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Confusion As Terrorists Block Major Highway, Kidnap Dozens Of Passengers
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Bandits along the Maiga-Kontagora road in Niger State have kidnapped about 20 passengers traveling in five vehicles.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga Constituency, informed newsmen that the incident occurred on Thursday when bandits blocked the Mariga-Kontagora road between Baban-Lamba and Beri.
Sarkin-Daji was responding to a statement from the military refuting claims that bandits were operating within its training grounds in Kontagora LGA, which also extends to Mariga LGA.
According to the Speaker, families of previously kidnapped victims had taken ransom payments to bandits multiple times in a forested area, reportedly part of the military grounds.
Released victims also told their families they were held in a forest near the Kontagora Army Barracks.
“The passengers kidnapped on Thursday on the Mariga-Kontagora road were also taken to the same forest,” the Speaker said, urging the military to act on accurate information and clear the bandits from the area.
Sarkin-Daji emphasized that, as representatives, they regularly receive feedback from their constituents about their struggles, and they thoroughly investigate these issues before presenting them in the Assembly.
He clarified that while they do not underestimate the military’s capacity to combat bandits, it is dismissive to ignore constituents’ complaints.
He urged the federal government and relevant authorities to address these concerns, as local communities claim that the military training ground has become a safe haven for bandits who emerge from the forest to carry out attacks.
He pointed out that even those released after ransom payments have stated that they were held within sight of the Kontagora Army Barracks.
The Speaker said the military should verify information from the victims and address the issue, rather than dismissing statements made by House members.
He added that despite the military’s dismissal of one Assembly member’s statements on Wednesday, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri on Thursday, October 31, kidnapping over 20 passengers and moving them to the same forest.
He urged the military to act and clear the criminals from the area, stressing that their role is to protect the people.
The Speaker affirmed that they will continue to raise awareness so the federal government and all stakeholders understand the plight of their people.
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PDP leaders, critical stakeholders endorse Hon. Teejay Yusuf for National Chairman
Key political figures and critical stakeholders from the North Central region of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf as their preferred candidate for the party’s next National Chairman.
The endorsement comes from the group known as the PDP Conscience Vanguard, who believe Yusuf is the key to uniting and revitalizing the main opposition party
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja, the North Central Coordinator of the group, Isaiah Akoh, emphasized that Hon. Yusuf possesses the experience, leadership qualities, charisma, extensive connections necessary to lead the PDP towards unity and strategic repositioning.
The statement outlined several reasons for their endorsement of Hon. Yusuf, particularly noting that the party’s future success lies in having a chairman from the North Central region.
The group pointed to his extensive political background and ability to bridge gaps within the party, especially in light of the challenges the PDP faces.
“We believe that Hon. Teejay Yusuf is the right candidate at this crucial moment,” the statement reads. “Yusuf is not merely a legislator; he is an experienced statesman with a proven track record. Serving three terms as the representative of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and political acumen.”
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Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest
Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.
The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
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“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.
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