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Tag: Garba Umar

  • Buhari mourns death of ex-Taraba governor’s wife

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of Alhaji Garba Umar, a former Governor of Taraba State, following the death of his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Garba Umar.

    In a message delivered on his behalf by a Federal Government delegation, President Buhari said, “I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your wife, Hajiya Hadiza. Please extend my heartfelt condolences to your entire family. May her soul Rest In Peace.”

    “I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the deceased and strength to you and your entire family to bear this irreparable loss,” the President added.

    Read Also: Killing of Police: Buhari orders Army to investigate incident

    The delegation was made up of Sarki Abba and Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Domestic Affairs and Media and Publicity respectively; the Personal Physician to the President, Dr. Suhayb Rafindadi; and the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure.

    Alhaji Umar expressed his deep appreciation to the President for sending the condolence team, and prayed for peace and prosperity to prevail throughout the country.

     

     

  • Anambra CP orders aggressive manhunt of cultists, sponsors

    The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar has ordered aggressive manhunt of persons involved in cult activities and their sponsors in the state.

    Umaru who gave the directive in Awka on Monday through the Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the measure has become necessary following recent upsurge in cults related activities in the State.

    He asked those involved to desist henceforth or have themselves to blame, regardless of their positions.

    “The CP directed for aggressive manhunt of perpetrators including their sponsors in order to stem the tide of the menace and the clamp down had commenced with immediate effect.

    Read Also: Vigilante kills student in Anambra

    “Consequently, the Command is determined as usual to ensure that criminals in whatever guise have no hiding place in the State no matter how highly placed they might be especially during this period of electioneering Campaigns,” he said.

    While vowing to deal decisively with anyone apprehended in accordance with the law, the CP reassured the people of state of the Command’s commitments towards providing Safety and Security in the State.

    “The Command also implores parents/guardians to caution their children to refrain from indulging in cultism and other nefarious activities or face severe legal consequences when arrested,” he added.

  • Yuletide: Anambra CP warns officers against use of firearms

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Garba Umar has warned personnel attached to VIPS to adhere strictly on rules guiding use of firearms and refrain from unauthorized sporadic shootings on air during the festival season.

    He noted that any officer found violating such order would be dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedure.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, the CP directed all Area Commanders, DPOS /Unit heads to intensify raids of black spots and sustain ongoing stop and search operations.

    “In order to enhance safe and secure environment for all Ndi Anambra to ensure a peaceful state especially during the

    Christmas and new year celebrations, the CP has directed all Area Commanders, DPOS, PMF and other striking units in the State to intensify raids of black spots and criminal hideouts.

    Read Also: Fed Govt trains 5000 in Anambra

    “The Commissioner warns Police personnel including PMF/SPU attached to VIPs visiting the State during the yuletide period to adhere strictly to the rules guiding use of firearms as contained in Force order 237 and also refrain from unauthorized sporadic shootings on air,” he said.

    The statement stressed sustenance of the ongoing stop and search/ tactical operation duties and night patrols in order to deny miscreants and criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the State throughout the festive season.

    “The CP further directed the Department of Operations to embark on Statewide visiting rounds to observe levels of compliance to his directives as well as strategies emplaced by Area Commanders, DPOs and Unit heads in their areas of responsibilities.

    According to the statement, all officers in the Command were also placed on red alert at their respective duty posts and directed to respond promptly to any situation or distress from members of the public.

    Appreciating the cooperation of residents including availing the Command with useful information towards promoting safety and Security in the State, Umar assured of adequate protection, imploring them to report any suspicious person or movements to the nearest Police Station or call police emergency number 07039194332 for prompt response.

  • Police nab 124 suspected cultists, recover 1000 wraps of Indian hemp

    Over 124 persons suspected to be cultists have been arrested by the police from various parts of Anambra State.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, in statement, on Saturday, said the arrest were made during a raid on criminal hideouts and black spots in the state.

    He said 37 of the suspects have confessed and were charged to court, adding that 53 were screened and released while 34 others were undergoing interrogation.

    “The state Commissioner of Police Garba Umar had directed for an aggressive raids on criminal hideouts and blackspots in the state to ensure people of the state, both at home and in diaspora celebrate Christmas and new year without hindrance or molestation.

    Read Also: Police cells are like hell fire

    “Between 26/11/2018 to date, the State Command through its Special Anti Cultism Squad/FSARS and Divisional Police headquarters have arrested total number of 124 suspected cultists/hoodlums from various parts of the state,” he said.

    According to Mohammed, the Command also recovered 4 locally made pistols, 6 cutlasses, 2 axes, over 1000 wraps of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and 2 regalia for Aye and Junior Vickings Confraternity, respectively.

    He reiterated the Command’s determination to ensure that criminals had no hiding place in the State especially during the festive season and would deal decisively with those apprehended in accordance with the law.

  • Man, 36 lynched over burglary in Anambra

    A 36-year old man was on Tuesday reportedly lynched by an angry mob in Amansea, Awka North local government area of Anambra State.

    The victim, whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was said to have severally burgled into people’s apartments at Amawarri area of the community.

    The Nation gathered that he was already dead before the arrival of the police who stormed the area following a tip-off.

    Confirming the incident, the Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the Police Patrol team attached to ‘B’ Division, Awka, met the victim in an unconscious state on arrival to the scene.

    “He was rushed to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital where he was certified dead by the doctor on duty,” he said.

    Read Also: Man arraiged for ‘stealing’ at eatery

    Mohammed added that the corpse had been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy while efforts were being intensified to tracing and apprehending the perpetrators.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, enjoins members of the public to refrain from taking laws into their hands as the Command will not fold its arms and allow miscreants to disrupt public peace in the state,” he stated.

  • Umar joins Taraba guber race

    Alhaji Garba Umar, a former Acting Governor in Taraba, on Wednesday declared his intention to contest in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

    The former acting governor, popularly called UTC, made the declaration in Jalingo when he visited the secretariat of state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Umar said that he was joining the race to change the incumbent government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The aspirant promised that he would consolidate on his achievements when he was the acting governor if he gained the party’s nomination and won the governorship election.

    “For the two years that I was the acting governor, I executed 24 projects and paid over N1 billion as gratuities. This is just to mention a few,” Umar said.

    He, however, said that he was ready to support any candidate that won the party’s primary provided due process was strictly followed throughout the exercise.

    “As I said earlier, my main objective is to change bad leadership. Therefore, whoever emerges the flag bearer of the party, I will support him if due process is followed,” the aspirant said.

    Umar advised the party’s leadership to give all aspirants a level playing field, warning that showing favoritism to a candidate could spell doom for the party.

    Responding, the state APC Deputy Chairman, Mr John Maigari, said that Umar was a household name in the state politics, having made his mark as a former acting governor.

    He assured the aspirant that the party would give equal opportunities to every aspirant willing and ready to contest for any position.

    NAN

     

  • Don’t invade pitch, Umar urges fans

    Don’t invade pitch, Umar urges fans

    CP Garba Umar, Senior Security Advisor to the Super Eagles, has urged football fans to be orderly as they throng Uyo to watch the team’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Saturday.

    Umar made the appeal when he spoke with a reporter on Friday in Awka on the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio  International Stadium, Uyo.

    He said that the team had been talking to fans on the need to be ruly as well as the consequences of field encroachment.

    The Police Commissioner in Anambra said that enough mobilisation of personnel had been done ahead of the game in the light of the high expectations and excitement that would surround the game.

    “We have been working towards a hitch-free game, talking to fans against pitch invasion or encroachment because FIFA is very strict about such behaviours.

    “Our men have been mobilised and are on ground, we understand the nature and tempo of the game, it is a crucial one.

    “And we hope that with the preparations on ground, it will be a very free security atmosphere,’’ he said.

    Contributing, Arthur Ebunam, the Chairman of ex-Rangers International players in Anambra, said that though pressure would be on the Eagles, they would come out triumphant.

    Ebunam, a former Green Eagles player, said they should approach the game with positive minds and attack their opponents and score as many goals as possible.

    He the Eagles were almost World Cup-bound but should play the Zambians as though their qualification depended on the game.

    “Our team is under pressure whether you like it or not; they have almost qualified, people are hoping they win the game; they are at home unlike their opponents who are here to spoil their fun.

    “Technically, they should attack, attack and attack, get many goals in the first half and consolidate in the second half, I am confident we will win,’’ he said.

    A win over Zambia in Uyo will be enough to see Nigeria return to the Mundial after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

    NAN

  • Police arrest army deserter turned IPOB trainer

    Police arrest army deserter turned IPOB trainer

    A 26-year-old alleged army deserter, Ebeje Nnamdi, suspected to be the trainer of members of Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), has been arrested by Police in Anambra.

    Nnamdi was arrested alongside three others for their alleged involvement in armed robbery in Iyi Oji area of Anambra on Wednesday.

    The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Garba Umar, presented the suspects to newsmen on Thursday at the police command headquarters in Amawbia, near Awka.

    The police also arrested 22 suspected cult members who were allegedly conducting their initiation ceremony in a bush.

    Umar said the police recovered 336 rounds of 7.22x39mm, AK-47 live ammunition from the alleged ( IPOB ) members and their trainer.

    “Police equally recovered three empty AK-47 riffles with magazines, one locally made double barrel pistol with two live cartridges, ( IPOB ) wears, IPOB flags, muffler, criminal charms and ATM cards.

    “The Army deserter was formally of the 20 Mechanised Battalion, Taraba, in 2014 before he disappeared,’’ Umar said.

    The  commissioner said Nnamdi became a member of a six-man gang responsible for the attacks and killings of policemen at nipping points, robberies at fuel stations including that of Bukachi filling station, Eziowelle, both in Onitsha on Aug. 31, 2017.

    Others who were arrested alongside Nnamdi were 26-year-old Onyebuchi Peter Ali and Ugwuokpe Nnaemeka, he said.

    Umar said their case was under investigation and that they would be charged to court after investigation.

    He also  said that two members of a four-man gang of kidnappers were arrested, while one was killed in a gun battle with members of the state anti robbery squad (SARS), while the victim was rescued.

    H said the alleged kidnapers were said to have abducted one John Ifediorah of Umuganagu village to Iyi Oji shrine, where he was said to have been subjected to torture before the police swooped on them.

    Those arrested during the raid, he said, were Chukwudi Nwabundo and Obiora Madubueze, while Chinaza Udeezue was killed during the gun battle in the Aguleri bush.

    The commissioner further said that the 22 cultists were apprehended at their initiation centre at Nnewi when the police teams from the Special Anti-Cultism (SPAC) cordoned off the place.

    Umar said the suspects were members of Junior Vikings confraternity (JVC), Ayees, Aro, 2-2, Bagger, Baby Ayees and black axe and were of between the ages of 16 and 25.

    Some of the items recovered from them included one locally made revolver pistol with one live ammunition; one locally made pistol gun with three live cartridges; daggers; three short axes; three machetes; one black turban belonging to Aro; muffler and black berets.

    “The Anambra State Police command has continued to deliver on its mandate of protecting the lives and property of the people of the State.

    “The command has been achieving results in the fight against crime due to the cooperation of well meaning people in the state. We solicit that such synergy should be sustained.

    “I wish to reiterate the readiness of the command to continue partnering with other security agencies and law abiding citizens of the state to eliminate all forms of crime and criminalities.

    “I wish to advise parents to take care of their children/wards so as to reduce cult activities in the society,’’ Umar said.

    The commissioner advised the people of the state to always report to the police or other security agencies any suspicious movement for urgent intervention.

  • Gunmen kill Policeman, civilian in Anambra

    Gunmen kill Policeman, civilian in Anambra

    Some people suspected to be gunmen on Sunday, shot dead a policeman and a civilian near Assemblies of God Church, Oguta Road Onitsha, Anambra.

    An eyewitness said that the gunmen had stopped near the Church, adding that on sighting some policemen at the church, they opened fire on them.

    The source also said the attackers made away with the rifle of the slain policeman.

    “When the firing became too hot, the policemen abandoned their patrol vehicle and ran away for safety.

    “The gunmen moved to their patrol van and took a gun belonging to the policeman they killed,” he said.

    The eye witness said he could not identify the number of armed men involved.

    Another eyewitness said, “Gunmen on Okada (motorcycle) shot a policeman and collected his rifle.

    They also shot dead an Okada man while escaping and the passenger he was carrying was injured.

    The policeman was the one armed among his colleagues; they were providing security while church service was going on at Assemblies of God Church, Oguta road Onitsha.

    Reacting to the incident, Mr Garba Umar Commissioner of Police in Anambra confirmed the incident to journalists.

    Umar said it was not an attack on the church, adding that the gunmen took away a rifle belonging to the slain cop.

    “My men were on patrol near the church when they were attacked by some gunmen. ‘’It was not an attack on the church in the real sense of it, “he said.

    Unknown gunmen on Aug. 6 attacked worshipers at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo council in Anambra, killing no fewer than 13 persons and injured 27.

    A Federal Government delegation,led by Sen. Chris Ngige had on Aug. 12 visited Anambra to condole the people and government of the state as well as the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi over the incident.

  • Ozubulu church attack: Buhari calls Obiano

    Ozubulu church attack: Buhari calls Obiano

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night made a telephone call to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra to commiserate with him and people of the State over the Ozubulu Church attack.

    The Sunday early morning attack on St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area had claimed the lives of 11 worshippers and 18 others injured.

    Buhari had earlier in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu condemned the attack, describing the incident as “an appalling crime against humanity and unspeakable sacrilege”.

    In the statement, the President said that “there was no justification whatsoever to target Church worshippers and kill them in cold blood.’’

    He expressed his deep sympathy with the families of the victims, the Church leadership and the government of Anambra.

    However, barely two hours after the release of the President’s statement on the incident, Shehu also confirmed that the President had a telephone conversation with Gov. Obiano where he commiserated with him, families of the victims as well as the people of the state.

    He said: “The President has just finished speaking to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, in the course of which he commiserated with him, the famines of the victims and the citizens of the state over the tragic shooting incident this morning.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Obiano was quoted as saying that the Ozubulu killings was a result of a dispute between two sons of the area and vowed that all those behind the act would be apprehended.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of Anambra, Mr Garba Umar, also in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Sunday, revealed that the police had launched a manhunt on those behind the incident and gave an assurance that everybody behind the act would be brought to justice.