Author: The Nation

Three persons were killed and many were abducted in a bandits’ attack on Sabonlayi, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Council of Kaduna State.

 The kidnapped persons were said to be farmers and travellers. 

A community leader, Sallau Ibrahim, said the attackers stormed the community around 12pm yesterday and unleashed terror on the residents.

 “They killed three farmers –Anas Sabonlayi, Abubakar Dankibiya, and Harisu Unguwar Lemu,” he said.

 According to him, the attack was a reaction to an ongoing military operation in the troubled parts of the Birnin-Gwari council.

It was gathered that the travellers were coming from the western part to Birnin-Gwari Market for the weekly Thursday trade and commerce.

 “They kidnapped some of the traders/travellers on their way to the market. For about two weeks the farmers didn’t go to farm in the area. Today they decided to go they were attacked and kidnapped,” Ibrahim said.

 It was gathered that the killed persons were buried around 4:30 pm yesterday according to Islamic rites.

   Chairman of the  Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU), Usman Kasai, confirmed the incident, saying: “They killed three people. Many were abducted. We are trying to know how many are in the forest with the bandits.”

 Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  Muhammad Jalige, said he was yet to receive the report.

  He promised to contact the Area Commander in charge of Birnin Gwari and revert to our correspondent, which he never did till press time.

An unnamed man in his mid-thirties has been feared killed after he was attacked by a mob for allegedly stealing from a church in Abia State.

The victim was alleged to have stolen musical equipment from a church located around Umuoba road, Aba North local government area of the state.

The man was said to have broken into the church to cart away their musical instruments, but was spotted by a resident who raised the alarm that attracted passers-by.

The crowd that soon gathered launched attack on him, leaving him all bloodied and lifeless.

It was gathered that the mob claimed there had been increase in robbery activities within the area by hoodlums that operated on foot and commercial tricycles.

Some of the residents decried the spate of crime in the area, blaming security operatives for failing in their responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.

The body of the deceased was still lying at the scene of the incident at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, Aba residents have expressed concerns over the spate of mob justice and extra-judicial killings in the commercial hub of the state.

Respondents noted that some of the killings were between cult groups, while others were killed by residents after being caught in various nefarious activities.

There have been reported killing of several persons in Aba North, South and other suburbs within the past few months as people have resorted to self-help rather than subjecting the suspects to the criminal  justice system.

Giving account of reported jungle justice in Aba South local government area of the state, a resident of Ngwa road by East, Chukwu Uwa, said no fewer than five persons have been extra-judicially killed in the last one month.

According to Uwa, apart from the policeman that was killed by unknown gunmen in the area and some parts of Ngwa road off Ohanku, most cases of death or extra-judicial killing in Aba South LGA were cult related.

Uwa and one Mrs. Patience, a resident of Owerre-Aba begged the government of Abia State to liaise with the heads of security agencies to fashion out how best to reduce or nip extra-judicial killings in Aba South in the bud.

• By Emmanuel Chidi-Maha

A truck driver yesterday died after ramming his articulated vehicle into a petroleum tanker on the Lagos Ibadan expressway.

 The incident occurred at Mobil Filling Station, outward Lagos around 9am.

 It was gathered that the truck with registration number LSR69YE lost control and rammed into the tanker with number GWN-597XA at Mobil filling from behind.

 According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the truck driver died on the spot.

 LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the driver was trapped and was extricated with the aid of the agency’s light tow truck, body bagged and handed over to the police.

He said rescuers also averted disasters at Mile Two and Ajao Estate, Isolo areas of the state after two tankers laden with petroleum products fell.

 A fully loaded gas tanker with unknown registration number fell across the bridge at Alaba Suru inward Mile 2 yesterday evening, he said, adding that no life was lost.

 Oke-Osanyintolu said a Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker overturned at Osolo Way, inward Ajao Estate in Isolo in the morning of yesterday, adding that the situation was swiftly brought under control to prevent secondary emergency.

 He said heavy duty equipment of the agency were deployed to the accident scenes to evacuate the trucks and prevent secondary incidents.

 The LASEMA boss said the agency also notified motorists to be cautious and exercise patience as they plied the affected routes. According to him, the Osolo Way accident was caused by brake failure.

He said: “The tanker with registration no MAG926XA carrying 40000 litres of PMS dashed into a road side gutter and couldn’t get out, thus, eventually leading to a road blockage and this was discovered by the LASEMA response team upon their arrival at the scene.

 “The owner of the tanker was contacted and immediately arranged for an empty tanker for transloading the products and afterwards heavy duty equipment was dispatched to the scene to move the tanker.”

• 122 held in Enugu

The JIgawa State command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday that it seized    999.30 kilogrammes of narcotics and arrested 422 suspected drug dealers and users in one year.

 State Commander, Mu’azu   Dan-Musa, said this at the 2023 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Dan-Musa said 186 of the suspects were counselled while  94 were convicted.

He said: “A total of 15 were rehabilitated. They were reunited with their families and are doing well. Four are presently undergoing rehabilitation in our centre.

 “These feats were achieved with the support and encouragement of our able chief executive officer, Brig. Gen.   Buba Marwa (rtd.) for his zero tolerance to drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country.” 

 In Enugu, acting State Commander, Peter Ogar, said 122 illicit drug dealers were also arrested within the same period. He added that 119 were males and three females.

 He said that  1843.5802 kilogrammes of different illicit drugs like    Cannabis Sativa,  Methamphetamine,   Cocaine and psychotropic substances were recovered from the suspects..

 The commander added that they also prosecuted 54 suspects and successfully treated 45 victims of substance abuse disorder.

 Ogar further said that within the period, the command carried out public destruction of various illicit drugs totalling 23,721794 kilogrammes.  

 He added: “It is a day of utmost importance to the global community in the continuous effort to ameliorate the consequences of abuse of illicit substances and make our world a safe place.

 “The theme is uniquely historic because it realises the importance of taking a people-oriented approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights and evidence-based practices, prioritizing prevention, and leading with compassion.

 “This underscores the need for our deep empathy, help, support, care and understanding towards people with substance use disorders in the society,” said Ogar.

Prominent Igbo global  Think Tank, Aka Ikenga has has hailed the promotion of Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Frank Mba .

In a statement by the Director of Communications of the Think Tank, Mr Collins Steve Ugwu, he said, the Executive Committee of Aka Ikenga led by our President, Agbalanze Chike Madueke appreciate the integrity process that saw Mba’s attaining this height in public service on account of exemplary professionalism and commitment to duty.

‘’We are happy not just because it happened deservedly, but moreso, for the critical implications of his assigned duty as the supervising officer for Southeast policing on security, law, and order.

‘’The grave challenges of insecurities to lives and businesses in your area of primary supervision, the Southeast , is one that will surely put you to test, to put them at rest, we clearly point out.

‘’As you settle down to the burden of this responsibility, we charge you to draw deeply from your extensive competences that mark your elevation, an urgent call for more work. We are confident that with your service resume and career traction, your knowledge of the environment will stand you firm to bring the invasive criminal mutations in the Southeast with vicious disruptions to their social and economic activities to a decisive end. We emphasize that at no time than now, does this region famed for commerce and industry, deserve secured peace to focus on the challenges of development and livelihoods in their homeland.

 ‘’We draw your attention too, to the dimensions of multiple checkpoints  curiously peculiar to that region, and hope that a definite reset by extant service discipline, will leverage it for better security, than  unedifying resentments for opportunism.

 ‘’We believe the tireless synergy between you and an Inspector General of Police with the zeal of a lion will restore safety in our homestead, and assure you our collaborative supports   to make it happen with other pertinent stakeholders, because South east should come back as the region of reference in security for low criminality index,’’the statement added.

The cast and crew of the anticipated film, The Other One, have created a  video honouring the memory and legacy of their beloved colleague and Nollywood legend, Madam Sola Onayiga. The late Onayiga rose to fame for her role as Ireti (Kitchen Practicals) in the early 2000s TV sitcom, Fuji House of Commotion.

 She died on July 18, 2022, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), shortly after principal photography for the film concluded. The Other One, directed by David ‘Gee’ Ahanmisi, produced by New Dawn Productions, and distributed by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, was  Onayiga’s final project before her passing.

 Set for release in theatres nationwide on June 30, movie lovers can watch the legend come alive on the big screen one last time in a truly inspiring and thoroughly entertaining experience.

 Although her appearance in the movie is limited to a few scenes, Onayiga’s portrayal of Mandela’s mother is unmissable and serves as the perfect curtain call for the actress’s illustrious career.

  In an extraordinary display of camaraderie and respect, the cast of the film came together to pay tribute to the late legend through a heartfelt tribute video released 4 pm on Thursday, June 22,  via Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution’s YouTube Channel.

 The video, which captures the essence of their shared journey and celebrates the indelible impact their co-star had on their lives and the production, showcases the deep bonds that were formed throughout the filming process.

 In the video, co-stars praised Onayiga for her professionalism, dedication to her craft, and humble, down-to-earth persona. Lucy Ameh, who plays the role of ‘Jumai’ in the movie, gushed about meeting and working with the actress for the first time.

  In Ameh’s words: “I felt like God just wanted me to work with the woman because it was my first time meeting and working with her. I did my scenes directly with her because she played my mother-in-law and it was such a great experience.”

 Director, David ‘Gee’ Ahanmisi, recounted how Onayiga engaged with the cast and crew on set, laughed and joked with them, and stated that he was going to cherish those last moments with her forever. Lead Actor, Kalu Ikeagwu, empathised with her family and chose to celebrate the actress for a life well-lived, rather than focus on the grief of her passing.

 Lillian Amah-Aluko, the Executive Producer of the film who also stars alongside the late actress, called Onayiga a rare gem and stated that she will personally miss [Onayiga] very much. Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, who serves as the distributor for the film, is immensely proud to support the cast of The Other One, as they pay homage to their late co-star. The company recognises the significance of this tribute, not only for the cast and crew but also for Nollywood as an industry.

  “Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution firmly believes in the power of films to touch the hearts of audiences and bring people together. We stand behind the cast of The Other One and their beautiful tribute to their late co-star. It is a testament to the remarkable individuals involved in this production and the compassion they share,” said Anita Edwards, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution.’’

 As the release date for The Other One approaches, Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution invites audiences to join them in celebrating the life and talent of their late co-star. The company encourages the public to follow the film’s official social media channels to view the heartfelt tribute video and stay updated on the film’s release and other related announcements.

• Seven soldiers injured in Borno auto crash

A suspected leader of a notorious gang in Kogi State, Kabir Bala  (aka Okwo), has been killed by joint security forces, Police Commissioner, Akeem Yusuf said yesterday.

 Bala was killed in an operation jointly executed by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a manhunt for the gang members.  

 Yusuf,  who briefed reporters after the operation,     said the gang members opened fire on the security forces upon sighting them.

 He said the security team retaliated and in the process, Okwo was killed while other members of the gang fled with gunshot wounds.

 The police boss said that items recovered from Bala’s home included one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons; two telephone handsets and charms.

  Yusuf said the Kogi State Government had in October 2018, granted Bala pardon in prerogative of mercy as part of efforts to rehabilitate him in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

 He said Bala proved to be an unrepentant criminal, adding that his gang attacked troops of the Nigerian Navy and dispossessed them of four rifles at Alloma village on March 4, last year.

 The Police chief said the firearms were later returned to the Navy following a high-powered intervention.

 The joint operation, according to him,  was executed following a decision by the state’s Security Council on June 20.

 He said: “It would be recalled that the Kogi State Government in October 2018 granted a pardon in   prerogative of mercy as part of rehabilitation to one notorious gang leader named Kabir Bala alias (Okwo) in Ejule, Ofu LGA.

 “However, the said Kabir Bala remained an unrepentant criminal with lots of atrocities traced to him such as illegal arms sales, Kidnappings and killings in the state.

“Several cases had been traced to him such as the burning alive of Mrs Salome Abu, a PDP woman Leader in Ofu LGA in her residence on   November 18, 2019, at Ochadamu; killing of two Igala youths- Umoru Areh and Unekwu Sule on 20th April 2022 at Ejule; killing of five Fulani herders namely- Ibrahim, Haruna and Shuaibu along Alloma Road, Ofu LGA in April 2022 and Muhammed and Dauda at Imoko in Ofu LGA in   March 2023.

 “Other crimes committed by Kabir Bala and his gang attack on troops of Nigerian Navy and dispossessed them of four rifles at Alloma village on 4th March 2022. Though, the firearms were later returned to the Navy following a high-powered intervention. “Attack on Elisha Aya, Pastor and founder of Kingdom Faith Assembly Ejule on 18th March 2022, who later paid N1 million  to Bala as a levy for establishing a church; invasion of Egane Fulani settlement, burning 213 huts, rustled 122 cows on 25th December 2022.”

 Meanwhile, seven soldiers attached to the counter-terrorism force in Borno State, Operation Hadin Kai, yesterday sustained injuries after their patrol vehicle was involved in an accident.

The injured soldiers and 27 others, according to the Nigeria Television Authority,  were on patrol duty when the accident happened.

The station said in a tweet that  Sector 3 and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Command the incident.

It added that the seven injured soldiers were receiving treatment at 7 Division Hospital, Maiduguri.

Three persons were killed and many were abducted in a bandits’ attack on Sabonlayi, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Council of Kaduna State.

 The kidnapped persons were said to be farmers and travellers. 

A community leader, Sallau Ibrahim, said the attackers stormed the community around 12pm yesterday and unleashed terror on the residents.

 “They killed three farmers –Anas Sabonlayi, Abubakar Dankibiya, and Harisu Unguwar Lemu,” he said.

 According to him, the attack was a reaction to an ongoing military operation in the troubled parts of the Birnin-Gwari council.

It was gathered that the travellers were coming from the western part to Birnin-Gwari Market for the weekly Thursday trade and commerce.

 “They kidnapped some of the traders/travellers on their way to the market. For about two weeks the farmers didn’t go to farm in the area. Today they decided to go they were attacked and kidnapped,” Ibrahim said.

 It was gathered that the killed persons were buried around 4:30 pm yesterday according to Islamic rites.

   Chairman of the  Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU), Usman Kasai, confirmed the incident, saying: “They killed three people. Many were abducted. We are trying to know how many are in the forest with the bandits.”

 Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  Muhammad Jalige, said he was yet to receive the report.

  He promised to contact the Area Commander in charge of Birnin Gwari and revert to our correspondent, which he never did till press time.

A lawyer and social media influencer, Ayo Sogunro, has narrated how he spent a night in Garki police cell, Abuja, after a married female friend visited him in his hotel room.

 Sogunro took to his verified Twitter account on Wednesday to relive his ordeal. According to the activist, he arrived Abuja for a human rights meeting last Friday and reached out to some of his friends to inform them of his presence. He said a married female friend was his first visitor at the hotel and shortly after she arrived, the police came to his room.

He partly tweeted: “Of the people I texted, she was the first to get to my place. I had checked into the hotel around 6:20pm, and she got there around 6:40pm. Barely 15 minutes later, three police officers came to my door. “When the police arrived at my door, they asked to be let inside.

“I denied them entrance and told them they had no authority to enter a private space without a warrant or a clear just cause. Instead, they just pushed me aside and made their way in.

“On seeing my friend, they asked her to come with them. We both asked why. The police replied that because my friend was a married woman, she should not have been in the hotel with me.”

After several arguments with the police, the activist and his female friend followed the police to the station. At the police station, he said he declined to write a statement without the presence of a lawyer because he was still oblivious of his offence.

However, the Divisional Police Officer at the station explained that they were in Northern Nigeria, which is under the Penal Code, and it was suspicious for a married woman to visit a man, adding that the police officers were right to invade his room without a warrant.

“After a while behind the counter, they called me for an interview with the DPO. I was still quite upset at this disruption of my day -and all this started barely one hour after I had landed in Nigeria and entered Abuja.

“I told the DPO everything they did wrong: the process of arrest before investigation; using the police to settle what now seemed to be a marital issue not involving me; barging into a hotel room without a warrant; and taking me into custody without a clear charge.

“I then asked her, well, if that’s the case, where’s their evidence that any offence had been committed?” Sogunro continued.

After a long discussion with the DPO, he was taken to a cell, where he spent the night.

“The night behind bars was philosophical. Later, I was more amused than angry. The idea of coming to do a human rights event in Nigeria only to end up in a cell was a hilarious and tragic testament to the Nigerian condition,” Sogunro said.