The Nigerian Military on Thursday announced the arrest of the founder father of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba in a press briefing said the IPOB leader identified as Pius Iguh was arrested during an operation by troops attached to Operation Udoka in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

According to Buba, the operation that led to the arrest took place in the group’s hideouts in Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku and Arochukwu in Abia State.

Three other notorious members of the group were also arrested during t he operation.

Buba further noted that 24 terrorists were killed while 12 violent extremists were arrested by military troops.

He said that one hostage abducted by the group was rescued while the suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for further action.

“Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader.

“The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State,” Buba said.

Gist9ja.ng

A disturbing incident occurred on Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, when a man, identified as Ejike, allegedly poured hot water on the face and chest of his neighbour, a 31-year-old stylist named Blessing.

According to eyewitnesses, Blessing had entered the compound to collect boiling water from an electric kettle for a customer’s hair treatment when she accidentally collided with Ejike’s son. The impact caused hot water to spill on the ground, slightly scalding the child’s leg.

While Blessing was apologising and expressing concern for the child, Ejike reportedly emerged from his room to inquire about what had happened. Upon being informed by neighbours, he allegedly picked up the kettle and poured the remaining hot water on Blessing.

Ejike fled the scene immediately, leaving Blessing with severe burns. She was rushed to the Azikiwe Police Division in Ilabouchi, where she was issued a police medical form before being taken to hospital for treatment.

Blessing’s family is now calling for justice. Her elder brother, Goodluck Nwankwo, has urged the police to arrest Ejike, saying, “We want the police to arrest him so he can face the consequences of his actions. I want justice to be done.”

Nwankwo also expressed concern over the cost of his sister’s medical treatment, describing the expenses as overwhelming.

The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe Koko, was unavailable for comment at the time of this report. However, police sources confirmed the incident and stated that efforts were being made to apprehend Ejike, who remains at large.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it has rescued a six-year old girl who was stolen from her parents in 2018.

Its Zonal Commander in Uyo, Emmanuel Awhen, said the agency achieved the feat in partnership with the Foundation for Justice Development and Peace

He said in an interview the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo yesterday, that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the matter.

“The two suspects are currently undergoing interrogations. They will be charged to court when investigation is concluded,” he said.

Awhen said the agency got an intelligence report concerning the stolen girl, and traced her to a family in Uyo.

“The girl was kept in our shelter for proper identification. She has been handed over to her biological parents,” he said.

The commander further said that the agency was currently investigating a case of illegal buying and selling of a two-month old baby in the state.

He expressed worries that trafficking in children was on the increase in the state, and cautioned perpetrators to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Awhen who described human trafficking as a crime against humanity, said that NAPTIP was committed to tackling the menace of child stealing.

“We shall continue to sensitise the people to the dangers associated with human trafficking, it is senseless and barbaric, and we must discourage it,” he said.