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Tag: attacks

  • Attacks: Fulani herdsmen disguising as Muslims, says cleric

    Attacks: Fulani herdsmen disguising as Muslims, says cleric

    A Muslim cleric Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Oluwa has revealed that most of the Fulani herdsmen causing mayhem across the country are not true Muslims. Oluwa who also doubles as Chairman, Nasrul Lahil Fathi (NASFAT) Iju/Oko Oba branch, spoke while addressing journalists at the fifth anniversary of the organisation in Iju, Oko Oba, Lagos.

    According to him, Islam frowns at a situation where the faithful engage in acts of brigandage and all forms of violence against fellowmen.

    “Islam abhors violence in all ramifications. It is appalling that at this point in time of our national life some disgruntled elements, especially some of the Fulani herdsmen masquerading as Muslims are doing everything possible to break the fragile peace in the land,” he said.

    Expatiating, the NASFAT boss said: “The Fulani herdsmen are just hiding under the guise of being Muslims. Muslims are peace loving and law abiding. Even the Quran detest killing one another.”

    The Muslim cleric who stressed the need for parental guidance, urged Muslims to strive to emulate the life and times of the noble Prophet Mohammed (SAW) as he exemplifies uprightness, godliness.

  • Nasarawa crisis: Lawmaker cautions against reprisal attacks

    Member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Mohammed Udege-Okpoku on Tuesday cautioned his constituents against reprisal attacks or using of arms against one another in the interest of peace.

    Udege-Okpoku, member representing Udege/Loko constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, gave the advised during a meeting with stakeholders at Ogufa community in Loko Development Area of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the community was attacked by unknown gunmen two weeks ago where several lives were lost and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

    The lawmaker decried the loss of lives and property, calling on the community to be law abiding.
    He urged the residents to continue to report their grievances to appropriate authorities for necessary action.

    “I came to this community to see for myself what really happened, the level of destruction; but it is unfortunate and uncalled for that people who live together take up arms against each other; such act must be condemned by all.

    “Now that the community has been attacked by unknown gunmen and the perpetrators of the evil acts are yet to be known, I will do my best to report the matter appropriately to the government so that the perpetrators are arrested and must be brought to book.

    `I want to advise you and other communities against reprisal attacks and you should continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of your ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

    “I also want to advise you against inflammatory statements capable of fuelling another crisis as no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and confusion,” he said.

    According to him, peace is priceless and non-negotiable and is the necessary requirement for the development of any society, hence the need for people of the diverse ethnic and religious and political groups to embrace it.

    Besides, he called on Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authority and always report their grievances to the appropriate authority in the interest of peace and national development.
    Responding, Mr Ishekpa Akumuson, the Osu Ogufa of Ogufa community, commended the legislator for the visit towards ascertaining the level of destruction visited on the communities by unknown gunmen.

    The community leader noted that his people have been living in peace and wondered why unknown gunmen attacked the community.

    NAN reports that the lawmaker also had a peace meeting with Pastors and Imams from his constituency at Mararaba Udege where he stressed the need for peaceful and harmonious co-existence among adherents of the two major religions.

     

  • Boko Haram kills 85 in Maiduguri attack

    Boko Haram kills 85 in Maiduguri attack

    Not fewer than 85 people have been confirmed dead in the Saturday night attack that took place at Dalori village outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    The Commissioner for Health in Borno State Dr. Haruna Mshelia briefed the Deputy Governor and the GOC at the Specialist Hospital Maiduguri that 65 bodies were deposited at the Specialist Hospital, 10 others at the University Teaching Hospital while another 10 have been buried at Dalori village.

    Eyewitness disclosed that they saw more than 20 copses burnt beyond recognition.

    There are unofficial sources that inform that the death tool in the attack is over one hundred.

    A rescue worker with one of the humanitarian agencies who is not authorized to speak with the press disclosed more than one hundred people were killed during the attack.

    A Civilian JT, who identified himself as Hassan Aliyu in Maiduguri also informed The Nation on phone that the death toll in the attack is more than one hundred even as at last night when the attack happened.

    “Even as at last night, the people that died were more than one hundred. I am sure many may have died today. Anybody that tells you that the figure is less than one hundred is just not saying the truth,” Hassan Aliyu informed.

    Modu Ajari, who escaped the attack, told our correspondent on phone in Maiduguri, that the insurgents came and were shooting sporadically and people started running from all direction.

    He disclosed that what caused the high casualty was a suicide bomber who detonated.

    The Boko Haram terrorists were said to have arrived the village in a convoy of Golf Volkswagen vehicles and motorcycles laden with explosives and petro-bombs and attacked the village killing the hapless villagers , before torching the village and fled towards Alau Dam by 6pm Saturday.

    Dalori is farming and herding community, and 12 kilometres east of Maiduguri, the state capital.

    Modu Anfoni , a villager, also said that the insurgents burst into the community through Yale village in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles in the evening to sneak into Maiduguri without passing through the military posts on Maiduguri-Bama road.

    Confirming the reprisal attack in Maiduguri, the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Mustpaha Anka in a statement said: “The insurgents came in Golf cars, motorcycles and started opening fire and burning houses. Their motives were to cause rancor and penetrate crowd with suicide bombers.

    “While people were running for their dear lives to Gomari Kerkeri village, three female suicide bombers attempted to make their way into the crowd, but were intercepted and subsequently got blown up.”

    He said during the 45-minute military “fierce repulsion” lives were also lost, while some people sustained various degrees of injuries, while fleeing the attacked village in the evening of Saturday.

    Anka also disclosed that : “The insurgents also attempted to penetrate Dalori IDP camp, but it was resisted by the troops; which resulted into detonation of IEDs by the suicide bombers.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Umaru Hassan condole the District Head of Dalori, Alhaji Lawal Bashir and his people over the attacks.

    He assured the people that the Theatre Command was committed to bringing an end to Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state the Northeast sub-region of the country.

    While commending the villagers for their resilience, he urged them to be strong and fully committed in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

    “I also commend the humanitarian assistance of the National and State Emergency Management Agencies (NEMA, SEMA), Nigerian Red Cross and other Stakeholders for their tireless humanitarian efforts of ‘rescuing and resettling’ displaced people in camps,” said Hassan in Maiduguri.

    NEMA officials have also informed that they have screened some of the people that fled from the attacks before allowing them entry into the Dalori IDP camp.

  • Tension in Ondo community over pipeline attacks

    •My life under threat, says ex-militant leader

    There was tension yesterday in  Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the deployment of soldiers in the area.

    The soldiers were believed to have been deployed following the sabotage of pipelines by suspected former militants in Delta State.

    Also, the Arogbo Ijaw National Front raised the alarm of a looming inter-ethnic hostilities and robbery in the area. It noted that operatives of a local anti-vices outfit, Gallery Security Services,  pulled out of their duty posts because of the presence of the soldiers.

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the anti vices outfit, a frontline commander of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)?, Chief Bibopre Ajube, has raised the alarm that his life is also being threatened.

    Officials of the Eso Odo local government have also expressed fears over the presence of the soldiers in some parts of the council which they claim has created anxiety.

    A statement by the Arogbo Ijaw National Front President, Chief James Akubirisei, said the soldiers’ presence has forced away the local waterways vigilante team.

    The statement reads: ‘’The reported continued search for the founder of Gallery Security Services is already heating up the security in the area because the man has contributed to the peace of the riverine than any other individual. He has made efforts aimed at ensuring peace in the riverine area and the way and manner he is being hunted is a matter of concern to all and sundry.

    ‘’We are appealing to the military authorities to recall these soldiers because their presence, which has forced out Gallery outfit vigilantes from their posts, is already creating fears of possible inter-ethnic hostilities and even armed robbery in the riverine areas of Ondo state.

    ‘’As a man who has committed his resources and time to curb criminality even beyond Ondo State, the search for him is curious and suspicious. We are compelled to say that this development is orchestrated by selfish politicians who are bent on getting Chief Ajube out of the way in view of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.”

    In a statement, Ajube said: “I think I am just a victim of my magnanimous efforts towards peace in the riverine areas of the state and even beyond. Here I am, cooperating with the federal government to stop pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering in the coastal areas and beyond.

    “While I am being hunted by the vandals and their sponsors for standing up against criminality, the government has opted to launch a manhunt for me for highly unclear reasons.

    “I have lost not only resources but painfully too, youths who chose to partner with me in this noble cause have lost their lives with several widows and fatherless children left for me to cater for.

    “All I can say is that this move is aimed at diverting my attention from the path I have chosen to? walk since accepting the federal government amnesty offer. But I will not. If the federal government deems it fit to brand me in a manner to implicate me for unknown reasons through this unclear mission, so be it.”

  • Full scale war brew in N’Delta as militants attack more facilities

    Full scale war brew in N’Delta as militants attack more facilities

    The Niger Delta region was on the verge of full scale war on Saturday after unrestrained attacks on oil facilities by armed youths believed to be loyalists of leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo).

    It was gathered that Saturday’s attacks were carried out in fast boats fitted with General Purpose Machine-gun (GPMG) and several frigates carrying heavily armed youths.

    Residents of the riverside communities said the militants paraded weapons more in numbers and sophistication than those used in previous crisis.

    Oil and gas pipelines in the creeks of Gbaramatu and Ugborodo areas of Warri South West and those in Egbema, North local government areas respectively of Delta state were affected in Saturday’s attacks.

    A source said, “The gas pipeline which from Olero creeks to Escravos were destroyed in the latest attack. Several crude lines were sabotaged while Makaraba, Otunana (Uton-Nana), Abiteye and Dibi flow stations were bomb.

    “The pipeline, which conveys gas from Saghara to Chevron was also destroyed and there are several persons trapped in the communities.

    “The kind of explosives and bombs they used are not like those of before; the effects were felt in several communities as they went off intermittently,” a local source told our reporter.

    The facilities destroyed included those of the Nigerian Gas Company, Chevron NIGERIA Limited and NECONDE among others.

    Our reporter learnt that the attacks could spread to Bayelsa and other states of the region within days, as the perpetrators plan to cripple crude oil production and export.

    There were indications that some operations of CNL were disrupted by the latest attacks.

    The company was forced to airlift its workers on Friday after militants blocked the waterways and restricted movement of transport boats, including Chevron’s Jascon transport boat.

    Although the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta was said to be fully prepared to deal with the onslaughts, the militants operated unhindered for several hours on Saturday.

    It was gathered that the attacks started in the wee hours of Saturday and lasted for several hours.

    “The sheer force of the explosion shook several communities and there were several explosions. There is panic everywhere and the waterways have again been taken over by armed gangs.”

    The Joint Media Campaign Centre Coordinator of the JTF, Col Isa Ado, was incommunicado since the onslaught began; dozens of telephone calls and SMS to his mobile line were answered.

    The incident came after Saturday’s attack on a strategic gas trunk line around Warri River on Friday morning, barely10hours after a Federal High Court ordered the arrest of Tompolo in connection with an ongoing N34billion fraud case at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    Although Tompolo had disowned the latest insurgence, security sources insisted that he is directly controlling the operation along with some of his close allies and his nephew who reportedly led the destruction of oil facilities in Warri North LGA on Saturday morning.

    At the time of this report, it was gathered that several former militants had returned to the creeks of Warri, in what is believed to be preparation for a major onslaught on oil facilities, security operatives and communities.

    Similarly, it was learnt that bunkers housing sophisticated arms and ammunition are being unearthed and deployed.

    A source said, “Boats are freely moving in and out of (an Ijaw community) with guns and other weapons. Boys are coming in from all over the region and they are being given their assignments and directives.

    “There is a stockpile of arms and petrol and boats are being fueled intermittently. This is not an ordinary operation, it is well planned and there seems to be several options and alternative plans,” one of the sources who fled the town, said.

    Conversely, as the militants are moving into the creeks, panicky inhabitants of the riverside communities, comprising mostly women and children continued the flight for safety in upland communities like Warri, Sapele and Ogbe-Ijoh, among others.

    Some of the fleeing locals were unhappy about their fates, with some lamenting that although they did not benefit from the largess from militancy they are made to face its consequences always.

    “We are tired of running like this always. In 2009, it was because of the killing of soldiers, today it is because of Tompolo and EFCC. We didn’t benefit from the NiIMASA money, there were individuals who got billions, others millions but how much did we get? Nothing! Yet we are the ones who are always the victims,” a middle-aged woman lamented in smattering English.

    Similarly, it was gathered that some Gbaramatu leaders have called Tompolo to caution him about the implications of engaging in a full blown war with federal forces.

    It was gathered that at least 10 very high ranking traditional titleholders have distance themselves from the attacks.

    “Most of our leaders are too afraid to speak out, while others cannot talk because they are benefiting one way or the other,” a youth leader told our reporter on condition that he would not be named.

  • Attacks senseless, wicked—PDP

    Attacks senseless, wicked—PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as wicked and senseless, Friday’s bomb attacks on Kuje and Nyanya, two satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    No fewer than 22 persons and many others were killed in the attacks, which bore the imprints of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    In a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said it is particularly pained that the attacks came just 24 hours after the nation celebrated its 55th independence anniversary; “when the citizens and their leaders renewed their faith in the oneness and progress of the nation.”

    The party said the attacks were barbaric and cowardly, regretting that the terrorists have continued to kill and maim innocent citizens.

    The statement said, “The PDP deeply grieves for the continued acts of terrorism, especially in the northern parts of the country, where insurgents are still slaughtering innocent Nigerians almost by the day.

    “Indeed, this is not the way to go. We can no longer afford to continue to have our people cut down and slaughtered. We all, as Nigerians, must therefore close ranks and present a common front in support of our government and security forces in the fight against terrorism in our country.

    “It is on this note that we restate our support for each and every policy undertaken by the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari aimed at ending insurgency and checking criminal activities in our nation”.

    The party, however, urged government officials to do less of talking and pay more attention to issues of intelligence gathering, as well as social and direct military actions against terrorism.

    It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to support and pray for the security forces as they risk their lives to ensure the safety of other citizens.

    It also commiserated with families and relations of the victims of the attack.

  • Fear of attacks: Kwara cancels independence parade

    Fear of attacks: Kwara cancels independence parade

    The Kwara State government yesterday cancelled the 55th independence anniversary parade scheduled to hold at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.

    In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said the cancellation followed security reports that certain individuals arrived the state overnight to disrupt the Independence Day celebration.

    He regretted any inconvenience the cancellation might cause, stressing that the government considered public safety paramount.

    Despite the cancellation, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said Nigeria had a lot to celebrate.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Governor, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, Ahmed said he was optimistic that the country would overcome the economic, social and security problems.

    He said: “My conviction is driven not by blind hope. My optimism is based on confidence in the indomitable Nigerian spirit, our limitless national endowments and our current leadership’s drive and capacity to positively change our country.

    “However, we can only achieve these if we stand as one and defy the forces that threaten to divide us for selfish benefits. We must unite behind our collective aspirations for greatness, our desire for a better country and support our leadership at all levels to achieve them.”

  • Odumakin warned over attacks on Aregbesola

    The Coalition of Odua Self-Determination Group (COSEG) has called on an activist, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, to “desist from his deliberate attempt to undermine the achievements of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola”.

    COSEG, in a statement at the weekend by its President Mr. Dayo Ogunlana and Secretary Mr. Rasaq Oloko-Oba, called on Yoruba leaders to call Odumakin to order.

    The group noted that it was “rife to alert Yoruba people of the hatchet job and activities of the publicity secretary of the factionalised Afenifere Group”.

    “Odumakin’s action of submitting a petition against the governor to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various media attacks have shown that he is hobnobbing with some few disgruntled elements against the Yoruba people,” the statement said.

    COSEG added that Odumakin’s “failed summit billed for Osogbo, which was later transferred to Ile-Ife, has also revealed that there is a calculated attempt by him (Odumakin) and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, and a few others to sustain their attacks and through that detract the state government”.

    The group said Osun under the Aregbesola administration, remained investor-friendly and capable of attracting the best of minds for positive engagements because of its peace and tranquility.

    COSEG added: “We are opposed to his petition given the achievements of Aregbesola in Osun. We condemn his media attacks on the governor. This is a  government that has completely revolutionised education across board – both primary and secondary levels.

    “It is on record that Osun is among one of the few states in Nigeria that can be judged as peaceful and with lowest crime rate.

    “Even with the meagre finances of the state, the administration in less than five years has completed close to nine hundred kilometres of road and this has not stopped, but for the temporary challenges occasioned by finances.”

  • Buhari: we’ll end terror attacks

    Buhari: we’ll end terror attacks

    President Muhammadu Buhari pledged yesterday to end terrorism as he condemned the latest terrorist attacks on Borno and Yobe communities by Boko Haram.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu, the President said he was deeply touched by the mindless incidents of violence on innocent people during the month of Ramadan.

    He insisted that the terrorists are enemies of everybody, and enemies of humanity everywhere.

    Stressing that terrorists don’t represent any religion, he said no sane people who believe in any god would destroy the lives of innocent people in cold blood.

    The pattern of their indiscriminate violence against innocent people, he said, showed that they represent nothing else but anarchy and devilry.

    The statement said: “In what appears to be one of his toughest expressions of outrage, President Buhari reminded the terrorists of his uncompromising resolve to tackle them with all the resources at the disposal of his government.

    “Make no mistake about it: this government is ever determined to discharge its fundamental duty of protecting the lives of its citizens from physical threats from any groups bent on creating chaos, confusion, and on destroying social and economic life of the people”, he warned.

    President Buhari, who extended his sympathy to the families of the victims, also reassured all Nigerians that his government would never tolerate terrorist blackmail, and that security forces would confront the Boko Haram bandits to the last man.

    Describing terrorists as “cowards who lack any moral inhibition and any iota of humanity to reason compassionately”, he said that they would not find Nigeria a safe haven, because “they would be “hunted down without mercy and compromise.”

    Reiterating that security would be tackled by his administration with vigorous determination, he advised Nigerian to show more vigilance and be alert to the presence of suspicious people around them.

    “The terrorists are enemies of religion and humanity. No true believers in any God would target worshipers, holy places, or people who are fasting and other innocent Nigerians.” He stated

  • How security agencies can curb attacks, by AIG Ogunsakin

    How security agencies can curb attacks, by AIG Ogunsakin

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Tunde Ogunsakin, has urged security agencies to cooperate against criminal attacks on their facilities.

    Ogunsakin spoke at the weekend when he received the Commander of NNS Victory, Calabar, Commodore M.C.L. Bobia, in his office.

    The Commodore described the   visit as one that would foster a cordial working relationship between the Police and the Navy in Cross Rivers State, adding that it would help bring to book the perpetrators of the June 15 attack on the Marine Police Division, Calabar by an unidentified armed group.

    He expressed his pleasure with the professionalism with which the investigations were being handled.

    The zone 6 Police chief hailed Commodore Bobia for the visit and said the investigation into the attack would become more enhanced owing to the superior capacity of the Navy in handling marine crimes.

    He urged other sister agencies to follow the example of the Navy.

    Ogunsakin also called for an immediate constitution of an inter-agency joint task force to sustain the rising tempo and make the society safer for the people and unsafe for criminals.