metro

Police kill ‘Togo’, rescue one-day-old baby from child traffickers

Published

4 months ago

January 30, 2024

River State Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Olatunji Disu

Police kill ‘Togo’, rescue one-day-old baby from child traffickers

The Operatives of the Rivers State Police have killed a notorious sea pirate, cultist and gunrunner, John Togo, who allegedly terrorised the coastal communities along Bonny-Port Harcourt, waterways.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Olatunji Disu, said the suspect, ‘Togo the Second’ was a member of the dreaded Iceland cult, adding that he reigned terror on residents of the state, sea travellers.

Disu noted that the police operatives in collaboration with the C4i Intelligence Unit and the Borikiri Police Division while acting on credible intelligence had stormed the camp of the criminal gang.

He noted that on sighting the police, the group had open fire, adding that the kingpin was brough down on the process.

Disu disclosed that before Togo’s death that he operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, killings and robberies.

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He said: “John Togo’s criminal career began in the Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, where he initially engaged in cult-related activities. Gradually, he graduated from petty crimes and evolved into a full-fledged kidnapper and sea pirate, assembling a gang of ruthless criminals along the way.

“Adopting the alias of ex-militant John Togo, who had been killed in July 2011, he and his gang gained notoriety in 2021 due to their involvement in a series of sea piracy and kidnappings, which ignited the #EndSeaPiracy protests and campaigns that reverberated throughout Bonny Island in January 2021.

“Despite previous encounters with security forces, John Togo continued to elude capture. He targeted commercial boats, mercilessly killing drivers and throwing passengers into the sea as he stole the vessels. In one such encounter on the 17th of July 2023, Togo engaged security forces in a shootout, compelling them to abandon their gunboat.

“The turning point came when John Togo abducted Precious George, the Youth Leader of Ibifara Polo, on the 30th of May 2023. After holding George captive for twelve days and receiving a ransom of 2.5 million Naira, Togo’s face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.”

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In another development, Disu said police rescued a Day-old baby and apprehended two suspects involved in a case of human trafficking.

Disu hinted that the incident happened on Monday, 22nd January 2024, when some diligent officers from the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Command conducted a routine stop and search operation along Igwuruta-Eneka Road.

The CP said the officers intercepted one Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, a 28-year-old male from Umuoye in Etche LGA, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, a 33-year-old male from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA of the state.

He said: “Daniel disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman known as ‘Mama Destiny,’ a pastry vendor in his locality. Mama Destiny had enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag. In exchange for his involvement, Daniel was enticed with a payment of 10,000 Naira.

“Further revelations emerged through Daniel’s account. He explained that he was summoned to a location along Egbi Road to finalize the transaction. Accompanied by Mama Destiny’s husband, he was driven to Chokocho junction, where he met Uzodinma, the operator of the commercial motorbike they used for the delivery.”

metro

Health worker stabbed to death in Minna

Published

18 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Health worker stabbed to death in Minna

A 35-year-old health worker identified as Umar Mohammed was stabbed to death by hoodlums in Gbeganu area of Minna, Niger State capital.

Sources said the deceased, a staff of a private clinic in Minna, was returning home after attending to a patient when he ran into hoodlums fighting with dangerous weapons.

The fight was said to have broken out between hoodlums at a wedding reception in Gbeganu, during which some people were injured.

Residents said activities of hoodlums have led to disruption of peace in Minna, the state capital, in recent times.

They said areas usually affected include Kpakungu, Maitumbi, Fadikpe, Gbeganu, Soje, Obgomosho, Unguwan-Daji, Limawa, Barikin-Sale, Kwangila, among others.

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The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to the Daily trust.

“On 17/5/2024 at about 2200hrs, it was reported at Kpakungu Div that there was a wedding ceremony at Gbeganu area, while some miscreants from the Area reportedly led by one Ukasha and others armed with dangerous weapons attacked a victim named Umar Mohammed 35yrs,” the PPRO said.

“The victim was inflicted with serious injury on the head, and he was rushed to Gen Hospital Minna, where he later gave up the ghost and was confirmed dead by the doctor.”

Abiodun said two suspects had been arrested, adding that effort was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Health worker stabbed to death in Minna

metro

Gunmen invade Ebonyi village, behead 2, kidnap 7, raze houses

Published

39 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Ebonyi State Police Spokesperson, Ukandu Joshua

Gunmen invade Ebonyi village, behead 2, kidnap 7, raze houses

Residents of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were enveloped by trepidation and anguish over the weekend after a deadly attack on the enclave.

A clutch of rampaging warlords were said to have attacked the locality on Saturday leaving deaths and destruction in their wake.

At least two persons were grisly murdered and properties worth millions of naira destroyed as the suspected warlords unleashed terror on Ikachi village in the Akparata area of the local government.

It was learned that the two killed were beheaded while seven persons were kidnapped and five houses burnt down.

The President-General of Effiulm Community, Dr James Agena, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the attackers, suspected to be Ezza warriors, struck the village early morning of yesterday, killing two persons and kidnapping seven persons.

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The statement read: “I write to put you on notice that this morning at 3 am (alleged) Ezza warriors attacked Ikachi village in Akparata area of Effium resulting in the killing and beheading of two men, seven Effium natives were abducted (five women and two men), a total of 12 people sustained gunshot wounds while five houses were burnt down.

“The deceased are Obinna Aje, 19 years and Ogenyi Abowu, 78 years.

“This latest attack is in addition to (alleged), Ezza warriors attack on Effium urban last Sunday, May 12, 2024, where one Mrs. Cecelia Omah was killed and her head severed.

“This is an attack too many on the peace-loving people of Effium. I call on the government of Ebonyi State and the security agencies to promptly arrest and prosecute all those involved in the genocidal act.

“This is equally coming on the heels of an invitation by the new peace committee on May 21, 2024, for the reading of the government White Paper on Effium crisis to the two warring factions.”

It will be recalled that the crises which started in 2021, have claimed many lives, many displaced and property worth billions of naira destroyed.

Confirming the attack, Police spokesperson, Ukandu Joshua, said the command was aware of the attack and had launched investigation into the matter.

Gunmen invade Ebonyi village, behead 2, kidnap 7, raze houses

metro

Mother locks up her two toddlers in Lagos apartment daily, disappears

Published

52 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Mother locks up her two toddlers in Lagos apartment daily, disappears

The Lagos State Police Command has rescued two infants who were locked up in an apartment on Adelakun Street, in the Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State.

The toddlers, PUNCH Metro gathered, were found in a state of neglect when the rescue operation took place.

A rights group, Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, alleged that the mother of the infants had been grappling with substance abuse.

The Chief Operating Officer of the group, Ebenezer Omejalile, who disclosed this to our correspondent on Sunday, said the residents in the area alerted the group to the development.

He said, “According to the informants, the mother, purportedly struggling with substance abuse issues, would lock her children inside their apartment and remain absent for the entirety of the day.

“These two minors were left to fend for themselves. They eat, defecate, sleep and wake up locked up in the room yet nothing was being done. The DPO of the Red House Police Station was duly informed about it and the infants were rescued.”

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In a video watched by our correspondent, one of the infants could be seen crying in the locked-up apartment. In a separate video, the children were seen eating after the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Omejalile said it was the second time the police would rescue the toddlers in such a situation.

According to him, the rescue operation was carried out by the former Divisional Police Officer but the children were returned to their mother after being placed under the care of government authorities.

He said, “The incident was initially reported at the same police station several months ago. The then DPO promptly responded to the distress call and rescued the babies from their mother’s custody.

“Shockingly, despite the initial intervention by law enforcement, it has come to light that the children were subsequently returned to their mother’s care. This decision has left many baffled, including the former DPO who ensured the babies were placed under the care of government agencies.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development.

He said, “The children were rescued. They are now in safe hands.”