Connect with us

News

Residents flee as soldiers leave Niger Community after deadly ambush

Published

on

Residents flee as soldiers leave Niger Community after deadly ambush
Fleeing residents
The Nigerian military has closed its camp and withdrawn troops in Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.Allawa community is one of the communities facing severe attacks by bandits and terrorists in Shiroro LGA of the state.

The withdrawal of troops, which residents said came to them as a surprise due to renewed attacks in the community and its neighbouriy communities, had caused hundreds of locals including women, the elderly and children to vacate their houses, trekking at least 50 kilometres to safe places.

Residents told Daily Trust that they woke up on Thursday seeing the soldiers removing their tents in preparation to leave the community.

One of the locals, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that the withdrawal came two days after the military vehicle stepped on a landmine along Allawa-Pandogari road, leading to an unspecified number of casualties.

“I don’t know if you were aware that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 the military personel on their way to Allawa stepped on IED and casuallities including death were recorded. Some of them are in the hospital. The incident happened on Allawa-pandogari road Tuesday,” he said.

The Tuesday incident came less than a week after six soldiers and a vigilante lost their lives in an ambush at Roro when bandits launched multiple attacks on Roro, Karaga, Rumace and other farming communities.

Another resident, Mallam Yahuza Allawa, told our correspondent that dozens of residents had vacated their communities as early as 4am on foot and were heading towards Erena, Gwada, Kuta or Zumba for safety.

SEE ALSO:  Gunmen kill Taraba monarch

“This is a serious issue. Please help us report this issue. We are leaving our communities now and there are insufficient motorcycles and vehicles to take us out as quick as possible. We are afraid. May be if you report it, government will bring vehicles to evacuate us to safe places. Our belongings are there, we can’t pack them.

Advertisement

“Wallah, hundreds of us have left our communities already. We cannot take Pandogari road because it is not safe. So, we are moving to either Erena, Gwada, Kuta or Zumba. And from Allawa to Erena which is the only exit road for us is at least 42km and we are trekking because there are no vehicles to convey us. We have old people among us. Many people left their homes as early as 4am before early morning prayers. We cannot wait to be killed by these heartless bandits and Boko Haram,” he said.

He said the fleeing farmers have hundreds of goats and other domestic animals and other valuables, including foodstuffs that they were not able to evacuate due to lack of vehicles.

He said Allawa and adjoining communities had relied on the presence of the military for protection, saying that the withdrawal came as a surprise to them.

Daily Trust recalls that recently, dozens of goats and bags of foodstuffs as well as houses and motorcycles were burnt down during attacks on Allawa, Bassa and adjoining communities by bandits.

Residents believed that the attackers were members of Boko Haram and ISWAP due to their fire power.

SEE ALSO:  How ex-HoS, Oyo-Ita, others diverted N3bn to private companies -Witness

With the withdrawal, residents said they had become more vulnerable to attacks, forcing them to vacate their communities.

In August 2023, at least 20 soldiers also lost their lives while others including vigilantes sustained injuries in an ambush along Zungeru-Tegina road while responding to distress calls in some communities in Wushishi LGA.

A day after, the MI-171 NAF Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed at about 1.00pm near Chukuba Village, Shiroro. The crash was confirmed by the Nigeria Air Force Authorities.

Advertisement

Reports later emerged that the helicopter was shot down by non-state actors and that the pilot died. But the report could not be independently confirmed by Daily Trust.

Local told Daily Trust they learnt from interactions with some soldiers that the military authorities said they would no longer bear the incessant killing of soldiers in the state.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) confirmed the withdrawal of the troops.

He said it was part of the arrangements by the military to restrategise on best ways to tackle insecurity.

“The whole thing is about administrative arrangements by the military to restrategise to return in full strength,” he said in a reply to our correspondent’s message. (Daily Trust)

Advertisements

News

Ohaneze demands immediate compensation of Ukachukwu Brothers over illegal demolition of their investments

Published

on

The Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has demanded an immediate apology to the Ukachukwu brothers and their subsequent compensation by the Federal Government, over what it called, the unprovoked illegal demolition of the Real Estate Investment at Asokoro extension on the orders of the Minister of FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike.

Recall that officials of the Federal Capital Development Agency, acting on the orders of the FCT Minister, had on the 27th March 2024, invaded the project site with a detachment of over 300 security personnel including the Army, the Navy, the Police, and many others, and destroyed the properties.
The said property has the registration number: FCDA/DC/BP/ASD/29163 validly approved by the FCT authorities for development.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu said there is no way anyone can talk about the development of Abuja without giving due credence to Igbo entrepreneurs, especially young men like Nicholas Ukachukwu, who worked so hard to develop the place.

According to him, Ukachukwu would not have invested such billions in Abuja, if he did not believe in one Nigeria.

“When Abuja was probably one or two streets, Ukachukwu came in here and invested heavily in developing Abuja. By the time these Igbos came to Abuja, many Nigerians from other tribes did not want to invest in developing Abuja.

“So when I invited him and he complained, I was actually moved with compassion because I know that this is a person who sincerely is a patriotic Nigeria and believes in the unity of the country.

SEE ALSO:  Gov Mbah mourns Sen. Ayogu Eze, says it’s a monumental loss

“So he is one of those Igbos that Nigeria should be proud of and that is why this demolition is worrying me,” Iwuanyanwu noted.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo leader who described Ukachukwu as an honest and straightforward businessman, said he believes that he was being unjustly victimized and the Ohaneze Ndigbo will ensure that such is not allowed.

Advertisement

He said; “I want to assure you that as the Igbo leader, I will do my best to make sure that the Ukachukwu brothers are not in any way victimized any further and that they receive the due restoration of their properties which they lawfully acquired.”

Meanwhile, the Ohaneze Ndigbo youth wing has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene on the matter as a panacea for peace, equity and justice.

The acting National leader of the Ohaneze Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu who made the call in a press briefing on the matter, said they have seen all the documents of acquisition, court judgments, orders, and evidence of Ministerial approvals for restoration of titles on the said properties.
He maintained that it is quite disheartening that this unlawful act was executed without recourse to the rule of law or any valid court judgment.

“Interestingly, this land was validly acquired in the nineties and has a clear history of legitimacy.

“Contrary to the claims of FCT Authorities, that the land was allocated in error to Praco international limited and the Ukachukwu’s, FCT Authorities must be reminded that Nigeria is governed by law and as such should desist from anything that is inimical to the peace, unity, and progress of this country.

SEE ALSO:  Abuja British School shuts down over bullying, assault of female student

“We are miffed by the sheer audacity of FCTA to unleash mayhem on fellow Nigerians even without any serious provocation. FCT Authorities must be cautioned,” he said.

The Ohaneze youth leader demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from the FCDA to the Ukachukwu brothers, for labeling them land grabbers

“Government is a continuum; other past FCT Ministers were not ignorant of the law governing FCT land Administration; therefore it is instructive to note that Ukachukwu Brothers are law-abiding citizens, with National Honours, who acquired their wealth through dint of hard work and unwavering commitment for excellence, and have contributed immensely to Peace, Development and Overall wellbeing of the Federal Capital Territory.

Advertisement

“We therefore demand that adequate monetary compensation should be paid to the Ukachukwu brothers for the malicious and unwarranted demolition of their properties.

“We also call on the FCDA and the FCT Ministry, to desist from further unlawful encroachment of the said property forthwith.

“If the intervention of the Ohaneze Ndigbo National leader is not recognized, we shall be left with no choice than to seek redress through struggle,” Okpalaezeukwu insisted.

Advertisements
Continue Reading

News

Nigerian CP Ifeanyi Uche emerges Head of INTERPOL Africa

Published

on

CP ifeanyi Uche

The Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), Nigeria’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Ifeanyi Uche, has emerged as chairman of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL’s) African Heads of Cybercrime Units.

CP Uche emerged on Friday, May 3, after the 10th Africa Working Group meeting on cybercrime for heads of units held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel from April 29th to May 3.p

While delivering his speech, the Commissioner of Police said: “Cybercrime poses a significant threat to our societies, economies, and security, and it is imperative that we work together to address this growing challenge. As chairman, I am committed to leading from the front, fostering the much-desired collaboration among our member units to enhance our collective ability to prevent and investigate cybercrimes effectively in Africa.

“I consider this as a call to champion the enthronement of a new charter of technological renaissance and home-grown cybersecurity ethics in Africa and a paradigm shift from absolute dependence on external solutions to African-nurtured technological initiatives, adaptive to our socio-political ecosystem. This is achievable by harnessing and leveraging our inherent collective expertise, and resources through a common political will.”

He further stated: “We can make significant strides in combating cybercrime and creating a safer digital environment for all Africans. Together, we can stay ahead of the evolving threats posed by cybercriminals and protect our citizens from harm.

“With the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the emergence of Al and IOT, the undeniable reality is that global cyberspace is undergoing profound and rapid changes given the penetration of new technologies and growing interconnection of the system. Though this evolution offers opportunities for innovations, diversification, and cost optimization, it also carries with it increased exposure to new and devastating risks of imminent cyber-attacks. These attacks permeate and affect the entire global digital ecosystem equally with no exception to geographic belts hence we, but affects businesses of all sizes both in public and private sectors in all regions at a breakneck speed.”

SEE ALSO:  Protest breaks out in Ondo over APC Gov Primary

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said: “Having over 120 participants across 54 African countries and beyond engaging for over five days is not only commendable but inspiring because it gives us hope and confidence in the safety of Africa’s digital space and the prosperity of our nations and citizens.

“As you are aware, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical issue, not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent. The rapid advancement of technology has brought unprecedented opportunities for development and progress, but it has also exposed us to new risks and vulnerabilities. As we witness the increasing digitization of our economies and societies, it is important that we strengthen our cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate these risks effectively. Cybercrime is borderless, and this means that collaboration is not an option, but a must.”

Advertisement
Advertisements
Continue Reading

News

Retired CP explains how he made billions with Facebook friends while still in service

Published

on

Retired CP explains how he made billions with Facebook friends while still in service
• Retired Anambra state CP, Chief Aderemi Adedoye
Chief Aderemi Adedoye, who is the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has been in the news since he was pulled out of the Nigeria Police Force after 35 years of service.

During the ceremony in Awka, Adeoye, who joined the Nigeria Police as a constable even though he had a university degree, told his audience at the Alex Ekwueme Square how an investment company he founded with some Facebook friends, is now worth about N20 billion.

Adeoye had said that with his retirement, he would go full-time into business and would not bother himself going into security consultancy as many retired security operatives usually do.

Following the controversy that has trailed his pronouncement on the investment outfit, tongues started wagging as to how the retired CP had time to engage himself in such a multi-million naira venture. On Friday, Adeoye was a guest on Arise News TV to explain everything about the business.

He said: “The people of Anambra State knew that I did my work diligently. It has never happened in the history of Anambra State that a retiring CP should be conferred with two chieftaincy titles by two communities and a street named after me.

I am Nwane Di na mba 1 of Omasi Kingdom and I am Dike Ochiagha 1 of Ogbunka Kingdom. I received these titles within a space of one week. The street named after me is by the Governor’s Lodge in Awka. Africa Trust Magazine declared me Man of the Year and went down memory lane to capture what we did in terms of security. So I did not abuse my office. I served for 35 years without attracting any query.”

Asked to clarify the operations of the controversial outfit he has been managing and the ownership structure of the organization, Adeoye said:

“The name of this organization is Alfa Trust Investment Club. Our loan arm is registered as Artic Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, which is registered with the Lagos State Government. We carry on investment under the business name of Artic Ventures and Business Services and that is the name that is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). We would have liked to register our full name as it is, but CAC did not approve that.

SEE ALSO:  Protest breaks out in Ondo over APC Gov Primary

“Basically when we started in 2018, all the 177 founding members were my Facebook friends and they were drawn from an investment forum where I had lectured for free for years. The members requested that this thing we are doing as a hubby assist somebody and that we can pull resources together to do some legal investment. I was mandated to set the process in motion to ensure that everyone who would participate would willingly do so. The 177 members were then migrated to the Investment outfit. Subsequently, on a yearly, basis, we admit members.

Advertisement

These my friends invited their family members and friends to join. That is how we grow. We don’t solicit for membership. For five years of our existence, we have paid dividends every year without fail. Our purpose is to invest, not to do business.

So we don’t have an office, we don’t have overhead costs, we don’t have employees, we don’t pay salaries, we don’t have a generator, we don’t have official cars, The only thing the officials of the club spend is their data which is seen as their contributions to the growth of the club. The only thing we spend money on is organizing our physical meetings and this is paid for by membership dues, which is N5000 per member, per annum.

“For anybody to be a member, he must be a Nigerian, irrespective of where he resides in the world. The person must have visible means of livelihood which is verified. Usually, we demand to see a workplace identity card and we go further to verify it we do background checks and we insist that any member we admit must not have any criminal record.

SEE ALSO:  Workers’ Day: Labour laments rising food prices, fuel crisis

“Those who have pending matters with EFCC are excluded. The majority of our members are Nigerian professionals all over the world. Once admitted, the person indicates the number of shares he or she wants to buy, subject to a minimum of 50,000 units”.

On whether the outfit has audited accounts, Adeoye said the organization is only an outline investment entity.

“We have a registered business address, which belongs to one of the members of the Board of Trustees. But we don’t run costs on it because everything we do is online. When members pull funds together, we use it to buy shares from the Nigeria Stock Exchange and we invest in landed properties in Estates promoted by renowned developers all over the country, and that is what has yielded the money we have today.

“We bought hundreds of plots at N750,000 per plot in 2019 and today each plot is worth N12 million. It is determined by the market price. We subscribed for 600 plots and in Ibeju Lekki we subscribed for five plots.

We are not a public quoted company; we are an investment company. We are not answerable to anybody, except to our members, the BOT and the management for our record, unless you bring a court order for us to account to you. Everything we do is published for our members to read. At the AGM, our accounts are approved. We have never invited external auditors to audit our books and every member is satisfied with our books.

Advertisement

It was some greedy members who said they wanted the accounts to be rendered and we said no problem, but that the procedure must be followed.”

SEE ALSO:  Gov Mbah mourns Sen. Ayogu Eze, says it’s a monumental loss

He added: “My job never suffered from my attention. I keep awake every night to get information from my command and I respond accordingly, and the evidence is there.”

On the allegation that he is operating a Ponzi scheme, Adeoye stated: “Our outfit is not a Ponzi scheme, Ponzi scheme, means collecting money from new members to pay old ones. We don’t do that. Any money paid by new members is used to pay for the lands we have bought. Running a loan scheme is a feature of every cooperative society.

The loans, which can be up to N1 million are payable in nine months and we have had zero default in the last five years. We also have a land auction system where members who buy at a cheap rate sell when they appreciate.

“Last year, this generated N15 million for us. We also have our internal active stock exchange. Whatever business we do has tax liability imputed.

In terms of membership, we are 1400 strong and those expelled for criminal misconduct are 33. In terms of the size of the business, our assets are in the neighbourhood of around N20 billion. If you divide it by the number of members, it averages N15 million.

So I do not know where this idea of one person being a billionaire came from. I am not the largest shareholder in the club. The largest shareholder works with the Atomic Agency in Vienna and he is a member of BOT.

The second largest shareholder is a medical doctor based in the UK and he is a BOT member also. If anything is going wrong, it is these people who have big investments that will raise the alarm.

Advertisement

The person raising the alarm holds the minimum number of shares 50,000 shares. It is ridiculous that 96% of our members are with us.” (Saturday Vanguard)

Advertisements
Continue Reading

Trending