JUST IN; Lay down your weapons – Governor begs unknown gunmen at funeral event
JUST IN; Lay down your weapons – Governor begs unknown gunmen at funeral event
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has called on armed groups perpetuating violence in the state to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society, promising the government’s support for their transition to peaceful livelihoods.
Uzodinma made the appeal during the funeral of Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, the former Imo APC Woman Leader for the Orlu zone, who was tragically murdered in 2022 by suspected militants.
Okonkwo’s lifeless body was discovered dumped in the bush, marking a grim chapter in the state’s ongoing struggle with political violence.
In his emotional address at the deceased’s country home in Ogberuru, Orlu Local Government Area, Governor Uzodinma condemned the brutal assassination of Okonkwo and four other women, stressing that the state and party had lost a dedicated leader and a valuable community member.
He lamented the senselessness of the killings, attributing them to political violence rather than any personal wrongdoing by the victims.
“This was not a death borne out of any crime she committed but rather because of her unwavering commitment to the APC as a woman leader and mobilizer,” the Governor said.
“Her dedication and hard work made her a target of political opponents who saw her as a threat.”
Uzodinma, who was visibly moved, prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, including Okonkwo’s, and announced a generous compensation of N10 million for the families of each of the five slain women.
He also offered employment opportunities to any of the children of the deceased who were eligible for government work or expressed interest in vocational training.
Reiterating the need for peace, the Governor urged those responsible for the killings to come forward and put an end to the violence.
He promised that the state government, with the support of divine justice, would soon bring those behind the murders to account.
“The political violence that led to the loss of Rachael and her colleagues is not the legacy we want for Imo,” Uzodinma declared. “The people behind these killings will soon face the wrath of God.”
The Governor also accused certain politicians of inciting violence by recruiting outsiders to murder their own people in the name of politics, warning that these individuals would eventually be exposed.
He urged the people of Orlu and the broader state to remain vigilant and united, rejecting the forces that seek to divide them.
In his closing remarks, Uzodinma implored all members of the APC to stay resolute and committed to the party’s vision.
He emphasised the importance of unity, particularly within the party’s Camp Hope faction, and assured party members that their loyalty would not go unrewarded.
“It is a matter of conscience,” Uzodinma concluded.
“Those who shed blood will ultimately answer to God. Let us remain firm and resolute in our cause.”
The Governor’s call for peace and justice was met with solemn agreement by the mourners, who stood united in their resolve for a peaceful and prosperous Imo.
News
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
APC clears air on receiving letter of defection from another State Governor
The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied receiving a letter from Gov. Dauda Lawal seeking to defect to the party.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were speculations across the state over Lawal’s move to defect to APC.
A statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, described the speculations as fabricated.
“The party came across a fabricated report purported to have emanated from one Tambarin Gusau claiming that Go Dauda Lawal has sent a letter to the party wanting to join the APC.
“The report is malicious, unfortunate, unfounded, mischievous and showed the unprofessional manner which some people can go in misleading others and causing chaos in a stable and a peaceful party like the APC.
“The APC has responsible channels where everything is done in a guided manner,” Idris said.
According to him, the party has not received any letter from Lawal as claimed through the imagination of the writer nor was the party aware of any recent moves by the governor to defect from the PDP to the APC.
“All members of the party and indeed the public especially in Zamfara should therefore disregard such report.,” Idris added.(NAN)
News
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos
A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.
The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.
He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.
“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.
“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”
“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.
Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.
“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.
News
80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army
80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.
According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.
He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.
Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.
He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.
The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.
He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.
The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).
He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)
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