News
BREAKING: Armed Fulani Herdsmen Strike Enugu Communities Again, K!ll Cathecist, Kidnap Many
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected Fulani bandits have killed a catechist of the All Saints Anglican Church, Onicha-Ebia Ikem, Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State, Mr. Chinaza Odumejeogu.
They also kidnapped two other victims, who are still in their custody.
The attack, it was further learnt, started on Sunday when the Fulani bandits allegedly ransacked Ikem communities.
Among those they abducted are one Mr John Ede and his daughter whom they reportedly abducted at Umueje, Ikem-Etiti on Monday morning in their farm.
The community which is the headquarters of Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State is currently under siege, residents who spoke to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, revealed.
According to local sources, the bandits on Sunday night, abducted one Mrs Benedicta Abonyi at her home in Ikem-Uno, behind Ikem General Hospital but she escaped following return of fire from the police, soldiers and the neighborhood watch vigilantes in the community.
The Anglican catechist was reportedly kidnapped in his farm on Monday morning with his son who escaped with bullet wound on his leg and is presently receiving treatment in a private hospital together with Mrs Abonyi who also escaped on Sunday night.
The catechist, it was gathered was not lucky as his abductors shot him to death and left him in a bush path towards Benue State where the combined forces of the police, the army and the local vigilantes picked his remains while searching the bushes and houses.
“As we speak, his corpse has been deposited at the morgue in Ikem,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Agbo Celestine narrated that a young girl who saw the motorcycle which was snatched by the bandits broke the news of the kidnappers, adding that they were four men wielding AK-47 rifles.
She was the one that told us the road they followed and that was how we recoverd the corpse of the catechist. But the woman who escaped from them on Sunday night said they were seven in number. She is the one who identified them as Fulani.”
“The woman escaped because they were shooting and we were returning with our own shooting, so the kidnappers thought we were closing in on them and they released the woman and ran away,” a security source corroborated.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls as at the time of filing this report.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro9 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro14 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro9 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News16 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News15 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
Metro15 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News15 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News9 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped