The Nation Newspaper

Tag: gun

  • Policeman, robber killed in Bayelsa gun battle

    An unidentified policeman attached to the Department of Operations of the Bayelsa State Police Command has been shot dead by suspected robbers at Agudama, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

    Also, a member of the gang and a resident of Agudama, Victor Abule, died in the robbery.

    It was learnt that the incident happened at 11 pm on Saturday when a five-man robbery gang stormed the home of Evelyn Patrick at Agudama.

    The bandits were said to have shot dead Abule, who was Patrick’s neighbour, for allegedly spying on them.

    The deceased police officer was said to have confronted the robbers when they were escaping with their loot.

    This reportedly led to an exchange of gunfire between the hoodlums and the policeman.

    While the policeman shot dead one of the suspected robbers, he had a bullet wound that later caused his death at an undisclosed hospital.

    It was gathered that the bodies of the victims had been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Police spokesman Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the robbery incident and the three casualties.

    Butswat said: “On January 1, at 2200 hour (10 pm), a five-man robbery gang, robbed Evelyn Patrick at Agudama in Yenagoa and shot dead Victor Abule, 23.

    “Consequently, as they were escaping, a police officer confronted the armed men and shot dead one of them. The officer sustained gunshots injuries. He was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died.”

    The spokesman said the command had begun a manhunt for the fleeing suspects while investigation had begun into the incident.

    Also, a 27-year-old man in Yenagoa, Nwani Nnamdi, has died in a boat mishap.

    Nnamdi reportedly died after the canoe conveying him and another person capsized at the Down Yenagoa Creek.

    The passenger died before he could get help.

    The condition of another passenger travelling alongside Nnmadi could not be verified last night.

    The canoe was said to have sunk after it was hit by the waves from a passenger speedboat which drove past as it was crossing to another side of the creek.

    Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said the deceased, whose body had been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, hailed from Ebonyi State and was 27.

  • Mob attacks policemen, snatches riffles

    Mob attacks policemen, snatches riffles

    Two policemen attached to Ebonyi State command were Tuesday hospitalized following injuries they sustained when they were attacked by a mob where they went to make arrest.

    Also, they were dispossessed of their service AK-47 riffles by the mob.

    The two officers whose names and ranks could not be immediately ascertained, it was gathered, were attacked at Amofia Ngbo, Ohaukwu local government area.

    The officers had gone to the community to arrest a man who stabbed another man for demanding to be paid money owed him when they were surrounded by members of the community who refused to allow them effect the arrest of the suspect.

    An eyewitness who did not want his name in print said that the policemen insisted that the suspect must be arrested and swooped on him.

    Another source added that following the attack on the policemen by the youths, stern looking policemen in large numbers stormed the area in the late evening and started destroying things.

    He disclosed that houses were razed in the alleged police reprisal attack.

    Police spokesman, ASP George Okafor confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

    He said the policemen attacked are responding to treatment and that their AK-47 riffles snatched are still missing.

    Okafor added that some arrest has been made in connection with the incident.

    Meanwhile, it was learnt that people have deserted the community.

     

  • My uncle gave me gun to rob —suspect

    A robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Chukwu Ida, who was nabbed while attempting to rob a trader at Uwelu Spareparts Market of the sum of N800,000, has told police operatives that his uncle, Peter, bought the gun used for the operation.

    Both uncle and nephew had a heated argument when they were paraded before newsmen at the premises of the Police Headquarters in Edo State.

    Ifeanyi said his uncle invited him to Benin City and gave him money to buy the gun after which he informed them about whom to collect from. He said his uncle promised to share the money into three parts after a successful operation.

    The police said the suspects however ran out of luck during the operation when Ifeanyi and other members of the gang were overpowered, but only Ifeanyi was caught.

    Said Ifeanyi: “What do you think would made me put such allegation on my uncle? My uncle sells motor parts at Uwelu and he bought the gun.”

    “He invited me to Benin and gave me money to go and buy a gun. He said I should use it to go and collect money from that trader. He has not paid us and promised to pay us after we brought the N800,000. I studied Marketing.”

    Peter denied buying the gun for Ifeanyi and described it as mere allegations. “I went to all-night prayer and when I returned they said police came and took my things away. I went to the police and they detained me. I have not seen this boy for over three years.”

  • Police recover nine guns, 42 cartridges in Lagos

    Police operatives in Amuwo Odofin in the early hours of Sunday recovered nine pump action guns and 42 live ammunitions from suspected armed robbers.
    The arms and ammunitions were recovered by men of the Area E command led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (APC) Frank Mba.
    It was learnt that the weapons were found in a bag abandoned by fleeing motorcyclist and his co-rider, around Seventh Avenue in Festac, when they could not withstand the chase of a police patrol team.
    The Nation gathered that patrols have been intensified around the neighbourhood in order to quell the spate of criminal activities there.
    A police source who spoke unofficially stated that the incident occurred at about 12am.
    He disclosed that they had sighted the bike which was unregistered and pursued it.
    According to him, they were suspicious because the passenger on the motorcycle carried a bag.
    “We moved forward in pursuit of the bike and as soon as they sighted us, they ran away, abandoning the motorcycle and the sac.
    “We could not shoot because we did not know what was in the sac. But when the sac was searched, we found nine pump action guns and 42 live cartridges,” he said.
    Confirming the development, the state command’s spokesman, Joe Offor, a DSP said the cartridges were eight.
    He said: “At about 11:15pm on Sunday, Anti-Robbery policemen in Festac found a bag abandoned by suspected robbers at Seventh Avenue, which contained nine pump actions and eight live cartridges.
    “The fleeing suspects also abandoned an unregistered motorcycle. Investigations are ongoing to fish out the culprits.”

  • Lawyer arrested with gun in Delta

    The Delta State Police Command, at the weekend, arrested a lawyer for alleged illegal possession of a locally made double-barrelled short gun.

    Police spokesman Celestina Kalu said the lawyer, Prince Imoh, was arrested in company of his younger brother, Felix Imoh.

    In a statement, Kalu said both suspects were arrested at 13 Ohrerhe Street, Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, following a search warrant on their premises.

    The spokesperson said the gun was allegedly recovered when Felix, who was said to have concealed it in his shirt, was trying to relocate it when the police searched the house.

    She added the command had begun investigation into the matter.

  • Blacksmith held for selling gun to robbers

    Blacksmith held for selling gun to robbers

    A 65-year-old blacksmith, Najimu Bakare, has been arrested by the police for selling a gun to armed robbers. But the suspect said he thought the buyers were either hunters or members of a vigilance group.

    The suspect is being detained by the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Others also being held are: Dare Ayetoba, 22; Adewale Odusote, 22, and Idris Tairu, 25.

    According to police, the suspects were arrested on May 15 by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and handed over to the Area J Command in Ajah. They were subsequently handed over to SARS. In his defence, Bakare said he sold the gun to the men believing that they were wither hunters or vigilante.

    He said: “I joined Aye Fraternity in March, 2012.  They gave me a nylon bag to take to our man, Dare, but the police stopped me, searched the bag and arrested me.

    Idris said it was Kelly that introduced him to the deal, while Bakare said: “I sold gun to them for N30, 000.  I did not know that they were armed robbers.  I thought that they were either vigilance men or hunters.”

  • Nigerians and S/Africa’s gun violence

    SIR: South Africa has become the Mecca and the place of refuge for Nigerian economic migrants. But, daily, we are regaled with tales of how some Nigerians were killed in gun fight in South-Africa, the rain-bow nation. Those killed were alleged to be involved in illicit and illegal drug trafficking.

    Like America, South Africa has a gun culture that permits people to own guns. So, some people in these countries do use their mercanhdise of death to dispatch their friends and relatives to the great beyond when they’re emotionally troubled. And, armed robbers, terrorists, and kidnappers carry out their operations with guns, too.

    Lucky Dube, the great cultural ambassador of South Africa, was shot dead in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, South Africa, as he dropped off his daughter and son. Reeva Steenkamp, the beautiful model and lawyer, was another victim of the reprehensible gun violence in South Africa. Oscar Pistorious, the paralympian champion, who overcame physical disabilities, to achieve global fame shot and killed Ms SteenKamp, on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He was convicted of culpable homicide by Judge Thokozile Masipa.

    Again, Senzo Meyiwa, the South African football captain, was killed while staying in his girlfriend’s house. The killing of Meyiwa sparked off outrage in South Africa. Zanokhule Mbatha, who was suspected of killing him, was arrested after a nation-wide manhunt.

    The government of South Africa should enact laws to curtail the possession of guns by its citizens. And, those that violate the country’s gun laws should be punished by the existing gun laws in the country. Nigerians who are living in that country should abide by the laws governing South Africa. They should desist from engaging in criminal activities, which can attract unpalatable repercussions to them.

     

    • Chiedu Uche Okoye,

    Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

  • Sevilla, Atletico, Arsenal gun for Ogbonna

    Italian – Nigerian defender Angelo Ogbonna is not in the plans of new Juventus manager, Max Allegri, and will be allowed to look for a new employer this summer.

    Sportmediaset.it says clubs based overseas are monitoring the transfer situation of the Italy National Teamer.

    Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are believed to be on the trail of Ogbonna, who is available for a transfer fee of 12 million Euros.

    Given the caliber of clubs interested in the stopper, he would be sold to a team that bids highest for him.

    The 26 – year- old is tied to Juventus until the end of the 2017 – 2018 season.

  • Driver needs N5m to survive gun attack

    Driver needs N5m to survive gun attack

    When Babalola Mukaila, a commercial driver, left his house on the November 7 last year, he was bubbling with life. He bid his wife, children and family members farewell but did not know that he would not return hail and hearty that day.

    Mukaila used to ply his trade along Ilorin-Oyo-Ibadan road. On that same day he was unlucky to have run into a gang of armed robbers between Oyo and Ibadan, who shot at his vehicle. In the process the driver sustained extensive bullet wounds on the face.

    The victim, who is currently recuperating at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) requires a sum of N5 million for face surgery in an Indian Hospital.

    On the hospital bed he urged public-spirited Nigerians to rescue him from the claws of death, saying “please come to my aid. The agony and pains I’m going through are beyond what I can bear. My life is at stake as I urgently need God’s favour and kind assistance of well-meaning Nigerians to free me from this present precarious situation.”

    Recounting his ordeal, the 50 year old Mukaila said on the unfortunate day “I was shot in the face through the nose and mouth and lost consciousness for three months. I was getting better but with deformed face and mouth as all my upper teeth were badly affected. This made it difficult for me to feed myself without assistance of people.

    “I was subsequently referred from the UITH to an Indian Hospital where my face and teeth could be restored, that is why I am seeking financial assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to please sponsor my trip for proper medical attention.”

    Mukaila, who hails from Offa, Offa Local Government, lamented that he had expended about N2 million to bounce back to normal life but to no avail.

    He said “my family members have tried. The transport union members have been footing my bills at the UITH, UCH and other private hospitals.”

    The letter of referral signed by Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at UITH, Dr M. F. Adeyemo reads: “The above named patient was admitted on the 7th November, 2013 at the Accident and Emergency unit on account of gunshot injuries by armed robbers. He sustained multiple maxillofacial injuries which involved the nasoethmoidal complex, part of the lower eyelid, the philtrum of the upper lip, hard palate and the upper teeth sparing the soft palate.

    “Patient was fully conscious and alert at presentation, loss of blood could not be ascertained. Patient was however stabilized at presentation and explore under anesthesia via trachesotomy.

    “The exploration under general anesthesia involved complete debridement and excision of necrotic tissue of the entry point of the bullet (the right cheek), excision of the partially avulsed hard palate, nasal septum, part of the brain tissue and extraction of the upper right molar.

    “The entry wound on the right cheek was dressed and allowed to granulate, the palatal defect was packed with surfratulle for few days and finally restored with obuturator which was suspended with circum zygomatic wiring bilaterally.

    “However, patient’s facial appearance and feeding habit could not be restored with prosthesis.

    “We are hereby, referring the patient to you based on the request of the patient for further management.”

    In their response to the referral, authorities of the Fortis Hospitals, New Delhi, India said “Mr. Babalola Mukaila needs to come for facial reconstruction with flaps and bone grafts at our facility centre in India.”

    The hospitals in their reply signed by Senior Consultant, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Rashmi Taneja “said we have found most suitable treatment plan advised by the top and most renowned specialist in India for you, on very affordable price.

    “He will require to stay in the hospital for one week and one month in India. Hospital cost estimate for above treatment is likely to be between 10,000 and 12,000 US Dollars.

    “The above package cost includes hospital stay above, nursing care, surgeon fee, medicines and consumables, patient’s food and airport pick up etc.”

    Victim’s contact phone numbers are 08053047375 and 08036483048

    Account Name: Babalola Mukaila, Account number 0124438139, Bank’s name is GTB

  • Osaze fit to gun down Arsenal — Clarke

    Osaze fit to gun down Arsenal — Clarke

    STEVE Clarke says Ben Foster’s recovery from a second minor groin operation remains on track – and he has given Super Eagles ace, Osaze Odemwingie and the rest of his squad a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.

    The Albion No.1 will miss the Emirates Stadium clash and the Baggies boss insists it is too early to say if he will be fit to face West Ham eight days later.

    But the illness that affected Boaz Myhill, Billy Jones and Yassine El Ghanassy over the last fortnight has cleared up in the Baggies camp.

    “Ben is working well and he is on schedule,” said Clarke.

    “Apart from that I have everyone else available. We’ll decide on whether he’s available for the following game next week.”