Hoodlums reportedly attacked the palace of the Etsu Nupe Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, over the weekend, destroying properties and setting a vehicle on fire.

The incident occurred around 1:00 AM on Saturday, leaving the monarch and his community in shock and disbelief.

HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, also known as Nyamkpa IV, recounted the traumatic experience, expressing his astonishment at the brazen attack. Despite efforts from his neighbors to help, the flames rapidly consumed his car and other possessions within the palace grounds. The monarch described the terrifying moment when he heard a loud bang on his door, prompting him to check through the window. To his horror, he saw a raging fire engulfing his car, signaling the start of the attack on his residence.

Realizing the danger, HRH Dauda-Shelika feared for his life and chose not to confront the attackers directly. Instead, he made a quick escape through the back door and scaled the fence to flee to safety. In his reflection on the event, he emphasized the importance of peace, urging the Nupe community in Lokoja to avoid any retaliatory actions. He called on the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and hold those responsible, as well as their sponsors, accountable.

“I urge my people to remain as peaceful and law-abiding as we have always been, because this incident has drawn the attention of the government to our issue,” the monarch stated, encouraging calm and cooperation with the authorities during the ongoing investigation.

The timing of the attack is significant, as it occurred just before the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union was set to host the second edition of the “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” a major cultural event aimed at celebrating Nupe heritage and community unity. The festival, which would have attracted many to the region, has now been overshadowed by the violent incident.

As of now, the Kogi Police Command has not provided an official statement. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Aya, for comment on the matter were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages. The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, and local residents are hoping that law enforcement will take swift action to identify the culprits and prevent further unrest.

Gunmen have kidnapped some travellers in Emure-Ile in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti.

It was gathered that the bus conveying the travellers who were returning from Onitsha, Anambra state to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital was ambushed on Sunday night by the daredevil attackers.

A source at the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria,(RTEAN) Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, who confirmed the incident, said the driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel was kidnapped alongside the passengers.

The source said that the kidnappers had contacted the driver’s family demanding a whopping sum of N30 million ransom for each of the passengers.

He explained that the men of the under world abandoned some children in the bus, whose cries attracted attention of passersby in the early hours of Monday, before it was reported to the nearest police station.

He said: “They drove the bus into the bush and dragged people inside the bush.

“They called the family of the driver and I pleaded to speak with the driver and after our conversation, they demanded a ransom of N30 million. They said they would call back, but they have not done so yet.

“They left some children on the bus, and it seems that some people to the the farm saw the kids and alerted the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti is currently holding a meeting on how to reach out to the kidnappers”, he said.

He added that two of the  kidnapped victims escaped while they were being herded into the bush.

Efforts to get the Ekiti police command’s comment was not successful as calls to the telephone line of the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu rang out.

Just like 2023 Yuletide, Senator Manu Haruna has this year , 2024 distributed 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti and transport fares to constituents going home to celebrate this festive season.

Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District also just completed a two-day ICT program for students across three local governments in Taraba Central and distributed starter packs and laptops to over 500 students.

The tireless Senator has left no one in doubt in his constituency that he has good intentions and this is clearly demonstrated in the over 47 projects he has embarked upon within 18 months as a lawmaker.

Speaking after Senator Manu’s constituents were provided with transport fares, Media Director of his campaign organisation, Jovita Safe said:

“Senator Haruna is a man of honour who keeps to his promises and a politician with a difference.

“He has done this gesture to help cushion the effects of the economic crunch in the country.

“He is reliable and his constituents should not hesitate to give him the necessary support come 2027 to return to the National Assembly.

Beneficiaries who also spoke praised Senator Manu for rescuing them this difficult time of the festive season.

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