The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has ratified the suspension Chief James Okponmwense Ezomo, the Ezomo of Benin kingdom.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Frank Irabor Secretary, Benin Traditional Council and made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Ezomo of Benin kingdom was earlier suspended on 24th of January, 2022 by his group known as ‘UZAMA N’THINRON,’ headed by Chief Oliha of Benin before the ratification by His Royal Majesty.

The statement added that the Benin Chief was suspended due to his anti-palace activities.

The statement reads in part, “Chief James Okponmwense Ezomo, the Ezomo of Benin is therefore forbidden to exercise any authority over Uzebu community. This is as a
result of his anti-Palace activities.”

READ ALSO: Ogiamien: Abolish Ekiokpagha Treaty, Coalition Appeals To Oba Of Benin

In a related development, the palace also announced the appointment Mr. Osaigbovo Iguobaro as the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin.

Untill his appointment, Mr.
Iguobaro was the Secretary, Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalist, Edo State council.

The statement added that his appointment takes immediate effect.

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja met with representatives of the victims of the Kaduna Train abduction, assuring them that the Federal Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.

Condoling the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, the President said since the “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements” on March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.

The President spoke through his media aide, Femi Adesina, where he told representatives of the families that in the immediate aftermath of the incident several actions have been taken by the government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country.

He also explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Kaduna-Abuja Kdnap: Terrorists Release Seven More Passengers

‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.

‘‘It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.

‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated.

‘‘However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimize potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.

”My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt,’’ he said.

On his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the President expressed delight, saying, ‘‘Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralized by the military, and a number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop or reduce.

‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.

‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.’’

The President also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.

According to the President, ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognized for their bravery.’’

President Buhari added that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who have presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of Nigerians.

‘‘I also would like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognizant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the Capital.

‘‘I would like to comfort those who were traumatized by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are.

‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists, showing that the efforts of the government in securing their release were not in vain as Government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure the overall security of all citizens in the country.’’

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them on all the efforts the government is making sure of the safe return of their loved ones.

He described the audience with the President as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives and proof that the ‘‘government is not resting on its oars.’’

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Kaduna-Abuja Kdnap: Terrorists Release Seven More Passengers

A representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the families in the release of their remaining loved ones still in captivity.

‘‘Please we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones,’’ Mohammed said.

The Bayelsa State Government has honoured five corps members who distinguished themselves during the 2021 Batch B (Stream I and II) Service Year.

To appreciate their outstanding performance, the corps members were presented with an award certificate personally signed by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri and a cash reward of N250,000 to each of the State Honours Awardees and N200,000 for the Chairman’s Honours Awardees respectively.

Corps member Nkwocha Chukwuemeka Callistus BY/21B/2536 emerged overall best in the State honours category, while two others Olufemi Ebenezer, BY/21B/0649 and Chukwuma Sandra Chinwendu BY/21B/0913 came second and third respectively.

Corps member Obeta Christian Chukwuebuka BY/12B/0412 and Ogban Peter Obong BY/21B/0121 scooped the Chairman’s Honours Award.

The honorees were adjudged to have performed very well during the Orientation Course, Primary Assignment and Community Development Services.

Speaking during the low-key passing out programme for the 2021 Batch B Stream II corps members held in Yenagoa on Thursday, the Governor of Bayelsa State, who was represented by his Executive Assistant on NYSC Matters, Wisdom Richard Poyeri commended the awardees for their selfless contributions to the development of the state.

Governor Diri particularly commended them for going the extra mile to add value to their host communities, noting that his government will continue to recognize and appreciate outstanding corps members.

The State Chief Executive congratulated the 2021 Batch Stream II corps members for a successful year and urged them to continue to be patriotic to the nation even as they exit the national service, noting that all the corps members are winners because they gave their best in the service to the state.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: NYSC DG Charges Corps Members On Personal Security

Governor Diri further urged the outgoing corps members to be good ambassadors of the state and not to lose faith in Nigeria.

The State Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Adamu Jiya who was represented by the Assistant Director, Deployment and Relocation, Mr. Rotimi Abiodun thanked the governor for the tremendous support to the scheme and for taking the welfare and security of corps members as a top priority.

Mr. Jiya urged serving corps members in the state to emulate the honorees and wished the outgoing corps members a rewarding post-service life.

The corps member of the year, Nkwocha Chukwuemeka Callistus, a first-class graduate of Biochemistry from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike carried out his primary assignment at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Among his achievements are, securing a five-room accommodation and thirty mattresses for corps members who are posted to the Niger Delta University, renovation of an abandoned six-room staff quarters in Alomu Central School, Amassoma, and procurement of 10 pillows for Amassoma General Hospital among other achievements.