News
Gunmen invade Kogi Community, abduct mother, three children, five others
• Residents cry out, seek aerial security surveillance
Gunmen on Friday abducted nine persons, including a woman and her three children, in Inele-Ugoh, a village in Igah Ikeje community, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday when more than 40 armed men stormed the community.
The woman and her three children were said to be on their way to another community for a burial when the gunmen intercepted them and took them into the forest.
Five other victims were reportedly abducted from their farms during the attack.
An eyewitness said the number of the attackers and the weapons they carried scared local vigilante members from confronting them.
Following the attack, the community reportedly sent distress calls to troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed at a checkpoint within the area.
However, the soldiers arrived after the gunmen had already fled into the forest.
Although troops and local vigilantes have begun combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims, residents expressed fears that without aerial surveillance, the abductors might not be easily located.
A community police source said the criminal group operates in large numbers and frequently relocates their captives.
“These bandits move in large groups, sometimes up to 200, and often split into smaller units. They do not stay in one location but keep moving their captives from one place to another.
“Ground troops alone may not succeed without aerial support. Drones or police helicopters from Lokoja are needed to flush them out. We will not enjoy Christmas if these criminals remain in our forests,” the source said.
Members of the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch also reported that kidnappers have intensified their activities in Olamaboro communities in recent times.
“The gunmen are clearly infiltrating the area from neighbouring states. They operate in large numbers and are heavily armed,” a member of the group said.
Another resident described the attackers as audacious and desperate, operating both day and night.
“We need more security deployment and aerial surveillance by both the state and federal governments to curb the menace of these criminals,” the resident added.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson were not answered as of the time of filing this report. (PUNCH)
Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday night.
The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the development to Channels Television.
Okorocha, who was arrested at REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja, was, however, released on bail by the NPF following an hour of interrogation over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.
CSP Iniedu, who confirmed the arrest and subsequent release on bail to our correspondent, noted that the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.
The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations in connection with the ongoing investigation.
He was initially invited to the Force Headquarters on September 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to September 8 at the request of his lawyers, a date he reportedly failed to honour.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been appointed a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list released last night.
This is despite the fact that he is the National Leader of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Similarly, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the opposition Accord Party (AP), are on the expanded and all-inclusive team headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Other members include Presidential Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon.
Also named as members are former Osun APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, former National Legal Advisers Dr. Muiz Banire and Babatunde Ogala, Chief Ayiri Emami, Victor Giadom, Magnus Abe, and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel.
The list, according to a report by The Nation, reflects inter-party cooperation and harmony based on the shared vision of propelling the country to the horizon of progress.
The report quoted a statement by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, as saying that the campaign council will be inaugurated tomorrow in Abuja.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has called for a thorough and impartial police investigation into the recent violence surrounding a political gathering in the state, assuring that anyone found responsible will face the law regardless of political affiliation.
Mbah, in an address to the people of Enugu State, expressed concern over reports of violence, particularly a shooting incident that left a citizen injured.
The governor said his immediate concern was the welfare of those injured, residents who experienced fear during the incident, and families affected by the violence.
He assured the victims and affected residents that their safety and well-being remained a priority for his administration.
“I know how much our people value the peace and security we have worked so hard to establish in Enugu. Incidents such as these cause anxiety and deserve our full attention,” the governor said.
Mbah stressed that every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, must be able to exercise their political rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding the law and ensuring that justice was served without favour.
The governor also stated that, in view of the preliminary findings regarding the incident, he expected the police to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
According to him, anyone found culpable would be held accountable through the appropriate legal process, irrespective of their political connections.
“The Enugu State Government has made its position clear regarding allegations of involvement in this violence,” Mbah stated, reaffirming his administration’s responsibility to maintain peace and security across the state.
The incident has raised concerns over political tolerance and the safety of citizens participating in political activities in Enugu State.
The governor’s call for an impartial investigation underscores the need for the relevant security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the shooting and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He concluded his address by thanking the people of Enugu State and praying for God’s continued blessings upon the state.
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