…Kill 21, Abduct Scores

…. Attacks: Benue IDP Camps Swell

… Northern Govs Sadden over Killings

… Bayelsa Assures Security Agencies of Support

… Police Need Serious Funding – IGP

From Jude Dangwam, Jos; Vincent Nyinongu, Makurdi

Beauty John, Lafia and Tayese Mike, Yenagoa

It is not yet clear if Nigeria is into another civil war or fighting a sectorial war with bandits, herdsmen, gunmen and insurgents spreading and killing people all over the country.

From north to west, east and south, no day passes without stories of killings, kidnapping, abduction, ritual killing, rape, among others happening in the country.

This past weekend painted a gloomy picture that could not decipher whether Nigeria is in another war, but killings are perpetrated all ove the country.

Bandits Kill one, Abduct Scores in Kaduna Church

Again, Barely two days after the killing of three abducted Greenfield University students i, bandits yesterday attacked Haske Baptist Church, killing a medical doctor and abducting many worshippers.

DAILLY ASSET report has it that  the bandits surrounded worshippers as early as 9am in Manini Tasha Village, Kuriga Ward in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state.and in the process, a  medical doctor with Kaduna Ministry of Health, Dr. Zakariah Dogo Yaro, was shot dead.

An eyewitness, Mr Yakubu Bala,said  the bandits  abducted several members of the church, when they began to shoot sporadically as they scampered for safety.

 “Dr. Zakariah Dogo Yaro, a medical Doctor with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health was shot dead and unspecified number of people kidnapped while so many worshipers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 “As I am talking to you now, we have not seen some of our villagers who ran into the bush while the shootings was going on.

“We don’t know what is happening that we are facing this kind of scenario in our peaceful communities.

“Most villagers are already leaving their homes because of the constant attacks in so many Villages in Chikun local government.”

Gunmen Invade Rivers, Kill Four Security Personnel

In Rivers state, also at the weekend, four security operatives were hot dead as gunmen invaded the state.

It was gathered that the gunmen killed the victims at different security checking points in the state and beheaded two people believed to be soldiers close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, locsted at Omuagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Bomb Blast in Imo Gov House, Kills IPoB Cmdr, six others

The situation was not calm in Imo state as gunmen., after attacking the Owerri Owerri Correctional Centre and headquarters of Imo State Police Command two weeks ago, yesterday bombed the country home of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

The incident, which happened at 8:15 am at his village, Omuma, in Oru East Local Government Area, resulted in the death of four security operatives.

Same day, the Commander of Eastern Security Network (ESN), an outfit facilitated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), and six members of the outfit were killed during a shootout with security forces in the state.

IPoB immediately responded, blaming Uzodinma for the killings. The separatist group said the governor had stirred the hornet nest and would pay dearly for it.

The state government said the attack on Uzodinma’s country home was carried out by 15 people, who arrived at the scene in three vehicles including a tipper loaded with used tyres.

Public Relations Officer of Imo State Police Command, Orlando Ikeokwo, who confirmed the incident, identified the casualties as a Police Sergeant and two personnel of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

”Yes, I can confirm the story. The hoodlums attacked the governor’s house by throwing in petrol bomb as a result of which two cars were burnt, but they were successfully repelled.

“None of the building was set ablaze. However, one unarmed personnel of the NSCDC was killed in the process. The hoodlums, while escaping also killed a Police Sergeant and another NSCDC personnel both in their private vehicles at Mgbidi junction,” the Police spokesman said.

Gunmen Kill Nine, Injures Scores in Nasarawa

Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have killed nine persons, leaving several others injured in Ajikamaka, a Tiv settlement in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The attack was launched by heavily armed men with sophisticated weapons at about 2:00 AM on Saturday, chanting war songs as they descended on the victims who were asleep in their homes.

The whole village is currently in disarray as most of the inhabitants have fled for their lives in fear and the injured evacuated to seek medical attention in nearby towns.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the Nasarawa Command, ASP Ramhan Nansel said the Command was yet to receive official report on the incident.

The PPRO however said that as soon as the attack is confirmed, the command would as usual step up investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.

DAILY ASSET reports that the deceased who were mostly women and children were identified as Tsekaa Chiatyo, Kwaghdoo Tsekaa, Sewuese Tsekaa, Bobo Chiatyo, Aondoseer Fidelis, Aboy, Igba Aduku, Iwuese and Aseer.

Confirming the attack to newsmen in Lafia, the President of Tiv Development Association (TIDA) in Nasarawa State, Comrade Peter Ahemba said it was an unprovoked attack on his people.

Ahemba condemned the killings and described the dastardly act as unfortunate, and appealed to the state government to deploy security personnel to the area to restore peace and calm the situation.

He called on the Tiv people to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their hands despite the attack.

 Attacks: Benue IDP Camps Swell

The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various camps in Benue State is now estimated to be over one million as a result of sustained armed herdsmen attacks on communities in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom made the revelation yesterday while addressing IDPs at Uikpam, one of the camps in the state.

While calling on donor agencies, philanthropists and humanitarian workers to assist in addressing the plight of the IDPs, Governor Ortom said resources of the state had been overstretched, appealing that the government requires support to be able to cater for needs of the affected people.

He restated the resolve of his administration not to repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state contrary to the agenda of enemies of the state.

Governor Ortom while thanking God for taking him to the age of 60, said he had also prayed for the restoration of peace to enable the displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes, pointing out that God would put enemies of the state to shame.

The Governor who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom, warned against rape and violence against women especially those in the IDPs camps, saying his administration would deal decisively with culprits of such crime.

Executive Secretary State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior confirmed that earlier statistics showed Benue had over 800,000 IDPs with some in camps and others living with their relatives, stressing that only the one at Uikpam has 27,000 IDPs.

House of Representatives Member for Makurdi-Guma, Hon Benjamin Mzondu advised youth to support security agencies posted to their areas for improved security.

During the visit, the IDPs thanked the Governor for the constant care and support he has been giving them.

Northern Govs Sadden over Killings

Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors Forum has expressed displeasure over the killing of three of the 23 students of Greenfield University Kaduna State that were recently abducted by kidnappers.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Simon Lalong described the murder of the young innocent students as “shocking, barbaric and condemnable.”

The Forum called for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining students still under captivity as well as other citizens of the country in the custody of abductors.

Lalong in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Dr Makut Simon Macham and made available to newsmen yesterday in Jos the Plateau State capital said there is no justification for the kidnapped and murdered of the innocent students who were simply in school to study and prepare themselves for service to the nation. 

He stressed that the action of the abductors are clear act of sheered wickedness that must not be allowed to go unpunished.

The Chairman stressed that “the Northern Governors have continued to engage the Federal Government and security agencies towards a lasting solution to this menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities particularly in schools which has great implications for the future of education in the region and the nation at large.’

He said the recent meeting of the Forum with President Muhammadu Buhari and Service Chiefs was to further consolidate on measures towards addressing the security challenges of the region and the nation as a whole.

Lalong commiserates with the families of the murdered students, “we are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the other students still under captivity.”

In a related development, the Forum has commiserated with the Government and people of Kano State over the demise of the mother of Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayero.

They described her as a loving, humble and exemplary mother that devoted her life to inculcating positive values to the younger generation and also promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance among people of different persuasions. And prayed God to grant her eternity and console the royal family over the loss.

Bayelsa Assures Security Agencies of Support

In view of the development, the Bayelsa State Government restated its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the assurance at the weekend while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at a Send-Forth party organized in honour of the outgoing Commander of the 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen Ephraim Essien in Yenagoa.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, described Brigadier General Essien as a thoroughbred professional whose services contributed to the successful swearing in and take-off of the present administration.

He noted that the outgoing Army senior officer assumed leadership of the 16 Brigade at a time the state was experiencing remarkable turbulence following the Supreme Court judgment on the 2019 Governorship Elections.

According to him, the Brigade working in concert with other security services helped to calm the turbulence at the time as well as prevented the Endsars protest from wreaking havoc in the state.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo assured that the current administration would remain grateful and do everything within its reach in terms of supporting security agencies to perform their duties.

While thanking the celebrant for his meritorious services to the Nigerian Army and the state, the Deputy Governor wished Brigadier General Essien greater success in his new posting.

He also used the opportunity to welcome the incoming Commander, Brig. Gen. Olurotimi Awolo to the state and urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor.

His words, “We believe the tenure of Brigadier General ET Essien was quite remarkable. He came at a time when there a lot of turbulence in this state. We all know what happened when the Supreme Court favoured the PDP and its Governorship candidate.

“But the collective effort of the security agencies was able to calm that challenging situation for us to be sworn in. So, we can’t forget that in a hurry.

“Even after our swearing in, you and your men were able to contain a few skirmishes that tried to rear up their ugly heads in this state. So, I want to thank you for your show of professionalism and competence.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff, 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, Colonel Sani Usman, pointed out that Brig General Essien assumed office as the fourth Commander of the Brigade on the 8th of January, 2020.

Colonel Usman said the outgoing Commander made remarkable impact in the areas of personnel training, operations and infrastructural development in Camp Tukur Buratai Barracks.

He highlighted some of the achievements to include strengthening of humanitarian services within the Brigade’s area of responsibility (AOR) and facilitating the ongoing phased construction of perimeter fence at Camp Buratai in Yenagoa.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Community, Chief Osene David Osene and the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam represented by Commodore J.E. Ake, extolled the leadership qualities of Brigadier General Essien

Responding, the outgoing Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Ephraim Essien attributed the achievements recorded during his one year four month tenure to what he described as unquantifiable support from the state government, and other securty services.

Essien, who is expected to assume office at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja, also acknowledged the support of men and officers of the 16 Brigade, urging them to extend same to his successor, Brig. Gen. Olurotimi Awolo.

Police Need Serious Funding – IGP

Apparently reacting to the spate of crimes in the county, the acting Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba said security was capital intensive and needed serious funding, especially for procurement of equipment for effective and efficient performance.

He lamented that the Force lacked adequate serviceable vehicles across the nation.

He said this, while receiving keys of over 50 new JAC pickup vehicles distributed to the Army, Police and other security agencies by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed.

The IGP, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 12, Johnson Babatunde, said: “Security, generally, is capital intensive and it needs serious funding particularly in the area of procurement of equipment for effective and efficient performance.

 “One of the logistics constraints facing the police force is inadequacy of serviceable vehicles for vicinity policing, in form of the regular patrol to enable members feel presence of policemen for their security and safety”.

While thanking Mohammed for the kind gesture, he said provision of the vehicles is a morale booster for security operatives.

The Governor said the vehicles will enhance the performance of security agencies, especially in responding to emergencies in the State.

According to him, the protection of lives and properties of the citizenry is one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.

Mohammed expressed optimism the vehicles, which are well equipped with communication gadgets, would ease the movement of security operatives and ensure prompt response to emergencies.

Mohammed, who also expressed concerns over the growing insecurity in the state and across the country, said: “I believe that this will ease the movement of security operatives and ensure prompt response to emergencies. The vehicles are well equipped with communication gadgets that can access any part of our rural areas.”