There was confusion yesterday in Imo State after gunmen reportedly bombed the popular Izombe market in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.
It was alleged that the heinous act was carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who were enforcing a sit-at-home order in the area.
Naija News learnt that at least two vehicles were set ablaze by the terror group. The incident according to a resident who spoke with Daily Sun, made traders and customers in the market scamper for safety.
The source told the news platform that the gunmen had earlier visited the market to warn the traders of the implications of coming out on a Monday for their business transaction.
Moments later, the gunmen reportedly resurfaced, light up two vehicles in flames inside the market, which caused serious pandemonium before bombing the market.
Many people according to the report were injured while trying to escape the danger.
“They came and threw a local bomb inside the market and everybody started running for safety; they poured fuel on two vehicles and everywhere went up in flame,” the source narrated.
Meanwhile, the police command in Taraba State last Thursday paraded a suspected bomber of Nukkai and the military 6 Brigade, both in Jalingo Taraba state.
The command Commissioner, CP Abimbola Sokoya while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters said that his men got rid of the suspect (Bala Usman), a 37 years old man from Kebbi when he attempted to kill one Usman Yaki of Gunduma village in Gassol local government area of Taraba state.
The CP said the suspect had confessed been a member of the terror Boko-haram and a Kidnapper operating in Niger, Kogi and Taraba states.
According to the CP, the suspect had also confessed been behind the two bomb attack on Jalingo recently.
Correspondent reports that the suspect, Bala Usman, also confessed to newsmen that, one Abubakar Lawa who is from Kano state and Abdullahi Garba are his team leaders while, Yusuf, Sale and Kabiru are team members both at large.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into Sunday’s attack on a bus conveying journalists amidst the convoy of Ex-Lagos Governor and 2023 APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed TInubu
The incident occurred between Ebute-Ero and Adeniji, Iga-Iduganran, during APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s visit to the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed also that those involved must be fished out and made to face the law. Besides. the government will pick up the hospital bills of those injured in the incident.
He said: “Lagos State Government condemns the incident. We hold the media in high esteem and the government has always ensured that they have a conducive environment to perform their duties.”
“Nobody or group will be allowed to destroy our cordial relationship with the media. Lagos has no room for hooligans.”
Tinubu was welcomed into Lagos on Sunday amidst a huge Convoy and cheers from supporters.
Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has reacted to the embattled Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka’s accusation of him being stingy.
The former governor of Anambra state during an interview with Rufai Oseni revealed that he bore no grudges toward the clergyman.
Recall that Mbaka during an outburst in a midweek service in his church stated that Peter Obi was too stingy to become the president of Nigeria and insisted it was better to have an old man as president instead of a stingy one.
This statement was followed by a lot of backlashes which led to a ban stopping all catholic faithful from attending Mbaka’s parish.
However, Obi has stated that despite Mbaka’s angst towards him, he listens to the clergyman when he speaks and described him as a father.
The spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, Monday, distanced himself from Sunday’s protest organized by the presumed members of the ministry.
The protest followed suspension of religious activities of the ministry by the Catholic bishop of Enugu, Bishop Calistus Onaga, over Fr Mbaka’s utterances on his alleged stinginess of Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.
THE WHISTLER reports that thousands of Adoration members yesterday protested at Emene, the suburb of the ministry, over the action of the bishop. Some of them were calling for the removal of the bishop.
Mbaka distanced himself from the protest in a statement he personally signed. According to him, “My attention has been drawn to activities that took place in the Adoration ground on Sunday. I am not in any way involved in such activity.
“We received with obedience the directive issued by my Bishop, His Excellency, Most Rev CVV Onaga, on June 17, 2022. May I therefore appeal to the faithful, in particular members of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria, to remain calm and united with the body of Christ in the Diocese and also refrain from any measure of violence either in action or by abusive utterances.
“Those who take to attacking or insulting my dear bishop should desist from such. The bishop is the Shepherd of the church in the diocese, and we remain his flock who in every way and at all times are expected to be respectful, obedient and willing to respond favourably to his apostolic directives.
“May I also remind you that all Adoration activities have been suspended till further notice. Adoration Ministry is ever submissive to the mother church. I enjoin all adorers to know this and remain constantly in prayers for the manifestation of the will of God in the life of the ministry.”
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has called on international organizations including the United Nations to take steps about the insecurity in Nigeria.
The chief warrior of Yoruba land lamented in his open letter to the international organizations that no part of Nigeria is safe again.
He accused the leaders of the country of encouraging terrorists and their activities, adding that the criminals are now moving from the northern part of the country to the southern parts.
The letter, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, also had copies sent to the European Union, African Union, United States State Departments, the International Association for Religious Freedom in the United Kingdom, Council on Foreign Relations and other international organizations.
According to Adams in the letter, if the insecurity plaguing Nigeria is not arrested before it escalates further, the entire country may be consumed.
He, therefore, called on the relevant international bodies to take urgent action before the situation escalates further.
“Pitiably, terrorists moving from northern Nigeria to the South are being embraced, encouraged and empowered by powers that be in Nigeria.
“I am raising this alarm now because the effect of this dangerous trend may ultimately balkanise Nigeria and affect sub-Sahara Africa.
“Similar alarm was raised in defunct Yugoslavia and sadly, nobody put in check the pogromists whose actions led to the massacre in that geographical location,” the letter titled “Avoiding a replica of the Bosnian War in Nigeria,” reads in part.
He lamented in the letter released last week that the government seems unconcerned by the killings, kidnapping and other cases of insecurity troubling the country while their attention has been captured by the 2023 general elections.
“It is generally believed that those in authority are helpless, complicit or both. Now, Nigeria is at the point of no return, showing all signs of a failed nation.
“Instead of tackling these atrocities by Fulani terrorists, government officials are busy planning and strategising for the 2023 general elections. Something urgent must be done to avoid a final collapse of the country,” Adams said.
He said the United Nations must take action now before Nigeria is overrun by the criminals while the government looks on helplessly.
“The repercussion of leaving them to continue to maim Nigerians, especially Yoruba, is better imagined. No part of Nigeria is safe again.
“The time for the United Nations to escalate this danger to a global concern is now,” he said.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has reacted to the murder of three Congregants in Rubu village under Kajuru local government area, Kaduna.
Recall that Naija News earlier reported that gunmen attacked another catholic church barely 48hrs after the mass burial of the Owo massacre which occurred two weeks ago
Confirming the attack, Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that two churches were attacked and three of congregants were killed.
Aside the churches, the assailants also attacked locals at Ungwan Turawa and Ungwan Makama within the same area, the commissioner noted.
Among those killed in the Kaduna attack on Sunday are the ward head of Ungwan Fada, Peter Madaki, a resident identified as Elisha Ezekiel and Ali Zamani the Youth leader of Rubu village.
Reacting to the incident via a tweet, Reno called on Christian worshippers to arm themselves.
He wrote: “I strongly condemn the killing of worshippers at the St Moses Catholic Church, Robuh, Kaduna.
“This renewed assault on Christians, and especially the Catholic Church must not stand. Churches must arm themselves in self defence, because the FG either will not or cannot defend them.”
Members of Adoration Ministries, Enugu are currently protesting the closure of the church presided over by Father Ejike Camillus Mbaka.
Mbaka’s Church was shut down following the massive outcry that followed his condemnation of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour party and Former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi. Mbaka got into hot water after branding obi a ‘cursed’ and ‘Stingy’ man.
Catholic faithful were barred from attending services at the church by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga.
Onaga, in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA wrote; “in the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu; capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry; and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.”
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.”
However, in defiance of the Prohibition, hundreds of Mbaka’s admirers thronged the Adoration ground in protest against the bishop’s directive.”
Most of the followers who were with green leaves matched round the Adoration ground. They could be heard calling for the removal of Bishop Onaga.
One of them said, “It is Bishop Onaga that should be suspended and not Fr Ejike Mbaka.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has confered honorary chieftaincy titles on Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and his wife, Prof. Hafsat Ganduje as Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadanland and Yeye Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadanland respectively.
As the Governor called on Nigerians to continuously promote national integration toward engendering a united Nigeria.
He made the call on Saturday at the ancient Mapo in Ibadan after he and his wife were honoured with chieftaincy titles by Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Two hours after their cultural title, the league of Imams and Alfas Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States also conferred Aladeen Yorubawa on Governor Ganduje at a colourful ceremony held at the palatial Palace of Onimalu, Asiwaju Mutiullai Oladejo, the Asiwaju Adinni of Ibadanland.
The ceremony was attended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, the Emir of Kano, and National Assembly members.
Also in attendance are Oyo state APC gubernatorial candidate Sen. Teslim Folarin, Sen. Kola Balogun as well as Chief Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Ganduje said Nigerians needed to collectively encourage and promote national integration toward achieving national unity.
He recalled the age-long friendship between Kano and Ibadan, saying the two old cities would sustain the friendship and extend to other parts of the country.
According to him, “We are grateful to the Olubadan, Olubadan-n-Council and Ibadan people for honouring us with these prestigious titles. This gives us motivation and encouragement to do more in promoting unity.
“You made history today in terms of promoting national integration. This is a topical and very important issue we must always discuss as well as promote to achieve peaceful coexistence among Nigerians,” he said.
The governor thanked Tinubu for gracing the occasion, expressing confidence that Tinubu would promote the concept of national integration.
Tinubu, a former Lagos Governor, said that giving out such chieftaincy title to a non-indigene was a rare privilege.
He described the honour bestowed on Ganduje and his wife as well deserved, saying it was a demonstration of unity between the North and South.
The former Lagos governor appreciated the traditional ruler as well as Ibadan Indigenes for honouring his friend with a chieftaincy title.
The APC presidential aspirant urged the people to always promote national unity, saying such would engender national growth and development.
Prof. (Mrs) Elsie Adewoye, the President, of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, described the honour bestowed on Ganduje, who is an alumnus of UI as well deserved.
“It is a deserving honour. It is no fluke or propaganda. I have been to Kano and saw all these dividends of democracy,” she said.
Earlier, Oba Balogun, said that Ganduje and his wife were detribalised Nigerians, adding the honour was well deserved.
The traditional ruler narrated how Oba Yoruba Kano, Alhaji Muritala Alimi, introduced the Gandujes to them as detribalised Nigerians.
“We were made to know how supportive our guests were to the aspiration and eventual emergence of our brother as Oba Yoruba Kano about two years ago.
“We recall how Ganduje came down to Ibadan when there was a clash between Hausa traders and the people of Sasa at Sasa Market to calm the frayed nerves and peace was restored.
He said that Ganduje was currently building an auditorium for the university, adding that the project has reached 70 per cent completion.
Balogun said that the conferment would further cement the bond of friendship that had long existed between the Ibadan and Kano people.
The traditional ruler said that it would go a long way in maintaining handshake across the Niger and engender the much sought-after unity which has turned fragile over the years.
“The Gandujes, being our in-laws in Ibadan through their daughter that got married to our son, Idris Ajimobi have done it all.
“Bestowing a befitting Chieftaincy title on the hardworking and amiable governor with his wife will be a reward for a man who has been compassionate to us as a people.
“And who believes that any Nigerian can stay and work in any part of the country without molestation or denial of basic things of life”.
A mild drama was witnessed at Ward 10, Unit 9, Ilupeju, in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday when some security operatives allegedly escaped with money collected from suspected party agents.
Residents of Ekiti State on Saturday (today) trooped out to fulfil their civic rights by voting for their preferred candidates in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Among other chaotic events that reportedly happened during the exercise today was the alleged snatching of money meant for vote-buying by one of the participating political parties.
Reports had it that scores of angry electorates engaged security operatives to retrieve the money, and almost caused a stampede in the process.
A participant who spoke with newsmen on the incident at the polling unit said the security operatives overpowered the voters and succeeded in carting away the money.
The source according to PMNewsNigeria pleaded not to be mentioned in the print as he identified the security operatives as men of the Nigerian Security and Safety Defense Corps (NSCDC).
He said: “The money was supposed to be used to settle the voters, but the NSCDC men just went there and snatched the bag of money from them.
“Some of the people have voted and have not collected their money before they came to snatch the bag of money from us.
“Some of us challenged them and tried to collect the money back from them, but they overpowered us and ran away with the money,” the source added.
A party agent at the polling unit alleged that the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye was invited to resolve the issue and queried the presence of the lawmaker with his security operatives at the unit.
Afuye, however, denied knowledge of the money snatching, describing the event at the polling unit as a stampede.
“I’ve voted in my unit and I was just going round to see if there is one problem or the other, but there is no crisis, no violence. People can just stampede because they want to vote, instead of them to line up and spending less time, but they will crowd at a place, you know that is part of our culture. But, by and large, the people have been conducting themselves well,” he said.
Speaking further about the alleged snatching of money from suspected party agents, Afuye said nobody snatches money from his party people.
He said: “I am not aware of that, I wasn’t here then, and, if they are snatching money, they are not snatching from my party. There’s been no violence that has been reported to me.”
The Speaker however justified the presence of his security operatives at the polling unit. He added: “You want me to go about without my security agents? Are they harassing people? They are not. They are on their duty, just as you are on your duty as journalists.
“By my position as the chief lawmaker of the state, the moment I don’t go and tampered with whatever they are doing, I’m observing.
“The only time I went there is when they said they wanted to confirm the number of the machine, that’s all.”
When contacted about the event, the Spokesman for Ekiti NSCDC, Afolabi Tolulope, said he was not aware of such an incident, adding that he was not yet at the office to know if any NSCDC officials on patrol made a report about money at voting centres.
Zamfara State government has declared a one-week public holiday for civil servants to enable them obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).
Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle‘s led government made the announcement on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
A statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital on Saturday, outlined that the work-free day starts from next Monday to Friday, (June 20th to 24th, 2022).
This according to the government would allow the state’s public and civil servants to be able to fulfil their civic rights in the 2023 general elections.
Governor Matawalle in the statement, directed all the commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, other public office holders, party officials and traditional rulers to monitor and supervise the ongoing Voter Registration exercise.
The statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara noted that every citizen above the age of 18 is expected to be part of the exercise, saying that it was their constitutional right to elect their leaders.
Governor Matawalle appealed to the general public to participate in the exercise so that they would not complain later.
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has charged its members across the country to obtain permanent voter cards (PVC) before the expiration of the deadline to enable them to vote for competent and credible leaders in 2023.
This was contained in a statement signed by the IPMAN chairman Kano chapter, Alhaji Bashir Danmallam, a copy of which was made available on Friday to pressmen in Kano.
Danmallam then disclosed that the directive followed a meeting with the National President of the association, Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo with the mandate for him to ask members to obtain their PVCs.
He added that the association had also resolved and directed its members not to give salary to any staff working under them until such staff present their PVC.
