The Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) has reportedly suspended some of its officers after they were captured in a viral video singing a campaign song in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The affected officers were allegedly handed a two-month suspension without pay, according to information obtained by our correspondent.

The disciplinary action was reportedly taken on Tuesday, November 10, following public reactions to the video, which circulated widely on social media.

The incident was said to have occurred at Nwagu Junction in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, where the officers were deployed to manage traffic.

Sources said the officers were subsequently summoned to the agency’s headquarters in Awka, where they were asked to explain their involvement in the incident.

Although the circumstances surrounding the video remain unclear, accounts suggest that the officers joined in singing after a vehicle bearing the NDC logo drove past the junction with loudspeakers blaring the campaign song.

Efforts to obtain an official explanation from the agency were unsuccessful, as the ATMA commander declined to comment when contacted.

Meanwhile, the affected officers were said to be distressed by the suspension, with some reportedly seeking intervention from influential individuals to have the decision reconsidered.

Their relatives have also appealed to members of the public to assist the officers in securing alternative sources of livelihood, expressing fears that the two-month suspension without salary could worsen their families’ financial difficulties during the holiday season.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, has been shot dead by armed men who invaded his residence.

The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday evening at Anguwan Rogo in Takum town, shortly after Saidu returned home from the cattle market.

A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants arrived in the area on motorcycles with their faces covered before opening fire repeatedly on the MACBAN chairman.

The gunmen reportedly fled immediately after the attack, while the shooting threw residents of the neighbourhood into panic.

The neighbour described Saidu as a peaceful individual who maintained cordial relationships with people in the community, adding that his killing had left residents devastated.

The deceased, popularly known by the nickname D.O., was buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites in Takum.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, said preliminary reports indicated that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle.

He disclosed that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.

Mshelizah added that the Commissioner of Police, Edwin Ogbeghagha, had directed officers to intensify investigations into the incident.

He further said the command was working with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area.

The police spokesman urged residents to refrain from actions that could trigger reprisal attacks and called on members of the public to provide investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

The Executive Director of the Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation, Dr Ejikeme Odumegwu, has applauded the deployment of seasoned police officer, CP Fidelis Ogarabe, as the new Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, expressing confidence that his leadership will strengthen security and community policing across the state.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) had announced Ogarabe’s deployment as the new Commissioner of Police in Enugu State about a week ago.

Odumegwu, who is the Owelle of Nsukka, described the appointment on Wednesday as a welcome development, saying it was a case of “putting a square peg in a square hole”.

He described Ogarabe as a seasoned crime-fighter who combines proactive, intelligence-driven policing with a strong commitment to community engagement, noting that his approach would help prevent criminal activities before they occur.

Dr Ejikeme Odumegwu

According to him, the development has been widely welcomed by residents of the state since the announcement of Ogarabe’s deployment.

“My view is that the security architecture in Enugu State will be tightened and strengthened with CP Ogarabe.

“Under the leadership of a person like him, who has served diligently in various capacities and received awards and recognition for his service in the state, I believe the Nigeria Police Force will record even greater successes.

“CP Ogarabe is a true son of Enugu State, one who understands the political and social philosophies of the people, particularly the mindset and aspirations of the youths.

“So, we have a Red Carpet Officer (RCO) coming home to discharge his responsibilities with passion, working for the security, peace and progress of his own state,” he said.

The foundation’s executive director expressed confidence that Ogarabe would fully deploy the community policing strategy and ensure its effective implementation across the state.

He added that with a thoroughbred professional like Ogarabe at the helm of affairs, the popular slogan, “Police Is Your Friend”, would be reflected in the conduct and actions of police officers.

Odumegwu further noted that Ogarabe’s professional disposition and approach to policing would encourage more members of the public to engage with the police and build mutually beneficial relationships in the fight against crime.

He recalled that his foundation’s involvement in supporting the Nigeria Police Force was inspired by his positive relationship with Ogarabe when he served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), as well as his relationship with retired DIG Mohammed Danmallam, who was then the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State.

According to him, their commitment to effective community policing inspired his decision to construct and donate a brand-new police station in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, which was commissioned in 2023.

He disclosed that the foundation had also renovated police stations across the state, including the office of the Commissioner of Police, and carried out the perimeter fencing of the Enugu Ezike Divisional Police Headquarters, among other interventions.

“With him as the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, we shall rally round him in the discharge of his lawful duties and ensure he succeeds,” Odumegwu added.