Gunmen yesterday stormed House 2, Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Meta, Lagos, and killed Sunmi Ige, an engineer.
Ige was shot in the head as he pleaded with the gunmen not to go away with his laptop.
Three of the eight men were said to have stormed Ige’s apartment on the top-most floor of the two-storey building; others waited on the street.
They tore the door net, broke the door handle before entering to attack Ige.
According to neighbours, the hoodlums ransacked his home and carted away his television set, phones, laptop and money.
It was gathered that the deceased, who worked with BHS International, a construction firm, was heard pleading with his attackers to spare his life.
A neighbour said: “Sunmi was shouting ‘I am your son, please, why are you doing this to me?’ He was also begging them to take everything but leave the laptop. We heard a gunshot while the robbers were inside his room. We don’t know if they shot at him there. But when they were leaving, Sunmi followed them down. He was naked and begging them to give him the laptop. He knelt down and was begging them but one short man who was among the robbers shot him in the head.”
The gunmen also attacked a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Medinat Obalola, and took her phone and money.
According to the woman, they woke her up from sleep, after breaking into her apartment.
She said: “I locked the door and slept but they broke into my house. My husband, Alhaji Obalola was sleeping in the balcony. That’s where he usually sleeps whenever there’s no light. The robbers didn’t see him. As I was sleeping, someone woke me up and they were three. They told me they were not here to joke, that I should bring out my money and phone. They showed me guns and cutlasses that they would use it on me if I failed to comply.
“They took my phone, collected my money, and removed our television set. They told me to lie down with my face on the ground. My two-year-old granddaughter, who woke up while the robbery was going on, was marched on the floor. The robbers also used their cutlass to whip my son, Muri, who was on the bed because he tried to look at their faces. Then, they collected his money and phone too.
“When they left our house, I wanted to go to the balcony to tell my husband what has happened so that he doesn’t come out and encounter them but they heard the sound of the door and shouted at me that they will smash my head with their gun.
“It was from our house that they now went to the engineer’s place. It’s true that we heard gunshot while they were inside his house. We also heard him begging them to spare his life. This is a horrible incident. It is the first time I am witnessing something like this in all my years in this neighbourhood.”
Her daughter, Mrs Zainab Olarenwaju, who said she went for a vigil, described the late Ige as “a very quiet tenant”.
According to her, he usually came home around 8pm and doesn’t go out after then.
The late Ige, she said, moved into the compound about five months ago, adding that when he returned from work on Monday, he bought two bottles of beer and cigarette from her nephew.
She said: “He hardly speaks to anyone. He’s very quiet and it was only today that I even knew his name. I left for vigil around 11pm. I was not at home when it happened. But I am very surprised because it is impossible for anyone to open the gate by the stairs from outside. It can only be opened from inside, unless the robbers had master key.
“My father went to Denton Police Station to report around 5am. The policemen came here and saw the corpse downstairs, which was covered. They took him away. I heard that my mother was crying for help on behalf of the man so that people can rush him to hospital but no one came out. They were scared.”
Tag: Gunmen
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Engineer killed as gunmen invade home
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Edo: Gunmen kill Chief Imam of Egbeta Mosque
Three gunmen suspected to be assassins have killed the Chief Imam of Egbeta Mosque in Ovia North East local government area, Mallam Saka Afolabi.
Mallam Afolabi was on his way to the mosque in the early hours of Saturday when he was shot dead in the presence of his two sons.
He was said to have been shot on the chest.
One of his sons who was witnessed the killing, Mutiu Afolabi, said three boys accosted them and pointed torch on their faces before shooting his father dead.
He said, “We were going to the mosque when three boys came on a motorcycle. One said, this is the man. They pointed torch at our face and shot my father.”
Confirming the incident, Edo Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Moses Nkombe said those fingered in the murder would be invited for questioning.
DSP Nkombe noted that the claim of alibi was not sufficient for exoneration.
He said men of the homicide department have been tasked to fish out the killers.
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Gunmen kill four members of Abia vigilante
A four man gunmen suspected to be members of a notorious armed robbery gang terrorizing visitors and residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State has reportedly killed personnel of the Abia State Vigilante Service (AVS), otherwise known as Bakassi boys.
It was gathered that while three of the AVS personnel died on the spot, another member of the security outfit died on the way to the hospital.
Unconfirmed reports have it that other personnel of the State Vigilante service and some passersby that sustained gunshot are receiving medical attention in undisclosed private hospital.
Another report has it that the vigilante group had foiled a kidnap attempt of an Aba based business woman at Popular Tonimas junction by the gunmen, not knowing that the gunmen later trailed them.
It was gathered that the gunmen on sighting the AVS team near the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) office along Aba-Owerri expressway road while they were on a routine patrol, opened gunshot on them, killing three on the spot.
It was gathered that the incident which happened on Monday evening caused pandemonium around the area, forcing many shop owners to hurriedly close their shops while motorists and other road users abandoned the ever busy expressway which serves as a major entrance
and exit route from the commercial city for alternative ones to avoid police arrest and gridlock that was already building on the road.A source from one of the security agencies in the state who pleaded anonymity confirmed that four members of the AVS died as a result of the shootout, but couldn’t confirm if there were others admitted in any hospital in Aba.
The source who said that the hoodlums used a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to carry out the act, added that police and other sister agencies shortly after the incident, blocked possible exit routes of the hoodlums.
According to the source, “We (security agencies) are on their trail and will soon get to them. We are closing up on them. We want to use this opportunity to appeal to Aba residents to report to the police and other security agencies in the state about any suspicious movement
of persons in their areas.”Recall that the state government had at the weekend imposed a 6am to 7pm ban on the operational hours of commercial motor and tricycle operators in the state as part of measures to curb the activities of hoodlums and gunmen in the city of Aba and other parts of the state.
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Gunmen kill 21 in Southern Kaduna attacks
No fewer than 21 persons have been reported killed in villages of Kaura and Jema’a Local Government Areas in southern Kaduna State.
The state government yesterday confirmed the renewed attacks as the Garrison Commander of the Army’s 1 Division and the Commissioner of Police relocated to the area.
It was learnt that gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, despite the presence of security agents, launched attacks on four communities, killing 21 people.
Many houses were reportedly set ablaze during the Sunday and Monday attacks on Ashim, Nissi and Zilan in Atakad District, Kaura Local Government and Bakin Kogi in Goska District of Jama’a Local Government.
The attacks in Ashim, Nisi and Zilan, according to eye witnesses took place yesterday at about 6:00pm, claiming 15 lives; over 50 houses were burnt. Those at Bakin Kogi occurred on Sunday at about 5:00pm, claiming seven lives; many houses were set ablaze.
The President of Atakad Community Development Association, Mr. Enock Andong, who confirmed the attack on the three villages, said the herdsmen were heavily armed and that in spite of the security presence, they launched the attacks.
He noted that one of the attackers was killed by soldiers.
Enock Barau, a resident of Bakin Kogi, told of how the gun bearing herdsmen invaded his village, saying they wore black dresses. They started shooting sporadically on arrival in the village, he said.
He said the attack lasted for about four hours. His community, with the support of soldiers, tried to repel the attackers.
Said Barau: “Yesterday (Sunday) around 5pm, we heard gunshots within our surrounding. When I heard the gun shots three times, I came out of my house. The gunshots continued rapidly. Before I could realise what was happening, they had surrounded part of the community. I saw many people coming down from the hill side, shooting and running. They were in a complete black and black from head to toe.
“As they were shooting, we managed to evacuate women out to a safe zone while the men stayed for defence. The shooting started around 5 pm to 9pm before they eventually stopped. As they were shooting, they were burning our houses. Over 100 houses were set ablaze. Seven people were killed and one person is still missing.
“We have soldiers and policemen stationed in the community, but, unfortunately, the soldiers were just coming from the river where they went to have their bath. So they were caught unawares. The herdsmen took control of their camp and the soldiers had to run back to strategies to take over their camp. “We are very impressed with the soldiers because they did their best.
“After taking over their camp from the herdsmen, some of the soldiers moved into the community to help us. But the mobile police whose Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed directly opposite my house didn’t do much; they were just driving up and down without firing a single shot at the gunmen. The police only started responding to the attack when a senior officer arrived. By the time a reinforcement arrived, the attackers had left”.
The state government said the top military Commander and the Police Commissioner relocated to Southern Kaduna to coordinate a determined response to the renewed attacks by the armed bandits.
According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, the situation in the communities had been brought under control by Monday afternoon, with the relocation of Brigadier-General Ismaila Isa and CP Agyole Abeh.
The statement said: “Governor Nasir El-Rufai has extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the renewed attacks which began last night, 19th February 2017. The governor assured them that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.”
The statement added that the two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits.”
The statement quoted the governor as saying: “Despite these difficulties and the pain of the attacks, this is not the time to give the bandits the pleasure of seeing victims turn on each other.”
He called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to repel attacks and crush the bandits.
“Unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the state on Sunday 19th February, 2017 at about 5:30pm. They were repulsed by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams. Further attacks were recorded today in Kaura local government. Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks.” -
Gunmen abduct ex-gov Suswan’s CSO
Gunmen have adducted a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the immediate past governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam, John Manger, a Superintendent of Police.
Manger is serving at the Police Headquarters in Abuja and was said to be on his way to Benue before gunmen waylaid him.
A family source who confirmed the incident to The Nation but pleaded anonymity said he was abducted along Abuja – Keffi road.
There was no further information on weather his adductors have contacted the family.
Manger worked with Suswam for eight years.
When the news of his abduction filtered into Markudi, many who know him expressed concern over his safety. -
Gunmen kidnap two guards, five farmers in Epe
Barely 24 hours after an Isheri North landlord, Dayo Adekoya regained freedom from kidnappers’ den, seven other victims have been abducted.
The victims – two members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and five Eliasa Farm workers were kidnapped in Igbodu-Isiwo, Epe, a Lagos-Ogun border community.
It was gathered that the kidnappers clad in military camouflages, stormed the farm around 7am and whisked away their victims.
The two guards, who were employed to secure the farm and workers in the wake of incessant kidnappings, were said to have been overpowered by the kidnappers numbering about 15.
At the time of filing this story, the kidnappers who took their victims through a bush path to their speedboats, were yet to establish contact with the farm’s management.
According to a source, six farmers and a customer were kidnapped two weeks ago by gunmen who usually attacked in broad day light.
He said: “The state government and security agencies should focus more attention on the area because of the increase in kidnappings.”
The Nation reports that cases of kidnappings have remained unabated around the border communities.
Last month, 24-year-old Ifeoluwa Olabiyi was kidnapped alongside three others, all workers at Tanda Farms, and they only regained freedom after N2 million cash and two cartons of Red Label whiskey were given the criminals.
Olabiyi’s fiance, Ayodeji Akinyemi who negotiated with the kidnappers disclosed that they had a room for babies and first aid kit to treat the injured.
Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP) said: “It is true, seven farm workers were kidnapped at Igbodu area and we are working to rescue them.” -
Gunmen kidnap two guards, five farmers in Epe
Barely 24 hours after an Isheri North landlord, Dr. Dayo Adekoya regained freedom from kidnappers’ den, seven other victims have been abducted.
The victims including two members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and five Eliasa farm workers were kidnapped in Igbodu-Isiwo, Epe, a Lagos-Ogun border community.
It was gathered that the kidnappers clad in military camouflages, stormed the farm around 7am, whisking away their victims.
The two guards, who were employed to secure the farm and workers in the wake of incessant kidnapping, were said to have been overpowered by the kidnappers numbering about 15.
At the time of filing this story, the kidnappers who took their victims through a bush path to their speedboats, were yet to establish contact with the farm management.
According to a source, six farmers and a customer were kidnapped two weeks ago by gunmen who usually attacked in broad day light.
He said: “The state government and security agencies should focus more attention on the area because of the increase in kidnappings.”
The Nation reports that incidents of kidnappings have remained unabated around border communities.
Last month, 24-year-old Ifeoluwa Olabiyi was kidnapped alongside three others, all workers at Tanda Farms, and they only regained freedom after N2million cash and two cartons of Red Label whiskey were given the criminals.
Olabiyi’s fiance, Ayodeji Akinyemi who negotiated with the kidnappers disclosed that they had a room for babies and first aid kit to treat the injured.
Confirming the incident, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said: “It is true, seven farm workers were kidnapped at Igbodu area and we are working assiduously to rescue them.”
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Gunmen kidnap FRSC officer, wife
Gunmen at the weekend abducted an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ekiti State, Oluwafemi Ojo and his wife on the outskirts of Ogotun-Ekiti in Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area.
A relation, who pleaded for anonymity, said the kidnappers contacted the family yesterday, demanding N20 million.
The couple was travelling in a navy blue Honda Accord belonging to Oluwafemi’s elder brother, Oluwadare, who is also an FRSC officer in Ondo State.
The kidnappers dragged Oluwafemi and his wife into the bush but spared Oluwadare.
A motorcyclist, Ojo Olabisi, who ran into the kidnappers, died after his motorcycle crashed in a futile escape bid.
A funeral service was held yesterday morning at St. David’s Anglican Church in Ogotun after which his remains were buried.
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Gunmen kill two, kidnap Association Secretary
Gunmen in the early hours of Thursday stormed Isheri North LCDA, killing two security men and kidnapping the residents association’s secretary, Dayo Adekoya.
The gunmen were said to be about 20 and stormed the estate around 1am, firing sporadically.
Save for the intervention of policemen from Lagos Command, the gunmen were said to have been on a kidnapping spree, but fled through the waterways
during a gun battle.
It was gathered that they used Adekoya, who they first kidnapped as their
escape bait, abandoning other victims they were to carry along.
It was in the course of their escape that they shot two of the security
guards on duty.
Confirming the incident, Lagos Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni said
efforts are on to ensure the safe rescue of the victim as well as apprehend
the kidnappers.
He confirmed the death of the two guards, adding that there would have been
more victims but for the arrival of the police. -
Gunmen shoot police officer in Ondo
A policeman, Corporal Michael Olujimi, was shot yesterday by unidentified gunmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olujimi, who is battling for his life, was found in a pool of his blood, about 5:30 am.
It was gathered that Olujimi was to resume at the Okitipupa Police Division in Ondo State.
A sympathiser, who pleaded for anonymity, told NAN the gunmen mistook the policeman for someone else.
“He was going to the station when the incident happened. We met him in a pool of his blood and we called the station,” he said.
The Divisional Police Officer, Oluwole Ojo, said he could not comment as he had not been briefed.