Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

  • How Terrorists Kill 5 Soldiers, 6 Civilians In Abia – Military

    How Terrorists Kill 5 Soldiers, 6 Civilians In Abia – Military

    The Defence Headquarters on Friday explained how five soldiers and six civilians were killed by terrorists at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area Aba, Abia State on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

     

    It said the victims were murdered by

    gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order.

     

    Military said the gunmen numbering about 30, stormed troops location in three black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps with tinted glasses and opened fire during which five Soldiers were killed.

     

    It further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians.

     

    The military gave the identities of the five soldiers killed during the attack to include two Sergeants, two Corporal and one Lance Corporal.

     

    Their identities were sighted in a signal released on Friday.

     

    The soldiers were identified as : Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467),

    Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028),

    Corporal Gideon Egwe(10NA/65/7085),

    Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483) and

    Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663).

     

    The signal reads : “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members.

     

    “Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.

     

     

    further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians.

     

    The signal noted that the current situation in Aba is generally tensed while monitoring continues as further details will be forwarded as situation unfolds.

     

    Also a statement on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen. Edward Buba, said the terrorists that attack the troops in the surprise assault, came in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint.

     

    He said that the six civilian victims of the attack were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.

     

    According to Maj. – Gen. Buba, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.

     

    The military also promised to retaliate the attack on its troops, vowing that their response would be brutal.

     

    “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN.

     

    “The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorist.

     

    “The terrorists, in three-tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.

     

    “The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.

     

    “The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.

     

    “Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.

     

    “Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.

     

    “Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.

     

    “The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

     

    “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.

     

    “The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement read.

     

    The IPOB/ESN terrorists launched the attack on the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the south-east.

  • Abia Govt Places N25mln Bounty On Killers Of 5 Soldiers

    Abia Govt Places N25mln Bounty On Killers Of 5 Soldiers

    The Abia State Government has placed a N25million bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the Aba area of the state and also condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja over the incident.

     

    Gunmen had on Thursday stormed the military unit at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, and also burnt the unit as well as a patrol van parked in the unit.

     

    Some soldiers were alleged to have escaped the attack.

     

    A day after the incident, the state government described it as unfortunate and prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died on active duty.

     

    “To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs,” a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture Okey Kanu read.

    The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.”

     

  • Labour Directs Workers To Stay At Home From June 3, Declares Indefinite Strike

    Labour Directs Workers To Stay At Home From June 3, Declares Indefinite Strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared indefinite nationwide strike beginning from Monday, June 3rd, over the tripartite committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage.

     

    The are also demanding a reversal of a recent hike in electricity tariff.

     

    The President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo announced this at a joint news conference in Abuja on Friday.

     

    Osifo said the decision follows the expiration of the deadline of May 31, 2024 given to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations for a new minimum wage.

     

    “Since the National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise has not been concluded and the agreed wage passed into law; the hike in electricity tariff has not been reversed and the categorization of consumers into Bands has not stopped as demanded; Nigerian workers are compelled by these failures to embark on an indefinite nationwide industrial action beginning on Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024 to press home our demands.”

     

    The organised labour had once pulled out of the negotiation and rejected two Federal Government offers, the latest being N60,000 as Labour insist on N497,000 as minimum wage.

     

    The two centres thereby issued a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike until the Federal Government is ready to negotiate.

     

    The organized labour had once pulled out of the negotiation and rejected the last offer of N60,000 by Federal Government as the new minimum wage

  • Excitement As Ogun Is Set To Join Oil Producing States, Exploration Commences Soon

    Excitement As Ogun Is Set To Join Oil Producing States, Exploration Commences Soon

    The quest of Ogun State to be an oil producing State would soon be realised as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), is set to begin oil and gas exploration in the state.

     

    Stakeholders in the oil industry, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, stormed Ogun State on Friday to disclose plans by the Federal Government to start oil exploration in the state.

     

    Other stakeholders who also visited included the Managing Director, SHELL Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mr. Osagie Okubor; Chief Executive, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari.

     

    They were received by Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

    Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State.”

     

    Hon. Lokpobiri who added that oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, sating his team was in the state in continuation of the campaign for exploration activities.

     

    He said the visit was also to demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of the federal government to shore up its revenue through the oil and gas sector.

     

    “Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country.

     

    “We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State,” he added.

     

    The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited,(NNPCL) Mr. Mele kyari, while speaking, said Ogun State is blessed to be in the Dahomey Basin corridor with expected high deposit of oil.

     

    He assured that the corporation is coming back in ernest to commence exploration activities, even as he expressed the hope that oil would be found in commercial quantity.

     

    In his remarks, the Executive Director, Nigerians Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr. Genga Komolafe, said the coming of the team to Ogun State is to further demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government to grow the oil reserves and enhanced federation revenue.

     

    “We all understand that Nigeria is very prolific in oil and gas, but then there is still need to grow the reserves through exploration activities given our huge hydrocarbon as a bench mark,” he noted.

     

     

    Hon. Lokpobiri, who spoke at the governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta said Ogun State has always been part of the Dahomey Basin with prospect of having huge deposit of hydrocarbon.

     

    The Minister said : “We decided that we are going to resume exploration in the different Basins; we decided to come to Ogun State to reassure the people that we have very high potential of discoveries here.

     

    Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State.”

     

    Hon. Lokpobiri who added that oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, sating his team was in the state in continuation of the campaign for exploration activities.

     

    He said the visit was also to demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of the federal government to shore up its revenue through the oil and gas sector.

     

    “Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country.

     

    “We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State,” he added.

     

    The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited,(NNPCL) Mr. Mele kyari, while speaking, said Ogun State is blessed to be in the Dahomey Basin corridor with expected high deposit of oil.

     

    He assured that the corporation is coming back in ernest to commence exploration activities, even as he expressed the hope that oil would be found in commercial quantity.

     

    In his remarks, the Executive Director, Nigerians Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr. Genga Komolafe, said the coming of the team to Ogun State is to further demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government to grow the oil reserves and enhanced federation revenue.

     

    “We all understand that Nigeria is very prolific in oil and gas, but then there is still need to grow the reserves through exploration activities given our huge hydrocarbon as a bench mark,” he noted.

     

    Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State.”

    Hon. Lokpobiri who added that oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, sating his team was in the state in continuation of the campaign for exploration activities.

    He said the visit was also to demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of the federal government to shore up its revenue through the oil and gas sector.

    “Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country.

    “We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State,” he added.

    The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited,(NNPCL) Mr. Mele kyari, while speaking, said Ogun State is blessed to be in the Dahomey Basin corridor with expected high deposit of oil.

    He assured that the corporation is coming back in ernest to commence exploration activities, even as he expressed the hope that oil would be found in commercial quantity.

    In his remarks, the Executive Director, Nigerians Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr. Genga Komolafe, said the coming of the team to Ogun State is to further demonstrate the commitment of the Federal Government to grow the oil reserves and enhanced federation revenue.

    “We all understand that Nigeria is very prolific in oil and gas, but then there is still need to grow the reserves through exploration activities given our huge hydrocarbon as a bench mark,” he noted.

     

    Komolafe informed that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) makes provision for the funding of the development of the Frontier Basins.

     

    He added that in line with the commitment and the aspirations of the government, the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Commission is working in synergy with the NNPCL to leverage on the PIA to aggressively carry out oil exploration in the Dahomey Basin.

     

    “The Dahomey Basin stretches up to Delta, Edo, Ogun and Ondo states.

     

    “We intend to in the course of this exercise, cover all those states leveraging on the provision of Section 9, Subsection 4 of the PIA.

     

    “This is good opportunity for the people of Ogun State and it would be complementary to the reforms and transformation initiatives of the governor.

     

    “We want to congratulate the governor and the people for being the beneficiaries of this initiative,” Komolafe said.

     

    Responding, Governor Abiodun said Ogun State is part of the OPLs 302,303 306 and 307.

     

    He said the acreages present unique opportunities for the qualification as a Frontier Exploration State as defined in the PIA section 9.

     

    The governor observed that the history and studies over the years allow any investment under the frontier exploration basin funding to not only realize the oil and gas potentials, but also acquire data that would aid Bitumen exploration and exploitation in Nigeria.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu signs Bill returning old National Anthem into law

    BREAKING: Tinubu signs Bill returning old National Anthem into law

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law.

     

    The bill seeks to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

     

     

    A final assent to the passage of the bill will bring about a shift from the now-recognised, “Arise O Compatriots.

    The bill rapidly cleared by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

     

    Details later…

  • JUST IN: FG withdraws alleged terrorism charges against Miyetti Allah president

    JUST IN: FG withdraws alleged terrorism charges against Miyetti Allah president

    On Wednesday, the Federal Government, FG, informed a Federal High Court in Abuja that it will no longer pursue the alleged terrorist allegation against Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore.

     

     

     

    Mrs. Aderonke Imana, the prosecuting counsel, said this at the case’s resumed hearing on Wednesday. In an oral application, Mrs. Imana stated that she was applying under Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

     

    She said the request was further predicated on the power of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) under Section 174 of the Constitution.

    Mrs. Imana said: “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.

    That is our humble application my lord.

     

     

     

    Defence lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

     

    Raji thanked the AGF for his “magnanimous gesture,” adding: “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections refers to by the prosecutor.”

     

     

     

     

     

    Ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the discharge of Bodejo.

     

    Justice Ekwo said: “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant.

     

     

     

     

    “Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court.”

     

     

     

    More details to follow…

  • Deportation Order: FG Intervenes In Nigerian Students, Teesside Uni Clash

    Deportation Order: FG Intervenes In Nigerian Students, Teesside Uni Clash

    A delegation, to be led by a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, Amb. Christian Okeke and leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, will visit the management of Teesside University to intervene on the allegations of an unfair and unjust deportation order served on some Nigerian students in the middle of their studies.

    The decision was taken at the end of a virtual meeting held between Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), representative of the Nigerian High Commission UK, Amb. Christian Okeke; Mr Yemi Soile, President, Nigerian Students Union UK; and many of the affected students at the meeting on Sunday.

     

    According to a statement on Wednesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesman of NIDCOM, the affected students passionately narrated their ordeal and were optimistic about a positive intervention.

    During the meeting, Chairman NIDCOM appealed to the students to remain calm and not to take laws into their own hands while appealing to the University to treat the students with justice and fairness.

    On May 22, some students of Teesside University from Nigeria staged a protest following the directives by the University authorities for them to leave the UK on the allegations that some of the students defaulted in paying their school fees.

  • Tinubu to deliver ‘state of the nation’ address at joint sitting of n’assembly on May 29

    Tinubu to deliver ‘state of the nation’ address at joint sitting of n’assembly on May 29

    The senate and house of representatives will hold a joint sitting on Wednesday to mark 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country.

     

    Other than during the president’s budget presentation, joint sittings of the senate and house of representatives are rare.

     

    A statement issued by Magaji Tambawal, clerk to the national assembly, said President Bola Tinubu will deliver an address on the state of the nation at the joint sitting and also inaugurate the national assembly library.

     

    Also expected at the sitting are Vice-President Kashim Shettima; AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, governor of Kwara and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo; and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.

    The senate and house of representatives will hold a joint sitting on Wednesday to mark 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country.

    Other than during the president’s budget presentation, joint sittings of the senate and house of representatives are rare.

    A statement issued by Magaji Tambawal, clerk to the national assembly, said President Bola Tinubu will deliver an address on the state of the nation at the joint sitting and also inaugurate the national assembly library.

    Also expected at the sitting are Vice-President Kashim Shettima; AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, governor of Kwara and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo; and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.

    Others are Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

     

    Gbajabiamila, who served as speaker of the 9th house (2019-2023), will deliver a paper on ‘Reflections on the House’, while David Mark, president of the 6th & 7th senate (2007-2015), will speak on ‘Reflections on the Senate’.

     

    Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, will also deliver a paper on ‘Reflections on the Journey to Democracy

  • Oborevwori Is Making PDP Stronger Says Onyeme

    Oborevwori Is Making PDP Stronger Says Onyeme

    The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA has said that that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is making the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stronger.

     

    Onyeme made the observation on Monday during the reception of Chief Festus Oneh, a businessman into the PDP at Ward 6, Ogume in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

     

    Speaking at the well attended event, the Deputy Governor said that since the governor assumed office, his people-oriented programmes have attracted a lot of personalities to the party.

     

    He said that Governor Oborevwori has given political appointments to several persons, including sons and daughters of Ndokwa ethnic nationality, noting that the administration is also providing physical infrastructure across the state.

    Onyeme who described Chief Oneh as a successful international businessman, said that money helps to oil political process.

     

    He urged members of the party to accord Chief Oneh the relevant support, saying that his presence in the party would boost its membership.

    The Delta North PDP Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh at the occasion, welcomed Chief Oneh to the party stating that he was proud of members of PDP in Ndokwa West for the huge support the party is enjoying in the area.

     

    He appealed to members of the party to use their strength to make Ndokwa West a totally PDP local government area, and also use the strength to win in the next election.

     

    In his response, Chief Oneh said that he was happy to make the right decision of joining the People’s Democratic Party.

     

    He promised to use his position and wealth of experience to attract more members to the party.

     

    High point of the occasion which was witnessed by the Secretary of the part in the state, Engr. Dan Ossai, Chairman of the party in the area, Ogbuefi Lucky Okuji, Chief Festus Ochonogor, among others, was the presentation of PDP membership card to Chief Oneh and others who joined the party