The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union has said that contrary to the claim by the police, 33 persons were on Wednesday and Thursday killed by Fulani militia in some villages in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Police Command had claimed that 21 natives of the area lost their lives during the attack by the bandits.
The affected communities are identified as Apyia’Shyim, A’Piako, Atak’Mawei, and Kibori, all in Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf LGA.
Speaking on the fresh killings, the National Public Relations Officer of the SOKAPU, Mr. Luka Binniyat, said in a statement titled, ‘33 killed in Zango Kataf in Kaduna on Thursday’ that prior to the attack, there was intensive patrol and the security personnel enforced the 24-hour curfew, but sadly, “when the gunmen struck, they were not on the ground.”
Binniyat added that the attackers operated between 11pm and 4am this morning before they left unchallenged.
The statement read in part, “Last night, 33 Atyap natives, who were among hundreds of thousands of already starving indigenes under a 24-hour rigidly imposed curfew that was 65 days yesterday, were killed in five Atyap villages in Atyap Chiefdom, Zango Kataf LGA in southern part of Kaduna State by Fulani militia.
“Last night, around 11pm, truckloads of armed Fulani militia made their way through military checkpoints under the curfew and stormed Apiashyim and Kibori villages. They laid siege to Apyaishyim, killing, looting and burning houses. In the wake of the cruelty, they left six people dead, and 20 houses burnt.”
“In nearby Kibori village, seven persons were killed by the marauding, pampered Fulani militia. Around 12am, they struck Atakmawei sleeping community and carried out another carnage after which 12 persons were killed and 10 houses burnt.
“In Apiako, scared villagers who hid under grown maize crops, said they saw what looked like an armoured military truck pulled up at the village square, followed by familiar military motor bikes. While the attackers were busy killing, no attempt was made to stop them.”
SOKAPU further alleged that the Fulani militia (attackers) included Fulani youths born and raised in the affected villages, according to survivors account.
But the state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, told The PUNCH on the phone that 21 persons were killed during the attack on Wednesday night.
Jalige disclosed that more policemen had been deployed to the affected communities to forestall further attacks, adding that three persons were injured.
Jalige said, “Yes, There was an attack on some communities around Zango Kataf area. It took place yesterday (Wednesday), where some lives were lost and a few people were injured. About 21 persons lost their lives and three persons were injured.”
On SOKAPU’s claim that no fewer than 33 lives were lost, the police spokesman said, “Well, I don’t know where they got their own numbers from. You know I have not been there; I only got information from our representatives; our officers that are there.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has set up a dedicated portal where election results from polling units can be viewed in real time.
Festus Okoye, INEC spokesperson, disclosed this on Thursday.
Okoye said the use of the portal will start with the Nasarawa Central Constituency election after which it will also be deployed in Edo and Ondo governorship polls.
He further said the portal will strengthen the transparency in the election result management system.
There are fears that Lance Corporal Martins Idakpini, the detained soldier arrested for criticising Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, may have been killed by the army as punishment for his action, it has been gathered.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the army twice denied Idakpini’s lawyer and family from seeing him in total disregard to an order of the Federal High Court.
Justice AI Chikere of the Abuja Federal High Court held that it was unlawful for the army to continuously deny Idakpini from seeing his lawyer and family.
Top sources within the army had informed SaharaReporters that Buratai had vowed to deal ruthlessly with the detained soldier for his action and also treat the order of Justice Chikere with disdain.
However, there are now fears that the army may have killed Idakpini, who has not been seen or heard from since he was arrested over a month ago.
Human rights activist and National President of Revolutionary Lawyers’ Forum, Mr Tope Akinyode, who is representing Idakpini, said that “Buratai’s action is a coup d’etat on the Nigerian constitution”.
He added, “Buratai is tearing the constitution apart and rendering useless the concept of the rule of law. He is about to become a dictator before our very eyes.”
Idakpini was arrested shortly after he made a video castigating Buratai over the army’s failure to combat and destroy Boko Haram.
Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has in a letter on Thursday, extolled the virtues of Nigerian humanist, Mubarak Bala, who has been in detention for 100 days.
Mubarak was arrested at his home in Kaduna State on April 28 April and has not been heard from since his arrest.
He was accused of posting comments that were critical of Islam and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.
Read the letter below:
Dear Mubarak,
I write to you today, on this day, the one hundredth day of your detention in an undisclosed location without access to your lawyers, your wife, or your newborn son.
As a child I remember living in a state of harmonious coexistence all but forgotten in the Nigeria of today, as the plague of religious extremism has encroached. We both have sought to challenge the ascendancy of religious jingoism. As a human rights activist, you have sought to promote freedom of belief and expression and grown to serve as President of the noble institution that is the Humanist Association of Nigeria.
Despite the dangers, you have stood firm in your convictions and true to your values. You have lived. You have stood against the tide of religious imperialism. You have fought for all Humanity, to ensure a better, fairer, world for all. You have not sought to appease those that treasure scrolls. You have not bowed to pressure to revere their unseen deities.
It beggars belief that Religionists still demand such reverence and seek to control our individual conduct. Do they not see the futility of their quest? How can they hope to rein in technology, to rein in questioning minds. I fear that, if they do not see sense we shall all be caught in a spiral of reprisals that will obscure the path to rational dialogue.
When I accepted the International Humanist Award at the World Humanist Congress in 2014, I spoke of the conflict between Humanists and Religionists; one of enlightenment versus the chains of enslavement. Your arbitrary incommunicado detention over the last 100 days is the cruel reality of this conflict. All too often these chains of enslavement lead directly to the gallows or a prison cell.
I imagine you pacing your cell, just as I have done. Feeling with each passing day, the added strain. But I know too, that with each passing day you will reach further into your reserves – reserves that you have always thought finite – and discover strength of which you had never dreamed.
I write today to tell you that you are not alone, there is a whole community across the globe that stands beside you and will fight for you. We will not rest until you are free and safe.
Caroline Flack struck her boyfriend while he slept because she suspected he was cheating, an inquest has heard, according to BBC.
The ex-Love Island host was found “covered in blood” while Lewis Burton had a head wound in December 2019.
A senior officer said a decision to bring an assault charge – after prosecutors initially pursued a caution – was not “motivated” by her celebrity status.
But Ms Flack’s mother, Chris, said if “it was an ordinary person, you wouldn’t have been bothered”.
Ms Flack was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, London in February, while she was facing trial accused of assaulting Mr Burton – a charge she denied.
The inquest at Poplar Coroner’s Court previously heard the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had sought a caution, but withdrew it after the Met Police said it believed it was in the public interest to charge Ms Flack with assault.
Witnesses and lawyers listening to the hearing at Poplar Coroner’s Court remotely
A section from the police incident report was read out in court earlier, in which Ms Flack said: “I did it, I whacked him round the head like that”, gesturing a swinging motion with her right hand to police.
She told officers “I hit him, he was cheating on me” and “I admit I did it, I used the phone”.
Based on this evidence the CPS decided to caution Ms Flack for assault, but Scotland Yard urged the CPS to seek a prosecution, the inquest heard.
Det Insp Lauren Bateman told the court Ms Flack had not made it clear in a police interview later what she was admitting to.
During the interview, Ms Flack said she had flicked Mr Burton “to wake him up”, and did not believe she caused his injury.
Coroner Mary Hassell suggested Det Insp Bateman was “splitting hairs” in what she considered to be Ms Flack’s admission of guilt.
But the officer replied: “In my view, it wasn’t a clear admission of what had happened.”
Det Insp Bateman said a senior lawyer had to make the final decision whether or not a caution was insufficient, and in her opinion a caution for the sort of offence was not in line with guidance.
It was decided it was in the public interest to authorise a charge of assault by beating, particularly considering the domestic violence allegation.
Mr Burton said he did not support the charge, and said Ms Flack “was not in a good place emotionally”.
‘You should be disgusted’
At the inquest Ms Flack’s mother criticised the police decision.
She told Det Insp Bateman: “No real evidence was put forward. If it was an ordinary person, you wouldn’t have been bothered.
“You should be disgusted with yourself.
“That girl killed herself because you put an appeal through.”
Deputy chief crown prosecutor Lisa Ramsarran said: “Caroline accepted she caused the injury.
“But the explanation essentially amounted to it being an accident, which is a defence and was the disputed issue which was going to be the issue at trial.”
Det Insp Bateman told the inquest the decision to charge Ms Flack was “absolutely not” motivated in part by her celebrity status.
She said: “I would have done exactly the same if it had been anyone.
“All I can say is I was not biased and I treat everyone the same.”
There was mild drama on Thursday at the Edo State House of Assembly, located on the Ring Road axis of Benin City, as the roofs of the Assembly complex were forcefully pulled down.
The move comes following the foiled forceful takeover of the Assembly by 17 lawmakers of the APC and loyalists of the Party’s Governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The order was reportedly issued by the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu who have since decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the APC.
Security operatives, believed to be drafted from Abuja, earlier today stormed the Edo Assembly complex to provide security cover to the 17 APC lawmakers and Ize-Iyamu’s loyalists.
The move, which was to allow fresh inauguration of the APC loyalists, and the impeachment of the Speaker, Frank Okiye; Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, was however foiled when Obaseki, Shaibu and their supporters stormed the complex.
It was later observed that thugs were immediately drafted to forcefully pull down the roof of the Edo Assembly under the guise that it needed to be replaced with new ones.
Earlier, heavy duty trucks from the Edo Government House were seen heaping sand and other construction materials at the front of the Assembly gate under the guise that renovation was ongoing.
Heap of stones and sand in front of the Assembly Complex
It was gathered that the move was to prevent the APC and the ‘Abuja forces’ from forcefully taking over the Assembly, fearing that it could be used to carry out the impeachment plans.
The pro-Obaseki lawmakers had been sitting inside the Edo State Government House a.k.a Osadebe Avenue for over a month, claiming the Assembly Complex at Ring Road was being fumigated over COVID-19 scare.
The relocation to the Edo Government House, it was learnt, was to monitor the pro-Obaseki lawmakers and ensure they remain true to the Governor’s causes until the September 19 Governorship election.
The management of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Nigeria has debunked reports of a fire outbreak at its headquarters in Abuja.
Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Nigeria, Demianus Ojijeogu, in a statement on Thursday, explained that the rumour was the handiwork of mischief makers to confuse candidates and the general public of the body’s readiness in terms of security to conduct 2020 West African Senior School Certificate, Examination, WASSCE scheduled to start on August 17.
He said: “The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been drawn to rumours being peddled by some online media that there was a fire outbreak at WAEC Headquarters, Abuja.”
“We hereby categorically state that there was no fire incident at WAEC Headquarters or any WAEC office in Nigeria, for that matter.”
“The publication is false and it is the handiwork of mischief-makers who are out to misinform, mislead and confuse the candidates and members of the general public.”
“We wish to reassure all candidates, other stakeholders, and members of the general public that all our security materials are safe and intact.”
“All are hereby advised to disregard the publication.”
Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa, a traditional ruler in Awara, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, was on Monday paraded by the Police for alleged involvement in kidnapping.
The 59 year-old ruler of Obor Community was paraded along with 30 other suspects who allegedly committed various crimes, ranging from robbery, kidnapping and rape, among others.
The Imo State Police Commissioner, Mr Issac Akinmoyede, said a gang had kidnapped one Louis Obodo, at Mgbala Agwa and Inspector Oscar Mbaeri, in Agwa in Oguta Local Government recently.
He said that the gang kidnapped Chigozirim Nnaji, Desmond Okonkwo and Anyanwu Amarachi on July 19 after which the Police gave them a hot chase.
The Imo Chief and other suspects arrested with him
Akinmoyede said that the gang had abandoned their unregistered Lexus 330 Jeep during an exchange of gun fire with operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Anti-kidnapping units of the command.
The traditional ruler confirmed the gang used his Lexus 330 with registration number URM 404 EL during the kidnapping.
He also said the gang paid him N3million to replace the vehicle, after the police impounded it. “My nephew took my vehicle to do kidnapping, I am not one of them: though they have used my vehicle about four times and they gave me money,” he said.
Akinyomede gave the details of the operation of the gang and how the gang members were picked one, after the other:
On 19/7/2020, a gang of kidnappers came into Owerri Metropolis, at different locations, kidnapped one Louis N. Obodo ‘m’ aged 45yrs of Mgbala Agwa in Oguta LGA, Inspr. Oscar Mbaeri ‘m’ aged 40yrs of Agwa in Oguta LGA, Chigozirim Festus Nnaji ‘m’ aged 39yrs of Egwelu Atta in Njaba LGA, Desmond Okonkwo ‘m’ aged 38yrs of Nnempi in Oru West LGA and Anyanwu Amarachi ‘f’ 30yrs old of No. 76 Lobo Street, Owerri, all of Imo State.
While escaping with their victims, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), gave them a hot chase, forcing them to abandon three (3) of their victims and their operational vehicle a Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. (EDO) URM-40 EL.
Through the help of their motorcycle pilots and backups who always lead the way before and after operations, the hoodlums managed to escape with two of the victims.
However, a few moments later SARS operatives arrived the scene, saw the abandoned vehicle and recovered it to the station.
Based on the above, Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and SARS conducted joint investigation with a view to rescue the victims and possibly arrest the hoodlums.
On 28/7/2020, at about 0400hrs at Umuokuzu Awara in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) through painstaking and diligent investigation arrested one Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa ‘m’ aged 59yrs old of Obor Community in Awara, Oguta LGA, Imo State, in connection with the kidnap and other armed robbery incidents. Investigation further revealed that the arrested suspect provided the operational vehicle, Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. URM 404 EL for the kidnappers.
Having lost the vehicle in the operation, Andrew Okuegbunuwa was given the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) to replace his vehicle by the kidnappers. It was further discovered that the vehicle was not registered as there is no record of the said vehicle in the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) database.
His arrest also led to the arrest one Benard Uzoma ‘m’ a native Doctor at Umunoha, in Mbaitoli LGA, whose job is to provide the gang with protection from death and arrest. He was paid the sum of two hundred thousand (N200,000) as his own share from the loot.
On 29/7/2020, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in continuation of the investigation arrested one CALEB AGU ‘m’ a 42years old pastor from Umuoni Agwa in Oguta LGA, Imo State. He confessed to being the head and spiritual leader of the gang.
Also one EBENEZER OBIOHA ‘m’ 38yrs old, was arrested with bullet wounds in his hometown, OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA , where the operatives, came under heavy attack. In the process of his arrest, four (4) AK 47 rifles, one Light Assault Rifle (LAR) belonging to NDLEA, one Sub- Machine Gun (SMG) belonging to NDLEA as well were recovered. The arrested suspects confessed to being the gang that shot at the three NDLEA officers and carted away their rifles (LAR and SMG) on 15/05/2020 at 1945hrs, when they were ambushed at Ohi Junction while coming back from an assignment.
A total sum of Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,200,000) was recovered from the suspects out of the combined ransom of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N7,500,000) paid for the release of the two victims.
The group which operates once in a month according to our intelligence had to step up the tempo to twice a month in compliance with the directive from CALEB (their pastor), who told them that he needed money to conclude his ongoing projects.
It is noteworthy therefore, that both Caleb and Ebenezer commenced the construction of their mansions at Awara and Agwa respectively in January 2020, and both buildings are at completion stages.
Investigation was extended to the operational base of these criminals at Omoku creek in Rivers state. Also arrested are:-
1. FABIAN OBIOHA ‘M’ AGED 60YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
2. OGECHI OBIOHA ‘F’ AGED 30YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
3. KENNEDY OKWUONU ‘M’ AGED 40YRS OF ONITSHA IN OBINGWA LGA, ABIA STATE.
They have confessed to their respective roles in the gang and the operation as follows:-
CALEB AGU (A Pastor) Head and spiritual Leader and Director of the gang.
IKECHUKWU NJOKU is the Protocol officer and boy to Caleb who uses bike to transport victims through track roads to the point of pick up to the creek.
EBENEZER OBIOHA is the operational commander and an executor to the gang. He confessed to being the one that shot the NDLEA officers.
FABIAN OBIOHA is the father of Ebenezer and the gang’s armourer.
KENNEDY OKWUONU is Ebenezer’s brother-in-law who provides the group with hard drugs as well as other logistics at the creek.
EZE ANDREW OKEGBUNUWA: – Provide the gang with vehicle for their operations.
OGECHI OBIOHA: – Distribute ransom to the members of the gang at their various locations as soon as payment is made by victims.
BENARD UZOMA: – A native doctor, provided the gang with protection from operational hazards and arrests.
Suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.
Most men have the picture of the kind of woman they want in their mind even before they meet the woman: from the body physique, character and complexion. Looking out for physical appearance of a lady is good but it shouldn’t be the major factor in choosing a good girlfriend or life partner.
It is said “beauty attracts a man but character determine whether he will stay or not.” Men are moved by sight, but there are a lot of things men like in women more than a fine face and body. Today I bring to you 12 things men like in women more than fine face and body.
Natural.
In a world where make up is seen as the latest trend in fashion, most ladies depend solely on make-up for their beauty. I know of a lady that will never leave her house without a makeup on her face. The thing here is: most of these ladies carry heavy make up to impress the guys but the irony of it is that, most guys prefer ladies being natural.
2. Intelligence.
When I speak of intelligence, l am not referring to a bookworm who is book-smart. There is more to intellect than being a bookworm. When I speak of intelligence in a woman, I am referring to her ability to analyse situations and proffer possible solutions. Men see such women as good manager. It is said “the man builds the house, the woman builds the home.” An intelligent woman is admired by most men. Being intelligent is where a woman’s true beauty lies: it reflects her thought-patterns. She might not have a fine face and body, but if she is intelligent, most men will love to have her because she is more of an asset that a liability.
3. Eloquent.
A woman can be as beautiful as a goddess, but if she is not outspoken and eloquent, she may be taken for granted. Men like to show off their women: a man wants his woman to represent him well in public; It boosts their ego seeing their women speaking with confidence in public.
4. Industrious.
Gone are those day when a woman’s education ends in the kitchen. The new sexiness is seen in an industrious woman. If you are beautiful and lazy, no man will want to be serious with you. Instead he will see you as a burden. There is beauty in being industrious.
5. Humorous.
In a world, where there is a lot of chaos and difficulties, every man want to have a woman that will give him peace and be his safe haven. A lively woman spices a man’s life. When she is lively, jovial and fun to be with, he will always want her around him. Contentious and always looking for a fight, no matter how beautiful she is, chances are high men will keep avoiding her (or at best, enjoy her body and move on to find peace in another).
6. Respectful
Respect is probably the only love language men easily understand. You might have Beyonce’s face and Kim’s body, but if you are not respectful you can’t keep a man. A real man loves respect more than a fine face or body.
7. Unpredictable
Men loves puzzles, and they love the chase. A woman who is spontaneous and unpredictable romantically will be chased by every man. Men love adventure in romance: when you are unpredictable, you will always put them in the “I-can’t-wait-to-see-what-she-is-up-to” good suspense mode, and they love the feeling.
8. Good cooking skills.
There is that old saying: the way to a man hearts is through his food. To get hold of a man through food these days, you have to be a really good cook as there are alternatives to eating badly prepared meals (a man will prefer to eat out than come to your place to eat “nonsense”). Step up your cooking game, and he may never let you out of his sight.
9. Motherly Impulse.
The average man dreams of getting married someday, and have children. He looks forward to having a good wife for himself and a great mother for his kids. If a woman has all the beauty in the world, but can’t be seen as a mother-figure, she may end up only been admired from a distance by men who wants a future for themselves with a woman.
10. Independence.
Gone are those days when women sit at home and wait for their men to pay all the bills. Beautiful women in the world of today are independent women. If fine face and body is all you have to brag as a woman, then you have a long way to go. Your beauty may attract the man, but your over-dependence on him may push him away someday. Rather than depend on him for fish, have him teach you to fish.
11. Smiles.
Smiling illuminate a woman’s face. A woman that always smiles is like a magnet. She attracts people to herself, and she is “contagious”. A smile on your face will always enhance your beauty as a woman.
12. Gifted
Most gifted women meet the men of their dreams through their talents and skills. Men admire women who are talented. When a woman is skillful, they see great potentials in that woman and would love to build a home with her.
Beauty is not measured by how tall or slim you are as a lady. Beauty is accepting who you are physically while contributing your quota to the betterment of the world. Physical beauty fades, body shape changes, and that fine face will grow wrinkles with time. Hold on to a good character and the man of your dreams will locate you.
Stop having the unpopular notion that men are after women’s physical beauty: on the contrary, men seek women with inner beauty.
If you find this article helpful and interesting share your thoughts in the comments section below: I am open to criticism and will appreciate your contributions.
Policemen on Thursday surrounded the Edo State House of Assembly complex in Benin City, the state capital.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the Deputy Speaker, Yekini Idiaye, was impeached by the state lawmakers.
The member representing Orhionmwon-South constituency, Mr Roland Asoro, has since been appointed deputy speaker and was immediately administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance by the Speaker.
It was gathered that the police action was in a bid to prevent an attack on the complex.
Apart from many security officials that blocked entrance into the complex, patrol vehicles were also stationed there.
The House had earlier on Wednesday impeached Idiaye on grounds of alleged gross misconduct.
But it was learnt that Idaiye was removed by seven pro-Governor Godwin Obaseki lawmakers in Government House, Benin City, for allegedly endorsing Ize-Iyamu.
The pro-Obaseki lawmakers had been sitting in the Government House for over a month following the alleged fumigation of the Assembly complex over COVID-19 scare.
It was learnt that 17 of the 24-member Assembly are now backing Ize-Iyamu from the initial 14.
