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Abia State Government has placed a N25m 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.

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Gunmen 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 by the gunmen.

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.”

Military Confirms Killing
Meanwhile, the military authorities had earlier confirmed the attack which it blamed on terrorists suspected to be the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to the defence spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, the attack took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

He said the terrorists who attacked the troops in the surprise assault came in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, adding that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.

Buba said investigations are ongoing concerning the attack, stressing the military will retaliate the attack on its troops with their response brutal.

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

“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorists. 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 mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations 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 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.

Unmask Killers
Also, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, condemned the killing, asking the military to unmask the perpetrators.

Uzodimma who briefed journalists in Owerri on Thursday, described the attack as unfortunate.

“On behalf of my brother governors in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts,” he said.

“Without any provocation, they were attacked by the men of the underworld. I want to condemn that and also to urge security agents to go all out and ensure that those behind that are caught and brought to book.

“It is unfortunate that this happened. Without any reason, innocent people who were doing their lawful duty were burned down.

“The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major setback to the peace process which the governors from the South East have been pursuing in talking to the Federal Government, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of insecurity in the South-East,” he said.

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POWA HONOURS HON DR SAMUEL UDEH WITH AN AWARD OF RECOGNITION; hands over to police, huge sum of cash forgotten by a passenger in a bus

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Joined state police command, IIRS, Insurance companies in policy sensitisation

*Austin Jp*

Imo State Chairman of NURTW Hon Dr Samuel Udeh JP.Fcai (Eze Umuokorobia) was honoured with an award of recognition by police officers wives association (POWA) for his benevolence and philanthropic gesture towards POWA empowerment program and service to humanity.

The award was presented by Mrs Jemimah Aboki Danjuma wife of Imo State commissioner of police Mr Danjuma Aboki, at the command headquarters in Owerri.

Reacting to the award recognition, Chief Samuel Udeh in humility expressed gratitude and appreciation to police wives association of Imo State chapter for the recognition and honour to him.

Hon Sam dedicated his award to Imo State governor His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma (Onwa Onyoko) and reaffirmed his commitment to service for the betterment of our dear State and the society at large.

Also at the event, Ukwenga Samuel Udeh handed over a huge sum of cash forgotten by a passenger in a bus. The money was found by a member of the reformed union in the State under the leadership of Chief Samuel Udeh.

Handing over the cash to Imo CP, Hon Sam said this can only be done from a good spirited Nigerian which was as a result of the several reforms that has taken place in the union under his watch as the state chairman.

Imo CP commended the driver that found the money and the leadership of the union and said, such a Nigeria deserves a national award.

He said the money will be kept in their custody, while an announcement regarding the money will be put across the media platforms for the owner to come for claim. If after some time and the money wasn’t claimed, it will be paid into federal government account with the teller deposited in court.

Another event that took place at the state command was a seminar on the third party insurance policy, which involved representatives of the stakeholders from Imo State internal revenue service, insurance companies, national union of road transport workers and other related stakeholders were also present at the seminar.

Mr Aboki Danjuma stated that the essence of the seminar with the stakeholders is for them to go and educate their members on the new policy of third party insurance, as implementation and enforcement on the third party insurance will commence from 1st of February 2025 across the federation.The committee that will spearhead the implementation and enforcement were inaugurated at the seminar.

Importance of the third party insurance will be to assist the police in crime prevention. Whenever a vehicle is snatched, or used to commit a crime, it can easily be traced through the third party insurance database collection.

Answering questions from the pressmen after the seminar, Honourable Samuel Udeh said it is a good policy from the inspector general of police. The commissioner of police have said it all, it is now for us in the transport system to adhere to the advice of the commissioner of police and get the third party insurance for our vehicles.

He agreed with the police that the third party insurance will help to put to rest the issue of car theft in Imo State.

With database collection of the vehicles and the owners, together with other benefits of the policy which is paying compensation to accident victims by the insurance company, union will surely educate drivers who are members of the union on wheels to get their vehicles insured.

Chief Sam Udeh used the opportunity to thank the Imo CP for his commitment and dedication in securing Imo. He made a request for the officer in charge of the policy enlightenment to make out time to come to the union office to educate the members of the union, to enable total compliance from the drivers on wheels.

 

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Deacon Famous Discovers Love in Ghana

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Content creator, actor, and friend Udaya Chidiebere Awesome, popularly known as Deacon Famous, has found love in Ghana. Deacon Famous recently took to social media to announce his engagement to Mawusi Faith, a lovely Ghanaian woman from the Volta Region.

In a heartfelt post, Deacon Famous expressed his joy and gratitude, saying: “Mawusi Faith, it’s an absolute delight to embark on this lifelong journey with you. I waited patiently for the right one, and now I’ve found my perfect match.” He also hinted at a possible Ghanaian wedding celebration, exclaiming, “Ghana, we’re coming again!”

Photo source: Instagram

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My daughter planning wedding to pharmacist before murder – Mother of corper beheaded by gospel singer

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Mrs Ojomachenwu Adaidu, mother of Salome, a 24-year-old corps member who was murdered by an Abuja gospel, Timileyin Ajayi, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her daughter’s ambition before she met her untimely death, and asks for justice to be done in matter

What is your relationship with the slain corps member?

I am Mrs Ojomachenwu Adaidu, the mother of Salome Eleojo Adaidu.

Where are you from?

I am from Ogodu in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

How old are you?

I am 52 years old.

What do you do for a living?

I am into a small business.

Which tertiary institution did your late daughter attend before going for her youth service?

She graduated from Kogi State University.

How would you describe Salome’s personality and values?

Salome was a wonderful child, hardworking and responsible. Every morning, before I even woke up, she would sweep and tidy the house. Among all my children, she was the most hardworking.

Salome was serving as a youth corps member before the incident. Did she ever talk to you about her plans?

Yes, she told me she wanted to become a doctor after her service year.

What went through your mind when you heard the news?

I felt like my world had ended. It’s a painful experience, and it still feels like a bad dream. People tried to console me, saying I have other children, but no one should go through something like this. It has been extremely difficult. What I want is justice for her. (Sobbing) I am currently very ill.

The suspect claimed Salome was his girlfriend. Can you clarify this?

That’s a lie. Salome was not his girlfriend. He didn’t even know her name. You can see in the video that the killer has a beard. My children don’t like men who keep beards, and Salome had no relationship with him. She already had someone she was dating; a pharmacist. I told her we would do the necessary wedding introduction after her service year.

What do you want the police to do as the investigation continues?

I want the police to thoroughly investigate this case and make him confess what happened. He should face justice for what he did. The way he cut my daughter’s body into pieces is the same way I want him to be dealt with. They should cut him too into pieces; I want to see it done.

How many children do you have?

I now have five children, four girls and one boy. I used to have six before losing Salome.

 Aside from being hardworking, what other qualities did Salome have?

She was very kindhearted. Every time, she received her alawee (youth service allowance), she would buy me drugs, foodstuffs, and provisions. She was so generous, and I miss her deeply. Since her father passed, she promised to stand by me and take care of me.

When did Salome’s father pass away?

He died on May 16, 2024. Now, I’ve lost both my husband and my daughter, two people so close to my heart.

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