Metro

Kaduna Gov’t Confirms Killing Of Wanted Terrorist Leader Boderi

Published

5 months ago

February 23, 2024

In a heart-warming development and stemming from consistent support to security forces by Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, a major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism in the North-West and North-Central parts of the country.

The notorious bandit, insurgent and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku, has been neutralised in a gun duel alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Army, around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State.

A statement titled, ‘Target Acquired, Justice Served: Boderi Falls To Security Forces’, signed by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Thursday afternoon, said this feat was confirmed to the Kaduna State Government by security forces carrying out internal security operations and diligent checks from human intelligence sources.

“Boderi, as he was simply known, had for nearly a decade propagated a reign of fear, death and destruction in Kaduna State and neighboring Niger State, with a trademark of brutal attacks, mass abductions and cruel, relentless killing. His elimination comes as the culmination of tireless efforts by dedicated troops committed to restoring peace and security in the region. The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army (and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch) Major General VU Okoro, coordinated the operation through meticulous planning and intelligence.

“The troops on Wednesday night, came in contact with Boderi and his fighters around Bada general area of Chikun LGA. Despite the terrorists’ well-fortified position, the troops laid a successful ambush. Boderi and his associates walked into the trap, and were cornered,” he said.

Aruwan added that in the ensuing confrontation, Boderi chose to resist the troops and engaged them in a fierce firefight.

“He was ultimately subdued, and his reign of terror ended in a burst of bullets and eternal ignominy. Two of his associates were likewise neutralized. After the operation, the troops recovered two AK47 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, nine AK47 magazines, one magazine carrier, one Baofeng radio set and five motorcycles.

“The elimination of Boderi Isyaku, as a notable milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry, demonstrates the effectiveness of determined and coordinated efforts by security forces in confronting those who seek to spread fear and chaos.

“Boderi, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces, while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, school children and students with impunity. His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families, but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.

“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighbouring Niger State. His activities included vast and elaborate operations in cattle rustling and gunrunning.

He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas. Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated.

“It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi LGA. This high-profile kidnapping generated shock waves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil.

“On the 24th of August 2021, Boderi masterminded another deadly attack, this time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA. Two officers were killed and another abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s Police Detail was killed.

“These are a few highlights in the profile of a mindless monster, fueled by undiluted hate and evil, veiled underneath an apparently harmless, innocent and youthful exterior. Without a doubt, this baby-faced terror was one of the most dangerous individuals in the country, single-handedly tearing apart the lives of entire communities across several states,” he stated.

Receiving the report, Governor Sani expressed his elation at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.

The governor commended Major General Okoro, for his stellar leadership, and praised the troops for their assertive victory. Governor Sani went on to assure security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the successful achievement of their objectives.

Metro

8 School Children Rescued In Lokoja Auto Crash

Published

23 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Admin

Eight school children have survived a ghastly motor accident in Lokoja the Kogi State capital.

Eyewitness account told DAILY POST that the children are pupils of Kingdom Heritage Nursery and Primary School Lokoja.

DAILY POST gathered that the children were returning from school when the sad incident occurred on Thursday at the popular Lokongoma market in Lokoja.

It was further gathered that a heavy-duty truck carrying a container load fell on two small vehicles which trapped the Children.

Through the combined effort of the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies, the children were rescued.

The Kogi State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara Rtd. who was on ground to ensure the rescue of the school children confirmed this to our Correspondent on Thursday.

As of 5:17PM, efforts are still in place to ensure that the truck is evacuated from the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

Metro

Gunmen abduct 2 Chinese, kill 5 Nigerians in Lokoja

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Admin

Two Chinese Nationals have been kidnapped while five security personas have been killed following the attack from some gunmen who invaded a mining site on Zango City, the outskirts of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

It was gathered that the gunmen in large numbers had a field day on Monday when they stormed a mining site in Zango City and killed five persons, made up of three vigilante members and two staff of the mining site before they abducted two Chinese citizens.

Locals said the unfortunate attack occurred in the evening at about 5 pm and lasted for about 45 minutes when sounds of sporadic gunshots emanated from the hilly range behind Al Azhar International School. They said the suspected gunmen were about 20, with many of them bearded.

It was gathered that while the audible gunshots from the mountain were unrelenting, people hurriedly closed their shops, and panic-stricken locals abandoned their homes to take cover in other places considered safe.

A hunter who preferred not to be named claimed to have participated in evacuating the corpses, identifying the deceased vigilantes simply as Abdulazeez, Tijani, and Yusuf, said gory photos of their remains were sighted.

Abdul, a resident and shop owner in Zango, said he heard the sounds of the gunshots, “Initially, we did not know what was happening, and the gunshots were loud. I had to leave the area along with other people out of fear. This is very bad and worrisome in the state capital. We urge the government to step up security in the state.”

Efforts to reach the police including telephone calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, William Anya, did not yield results.

Metro

Dafinone’s Intervention: FG commences rehabilitation of Gamon Bridge in Sapele

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Admin

The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Gamon Bridge, which connects the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar in Ethiope West LGA to Okirighwre in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

This development follows the intervention of Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents the Delta Central Senatorial District. He drew the federal government’s attention to the poor state of the bridge, which urgently needed repair.

Senator Dafinone, in a letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Works, with reference number SED NASS/FMW/ERGP2024/901 dated July 4, 2024, highlighted the deplorable condition of the Gamon Bridge and the pressing need for repairs.

The letter, titled “RE: Urgent Attention and Repair of Gamon Bridge and Adjoining Road on Benin-Sapele Road, Delta State,” stated:

“The deplorable condition of GAMON BRIDGE, located in my Senatorial District, has been brought to my attention. To avert imminent disaster, I request the intervention of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Works, as mentioned above.

“The bridge, known as GAMON BRIDGE, was constructed in the late 60s and early 70s. It serves as a gateway to deeper South-South states through the River Ethiope for commuters from the Southwest states. It links the busy Ethiope West LGA to the NPA seaport in Sapele LGA, covering 8.7 km, including the nearly 2.0 km bridge.

“Presently, the non-motorable 8.7 km federal link road, including the near-collapse GAMON BRIDGE connecting the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar point in Ethiope West LGA to Okerighwre in Sapele LGA, requires urgent and emergency intervention from the federal government.

“Moreover, with the recent rains, the entire stretch of the GAMON Bridge and road are frequently flooded due to some alleged remediation slabs cast on both sides by a state agency, which are rather harmful ‘dead weights’ on the bridge, causing stagnant flooding and distorting its engineering and structural design.

“Consequently, I urge the Honourable Minister of Works to provide immediate remediation and intervention to avert an imminent disaster in the area.”

In response to Senator Dafinone’s letter, the Honourable Minister for Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, mobilized contractors to begin immediate repairs on the bridge, a development applauded by stakeholders in Delta State.

An elated Senator Dafinone took to his official Facebook page to announce the development, praising the Honourable Minister for the quick response. According to him, “I am pleased to announce that the rehabilitation of the Gamon Bridge, which connects the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar in Ethiope West LGA to Okirighwre in Sapele LGA, has commenced.

“On July 4th, 2024, I brought the urgent need for the repair of the Gamon Bridge and the adjoining Benin-Sapele road in Delta State to the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works.

“Constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Gamon Bridge has historically served as a critical gateway for commuters travelling from the Southwest states to the deeper South-South states via the River Ethiope. This 8.7 km stretch, including the nearly 2.0 km bridge, links the bustling Ethiope West LGA to the NPA seaport in Sapele LGA.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Governor David Nweze Umahi, CON, for his prompt response in addressing this pressing issue.”

When our correspondent visited the bridge, workers were on-site repairing broken bars and desilting the bridge.