Four policemen killed in Enugu gunmen attack on checkpoint – Newstrends
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Four policemen killed in Enugu gunmen attack on checkpoint

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3 years ago

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Unidentified armed men have killed four policemen during an attack on a police checkpoint in Obeagu-Amechi community of Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Besides the security operatives, many residents and passers-by, who ran into the incident, were reportedly killed or severely wounded by stray bullets during the gunfight.
The policemen were said to have repelled the attack, although there were casualties on both sides.
Eyewitnesses said the attack, which started at about 5:30 pm on Wednesday at a busy spot at Mmiri Ocha Amodu, lasted till 7pm.
A source, who craved anonymity, said he identified four policemen, one pastor and a neighbourhood watch officer among the dead who have been taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku – Ozalla mortuary.
The source said, “The gun battle between the policemen and the unknown gunmen was too heavy.
“The entire area was thrown into confusion as everybody within the scene scampered for safety.
“We have not experienced this type of incident in this area. It happened along Obeagu–Amechi Road to Agbani Nkanu a few kilometres from Enugu State capital.”
However, the operatives of the Amagunze police division, who were quickly alerted, ambushed the gunmen as they attempted to escape and shot dead some of them, according to the source, who also added that a police patrol van was set ablaze by the gunmen during the attack.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident but was silent on the number of casualties.
Ndukwe said: “Information surrounding the shooting incidents in the evening hours of today, 21/07/2021, where police operatives were allegedly attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South LGA and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA is still sketchy.”
He said preliminary investigation had commenced, assuring that further development would be communicated.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has offered automatic employment to the wives of the slain police officers.
He also paid three-month salaries of their late husbands including other cash donations.
The governor announced the employment offer when he paid condolence visits to families of some of the slain police officers.
He, however, said the employment offer could be swapped for scholarship for their children up to secondary school.

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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12 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.

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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

 

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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12 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.

During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.

It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.

In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.

He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.

The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.

He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.

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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.

He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.

“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.

Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.

“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.

“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.

 

94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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12 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.

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The statement reads:

“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”

Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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