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Ishinkwo-Ukawu Community Demands Justice, Assistance Amidst Missing Persons Report
The Ishinkwo-Ukawu Autonomous Community in Ebonyi State is seeking justice and support after an armed invasion left five individuals missing.
In a devastating turn of events, the Ishinkwo-Ukawu Autonomous Community located in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has encountered an alarming situation following their community fall to an armed invasion, resulting in the mysterious disappearance of five individuals. This distressing incident has prompted an urgent call for intervention, leaving the community in tears and anguish.
The Missing Individuals
As the Ishinkwo-Ukawu Community Development Union (ICDU) Worldwide’s spokesperson, Agunkwo Mahakwe, released a statement regarding this unfortunate event, the names of the missing persons were disclosed. The individuals who are reported missing are Mr Ali Una, Mr Oketa Mgbada, Mr Obo Ekuma, Nwite Oga, and Mrs Agnes Alo Nwijaga. The community is deeply concerned about their well-being and safety.
An Invasion Of Terror
On July 3, 2023, Ishinkwo-Ukawu community faced a horrifying ordeal as armed assailants invaded their peaceful surroundings, bringing chaos, violence, and suffering. In the broad daylight, the attackers left a trail of destruction, causing harm and leaving the community in a state of shock.
Eyewitness Accounts And Frustrations
A native of the Ishinkwo-Ukawu community, who narrowly escaped the clutches of the invaders, expressed profound sorrow over the extent of devastation inflicted upon their loved ones. Meanwhile, Mr. Onyebuchi Eze, a resident of Abaomege, shared a video on his Facebook account that vividly portrayed the severity of the attack. He expressed disbelief at the apparent inaction of military personnel stationed at the Abaomege Junction, who failed to intervene during the assault. Such inadequate response from those responsible for safeguarding the community raises grave concerns.
Government Awareness And Prior Initiatives
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, it is imperative to note that the Ebonyi State Government, under the previous administration of Governor Dave Umahi, had already taken steps to address the ongoing conflict. Measures were implemented, urging warring communities to refrain from encroaching upon disputed lands. However, the recent attack highlights the need for further intervention.
Urgent Plea For Order And Justice
The statement issued by the Ishinkwo-Ukawu community implores Governor Francis Nwifuru to restore order and prevent further unwarranted attacks. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation is urgently requested to identify the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act and ensure they face appropriate legal consequences.
Appeal For Support And Assistance
In light of the immense anguish and pain endured by the Ishinkwo people, they humbly beseech the government for aid. The community urgently requires palliative measures and medical assistance to alleviate the suffering caused by this traumatic event. Their plea for support resonates with the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate their distress.
The Ishinkwo-Ukawu community of Ebonyi State is reeling from the aftermath of a brutal armed invasion that has left five individuals missing. As they mourn their losses and grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones, they call upon the government to step forward and ensure justice is served. With the community’s welfare hanging in the balance, it is crucial that swift action is taken to address this distressing situation and provide the necessary aid and support. The Ishinkwo-Ukawu Autonomous Community yearns for peace, security, and a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has disrupted their lives.
The Need For Unity And Collaboration
Amidst this challenging period, it is essential for the affected communities and the government to join forces in finding a lasting solution. Collaborative efforts can help restore harmony and prevent further tragedies from befalling innocent individuals. Open dialogue, mediation, and the involvement of relevant stakeholders can pave the way towards reconciliation and peace.
Raising Awareness And Advocacy
The plight of the Ishinkwo-Ukawu community should not go unnoticed. It is crucial to raise awareness about their struggles and advocate for their cause. By shedding light on this distressing incident, concerned individuals, organizations, and the wider public can extend their support, both moral and material, to assist the affected community in their journey towards healing and recovery.
Addressing Root Causes And Long-term Solutions
To ensure that such incidents do not recur, it is imperative to address the root causes of the conflict. Identifying the underlying issues, whether they are related to land disputes, ethnic tensions, or other factors, is vital for implementing long-term solutions. The government, community leaders, and relevant authorities must work together to devise sustainable strategies that promote peaceful coexistence and prevent the escalation of violence.
Rebuilding Lives And Restoring Hope
Beyond the immediate crisis, the Ishinkwo-Ukawu community requires substantial assistance in rebuilding their lives and restoring hope. This includes not only the provision of shelter, food, and medical aid but also the revitalization of local infrastructure, educational institutions, and economic opportunities. By investing in the community’s recovery, we can help them regain their dignity and rebuild a thriving, resilient society.
Appealing For Humanitarian Support
In this time of distress, humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in providing relief and support. It is essential for these organizations to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to meet the urgent needs of the affected community. By collaborating with local authorities and community leaders, humanitarian agencies can ensure that aid reaches those who need it most effectively.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future
Despite the darkness that has befallen the Ishinkwo-Ukawu community, there is hope for a brighter future. By standing together, offering solidarity and support, we can help them overcome their current challenges. Let us work towards a society where every individual can live without fear, where communities can thrive in harmony, and where peace and justice prevail.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.