₦airaland Forum

MideMrPossible:
Regenerative Agriculture drops

chief, good day, what you're doing is also known as homesteading, it's my ideal retirement plan and I have been opening threads here in search of Nigerians in it to learn from without success. I would love to learn more from you. I'm based in the east but is open to relocation in a few years time to achieve my dreams.

Fasoranti makes U-turn, says Adebanjo remains Afenifere leader


Sonibare cautions Tinubu’s media handlers to stop creating tension in Afenifere
• Your celebration of Tinubu’s endorsement by Makinde is laughable, Oyo PDP mocks APC
• Tinubu as president will not disappoint Nigerians – SWAGA

After days of chest-thumping, the patriarch of the Yoruba apex socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has declared that Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains the leader of the group.

In a statement made available to journalists in Akure, yesterday, Personal Assistant to the patriarch, Adedapo Abiola, debunked as mere rumour reports that Adebanjo had been de-robed of his leadership position.

On Wednesday, reports had been rife that Adebanjo, who is the acting leader of the group, had been suspended as a fall-out of the endorsement of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday.

Recall that Tinubu was received by some Afenifere and Yoruba leaders at Fasoranti’s house in Akure, throwing their weight behind him ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Days after, the supposed endorsement had caused divisions within the group, as it is divided into the Labour Party (LP) faction, led by Adebanjo, who was conspicuously absent in the Akure meeting; and the Fasoranti-led faction rooting for Tinubu.

But in a retraction of recent developments, Abiola said: “It has come to Papa R.F. Fasoranti’s knowledge that some sections of the media, especially the social media, have been ascribing to him false statements designed to cause confusion and polarise Afenifere.

“I have Papa’s permission to say that he has not said that Chief Adebanjo is no longer the acting leader of Afenifere or that all future Afenifere meetings should henceforth be held at his residence in Akure.”

He explained that “Papa’s main concern is the interest of Yoruba in the complex political situation in Nigeria. It is also his concern that Afenifere should survive in dignity and remain a purveyor of the interest of the Yoruba race.”

FOLLOWING yesterday’s position of Fasoranti that his successor, Adebanjo, remained the leader of Afenifere, the chairman of the Lagos branch of the group, Chief Supo Sonibare, told The Guardian that the issue between the two elders has been resolved.

Sonibare said: “It was unfortunate that the media handlers of Tinubu deliberately created unfounded misunderstanding between the two nonagenarians for wherever intention they aimed to achieve.”

He also dismissed the allegation that Adebanjo unilaterally endorsed Obi. According to him, “I do not think it was right to intentionally demonise Pa Adebanjo. Majority of the people in the Afenifere executive endorsed Obi. The matter was taken to the General Assembly, where all state chairmen of the group were present and Obi was endorsed. The issue simply became aggravated due to politics and interest.”

Sonibare said he could not understand why the endorsement of Obi by Afenifere suddenly became a controversy leading to an altercation between the two leaders.
“This is not the first time the organisation would endorse a presidential candidate. There was a time it endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan and even former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“The handlers of Tinubu media should understand that after politics and the 2023 general election, the Yoruba race would continue and posterity would judge whatever anyone does.”

He charged those promoting animosity between Adebanjo and Fasoranti to refrain, saying “they should stop using emotional blackmail to pit the elders against one another. Tinubu should tell his people to focus more on issues and how to sell their party to Nigeria, rather than trying to destroy Afenifere. If APC is a brand as they claim, why are they now trying to take on the brand of Afenifere. They should allow peace reign in Afenifere.”

In another reaction, Pa Akin Oke, immediate past state chairman of Oyo APC, who is also one of the followers of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of defunct Action Group (AG), said it was good that peace is gradually returning to Afenifere with the position taken by Fasoranti.

He, however, expressed reservation over the manner Chief Adebanjo endorsed Obi.

He noted that the issue is a minor one but for the fact that some people felt Adebanjo and or Afenifere leaders cannot take such a crucial decision to support Obi on behalf of the entire Yoruba people without due consultation.
MEANWHILE, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, yesterday, described as laughable and pathetic the reaction of the state chapter of APC to the purported endorsement of Tinubu by the governor, Seyi Makinde. The Oyo PDP said APC has further shown the world its pitiable condition as far as current political realities are concerned.

“By celebrating the purported endorsement, which amounts to a fluke, APC has shown itself as fickle-minded, whose thinking is far removed from state and national realities,” it said.

“The governor, who is not only leader of PDP in Oyo, but also the entire Southwest, did not at any fora endorse the candidature of Tinubu. For the sake of emphasis, Governor Makinde never endorsed Tinubu against his own party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

“What happened is that Senator Oloye Teslim Folarin and his hallucinating APC members tried to misrepresent the information by the deputy governor. This is the true state of things and we made bold to reiterate that Oyo State and PDP will not do anything politically that undermines the interest of the state and her people.

“We urge our people to ignore and discountenance the misinformation being peddled around by APC as false propaganda, which has been their hallmark since the creation of the party. Little wonder that the same APC government, which recently bestowed on ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, an award of excellence in public service, is the same party that rode to power on the strength of false propaganda, mischief and malicious campaign against the same man so honoured.”

THE Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended Fasoranti for endorsing Tinubu as his preferred presidential candidate. MURIC, in a statement by its director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, yesterday, said Fasoranti’s endorsement is capable of uniting the Yoruba people as Christians and Muslims will now rally behind the former Lagos governor.

“MURIC commends Pa Fasoranti for his sportsmanship and broadmindedness. His name will be engraved in letters of gold for ignoring the illogical, irrational and inexplicable choice of Pa Adebanjo, who declared support for Peter Obi,” MURIC’s statement read in part.

“The likely fallout of this development is a future payback by Yoruba Muslims who have shown the willingness to support a Christian candidate in future if their Christian counterparts vote for Tinubu, a Yoruba Muslim, in 2023.”

Also, Nigerians have been urged to have faith in Tinubu, saying he will not disappoint the country if he wins the election. The call was made by Senator Dayo Adeyeye, National Convener, South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) during the commissioning of the Osun State secretariat of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign in Osogbo yesterday.

Oyetunde Ojo, who represented Adeyeye, described the APC presidential candidate as a man bereft of religious bigotry and someone who ensures that things are done as and when due.

Ojo who revealed that SWAGA started from Osun, also added that Asiwaju will be president for all Nigerians, not Yoruba alone.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Adewale Akanbi, in his remark warned against betrayal. Speaking on behalf of other monarchs present at the event, Oba Akanbi urged all eligible voters to vote en masse for Tinubu.

His words: “We must all vote for Asiwaju Tinubu because he is our son.”

Oba Akanbi also maintained that the move for Tinubu to be president in 2023 is greater than the quest of the late Awolowo, adding that Awolowo’s prayers must be answered.

“Awolowo’s prayers must come to pass through Tinubu. This is not about political parties but about Yoruba. All Yoruba must vote for Tinubu for others to vote for him. All Yoruba are for Asiwaju and he will act as a bridge builder and he is marketable,” he stated.

https://guardian.ng/news/fasoranti-makes-u-turn-says-adebanjo-remains-afenifere-leader/

Nigerians are defeating tribalism by uniting to promote the best candidate for the job.

So who is suffering the effects of the sanctions,NATO or Russia? These sanctions would only open new markets for Asian factories in places like India, China, Pakistan etc who would take over the customers of these European companies by offering similar products at lower prices.

Almost all security agencies and federal bodies are headed by northerners under Buhari despite the region been the most educationally backward, merit is dead in Nigeria. I read this woman's profile, she's a pilot and a communication expert who have attended many courses including possessing a bachelor's and master degree in communication studies, passing the military course in communication among others. She thrives on merit in America unlike in Nigeria that Buhari thrives on nepotism and favouritism.

lhordspy:
He said he doesnt want people to vote for him because he is Christian?

Yet he has been going from churches to churches instigating the christians against the muslim, so is his zombidients supporters. To the extent that a religious body like CAN is now taking every little opportunity it has to attack muslim verbally during any interview.

You see my friends, i wont be voting this man not because i dont like him.but because he is a pretentious catalyst, a divider. A green snake in the green grass. A man should stand by his actions and Tactics. But Obi will rather be pretending up and down as a unifier, while he go about dividing the nation.

This may sounds tribalistic but it is not. I think there is a problem with all south-easterners. They all have this inbuilt hate and envy instigating character. Anywhere or every where they find themselves, hate is always the order of things there.

I mean, we have had hundreds of election across Nigeria since the beginning of democracy, we have never encounter any politics of hate and calmunies like this before. Not till the Igbos decided to get involve.

Those set of hatred filled souls and agent will never rule this country for the betterment of Nigeria.

Peter Obi have also been meeting influential Muslim clerics, no matter what you say, Nigerians knows that Peter Obi is the best candidate for the job.

The current agitations and insecurity in the country was caused by Buhari, he unleashed the security forces against Sunday Igbogho and Nnamdi KANU, refused to obey court orders and judgements concerning them because they're protesting the nepotism and tribalism under his regime but he pampers Fulani terrorists causing insecurity all over northern Nigeria to even southern Nigeria. Peter Obi would be a father to the whole nation.

The world cannot do without health inspection officers especially in the age of pandemics. Both men are thieving terrorists, Shettima is a book haram boss and Atiku a Fulani elite/oligarch who has never hidden his support for murderous herdsmen terrorising the country and grabbing land by violence. On Obi-Datti we stand.

Nigerians don't have to worry about the price of dollars because their salaries are paid in naira-Thief-nubu

989900:
This is just toooo sad . . . my cousin lost her husband in this attack . . . she and the kids barely made it.

very heartbreaking

Its very serious.

michlins:
How easily can you earn $1 in USA that's what you should be concerned about. Minimum wage is 30k here and a liter of petrol is 200 plus subsidy. Which means that your minimum wage will buy you only 150 liters.

Meanwhile in USA, it's $1250 and a liter of petrol is $1 without subsidy. So if you get 1250 liters with the minimum wage in USA. That's how you should calculate it.

It's election time and this type of misinformation is expected.

You don't check how much something is sold abroad and convert it to Naira and when I compare Naira to Dollar rates, you ask me if I spend dollars

Many if not most Nigerian workers don't even earn up to #30,000 per month ( some university graduates working in private schools earns as little as #15,000 per month). Judging by the comments, this stupid article was sponsored by Tinubu urchins and would soon make it to the front page after the super moderators have removed the most critical comments exposing their poor logic.

Lagos-Ibadan highway kidnappers killed captives over ransom, collected N3.2m from my father – Lady

One of the released victims of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway abduction, Aminat Taiwo, has narrated how her father paid N3.2m to her kidnappers before she was released alongside her friend, Tobi Orekoya.

Aminat, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on Monday, said her father took the ransom to the kidnappers deep in the forest, where they were held.

The victim, her friend and some other road users were kidnapped last Friday near the Sat Guru Maharaji Garden at the Ibadan end of the expressway.

The abductors contacted the families of the victims and demanded ransom ranging from N50m to N10m.
It was, however, reported that Aminat, her friend, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, and a student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olayemi Adejare, were released on Sunday after two days in captivity.

Speaking with our correspondent, Aminat lamented that they were not provided with food or drinks during the period.

She also claimed that some of the victims, who could not meet up with the deadline given to pay ransom, were shot dead.
The 22-year-old graduate, who described her ordeal as horrible, said they fell into an ambush of the kidnappers on their way to attend a friend’s wedding in Ibadan.

She said, “Those kidnappers were more than 30; they covered their faces. They were putting on army and police uniforms.

“They were armed to the teeth; they had guns, swords, knives and other weapons.

“They asked us to lie down and collected all our money and phones. They collected gold chains, wristwatches, and other jewellery.

“At first, we thought they just wanted to rob us, but to our greatest surprise, after stripping us of everything we had, they asked us to start moving inside a deep forest. We walked for more than two hours inside the forest. When we got to a place, they asked us to lie down.

“We were moving in the forest for several hours; they did not give us water or food. We licked water on leaves in the forest.

“For the two days I spent with them, we did not stay too long in a place before they moved us to another place.”

Her father, Kayode Taiwo, said the family raised N800,000 from donations across the world.

He, however, said family members and friends supported him before he raised the money demanded by the kidnappers.

He said, “Some people donated N1,000, N500, N200, N400. By the time we calculated everything, it was around N800,000.

“I paid N2m as ransom for my daughter, while her friend’s parents paid N1.2m. But I was the one that handed over everything to them at the hideout.

“When I was at Toll Gate, they asked me to wait there and collect the money the mother of my daughter’s friend was bringing. They told me I should come alone that the woman could not come to where they were.”

Meanwhile, the university don said he was lucky to be alive, as a bullet fired at him by his abductors grazed his forehead.

Adigun, in a statement made on his behalf by his son, Adewale, said, “It is a new day today, and I’m happy to be alive. I was released by my kidnappers yesterday evening (Sunday) after spending two nights in the thick forests of Ogun and Oyo states.

uates, the young men and the middle aged person I left behind with the kidnappers. I may not be reachable now but as soon as I get medical clearance from my doctors, I will be thanking all of you personally.”

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that the professor had been released and was undergoing “medical intervention.”

https://punchng.com/lagos-ibadan-highway-kidnappers-killed-captives-over-ransom-collected-n3-2m-from-my-father-lady/

All I know is Peter Obi is my candidate while others are just whiling away their times and fretting away their stored loots.

kalu61:
Setting out of this cost friendly four bedrooms upstairs in Nnono Oboro Ikwuano L.G.A. Abia State for a client in Italy.

is this a block of flat? One flat up,another down.

Tinubu and Atiku are just desperate to introduce tribalism into this election

Out of the three main candidates, it's only Obi that any Nigerian can trust with his vote or money. Atiku and thieffnubu are known to be corrupt, vengeful and too old/sick to run a nation.

They failed to give reasons and it doesn't make any sense. Abuja indigenes should instead start stocking up arms and ammunition especially those in very rural areas.

seunmsg:
That’s Fasoranti in the picture praying for Tinubu.

Kidnapped sisters said abductors butchering captured Lagos-Ibadan travellers – Sibling

Twenty-five-year-old final year student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, Oluwatobiloba Orekoya, and her sister, Aminat, a graduate awaiting NYSC call-up, were among an unspecified number of travelellers waylaid and kidnapped by suspected Fulani bandits on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday, October 28, 2022. Their elder sister, Oluwaseyi, and mother, Funke, tell GODFREY GEORGE that their abductors are demanding N20m ransom for their release

What is your relationship with the kidnapped ladies?

I am their elder sister. My name is Oluwaseyi Ashoba. I am based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but my parents are in Mowe. Both my sisters, Aminat and Oluwatobiloba, who were kidnapped, live in Abeokuta. I am 28 years old. I am a businesswoman. I sell foodstuffs.

How did you learn about your sisters’ kidnap?


Yesterday (Friday, October 28, 2022), one of Tobiloba’s friends invited both of them to a birthday party in Ibadan. So, they started preparations to attend the party. Tobiloba would be 25 by next month, whereas Aminat is around 22. So, they are not young children, and it wasn’t unusual for them to be invited to parties. I remember that around 3pm or so, they both went out to fix their nails and eyelashes and other things, getting set for the party. At about 5pm or so, they left Abeokuta for Ibadan. They told me that they had left. I was fully aware when they left. I was there when their friends called and were telling them that they were already running late and they said they were on their way. From Abeokuta to Ibadan is not even up to one hour under normal circumstances, so they were supposed to get there before 6pm.

I learnt that when they got to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, there was an accident involving two suspected Yahoo boys. The accident was fatal, I learnt, and the road got blocked. No car could move. It was a standstill. So, Aminat and Tobi were in the bus, waiting while efforts were being made to clear the road. Some said they had called the emergency agency. It was not even up to five minutes after that stop that some Fulani herdsmen came out from the bush in their droves and attacked the travellers. We learnt from escapees that my sisters tried to escape but were later caught where they were hiding and taken into the bush. The people who told us said they really ran and hid but they were shocked at how they were caught. It seemed like the herders used black magic to locate where they were. They kidnapped many of them. They kidnapped both of them.

How did you receive the news of their kidnap?

My brother called me yesterday (Friday) to tell me that my sisters had been kidnapped. I didn’t believe it, because it was not even up to two hours after I heard from them. How were they kidnapped just like that? I said it was not possible. I convinced myself. It was this morning (Saturday, October 29, 2022), that I saw Tobi’s classmates and everyone else posting and calling for donations into my brother’s account that I knew that we have a situation on our hands. I had to call my brother and he told me that it was true.

Have the kidnappers reached out to your family?

Yes, they have. The Fulani kidnappers called Aminat’s boyfriend with Aminat’s phone and told us that they had kidnapped Aminat and her sister, Tobi, and that we should get ready for them to call us again. That was what made us know that they were indeed kidnapped. As of this morning, my mum spoke to them in their language – because my mum understands Fulfude, having stayed in the North – and they (kidnappers) told us to bring N10m for each of them. So, for the two of them, we are to bring N20m. My mum kept begging them to release her children because the family did not have anything to give them. They simply laughed and told her to go and get the money or else they would kill the girls as they had done to many others. They told her to get off the phone and go get them that N20m, and that she should make it quick. We recorded that conversation and I can send it to you. She said she can afford N1m; they laughed and told her to go and gather money, insisting they must collect N20m from the family.

But what makes you so sure they are actually Fulani?

I said they spoke Fulfude. We even called Aminat’s number later and they still picked up and spoke only Fulfude to us. It was my mom and some other people who understand the language that interpreted to us. They demanded the ransom in their language. If they were not Fulani, what will I gain to say they are? It is not the first time they are operating on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, so we know what we are saying when we say they are Fulani herdsmen.

Have you managed to speak to your sisters?

Yes, we have. The second time we called, they allowed us to speak to them for a minute. They were crying, shouting and begging us to do whatever we could to get them out of the kidnappers’ den. They said we should sell whatever we could and pay the kidnappers. Aminat said they had killed some people beside them and the killing was still on. She said if the kidnappers call the family of the captives and they are not being reasonable, they will just butcher them. It is not a joke at all. It sent chills down my spine. They had hardly finished talking when the kidnappers dragged the phone off their hands and told us to get that money.

How is your mum coping with this situation?

She has not eaten since yesterday. She has just been crying, sitting on the floor, rolling naked on the ground, calling on God. It is almost like she is not herself anymore. Two children, at once! I am not sure anyone can take that. We really need help.

When we heard N20m, I think my mum even almost passed out. I am not sure any of us has counted such an amount of money in our lives. My mum is a trader. My dad is not really doing much. He is a land agent. As I speak to you now, there is no hope. All we have been able to raise is N250,000. We don’t have any land to sell; we would have sold it. We have sold all our furniture and everything else we can sell to raise that money. It is painful.

Have you reported this case to the police?

Yes, my dad reported to the Mowe Police Station, and they said they were on top of it. They said they had tracked the kidnappers to Ogere. I wouldn’t like to give further details for security reasons. I am so scared of even going back to Abeokuta because I pass through the expressway all the time.

What kind of girls are Aminat and Tobi?

These girls are people who hardly go out. If not that the person who invited them is a close friend, they wouldn’t have left to attend that party. They were even having a second thought but… We just need help. I don’t even know what to say. Anything anyone anywhere can raise to help us, they should help us. The money is too much. N20m? Where are we supposed to get it from?

No way we can raise N20m ransom –Mother
What is your name?

My name is Funke Orekoya. I am the mother of the two girls who were kidnapped yesterday (Friday) I am a trader. I am 50 years old.

How did you receive the news of the sad incident?

I was told by my son, and I almost fainted. My heart skipped. Two children? Ah! I cannot take it. God! We need help. We need help o! They said we should bring N20m. Where am I going to get it from? Is it from this business that is struggling to stand? Even if I sell myself, will I reallise N20m? Who has done this to me (sobs)?

We learnt that you spoke to the kidnappers directly. Is this true?

Yes, we spoke to them. I was the one who spoke to them in their language, which I also understand. I am from Ogun State but I understand their language. They didn’t even let me beg them, they laughed at me and said, “You are here nagging, crying and begging us instead of you to go and look for the money?” They sounded so confident. It wasn’t something new to them. “Go and look for money and we will know what next to do,” they said.

What are your demands in this matter?

call on the Governor of Ogun State, my own governor, to come to my aid. I will not survive this if these children are taken away from me. I call on Dapo Abiodun’s wife; all the governors’ wives of the 36 states. I call on the president, Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, to come and help me. Everyone who has a heart of flesh should come and help me. I cannot raise N20m on my own. I cannot! Help me! I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. My blood pressure, I am sure, has risen. I don’t want my children to die.
https://punchng.com/kidnapped-sisters-said-abductors-butchering-captured-lagos-ibadan-travellers-sibling/

"You have no reason to worry about the rising prices of the dollar because your salaries are paid in Naira not dollars"-Tinubu.

This one too would soon be denied. The same pa Fasoranti that his daughter was killed by Fulani kidnappers and Tinubu stormed his house to ask "Where is their cows? Is Evans a Fulani herdsmen?". A vote for Tinubu is a vote for continuous Fulani kidnappers in Yoruba land.

Enugu in trouble, kidnappers everywhere!

By Anayo Okoli, Dennis Agbo, Chinedu Adonu & Ikechukwu Odu

Even though kidnap for ransom has been in prevalence in Enugu state for some years now, a worrisome trend recently manifested, in the past two months, in several parts of Enugu state, compounding the insecurity situations in the state.

The recent kidnappings came to a head on Thursday with the abduction of a former secretary to the Enugu State Government, Dr. Dan Shere, along Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka road. In the past one week the kidnappers suspected to be Fulani bandits laid siege along the road and abducted passengers almost every day of the week. Among those kidnapped is an official of Enugu state government, Mr. Foster Ugwuoke who was abducted within the week among other commuters that travelled along the road.

On Sunday, a number of students returning to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) after the eight months ASUU strike were also packed into the bush along the road and report has it that the kidnappers demanded N300 million ransom, while the relatives pleaded to pay N500, 000.

A cleric who escaped the kidnappers by the whiskers along Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka road alleged the complicity by the security agents who were in charge of a check point before the Maduka Onyishi University in Ekwegbe. The cleric who pleaded for anonymity said he was surprised that instead of the normal stop-and- search duty of the security personnel, they rather urged them on until they ran into the kidnappers, adding that they escaped by the grace of God.

Kidnapping along the Enugu-Nsukka new road actually resumed in September 2022 when a good number of travelers along the road were packed into the Ekwegbe forest, sending shivers down the spine of commuters along the only serving road to the northern parts of Nigeria from Enugu, since the over eight years collapse of 9th mile- Makurdi road.

At the resumed kidnap operations along the road, a community leader in Ugwuogo autonomous Community, Enugu East Local Government Area, and former member of Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Joseph Agbo Ugwumba had asked the Enugu state government to establish a police station in Ugwuogo community so that it can help to checkmate series of kidnapping and other crimes that take place along the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road and Ugwuogo-Neke-Ikem road.

Ugwuogo is an interchange for roads leading to different parts of Enugu north Senatorial district, Isi-Uzo local government areas, Benue, Kogi States and other parts of Northern Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The road became fully functional after former Governor Sullivan Chime developed the road that bypassed the old 9th mile-Makurdi road. More pressure was added to the road following the complete failure of the 9th Mile road, hence different attentions were diverted to the new gateway.

Unfortunately, crime reigned on the road, hence kidnapping by suspected Fulani herdsmen and other violent crimes have been taking place along the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road as well as the Ugwuogo-Neke-Ikem road. Despite security checkpoints along the roads, the spate of crime increased on the roads.

A Security expert who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity confided that both the federal and state governments have security reports that the bandits have remained in the forests of communities in Ojebogene, Nike, Igboetiti and Isi-Uzo local government areas from where they have continued to operate along the 9th mile -Nsukka road, the old 9th mile-Opi-Nsukka road and their recent relocation to Ugwuogo areas because of increased traffic in the area.

The security expert lamented that the Commissioners of Police in the south east states have soft spots for the bandits that operate in the south east. He therefore urged the governors of the south east, particularly the Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to take the issue of the protection of the lives and properties of the people of his state seriously by implementing recommended measures.

In his private message to Governor Ugwuanyi, Hon. Agbo Ugwumba said: “To address the insecurity along Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road, Your Excellency, Ugwogo Nike community constructed four blocks of buildings to house Police stations, but owing to lack of funds the police station was abandoned. If the state government can help to complete the buildings, Police will leave in Ugwogo and patrol the roads 24 hours daily. This is an easy solution.”

Almost simultaneously, is the same kidnap of commuters along Ozalla (4 corners)-Udi road. The road has military checkpoints, yet kidnapping goes on the road. A recent Whatsapp message went viral following an anonymous message of someone who claimed to be a victim of kidnapping along the Ozalla-Udi road.

The message read: “Re-Recent Kidnapping of 6 persons along the 4 corners/Nvene in Enugu State. (True story) SOS!!! On Tuesday 11th day of October 2022, 3 different coordinated kidnappings were successfully carried out along the 4 corners/Nvene road in Enugu State and 6 people were kidnapped. I was one of the victims. The first one happened around 1pm where one person was kidnapped and another shot dead.

“The second one was carried out around 5:30pm. Three people were taken and another one person killed. The third kidnapping took place around 7pm and a man who is a road safety official and a newly married lady were the victims. When we were brought to their hideout, some started interrogating us while some went through our phones. On getting to the road safety official, they queried him if he was a policeman but he told them he belongs to the road safety corps. They questioned him more assuring him that they will not harm him but he insisted on being a road safety official. They then told him that they will help him out. Two hours later, 2 of the kidnappers escorted the man out of the hideout and set him free. I was surprised after we paid ransom and were released to hear that the military men along the 4 corners/Nvene road claimed to the public that the road safety official escaped during a shootout with the kidnappers.

“We all paid ransoms. One of us paid Five million Naira, another paid 4 million, another paid 2 million, one of us paid 1.5million while another paid 1 million, making a total of 13.5 million Naira. All the ransoms were paid just about one pole from the military check point along that 4 corners/Nvene road. As soon as the ransoms were brought, two military men from the check point moved towards the ransom pay point and stood. To our surprise, the kidnappers carefully and comfortably counted the money in bundles right there and then without any fear. We were held by some of the kidnappers in the bush right behind them where we watched and identified our people as they brought the ransoms.

“Soon after counting the money, they signaled to our captors and we were released.

The big question is why should kidnappers decide to collect ransoms just a stone throw from a military checkpoint manned by armed military men? We plead with our peace loving Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Federal Government to come to the rescue of Ndi Enugu. We also strongly recommend that the GOC of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army be transferred out of Enugu. Enugu State has hitherto his appointment as the GOC of 82 Div been the most peaceful and safest State in Nigeria.

“How can a dog eat the bone that is hung around his neck for safe keeping? The military is supposed to protect us but they have become our nightmares. They now connive with kidnappers to deal with us. This was exactly the case in Kaduna where the current GOC, 82 Div was in charge of the military. He has now resumed his operations here in Enugu. We also call on the Nigerian Army to fish out the soldiers on duty along the 4 corners/Nvene road on Friday 14th October 2022, the day we were set free and bring them to book. They were complicit in our Kidnapping. Ndi Enugu, we must cry out now. Enough is enough!!!

From one of the kidnapped victims.”

In June 2022, no less than seven suspected kidnappers for ransom, made up of Fulani herdsmen and other natives, were arrested by both community security outfits and the police in different parts of Enugu state. In Ibite-Awhum community of Udi local government council area, suspected Fulani kidnappers allegedly invaded the community and kidnapped six pilgrims on June 19. The victims were later rescued by forest guards. The kidnappers reportedly nabbed the pilgrims in broad daylight as they were praying at a popular hill near the Awhum Monastery and took them deep into the forest. The victims were later rescued through joint efforts of forest guards from the Udi and Enugu East Local Government Councils.

The security agents were said to have swung into action immediately receiving the information and pursued after the kidnappers. Director of Enugu State Forest Guards, Mr. Mathew Obodoechi, said the Forest guards in the area pursued the kidnappers and contacted their counterparts at Ogbeke-Nike, Enugu East Local Government who also mobilised from their own end.

Narrating their ordeal, the victims who were evacuated to the Monastery, said they were praying on the hill when they were suddenly surrounded by about seven Fulani looking individuals wearing police uniforms.

“The bandits took all our phones and ordered us into the forest. After a long trek we got into the bandits’ camp deep in the forest where their colleagues numbering about ten were waiting for them. We also found another kidnap victim there. For reasons we didn’t know then, the kidnappers suddenly became panicky and subsequently ran into the forest leaving us alone and confused before the forest guards appeared,” one of the victims narrated.

In Ikem, Isi-uzo local government area, about five indigenes were abducted in a series of kidnapping jointly carried out by both natives of Enugu state and Fulani herdsmen that are reportedly camped at the Isi-Uzo/Benue state border at Okpokwu local government area of Benue state.

The kidnappers den spreads down to Eha-Amufu were most farmers have been killed, kidnapped for ransom, women raped, arson and destruction of properties, with Eha-Amufu indigenes chased out from their land.

The victims in Ikem include the Catechist of Saint James Catholic Church, Ishioroto-Ikem Mr. Lawrence Ndu; an Italy based evangelist, Mr. Emeka Odo and his brother Ikechukwu Odo; Ejike Agbodo, a bus driver, Ejike Agbodo and another Okada operator was kidnapped while on commercial duty along Ikem-Odenigbo Eha- Benue state road.

Narrating his experience, an Italy-based Evangelist, Emeka Odo disclosed that the over 10 kidnappers who abducted them along Ikem- Obollo Afor road were all Fulani terrorists that welded AK-47. Odo who quickly went back to his base shortly after he regained freedom, narrated that they were flagged down in their car, commandeered into the bush and were taken through bush tracks to Eha-Amufu and Benue state border, adding that they paid ransom before they were set free.

Odo said that his abductors spoke Hausa and Fulfude language, stating that most of them came from Niger republic. He also disclosed that some Indigenes of the community connived with the kidnappers to carry out the abductions. “They told us that they own all bush paths from Delta to all parts of the South East and that they do anything they want to do,” Odo said.

He stated that even people from Benue state who were kidnapped were brought to their bush camp in Eha-Amufu Enugu state, where he said the kidnappers have sacked the Indigenes.

Luck however ran out of four natives who were identified as collaborators with the Fulani kidnappers, as they were arrested and submitted to Isi-Uzo Divisional police station, where it was learnt the suspects were moved to Enugu police headquarters. On July 4 2022, an Igbo native was arrested and delivered to the Ikem police station. The Divisional Police Officer met at Ikem police station asked newsmen to go and meet the Police PRO, noting that a reinforcement police had gone back to the theatre of war at Ikem-Nkwo.

In Ezeagu local government area, a traditional ruler who pleaded for anonymity said that what the council area now suffers is insecurity caused by herdsmen kidnapping, starting from Ugwueke, shortly after Nigeria Breweries Plc Ama plant, down to Akama-Oghe, Olo and the rest of Ezeagu local government areas.

The Monarch said: “The kidnappings are too much, there have been many occurrences at Ugwueke there and some have been arrested while the DPO at Aguobu-Owa is in position to say the number arrested and other details.

“There have been kidnappings in Obeleagu-Umana, Umumba-Ndiagbu, and Olo on a daily basis, because the Olo community is between Uzo-Uwani and Ezeagu. In fact there are serious challenges in Ezeagu that include farm lands invasion and destruction. It’s just that human kidnapping is the height of it all. It’s almost a daily affair that people are no longer sure of going to Ezeagu and coming back safely.”

Starting from January to July 2022, Fulani kidnappers invaded Abor, Mgbuji, Aguamede and other farm settlements in Eha-Amufu, which resulted in the death of over six persons and many casualties. Soldiers were deployed but the soldiers left and the attack continued.

“The herders came in full force and killed many people and burnt houses and properties. More than 20 motorcycles and houses were razed, and they have promised to come back. We have reported the incident to the appropriate authorities to intervene,” a community leader in Eha-Amufu said.

However, the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Thursday, paid an on-the-spot visit to the scene of the Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka road incident with the heads of security agencies in the state with a resolve to sustain onslaught against criminal elements and kidnappers on the road.

Addressing newsmen during the on-the-spot assessment visit, the GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Umar Musa, who spoke on behalf of the other heads of security agencies in the state, confirmed that “the perpetrators are purely kidnappers.”

He assured the public that the combined-team of the security agencies are taking further steps into the bush to apprehend the perpetrators, rescue the victims and end the menace along the road.

“I assure you that we are going to go deep into the bush to pursue them and ensure they do not perpetrate more harm along the road,” he said.

However, as on Friday, nothing had been heard of the former Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, Dr. Dan Shere, who was among the victims of the kidnap incident on Thursday. The spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe promised to provide updates on Shere, and other abductees.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) Senatorial candidate for Enugu North senatorial district, Chief Okay Ezea, (popularly known as Ideke) has asked for a declaration of State of Emergency on the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road, following the reemergence of banditry along the road.

Ezea said: “There is hardly any week there would not be reports of kidnapping and other heinous crime along that road and the people we elected as Chief security officers are plying the road with loads of security personnel and in bullet proof SUV vehicles all to themselves and their cronies.”

The Enugu State Police command through its Spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe said that the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, has ordered the maximum deployment of operational and intelligence resources of the Command to ensure adequate security on Ugwuogo-Nsukka road, rescue unascertained number of persons allegedly abducted and arrest the hoodlums.

Ndukwe said that the Commissioner has reassured users of the road and the citizenry of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensure that their security and safety are maximally maintained, while categorically stating that onslaught on unrepentant criminal elements in the State shall be sustained.

He also announced the arrest of three kidnap suspects at Ugwuaji community of Enugu South LGA, and rescue of their male victim, adding that there was also an arrest of six kidnap suspects in Udenu local government area of the state. “The suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded,” Ndukwe said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/enugu-in-trouble-kidnappers-everywhere/

Where are those against MNK and Sunday Igbogho for exposing the Fulani plans for the country?

Kidnapped sisters said abductors butchering captured Lagos-Ibadan travellers – Sibling

Twenty-five-year-old final year student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, Oluwatobiloba Orekoya, and her sister, Aminat, a graduate awaiting NYSC call-up, were among an unspecified number of travelellers waylaid and kidnapped by suspected Fulani bandits on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday, October 28, 2022. Their elder sister, Oluwaseyi, and mother, Funke, tell GODFREY GEORGE that their abductors are demanding N20m ransom for their release

What is your relationship with the kidnapped ladies?

I am their elder sister. My name is Oluwaseyi Ashoba. I am based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but my parents are in Mowe. Both my sisters, Aminat and Oluwatobiloba, who were kidnapped, live in Abeokuta. I am 28 years old. I am a businesswoman. I sell foodstuffs.

How did you learn about your sisters’ kidnap?


Yesterday (Friday, October 28, 2022), one of Tobiloba’s friends invited both of them to a birthday party in Ibadan. So, they started preparations to attend the party. Tobiloba would be 25 by next month, whereas Aminat is around 22. So, they are not young children, and it wasn’t unusual for them to be invited to parties. I remember that around 3pm or so, they both went out to fix their nails and eyelashes and other things, getting set for the party. At about 5pm or so, they left Abeokuta for Ibadan. They told me that they had left. I was fully aware when they left. I was there when their friends called and were telling them that they were already running late and they said they were on their way. From Abeokuta to Ibadan is not even up to one hour under normal circumstances, so they were supposed to get there before 6pm.

I learnt that when they got to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, there was an accident involving two suspected Yahoo boys. The accident was fatal, I learnt, and the road got blocked. No car could move. It was a standstill. So, Aminat and Tobi were in the bus, waiting while efforts were being made to clear the road. Some said they had called the emergency agency. It was not even up to five minutes after that stop that some Fulani herdsmen came out from the bush in their droves and attacked the travellers. We learnt from escapees that my sisters tried to escape but were later caught where they were hiding and taken into the bush. The people who told us said they really ran and hid but they were shocked at how they were caught. It seemed like the herders used black magic to locate where they were. They kidnapped many of them. They kidnapped both of them.

How did you receive the news of their kidnap?

My brother called me yesterday (Friday) to tell me that my sisters had been kidnapped. I didn’t believe it, because it was not even up to two hours after I heard from them. How were they kidnapped just like that? I said it was not possible. I convinced myself. It was this morning (Saturday, October 29, 2022), that I saw Tobi’s classmates and everyone else posting and calling for donations into my brother’s account that I knew that we have a situation on our hands. I had to call my brother and he told me that it was true.

Have the kidnappers reached out to your family?

Yes, they have. The Fulani kidnappers called Aminat’s boyfriend with Aminat’s phone and told us that they had kidnapped Aminat and her sister, Tobi, and that we should get ready for them to call us again. That was what made us know that they were indeed kidnapped. As of this morning, my mum spoke to them in their language – because my mum understands Fulfude, having stayed in the North – and they (kidnappers) told us to bring N10m for each of them. So, for the two of them, we are to bring N20m. My mum kept begging them to release her children because the family did not have anything to give them. They simply laughed and told her to go and get the money or else they would kill the girls as they had done to many others. They told her to get off the phone and go get them that N20m, and that she should make it quick. We recorded that conversation and I can send it to you. She said she can afford N1m; they laughed and told her to go and gather money, insisting they must collect N20m from the family.

But what makes you so sure they are actually Fulani?

I said they spoke Fulfude. We even called Aminat’s number later and they still picked up and spoke only Fulfude to us. It was my mom and some other people who understand the language that interpreted to us. They demanded the ransom in their language. If they were not Fulani, what will I gain to say they are? It is not the first time they are operating on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, so we know what we are saying when we say they are Fulani herdsmen.

Have you managed to speak to your sisters?

Yes, we have. The second time we called, they allowed us to speak to them for a minute. They were crying, shouting and begging us to do whatever we could to get them out of the kidnappers’ den. They said we should sell whatever we could and pay the kidnappers. Aminat said they had killed some people beside them and the killing was still on. She said if the kidnappers call the family of the captives and they are not being reasonable, they will just butcher them. It is not a joke at all. It sent chills down my spine. They had hardly finished talking when the kidnappers dragged the phone off their hands and told us to get that money.

How is your mum coping with this situation?

She has not eaten since yesterday. She has just been crying, sitting on the floor, rolling naked on the ground, calling on God. It is almost like she is not herself anymore. Two children, at once! I am not sure anyone can take that. We really need help.

When we heard N20m, I think my mum even almost passed out. I am not sure any of us has counted such an amount of money in our lives. My mum is a trader. My dad is not really doing much. He is a land agent. As I speak to you now, there is no hope. All we have been able to raise is N250,000. We don’t have any land to sell; we would have sold it. We have sold all our furniture and everything else we can sell to raise that money. It is painful.

Have you reported this case to the police?

Yes, my dad reported to the Mowe Police Station, and they said they were on top of it. They said they had tracked the kidnappers to Ogere. I wouldn’t like to give further details for security reasons. I am so scared of even going back to Abeokuta because I pass through the expressway all the time.

What kind of girls are Aminat and Tobi?

These girls are people who hardly go out. If not that the person who invited them is a close friend, they wouldn’t have left to attend that party. They were even having a second thought but… We just need help. I don’t even know what to say. Anything anyone anywhere can raise to help us, they should help us. The money is too much. N20m? Where are we supposed to get it from?

No way we can raise N20m ransom –Mother
What is your name?

My name is Funke Orekoya. I am the mother of the two girls who were kidnapped yesterday (Friday) I am a trader. I am 50 years old.

How did you receive the news of the sad incident?

I was told by my son, and I almost fainted. My heart skipped. Two children? Ah! I cannot take it. God! We need help. We need help o! They said we should bring N20m. Where am I going to get it from? Is it from this business that is struggling to stand? Even if I sell myself, will I reallise N20m? Who has done this to me (sobs)?

We learnt that you spoke to the kidnappers directly. Is this true?

Yes, we spoke to them. I was the one who spoke to them in their language, which I also understand. I am from Ogun State but I understand their language. They didn’t even let me beg them, they laughed at me and said, “You are here nagging, crying and begging us instead of you to go and look for the money?” They sounded so confident. It wasn’t something new to them. “Go and look for money and we will know what next to do,” they said.

What are your demands in this matter?

call on the Governor of Ogun State, my own governor, to come to my aid. I will not survive this if these children are taken away from me. I call on Dapo Abiodun’s wife; all the governors’ wives of the 36 states. I call on the president, Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, to come and help me. Everyone who has a heart of flesh should come and help me. I cannot raise N20m on my own. I cannot! Help me! I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. My blood pressure, I am sure, has risen. I don’t want my children to die.
https://punchng.com/kidnapped-sisters-said-abductors-butchering-captured-lagos-ibadan-travellers-sibling/

It's only one man speaking in the interview and he's just saying that to message the ego of his benefactor. He has collected his own share of Atiku loot.

When PO talks, you feel the presidential aura around him unlike the Agbado master that talks like an agboro boss or the Fulani man that wants to replace another Fulani President that talks only about north shouldn't vote for Igbos and Yoruba's.

The establishment is already fighting Elon Musk to bully him into submission. Kanye West and Trump would get their accounts restored and nothing would happen. The modern American and Western society is just been manipulated by a few powerful individuals.

Where are the cows -Tinubu
Benue people should integrate their fellow Nigerians- Atiku
I would be brutal to bandits- Peter Obi

APC and lies, free and fair. Peter might even win Borno state, not only is the state roughly shared between Christians and Muslims by population but the citizens are tired of suffering under APC so even Muslims would vote for Obi. Nasarrawa is a confirmed win for Obi.