen to submit their financial statements directly to him.

Following their refusal, the governor petitioned the state assembly to suspend the chairmen, citing “gross misconduct” under Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000).

The Edo Assembly subsequently suspended the chairmen and their deputies for two months.

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State government officials also contradicted statements from the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The AGF recently reaffirmed that only local councillors—not governors or state assemblies—hold the constitutional authority to suspend or remove elected local government officials.

Yet Edo officials, including Barrister Emwanta of the governor’s administrative panel, dismissed this.

Appearing on Channels Television, Emwanta declared that “the Constitution has placed local governments under state control, and that remains the law,” accusing the Supreme Court of overstepping its bounds.

“Financial autonomy is about giving them access; but that does not mean state governments do not have control over how they use that money. The Supreme Court cannot amend the constitution,” he insisted.

Kassim Afegbua, another panel member, took aim at the AGF’s authority.

“Lateef Fagbemi might be the law officer of the federation, but he does not represent the constitution of the country and he does not represent other laws made validly under the provisions of the constitution by the Edo House of Assembly,” he said.

The governor’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, echoed this: “The decisions by the Edo State House of Assembly, vis-a-vis, the Governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are entirely justified…It is essential to note that the apex Court is both a court of law and a policy court, and while it has the power to make policy decisions, it cannot exercise this power when the Constitution is clear on a matter.

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“The House of Assembly has the powers to oversight the activities of the Governor, and similarly, the Governor has the right to exercise oversight over local government chairmen. The current constitutional construct recognizes a two-tier federal design. It is clearly stipulated in the Constitution.”

But PDP chieftain, Hon. Ose Anenih, described the unfolding events as “a shocking rebellion against the rule of law and the President’s authority.”

“As a Niger Delta man, I commend President Tinubu’s bold strides toward restructuring, particularly his efforts to strengthen local government autonomy,” Anenih said.

“It is bewildering to see an APC governor—one of his own—leading this insurrection against both the Judiciary and the Presidency. How can a state openly defy a Supreme Court ruling, dismiss the Attorney General’s directives, and undermine the President’s flagship policy? This is an unexplainable affront not just to the rule of law but to the President’s leadership. The Governor’s dance-steps or should I say missteps indicate that there is clearly a drummer hiding in the bushes, with an agenda different from the President’s.”

Anenih warned of the dangers posed by such blatant insubordination, adding: “The Edo State Government is setting a dangerous precedent. When elected officials decide which court orders to obey and which to ignore, we edge closer to anarchy. I appeal to President Tinubu, Chief Fagbemi, the security forces and even the Judiciary to intervene before this crisis spirals out of control. The words and actions of Edo officials are already stoking tensions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.”

Edo Govt dares AGF, says LG chairs remain suspended