News

Okuoma Ambush: Troops Recover Decomposing Hearts Of Killed Soldiers

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

Editor

Troops of the Nigerian Military conducting search and rescue operations in Okuoma community in Ughelli LGA for the killers of 18 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, have recovered the “decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers” while the manhunt continues.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who made this known on Friday, stated that the body parts of the soldiers were recovered during clearance operations.

He said, “Troops have continued a manhunt for the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of 18 soldiers that occurred on 14 Mar 24.

“Accordingly, clearance operations as well as cordon and search were conducted to among other things recovered the weapons of the deceased soldiers.

“Some of the communities in which troops have operated include: Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba Communities in Ughelii and Ugheli South of Delta State. Others are; Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene and Igbomatoro Communities all in Delta State.

“The decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers were recovered during search, while the manhunt continues with no significant arrest yet made.

“Significantly, there is a viral video of person admitting to have perpetrated the killings of the soldier in Delta State.

“The video among other things helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.

“Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist investigation in flushing the out these culprits.

“There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.”

Speaking on operations against insecurity across the country, Gen Buba said troops in the last one week neutralised 106 terrorist and arrested 103 terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“Troops rescued a total of ,96 kidnapped hostages after several fire-fights and arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft.

“In the Niger Delta, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N754.14million naira (Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Million One Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand and Six Hundred Naira).

“Troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 51 dugout pits, 17 boats, 15 storage tanks, 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines and and 4 vehicles.

“Troops also recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.”

He said troops recovered 171 assorted weapons and 2,452 assorted ammunition comprising 47 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 18 pump action rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 14 Dane guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, 81mm mortar bomb, one mortar tube, 14 magazines, 10 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, 4 baofeng radios, and the sum of N112,920.00 amongst other items.

Giving details of the operations, he said, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East neutralized 38 terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered one PKT gun, 19 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, 374 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 210 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 240 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 15 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 76 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 empty case of 7.62mm NATO, 14 MG links, 6 magazines, 13 motorcycles, and the sum of N55,000.00 amongst others.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.

‘Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one mortar tube, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 52 rounds of 9mm ammo, 14 live cartridges and 2 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo amongst other items.

“On 18 March 2024, troops while on offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Wase and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State.

“During the operation, troops arrested one person and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo.

“On 13 and 14 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 9 suspected violent extremists/illegal miners and kidnappers in Bokkos, Pankshin, Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.

“On 14 and 15 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted routine patrols and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners and a notorious armed robber in Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State.

“During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated revolver pistol, 44 rounds of 9mm ammo, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 knives.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 7 violent extremists/terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

“Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 156 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 live cartridges, 30 empty cases of cartridges, 4 magazines, 11 mobile phones, one motorcycle and the sum of N57,920.00 amongst others.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 13 terrorists and rescued 56 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 7 locally fabricated guns, 7 dane guns, 4 locally made pistols, 7 pump action rifles, one hand grenade, 193 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 43 rounds of 9mm ammo, 73 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 134 live cartridges, 72 empty shells of 7.62mm special, one 81mm mortar bomb, 10 magazines, 9 motorcycles, and 15 mobile phones amongst other items.

” Troops of operation whirl punch arrested 9 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages.

“On 17 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to information on violent extremists/insurgents activities in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.

“During the operation, troops rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Operations are still ongoing to rescue other kidnapped victims in the theatre.

“On 13 and 18 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.

“During the operations, troops arrested 9 violent extremists/kidnappers and their collaborators including a high profile kidnap kingpin. Investigation ongoing.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe neutralised 20 insurgents and apprehended 22 suspects for oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents.

“Troops recovered 28 weapons and 346 assorted ammunition’s. In the North East, troops of Operation Udoka destroyed IED factory. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On 19 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces while conducting offensive operations discovered and destroyed IED factory. The factory had ready made IED for deployment as well as other IED making materials. The factory was located in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

“On 16 Marach 2024, troops responded to information on kidnapping incident of one renowned urologist Dr Amu’s wife and 4 children in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State.

“During the operation, troops rescued the kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.”
VANGUARD

News

Over 100 Priests, Palace Chiefs Storm Court For Oba Of Benin In Solidarity

Published

1 hour ago

May 9, 2024

Editor

Over 100 priests, priestesses and palace chiefs stormed the Edo State High Court on Thursday chanting curses against the enemies of the Oba at the resumed hearing of the case instituted by suspended Enigie (Duke) in Benin against Oba Ewuare II.

Two suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen had on behalf of some others, sued the monarch at Edo State High Court, challenging their suspension from offices.

Furthermore, the pair, speaking on behalf of others, asserted that their removal from their positions could only be done by the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and not by the monarch who had suspended them for rebelling against his authority.

The High Court admitted the Benin Traditional Council, as a party in a suit instituted by suspended (Enigie) Dukes in Benin, against the Oba.

Ruling on a motion on Thursday, Justice Peter Akhihiero granted the first defendant’s application to include the Benin Traditional Council as the third defendant in the suit marked, B/250os/2023, while Oba Ewuare II and Edo State Government, are the first and second defendants respectively.

The ruling was in response to an application filed by the second defendant’s lead counsel, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, Prof Edoba Omoregie and his team against the Claimants, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen who both took the Oba of Benin to court over their suspension as Dukes of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Edo South Senatorial District by Oba Ewuare II in 2023.

Justice Peter Akhihiero directed parties in the suit, Edo State Government represented by the State Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, Oba Ewuare II, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, who were both represented by their counsels led by Dr. Osagie Obayuwana who had objected to the motion through the counsel of Oba Ewuare II, to amend their relevant documents in the case to reflect the decision.

While other parties in the suit aligned with the position of Oba Ewuare II’s counsel to join Benin Traditional Council, in the suit, the claimants, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen through their counsel, Dr Obayuwana, prayed the court not to list the council as a party in the suit and urged the court to award cost against Oba of Benin in favour of the claimants.

But Justice Peter Akhihiero turned down the prayers and held that Obayuwana should not worry about the timing, insisting that, “The race is not for the swift, or the battle for the strong.

“If they are bringing in the Traditional Council as necessary, I don’t see this as a problem since you people have brought the Oba to court.

“I don’t think I can shut down any party. Let them come in and file their processes.”

Justice Akhihiero adjourned the hearing in the case till July 15, 2024, in the absence of any objection.

There was a heavy security presence at the premises of the State High Court Complex on Sapele Road in Benin City.

However, all those who came to the court in solidarity with the Oba were not allowed into the court due to their large numbers.

Groups and Edo sons and daughters, including members of the royal family and chiefs, displayed affection and solidarity for the Oba.

News

Senate Approves Death Penalty For Drug Offenders

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Editor

The Senate on Thursday approved death penalty for dealers and importers of cocaine, heroin and other hard drugs into the country.

The proposed capital punishment also applies to manufacturing, trafficking, dealing in or delivery of hard drugs by any means.

The Senate arrived at the resolution on the floor of the red chamber after deliberations on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The maximum punishment in the extant law for offenders is life imprisonment.

During the consideration of the report on the bill for passage on Thursday, Senate Whip, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), recommended that the punishment of life imprisonment be “toughened” to death penalty.

The penalty for drug importation or dealership is captured in Section 11 of the extant law, which Ndume sought to be increased to a death sentence.

He said, “This (life imprisonment) should be changed to a death sentence. This is the standard worldwide. We have to do this to address this problem of drugs that has seriously affected our youths.

“It should be toughened beyond life imprisonment. It should be the death sentence, either by hanging or any way.”

This proposal did not sit well with some of his colleagues, including former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, who took to the floor to voice out his reservations.

Oshiomhole told his colleagues that he would rarely joke with any matter concerning life and death.

“When a matter has to do with life and death, we should be accountable. Let’s divide the Senate. This is lawmaking. We are not here to take voice votes,” Oshiomhole said.

His position was overruled by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.

Jibrin told Oshiomhole that he should have called for a division of the Senate immediately after the voting took place and before the Senate moved to another clause in the amendment bill.

“This is about procedure. You were supposed to call for a division; you didn’t do so. I am sorry, I can’t help you”, the DSP stood his ground and stuck with the decision of the Senate.

Similarly, Senator Sampson Ekong from Akwa Ibom State also kicked against the resolution of the Senate but he was overruled.

The Senate went ahead to pass the bill for a third reading.

The report on the bill was jointly produced by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters/Drugs and Narcotics.

Speaking with Senate correspondents after the plenary, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Mohammed Monguno, said the Senate approved the death sentence, noting that the voices of Oshiomhole and others did not change the ruling of the presiding officer.

“The ruling of the presiding officer is the position of the Senate,” he added

News

VIDEO: Nigerian Man Exhumed After Completing 24-hour Buried Alive Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Editor

After being buried alive for 24 hours, a Nigerian man, Young C, has been successfully exhumed after spending 24 hours buried alive in a coffin.

This feat was announced on his Instagram account on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by the revelation that his TikTok account had been suspended.

Earlier, Young C had updated his Instagram account, reassuring his followers that he was still alive and in good condition, despite experiencing physical discomfort and running out of water.

Young C embarked on this challenge on Wednesday, announcing his intention to be buried alive for 24 hours and broadcasting live footage from the coffin at night.

Young C’s feat bears resemblance to a similar challenge undertaken by American YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), who spent 50 hours buried alive two years ago to raise awareness about deforestation. Recently, MrBeast attempted to surpass his record by spending 7 consecutive days buried in a coffin, overcoming physical and mental challenges before being exhumed.

Watch video below courtesy The PUNCH:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧, 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐂, 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟒-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞
After being buried alive for 24 hours, a Nigerian man, Young C, has been successfully exhumed after spending 24 hours… pic.twitter.com/lyJxQ9ZvRx
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) May 9, 2024