News
Bandits Abduct 20 In Niger, As Troops Kill Four In Kaduna
Few hours after an evening of terror in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, armed bandits have abducted no fewer than 20 persons in an attack on a community in Shiroro Local Government Area.
It was learnt that the bandits invaded Adagbi village in Galkogo district in Shiroro at about 8am, yesterday.
Though no death casualties have been confirmed, sources said that 20 persons have been abducted in the village.
It was gathered the bandits stormed the village on motorcycles, shooting into the air.
Though the villagers fled, it was learnt many of them, mostly women were abducted.
However, the Nigerian military, yesterday, said troops of Operation Accord killed four armed bandits in Kaduna State, and recovered arms and ammunition.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, in a statement, yesterday, said in continuation of the sustained offensive against armed bandits and other criminal elements in the country, the troops killed four armed bandits at Jeka Da Rabi area along Kaduna-Abuja expressway.
He said the successful operation took place on September 2, 2020, while acting on credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from Kachia area, the troops mobilized to the scene and laid ambush.
He said the troops made contact with the bandits and engaged them with superior firepower thereby neutralizing four while others escaped with gun shots wounds.
He said the troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 9mm with a magazine, adding that, the troops have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols in search of the fleeing bandits.
He said the “Military High Command congratulates the troops for their dexterity and encourages them to intensify the onslaught against the criminal elements in the country”.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command, yesterday evening, paraded more than 50 bandits and rescued 220 cows during the second quarter of its ongoing onslaught against banditry, armed robbery, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state
The state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba Sanusi, told newsmen at the press briefing at Police Headquarters in Katsina, that other items that were recovered by the command include nine AK-47 riffles, 20 locally made guns, two vehicles, and 20 motorcycles.
He said, “During the period under review, the command has carried out various sting operations in several locations within the frontline local government areas, busted and arrested many suspected bandits terrorizing Katsina State.
“Also the sum of N685, 000 was recovered and the command killed 15 bandits and rescued 20 kidnapped victims.”
On the fight against rape, he announced that his command has arrested 140 rapists in 87 reported cases, adding that all were charged to court for prosecution.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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