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Tag: Victims

  • Victims recount ordeal, say they paid millions into ex-FCC officer’s account

    Victims recount ordeal, say they paid millions into ex-FCC officer’s account

    Mr Andulamalik Ahmed and Ali Yaro both victims of alleged job racketeering at the Federal Character Commission (FCC) say they paid N1 million and N2 million respectively for job placement in the commission.

    Ahmed and Yaro made this known when they appeared as witnesses at the ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing job racketeering and mismanagement of IPPIS in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Speaking on the issue, Ahmed, an indigene of Adamawa said he met the driver of the Commissioner, representing Taraba, Mr Yisha’u Gambo who promised to get him a job in the FCC on the condition that he paid the sum of N1 million.

    He however said he refused to pay the money to Yisha’u because he was an ordinary driver.

    “It was Yisha’u who introduced Mr Harunu Kolo, a former staff of the FCC and the desk officer of IPPIS in the commission.

    “I paid N1 million into Kolo’s account when I confirmed that he was a staff of the commission, I refused to pay to the driver for security reasons.

    “I transfered N1 million to Kolo’s account. We initially agreed on N1.5million with Gambo, a driver to the Commissioner, representing Taraba.”

    He said 27 of them were issued appointment letters having paid the requested money, adding that in spite of the fact that appointment letters were issued, they were not posted to any designated MDAs.

    “The Head of Human Resources in FCC confirmed to us that our appointments were genuine before they cleverly took it from us. I was engaged for two years before I was disengaged without posting.”

    He said contrary to information by the FCC that there was no recruitment since 2017, there was recruitment in 2021 and all the commissioners had a hand in the recruitments exercise.

    “Kolo convinced me to pay so that our employment can come after that of Directors and the Commissioners.”

    Ahmed who betrayed emotion begged the committee to help get his job back, adding that he was not satisfied with receiving salary without doing the required job.

    On the other hand,  Yaro, another witness from Borno said he was made to pay N2 million to secure a job in the FCC.

    “ I paid N2 million into Badamasi Jalo’s account, another victim but acting as agent for collection of monies for Kolo.

    “Kolo and Badamasi both assured me that I will get appointment letter in January,” he said, adding that he was captured on IPPIS on Aug. 5,  2021, but never got placement.

    “ I graduated 11 years ago and I had a chance to become Boko Haram but I refused because I wanted to be a good citizen,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Rep Yusuf Gagdi, the Chairman of the committee said the testimonies from the two victims should encourage all Nigerians who have been shortchanged to appear.

    “I am very happy that you said you had the offer to become a Boko Haram but refused.

    ” We cannot cry like you but our hearts blead for this country, we are going to do justice for you, we are not here to witch hunt anybody.

    “You have told us who you gave money to. We will invite you again for a closed-door meeting with the other 27 victims, ” he said.

    Gagdi re-invited Kolo to again appear before the committee on Wednesday by 10 a. m.

    He also summoned the driver to the Taraba Commissioner and the Secretary to appear before the committee.

  • Police rescue 4 kidnapped victims in Kwara

    Police rescue 4 kidnapped victims in Kwara

    The Police Command in Kwara has confirmed rescue of four kidnapped victims, abducted in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokeperson of the command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin.

    The statement said the victims were rescued by a combined team of policemen, hunters and vigilantes on the directive of the state Police Commissioner, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi.

    “However, acting on the directive of the state Police Commissioner, the command’s anti-kidnapping unit stationed within the Isanlu-Isin axis, assisted by hunters and vigilantes, swung into action and gave the abductors a hot chase.

    “In the process, the kidnappers abandoned the Sienna bus conveying the victims at the time of the incident and one of them, Oke Olatunji, was rescued by the team.

    “The CP personally led another special tactical team on search and rescue operation into the forest within Isin town and in the process, another victim identified as Femi Ajayi, with bullet injury, was rescued.

    “He was taken to the health center in Isanlu-Isin where he is currently receiving medical attention.

    “Another two persons were rescued by the police on Saturday night July 15,” the statement read in part.

    Recalled that on July 13, four victims Dipe Ajayi, Kunle Abolarin, Femi Abolarin and Femi Ajayi were abducted at about 5 p.m in Isanlu-Isin.

    The victims all hailed from Oke-Arin, Isanlu-Isin in lsin local government area of the state.

  • Police, local security outfits rescue 58 kidnap victims in FCT

    Police, local security outfits rescue 58 kidnap victims in FCT

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in collaboration with local security outfits, have rescued 58 kidnap victims from some identified kidnappers den in communities contiguous to the territory.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    She said the victims were rescued at Udulu Forest, Gegu LGA of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest, Nasarawa State, and other identified kidnapper’s den in communities contiguous to the FCT.

    According to her, the bandits/Kidnappers on sighting the security team coordinated by the police, engage the security team in a shootout duel.

    “The bandits were overpowered and escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries leaving behind their victims,” she said.

    Adeh said the rescue operation was part of efforts by the command’s leadership to sustain joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters from the various local communities.

    She said the idea was to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to book.

    The PPRO pledged the committment of the command at sustaining efforts to prevent threats to safety and security of FCT residents.

    She said the command would also not relent in ensuring the rescue of any resident held hostage by criminals as well as bringing the perpetrators to book.

    Adeh said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr. Haruna Garba, has called for cooperation from FCT residents.

    She said the CP enjoined the residents to be security conscious and provide credible information to the Police.

    Adeh said one of the kidnap victim, Tama Jonathan, unfortunately, sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot.

    She said the remains of the victim had subsequently been released to his family for burial.

    She said that the other 58 rescued victims were being stabilised in the hospital and would be reunited with their families.

  • Train Accident: Sanwo-Olu sad, commiserates with victims’ families

    Train Accident: Sanwo-Olu sad, commiserates with victims’ families

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the Thursday morning accident involving a train and a Lagos State Government staff bus.

    The accident happened between Shogunle and Ikeja axis.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, expressed sadness at the event.

    He sent deep condolences to the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.

    ”I am deeply saddened by the news of the accident. The vehicle was conveying staff of the Lagos State Government, our staff who serve the state in different capacities.

    ”Let’s say a prayer for the families and a prayer of mercy and protection for our state.

    ”My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” he said.

    The governor thanked Lagos residents who joined the state’s first responders in the search and rescue operation.

    He said that the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.

    ”A big thank you to well meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts.

    “Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly,” he said.

  • Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims, neutralise bandit in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims, neutralise bandit in Kaduna

    Troops of Sector Four of “Operation Whirl Punch’’, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have cleared a bandits hideout in a fierce encounter in Kaduna State.

    Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement he issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Aruwan said the troops who embarked on a long-range fighting patrol to Tukurua general area of Chikun Local Government Area of the state, engaged and overpowered the criminals, neutralised one, while others fled in disarray.

    “The troops during the operation rescued 14 kidnap victims, comprising nine men and five women.

    “The victims were moved to a secure location for debriefing and examination, before being reunited with their families,’’ he stated.

    Aruwan added that the troops destroyed several camps in the course of the battle.

    “Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation,’’ he also stated.

    The commissioner stated that Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, was elated at the troops’ successes and commended the leadership of Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and the Force Commander of the “Operation Whirl Punch’’.

    El-Rufai also extolled the prowess of the troops as all the kidnap victims were rescued alive, and unhurt, Aruwan stated.

  • Immigration rescue 6 human trafficking victims in Jigawa

    Immigration rescue 6 human trafficking victims in Jigawa

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Jigawa Command, said it rescued six victims of human trafficking in the state.

    The NIS Comptroller in the state, Mr Ahmed Bagari, told newsmen in Dutse on Monday that the victims were rescued by men of the command on Sunday.

    Bagari, represented by DCI Muhammad Yako, said the victims were rescued at about 6:30 p.m. in an uncompleted building in Babura town, headquarters of Babura Local Government Area of the state.

    He explained that the victims, aged between 20 and 35, were intercepted while on their way to Libya en route Niger Republic.

    The comptroller added that the victims, five females, and a male are from Oyo and Nassarawa states.

    According to him, none of the rescued victims was in possession of any travel document and no incriminating items were found on them during interrogation.

    “The victims were rescued on Sunday, the 1st January 2023 on their way to Niger Republic en route Libya.

    “The victims are made up of five females and one male that hailed from Oyo state; only one of them is from Nasarawa State.

    The victims are as follows: Olalekan A. Alabi, aged 35; Kehinde adetunde, 26; Afolabi ajibola, 24; Adedoyin Adetoji, 20; Olawuyi Mose bolatimoyo, 35 and Blessing John, 22.

    “The victims were rescued in an uncompleted building in Babura town which we believe they were kept by a syndicate,” the comptroller said.

    He added that the NIS Comptroller-General, Mr Idris Jere, had directed that the victims be handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further action.

    According to him, Jere also advised parents, guardians and the general public to desist from sending their children or wards abroad for non existing greener pastures.

    “Nigeria is far better than the so called greener pastures abroad in terms of freedom and other expectations. It is important to advise parents and guardians and the general public to watch over their children or wards and instill patriotism in them to stay in their country of origin and build it to greater heights.

    “This non existing greener pastures abroad deprives them of their freedom and exposes them to slavery, forced labour, organ harvest and death in the desert and at the sea, en route to their destination,” Bagari said.

    He further urged the general public to exercise their civic responsibilities by reporting cases of human trafficking and other related criminal acts to the nearest security agencies.

  • Police rescue 3 kidnap victims, recover weapons in Delta

    Police rescue 3 kidnap victims, recover weapons in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta said it rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered weapons in two separate operations in the state.

    The spokesman of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Sunday in Warri that the victims were rescued by the police operatives attached to the Orerokpe Division in Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the police team was on a visibility patrol duty on the Warri/Sapele Road by Okuvo and Egborede Communities on Saturday when the incident happened.

    “The police operatives sighted some persons being dragged into the bush and suspected that they may have been kidnapped.

    “So, they trailed them into the bush. The hoodlums, upon realising that the policemen were closing in on them, opened fire on the team, and the policemen equally responded,” he said.

    According to Edafe, the hoodlums, who could not withstand the firepower of the operatives, abandoned the victims and escaped.

    He said that they were rescued unhurt and had since reunited with their families while manhunt for the fleeing suspect was ongoing.

    On the recovered weapon, Edafe said that the police operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Warri recovered a locally made cut-to-size pistol concealed in a handbag.

    He that the policemen were
    on a stop-and-search duty on Friday at the front of Daudu Police Outpost, Kpesu Community in Warri South, when they sighted a tricycle driving against traffic.

    “In an attempt to stop them, the suspects dangerously maneuvered the tricycle and escaped, but in the process, a black handbag fell from the tricycle.

    “Upon searching the bag, one locally made cut-to-size pistol
    was recovered. Efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects is ongoing,” Edafe said.

  • FG releases relief materials for flood victims in Anambra

    FG releases relief materials for flood victims in Anambra

    The Federal Government has released relief materials mainly food and non food items to flood victims in Anambra.

    Mr. Walson Ibarakumo, an Assistant Director in charge of Response and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said this after a closed-door meeting with officials of Anambra Government in Awka on Thursday.

    Ibarakumo said the non food items had arrived but the food items were yet to arrive in Anambra due to the traffic challenges caused by flooding in the confluence town of Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The NEMA official and his team were received by Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra, and Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency.

    He said the food consignment had been trapped on the Lokoja axis where flood had rendered the road impassable to vehicular traffic.

    He said the food items meant to Anambra were 1,400 (10kg) bags of rice, 1,400 (10kg) bags of beans, 1,400 (10kg) maize, 75 (20kg) of salt, 75 (20 ltr) vegetable oil, 1,000 cartons of seasoning and 75 cartons of tin tomatoes.

    The non food items included 7,350 nylon mats, 1,000 treated mosquito nets, 600 cartons of bath soap, 2,500 Guinea brocades (5yrds) and 1,000 units of each of children, women and men’s wear.

    Ibarakumo commended the Anambra government for their efforts so far in the response, rescue and intervention operations while expressing hope that the trapped materials would reach the state soon.

    On his part, Ibezim thanked the Federal Government for the support but expressed regrets over the devastating impact of the flood on Anambra.

    Ibezim said the number of affected local government areas had increased from five to seven with addition of Ihiala and Ekwusigo.

    He said new challenges were emerging each new day due to rising water levels and that the government was still busy with containing the disaster which overstretched their preparations.

    The deputy governor said efforts were being made to provide minimal comfort to victims and that every item meant to cushion their pains would be diligently distributed.

  • Photos: Flood overwhelms Delta State as communities cry out

    Photos: Flood overwhelms Delta State as communities cry out

    …IMG calls on Delta Govt to help victims

    Delta State communities have been overwhelmed by flood as people are displaced from their ancestral homes.

    Reports monitored by TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) clearly indicate that there’s no community that does not have its fair share.

    Mostly affected are, Ijaw, Urhobo and Isoko communities in different locations of the state.

    A group under the aegis of Isoko Monitoring Group in a statement blamed Delta government for not showing concern to the plight of the affected communities.

    Hear the group:

    The Isoko Monitoring Group, (IMG) has expressed bewilderment at the
    “zero response” from government at all levels to the sufferings of the people of various communities in
    Isoko North and South Local Government Areas and other parts of Delta State currently being ravaged by flood

    The group, in a statement its President, Dr Oke Michael Aziakpono and Spokesperson/PRO
    Dr. Kingsley Oroh said: “As risk areas of the country suffer this seasonal disaster every year occasioned by failure of government in executing their responsibilities, the Isoko Monitoring Group, (IMG) is in bewilderment at the total insouciance and zero response from governments at various levels.

    “Rather than going to Uyo to preach rescue messages, we expected Governor Okowa and his officials to be on their Rainboots and in canoes visiting our people, who are suffering the impacts of this devastating flood to rescue them to at least IDP camps which a responsible and responsive government should have established by now.

     

    “That the Minister representing Delta State chose to be serenading us with BAT MOMENTS rather than mobilising all instruments of government to bring relief materials to the suffering people of Isoko displaced by this flood typifies the insensitivity of the Federal Government.

    “The two local government chairmen should wake up from their long slumber, fold up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. Our people are suffering

    “The nation’s weather watch agency typically puts out warnings indicating the magnitude of the flood and what to expect. It would therefore be expected that government mitigation and relief agencies will be prepared to step in to protect communities and people at risk; but this is never the case.

    “As at the time of this statement, 60% of communities in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas of Delta State are under water, farmlands and homes in some areas have been washed away. Our people are displaced and devastated.

    “We call on the State government to step in immediately by embarking on a tour of affected communities to get firsthand assessment of what her citizens are suffering, to enable the government develop an appropriate response in conjunction with the federal government. This is the least we expect.

    “May we also point out that governments exist to serve and protect citizens. For government impact to be missing at critical times such as this implies that public officials do not understand the functions of government. This is the time for elected and appointed officials to swing into action and show concern for the hardship caused to their people by this disaster.

    “Like other affected communities in the country, our people need immediate relief materials for daily survival and after the flood they will need to rebuild their homes and restart their farming activities. Government assistance is greatly needed.

     

    “Although flood is a natural disaster, we are aware that this annual flooding is compounded by the opening of the dam in neighboring Cameroun, and the surging water pushes its way down to the lower Niger washing away communities on the lower Niger.

    “The federal government need to honour the agreement reached with the Camerounian government in 1977 by completing the Dasin Hausa dam in Adamawa state. While we await that, the two governments need to work together to find mitigation to this problem in the interest of their people.

    “We are also calling on all sons and daughters of Isoko to come to the aid of their brothers and sisters affected by this flood.”

  • Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Troops of Nigerian Armed Forces operating in North West, North Central theatres of operations have eliminated over 45 terrorists/bandits in both land and air operations in the last two weeks.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, made this known at a bi-weekly news briefing of the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    In North Central, Onyeuko said the air component of Operation Whirl Punch carried out air strike on terrorists loyal to a notorious terrorist, Alhaji Shanono at Ukambo village in Kaduna State.

    He said the air strike was carried out during the terrorists meeting on Aug. 8 based on credible intelligence.

    He said the airstrike led to the killing of Shanono with 18 other terrorists, adding that 30 AK47 rifles and 20 motorcycles were destroyed in the attack.

    Onyeuko said that as a result of the operations, 45 kidnapped civilians were released.

    Onyeuko further said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested some notorious criminals who had been on the wanted list of the theatre command.

    He said Nathaniel Azege, who had been terrorising Makurdi town was apprehended as well as Moses Aindigh (27) and Mr Iluyasu Mohammed (37) during the period.

    In North West, Onyeuko said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji on July 25, arrested five suspected foreign bandits named, Muritala Wada, Saminu Sani, Shamisu Adamu, Salisu Saadu and Usman Ibrahim at Jibia in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    He said the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji had on Aug. 6, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists enclave and hideout located at Rudu forest in Katsina State.

    According to hin, the air interdiction led to the neutralisation of a high profiled terrorist leader who has been on the wanted list of the military named Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal (a.k.a Abdulkareem Boss) and his foot soldiers.

    “Credible intelligence report revealed that he was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustling and kidnapping and was also known to regularly invite terrorists group from other areas and regions to join in the attack on his targets.

    “Report gathered from the locals revealed that the terrorists leaders were neutralised alongside 27 foot soldiers,” he said.

    Onyeuko further revealed that troops had between July 31 and Aug. 2, arrested one Malam Yahaya a notorious bandit informant who had been on the tracking list of the Department of State Security for collaborating with bandits on the numerous attacks in Sabon Brini general area of Sokoto State.

    According to him, the troops also recovered 161 cattle, eight camels, large consignment of clothing from terrorists after an encounter in Zango in Shinkafi Local Government Area.