Metro
Protest rock Ondo as gunmen attack farmers, kill one
Vehicular activities were paralysed on the ever-busy Akure-Owo expressway on Tuesday as scores of angry residents trooped the road to protest the incessant kidnappings and killings by armed men.
The protestors stormed the highway and barricaded the road with logs, causing a complete standstill as motorists and commuters were stranded for several hours.
They carried placards bearing different inscriptions as they expressed their frustration, demanding urgent action to resolve the escalating security challenges.
The protest came after suspected bandits attacked two farmers, Ben Daniels and James Unekwu along the Agunla Farm Road at Ayede-Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government of the state.
One of the farmers, Daniels was killed by the bandits.
The State Police Command in a release by its Spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident, explaining that the case was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday by a concerned citizen.
Abayomi said preliminary investigations reveal that the duo of Daniels and Unekwu were both riding a motorcycle to the farm when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
He explained that Unekwu reportedly escaped from the assailants, while Daniels was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“Unekwu is currently in police protective custody as tensions rise over a possible conspiracy, while investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace, as such actions infringe on the rights of other road users,” Abayomi said.
Disappointed with the development, the protesters lamented that bandits have allegedly been invading their farmlands and community, killing and abducting residents at will.
One of the protesters, Adesoji Oyedele complained that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being attacked.
He also explained that the situation had worsened the economic hardship in the community which largely depends on agriculture for survival.
“At this very spot last year, they came and killed a man. Yesterday again, they came and killed another person. How do you expect us to keep quiet? How long are we going to continue like this?” he said.
Oyedele revealed that the latest victim, a farmer, was attacked while working on his farm on the outskirts of Ayede Ogbese.
He added that his killing has thrown the entire community into mourning, with many accusing security agencies of failing to protect lives and property.
He said the expressway and surrounding forests had become hideouts for criminal elements who strike and retreat without being apprehended.
The protesters, however, called on the state government and the security agencies to immediately deploy military personnel to establish a permanent checkpoint in Ogbese to deter further attacks.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given a marching order to security agencies to launch an immediate and coordinated “crackdown” on suspected kidnappers terrorising residents across parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the governor expressed deep concern over the rising cases of abduction in the state.
The governor noted that investigations conducted by the security agencies have unraveled that some of the crimes were being orchestrated with the involvement of local collaborators.
He claimed his government was aware that certain “unscrupulous elements” are deliberately using criminal activities to portray the state as unsafe, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
“The government is aware that the unscrupulous elements want to use the criminal activities to portray Ondo State as unsafe. Such acts are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.
“The government has consequently directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities.
“Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
He called on traditional rulers to heighten vigilance within their domains and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security operatives, describing community-based intelligence as critical to combating crime.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has taken direct charge of operations in Sapele following the shocking abduction of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, assuring residents that efforts are in top gear to secure the victim’s safe and unharmed release.
In a swift and strategic response, the police boss conducted an on-the-spot operational assessment of key locations linked to the incident, demonstrating the Command’s urgency and commitment to cracking the case.
The visit saw the CP inspect Debro Fred Guest House, the scene where the abduction reportedly took place. The facility, believed to have been the last point of contact before the Chairman was whisked away by armed men, is now central to ongoing investigations.
He also proceeded to Ogorode Waterside, where a vehicle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was earlier recovered. The discovery is expected to provide critical leads as security operatives intensify intelligence gathering and forensic analysis to track down the perpetrators.
Speaking during the visit, CP Oyeniyi reassured the public that the Command is leaving no stone unturned.
“We are working with credible intelligence and in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the victim is rescued safely. Every available resource has been deployed, and we are confident of positive results,” he said.
The Commissioner also paid a solemn visit to the family of the abducted Chairman, where he met with his wife, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
“The Command shares in your pain at this difficult time. I want to assure you that we are doing everything humanly possible to secure his safe return,” he stated.
In addition, the CP visited medical facilities where victims injured during the attack are receiving treatment, further demonstrating the Command’s concern for all those affected by the incident.
The abduction, which has sent shockwaves across Sapele and beyond, is believed to have been carried out by heavily armed assailants who struck with precision, raising renewed concerns over security in the riverine axis of Delta State. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers operated swiftly, leaving behind chaos and injured victims in their wake.
CP Oyeniyi has, however, called for calm and cooperation from the public, stressing that community support remains a critical factor in the success of the ongoing operation.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information. Security is a collective responsibility, and together we can bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property, assuring that decisive actions will continue until those behind the abduction are apprehended and the victim safely reunited with his family.
As investigations deepen, residents across Delta State remain hopeful that the intensified security response will yield swift results and restore confidence in the fight against violent crime.
Metro
Chief of Army Staff visits Borno to boost troops morale after death of Brigadier General, soldiers
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has visited the north-east to boost troop morale following the killing of a Brigadier-General and soldiers in recent attacks.
Shaibu made the visit on Friday as part of an operational assessment of the security situation in the region.
He was received by Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu.
The army chief said the visit was aimed at encouraging troops and reviewing ongoing operations, while acknowledging recent attacks on military formations.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains resolute in confronting security threats, stressing that the military is adjusting its strategies to address evolving challenges.
The COAS urged troops to remain aggressive in dealing with terrorists, stating that their efforts would honour fallen colleagues.
At the headquarters of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Shaibu interacted with troops and charged them to sustain the fight against insurgency.
More than 2,000 residents of communities in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state have fled their homes over fears of a reprisal attack by bandits.
The villagers reportedly abandoned their communities in the western part of the local government after security personnel vacated parts of the area.
“Some security personnel deployed to our villages vacated from their strategic points two days after neutralizing some bandits. Now we are afraid that the bandits may return,” one villager said.
Residents of Kunchin Kalgo and neighbouring villages were seen leaving with their belongings and moving towards the Tsafe local government headquarters.
Tsafe local government area chairman, Garba Panchase confirmed the development, atressing that the villagers relocated to the local government headquarters.
Panchase said the movement was triggered by rumours, adding that even though members of the civilian JTF vacated the area for redeployment, conventional security personnel remained on ground.
His words: “The people flew their communities as a result of rumours initiated by people that do not mean well for the government.”
Some villagers, however, alleged that security forces left as bandits regrouped for reprisal attacks, adding that it has heightened fear among residents.
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