metro
Police kill kidnappers attempting to abduct reverend father
Police kill kidnappers attempting to abduct reverend father
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of three members of a notorious kidnap gang during a renewed attempt to abduct a Reverend Father.
This gang had previously kidnapped the clergyman, for which he reportedly paid a significant sum for his release.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, made the announcement on Monday in Uyo while parading various criminal suspects arrested in recent operations by the Command.
Highlighting some of the critical cases, CP Eribo, who took over from the late CP Waheed Ayilara two weeks ago, told newsmen, “We have neutralized three daredevil criminals notorious for kidnapping and other criminal acts. We have it on record that they once kidnapped a prominent Reverend Father, took him somewhere in this state, and collected a ransom.”
“This time they were coming for a second mission to pick up the Rev. Father again, because an informant told them that the victim still had a lot of money to give out.
“We acted on a very credible intelligence and we were able to neutralise three of them in a crossfire that ensued between the hoodlums and the men of our command.
“Another case involve a very brutal, deadly cult operating in the riverine area. This was the group that recently cut down three hunters (vigilante) in one of the villages (Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area) in the state. They beheaded them.
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“We recovered two of the bodies without their heads and the other we haven’t seen till today. They told us they threw the body into the high sea. We got the No 3 man of that deadly gang. And he is confessing what they did. A terrible gang.
“There are other breakthroughs recorded, including two cases of unlawful possession of firearms with the arms recovered. There is also case of child stealing where children are taken from this state and sold outside for various amount including a child sold for N400,000 and another for N600,000. We have two women and other suspects with us.”
The CP also mentioned a case of fake kidnap “where children wanting to extort their parents arranged own kidnap. The lid was blown off and we were able to apprehend them”, just as a dismissed Police Corporal was paraded for impersonating on uniform as a serving officer to extort people was also paraded.
“Only God knows how many people have fallen victim of his impersonation. A good Samaritan gave us the information on him doing those things a genuine policeman wouldn’t do on uniform. That led to his arrest”, the CP said.
On the Command’s preparedness for October protest starting Tuesday, CP Eribo said, “This state (Akwa Ibom) is called a state of promise, so it is a state pf peace. The protest happened before and it was calm here. There was no untoward incident at all.
“The Governor is doing so much to empower the youths in the state. And I don’t see why anyone would go out to protest. It will amount to an afterthought. It didn’t happen then, why will it happen now?
“But on our own we have deployed and positioned our men. You can see how they are kitted. We appeal to the public to ensure peace. To do otherwise will amount to an ill-wind that would do nobody no good.
“Genuine protest can be hijacked by criminals. And when that happens, even the protesters can become victims. So we are ready, working in synergy with our sister agencies.
On the coming Local Government elections Saturday, CP Eribo said full strength has been deployed to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise.
“We wish for peaceful elections, because no life is worth an election,” he stated.
Police kill kidnappers attempting to abduct reverend father
metro
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
metro
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
metro
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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