metro
No innocent herder killed in Nasarawa airstrike – NAF
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said the ‘38 herders’ killed in airstrikes carried out in January in Rukubi community of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State were terrorists and not innocent persons.
The NAF which had kept mum over the incident widely reported in the media about six months ago, said those killed were trying to wreak havoc, particularly the kidnapping of many school children at a secondary school in the location before they were eliminated.
Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, the spokesman of NAF, who spoke shortly after the bi-weekly press briefing at Defence headquarters, Abuja, said the air troops only eliminated the terrorists after thorough surveillance that took days.
Daily Trust had in January reported how controversy trailed the killing of some herders in the Rukubi community while they were returning from Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where they went to retrieve over 1,000 cows seized by the Benue Livestock Guards.
The Human Rights Watch in a report recently released criticised the Nigerian military for failing to own up to the airstrikes.
READ ALSO:
- West Darfur governor abducted, killed as war in Sudan spreads
- Portable bags West Africa Icon Award, reveals date for UK musical tour
- Motion to Curb ‘Japa’ Trend ‘Dies’ in the House of Reps
The HRW described the military’s delay in accepting responsibility for the attack as unacceptable, demanding an urgent, independent, impartial, and transparent inquiry.
The organisation also called on the military to ensure financial compensation and livelihood assistance to the victims and their families.
But Famuyiwa, while answering a question from our correspondent at the briefing, challenged Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and others who claimed some herders and cows were killed during the airstrike to come out and show the pictorial evidence of dead animals and the deceased persons to the world.
“On the 24th of January, even before then, there had been intel from several reliable sources of the activities of terrorists in that particular area. You are all aware of the nefarious activities of the criminal elements in that part of the country.
“You are also aware that there is an ongoing operation i.e. the Operation Whirl Stroke and the intel here from several sources and even to the commander of that operation, to the air component, that there was a plan by the terrorists within that area to carry out massive attacks.
“There was a secondary school in question that they also planned to kidnap students too. To that extent, the Air Force carried out surveillance. Remember there had been several intel that built up to that. But this particular intel, there was surveillance and the surveillance confirmed terrorists. I mean terrorists!
READ ALSO:
- Chef Dammy’s efforts not in vain, we’re aware of her cooking marathon – Guinness World Records
- Naira Exchanges N702/$1 At Investors, Exporters Window
- Abdulkarim Chukkol takes over as acting Chairman of EFCC
“And how did we know that they were terrorists? Because they have tactics they adopt, you see them coming on bikes in triples, converging at a location and after that, they disappear hiding under the forage. That surveillance continued almost throughout the day until later in the evening when a truck appeared in that scene.
“The truck was suspected to have brought logistics to them. And that was why the approval was given by the appropriate authority that, that truck should be checked out and in truth, it was taken out.”
“If you say people died, where is the truck? Where are the cattle? There was a truck. Where is the photograph of the dead bodies?
“The position with the Nigerian Air Force is that terrorists were struck that day and whether it is Miyetti Allah or whatever group that thinks there were innocent people, let them provide the evidence.
“If you think the military is going to give you the evidence of that operation for now, you won’t get it because there are some information that cannot be declassified now but let’s put the burden on the people. If they came there to collect their cow, where are the cows? Where is the picture of the truck that was struck? How did those people die?
“I think the press needs to do better than this. And if you look at it, after that particular incident, have you heard of any terrorist activity, or attack in that area? I think we need to do much better. No innocent person was killed.
“Let the people who said innocent people were killed provide the evidence and let the press do that analysis and let the truth come out.”
Daily Trust
metro
Landmines kill 5 JTF members, others wounded on Borno highway
Landmines kill 5 JTF members, others wounded on Borno highway
At least five civilian JTF members have been killed and unspecified others sustained varying degrees of injury when they stepped on landmines along the Maiduguri/Gomboru Ngala highway in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, sources said.
It was learnt that the incident occurred around Gajibo village about 12:30pm on Saturday.
According to a security source who spoke to Daily Trust on Sunday, no fewer than five persons lost their lives when they stepped on landmines planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
READ ALSO:
- Chelsea in dramatic come back dent Aston Villa top-four hope
- 5 Benin chiefs suspended for visiting Ooni of Ife
- How I fought Boko Haram, IPOB without a scar — Retiring CP Adeoye
“There were devastating landmines this afternoon around Gajibo community in Dikwa Local Government Area, killing at least five CJTF members and others seriously injured,” the security source said.
A top CJTF commander in Maiduguri confirmed the attacked to our correspondent, adding they were on patrol when they mistakenly stepped on explosives near Gajibo village on Saturday afternoon.
He said they lost some members, but the details were not yet available at press time.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue any statement on the incident.
Landmines kill 5 JTF members, others wounded on Borno highway
metro
Why I broke down in tears – Saudi Arabia maid impregnated by boss narrates ordeal
Why I broke down in tears – Saudi Arabia maid impregnated by boss narrates ordeal
A Kenyan lady, Faith Wambui, who worked as a maid in Saudi Arabia, has come forward to share her traumatic ordeal of being impregnated by her Saudi Arabian boss.
Speaking exclusively to Tuko, the lady revealed the agonizing challenges she faced, including deprivation of food, sleep, and exploitation.
According to the lady, she embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia with the assistance of her elder sister.
However, what awaited her there was far from the envisioned prospects. From the outset, she faced hostility from her employer, who harbored a deep-seated dislike towards her.
Despite the unbearable conditions, she found herself trapped between the harsh reality of her situation and the pressing needs of her family back home, compelling her to endure the hardships imposed upon her.
“He won’t give me enough food. Sometimes, I would go for three days without eating. I also did not used to get enough sleep. I really wanted to quit, but when I remembered the problems back home, I decided to endure the hardships in the house,” she said in a part
Adding to her torment, the lady revealed the treacherous actions of her boss’s brother, who cunningly manipulated her vulnerabilities.
He resorted to deceitful tactics, including hiding food from her and exploiting her desperation by offering monetary assistance.
“He would bring me some rice and soda. Sometimes, he would give me money, which I would later ask him to send to my family as my first three-month salary was going to my agent.” she added.
The lady sadly revealed that she was forced to have an affair with him, which led to her becoming pregnant.
Why I broke down in tears – Saudi Arabia maid impregnated by boss narrates ordeal
metro
Anambra: Vigilante arrested for torturing 60-year-old man to death
Anambra: Vigilante arrested for torturing 60-year-old man to death
Two persons have been apprehended in Anambra State over their alleged involvement in the death of a 60-year-old man.
The incident happened in Nza Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the south east state, according to the police.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Kenneth, was tortured to death by some of his kinsmen, including members of the vigilante operatives over a property dispute.
He was said to have sold a water tank in the family house to resolve some family issues, an act that allegedly prompted his younger brother to arrest him with the help of a vigilante group.
The victim was said to have been subjected to corporal punishment as he was continuously flogged by members of the vigilante operatives engaged by his younger brother.
The wife and children of the deceased have continued to face intimidation and threat over their quest for justice, a source familiar with the development disclosed.
READ ALSO:
- Relegation threatened Burnley hold Man United to a 1 – 1 draw
- Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons
- NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment
The source in the community said, “The incident happened some days ago, the man was accused of selling their family water tank. His younger brother went to engage about five vigilante operatives who came to flog him.
“They tied his two hands and continuously flogged him with sticks and other weapons until he became unconscious. They left him after they had seen that he was no longer breathing.
“His wife and children have been subjected to fear and intimidation as they have vowed to deal with them if they continue to seek justice for the death of their father.”
The state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident on Friday said one vigilante operative and a relative of the deceased have been arrested.
Ikenga said, “Yes, the incident happened. We have two suspects, one vigilante operative and a relative of the deceased in our custody and they are at the state criminal investigation department at the headquarters.
“Investigation is still ongoing on the matter and we assure you that nothing will be swept under the carpet. More details will be communicated please.”
Anambra: Vigilante arrested for torturing 60-year-old man to death
-
Entertainment3 hours ago
BREAKING: Popular Gospel singer Morenikeji ‘Egbin Orun’ is dead
-
News7 days ago
We’re not part of Yoruba Nation agitation, says MKO Abiola family
-
metro6 days ago
How gunmen killed Babcock university lecturer, abducted two – Police
-
Entertainment4 days ago
‘Tiwa Savage paid IT expert to wipe sextape off internet’
-
Politics6 days ago
Aregbesola, Oyetola’s camps disagree over Osun shares
-
News6 days ago
Pull down Chinese supermarket that denied Nigerians entry, Shehu Sani tells FG
-
News5 days ago
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
-
metro5 days ago
Updated: Policeman shot corps member dead at LAUTECH convocation party