Driver killed, 16 passengers abducted on Abuja-Lokoja road – Newstrends
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Driver killed, 16 passengers abducted on Abuja-Lokoja road

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Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP William Ovye Aya

Driver killed, 16 passengers abducted on Abuja-Lokoja road

Gunmen have shot dead a bus driver and abducted his 16 passengers near Chikara village on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

According to Daily Trust, the incident happened on Thursday around 12am when the gunmen opened fire on a Sharon bus at a bend near Yakwo Farms.

It was gathered the bus driver was killed instantly, while the occupants, including a nursing mother, were whisked away into the bush.

Another commercial bus driver, Saidu Ibrahim, said, “I was driving behind the bus that was shot at, but as God would have it, there was no vehicle coming from behind me and I applied brakes and reversed with speed and escaped.”

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A member of the Abaji branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Danjuma Suleiman, also who confirmed the incident, said six among the kidnapped victims, including two women and a nursing mother, were later freed.

He said, “That night, six of the victims were freed as the abductors discovered that one of them, a nursing mother, was not strong enough to trek into the bush.”

Suleiman further said that the victims were travelling from Delta State to Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The remains of the bus driver was deposited at the Abaji General Hospital.

The spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, SP Williams Ovey Ayah, did not pick calls or reply to a text message sent to him on the incident.

Driver killed, 16 passengers abducted on Abuja-Lokoja road

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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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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

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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

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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.

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