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Protesting youths set INEC office ablaze in Benue

Published

3 days ago

July 4, 2024

Protesting youths set INEC office ablaze in Benue

Some aggrieved youths in Benue State burnt down the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed this in a statement.

Olumekun quoted Prof. Sam Egwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue as saying the youths invaded the facility around 2pm.

“The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu has reported that our Local Government Area office in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, has been attacked and burnt down.

“The incident occurred at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday 3rd July 2024, when the youths in the area were said to be protesting against the activities of bandits who attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.

“Although no casualties were reported, the building has been extensively damaged. Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack.”

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Governor Hyacinth Alia had declared an indefinite curfew on Ukum Local Government Area as a result of violent protest.

Our correspondent reports that heavy protests broke out in Sankera in the early hours of Wednesday following the fresh killings of 11 people by armed outlaws who have severally gone on rampage in the area and meted cruelty to the inhabitants.

The protesters were alleged to have torched the council’s secretariat as they laid dead bodies of victims on the parking lot of the Council Chairman, Victor Iorzaa.

Iorzaa had told journalists in Makurdi earlier that he could not comment on the matter.

The governor who imposed the curfew through his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, cited the grave security situation in the region which has led to the wanton destruction of property leading to instability of the area as reason for his action.

“Beginning today, 3rd July 2024, a curfew be imposed on Ukum Local Government and environs beginning from 3pm to 3pm of tomorrow 4th July 2024.

“The curfew shall be observed from 6pm to 6am beginning from tomorrow 4th of July 2024 untill further notice.”

Alia further called for calm, saying security operatives had been deployed in their numbers to keep the peace in Ukum in particular and the Sankera region at large.

Protesting youths set INEC office ablaze in Benue

metro

Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest

Published

3 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Trends Admin

Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for a special clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic States of West Africa Province terrorists.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official X Handle, disclosed this on Saturday.

It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force on terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.

It said that the troops targeted the enclave, and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.

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The army said its troops further conducted exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some arms.

According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on the metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.

“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.

“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.

“This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens,” it said.

Army kill 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest

NAN

metro

Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3

Published

3 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Trends Admin

Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3

A youth leader of a Protestant church in Rumukalagbor area of Rivers State, Tuouamene, has been arrested by the police, leaving worshippers aghast and stupefied.

He was arrested in the church after he gave a powerful testimony which left some of the congregation enveloped by emotion.

Tuouamene was apprehended in connection with the death of a mother of three in a hotel in May this year.

The deceased was said to be a former lover of the youth leader.

They reportedly checked into a hotel in Rumuigbon area of the state, only for the woman’s lifeless body to be found later, in the room.

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Police sources hinted that “a married woman has died under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room, and the prime suspect, her former acquaintance, has been arrested after trying to cover up his involvement by giving false testimony in church.

“The incident occurred at the hotel in Rivers State. Investigations reveal that the woman, who was a married mother of three, had reconnected with a former classmate, Tuamene, while he was planning his wedding on April 27, 2024.

“The two had met and struck up a relationship back in 2010 when they were studying Educational Management at the Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education).

“After graduating in 2012, they lost contact. But the chance meeting at Tuamene’s wedding led to them arranging a rendezvous on May 14, 2024.”

Rivers: Church youth leader arrested during thanksgiving for killing mother of 3

metro

Police warn about planned secret cult initiations in schools, others

Published

5 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Trends Admin

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko

Police warn about planned secret cult initiations in schools, others

The Police Command in Rivers has cautioned the public regarding potential cult-related activities across the country on June 7.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.

According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.

“We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.

“The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.

“The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’

Iringe-Koko said that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.

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“The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.

“It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’

The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.

She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.

“Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.

“Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.

“Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults,” Iringe-Koko appealed.