JUST IN: Two Officers Killed As Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint In Abia
Two officers of the Nigeria Police Force were reportedly murdered on Friday night when a group of dangerous criminals attacked a police checkpoint at the well-known Opobo Junction, near the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway in Abia State. Another officer reportedly sustained some injuries from the attack, which unsettled residents of the area. It was reported that the police were stationed at the junction for their regular evening patrol before the assailants attacked them. A witness described how the attackers, who were armed and dangerous, arrived in a Sienna SUV. He explained that just a few minutes into the police officers’ regular night shift, multiple police squads arrived in the area as people began to evacuate the scene. SaharaReporters quoted the witness as saying that the event led to widespread panic, forcing local businesses and market vendors to shut down, with some even leaving their goods behind to find safety. The latest attack on security officials is coming a month after gunmen attacked a military checkpoint at the Obikabia Junction in Aba, Abia State. The attackers, who also set fire to the military vehicle, were believed to be carrying out the sit-at-home order issued by IPOB across the Southeast region to commemorate Biafra Day, a holiday celebrated in the area every year. The heavily armed individuals, dressed in black, were reportedly spotted firing at the junction intermittently.
Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics
Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have reportedly abducted Archbishop Uka Uka Osim of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. The cleric, his wife, Anne Osim and son, Roland Uka Osim, and three other clerics from the ministry were abducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Abia State while travelling to Awka, the capital of Anambra State. They were reportedly on evangelical duties when they were ambushed by the armed men. The other three priests also kidnapped were identified as Azuka Ochu, Moses Okafor and Anderson Akwazie. The kidnapping incident was confirmed to journalists by the administrator of the spiritual organisation in Abia State, BCS, Bishop Denis Onuoha. He said four days later, the abductors had not reached out to anybody. “We are very worried, but we are assured that the Almighty Father, whom they worship and work for with total devotion, will help them out,” Bishop Onuoha told reporters. The cleric urged security agencies to assist and rescue the clergymen, stating that the church has embarked on deep prayers, believing that the Archbishop and his brethren will be rescued unhurt.
Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid
Gunmen have abducted the wife, Mrs Abigail Orbunde and housemaid, Patience Ogute, of Terwase Orbunde, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. Orbunde, alongside his wife and the housemaid, was said to have gone to inspect his farm located close to the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital on Friday, when they were attacked. The incident, according to a source who witnessed the attack, happened at about 6 pm on Friday. The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to speak on the issue, said, “After the inspection of the work, five gunmen suddenly attacked the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor, his wife and housemaid who were on the farm along Mobile Barracks/Welfare Quarters in Makurdi. “This happened around 6 pm on Friday and the gunmen opened fire and the bullet hit Orbunde, while they ordered him and the women to follow them to an unknown destination.” The shooting was said to have caused villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions. Another eyewitness who watched from a far distance said the gunmen marched the victims on a footpath but later abandoned Orbunde who was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk fast. “As they abandoned the man, the gunmen then whisked the women to an unknown destination while good Samaritans conveyed Orbunde to hospital,” the eyewitness said. Orbunde’s close ally and media consultant, Tahav Argezua, confirmed the attack on his Facebook page. The Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.
Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community
Suspected Fulani gunmen, early Friday morning, invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, killing scores. The marauders who are fully armed surrounded the community and opened fire, killing and burning houses. A community leader, who escaped by the whiskers, but pleaded to remain anonymous, spoke with our correspondent, saying they were caught unawares. He revealed that 27 corpses have been recovered as of the time of filing this report, while some local vigilante men have moved into the bush looking for missing persons. He explained that rumour has been rife in the past three weeks of the possible invasion which was brought to the attention of the recently appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo, but they were assured of safety and protection. He said: “There was a misunderstanding between a young man in Agojeju-Odo with a Fulani herder on his farm after cattles ate up his yam tubers which resulted in a fight; the caretaker chairman intervened. “Since then, the herders vowed that they will mobilize and get back and there has been apprehension,” the source said. Speaking with Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, he confirmed the attack, but said the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted the tactical squad to the scene to restore normalcy. According to him, the tactical squad which comprises Mobile Police, Soldiers and Vigilante men were drafted after a distress call and they are currently on ground. The Police Spokesman could not confirm the figure of dead persons, while he promised to get back after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Omala Local Government Council. “As for the figure of dead persons, I can’t confirm now. I will call you after I have spoken with the DPO in charge of Omala, but I know that so many people sustained gunshot injuries,” he said.
Gunmen Attack 2 Banks In Kogi
Gunmen suspected to be robbers have attacked two commercial banks in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The robbers raided the banks and carted away millions of naira and other valuables. Eyewitnesses said that the robbers were shooting indiscriminately shootings during the attack. The robbery operation was said to have started around 5 pm. It was gathered that operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps engaged them in exchange of gunfire. The state police command is yet to react to the incident.
Nigerian Civil Defence Officer Murdered By Gunmen
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Obangede, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State has been killed by unknown gunmen. The NSCDC officer who lost his life was part of the security detail assigned to protect the abducted Chinese road engineer. At the time of reporting, the identities of both the abducted individual and the deceased officer could not be confirmed. When contacted for confirmation and updates on the incident, the state police spokesperson, William Ovye Aya, stated that he would provide further information later. This incident comes amidst a similar occurrence on February 3, where approximately 14 passengers of God Is Good (GIG) Motors and ABC Transport were abducted in Kogi while en route to Abuja. The incident took place in Inyele Eteke, Olamaboro LGA. The abducted passengers, who were reportedly traveling from the southeast region, were later released after a few days in captivity. Reports indicate that the gunmen intercepted the vehicles and forcibly took the passengers captive, demanding a ransom of N15 million from each individual for their release.
Community Leader Murdered By Gunmen In Anambra
The President-General of Umuoji Community in Anambra State, Silas Onyima, fell victim to a ruthless attack by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums. Approximately 15 assailants invaded Onyima’s home on Friday evening, fatally shooting him and sending shockwaves through the community. Onyima, recently elected to lead the community, presided over a local election before meeting his untimely demise. A source revealed, “He was killed when masked men visited his home and shot him dead.” The Anambra State Police Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “The police are aware of the development. Our men have been deployed to the area, found the victim in a pool of blood, and recovered the body. “We are collaborating with eyewitnesses and community members to track the perpetrators, and the investigation is ongoing.” The deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue with the assistance of family members.