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Tag: killings

  • Benue Killings: Buhari summons I-G, charges him to tighten security

    Benue Killings: Buhari summons I-G, charges him to tighten security

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris over reported killings in Benue and other communal conflicts in the country and enjoined him to tighten security across the nation.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting with the President, Idris said he updated the president on the efforts of the police towards ensuring law and order in various communities in the country.

    According to him, it is duty bound on him to regularly brief the president on security developments in the country, saying “currently Nigeria is well secured.’’

    On the recent killings in Benue, the IGP revealed that the police would make additional deployments to the troubled areas to forestall further attacks and restore confidence of the people.

    “You know I deployed my (Deputy Inspector-General) DIG there yesterday and you know we have different stages of police, you have the AIG in Benue, Commissioner of Police in Benue and all of them are putting their heads together to see how we can address this issue of communal problems in Benue,’’ he said.

    He dismissed the assertion that the Nigeria Police was overwhelmed by the current security challenges in the country.

    The police chief said that new measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property of law abiding citizens.

    Read Also: Three persons killed in attack on Benue village

    Idris, however, stated that Nigerians must learn how to co-habit peacefully to make the work of the police much easier.

    Armed gunmen had on Jan. 2, unleashed violence and mayhem on some rural communities in Benue where about 20 persons were killed.

    President Buhari had on Wednesday condemned the killings, and wanton destruction of property in the affected communities in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the state.

    He commiserated with the government and people of Benue over the reported killings.

    The president had also expressed outrage at reports of killings of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers, and the traditional ruler of Numana, Kaduna State, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife.

    The traditional ruler and his wife were killed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year.

    NAN

  • On Rivers killings

    SIR: Rivers of blood flowed in Rivers State on New Year’s Day in Omoku, when over 20 people were killed and 12 injured after they were attacked by unknown gunmen as they journeyed home after their participation in New Year’s Eve service in various churches. This bloodletting which was carried out on a day that was meant to be a day of celebration for all has been trailed by condemnation from all and sundry with many calling for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of all those involved in this dastardly act.

    Like most states in Nigeria, Rivers state has always had some history of political violence since the 2003 general elections. Nevertheless, what we are witnessing today is a dimension taken too far especially before, during and after the 2015 general elections. I lived in Rivers state for 10 years most of them during the administration of the former governor, Amaechi, and I can testify that Rivers State enjoyed relative peace and stability during his administration. Despite “federal heat” which was turned on him in the last two years of his administration, there was no upsurge in violence in Rivers State until a few weeks to the 2015 general elections when several APC chieftains were attacked and killed by armed gangs loyal to the PDP. Notable among those killed are late Chief Christopher Adube and late Mr Franklin Obi who are both indigenes of Omoku.

    Violence in Rivers State has been provoked mainly by the quest for power. Most politicians in the state see power as the only means of livelihood through access to the commonwealth. It is regrettable but true that in many communities in Rivers State cult gangs hold sway. They control the social and economic souls of the people including the traditional structures which have been rendered impotent. Most of these cult gangs were armed by politicians in the build up to the 2015 general elections. The physical landscape of many communities in Rivers State is painted with boys armed to the teeth and walking about freely to the discomfort of citizens. Loyalty by these criminals to some forces in the Rivers State government has not helped matters.

    Governor Nyesom Wike speaking through the then Commissioner for Information, Austin-Tam George, sometime in March 2016, blamed the upsurge in violence on a supremacy battle among rival cult gangs in the state.

    What has he done as the Chief Security Officer of the state to rein in these cult gangs and stem the rising tide of violence? Chief Wike set up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to probe the violence in the March legislative election rerun. He has allegedly increased funding to the police and other security agencies in the state, he initiated an amnesty programme for all militants, kidnappers and all those engaged in one form of criminal activity or the other in the state, yet all these measures have failed to achieve the desired result. Wike was a key member of the Amaechi administration as Chief of Staff during Amaechi’s first term as governor when in less than a year, Amaechi flushed out all criminals from the state thereby restoring peace and sanity. I therefore find it difficult to believe that he does not know what to do to restore peace in the state.

    Chapter 2, section 14(2b) of the Nigerian constitution states clearly that “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Governor Nyesom Wike has not only failed but has obviously run out of ideas on how to fulfil his primary duty of protecting lives and property in Rivers state.

    • Peter Ovie Akus,

    Ifo, Ogun State.

  • Body urges Buhari to end senseless killings

    Body urges Buhari to end senseless killings

    The Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to end senseless killings in Rivers State.

    It asked the Federal Government to demolish buildings of criminals, to act as a deterrent to others.

    IHRHL, yesterday in Port Harcourt, through its Executive Director, Anyakwee  Nsirimovu, condemned the New Year’s  Day unprovoked attack by a gang of terrorists operating in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, where 17 persons were killed.

    The group said: “In the name of humanity, reason, Christianity, Islam and indeed politics, we urge the Federal Government to end the senseless spilling of innocent people’s blood.

    “If nothing else, the horror of the latest massacre on January 1 should propel the Federal Government into action.

    “The Federal Government should demolish buildings associated with criminals, especially terrorists.”

  • Rivers Govt: there’re killings nationwide

    The Rivers State Government yesterday described Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi’s comment on the Rivers killings as “false and an infantile attempt to gain political mileage from the senseless killings of innocent Rivers indigenes.”

    “Over the last few days, there have been nationwide upsurge of violence, leading to the unfortunate  deaths of Nigerians. Is the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi  Chibuike Amaechi claiming that in all these instances, the governors of the respective states  armed the killers?

    In Southern Kaduna, several persons including a traditional ruler and his pregnant wife were killed.

    “In Kwara State, a new year violence claimed several lives.

    “In Yobe State, Boko Haram insurgents killed five soldiers while in several communities, youths lost their lives.

    “Also in Lagos State, Badoo cultists killed a family of five, while over the last few days, Fulani herdsmen have killed scores of innocent Nigerians  in Benue State.

    “We need not mention  the scores killed over the last two weeks  in Plateau, Adamawa and  Zamfara States by Fulani herdsmen.

    “For the records, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has funded and equipped security agencies in the state more than any other state governor has done. “Rather than being commended for the  sacrifice, ingrates like Amaechi see nothing in the genuine efforts  of a patriotic leader, which Wike represents.”

  • Badoo: Police arrest four over killings in Ikorodu

    Badoo: Police arrest four over killings in Ikorodu

    The police have arrested four suspected members of ritual gang, Badoo, for their alleged involvement in the recent murders of a Redeemed Christian Church of God  (RCCG) Pastor, Victor Kanayo and a woman with her children at Ikorodu.

    Ibrahim Anifowose, 28, and Uche Igwe were arrested at their hideouts at Aremu Street, Ojota for allegedly killing Kanayo, while Abdulrazaq Yahyaha and Abubakar Tenimu were apprehended at Ibeshe in connection to the other killings.

    According to the Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased persons were recovered from the suspects.

    Edgal said Anifowose and Igwe with some other persons at large, invaded the pastor’s home the day he was killed, adding that they entered his house by cutting the window.

    The police boss admitted that there was a blood stained grinding stone, suspected to have been used by his murderers for the crime.

    Edgal said: “Detectives swung into action immediately. The undercover operatives traced the suspects to their hideout at Ojota from where they were arrested. The detectives recovered the deceased telephone from the suspects.

    “This will be the last time I will refer to the group as Badoo cult members. These people are hoodlums and murderers and should be referred to as such. I urge members of the public to see them as criminals.”

    He said detectives are currently on the trail of other members of the gang, stressing that all those arrested would be treated as murderers.

    For the other suspects, Edgal said one Oluwasehun Johnson had earlier reported at the station that his wife, Beatrice, son Joseph and another were murdered by unknown persons.

    According to him, the police swung into action and tracked the suspects to their houses where the deceased’s mobile phone was also recovered.

  • Failure of govt cause of killings, says Sultan

    Failure of govt cause of killings, says Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad III, has attributed incessant killings, particularly in the Northeast, to the government’s failure at discharging its duties.

    The monarch, who spoke yesterday in Kaduna State, at a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, said issues affecting the people, good governance  and justice to all would be discussed.

    He said: “I am the leader of Fulani in this country, and in the West African sub-region. I live with so many people and I know their problems, and I will never call on any Fulani to pick up arms to kill anybody.

    “I have said it severally, those killing are criminals, and whoever you are, whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or Fulani, you have no right to take up arms and kill anybody.

    “If you see such things happening, then there must be a failure of government, but if the government wakes up to its responsibility, some of these things will not happen.

    “As usual, we will discuss issues affecting the country, and at the end of the meeting, a communiqué will be issued and sent to our political leaders to see if they will implement any of our recommendations.

    “We don’t have the power to force anybody to implement anything. As royal fathers and religious leaders, we can only recommend certain things and advise because leadership is not a monopoly of one individual, group or society; it’s a responsibility for all, both the lead and the leader. And people must listen to those leading so that we all can be on the same page as we struggle to build our Nigeria where no man is oppressed.

    “I want our brothers from the South to tell us things they are not comfortable with, which are being done here, because all of you here are representatives of your various communities living with us.

    “Tell us what you think we should do to make life better for everybody, and we will tell you too what to do to make life better for our people living with you, because we are a great family and we will continue to extend that hand of love to everybody, irrespective of tribe or religion or political lineage”

    “We keep on calling on everyone to maintain peace and allow the constituted authority take up this issues. We will continue to pressurise them, untill they find solution to this dastardly act.

    “We will talk about issues affecting our women and youth – drug abuse – it has been there and getting out of hand, we will discuss this during the meeting to see how we can assist the authorities on how to bring this to the minimum level.

    “Drug abuse by women and youth is a very serious issue, we will discuss that and other insecurity issues affecting this country.

    “We will also discuss issue concerning the IDPs, because I was told there is about 50,000 orphans in each camp. If we allow those children to grow up in IDP camps, without knowing their parents, then we have a big problem in our hands.

    “We will know how we can take some of them as our own children. We have started doing that, we have taken 150 children, and we will educate them to highest level.”

  • Senate seeks new security design to end killings

    Senate seeks new security design to end killings

    The Senate, yesterday, lamented what it described as the total failure of the country’s security architecture.

    It noted that the prevailing unhealthy security situation in parts of the country is responsible for the wanton destruction of lives and property.

    The lawmakers after a lengthy debate of the worsening security situation in the country, resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to comprehensively review the security infrastructure in the country.

    Some of the contributors spoke about the need to create state police to tackle internal security and maintain law and order in the country.

    They agreed that urgent measures should be taken by the government to halt the seeming drift to anarchy.

    The consideration of a motion entitled “Urgent need to look into killings and arson that took place in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State” sparked what could be called state of the nation debate.

    Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara North) who sponsored the motion noted that an unfortunate attack in Zamfara State left 23 people dead in Mallamawa and Tungar kahau villages.

    He added: “Similarly four villages, namely Maikamarimi, Gidan Anna, Mallamawa and Tungar Kahau were burnt to ashes including all their farm produce worth about N385,000,000.

    “Zamfara State is surrounded by two major forests of Sugugu and Rugu. Sugugu Forest stretches through Anka, Bakura, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru & Shinkafi L.G.A, while Rugu forest runs through Zurmi, Bimin Magaji & Tsafe LGAs and these forests provide adequate cover for the bandits, making Zamfara State more vulnerable to such attacks than any other State in Northern Nigeria.”

    He expressed concern that the military operation Harbin Kunama that was lunched by President Muhammadu Buhari to flush out the bandits is still in force while the attacks continued.

    More than 15 senators including Ike Ekweremadu, Godswill Akpabio, Dino Melaye, George Akume, Joshua Lidani, Danjuma Goje, Magnus Abe, Kabiru Marafa, Kabiru Gaya, Abdullahi Adamu, Mao Ohuabunwa, Samuel Anyanwu, contributed to the debate.

    After the debate, Senate President Bukola Saraki deferred the constitution of the ad-hoc committee to today.

    It was learnt that naming members of committee was deferred to enable the Senate leadership to consult widely and to formulate the terms of reference for the committee.

    Also yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a military crackdown on bandits operating in rural communities in Zamfara State.

    He approved the request by Minister of Defence Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) for the stationing of a full battalion of Special Forces in Zamfara State, and the operationalisation of the newly-established 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto in the new Order of Battle (OBAT).

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also approved the movement of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army from Sokoto to Gusau upon the take-off of the 8 Division.

    To tackle the desperate actions of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, through the use of mostly female, underage girls as suicide bombers, President Buhari has approved the setting up of an intelligence fusion centre in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for the purpose of gathering and sharing intelligence among the security agencies in the country.

    “This phase of the war will be intelligence-driven and the new centre is expected to intensify the harvesting and sharing of intelligence so as to bring to an early closure, the desperate last-minute activities of the terrorists.” it stated

  • Killings on the Plateau

    SIR: With mindless terror attacks by deranged adherents of the Boko Haram Islamist sect reasonably under control, a feat that has earned Nigeria tremendous accolades, here comes a fresh security threat posed by amorphous killer herdsmen on a mission to wipe out innocent Nigerians across villages in some parts of the country, especially within the North-central.

    States like Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi and Plateau have had their fair share of murderous attacks perpetrated by blood-thirsty characters we often call herdsmen. They visit villages and leave sorrow, tears and blood as regular trademarks. Sadly, while these undesirable elements are becoming daring in their acts, we, including security agencies, have become helpless.

    This is certainly one ugly development that authorities cannot afford to gloss over. It is capable of reversing the modest achievements recorded in the security sub-sector in the last two years. The truth is, it appears relevant government establishments, especially security organizations lack the needed capacity to deal with these guys once and for all.

    Last weekend’s midnight attack on the Plateau by suspected killer herdsmen clearly indicates that there is indeed no respite in sight for our security men. The explanations so far offered by concerned authorities on how these assailants invaded Miango, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, a community under security watch, are not in sync with common sense. The statements are as indicting as worrisome.

    The unsolved puzzle surrounding the activities of these killers is further compounded by the sheer inability of security agencies to emphatically tell us who these guys are. Their inability to put a face or name to these murderous acts daily fuels suspicion, especially by those who feel government hasn’t shown enough seriousness in unmasking the characters behind the madness. Undoubtedly, while the frequencies of these attacks are troubling, the audacity with which the attackers operate should give us cause for concern. How do we explain a situation whereby arm-wielding herdsmen trail defenseless citizens to where they were camped after being chased out of their homes by the assailants and have their throats slashed?

    One worrisome development is that, in recent times, critical government agencies have become very lethargic in responding to issues within their statutory mandates. A situation where the Nigerian Police which is domiciled in every nook and cranny of the country finds it almost difficult to respond swiftly to emergency calls within their areas of operations should be a source of concern to all discerning minds.

    I listened to the incoherent explanation offered by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Jeremiah Undie on why the assailants took them unaware. He said, the “attackers did not adhere to the order on the restriction of movement”. Was he really expecting criminal elements to obey law and order? It is indeed quite shocking that a 21st century security team would go to sleep simply because it earlier issued security directives.

    Also, lack of synergy and cooperation among security agencies could be the missing link as to why these merchants of death are having the upper hand. Ideally, security forces should be able to gather and share intelligence on how best to monitor, track, isolate and deal with potential threat. Both the leaderships of Operation Safe Haven and Plateau Police Command contradicted each other in their separate submissions on the callous attack in Miango. This is an indication that both establishments neither share information nor work together. It is a sad reality.

    President Muhammadu Buhari should urgently, beyond verbal condemnation, direct his security chiefs to evolve measures that would unmask and also put names and faces to these killer herdsmen. It is altogether sad and disturbing that our entire security apparatchik is unable to tell who these guys are after series of attacks linked to them. Putting names and faces to these characters isn’t rocket science. It isn’t a task that requires so much to achieve results.

    Beyond condemning the atrocious acts, we expect the President to ensure that heads of security agencies swing into action immediately. A stitch in time saves nine. God bless Nigeria.

     

    • Abdullahi Yunusa

    FHA, Lugbe, Abuja.

  • Saraki, Ikpeazu, Dogara, APC decry killings  

    Saraki, Ikpeazu, Dogara, APC decry killings  

    •Fish out killers, say Ngige, Uba

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara have condemned the attack on St. Phillips Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State.

    In a statement, the APC condemned the barbarism displayed by the callous attackers who gunned down defenceless people as they worshipped.

    The party called on security agencies “to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. ”

    It also called on “security agents in Anambra as well as other parts of the country to provide adequate security in places of worship to forestall a repeat of this unfortunate incident”.

    Dogara described the attack as “abominable, barbaric, inhuman, and the height of wickedness”.

    In a statement signed by his spokesman Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said his “heart is broken” by the sad news.

    He added: ”Have we lost our humanity? Where is the place of sanctity of life and sacredness of worship places in our society? What offence did the worshippers commit to warrant their massacre in cold blood by wicked souls and heartless men?”

    The Speaker lamented that what he described as increasing insecurity was reducing Nigeria to the state of nature, with life increasingly becoming cheap.

    He reiterated his call for the overhaul of Nigeria’s policing architecture that will lead to reform the police, equip them with sophisticated gadgets so as to discharge their duties of protecting lives and property effectively, and ensure social order.

    Dogara called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the “heinous crime” and bring them to justice speedily.

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is sad over the shooting.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, Ikpeazu called on security agents to investigate the incident and speedily bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Ikpeazu added: “We cannot afford to have criminal elements, in whatever guise, invade places of worship and unleash mayhem on innocent people. The thoughts and prayers of the good people of Abia State are with our brothers in Anambra State as we mourn with them over the sad incident.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki  expressed deep sadness over the attack.

    In a statement by his media adviser Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described the killing of worshippers as the purest kind of evil, and charged the security services to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

    The statement said: “Today, my heart goes out to Nigeria’s Christian community, Governor Willy Obiano, the people of Anambra State, and the families of the victims and the survivors of this terrible massacre.

    “This brutal act of attacking innocent and unsuspecting worshippers represents the purest kind of evil.

    “Our security forces must not stop until everyone involved in the orchestration and execution of today’s massacre in St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Anambra are brought to book by the strong arm of justice.”

    The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State,  Chief David Umahi, has described yesterday’s attack on worshipers at St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu as a national tragedy.

    Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, condoled with the Government of Anambra State and entire Catholic faithful of Nnewi Catholic Diocese as well as families of those that lost their loved ones and called for proper investigation to unravel the true cause of the carnage at the church.

    “This type of wickedness has further opened a fresh wound in our soul and further pointed to the dynamism of human existence. I on behalf of the good people of Ebonyi State condemn the wanton killlings recorded yesterday in a church in Anambra state.”

    Senator Andy Uba condemned the shooting and killing of worshippers at the St. Philips Catholic Church.

    In a statement by his media aide Joseph Itazi, Uba, who visited the scene said  Anambra people were not known for such violence.

    Uba urged the commissioner of police and the governor to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

    “Such acts cannot be tolerated in Anambra: for worshippers to be slaughtered during mass is something that we must not allow in this state.

    Minister of Labour and  Employment Chris Ngige urged security agents to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder.

    His condolence message said: ” This killing, so dastardly and so wicked is a dangerous dimension which is  very  alien to our people and culture. I therefore call on the police and other relevant security agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the murderers and bringing them to justice”.

  • Ex-minister, APGA, others condemn killings

    Ex-minister, APGA, others condemn killings

    Condemnations yesterday trailed the early morning killing of worshippers  at St. Philips Catholic Church in Ozubulu community.

    Residents,  in separate interviews with our reporter and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the attack as “heinous, unjustifiable and totally unwarranted”.

    A community leader, Sir Jude Emecheta, said such a thing had never happened in the area. He described it as “unfortunate”, adding that ”a dark cloud has befallen my peaceful town”.

    Emecheta, who is the Managing Director of Anambra Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), said that the losses from the attack were too much for the people to bear.

    He wondered why brothers could visit such an attack on their people and urged those involved to ‘’sheathe their swords”.

    Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, who is a governoship aspirant, said he was saddened by the incident.

    Chidoka decried the desecration of the temple of God, adding that nobody attacked anyone in the church even during war times.

    “This is tragic. The church is a place of refuge to anyone who runs into it, and this wicked, barbaric and mindless bloodletting shows that something has gone wrong on our psyche.

    “My heart goes to the bereaved at this moment of pain. I pray that God grants the soul of the departed eternal rest as I urge the security agents to fish out the perpetrators and make them face the law,” he said.

    A former Secretary to the state Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said such callous attacks dehumanised the society.

    “Our heart goes to the family and parishioners of St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu…

    ‘’Such violent incidents dehumanise our society.”

    All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Oye  said that no amount of provocation could justify the killing of innocent people who had gone to worship in a church.

    Oye, who described the attack as “wicked”, urged the security agencies to unravel those responsible for the dastardly act.

    “As a political leader, I totally condemn the Ozubulu church shooting as dastardly, unjustifiable and callous.

    “Nobody has the right to kill innocent citizens. The Police and other relevant security agencies should ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are caught and made to face justice,” Oye said.