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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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).

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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)

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

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The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

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“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

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The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

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The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

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“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

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The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

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In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

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The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.

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The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.

Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

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