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Imo Govt Denies Brutality Claims By IPOB

Imo govt denies claims of brutality by IPOB ahead of Buhari’s visit

The Imo State government has dismissed allegations of brutality and militarisation by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which culminated in the imposition of a lockdown on the region by the secessionist group.

This was disclosed by the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba during a guest appearance on AriseTV on Wednesday.

Theharmattannews had reported that ‘unknown gunmen’ had wreaked havoc on the state and the South-East region with repeated attacks on correctional facilities and police formations which led to strict measures by a coalition of security agencies to quell the uprisings.

In his assertion, Emelumba dismissed the allegations by the IPOB saying, “The allegations are neither here nor there. When there is a total breakdown in law and order with the security of residents at stake, the Government has the responsibility to move in to protect lives due to the rampage of ‘unknown gunmen’ who repeatedly attacked correctional facilities.

“The quelling included the coalition of various security agencies including the military so the issue of militarisation by IPOB is unfounded. It has yielded results with the restore of calm.”

The Commissioner also revealed that the Ohanaeze and prominent Igbo leaders will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari in order to table their concerns and brainstorm on solutions on them.

President Buhari is on a one-day working visit to commission crucial projects across the state for the benefit of the citizenry, Emelumba confirmed.

“All the challenges being faced by the South-East will be addressed and the Ohanaeze will table the concerns of the Igbo leaders before the President — dialogue is the only way, not violence.

“Among the projects to be commissioned by the President is the Nekede-Obinze link-road which houses two tertiary institutions. The road was completely abandoned for 20 years which was a death trap for students but it is still in its first phase with the second phase to be completed by Dec.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the President regarding infrastructure as evidenced by the construction of the Second Niger bridge.”

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Police arrest 9 suspects over communal crisis in Kogi

The Police Command in Kogi State has arrested nine suspects in connection with a communal crisis in Itamah area of Kogi.

The crisis occurred after the assassination of the community traditional ruler, Onu Itamah Job Shagari.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday.

The late Chief Job Shagari was on Aug. 12 assassinated by some gunmen who invaded the community.

The traditional ruler’s death had created rift between two families — the Okenyi Abu-Atika and Shagari-Ebijegor, resulting in communal crisis.

But the police said they had arrested nine suspects and they were trailing other suspects.

“What the police are calling for now is for peace to be allowed to reign in Itamah community.

“The destruction done in that community is very unfortunate and uncalled for.

“We want a situation where the aggrieved families should come to round table for dialogue toward finding a lasting solution.

A situation where the community members are involved in an eye for an eye, the whole community will be blind and there won’t be peace there at all,” he said.

Onuoha denied the allegation that the command did not respond to petitions brought before it on arson and hostilities that left some houses and other property razed destroyed.

Mr Akoh Jonah, spokesman of the Okenyi Abu-Atika, claimed that more than 40 houses were burnt during the crisis, alleging that the police arrested 11 members of his family

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Police arrest two suspects with AK-47 rifle in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects with a fabricated AK-47 rifle and ammunition in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, September 12, 2024. He said the suspects were nabbed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit while trying to sell the rifle for N580,000.

“The Bauchi State Police Command is unwavering in its efforts to combat the proliferation of small and light arms within the state. In furtherance of this commitment, the Taskforce operatives, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit attached to the Command, have successfully apprehended two suspects in possession of a fabricated AK47 rifle and ammunition at Boto Market in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state,” the statement read.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects, who travelled from Plateau State to Boto market, negotiated the sale of the rifle for N580,000.

“The apprehended suspects are: Abdulgafar Mohammed, male, 18 years old, from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State and Yusuf Isa, male, 25 years old, from the same address.

“A discreet investigation is ongoing, after which the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

Under the stewardship of the Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Mohammad, psc, Anipr, the Command has escalated efforts to locate and apprehend the manufacturers of such weapons, irrespective of their location. Ultimately, the Command aims to assure the public of its dedication to eliminating illegal firearms in the state and urges the citizens to understand that.

“Mankind must put an end to organised crime, or organized crime will put an end to mankind”, and on the “ keyboard of life, let us as citizens always keep a finger on the escape key to survive.”

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Police arrest 19 year old undergraduate for kidnapping, killing of a female student in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested Paul Jeremiah, 20, for the alleged murder of Damilola, a 19-year-old first-year student at the Federal University, Lafia, Kogi State.

SP William Ovie Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Jeremiah’s arrest on Thursday in Lokoja.

According to him, investigation is underway to determine the details surrounding the incident.

Damilola was reported missing on September 4, 2024.

Reports indicate that Jeremiah and his accomplices initially demanded a ransom of N10 million for her release.

However, after receiving N400,000 from Damilola’s family, Jeremiah, said to be a Kaduna State indigene, was dissatisfied with the amount and subsequently killed Damilola and mutilated her body.

The Police spokesman did not disclose how Jeremiah was apprehended but confirmed that he is currently in custody.