Boko Haram kidnap 22 girls in Rafi, Niger for marriage

Gunmen suspected to be members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect have allegedly kidnapped a total of 22 girls in Kurebe community in Rafi local government area of Niger State on Thursday.

It was learnt the gunmen stormed the community and whisked the girls between 14 and 17 years purportedly to marry them.

DAILY POST gathered that before the abduction, the suspected sect members had informed the community to withdraw the girls from school as they (gunmen) would be coming for them.

Confirming the incident, a source from the area who would not want the name to be mentioned on prints expressed shock over the development, ” they actually carried out their threat without any resistance or any security check”.

According to the source, the group leader simply known as Malam Sadiku has been freely preaching weird Islamic ideology for several months in the area, despite reporting the development to relevant authorities with no action taken.

It would be recalled that the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, had earlier raised the alarm on several occasions that an Islamic group whose mode of operation is similar to Boko Haram had hoist its flag in Kaure a village close to Kurebe.

Similarly, armed bandits had purportedly abducted one Anthony, a Patent Medicine dealer around Maikunkrle, a suburb of Minna, Bosso local government area of the state.

An eyewitness said the bandits invaded the area and only ferried Anthony away from his house in an operation which lasted only 10 minutes about 9 pm in the area.

DAILY POST further learnt that the bandits entered through the thick forest of Kampala axis shooting randomly and scaring the people before taking their target away.

The abduction was the first incident reported around Minna, the Niger State capital.

These abductions are coming less than two days after armed bandits attacked a village in Munya Local Government Area, killing one person and kidnapping abou seventy others in the dead hours of the night.

However, the state Police Public Relations Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for confirmation.

[Dailypost]

BREAKING: Terrorists Invade Benue Community, Kill 7

Terrorists on Thursday 18 November, 2021killed seven people in a fresh attack on Tor Da community of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria.

Witnesses told our dailytrust that the incident which occurred at about 5pm on Thursday threw the community into a state of pandemonium when the terrorists invaded the community and began shooting sporadically at the residents.

The local government Chairman of Kastina-Ala, Me Alfred Atera, confirmed the attack to journalists in Makurdi of Friday, saying that some members of the Community Volunteer Guards were among the seven people killed.

Atera said, “Terrorists came to Tor Donga yesterday (Thursday) evening and killed seven persons.

“They killed Volunteer Guards members, injured two of them and then killed some other persons, too, on their way as they shot sporadically.

“Five injured persons are in the hospital now, including a Reverend Father from Mbatseer who was going to Tor Donga. They met him on the way, shot him dead and the other occupant of the car.

“The incident happened between 5pm and 5:30pm.

According to the volunteer guards, they (terrorists) are the remnant of Azonto army, as they saw one Santer who was driving the car.

“The Volunteer Guards blocked the road when they saw them, but they didn’t have anything to protect themselves so they ran away.

All the security agencies have been informed; the police, OPWS and security adviser.

“We are on top of it, doing our best to ensure that  we get them.”

The council chairman admitted that the incident caused panic among residents, saying, “We have never experienced this kind of thing for a long time now coming up, the residents are afraid.

We’re making sure that we assure them that the perpetrators will be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom, also confirmed the killings, saying his government was cooperating with security agencies to track down the killer gang.

The governor said that four out of the seven people killed were members of the vigilante group.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, said, “we have not received such report please.”

Credit: Dailytrust

Kidnapping Spree in Niger as Terrorists Kidnap 68, Kill One

Terrorists on Tuesday, 16th November abducted Sixty-Eight (68) residents of Zazzaga community in Munya local government area of Niger state, North Central Nigeria.

This attack is coming barely 48 hours after terrorists abducted four businessmen in Tegina town in Rafi local government area of the state.

According to a Source in Sarkin Pawa who spoke on phone to this Reporter, the terrorists went from house to house to shoot people, adding that four people are currently receiving treatment having sustained gunshot injuries.

The Source stated that a lot of people also sustained injuries while trying to escape from being abducted by the terrorists.

The Secretary of Munya local government Council, Mr. James Isaac Jagaban confirmed the attack saying that one person was killed in the attack adding that four others are currently on admission due to gunshot wounds.

He said that 68 people were abducted and that the terrorists are yet to make any contact with the families of the abductees.

A Community Leader, who gave his name as Isah Munya lamented that their lives are not safe any longer, asking the federal and state government to expedite action in bringing an end to the terrorists’ activities in the area.

“We want to know what the federal government is doing about this.

It is getting out of hand, every day, we have attacks. Is the federal government ready to declare these people terrorists because they are terrorising our communities and killing our people? Something needs to be done about it.” He said.

Niger state has witnessed numerous attacks by terror groups, some suspected to have ties with Boko Haram terrorists.

Governor of the state, Abubaka Sani Bello told journalists in April 2021 that Boko Haram terrorists have hoisted their flags in Kaure in Shiroro local government area of the state.

“I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements here in Niger state, here in Kaure, I am confirming that they have hoisted their flags here.

“Their wives (of the villagers) have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram members. I just heard that they have placed their flags at Kaure, meaning they have taken over the territory.” Governor Bello said.

1,773 killed by armed herdsmen in Benue, LG chiefs, tribal leaders cry out

Chairmen of 14 Local Government Areas in Benue State that have been ravaged by herdsmen attacks alongside leaders of the three main tribes in the state, under the aegis of Mzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Onmi’Nyi Igede have raised the alarm over the ceaseless activities of armed herdsmen across the state, saying over 1,773 have been killed in the state by the marauders between 2018 and 2021.

The leaders at a joint press briefing, yesterday, in Makurdi called for the deployment of personnel of the Special Forces to the border communities of the state to check the marauders’ unhindered access into the state, especially as the dry season sets in.

Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Steve Ayua, who addressed newsmen, said: “The attacks have led to the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira in over 200 wards and communities in the state.

“The herders come under the guise of cattle grazing and turn our farms into killing fields. 21 out of the 23 LGAs of Benue State have suffered one form of herders’ attacks or the other.

“It is on record that open grazing has led to the invasion of farming communities by Fulani herdsmen leading to massive killings and maiming of people, including children, raping of women, destruction of properties, loss of livelihoods and displacement of persons.”

“Between January 11, 2018, and now, armed herdsmen have killed 1,773 people, those traced and accounted for in Benue State. The killers no longer come with cows. They carry AK47.

“The negative impact of open grazing which often results in attacks has adversely affected the local economy as farmers are prevented from accessing their farms and local markets are also deserted for fear of imminent invasion by the killers.

“The continued rise in the attacks by Fulani herdsmen has also led to mass displacement of persons leading to desertion of farm lands. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced in the state. Some of the displaced persons are currently living in Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps and others are living in host communities or with their relatives in townships.

“Farmers who have attempted to go back to farm their land are either killed or maimed by herdsmen. This sad development is leading to food insecurity and poverty in the state.

“The latest of the callous and inhuman atrocities came in the morning of November 13, 2021, when some gunmen invaded a community in Mbayatyo, Mbater council ward of Logo LGA killing scores of mourners at a wake for one of their departed relatives.

“What could be worse than the killing of bereaved people mourning the death of a loved one? While we condemn the act in strong terms, we call on the security formations, who have been making efforts to curtail the heightened insecurity in the Sankera axis and other parts of Benue State to arrest perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice.”

Credit: Vanguard

Nigerian Troops Eliminate over 50 ISWAP Terrorists on Ferocious Offensive

Troops of Joint Task Force, North East(NE) Operation HADIN KAI(OPHK) have neutralized over 50 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several of their combat equipment in a fierce counter offensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

In the counter offensive, troops eliminated top commanders of ISWAP as well as foot soldiers. The gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and several Gun Trucks.

It would be recalled, that 115 Task Force Battalion had an encounter with ISWAP terrorists in Askira Uba on 13 November 2021, during which the troops aggressively defended their location and followed up with a ferocious counter attack. Unfortunately, the Commander 28 Task Force Brigade along side three of his soldiers paid the supreme price, as they reinforced troops to defend the location.

While the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit. Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and in the encounter that ensued, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment.

The equipment destroyed by troops include, an MRAP vehicle and 11 Gun Trucks. The troops also recovered large cache of arms and ammunition viz., Five Gun Trucks, two Anti Aircraft Guns, five AK 47 rifles, one HK Machine Gun and one HK Machine Gun links.

Relatedly, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion conducted a dawn exploitation towards Leho village and environs, where they discovered 3 corpses of the fleeing terrorists and also recovered 2,560 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 29 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by the terrorists.

In a separate operation, troops have also recovered one AK 47 rifle and uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a patrol in Karawa village and Baga Fish Dam area respectively. The IED has been safely detonated by a team of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has led a team of top brass of the Nigerian Army to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Commander 28 Task Force Brigade, Brig Gen Dzarma Zirkusu on Sunday 14 November 2021, where he commiserated with families of the fallen heroes. He has also urged the good people of the NE to continue to support the ongoing counter insurgency operations, while reaffirming troops’ renewed operational readiness to aggressively confront the criminal elements.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
15 November 2021

Gunmen Kill Benue Monarch’s Son, Kidnap Daughter From Palace

Some gunmen attacked Ikpomolokpo palace in Gege ward of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State early on Monday, 15th November, killing the son of the monarch.

The assailants abducted the daughter of the traditional ruler.

It was learnt that villagers heard several gunshots coming from the residence of the palace.

Chairman of the local government area, Chief James Oche, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, said, “Some gunmen at about 2am today (Monday) entered into the residence of the clan head of Ipomoloko through the fence and asked for the wife of the clan head from the son whose name is Thompson.

“The young man told them that he did not know the whereabouts of his mother and they shot him dead and they now took the sister away.”

The council chairman said though he alerted troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the gunmen had gone into Atiga forest before they arrived, Daily Trust reports. 

He, however, added that the troops had launched a manhunt for the gunmen.

Credit: Saharareporters

PDP chieftain urges IPOB to stop violent campaign in South East

Alhaji Lawal Usman,  a  Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State,  has advised the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop its  current violent  campaign in the South East.

Usman,  popularly called ‘Mr LA’ told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria that the campaign lacked support from the leaders of the South East.

He also faulted the group’s threats to break away from Nigeria, saying it was not real.

“We have Igbo people living and doing business in all parts of the country,  are you saying that this people are ready to fold their businesses and fortunes and just go back empty handed from Nigeria.

“The  whole thing about IPOB is a great joke, they just want attention from the Federal Government.

“I don’t take them seriously, left to me, they won’t last more than one week, especially if the government is serious about them.

“There are great people in South East who believe in oneness of Nigeria, I think that IPOB is made up of some trouble makers, making noise trying to seek government attention,” Usman said.

He said that the group had no knowledge of Nigeria’s politics.

“They are young men who have no knowledge of the  country’s  history, especially the Civil War, I think they needed to be educated on the history of the country, because they are acting blindly.

“They are also seeking for foreign funding from enemies of Nigeria who do not wish the country well,” he said.

Usman said that Igbo business men were scattered across the country,  doing legitimate businesses and  ownership property.

“There are Igbo businessmen and women in Kano for example doing business and living peacefully for years and they are not talking of Biafra.

“There are Igbo businessmen in Abuja,  in Yola,  Kaduna, Sokoto and all-over the North owning property and living like Kings in the areas,  they are not  talking of Biafra.

“The Anambra election was also held peacefully where people voted for their choice candidates, without thinking of Biafra, ” he said.

Usman advised IPOB to channel it grievances through the South East representatives at the  National Assembly rather than engage in violent campaign without results.

(NAN)

Your allegation of terrorism sponsorship a disgusting distraction – FG replies GATE

The Federal Government has described the allegation byGlobal Advocates for Terrorism Eradication (GATE) that its officials are sponsors of terrorism, as a disgusting distraction.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Minister of Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.Mohammed said that the allegation by the U.S-based non-profit organiation,  was orchestrated by those seeking to weaken the ongoing massive onslaught against terrorists and bandits in the country.

He said the so-called GATE “is a pesky irritant that should beignored, especially because it is as confused as it is irresponsible”

“This organisation called GATE is not even worth the ink with which its name is written.

“How can a serious organisation accuse agovernment that is tackling the twin evil of terrorism and banditry with uncommon determination of sponsoring terrorism?”

“Is it not curious that this organisation has chosen this particular time, when terrorists are either surrendering in droves or running helter-skelter, as a result of a renewed offensive against them by the military, to orchestrate a distraction?

“What could be GATE’s motive if not to weaken the fight against terror and banditry?”

“GATE and its sponsors should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves and should quit trying to distract our gallant troops who are doing everything possible, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep our country safe,” the minister said.

Mohammed said the fact that GATE, in making its absurd allegation, relied on the words of a thoroughly-discredited, fake-news-peddling former Nigerian Navy intelligence officer has shown the hollowness of its allegation.

“In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has availed itself creditably by tackling home-grown terrorists with links to globalterrorist organizations.

“We make bold to say that no administration in Nigeria has risen to the challenge of terrorism like the Buhari Administration has done.

“The acquisition of a myriad of platforms, the boost to the morale of our fighting forces and the leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari have combined to put our gallant troops in good stead.

“These have also helped the troops to frontally confront and put on the run the terrorists.

“Fittingly, Nigeria’s efforts at tackling terrorism have been hailed globally.

“What our gallant men and women need at this time is the support, encouragement and prayers of all, not the distracting antics of a relevance-seeking, feckless organisation masquerading as a terrorism eradication advocate,” he said.

(NAN)

Gunmen kill 4 mourners in Benue – Police

The Benue Police Command said gunmen attacked and killed four mourners and injured one at Imande Abur village, Mbategh ward of the Logo Local Government Area of the State.

This is contained in a press statement on Sunday, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

According to the statement, three gunmen attacked the mourners on Saturday at a wake “and shot sporadically at mourners who were assembled at a funeral ceremony.”

“Police teams within the area swiftly moved to the area but the suspects took to their heels on sighting the police.

“Five persons sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment but unfortunately four of them lost their lives while receiving treatment.”

The Command further commiserated with families of the victims and assured that justice would definitely be served as detectives are already on the trail of the suspects.

(NAN)

Brig Gen, others killed in ISWAP attack on Borno military base

A Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army has been killed in an ambush by terrorists of the Islamic State of West Africa Province in Borno State.

ISWAP had attacked troops at a military base in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday morning according to reports.

Four other soldiers were reportedly killed in the incident at Bulguma, a few kilometres from Askira town in Askira/Uba LGA.

Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement to the troops under attack in Askira, Daily Trust reports.

Some civilians in the area had claimed to have seen the terrorists in a convoy of gun trucks along the Ngude axis towards Askira in the early hours of Saturday.

Daily Trust also reports that the civilians claimed to have reported the sighting of the terrorists to security forces, however, there was no action taken to stop ISWAP from attacking Askira town.

Meanwhile, at least three Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed after jihadists ambushed a convoy in Yobe state.

According to reports, the jihadists rained heavy gunfire on the convoy in an ambush on Friday afternoon at Tamsu Kawu village along the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri and Yobe state capital Damaturu.

(Punch)