Armed Herdsmen occupying 20 communities – House of Reps member cries out
Armed Herdsmen occupying 20 communities – House of Reps member cries out
A member of the House of Representatives for Apa/Agatu federal constituency of Benue State, Pastor Ojotu Ojema has called on the Nigerian military to embark on clearance operations against armed herders threatening the peace of communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
He said the armed herders were presently occupying 20 communities in the area after displacing natives.
Ojema disclosed this over the weekend during a chat with journalists in Makurdi.
The lawmaker lamented that the activities of the armed herders had increased over time in many communities in the Agatu area of the State, resulting in sacking of over 20 communities and loss of lives.
Ojema stated that there was need for the Nigerian Military to step up more capacity and proactive approach to curtail the situation.
He lamented that the Apa/Agatu axis of Benue State remained the most abandoned and maltreated local government area in Nigeria following the high-level of insecurity being experienced.
“Since I entered the national assembly as a representative of my people, I have visited Agatu more than 25 times and all of these bothers on coming to console people that have been attacked by suspected herders.
“I remember vividly when I was just two months in office, there was an attack in Ayila which I needed to put myself together to identify with the people.
“I moved a motion in the floor of the house and not too long, there was another attack in that same place, five security men were killed and I came again, saw it myself and I still went back to the house, moved a motion to that effect.
“As I speak with you, just Tuesday, exactly October 1, while people were celebrating and others were thinking on how to celebrate the independence, another attack happened in Egwuma community where six persons were killed, including the community leader and two soldiers.
“These soldiers were particularly mobilized to that community because of incessant attacks on that same community.
“As I speak with you, over 20 communities in that area have been sacked. The place has been turned into a forest.
“I came to 72 battalion north bank in Makurdi and I told them that there was a need for soldiers to be permanently stationed in that area and they did.
“Over 50 soldiers were taken to the area and on that fateful day, armed herders appeared from nowhere, killed so many people in that community and thereafter they descended on the soldiers.
“The situation is worrisome. The most worrisome aspect of it is that these people wsacked our people and decided to live in the community with their cattle, do their normal business, then look for the next community to attack”, Ojema lamented.
He maintained that there was need for the country’s security apparatus to urgently step up their efforts in ensuring that they brought total freedom and salvaged the situation in Agatu.
“This is because considering the capacity and volume of the level of professionalism the Nigeria security is known for, I can’t believe that there is anybody with capacity to challenge them or overpower them.
“So, what they need to do is to step up their work by engaging in clearance operations. If they cannot go by road, they can go by air because these people cannot overrun the security of this country,” he further stated
News
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.
She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.
According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.
“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.
She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.
The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.
According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)
News
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.
Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.
The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.
Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.
News
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)
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