Rivers Crisis turns violent as suspected gunmen open fire on protesters at Assembly complex
Rivers Crisis turns violent as suspected gunmen open fire on protesters at Assembly complex
Gunmen on Wednesday opened fire on a peaceful gathering of youths believed to be supporters of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.
The youths had reportedly assembled at a roundabout in Elele to express solidarity with Fubara when the attack occurred, further escalating political tensions in the state.
The incident follows a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led state Assembly to re-represent the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which expires on March 5.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via telephone, an eyewitness, identified as Nwokoro, alleged that the attack was carried out by a senior local vigilante commander in the area.
According to him, the commander, popularly known as ‘Fucking Naira,’ appeared suddenly and opened fire on the supporters of Gov. Fubara in Elele Town.
“He shot about 14 people, all of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment,” the eyewitness reported.
Nwokoro alleged that the shooter is a factional leader of a prominent political party and a staunch supporter of a well-known politician in the state.
He alleged that the vigilante commander also threatened to continue attacking supporters of the governor, and called on security agencies to take swift action to arrest him, and ensure his prosecution.
Confirming the incident, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, stated that only four persons sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
She explained that the attack took place after a patrol team from Elele Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), arrived at Elele Roundabout to address the unlawful assembly.
“While officers were attempting to address the crowd, an unidentified assailant hiding nearby opened fire, resulting in multiple injuries.
“As at the time of this report, only four individuals have been confirmed injured,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that after the shooting, the armed assailants attempted to flee, but one was apprehended by the police.
Iringe-Koko said that a single-barrel gun was recovered from the suspect.
“The injured victims were immediately taken to various hospitals in Elele for urgent medical treatment.
“A manhunt is currently underway for the perpetrators who escaped,” she said.
Iringe-Koko revealed that some of the assailants were identified as members of the local vigilante group known as the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
The police spokesperson stated that the apprehended suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
She assured that all those involved in the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice. (NAN)
Akpabio made this known on Thursday during plenary at the National Assembly, explaining that poor lighting at the Kogi airport prevented him from leaving after the event.
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs emphasised his close relationship with Natasha’s family, describing her husband as a good friend.
He noted that his presence at their wedding was a testament to their bond.
“I slept in Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state,” Akpabio stated.
Tribune Online reports that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after her heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements.
Following the ruling, she was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
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Husband allegedly stabs his Wife to death during domestic dispute
Husband allegedly stabs his Wife to death during domestic dispute
The Police Command in Ogun has confirmed that a man, simply identified as Oju, allegedly stabbed his wife, Josephine Isaac to death in Agbure, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s Spokesperson, stated this in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Odutola explained that the case was reported at Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters at about 9:30a.m, by Blessing Isaac, the younger sister of the deceased.
The command spokesperson added that the deceased sister recounted that at about 1:00a.m, Josephine, who married to Oju from Cross River State, had a “violent dispute” with her husband.
According to Odutola, the altercation escalated into physical violence, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times in the neck and chest with a knife.
“Upon realising the severity of her injuries and seeing her bleeding profusely, the suspect fled the scene, abandoning her.
“The victim was rushed to Ibiade General Hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by medical personnel.
“Upon receiving the report, detectives from Abigi Division swiftly visited the crime scene and recovered potential exhibits,” she said.
Odutola explained that the 36-year-old deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
She added that investigations currently ongoing to ensure the perpetrator was brought to justice.
Odutola assured residents that justice would be served.
She advised residents to always seek peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to violence, and report any suspected case of domestic abuse to the nearest police station. (NAN)
News
Army General assumes office as NYSC new Director-General
Army General assumes office as NYSC new Director-General
Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, on Thursday in Abuja, assumed office as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), promising to improve the welfare of staff and corps members.
Nafiu, while taking over from his predecessor, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, stated that the core of his mandate was to provide transparent and effective leadership for the advancement of the scheme.
He also emphasised advancing the job-matching programme for graduates, enabling more corps members to enter the private sector during their service year.
“It will also be aimed at incentivising employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year.
“Under my leadership, the well-being of corps members will always be a top priority.
“We will work hard to ensure that their service is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives,” he said.
“My team and I shall work tirelessly to enhance camp feeding and hygiene.”
He acknowledged that the establishment of the NYSC scheme in 1973 was a well-thought-out strategy that had greatly contributed to the socio-cultural integration of the country.
“The scheme has fostered mutual understanding and trust among the people, regardless of origin.”
He also lauded the scheme’s significant contribution to promoting national unity through community development engagements by corps members.
“The corps members are the only qualified educators, health providers, legal advisors, and many other professionals that some of our communities have ever known.
“They are a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a symbol of hard work for future generations in many rural areas,” he said.
Nafiu sought the understanding and support of the staff to drive the programmes he intended to introduce to boost the common welfare and career development of the scheme.
He urged staff to be good role models for corps members, stressing the importance of rethinking strategies to fulfil the purpose of the scheme.
Nafiu also assured them that his leadership philosophy would focus on repositioning the NYSC to meet the demands of contemporary society and tackle future challenges.
The outgoing director-general, Ahmed, said Nafiu’s appointment was a testament to his career and unwavering dedication to national service.
He expressed optimism that Nafiu’s leadership would bring a transformative era of progress and innovation to the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nafiu holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.
He also has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
Nafiu, an alumnus of three Army War Colleges, has served in various capacities in Nigeria and international peacekeeping missions.
Prior to his appointment as NYSC director-general, he served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.(NAN)