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Slain Army 17: I’ll make fresh pronouncements after befitting burial, says Tinubu
Slain Army 17: I’ll make fresh pronouncements after befitting burial, says Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he will make some remarkable pronouncements on 17 military men who lost their lives while on a peace mission in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said they would get a befitting burial and national honours.
Tinubu spoke during a special Ramadan Iftar (Muslim breaking of fast) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and House of Representatives leadership, including Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
He again expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes will never be in vain.
The President said, ‘’In responding to distress calls they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathise and symbolise the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.
‘’We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathise with them. I will soon make further pronouncements but they must have a befitting burial and national honours.’’
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also condemned the gruesome killing of the soldiers and commiserated with the Nigerian government.
It called on the authorities “to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of the soldiers and apprehend the perpetrators with the view to bringing them to justice.
“The Commission urges the communities to eschew all forms of violence and employ pacific means to resolve their differences and maintain communal harmony in the overall interest of all”.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and policemen have not gained access into Okuama Ughelli South Local Government Area because of an ongoing military operation in the troubled community, the state Police Commissioner Abaniwonda Olufemi said.
“Since that incident (killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Okuoma) happened, it has become what I call a military operation zone. We have not been able to move into that community,” Olufemi told a national television station on Wednesday.
Four officers and 13 soldiers were ambushed and killed a week ago by youths suspected to be indigenes of the Ijaw community.
The soldiers were said to have gone to Okuama to settle a land dispute between the community and its neighbour, Okoloba.
Olufemi added that “few individuals who have been brought in” were being quizzed over the killings.
President Tinubu, who on Sunday expressed deep concern over the killings had directed the Chief of Army Staff to immediately arrest the perpetrators.
Before visiting the President on Tuesday over the development, Governor Oborevwori told reporters that the troubled community had been deserted.
The police commissioner said he would need clearance before deploying police operatives in Okuama since it is now a military zone.
He said, “In the Okuoma incident, we have an ongoing military operation there. We are working in conjunction with other security agencies and I can assure you that we are making progress.
“The situation in the general Okuama area, not just the communities, is calm for now. Most of the places are deserted.
“The Okuama and Okoloba communities have been having perennial disputes over fishing rights. The unfortunate incident happened when military officers went on peacekeeping. Since that incident happened, it has become what I call a military operation zone.
“We have not been able to move into this community. Of course, it is our responsibility as the primary line of defence in internal security. But when you have another sister agency conducting an operation, the reasonable thing to do is to wait for them to finish.
“We have not been able to get into Okuama because of the volatile nature of what is going on around that environment.
“I might not be able to accurately respond to these questions [if buildings were torched or more civilian casualties have occurred, but what is important to note is that these things are ongoing. We must seek to be collaborative.
“For us to get to Okoloba or Okuama, we must get clearance from a military theatre commander or the operation commander so that any police operative deployed would not be hurt.”
On the possibility of deploying drones by the Police, Olufemi said, “When this situation happened, the main perpetrators disappeared into the creeks and to other states. Delta shares boundaries by the waterways with several states.
“A few individuals who have been brought in are being questioned. The manhunt is on. It is a collaborative responsibility and engagement. For now, our drones are not deployed in that environment.”
Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce which is currently probing Okuoma massacre has urged the military not to punish innocent citizens.
The committee appealed during its meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
A member of the committee, Senator Gbenga Daniel, told reporters that the security chiefs were also told the importance of using technology and artificial intelligence to track down the “gangsters’ behind the killings.
He said, “By and large, we encouraged them that they are doing a yeoman job protecting the assets of the nation. Without a doubt, Delta State is very important as far as the custodians of the assets of our nation is concerned and whatever happens, we must make sure that only guilty people face the consequences.
“These are some of the things we spoke about. Of course, we also spoke about the need to continually support the Armed Forces with additional funding.
“We recognise that Mr President has done very well, more than any other leader in recent history, but because of the peculiar situation, we find ourselves we just have to continue to appeal that within the framework of limited resources, we have to give more priority to ensuring we retrain and equip our Armed Forces. That is the summary of the meeting.
“The killing is a major affront and of course, we have to continue to appeal for patience and understanding.”
metro
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has announced the sudden passing of three prominent clerics, who passed away on the first day of the new year 2025.
Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon, were announced dead by the church’s media head.
Until their deaths, Elusanmi was the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Michael served as the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu.
Olajuwon, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu, all in Lagos State.
Their deaths have thrown the Celestial community into mourning, with members taking to their social media platforms to express their grief.
The Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, announced Olajuwon’s death on the church’s official website.
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“The death has been announced of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon (JJ). He was, until his death, the prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu.
“The suddenness of his passing has left many in shock, as he had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was bubbling with life until his death early on the first day of the new year, 2025.”
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God.
The CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, announced Michael’s death on its Facebook page around 11 am on Wednesday, while Elusanmi’s death was announced on the Instagram account ‘Celestialgeneration’ the same day.
Ajala warns against making a big deal out of the deaths, saying it is a normal thing for everyone to die at an appropriate time.
He stated, “Death is a necessary end, and it will come at the appropriate time for everyone. People die every day. If three people die in a church as large as Celestial, coincidentally on the same day, I don’t understand why people are making a big deal of it.
“Everyone has a time to come and a time to go. The Bible says there is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry.
“So when Christians begin to treat these things as mysterious, I begin to wonder if we are truly followers of Christ. People shouldn’t attach superstitious meaning to their deaths. We all have our time to go.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured them that the Celestial headquarters would support them.
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
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
metro
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
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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