Just In: Our Officials Have Been Abducted In Bayelsa LGA, Says INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday said that some of its officials on election duty were held hostage in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Expressing concern over the situation, INEC stated that the actions of holding officials hostage were detrimental to the credibility of the electoral process. In a statement on its verified X platform, the commission urged security agencies, particularly the police, to take immediate action to rescue the electoral officers and ensure their safety. INEC condemned the action as “detrimental to credible elections” and called on security agencies including the police to swing to action and rescue the electoral officers. “We call on the security agencies to immediately facilitate their release,” the commission said. The incident unfolded amid protests in the oil-rich South-South state over alleged result manipulation as the collation of the November 11, 2023, election results commenced. Protesters, including state commissioners and lawmakers, asserted that elections did not take place in the Nembe area of the state. The tense situation escalated further as Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, accused Timipre Sylva, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of orchestrating electoral violence in the Nembe-Bassambiri area. Governor Diri, who is seeking re-election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed concern about the violent tendencies associated with Timipre Sylva’s involvement in elections over the years. The governor linked Sylva to incidents of violence and lawlessness, particularly in Nembe-Bassambiri. Timipre Sylva, a former Bayelsa governor and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023, has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. The unfolding events underscore the challenges facing the electoral process and the need for swift intervention by security agencies to ensure the safety of INEC officials and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
APC Thugs Attack SDP Campaign Leader In Kogi, Policeman killed, Others Abducted
Political thugs allegedly connected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) launched an attack on the residence of Sheik Ibrahim Jibrin, the Director-General of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Campaign Council in Anyigba, Kogi State. This attack occurred early in the morning, resulting in the death of one police officer and four others. The assailants, armed with an armored personnel carrier (APC), forcibly entered the compound by breaking the gate. They fired upon gaining entry, killing Officer Atabor, the police guard. According to the SDP, this attack was carried out by a “rogue force” reportedly assembled by Governor Yahaya Bello in preparation for the upcoming governorship election. The SDP alleged that this rogue force comprised thugs led by a wanted individual, Friday Makama, navy mercenaries led by N.U Akalezi of the Nigerian Navy, and DSS operatives under the command of Mr. Tosin Ajayi. The attack lasted for over an hour, leaving several individuals injured. Besides Officer Atabor’s death, six other individuals, believed to be policemen on official duty, were reportedly taken by the attackers. Comrade I D Ijele, the campaign council’s Head of New Media, is feared to have been abducted during the attack, with no contact since the incident began. The SDP’s campaign council expressed concerns that the rogue force remained active in Anyigba with their armored personnel carrier (APC). The SDP called upon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to transfer the commissioner allegedly involved in these activities to ensure a free and fair election in Kogi State.
Again, Unidentified Gunmen Claim Five Lives In Ayilamo, Benue
In a tragic incident, five individuals fell victim to a violent attack carried out by unidentified gunmen in Ayilamo, a village situated in Logo Local Government, Benue. The assault, as reported by Mr. Sewuese Anene, spokesperson for the Benue Police Command, took place on Tuesday night. Regrettably, a few others sustained injuries as a result of the attack. Additionally, another unsettling incident occurred in Mbachohon community within Gwer-West Local Government, although specific details about this event remain unavailable. Unverified reports suggest that the Mbachohon attack resulted in the loss of six lives. The escalation of such attacks is a matter of deep concern. In response, authorities have initiated the deployment of more security personnel to these affected areas with the primary aim of restoring peace and ensuring the safety of the local populace. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address and resolve the security challenges prevalent in the region.
Tragedy As Abacha’s Daughter Is Found Dead In Maiduguri
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Mrs. Amma Buwa, daughter of Honourable Bukar Abacha, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Ngala local government area, was discovered strangled to death in her Maiduguri home. The tragic event unfolded at approximately 6:30 pm on Tuesday evening while Mrs. Buwa’s husband was away, attending prayers at a nearby mosque. Upon his return, the distraught husband made the grim discovery within their residence, finding his wife’s lifeless body. Her hands and legs were bound behind her back, and her two-year-old child was crying beside her. The husband promptly reported this horrifying incident to local authorities, leading to the Gwange Police Division transferring the body to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for a post-mortem examination and further investigation. The community is in shock, with residents gathering at the scene to offer their condolences and support during these trying times. A family source took to social media to announce that the funeral of the deceased, Mrs. Amma Buwa, will be held the following morning at the 777 Housing Estate in Maiduguri. It’s worth noting that less than 24 hours before this tragic incident, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, had taken decisive action to address security concerns in the area. He ordered the demolition of brothels, shanties, and makeshift bars at the Railway Terminus general area, asserting that these locations were breeding grounds for criminals responsible for killings in the metropolis.
Islamic Group Warns Wike Over Security Deal With Israel
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding his plans to partner with Israeli security experts. This warning came through a statement released by MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, in Abuja on Thursday. In the statement, Prof Akintola highlighted Wike’s announcement of a prospective collaboration with Israeli security experts to enhance security measures in Abuja. MURIC, however, voiced apprehensions regarding this potential partnership. “We like to warn that such collaboration with the state of Israel will exacerbate Nigeria’s security problems by escalating it from a local crisis to an international fracas engineered by MOSSAD (Israel’s secret spies) with the likelihood of Nigeria becoming the centre of rivalry for global espionage outfits like the American CIA and the Russian SVR and FSB,” the statement read. Furthermore, MURIC expressed concerns about misconceptions surrounding Israel’s religious identity, asserting that Israel predominantly recognizes and respects Judaism. The statement also referred to recent incidents in which religious tensions were reported in Israel. “We believe that Wike is now courting the Israelis because, like most Nigerian Christians, he holds the wrong notion that Israel is a Christian state whereas the reverse is the case. Several instances confirm that the only religion Israel recognises and respects is Judaism,” Prof Akintola stated. He continued, “Just yesterday, on Wednesday, September 4, Jews spit on Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem and Christians are under constant attacks in Israel.” The MURIC executive director emphasized the need for caution, citing Israel’s history of disregarding United Nations resolutions and its contentious stance on several international issues. “To cap the edifice, Israel’s arrogant posture at the United Nations as it shuns the latter’s resolutions is legendary. At least 45 UN resolutions have condemned Israel’s aggression against Palestinians,” he pointed out. In conclusion, Prof Akintola stated, “A terrorist state cannot be the ideal security partner for us in Nigeria. Wike should take the Israelis to Rivers State. Israel constitutes an existential threat to both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.” Minister Nyesom Wike’s office has yet to respond to MURIC’s cautionary statement, leaving the fate of the proposed security partnership uncertain.
Gunmen Kidnap Benue Commissioner For Information
The Benue State Government has confirmed the abduction of Mr Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, on Sunday evening. The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed on Monday in Makurdi. According to Sir Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia had received the unfortunate news and has already directed security operatives to ensure his safe release. The abduction allegedly took place about 8pm. “Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release,” the text message read. There were confirmed reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area and kidnapped him. Eyewitnesses stated that the kidnappers who came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including Mrs Aboh and children, to lie face down before they took the Commissioner to an unknown destination. The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sand-witched him. Mr Aboh was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29. He hails from Ukum LGA of Sankera axis, a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings for years now. Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, said the Command was yet to receive the report on the incident.
Gunmen kill newly-wedded couple in Plateau
Unknown Gunmen have killed a newly-wedded couple, both of whom are teachers at BECO Comprehensive High School, Kwi in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau. The gunmen also injured the Vice-Principal of the School. The incident happened on Monday. The Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Tuesday. Alabo, who did not give further details on the incident, said that the command was on top of the situation. In a statement in Jos, Mr Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Movement, a socio-cultural group, said that the incident occurred at about 3.00 p.m. on Monday. ”We are saddened by the invasion of BECO Comprehensive High School Kwi by gunmen. “Two teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Rwang Danladi, a newly-wedded couple, were shot dead. ”Mr. Dalyop Emmanuel, the Vice-Principal of the School, was seriously injured by the armed men. ”The teachers were holding a meeting to compile results of students in preparation for the school’s 2023 Speech and Prize-Giving Day slated for this Friday. ”The injured person is currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital,” he said. The spokesperson decried the influx of criminals in some communities in the state. ”We call on security operatives to, as a matter of urgency, raid these communities that have become enclaves of criminals, particularly Fass and Mahanga in Riyom. ”This is necessary to get rid of criminal elements that have defied law and order,” he said.
Bandits Attack in Zamfara: Emir’s son, six others abducted, one killed
In yet another distressing incident, armed bandits targeted the headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State on Monday, resulting in one fatality and the abduction of seven individuals. The armed assailants reportedly invaded the town with lethal weaponry, launching sporadic gunfire that claimed the life of one person. A resident of Bungudu, Ishaq Bungudu, recounted the horrifying event to Channels Television. He disclosed that among those abducted were Abdulrahman Hassan, the son of the Emir of Bungudu, and Abubakar S/Fada Bungudu, a former State Programme Officer of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The recurring attacks on the local government headquarters have raised concerns, especially given its proximity to the state capital, Gusau. Ishaq Bungudu implored Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to urgently appoint security aides to address the escalating security challenges. He expressed frustration with the lack of official response and noted that the absence of security support has compounded the crisis. Bungudu highlighted a bandits’ enclave situated near one community on the outskirts of the town, which he believes is linked to the continuous attacks. He questioned the efficacy of security agencies in dislodging the bandits and dismantling their hideout. Despite the community’s knowledge of this enclave, the security situation remains precarious. The headquarters of Bungudu Local Government is approximately 21 kilometers from the state capital, Gusau. The area has witnessed a series of attacks in recent times, including the killing of four policemen last month and another police officer in a separate incident. However, efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, for further information were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple phone calls. The unfortunate recurrence of such attacks emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in Zamfara State.
Niger Crisis: ECOWAS Parliament divided over military option
The ECOWAS Parliament was on Saturday divided over taking military action as an option aimed at tackling the political situation in Niger Republic and restoring civil rule there. Some members called for actions that would nip the military incursion into politics within the region, while others identified diplomacy and dialogue as the best approaches to tackling the crisis. No fewer than 22 parliamentarians participated in the virtual extraordinary meeting to discuss the political crisis in Niger. Some members who were against military intervention highlighted the economic woes that the people of Niger could experience if invaded. Ali Djibo, from Niger Republic, said already at least 9,000 schools had been shut down owing to the crisis. “War will only compound the economic woes the peoples of the sub-region are already going through. “As we speak, over a thousand trucks, loaded with goods, are stranded at the border. “If a coup happened in Nigeria or Cote’d’Iviore tomorrow, where’s the ECOWAS going to mobilise troops to fight the Nigerian or Ivorian military? How many borders are we going to close? “We must also bear in mind that if we’re applying the ECOWAS treaty, it should be applicable to all.” Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (Rivers), ECOWAS must pay keen attention and treat the root causes of coups in ECOWAS countries Members of the ECOWAS Parliament making a case for military intervention in Niger said diplomacy had contributed in no small measure to the increase in the spate of military takeover of government in the West African sub-region. Contributing, Adebayo Balogun, posited that ECOWAS leaders were proposing military action to remove the junta, and not clamouring for a fully-fledged war. He recalled that Niger was a signatory to the ECOWAS’ revised protocol on non-military intervention. Also, Bashir Dawodu expressed the belief that the body should open itself up to the possibility of a military option and apply pressure on the junta while also exploring dialogue.