The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

  • IPOB a terror organisation – Defence Headquarters

    IPOB a terror organisation – Defence Headquarters

    The Defence Headquarters on Friday branded the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ) as a “terror organisation’’ and urged parents to dissuade their wards from joining the group.

    In a statement  on Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, restated the commitment of the armed forces to confront all security challenges facing the country.’

    He said military would ensure the  protection of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria.

    The spokesman said IPOB posed a security challenge to the country and had been metamorphosing from one stage to another.

    Enenche said: “After due professional analysis and recent developments, it has become expedient to notify the general public that the claim by IPOB actors that the organisation is non-violent is not true.

    “Hence, the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB.

    “In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that have been terrorising the general public include:

    “The formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.

    “Militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles, among others) on a military patrol on September 10, 2017

    “Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other Indigenous People of Biafra( IPOB ) actors at a check point on September 11, 2017 and also attempt to snatch their rifles.

    “Attack by  IPOB members on a military checkpoint on September 12, 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.’

    “From the foregoing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wish to confirm to the general public that IPOB from all intent, plan and purpose as analysed, is a militant terrorist organisation.”

  • Why Wike is silent on killing of Policemen, destruction – APC

    Why Wike is silent on killing of Policemen, destruction – APC

    …’Rivers gov is raising false alarm against security agencies’

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed why Governor Nyesom Wike is silent on the killing of two policemen, violence and destruction of valuable property in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers by protesting members of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Rivers APC, at a news conference Thursday at the state secretariat of the party on Forces Avenue, old Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Chris Finebone, who was accompanied by the party’s state Secretary, Chief Emeka Beke, and other leaders of the party, declared that Wike was benefiting from the IPOB’s violence in Rivers and not up to the game of ensuring good governance.

    The main opposition party in Rivers (APC) also accused the state governor of raising false alarm against security agencies, in order to divert attention from what he was planning to do, having earlier sewed police uniform for thugs that were used by his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the 2015 elections and rerun in Rivers, with some of the criminals caught in Bori-Ogoni.

    It stated that Wike ought to have emulated his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who was proactive by immediately declaring three-day dusk to dawn curfew in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia, with the curfew later extended to today (Friday), in order to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    Rivers APC noted that the failure of Wike’s government to engage in productive ventures, the cultists, kidnappers and other criminals, who recently surrendered their arms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons in the state government’s amnesty offer, was responsible for increase in the crime rate in Rivers, with the hungry and angry youths now returning to criminal activities with full force.

    Rivers governor, while addressing reporters at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, alleged that most of the kidnapping and armed robbery taking place in the state were perpetrated by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Wike also alleged that the SARS Commander in Rivers, Mr. Akin Fakorede, and operatives of the squad were indicted by an official police signal, which he claimed indicated that they were responsible for the series of kidnapping and deadly robbery across the state.

    The main opposition party said: “Ordinarily, the APC has no business involving in any matter between the Rivers governor and any other entity, but in the instant case and even in previous related cases, Wike has either alluded to or expressly stated that the APC benefited from whatever allegations he raised against the police or particularly the SARS. The APC has also been at the receiving end of the false alarms Wike had previously raised against the police, which in all cases turned out to be mere smokescreen by the governor to mask his real intentions.

    “From all indications, the Rivers governor’s accusation on Wednesday that members of SARS abducted some persons and forced them to withdraw N500, 000, is manifestly cooked up to directly smear members of the SARS and the Commander, Akin Fakorede, who is known to have resisted all the advances made by Wike to compromise the officer.

    “Wike has never hidden his disdain for the SARS commander, due to the officer’s principled and professional stance in rejecting the governor’s baits in the past two years. Wike seems to have sworn to have Akin Fakorede compromised or transferred out of Rivers State, to pave way for a replacement that may play ball with him.

    “Just before the killings in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) of Rivers State assumed a frightening dimension, Wike had raised the alarm, accusing the military and police of invading ONELGA. Just after his blackmail of the army and police, his private army, led by Don Wannie, launched his massive killings and beheadings in ONELGA. Same was the case when Wike sponsored a campaign of calumny against the military personnel that tried to normalise security in Ogoniland. He made all manner of accusations against the army that had gone in search of Solomon Ndigbara, Wike’s private army general in Ogoni. Shortly after the sponsored campaign against the army in Ogoni , Ndigbara launched his killings in Ogoniland.

    “Part of the concerns of the APC is that whenever Wike is about committing some security infractions, he diverts attention from himself, by raising false alarm against the security agencies, especially the police. In the instant case, Rivers governor is raising these alarms to distract the police and pave way for his killers to undertake further killings in Rivers State. Without doubt, we believe the security information in our kitty to that effect.”

    Rivers APC also called on Rivers people and Nigerians not to fall for the antics of Wike, stressing that they must remain vigilant.

    It admonished the various security agencies to refuse to be dismayed, demoralised or distracted by the antics of the Rivers governor, but must continue to work to secure the state from the grip of Wike’s killers, who it said were on rampage across Rivers 23 LGAs.

    The party said: “Rivers State APC considers the yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) accusation against the police, particularly against the SARS, as patently malevolent, mischievous and intended to mask the next phase of killings by Wike’s killers.

    “The police and other security agencies must remain focussed and have their eyes on the ball, to forestall worsening security situation in the state, a situation that is already getting out of hand.”

    Rivers APC also urged the peace-loving people of the state to continue to endure Wike’s bad governance till 2019, when they would have the opportunity of effecting the much-needed change through their votes, asking them to prepare to vote wisely for all the candidates of the main opposition party, in order to move forward.

     

  • Edo prioritises improved security to attract investments

    Edo prioritises improved security to attract investments

    …To decongest prisons, reduce number of inmates awaiting trial by 50%

     

    To address the myriad of security challenges facing the state, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has vowed to work with relevant security agencies to reduce the incidence of crime and engender a friendly environment for investment.

    Obaseki said this in his keynote address at the quarterly Federal and State Security Administrators’ Meeting (FSSAM) holding between September 14 and 15 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

    Narrowing down to reoccurring clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the governor said it was wrong to politicise the incidents, noting that the possession of arms by the herdsmen called for increased security measures as “the herdsmen we knew in the past were only concerned about their cows, and had no business with maps. But with what we now witness, it has become imperative to seek the support of security agencies for a safe and secure business climate.”

    Obaseki also said that the proliferation of hate speeches has become a national concern that must be nipped in the bud, as it portends unsavoury implications not just for the people but also for attracting investment.

    Noting that the state is committed to ensuring a safe environment for business, he said “we are revamping the Operation Thunderstorm in the state, a security initiative that was set up by my predecessor, former governor Comrade Adams Oshiomole. We intend on improving the security infrastructure in the state. In this regard, we need the cooperation of members of security services who are in Edo State, including the Military, The Nigeria Police, and all others.”

    He said that as the gateway state to the South-South section of the country, the state was committed to attracting investment and creating jobs, hence it would not take matters of security and law enforcement with levity.

    On the state of the prisons in the state, governor Obaseki said that the state was working on decongesting the state prisons, adding, “We want to decongest the prisons.  We are working to reduce the number of persons in the prisons. We want to reduce the number of inmates by 50 percent. We want to relocate the prison at Sapele road by expanding Oko prisons.”

    Mrs. Emi Ogunboye, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Special Services at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Amb. Aminu Nabegu, said that the federal government was worried about the recent resort to hate speeches by secessionist agitators. Speaking on the imperative of national security, unity and the need to avoid divisive tendencies, she noted, “The pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has heightened its secessionist campaign. This has caused other youth groups in the North and South West to issue ultimatum for Igbos to leave their areas. The Federal government cautions groups and individuals involved in spreading hate to desist from the act. The continued existence of this country in our best interest.”

    The Secretary to the Edo State government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the state was honoured to be hosting the event, stressing that he hoped that the participants would make recommendations that would help the government in maintaining law and order.

    He said, “Edo state is a critical link for connecting different parts of the state. There is a connection between security and economic growth. We want to ensure that Edo state provides the right atmosphere that guarantees that investors not only come with investments, but that their investment is secure.”

     

  • ‘Army not directly involved in Oyibo crises’

    ‘Army not directly involved in Oyibo crises’

    The Nigerian Army says it is not directly involved in ongoing operation to restore law and order in Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers.

    Col. Aminu Iliyasu, Spokesman of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    Iliyasu said the army only assisted the police on Tuesday following violent clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Hausa community.

    According to him, troops has since been withdrawn to strategic locations while the police are now fully in control of the situation.

    “Some persons are just trying to stir up tension by insinuating that the army was involved in shootout with IPOB members in the early hours of Thursday.

    “If any security agency had shootout with anyone; then it is definitely not the army that took part in the shootout.

    “This is because the army has since withdrawn troops on Tuesday after normalcy was restored to enable the police to discharge their constitutional mandate.

    “However, soldiers are currently on standby in case the situation escalates beyond what the police can handle. It is only in that situation that the army will intervene,” he said.

    The spokesman said that no arrest was made by the army during its brief intervention in the clash that ensued between IPOB members and the Hausa community.

    He said that relative calm had been restored with social and economic activities returning to the area.

  • South East:We wouldn’t be provoked – Northern Group

    South East:We wouldn’t be provoked – Northern Group

    The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) yesterday in Kano called on northerners to resist any attempt that will lead to unnecessary provocation in carrying out a reprisal attack  on the unfolding event in the South-East.

    Speaking to Reporters at Kano Press Centre over the unpleasant scenario, the spokesman of the Group, Abdul-azeez Suleiman in company of the chairman and co-chairman Aashir Shariff and Shetima Yerima, said that with the prevailing situation, the North and the northerners should remain calm and law-abiding.

    According to him, “in this situation, it is essential that the North and the northerners remain restrained and refuse to be provoked into reprisals which is the ultimate hope of the conflict instigators.

    “As cultured people  with a long history of tolerance and respect for constituted authorities, we call on  northerners to resist the temptation of carrying out reprisals and playing to the gallery.”

    He added that, “northerners in line with their disciplined nature must refuse at this point to be dragged into taking the law in their hands through unnecessary and unproductive confrontation with members of any sectional, ethnic or religious group.

    “We must remain peacefully focused, mutually respectful, trusting and tolerant as we repose confidence in the ability and committed willingness of the Nigerian security agencies to handle the situation as well as protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian anywhere.”

    The Group said that their struggle will continue to remain intellectual based, precautionary and essentially non-violent, pointing out that the agitation for separation and cry for Biafra in the South-East by the agitators supported by politicians in order for them be heard louder shall be resisted.

    The Group further said that they are prepared to, “set out an immediate circuit to all the 19 northern states to prepare and sensitize the northern people on the need for calm and peaceful approach to the various positions and scenarios as regards to the unfolding situation in the country, and enabling the northern people to be less amenable to provocation by deliberate misinformation and incitement campaigns.”

    The Group, however, accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of making the country ungovernable for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to them, “the agitations and disturbances that have been ongoing ceaselessly since the coming to power of the Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo administration in 2015, are aimed at rendering the country practically ungovernable, and ushering in of anarchy and instability, thereby occasioning a change of government by whatever means and tactics.

    “The targeting of President Buhari’s administration and singling him for attacks and irrelevant treatment is aimed at causing inter-regional crisis possibly leading to general unrest.”

    They added that, “the resurgence of separatist agitations especially the violent brand by the IPOB and its ilk in the South-East represents a much wider conspiracy to divide Nigeria along ethnic and religious frontlines as well as achieve the balkanization of the North.

    “The current IPOB  brand of agitation is a strategy employed to achieve the results that the coupist of the First Republic failed to realize, namely, increase the weight and relevance of the regions to the detriment and expense of the central government .”

    The Group explained that, “our stand on the current situation in Nigeria is that we will not fall to that instigation to allow a possibly foreigner or a mad man to plunge us into this unnecessary madness

    “We, therefore, dedicate effort in creating the right conditions for peaceful negotiations with other peace-loving groups in every situation on the political dispensation that should emerge now or in the future.”

  • ACF to IPOB: Pursue your interests within Nigerian laws

    ACF to IPOB: Pursue your interests within Nigerian laws

    ….appeals for caution over southeast clash between army, agitators

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has advised Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other agitators to pursue their interest within the confines of law.

    The forum made the call following an allegedly reported clash between troops of the Nigerian Army conducting operation python dance 11 and members of IPOB in Abia state, while appealing for caution.

    In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, he commended the rapid intervention of the Abia state governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu for imposing 3 days curfew to douse the tension in the state.  

    While appealing to Nigerians to remain calm, he called on all southeast governors to take necessary step in protecting lives and property in the region.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to the allegedly reported clashes between troops of the Nigerian Army while on Operation Python Dance11 and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State. ACF commends the prompt intervention of the Abia State Gover nor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu,who has imposed a three day dusk to dawn curfew on Aba town in order to douse the tension and bring the situation under control.

    “With the dusk to dawn curfew in place, the military and other security agencies should ensure that peace and harmony in the areas affected are not only restored but sustained.

    “ACF also commends the efforts of South East Governors Forum for setting up a Probe Committee to investigate the clash in order to unravel its remote causes and to proffer an enduring solution to such problems. Identified perpetrators of the crisis should be made to face the wrath of the law in order to serve as deterrent to others. 

    “In this regard, ACF urges the Governors of the South East and South South regions to take adequate and necessary steps to protect the lives and properties of the innocent and law abiding citizens living in their states.

    “ACF appeals to members of IPOB and other agitators for whatever cause to always pursue their concerns within the confines of the law and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Furthermore, ACF wishes to praise the military for their professionalism in handling the security challenges and calls on the Federal Government to be firm and resolute in bring such situations under control in favor of peaceful coexistence needed for meaningful socioeconomic development. We therefore appeal for calm and urge citizens to appreciate the need to live in peace and harmony,” the statement concluded.

  • Group blames Kanu for IPOB, Military face-off

    Group blames Kanu for IPOB, Military face-off

    A group under the aegis of South East Renewal Group ( SERG ) on Wednesday, blamed the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), Nnamdi Kanu, for the tension and escalated crisis in the region.
     
    The military, barely 48 hours after its soldiers clashed with members of IPOB deployed soldiers, operating under a code name Python Dance 11 in the region.
     
    The Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen.  D. D.  Ahmadu, had, on Friday, announced the commencement of the operation.

    The development has forced the state government to declare three days of curfew across the state.

    National President, SERG, Charles Mbani, at a press briefing in Abuja, called on Igbo leaders of thought not to tarry further in doing the needful to arrest the impending war.

    Mbani noted that IPOB members had been brainwashed into seeing the army as the enemy.
     
    He said: “You must have, like other Nigerians, watched recent events in Igboland with a sense of foreboding, concern and utmost dread. Images emerging from the southeast, our homeland, are as troubling as they are worrisome with the most recent being those of youths attacking military detachment with all manners of crude weapons including catapults, cudgels, machetes, sticks and others.

    “These youths are being put up to this mischief after being brainwashed by the so called Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which is now militarizing them as its fighting force.
     
    “These misguided youths have been deceived into thinking they are making the right sacrifice of protecting Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader whereas the only thing they sacrificing is their lives that they are throwing away on the altar of ignorance.

    “The soldiers attacked by these uncouth elements are the ones taking part in Egwu Eke II (Operation Python Dance II), which we find most ridiculous considering that the same operation last year ensured that kidnappers and armed robbers that were desecrating our land were curtailed to a point where Igbos enjoyed peaceful 2016 Yuletide.
     
    “We are therefore wondering if there is a nexus between IPOB and the crimes being eradicated by the military for its youths to become virulent on the scale being witnessed.
     
    “May we emphasize that Igbo leaders of thought must tarry no further in doing the needful before it’s too late. The conspiracy of silence on the part of these leaders is what has made Nnamdi Kanu fill the resulting vacuum as a demagogic evil that is leading our youth population astray. This disposition of indifference was displayed as the hate speech championed by Kanu gained momentum until it got to a point where other ethnic groups in Nigeria basically developed a morbid collective disdain for the Igbo.”

    Mbani condemned the confrontation with the military by IPOB members, describing it as “irresponsible, barbaric and having no place in a pluralistic country like Nigeria.” 

    He added: “We urge other well-meaning elders of our land to join in condemning the incidents. The unnecessary attempt to provoke the military into using stick to address the Biafra issue would be catastrophic and those who love the region should do so well to warn their children from setting the region ablaze. 

    “The hate speech has now crystalized and is the bedrock of the aggression being exhibited against the military. It nothing urgent is done the next phase in this ugly evolution could threaten our existence as a people.

    “We have interrogated the situation and discovered that the IPOB youths have been brainwashed into seeing the army as the enemy, which is most unfortunate since the person whom they think they are defending is their real enemy. Nnamdi Kanu holds dual citizenship and will escape to the United Kingdom once he has the opportunity to flee across the border. He is going to leave behind broken bodies and damaged youths that would have destroyed their lives in pursuit of what is meaningless relative to contemporary world reality.”
  • Chaos in Aba as army, IPOB clash

    Chaos in Aba as army, IPOB clash

    There was tension and pandemonium in different parts of Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State Tuesday evening as soldiers reportedly clashed with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Unconfirmed reports have that a number of people reportedly died in the process.

    Trouble was said to have started when some members of IPOB who left Aba in the morning for Umuahia in solidarity for their leader, Mazi Nnamdi kanu over the invasion of his house at Afara Ukwu, Umuahia, were alleged to have been stopped by soldiers at Isiala Ngwa junction along the Enugu/Port Harcourt Express were manhandled, some of them being forced to roll inside muddy water.

    The IPOB members, who escaped the soldiers’ wrath at Isiala Ngwa junction, were said to have met another set of soldiers at Osisioma junction some kilometers away from the heart of the commercial town which led to a face off.

    The soldiers were said to have shot sporadically as the IPOB members were moving towards Ariaria International Market, causing pandemonium as people scampered for safety.

    The chaotic state which enveloped the Osisioma axis stretched beyond Ariaria market, to the Fly Over junction, a distance of over eight kilometres, leading to the destruction of some vehicles and death of unconfirmed number of people.

    There was pandemonium also within the city centre as soldiers condoned off all roads leading to the Aba Central Mosque on Mosque on Hospital by Mosque road to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation in the city to vandalize the Mosque.

    As soldiers condoned off the area, they shot sporadically to wade off intruders, and people ran for dare lives, forcing traders to close business for the day and rushed home.

    The situation was still very tense as at the time of filing the report, but to ease tension, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu declared dusk to down curfew in the city.

    As at the time of filing this report, our correspondent gathered that the 14 Brigade army Chief was addressing Journalists in Umuahia, the state capital.

  • S/East Governors flay shooting near Kanu’s residence

    S/East Governors flay shooting near Kanu’s residence

    The Governors of the South East states Monday expressed worry over the shooting incidence that occurred on Sunday near the residence of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Umuahia which reportedly left some persons injured.

    The governors regretted that the incident was coming at a time they were making concerted efforts to broker peace between federal authorities and the members of the Biafra agitators.

    Speaking to Reporters on Monday in Abakaliki, the Director of Information, South East Governors Forum Secretariats, Chief Mike Udah, said that the incident in Umuahia by suspected military men has punctured the peace moves initiated by the governors.

  • 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.