Security
Edo Deploys Over 120 Security Personnel To Forests To Dislodge Criminals, Others
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, said over 120 security personnel have been deployed to forests in the state, particularly the Ovia Forest to dislodge criminals from the area.
Obaseki disclosed this after presiding over the February Security Council Meeting at the Executive Council (EXCO) Chambers in Government House, Benin City.
He said the Council is working to deploy more security personnel to other forests across the state to prevent criminals from migrating to places that are currently enjoying peace.
The governor revealed that Edo had an impressive drop of incidence from about 170 in January to 46 in February, noting that the state Security Council is working proactively to ensure the security of lives and property in communities where farmers/herders clashes are prevalent.
According to him, “We have deployed over 120 security personnel to dislodge criminals from the Ovia axis of our forest. We got information that criminals are trying to come back, but we have redeployed more security personnel. We are working on how to completely flush them out of Edo State.”
Obaseki noted that the Security Council also resolved to immediately begin the arrest and prosecution of owners of unregistered vehicles, as well as vehicles with covered number plates in the state.
On his part, Edo State Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Henry Benamaisia said the agency has discovered that criminals move around the state with unregistered plate numbers, adding, “to check this, the state government has set up a task force to arrest offenders starting from today.”
He noted that the Federal Government through the FRSC has approved 5,000 plate numbers for Edo State, noting, “All plate numbers must not be covered but opened as security agencies from this week will embark on a massive operation to arrest offenders.”
“Speed is a major cause of accidents and deaths on our road. Consequently, the governor has given us the mandate to arrest any commercial bus driver not using the speed limit device.”
“It is compulsory for all commercial vehicles in Edo state to install their speed limit device. If you are a commercial driver in Edo State without the speed limit device, it is now an offense and you will be arrested,” he added.
Speaking on the successes in ridding the state of kidnappers, Commissioner of Police, CP Philip Ogbadu, revealed that between January and February, the command has arrested several suspects including three persons on the Police wanted list since June last year, while three AK 47 rifles were recovered from the suspected kidnappers.
On his part, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Iyamu SAN, explained that after a meeting between the Governor and the EFCC in Edo state, the state is developing a coordinated approach to stamp out cybercrime from the state.
“From the data presented and correlated by that of the state, it’s clear that large numbers of youths are engaged in this act. The age bracket involved in cybercrime is from 15 to less than 30 years, and prominent among them is dating scams, which is about 80 to 90 percent of the cybercrime activities in the state.
“Just as the state took the lead in tackling human trafficking five years ago, we are planning to attack cybercrime head-on and not to lose a whole generation of youths as we attack it from the root. Our youths are no longer interested in schooling. We are planning to attack the root cause.”
The Akwa Ibom police Command has arrested one Victor Okon, 42, for the alleged gruesome murder of his wife, Victoria Okoh, 38, at their residence in Oron.
The police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday.
Ms John said the command’s operatives swiftly responded to a distress call from concerned residents at 05:20 p.m. about the incident.
“On arrival at the scene, the officers discovered the mutilated body of the deceased lying outside the house she shared with her husband,” Mr John said.
She said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly attacked his wife with a machete over accusations of infidelity.
Ms John said further reports indicated that the suspect hid in the ceiling of the house in an attempt to evade arrest.
The PPRO said the officers went into the building and apprehended the man.
“The machete used in committing the crime was recovered by the police, and photographs of the scene were taken for investigation purposes,” she said.
Mr John said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the state’s General Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
She said the suspect would be charged to court soon.
Ms John quoted the commissioner of police, CP Baba Azare, to have condemned the act and assured the public that justice would take its full course.
Mr Azare warned against all forms of domestic violence and called on residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
He pledged the commitment of the command toward ensuring the safety of citizens.
Mr Azare also urged the members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.
Okechukwu, who served at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area, was taken from his residence on Tuesday night. His body was discovered the following day, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
In a statement released two days after his death, the US Mission described the killing as “brutal and senseless” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the mission said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”
The killing of clergy members has become a recurring concern in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target religious leaders, community members, and security forces. The US Mission’s statement reflects growing international concern over insecurity in the region.
Bandits suspected to be kidnappers have again abducted a relative of the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Hassan Kukuh and six other persons in Anchuna village, Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.
The attack according to a competent source occurred on Wednesday night and created apprehension as the bandits stormed the village in large numbers, shooting sporadically before making away with their victims who were taken to an unknown destination.
A resident of the area and family member of the Kukahs, Mr. Samuel Kukah confirmed the incident, saying that his younger brother, Ishaya Kukah, was among those abducted.
In his words;“My brother, Ishaya, was the only male among the abductees; the rest are women and children, the attackers launched their attack around 11pm,” he said.
He said there had not been any contact with the kidnappers or any form of ransom demanded for their release but stressed, “We are praying for their safe return while we playfully wait for their call,” he said.
He also called on security agencies to take proactive action to secure their safe return while emphasising that most of those abducted were vulnerable people.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reached on his mobile phone as at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, the residents of the community have continued to call for intensified security measures to curb the menace in the area.
It would be recalled that Yohanna Kukah, a paramount ruler of Ikulu Kingdom and brother to Bishop Kukah was kidnapped on 2nd January 2018 at his residence in Anchuna village, Zangon Kataf local government area in Southern Kaduna and regained freedom after spending nine days with the kidnappers.
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu Emerges CMD Federal Medical Centre Kafanchan (white box)
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Shehu is part of the six people President Bola Tinubu appointed as new Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for federal government-owned hospitals in Akure, Gombe, Azare, Lafia, Maiduguri, and Kafanchan.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, disclosed the development.
The appointees included Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, appointed Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo State. A seasoned medical professional, Prof. Ojo previously served as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital.
“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi has been reappointed as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, following an outstanding performance during his first term. His reappointment underscores his exceptional leadership and contributions to the hospital’s growth.
“Dr. Dauda Abubakar Katagum, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, has been confirmed as the substantive CMD.
“Dr. Ikrama Hassan has been appointed as the ChiefMedical Director of the newly upgraded Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State. A consultant physician, Dr. Hassan previously served as the Medical Director of the Dalhatu Ibrahim Arab Specialist Hospital before its elevation to a teaching hospital.
“Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat, a renowned Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established National Orthopedic Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Dr Haruna Abubakar Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, Kaduna State,” he stated.
He noted that all appointments were for four years, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office.
“Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi’s second and final term as CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, commenced on September 5, 2024,” he added .
Onanuga also said Dr Dauda Abubakar Katagum’s tenure as CMD of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi State, took effect from December 6, 2024.
President Tinubu congratulate the newly appointed and reappointed Chief Medical Directors, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery in their respective roles. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality medical services.