Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed 18 persons in Mbache Ward of Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State on Friday.
The chairman of the caretaker committee in Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr. Justine Shaku, told journalists on Saturday that a man and his two children were also kidnapped during the attack.
Shaku said he received a distress call at 11:00 p.m., on Friday that some gunmen were going from house to house forcing people to follow them.
He said: “I quickly notified the military officers at Tor Donga but before they could reach Mbache ward where the incident was happening, the gunmen had killed 18 persons and left with three others.
“Yesterday night I was told it was 17, but today 18 bodies have been confirmed dead.
“All of them were assembled in one place and killed.
“This morning, I, the Benue State House of Assembly member and adviser on legislative matters held a meeting and we communicated the development to the Commissioner of Police.
“He is on his way coming. Since he is coming we asked the villagers to wait and let him join us here in Katsina-Ala town before we visit the scene.
“Yes some people were kidnapped, one man and his two children were kidnapped.
“In the recent days apart from what happened yesterday we have pockets of kidnappings.
“Kidnapping is also resurfacing in the area.”
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Suspected herdsmen kill 18, abduct three in Benue community
I was never suspended from Labour Party – Hilda Dokubo
Veteran Nollywood actress turned politician, Hilda Dokubo has stated that she was never suspended as a member of the Labour Party, LP, in Rivers State.
Dokubo, who is the LP’s chairperson in Rivers, was reportedly suspended on Thursday by the party’s ward executive committee over financial misconduct.
Reacting to the report in a viral video on Instagram, Dokubo said: “I was never suspended. Everybody in that publication is a non Labour Party member because the LP has a register and knows all members, especially in Asarito torí community.
“So these are PDP boys carrying out the instructions of their master. So the question would be why?, I have worked in Nollywood for over 30 years with no blemish or scandal. I have worked with international organizations for 10 years. Not one day was it mentioned that I took anything. Because my work is heavy on integrity and honour. Those are the things they investigate before any job is given to you.
“When they say you venture into politics, you get into murky water. This is corruption pushing back. This is why I’m doing this broadcast. My lovers we are doing revalidation of membership and registering members to strengthen our wards. When you refuse to be bribed, they threaten you and if you refuse to be threatened. They are most definitely going to look for a way to hurt you.
“At no time was I suspended. Had no time to have any dealings with money. We do not have money. I am the chairman of the party in Rivers state, not a financial secretary or treasurer, I’m not even an executive of ward 3. So I think they missed the point out there.”
I was never suspended from Labour Party – Hilda Dokubo
Charly Boy challenges Odumeje to save Nigeria from ‘burning’
The former President of the Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy, has urged controversial preacher, Chukwumeka Cyril aka Odumeje to use his power to save Nigeria.
He made the call after Odumeje chastised billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote for not “heeding to his prophecy” concerning the latter’s refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos which caught fire about a month ago.
In a post on his official X handle, the eccentric entertainer asked the preacher to refrain from calling out Dangote because he has a lot of money and the hunger in the land does not affect him.
READ ALSO: Task force assaults Odumeje as Anambra govt demolishes church (video)
He wrote: “Dear Odumeje, we, Nigerians, have humbly come to you. Please can you stop the nation from burning…the economy is plummeting. We ask for your power in this desperate time of need.
‘‘Please, don’t pay any mind to Dangote. He has a lot of money, and the hunger in the land does not get to his side. That’s why he did not understand that he had to be humble before you.”
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Executive Order: Taraba Govt taskforce sets mining camp ablaze
The Chairman of the Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation, retired General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, has threatened to set fire on mining camps in Taraba State.
It would be recalled that Governor Agbu Kefas had issued an Executive Order, banning all forms of mining activities in Taraba State.
Fulfilling his threat, Faransa, during the weekend, set ablaze a mining camp located in Akwana village of Wukari Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the camp has been operating illegally despite several warnings.
“Despite several warnings, the illegal miners in the area refused to adhere to the Executive Order issued by His Excellency Governor Agbu Kefas.
“I will not hesitate to set ablaze any mining camp that will turn down the Executive Order of Governor Agbu Kefas in the best interest of the state,” he said.
The taskforce also arrested three suspected miners at the camp.
Faransa said the suspects will be arraigned before the Special Mobile Court on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation for prosecution.
Executive Order: Taraba Govt taskforce sets mining camp ablaze
Police demotes Inspector for attempted extortion in Lagos
A police Inspector has been demoted to the rank of sergeant for trying to extort money from a drone operator in Lagos State.
The spokesman for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the demotion to journalists on Saturday.
He said: “The disciplinary process of the police officer that harassed one drone operator on Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge has been concluded.
“He has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant.”
Hundeyin had on April 6 responded to a viral video showing two police officers demanding a permit from a drone operator on the bridge.
He said the police officers acted within the ambit of the law by demanding to see a permit from the drone operator.
“For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country.
“Nonetheless, the Police Command in Lagos totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the officers in attempting to extort the drone operator as can be seen in the concluding part of the video.
“The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has, therefore, directed the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were duly posted to the bridge, to produce the men for appropriate disciplinary actions,” the spokesman added.
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Beware of slippery banana peels – Commander tells newly promoted soldiers
The Brigade Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, Brigadier Kingsley Uwa, has urged the newly promoted soldiers of the Brigade to beware of slippery banana peels they are likely to meet during the course of moving up in their career.
Two officers of the Brigade were promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain.
The newly promoted soldiers are the Brigade pioneer finance officer, Captain Chinedu Nsiegbbunam and the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Oni Olubodunde.
Decorating them with their new ranks on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital, Uwa announced that their promotion was based on merit.
“The two promoted soldiers have been very hardworking, and have assisted me since my assumption as the Brigade Commander to achieve my vision and mission to the Brigade.
“So I urge you to beware of slippery banana peels in the course of executing your newly assigned responsibilities,” he said.
Beware of slippery banana peels – Commander tells newly promoted soldiers
Amid crisis, Speaker Abbass throws weight behind Dangote Refinery after facility tour
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said lawmakers are committed to addressing all issues affecting the ease of doing business in Nigeria amid the challenges of full-scale takeoff of the Dangote refinery.
The Speaker said this when he led the leadership of the House of Representatives on familiarization visit to Dangote Refinery on Saturday.
Speaking after they were conducted around the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy.
“The purpose of this visit is to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery. This initiative aligns with our legislative agenda, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.
“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.
“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape,” he said.
The visit comes amid the outrage which followed the revelation by the Chief Executive Officer of Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, that Dangote Refinery’s petroleum products are inferior to imported ones.
Ahmed had also said that the Dangote Refinery has not been licensed to operate, noting that it is risky to make the company’s petroleum products monopoly in the sector.
The development had resulted in deep-seated confusion in the country’s oil and gas sector.
However, former Chief Operating Officer, Upstream Operations, Engineer Bello Rabiu, said the NNPCL is a monopoly in the sector.
Recall that the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, had alleged that International Oil Companies in Nigeria are frustrating Dangote Refinery by selling crude oil at higher prices.
This comes after the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote announced that the 650,000 barrels per day refinery would kick off the supply of fuel by August.
Dangote had said if his refinery comes onboard, Nigeria would stop the importation of fuel which sold around N617-N750 per liter.
Earlier on June 3, 2024, the Senate led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had visited Dangote Refinery.
Amid crisis, Speaker Abbass throws weight behind Dangote Refinery after facility tour
UNIZIK Governing Council sacks Acting VC Ikechebelu, appoints Umobi
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has appointed Prof Carol Umobi as as Acting Vice Chancellor.
The Council, during its meeting on Saturday, removed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joe Ikechebelu.
Ikechebelu has been the Acting Vice Chancellor for about two months, after taking over from the outgone Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.
A letter from the Governing Council of the university, which was signed by the Xhairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, congratulated Umobi on the appointment.
The letter which was presented to Umobi read: “Dear Professor Umobi,
“APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
“1 am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate. Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, 1 extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ubility to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule.
“Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University. Once again, congratulations on your appointment.”
The reason for Ikechebelu’s sack was not disclosed.
UNIZIK Governing Council sacks Acting VC Ikechebelu, appoints Umobi
Imo LG Polls: We will not tolerate irregularities – Youths warn ISIEC, State govt
Ahead of the Local Council elections in Imo, a youth group in the state has warned the Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, that it will not tolerate an election characterized by irregularities.
The group known as National Youth Alliance, NYA, Imo chapter, also told ISIEC and the Imo government that the youths were keenly watching the conduct of the elections.
The group gave the warning after its state executive meeting held in Owerri, noting that it will not tolerate a repeat of irregularities noticed during the House of Assembly and Gubernatorial election in the state.
The state Chairman of the group, Chinonso Uba warned ISIEC not to allow itself to be used by the government of the day to undermine the wishes of Imo citizens noting that such a move would be vehemently resisted by the youths.
He advised the youths to use the opportunity to launch themselves into politics and learn the political process, to pave the way for more participation in politics in 2027.
Uba also commended the Supreme Court for what he described as a landmark judgement on the autonomy of the local governments and for banning Governors from tampering with LG funds.
He described the judgement as a victory for not just democracy but the ordinary man on the streets of Nigeria.
The group expressed happiness for the number of youths who have declared interest in contesting the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the forthcoming LGA polls, noting that it is a good development.
The alliance urged young people in Imo to support all youths contesting in the exercise irrespective of any political party and appealed to the governor not to interfere in the primary election of political parties so as not to truncate the credibility of the process.
Imo LG Polls: We will not tolerate irregularities – Youths warn ISIEC, State govt
Taraba lawmaker, Useni condemns killing of Chanchanji Monarch, son
Mark Useni representing Takum, Donag and Ussa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has described as a rude shock the killings of the Chief of Chanchanji, HRH Abdul Hamid and his son, Yusufu Hamid by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The murder of the monarch and his son in ‘peacetime’, the lawmaker said, was dastardly and uncalled for, while commending Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State for the quick intervention in curtailing the crisis as a result of the killing.
Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, Reps Useni, who was the former Chairman of Takum Local Government Council noted that the horrendous killing was least expected given the normalcy that has returned to the Chanchanji area in Takum LGA, which he said has made farmers return to their farms.
“I have received the news of the gruesome killing of the Chief of Chanchanji Abdul Hamid.Y. Kumgbera and his son Yusuf Abdul Hamid with rude shock.
According to him, the deceased who was a third-class traditional ruler and his son were returning to Chanchanji from Takum when they met their untimely death while urging security operatives to go after the killers and bring them justice.
He said: “This dastardly act is condemnable especially at such a time that the area is experiencing peace while farmers engage in farming activities and business are beginning to thrive.
“I wish to commend the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for the immediate security steps he has taken to keep the area peaceful.
“I urge the people of Chanchanji and indeed Takum Local Government to remain calm and law-abiding as the government takes steps to ensure security of the whole area,” Useni said.
“I enjoyed a good working relationship with the late Monarch dating back to 20 years ago when I was the chairman of Takum local government area. He was a lover of his people and was committed to peace and community development.
Taraba lawmaker, Useni condemns killing of Chanchanji Monarch, son