News
JTF Shot, Watched My Brother Bleed To Death -Witness
Emotions were let loose at the on-going sitting of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, last Wednesday as a witness, Mr. Ekene Akaraka from Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state told members of the commission investigating the killings and other violent acts during the December 10, 2016 re-run supplementary legislative elections on how the officers of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Ahoada shot and watched his younger brother, Ifeanyi Akaraka bled to death.
Testifying before the Justice Chinwendu Nwogu led 5-man commission last Wednesday at the State Judiciary Complex, venue of the commission, in Port Harcourt, Ekene Akaraka alleged that one Corporal Ola Mohammed attached to the JTF in Ahoada shot his younger brother on the day of election which resulted to his death after several hours of non- medical attention.
According to him, his brother was shot dead by the JTF trigger happy officer Ola Mohammed because he was identified as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area, adding that efforts to pacify the JTF Commander at Ahoada to allow his younger brother to be taken to hospital for medical treatment was rebuffed .
The petitioner who was docked in the witness box and examined by the commission’s legal counsel, Mr. C.B. Ekeh for over 30 iminutes was emphatic that his late brother would not have died if they were allowed to take him to the hospital, adding that they had got Police clearnance to that effect.
He averred that the JTF Commander turned down their plea to take his brother to the hospital because they refused to show them where other PDP members were on the day of the election.
“We pleaded with them for about eight hours, my brother was bleeding, they refused our pleas to help us save his life until he bled to death. There was no first aid given to my late junior brother”, he stated.
Answering questions, Akaraka told the commission that te corpse of his brother was deposited at the Mac-Donald Teaching Hospital Mortuary Elele and later buried on 22nd December 2016, noting that his brother left three children, wife including their aged parents.
He urged the commission to ensure that justice was done in the case as well as help in catering for the bereaved family..
Earlier, the Chairman of the commission Justice, Chinwendu Nwogu had assured that the commission would abide by the terms of its assignment, assuring that the commission’s recommendation would be based on its findings.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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