Tag: Gunmen

• From Olaide Oyelude, Lokoja

Gunmen who abducted three relations of former Daily Trust Editor, Malam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, in Kogi State on Thursday evening have demanded N50 million ransom.

Family sources said the kidnapped relations included a male and two females among who was Ajobe’s immediate younger sister identified as Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.

According to the family, the victims were abducted on their way from a nearby community market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State at a point along Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi Road.

Ajobe lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, on Sunday after a protracted illness.

The family revealed that the victims went to the market to purchase items for the seventh-day prayers of the journalist’s deceased mother when they were kidnapped.

Although the journalist could not be immediately reached for details on the incident, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident.

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A close family source also revealed that the abductors had demanded N50 million ransom to ensure the release of the victims.

The family source revealed: “Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3 pm on Thursday.

“The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding N50 million as ransom.

“However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja.

“What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet and the victims are still in captivity.”

Contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), William Aya, confirmed the incident.

He said the Divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of the area had already deployed his men in the area to ensure the rescue of the victims

He added that the state Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, had also directed a police tactical team to be drafted to the area to reinforce the security operatives there.

He assured that everything possible was being done to ensure the safe release of the victims and bring the gunmen to justice.

The Benue State Police Command yesterday confirmed the murder in Makurdi, Benue State capital, of a lawyer, Barrister Mike Ofikwu on Wednesday.

The spokesman of the state’s police command, Sewuese Anene, told journalists that the deceased lawyer was shot by gunmen numbering about seven outside his home on Otukpa Street as he was returning from work at about 8pm.

Ofikwu was said to have been shot at close range at his gate after which concerned neighbours rushed him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, he had lost too much blood and so could not survive the attack.

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Ofikwu died at the Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, on Thursday morning.

A lawyer who prefers anonymity said Ofikwu was until his death the Secretary of the Otukpo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

After shooting at him several times, the gunmen were also said to have cut his hand with a machete.

Ofikwu was said to have died at the hospital while receiving treatment at about 1.40 am on Thursday while his remains were deposited in the mortuary of the same hospital.

The command has since launched an investigation into the incident.

Gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have attacked an army checkpoint in Abia State. 

It was gathered three soldiers on duty were killed in a fierce gun battle between the gunmen and soldiers of the 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia at the checkpoint.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning at the army checkpoint located at the Carpenter Shed, Ekenobizi, Umuopara, Umuahia South local government area axis of the popular Onuimo Bridge, a popular boundary between Abia State and Imo State.

The incident, sources said happened around 6:18 am, forcing road users and traders around to scamper for safety as gunshots rented the air.

The checkpoint,it gathered, was set up last Thursday to improve security in the State. 

Sources disclosed that the gunmen who apparently took the soldiers unawares, dismantled the checkpoint after overpowering them. 

The Nation recalls some armed men were repelled by personnel of the 144 Battalion in Ukwa West local government area when they (gunmen) attacked a police checkpoint along the ever-busy Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, had fled the state and headed to imo State.

But Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu Onah in a statement on behalf of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “At the early hours of today 13 November  2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia – Owerri road in Umuahia south local government area of Abia State came under attack carried out by the irredentist group of the  Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

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“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack forcing the irredentist to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicles that were used for the attack. 

“However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price. 

“The Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA is calling and appealing to the good people of the Southeast especially residents of Abia State with relevant, reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the irredentist group who committed this heinous crime and also help to annihilate the criminals in the region.

“The Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.”

Gunmen have abducted Rev Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the parish priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo Community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to church authorities, Azubuike was abducted on Tuesday evening along the Ayayi community when he was returning from an assignment.

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, which confirmed the development in a statement, solicited prayers for the priest’s safety and swift return to his parish.

The statement by the Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, said: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6pm. 

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“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity,” the statement read.

Reacting to the incident, Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the command had commenced an investigation to rescue the abducted priest.