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Tag: Clash

  • Amaechi, Wike convoys in bloody clash

    Amaechi, Wike convoys in bloody clash

    A bloody clash was on Saturday recorded in Port Harcourt, Rivers State between the security convoys of Governor Nyesom Wike and that of the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.

    Security officials of Governor Wike allegedly attacked  the convoy of the Transportation Minister.

    Amaechi’s escort details were, however, unlucky during the 3 p.m. attack, as one of them, Sgt. Eteng Ewelu, was battered, with blood on his face, while the AK-47 rifle of Sgt. Princewill Ubaji was snatched, while being forcibly disarmed.

    Wike, through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, in his reaction, however, claimed that personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) and soldiers attached to the minister of transportation attacked his convoy, while allegedly attempting to assassinate him.

    Report of the sad incident was immediately lodged at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Rivers Police Command, headed by Zaki Ahmed, while Ubaji’s rifle had not been recovered, with Ewelu and other injured policemen still receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals in Port Harcourt, as at press time.

    When contacted for his reaction through the telephone yesterday evening, the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), stated that he would find out the details.

    He asked our reporter to call back in ten minutes, but when contacted twice, after thirty minutes, he did not take the calls, and he had not called back, as at press time.

    Nwakaudu said: “Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on Saturday escaped assassination, as Special Anti-Robbery Squad operatives and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the motorcade of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, attacked his convoy.

    “The governor, who was on project inspection, was attacked at Nwanja Junction on Trans-Amadi Road. The SARs personnel and soldiers in the minister’s convoy hit down the governor’s escort rider and attacked the policemen in the pilot car. Mr Debewari, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the minister of transportation, supervised the attack, which included damage of cameras held by journalists.

    “Also part of the attack was the Commander of F-SARS in Rivers State, Mr. Akin Fakorede (a Chief Superintendent of Police), who received  the minister of transportation at the Port Harcourt International Airport and accompanied on his trip.

    “After the attack, the Rivers State governor continued with his  inspection of projects. Governor Wike was not harmed, despite  the attack. The minister of transportation had over 50 personnel of F-SARS, soldiers and mobile policemen in his motorcade.”

    The reaction of Amaechi’s Spokesman, David Iyofor, was still being expected as at press time.

  • Two feared dead as police/Shia clash in Kano

    •Police deny killing sect members

    Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) yesterday said the police allegedly killed two of its members during their Arbaeen annual trek in Kano State.

    The Nation reports that  thousands of IMN members started the trek from Kofar Mazugal, about 10 am, said their afternoon prayers at Kofar Nasarawa, and stopped at Lado overhead bridge.

    A statement by the President, Media Forum of IMN, Ibrahim Musa, said: “It was when people were dispersing that mobile policemen arrived the scene and started firing teargas and eventually live bullets. A Muslim brother and sister were confirmed killed by the police and their bodies taken away by the police. Many people were reportedly injured.

    “When news spread that mobile police had laid siege to the Arbaeen trekkers, a London-based human rights group, IHRC, issued a statement, calling for restraint on the part of the police.

    “We are concerned at reports of this build-up, given past attacks on the movement by the police and armed forces. We demand that the police and authorities de-escalate the situation immediately.”

    However, while terminating today’s trek, a leading member of IMN, Dr. Sunusi Abdulqadir, called on members to go back home peacefully and return tomorrow to continue the march to Zaria.”

    But the police denied allegations that they killed two members of the movement.

    Spokesman Magaji Musa Majia said they had a meeting with IMN members and advised them against the procession.

    But to ensure security of life and property, security operatives were drafted to the scene, and in an attempt to disperse them, there was a confrontation.

  • Five die as cultists clash in Ikorodu

    Five die as cultists clash in Ikorodu

    At least five persons, including a meat vendor, were yesterday killed after suspected cultists went on rampage. The incident occurred around Night Market, Imota in Ikorodu, a Lagos district in the early hours of Friday.

    It was gathered that the fight was between members of the Aye and Eiye cult groups.

    It was learnt that the meat seller, identified as Olaitan Omo-Ibadan, was beheaded and his head dropped at the Inner Town Roundabout. A source who hinted on the incident said that most residents were leaving the neighbourhood for fear of reprisal.

    He said: “There was a fight early Friday morning at Imota. Cultists engaged in a serious fight and they killed five people. They severed the meat seller’s head, placed it on a platter and dropped it on the road.

  • IPoB, Wike Set to Clash

    Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike is set for a major falling out with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB following media reports that linked the governor with the recently designated terror group.

    Mr. Wike and IPoB have been accused of being behind the mass panic caused by hoaxes about soldiers coercing school children to receive killer vaccines that spread the Monkey Pox virus. The Federal Government and experts have debunked reports of the story as false.
    A reliable source in IPoB told our correspondent that the group, which is agitating for the restoration of the erstwhile Biafra Republic, has become suspicious of Wike’s continued commitment to their cause. The source, who did not want to be identified because IPoB has been outlawed, accused the Rivers State Governor of exploiting his group for his selfish ends while threating members like mentally incapacitated people. According to him, the monthly subvention of 50million naira has been stopped over what the Governor allegedly described as lack of accountability in the running of IPOB affairs.
    He said, “Some of us think we can no longer trust this man. When Operation Python Dance II started clamping down on our members, we had thought that we can carry out reprisals in Rivers state since Governor Wike as a strategic partner should give us cover as someone in the opposition with a common enemy.

    “The man has stopped dropping the agreed sum and for over 2 months no one has heard from him which is a further proof that he is practically playing games with the movement after achieving his aim.
    “We were however jolted when Wike started saying things like IPoB are not welcome in Rivers or IPoB should not come to Rivers state, IPoB should stay away. Much as some of us initially thought that his attitude was to cover the relationship he has with us at that time, we have now become suspicious since the October 17 court date when the Federal Government failed to produce our Supreme Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in court.
    “The thing is that most of us now think that Wike knowingly allowed the APC (All Progressives Congress) to know that he was connected to the Monkey Pox vaccine message that we were sending around. It was a surprise when APC linked Wike to it and later some CSOs even provided details that should only be known to those that planned the strategy. If we did not reveal the secret, which we know we did not, then it could only have been the Governor.
    “He has betrayed us when they decided to say IPoB was a terrorist organization, he betrayed us when our leader’s house was invaded by soldiers, he betrayed us when our leader was not provided in court and he has again let us down by exposing the way we frustrated the criminal medical outreach of the Nigerian Army. It will not only be stupid to continue trusting Governor Wike but it is also dangerous since he may one day decamp to the APC and completely give away our strategic secrets.
    “We are now having to go back to the drawing board because we cannot give up on our quest for Biafra just because of a sellout, which is why it was agreed that there should be no official IPoB statement on Governor Wike’s betrayal. It is not even as we are worried about him because when you have a cause that the comments of someone like former President (Goodluck) Jonathan tallies with then you don’t allow little setbacks to hold you,” the source explained.
    Mr. Wike’s spokespersons have not commented on the IPoB allegations that he betrayed them as they have not answered calls to their mobile numbers while text messages sent to them were not replied.
    Wike had last month dismissed claims that the opposition, including himself, were sponsoring IPoB. He said “Who are those being affected by the activities of IPOB? Are they not those in the opposition states? In the hay days of Boko Haram, does the Inspector of General of Police (IGP) mean it was the opposition then that was sponsoring Boko Haram just to distract the government then?

  • Farmers/herdsmen clash: monarch calls for truce

    The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, has appealed to farmers and herdsmen to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

    The emir made the call in Gombe yesterday during the Eid-el-fitr Durbar at his palace.

    He said: “Farmers should not take laws into their hands when their crops are destroyed by cattle. I am also appealing to the security personnel to do justice in their judgment and not to take sides.”

    The monarch said there were indications of a good farming season and, therefore, called on farmers to plant in time to have a bountiful harvest.

    He appealed to the public to be patient over the hardship in the country, with hope that things will get better.

    He appealed to both Muslims and Christian faithful to imbibe the teaching of Ramadan, which is peace.

  • Updated: Two feared dead in pro-Melaye protest in Kogi

    Updated: Two feared dead in pro-Melaye protest in Kogi

    No fewer than two persons were Monday confirmed dead during a pro-Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West) protest in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

    All appeared to be relatively peaceful at the protest rally as the lawmaker, who was mounted atop a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), from across the entrance in the Kogi State Polytechnic, on the Lokoja-Abuja highway, rounded up on his message, when commotion came from nowhere.

    Clashes would later erupt between the supporters of Senator Melaye and others believed to be pro-Governor Yahaha Bello, as some unknown gunmen alighted from a Sienna SUV, and moved to disrupt the protest.

    But while Senator Melaye escaped gunshots by the whiskers, others including some that stood close to where the Sienna SUV stood were caught by the flying bullets.

    Senator Melaye was in Lokoja to address his supporters on his planned recall which he alleged was being bankrolled by Governor Bello.

    Melaye arrived the gate of the state polytechnic; in Felele at around 11:00am to address the waiting youths when midway into the address, sporadic gunshots were heard from the NATACO end of the Okene/Abuja road.

    The exchange of gunfire lasted for an hour before a combined team of security personnel, including the Army and SSS operatives arrived the scene.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Air Commodore Jerry OModara (rtd.) and the state Commissioner of Police Wilson Inalegwu were both sighted on the scene.

    Melaye, however, said that three people were killed and several others injured by those he described as agents of the government.

  • Two feared dead, scores injured in Eyo clash

    Two feared dead, scores injured in Eyo clash

    Two persons were feared dead and several others injured on Saturday during the Eyo Festival following rival groups clash.

    It was gathered that the fight was between the Iga-Eleti Eyo and Eyo Laba camps at Okepopo on Lagos Island.

    Another set was also said to have clashed around Martins Street, many thugs were injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, it appeared the drunk thugs had old scores to settle.

    It was gathered that the Iga-Eleti camp went to pay homage to the Oba Rilwanu Akiolu of Lagos, and it was allegedly humiliated at Isale-Eko by a member of the Laba camp.

    The infuriated Eleti members were said to have retired to their area at Okepopo Street and laid ambush for their Laba counterparts.

    When the Laba Eyo got to Okepopo, their Eleti counterparts and some youths in the area attacked them. The Laba and Ologede Eyo, another faction, regrouped and launch a reprisal attack on their Eleti counterparts and other residents of the area.

    It took the intervention of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and other security operatives to quell the mayhem.

    RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said: “We had about three minor clashes settled by our response team. My men never reported any death. You should ask the Area Commander.”

  • One killed as youths fight over a girl

    One killed as youths fight over a girl

    …Police arrest eight

     

    A young man was at the wee hours of Wednesday killed and several others injured after youths from two streets clashed over a girl.

    The incident occurred at Abule-Oki, a boarder street between Agege and Iyana Ipaja.

    It was gathered that the factions had engaged in a free for all on Tuesday morning such that they blocked the expressway.

    Trouble stated after a girl from Iyana Ipaja was molested by suspected cultists when she went for a party at Elere.

    The angry victim, it was gathered, went to her base and informed the youths there, who got angry and went for reprisal.

    They were said to have thrown bottles across the road, forcing motorists to park their vehicles until the arrival of policemen.

    Not satisfied, the groups resumed their fight around 12am, where the late victim was said to have been hacked.

    Policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Area M Command were said to have gone to the scene where eight suspects were arrested.

    A man who witnessed the previous fight said the youths were armed with cutlasses and that they also smashed windscreens and snatched people’s bags.

    He said: “Their movement on the old Abeokuta expressway created huge panic as passersby ran for their dare lives.”

    Police Commissioner Fatai owoseni confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased’s body was recovered.

    He said: “The command received a distress call around 11pm on Tuesday that some youths were engaging themselves in a free for all. One person died in the clash while eight other were arrested.

    “Preliminary investigation conducted by the police revealed that a lady who resides at Iyana-Ipaja area had attended a party at Elere. While at the party, she was attacked by some youths in the area. When she got back to her base at Iyana-Ipaja she rounded her ordeal to those in her area who immediately embarked on a reprisal attack.

    “As at 2am yesterday when the situation as brought under control, a body was recovered. This brings to question the moral of those involved in the fracas. The command will soon hold meeting with stakeholders and leaders of political parties in the area ahead of the Local Government Election on the need to have a free and fair election that is without fracas. We have done it before and we promise to do it again. Anybody or group of persons arrested for actions likely to cause a breach in the peace in the state will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

  • Police seals off PDP secretariat in Jos

    Police seals off PDP secretariat in Jos

    The Nigerian Police on Friday morning sealed off the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Jos over clash of factions.

    Details soon…

    PDP Secretariat in Jos

  • Ondo communities clash over land

    Okerisa-Aruwayo and Iwada, two neighbouring communities near Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State are in dispute over a piece of land.

    Already, concerned residents of Okerisa-Aruwayo have urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and security agents to rescue them from the people of Iwada community as they are reportedly fleeing the community because of incessant attacks.

    Spokesman of the community, Morakinyo Erifoluwa alleged that the ‘invaders’ stormed the village penultimate weekend, driving the inhabitants away from their ancestral homes.

    He said: “On the morning of Thursday, someone told us that the road to our village had been barricaded but we did not believe it.

    “On Friday, however, around 7:00 p.m., we heard several gunshots. We did not know what to do. Everybody ran helter-skelter for dear lives.

    “It was later we learnt that the invaders were from Iwada, our neigbouring village. They have been terrorising us and causing trouble for our people.”

    Morakinyo, who said the village was attacked because of land dispute pending at the Court of Appeal in Akure said the invasion was unreasonable.

    He said: “In March 2015, one of our sons, an undergraduate, was murdered on the land and his corpse could not be recovered till today.

    “On March 23, last year, the Okitipupa High Court ceded a portion of our land to the Iwada people. Not satisfied with the judgment; we proceeded to the Appeal Court for redress.

    “Since the case is before the court, our people have stayed away from the land even as the people of Iwada are harvesting our cash crops in contempt of the court. We wonder why they keep on attacking us.”

    According to him, the case was reported to the head of the community, Chief Albert Epebinu at Ilutitun who mobilised a team of young men to the village and assess the extent of damage done to their properties.

    He said when they got to the village, they discovered that their buildings had been vandalised with food stuffs and valuables carted away, stressing that the case was then reported at the Igbotako Police Station.

    Morakinyo pointed out that policemen were deployed to the scene and they saw things for

    themselves.

    Among items they allegedly carted away were one big power generating set, seven spraying machines; 13 rolls of yam tubers from a barn, 15 (20 litters) kegs of palm oil, garri frying trays, among other things.

    Epebinu confirmed the story of a disputed land between the two communities, and wondered why this should happen when his people have dwelled on the land for over 300 years.

    He pointed out that Okerisa Aruwayo is sharing boundaries with Irowa, Okerisa Lulawo and Iwada and there was no problem among the neighbours.

    However, the Baale of Iwada, Chief Raphael Ajisola said the people of Okerisa Aruwayo were only sojourners on the land.

    He said: “I have a copy of the judgment by the High Court, Okitipupa which ruled that the land belongs to Iwada.

    He denied the claim that the attackers were from Iwada.

    Police spokesman in the State, Femi Joseph a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was aware of the communal crisis, adding that the case was under investigations.