30 bodies of Residents killed by suspected Ritualists found inside river –Monarch

Over 30 unidentified bodies of suspected ritual killing victims have been found on Imo River in Oriendu autonomous community, Umuahia North local government area of Abia State since last year.

The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Philip Ajomiwe, stated this while speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday in his palace after the body of a woman was found

“The bodies, like the recent one, are either completely naked and without their private parts or in a bag. There’ve also been cases of two decomposing bodies seen beside the NNPC pipeline,” he said.

Explaining that there had not been any arrests since then by the security agents, he expressed concern that the situation was getting out of hand and had created fear in and around the community.

According to the monarch, efforts by the community’s vigilante group to arrest the suspects had failed too, because the group is not as equipped as the suspects are said to be.

“So, we’re appealing to the state government to empower the vigilante group with the necessary logistics and the wherewithal to enable it to match the suspects,” he said.

He argued that nobody ever embarks on such a mission with empty hands especially when the enemy is fully armed with sophisticated weapons and is ready to fight back.

He asserted that his complaints about the situation to the agents had been to no avail, noting that the latest was a letter to the speaker of the State House of Assembly on February 7.

The monarch, who appreciated the government’s upward review of monthly stipends of the traditional rulers, however, noted that the amount is not enough for them to handle insecurity.

He maintained that as the monarchs do not have security votes like the governor to equip their communities’ vigilante groups, the communities need the intervention of the government for peace and security.

Two Reverend Fathers abducted by suspected gunmen CP reacts, vows swift action

The kidnapping of Reverend Father Abraham Samman from the Jalingo Diocese and Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami from the Yola Catholic Diocese has been harshly denounced by CP Dankombo Morris, the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa.

The two pastors were kidnapped early on February 22, according to a statement issued on Saturday by SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Command’s spokesperson.

The public was reassured by CP Morris that security personnel had been called in to guarantee the safe return of the priests who had been abducted and to prosecute those responsible.

“The unfortunate incident occurred at the priest’s residence situated at Gwaida Malam, in Numan local government of Adamawa State.

“The kidnappers, armed with offensive weapons, arrived at the victim’s house around 4:00 a.m and whisked them away.

“The CP in concerted effort to rescue the victims, has deployed the command’s operational and manpower assets to give a hot chase to the kidnappers, rescue the victims unhurt, apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators if any,” he said.

He stated that the command’s ongoing efforts will undoubtedly ensure that the perpetrators, along with anyone involved, are held accountable and face the full force of the law.

He further highlighted the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and combating all forms of violent crime in the state.

“This unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders is totally unacceptable as they are not only stakeholders but also people who are actively working to promote peace in the society.

“The command, while appealing for calm, therefore, seeks the support and cooperation of the general public to give useful and timely information that will aid its quest to rescue the victims and apprehend the criminals,” he stated.

Six Worshippers kidnapped, Pastor shot, fingers cut off as gunmen invade Church

On Saturday, in the Aniocha South local government area, gunmen stormed the Elyon Paradise Ministry church, Asagba Ogwashi, which is close to Ogwashi Uku Polytheistic.

They took six churchgoers to an unidentified location and shot one pastor, Divine Omodia.

According to information obtained, the unidentified shooters stormed the church at approximately 10:30 p.m. on February 21, 2025, shot the pastor, severed his two fingers, and caused blood loss.

Steve Victor Onuchukwu, a church pastor, told The Guardian over the weekend that the kidnappers have not contacted to demand any ramson for their release since the event.

According to Onuchukwu, the police have been notified of the situation and are taking the required steps, but as of right now, nothing has changed, with the exception that “one of the security agencies just called me that they are working round round to perfect their release.”

He revealed that there is currently concern about the whereabouts of the shot Pastor, who is in the operating room at an unnamed hospital with multiple medical professionals fighting for his life.

“We have rushed the Pastor to the hospital, he is even at the theatre right now where doctors are working on him, to make sure his life is stabilized,” Onuchukwu said.