Funmilayo Adebayo popularly known as Mummy G.O, the Head pastor of Proclaimer Evangelical Church of God has warned Christian faithful about a vision she had recently.
 
GoldenNewsNg reports that She said that rapture happened and nobody that attends seven popular Pentecostal churches ascended into heaven.

According to Mummy G.O, the churches are namely; Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Deeper Life, Winners Chapel, Christ Embassy, Jehovah’s Witness and Celestial Church of God.

Pastor Adebayo made this known through her Facebook page as she urged Christians to be vigilant because everyone is running out of time.

She wrote; In a vision I saw last night that rapture took place and nobody made it from the following ministry

 

1 Rccg

2 MFM

3 deeper life

4 Christ embassy

5 winners

6 Jehova witness.

 

Those in Celestian church did not even hear the trumpet at all. Let us be vigilant because time is no longer more.

Suspected bandits reportedly abducted several motorists and passengers who were travelling in some vehicles along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday.

The development generated tension along the expressway as several other vehicles aborted the trips to their destination and drove in the opposite direction.

The incident happened around Dominion University City of Faith, KM 24, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

An eyewitness said nobody could ascertain the number of people kidnapped but three private vehicles were affected.

He listed the affected as a Jeep, a Toyota Camry Car and Sedan vehicle whose model could not be ascertained.

The eyewitness who was travelling from Lagos to Ibadan said there was fear among motorists and passengers around the spot, according to Daily Trust.

He said, “I can confirm some motorists have just been kidnapped near Dominion University, Ibadan. Many vehicles had to turn back but the road is free as I am talking to you.

“I saw three vehicles with their doors wide open and not a single person was found inside the three vehicles and there is no trace of where they ran to.

“One of the cars smashed it bonnet on the wall while the one behind jammed it from behind but there no sign of accident. We are sure it was a case of kidnap because the vehicles were empty.

“At first, we taught it was robbery but if it was not. We should have seen those that were robbed. There was nobody at the scene when my vehicle got there.”

The witness said when they moved away from the scene, they saw some hunters and vigilantes heading towards the place the incident happened.

When contacted, the Amotekun Commandant in the state, Olayinka Olayanju, said he had no information about the latest kidnapping in the state.

He said, “I am not aware of such development. There is no way such a thing would happen and we won’t be informed. Such thing is strange to me. I will find out and get back to you.”

The police are yet to react to the development.

US Special Forces in Abuja this afternoon

Stay safe if you are in Abuja

Ground no level

The United States Government has again warned its citizens, diplomatic officials, employees and their relations not to travel to the Nigerian capital, Abuja over the fear of possible terror attacks.

SaharaReporters had reported that the US authorities earlier directed its non-emergency staff to immediately depart from Nigeria.

This order came barely three days after US authorities warned that there was an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, especially in Abuja.

It noted that as a result of that, the US Embassies in the country will offer reduced services in the country until further notice.

In another circular released on Thursday, the US government recommended that its citizens should avoid Nigeria and advised anyone who decided to travel to the country to keep a low profile and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

The statement reads: “Event:  The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja.  We recommend U.S. citizens do not travel to Abuja at this time.  In addition, on October 27, 2022, the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks, following on the October 25 authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks.

“U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options.  U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance.

“The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410.

“If you decide to travel to Nigeria: Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings. Review your personal security plans. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your lovedones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.”

Operatives of Sharia police, Hisbah, Kano State Commission and the Sharia Board have impounded three vehicles laden with 5,800 bottles of beer.

This was contained in the statement made on Monday by Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Harun Ibn-Sina, in Kano while inspecting the impounded vehicles at the Hisbah office.

According to the board’s spokesman, Lawan Fagge, the three vehicles were impounded on Sunday. Noting that a Mercedes Benz car, had 1,800 bottles of beer in it; a Sienna minibus, conveying 3,000 bottles of beer and a Volkswagen Golf car conveying 1,000 bottles of beer.

Ibn-Sina commended the anti-intoxicants unit that impounded the vehicles for its efforts at ensuring the stoppage of consumption of alcoholic beverages and harmful drugs in the state.

The Commander-General gave assurance that the board would not relent in its efforts at sanitising Kano State of all forms of vices, especially drug peddling and abuse.
He directed the Legal Department of the board to follow due process by handing over the consignment to the court for necessary action.

“Kano State Hisbah Board is working assiduously to ensure full compliance and strict adherence to laws and regulations, Islamic teachings, good morals, and peaceful coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups.

“The board will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired objectives,’’ he stressed.

Jamilu Hassan-Yakasai, head of the anti-Intoxicants unit had earlier noted that the three vehicles were impounded while in their attempts to convey beer into Kano.
Jamilu explained that the unit was working in the 44 local government areas of the state to ensure full compliance and strict adherence to laws banning sale and consumption of intoxicants in Kano State.

"The unit would not relent until beer consumption became history in Kano State," he said.

And one of the richest men from Enugu state.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ede is one of the most powerful and influential Reverend Fathers in Nigeria and the world. He began the Catholic Prayer Ministry of the Holy Spirit, Elele, Rivers State long before. His Ministry at Elele spans over 4 decades and still standing today. He has contributed so much to humanity but you don’t get to see him make noise about it or make political statements. Many people outside catholic do not even know that such a priest exists.

His impact on society is unprecedented yet you rarely see him even on Television. He focuses basically on services to mankind.

He  IS :

The Founder of Madonna University, Nigeria.
The Founder of Caritas University, Enugu.
The Founder of Our Savior College of Education, Enugu.
The Founder of Osisateth Polytechnic, Enugu.
He is the Founder of tens of Secondary and Primary Schools in and outside Nigeria.
The Founder of the National Shrine, Elele.
The Founder of Fathers of Jesus the Savior, Elele.

The Founder of Sister of Jesus the Savior, Elele

The Founder of Contemplatives of Jesus the Savior, Elele.

The CEO of Oha Microfinance Bank, Enugu.

The CEO of May fresh Mortgage Bank, LTD

The CEO of Umuofor Microfinance Bank, LTD.

The CEO of Triumph Bottling Company LTD.

The CEO of Triumph Papermill LTD.

The CEO of Our Savior Press, LTD.

The CEO of Triumph Chemical Industry LTD.

He is a Priest of Priests, an astute and vibrant preacher of the gospel. Philanthropist, Educationist, Banker, Philosopher, Theologian, Metaphysician, and International Writer.

He is the Author of Towards An Igbo Metaphysics among tens of other publications.

News has it that he is one of the owners of large Oil wells in Nigeria alongside Arthur Eze, IBB, Abacha’s family, Sonny Odogwu, and TY Danjuma among others.

Your legacy is echoing in the sands of time!!. He hailed from Akpugo in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu state.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, speaks to ALEXANDER OKERE about his recent endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, amid the lingering resentment by Christians against the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the party

Some clerics have cautioned their colleagues against turning their pulpits into campaign platforms. What do you think about that?

The pulpit is not to be abused. Any day we mount the pulpit and turn it into a campaign platform, it is an abuse of that pulpit and God will never be happy with us. When people want to campaign, they should go to campaign grounds and talk to whoever they want to talk to. But that does not mean politicians cannot attend church services. They can come for prayers and we can pray for them but they cannot campaign in the church. That is our stand.

Recently, you were quoted as saying that God would not forgive you and your followers if you don’t support the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu. Can shed some light on that?

I was at a programme where Senator Oluremi Tinubu gave an account of her stewardship after 12 years in the upper chamber and I gave a goodwill message. I started by telling the world that Oluremi Tinubu has delivered. She has done well as a senator representing Lagos Central where I lived for more than 20 years. She empowered young people, assisted the aged and the vulnerable and did many other things. As a former First Lady in Lagos State with her husband, they have done a lot for the church and more for the body of Christ.

What did they do?

They were mentioned and I will tell you again. Bola Tinubu gave five plots of land to CAN for a secretariat in Ikeja – not in Badagry, not in Alimosho, not in Epe, not in Ikorodu but in the central business area of Ikeja and that is where we are going to have our secretariat. In 2000, I was a member of a committee when Bola Tinubu returned missionary schools to their owners. Among them were St. Gregory’s College; Holy Child College, both in Obalende; Methodist Boys High School on Victoria Island; Methodist Girls High School in Yaba; Igbobi College in Yaba; Baptist Academy in Obanikoro; African Grammar School in Ifako and many others. Today, those schools are the cynosure of all eyes among secondary schools in Lagos. My children attended two of those schools and are graduates today.

This same Bola Tinubu made sure that the pilgrimage ad hoc committee that has turned into a board now was created in Lagos and many children of God went to the holy land on government’s sponsorship. When the time came for the Christian body to demand a Christian governor, despite the objection of the sitting governor to it, Bola Tinubu accepted that a Christian must also rule as a governor and that was why we had (Akinwunmi) Ambode. After four years of Ambode, he was removed and was not given the opportunity to rule for  second term, Babajide Sanwo-Olu won the election. He (Sanwo-Olu) narrowly escaped not being allowed to go for a second term but the church in Lagos also stood and approached Tinubu that he should be allowed because Muslims have ruled Lagos State for 15 years, so Christians should continue at least for another four years and he (Tinubu) agreed and that is why Sanwo-Olu is contesting again. So, those were the things we mentioned at that event that Tinubu had done. For anybody to say he (Tinubu) has done evil to the Church will be a disservice  to ourselves and God will not be happy if I accept such.

I never said that God would punish whoever does not vote for him. How will I say such a thing? Do I have their (voters’) ballot papers? But the media (not PUNCH) want to sell their papers and whatever, that was how they put it. But I have said to people that that was not what I said. We in Lagos cannot go against him because of his antecedents and what he has done for the Church.

When you say “we,” who are you referring to?

The body of Christ, religious bodies, not only CAN, both Muslim and Christian in Lagos, because of what he has done. I did not speak at a service. I did not campaign; that (what I said about Tinubu) is telling the world what he has done for the Church. People wanted to paint him as if he had done evil for the Church. He has not done any harm to the Church.

Do you think Christians in Lagos should, therefore, vote for him because of that?

That is based on people’s opinions on that. They have their minds on what they are going to do at the polls but the Church cannot go against him? No, not in Lagos.

Is your support for Tinubu not an endorsement of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket that has been criticised by many Christians in the North and South?

Let me clear the air on that. We said no to same-faith tickets, whether Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim. That was our stand. Even when the Labour Party chose Doyin Okupe to be the running mate of (Peter) Obi, we said no. But the Church is not a political party and we don’t have any right to decide for the political parties. They have made their decision and explained to us why such was taken. We also told them we should have been carried along if they had respect for us and they apologised. Having said that, we agreed that we are fathers to all and will not tell people who to vote for or not to vote for. No.

Does CAN think the apology changes anything and has the association, therefore, accepted the decision of the APC to field a same-faith ticket?

That is what they (APC) want to adopt and the position of the vice president is not the only position in a government. The vice president acts on what the President tells him to do. If you look at the Constitution of Nigeria, the vice president has virtually no responsibility. There are other offices we must concentrate on; that is why politics is about negotiation. So, if we are able to sit down with them and look at those offices and take care of the other religions and balance it, we will have a better Nigeria.

How did other members of CAN react to the report which you debunked?

Because I was quoted out of context, some of them called me and I explained to them. I sent to them what I said and some have apologised. I was referring to myself as a person on my feelings about what this man (Tinubu) has done, there is no way I will speak ill of him. If I do, God will never be happy with me. Nobody can deceive God. God is the righteous and perfect judge. It is after the election that we will know whether the decision taken by the APC will affect them or not. Let nobody run down anyone and nobody should use sickness to talk down on another person because no one knows what will kill them. In Yoruba, it is said that someone who has not died cannot know what will kill them.

As political parties begin their campaigns for the general elections, what should be the role of religious leaders?

For us in the church, our first duty is to pray for our nation and leaders and also to pray for God’s guidance as we approach the 2023 general elections, that God should elect for us a leader that will take Nigeria out of the woods, and bring the dividends of democracy to the citizenry. We deserve a greater Nigeria and it will be the joy of every Nigerian that everything (challenges) that we have been experiencing will become something of the past, especially in the area of banditry, shortage of power, poor health facilities, bad roads, and decaying national amenities. So, we will continue to pray for a greater Nigeria and we know that God will answer our prayer. As politicians go about their campaigns, they must play the game by the rules. We don’t want violence in the coming elections. We don’t want rigging in the coming election and we want them to campaign with issues, not personalities.

Nigeria is a multi-religious country; every Nigerian should be allowed to practise their religion the way they know how to practise it. None should be compelled to join a religion other than theirs and it is not going to happen in Nigeria. Nobody can Islamise or Christianise Nigeria. Nigeria is a social nation.

What are the issues the electorate should focus on to shape their opinions as politicians go about canvassing for their votes?

We encourage Nigerians to devote more time to issues and not personalities. Nothing will come out of destroying one candidate or another. Let candidates prove their worth through their manifestoes. Let them tell us what they have done before and what they are going to do again. Those are the things Nigerians should look for – ability, capability, and capacity to govern a complex Nigeria.

The first issue is about the integrity, ability, and commitment of the candidate to a greater Nigeria. Once we can see these, we can go for such individuals. The body of Christ will never tell people who to vote for or who not to vote for. Let every Nigerian decide with their conscience who they want to govern them. By the time that happens, nobody will blame anybody because every Nigerian has the right to vote and should possess a Permanent Voter Card. We have been saying that in the church, so whoever fails to have their PVC should blame themselves if anything they do not desire happens after the election, and that will be for another four or eight years. That is why we educate our members to obtain their PVC. This is not the time to watch Telemundo or African Magic or play football on the streets. Our youths above the age of 18 must participate in the elections and ensure that their votes count.

How worried is CAN about the plethora of problems bedevilling the country?

Every religious leader is worried about the state of affairs unless we are deceiving ourselves. We know that the centre no longer holds and things are falling apart by the day. The naira is gets devalued every day. I was told that a dollar goes for N750 now in the black market. However, there is inflation all over the world, partly because of the Russia-Ukraine war and other factors; but that notwithstanding, we deserve a better Nigeria and that is why we are telling the government that things have to change, real change, not just change by mouth.

Earlier, you emphasised the need for Nigerians to get their PVC. Are you impressed with the level of political participation among Nigerians in the South when compared with their northern counterparts?

I will agree with you that people are more serious about collecting the PVC in the North than in the South. I observe elections and during elections here (in the South), you will see that a polling unit won’t get up to 100 votes (cast) but when you go to the North, votes are counted in thousands in one polling unit, not a local government area or ward. That is why we are telling our people not to be docile but to be involved in electioneering and elections in our nation. Now, we are facing the consequences of saying that politics belongs to the Devil or it is dirty. If you allow politics to be played by politicians who we believe are dirty, we are going to be governed by those people for four or eight years. But I believe our Christian communities are coming alive and we hope that in 2023, we will have a better outing. We encourage our members to join political parties and be involved in their activities.

Some presidential candidates are banking on block votes from certain regions where they think they or their parties have enormous support. What is your opinion on that? Do you think they are missing the point?

That is very wrong. Anyone that wants to lead Nigeria must be a detribalised personality and must be accepted in the North, South, East and West because they are going to govern the entire nation. Nigeria is bigger than one region. When we had regional governments, each region had its premier but now, what we have is  a president for the entire country. Whoever wants to rule Nigeria must have the love of Nigerians at heart, must be unbiased, address situations as they are without any favour. That is the type of person we want as a leader to move our nation forward.

Religion plays a major role in elections in Nigeria. How can Nigerians create a balance between religion and political leadership?

As CAN, what we have advised Nigerians is that they should elect leaders based on competence because if we don’t do that, we might get the wrong persons into office because of religion. Some people call themselves Christians but they are not; they are just Christians by name. One can be a Christian or Muslim without having the fear of God. We want a child of God to lead the country and God is the one that creates Muslims and Christians and we must live together. In the South-West, you will agree with me that Christians and Muslims are interwoven. My grandmother was a Muslim and I grew up with her, so there is no way anybody will tell me to fight my siblings or my family in my place. So, that is why we live in harmony in the South-West and religion is not an issue that causes animosity. That is what we want Nigerians to experience. Let us live together in peace; let usknow that God has a reason for putting us together.

Once we have the fear of God, we will have a better country and put the right peg in the right hole. Political appointments can’t be lopsided anymore. People who will be in key positions cannot come from one region. No. Nigerians will say no to that. We will resist it and we are going to talk to anybody that is going to emerge as President; they must deliver, there must be accountability and we are going to come after you and you are going to give us answers. We deserve better treatment.

Speedy recovery sir @officialABAT you need rest and not political appointment.

A rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), has knocked the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over the acquittal of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The group said Malami’s activities are gravely pushing Nigeria into a regional and international abyss of mockery, which it said has far-reaching consequences on thecountry’s socio-economic development, regional and international human rights, the rule of law, and democracy ratings.

Kanu was on Thursday discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, but a release from the office of the attorney general insisted that Kanu was only discharged but not acquitted, as several other charges were awaiting him.

But Intersociety, in a press statement by the board of trustees chairman, Mr EmekaUmeagbalasi, said: “Intersociety hereby strongly condemns Nigerian Government’s total disregard and disobedience to the landmark judgment of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal quashing the entire criminal trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“It must be clearly and strongly stated that the only option available to Nigeria’s Attorney General as the Law Officer of Nigeria is to fully consent to the landmark judgment or go on an appeal within the stipulated timeframe.

“Should the NigerianGovernment decide to head to the Supreme Court in the exercise of its right under the country’s body of laws, then Nnamdi Kanu must first of all be set free-with the worst case scenario being to place him in a civil liberties-compliant movement surveillance.

“The Nigerian Government’s disregard and disobedience to the unanimous verdict of the three Justices of the Court of Appeal was expressly contained in a press release from the Office of Attorney General of the Federation,” it said.

The group said the Attorney General’s decision to arrogate the power of interpretation to himself was unacceptable.

“Choosing what to obey and what not to obey in the landmark judgment is also tyrannical, vexatious, and democratically calamitous.

Consenting or not consenting to the landmark judgment is, however, immaterial to the order of the three Justices-led Court of Appeal: Release Nnamdi Kanu from protracted DSS dungeon,” it concluded.

The @PoliceNG in Lagos must be the most shameless there is!
Lagos has been riddled with criminals terrorizing people unopposed and it is citizens rallies they come out to show power to!
Pathetic things that are killed like chickens by terrorists and cannot muster anger

naturalman:
Anambra no be oil producing state?
@OP please kindly update your list

1. Delta
Domestic debt: N378.9bn
Derivation: N114.7bn

2. Rivers
Domestic debt: N225.5bn
Derivation: N70.4bn

3. Imo
Domestic debt: N210.4bn
Derivation: N8.2bn

4. Akwa Ibom
Domestic debt: N203.9bn
Derivation: N80bn

5. Bayelsa
Domestic debt: N150.4bn
Derivation: N76.7bn

6. Edo
Domestic debt: N112.1bn
Derivation: N14.5bn

7. Abia
Domestic debt: N107.6bn
Derivation:N3.8bn

8. Ondo
Domestic debt: N62.3bn
Derivation: N9.5bn

Bandits, on Wednesday, killed three soldiers and injured one other during an ambush on a vehicle conveying military personnel near Dolen-Kaura Village, in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

 A source in the community said the military personnel got intelligence information that the bandits were planning to attack Kada-Mutsa village in Zurmi LGA of the state and were on their way to foil the attack when the bandits, who also got information that the soldiers were coming, laid a siege and attacked them.

 “The bandits laid an ambush and attacked the vehicle conveying the military personnel, killing three of them and injuring one,” the source said.

 The source identified the military team leader who was killed as Major Emos, describing him as a gallant officer.

Both the military and the state police command have yet to issue any statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

In another development, a customs officer with the Strike Force of the Nigeria Customs Service, identified as Assistant Inspector Abboie, was killed on Tuesday by suspected terrorists who swooped on the service checkpoint along Katsina/Jibia highway, Katsina State.

Sources in the area said the terrorists, numbering about 40, who shot Abboie at close range around 2am, also snatched a service rifle belonging to another customs officer who was at the checkpoint.

A security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Abboie was shot at close range between his head and nose.”

Attempts to get a reaction from the NCS Katsina Command Controller, Chedi-Dalhatu Wada, were futile, as he was said to be at an emergency meeting.In a related development, suspected bandits in Shiwaka community, Kaduna State, killed a yet-to-be-identified farmer.

The Chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union, Ishaq Kasai, who confirmed the incident, said the farmer was killed during a series of attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

He added that the bandits tied the farmer to a tree till he died and kidnapped 20 other farmers in Jangali and Kwaga, in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He also said about 10 farmers who were kidnapped on Saturday regained their freedom after parting with foodstuffs and N2.5m ransom.

He said, “Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union regrets to report that as farmers began to harvest their crops, bandits intensified their attacks and imposed levies on some farming communities in Birnin-Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

“Another worrisome development is that the bandits informed some farming communities, including Kwaga, Kwanan-Shehu, Unguwan Liman and Unguwan Shekarau, to pay levies amounting to N12m in order for them to be allowed to continue harvesting their crops.

“These communities were given till Friday, September 30, 2022, to meet the condition failing which the bandits vowed to kidnap any person found on the farm. The union found out that these helpless communities have started making contributions based on farm sizes to meet the condition and the deadline.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, promised to contact the Area Commander at Birnin-Gwari and get back to our correspondent.

Jalige had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

I don Japa ooo

Gunmen on Saturday night killed the duo around Azubros Plaza, off France Road, Sabongari in Kano.

The Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād has claimed responsibility for the killing of two businessmen in Kano State.

Gunmen on Saturday night killed the duo around Azubros Plaza, off France Road, Sabongari in Kano.

The deceased are Ifeanyi Elechukwu, aged 41, who was the target of the attack and his friend, Chibuille Emmanuel, 33, who was shot in the leg, but eventually died at a private clinic in the state capital.

Elechukwu, a battery dealer, was said to have been lured to his shop by one of the gunmen, who pretended to be a customer. He was shot at close range and killed while his friend was chased and also shot.

However, ISWAP in a statement said the attack was carried out by “soldiers of the caliphate”.

The terror group described Elechukwu as a Nigerian Army spy. 

The latest claim by ISWAP comes a few days after it said its men attacked police checkpoints in Ondo and Edo states.

ISWAP had claimed expansion into Abuja, Kogi, and Taraba in the last six months.

 

Residents said the armed men hid their guns inside their clothes and stormed the mosque during Juma’at prayer.

Bandits on Friday attacked worshippers at a Juma’at Mosque in Ruwan Jema town in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of them.

Residents said the armed men hid their guns inside their clothes and stormed the mosque during Juma’at prayer.

“During Friday prayers yesterday, bandits stormed Ruwan Jema town and opened fire on worshippers in the mosque, the number of people killed can't be ascertain but about 15 dead bodies have been recovered,” a source told SaharaReporters.

There has been a spike in the activities of bandits in North-Western states, with invasion of communities by gunmen, leading to killings and abductions.

On September 02, a mosque in Zugu community, also in Zamfara state was attacked with a yet-to-be-confirmed number of worshippers abducted

Details later

Atiku is a businessman who was a Vice President, and chairman of the National Economic Council and the Privatisation Council . Tinubu was a Governor and kingmaker. Kwankwaso was Governor and minister. Obi lags far behind them in experience, education and business!

AT A GLANCE: Vice-presidential candidates and their ages

According to ISWAP in a statement seen by SaharaReporters, the attack which was carried out by “soldiers of the caliphate” occurred in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād says its men attacked a police vehicle in Ondo State.

According to ISWAP in a statement seen by SaharaReporters, the attack which was carried out by “soldiers of the caliphate” occurred in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

It claimed the fighters targeted an operational vehicle of the police with machine guns, which led to its damage. The group was however silent on if there was a casualty or not.

The attack if truly executed by ISWAP could be a hint that the terror group is making an incursion into the South Western part of Nigeria.

ISWAP had claimed expansion into Abuja, Kogi, and Taraba in the last six months.

In May 2022, the group said it was behind an explosion that rocked the ancient town, Kabba in the Kogi West Senatorial District.

Kabba is the headquarters of the Kabba/Bunnu LGA and the people speak a dialect of Yoruba called Owe.

The town is less than 10 minutes from Akunnu-Akoko and Ajowa-Akoko in Ondo State and less than 20 minutes from Omuo in Ekiti State.

When SaharaReporters called Funmilayo Odunlami, spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, she did not answer nor return the calls.

A text message sent to her mobile line had not been replied to at the time of this report.

The terrorists were said to have detonated explosives in the church after which they proceeded to fire shots at the congregation.

The Nigerian government swiftly said the attack was likely carried out by ISWAP but the state government said it had reservations about the claim.

Interior minister, Rauf Aregbesola, told journalists after a National Security Council meeting that “we have been able to locate the imprints of the perpetrators of that attack and from all indications, we are zeroing in on the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).”

On August 9, Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff said gunmen behind the attack have been arrested.

A coalition of socio-cultural and self-determination groups from the South and Middle-Belt of Nigeria, on Wednesday, urged world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, to take urgent steps at tackling the myriads of problems confronting the country alleging that governance has been grounded in Nigeria.

The groups expressed worry that Nigeria’s economy is now bleeding and haemorrhaging under “a unitary constitution in a supposed federal state.”

President Muhammdu Buhari is billed to address the 77th Session of UNGA on September 21, 2022.

The group comprises the Oodua Peoples’ Sovereign Movement, OPSOM, Igbo National Council, INC, Middle Belt Patriotic Front, MBPF, Freedom from Nigeria, FFN,, National Council for Women Society, NCWS, and other groups.

In a statement by their Spokesperson, Dr Ngozi Orabueze from Atlanta, United States, the coalition alleged that the Northern and Middle-Belt of Nigeria have been captured via state-sponsored terrorism while the South of Nigeria has been encircled by government-backed terrorists whose sole mission is land-grabbing.

The statement reads: “We are using this opportunity to appeal to the 77th edition of United Nations General Assembly never to allow themselves to be cajoled as President Major General Muhammadu Buhari address them on Wednesday. We are stating without any fear or favour that Nigeria of today is a failed state in all ramifications.

“On security, the entire north has been captured with the Middle-Belt, while the south has been encircled waiting to explode. Despite its claim as the giant of Africa, the economy of the country is now haemorrhaging and bleeding. The economy of Nigeria has turned a majority of our young ladies, who are graduates into prostitutes.

“Empirical studies conducted by our research team show that six out of 10 single ladies in Nigeria today are into direct or indirect prostitution while 4 out of married women engage in adultery mostly caused by poverty and hunger and unemployment.

“Findings of our studies also show that there’s no highway in the entire south and middle belt of Nigeria where a car can speed for 10 minutes without galloping, traffic jam or road block, thanks to the alarming state of decadence on our roads and failed security architecture in Nigeria.

“We also wish to let the world know that terrorists and their negotiators now enjoy patronage and immunity in Nigeria. Some local government areas have been over-ran in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states by Fulani terrorists masquerading as Bandits who kidnap for billions of ransoms and move untouched despite the thousands of armed military personnel mounting our roads in the North.

“The master of corruption in Nigeria is the 1999 constitution that has rendered the federating units powerless and useless. The assets of the regions of the south and middle belt have been hijacked to feed and develop the minority Fulani states who contribute little or nothing to the economy of the country.

“Our position, as we have stated severally in the past is a referendum to decide and establish our nationhood and sovereignty. We reject on behalf of the people of the south and middle belt of Nigeria, the 1999 unitary constitution being used to govern Nigeria.

“We demand unequivocally, a referendum to be conducted in Nigeria so that the people who never voted to be called Nigerians could decide on their sovereignty or decide on the structure and system of government they want in line with democratic principles and we urge UNGA to prevail on Buhari to allow the justice prevail in Nigeria.”

Daughter-in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, Zahra Buhari has reportedly bagged a degree in Architectural Science.

The 27-year-old, who is married to Buhari’s son, Yusuf, graduated with a First Class.

The university where she graduated from was not revealed

Her mother-in-law, Aisha congratulated her via a Facebook post.

28-year-old man, Ismail Adewuyi, was arrested with a female head and intestines in Ede, Osun State on Saturday.

The suspect was arrested by a member of the Nigeria Hunters, Isa Usman in Ede.

Adewuyi, according to findings, was arrested around 1am on Saturday at Muslim cemetery, Oke Yidi Abere, Ede road.

The Public Relations Officer of Osun State Police Command, SP Yemisi Opalola, told DAILY POST that around 1.25 am on Saturday, Usman, a member of Nigeria Hunters in Ede arrested one Ismail Adewuyi of Oke-Ola, Agbagudu area of Ede and brought him to the station with unknown fresh female head and intestines.

According to her, investigation is still ongoing in the case.

“Investigation is in progress presently. further development will be made available to you in due course.”

Several houses and business premises were also reportedly destroyed when the troops invaded Orsu-Ihiteukwa, Awo-Idemili, and Eziawa communities in the Orsu Local Government Area of the state, NOHR reports. 

No fewer than one person has been killed during an invasion of a community in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria by Nigerian Army personnel. 

Several houses and business premises were also reportedly destroyed when the troops invaded Orsu-Ihiteukwa, Awo-Idemili, and Eziawa communities in the Orsu Local Government Area of the state, NOHR reports. 


According to the report, residents accused the troops of operating in armoured vehicles, and helicopter gunships as they opened fire on residents Friday morning.


Subsequently, many residents fled the community following the attack. 

 

NOHR said it has several photos and videos showing the aftermath of the attack. In the videos, residents could be seen wailing and inspecting the destruction that befell their homes and business premises. 

 

One of the videos shows a military helicopter hovering over the community. The dead body of a young man said to be from Umuawa in Uruala village, in the Eziawa community could be seen in a separate video. He was allegedly killed during the military attack. 

 A resident was quoted as saying, “Today, the military yet again invaded my community Orsu-Ihiteukwa and some neighbouring communities like Awo-Idemili and Eziawa including Anambra State neighbouring communities like Lilu and Orsumoghu both in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State as early as 5 am and carried out heavy shootings and bombardment. 

"They went to my community market called Ekeututu International Market and set ablaze over 40 shops thereby destroying the source of livelihood of many people.


“Just barely three weeks ago, precisely on the 30th of August 2022, they carried out an operation that took the lives of three persons, one of whom was my kinsman with his boss and a friend. They were at a block industry site where they were moulding blocks along Ekeututu Ihitenansa Road in Ekeututu market. The third victim was an old man in his seventies who ran an electrical shop in the Ekeututu market. They accosted his shop as he could not run away for safety during the invasion but when they saw he was an old man, they shot him in both legs and abandoned him in front of his shop. He died hours later."

 

“The army tagged my kinsman and his boss as IPOB and Eastern Security Network ( ESN) members who are planting IEDs and also possess rocket launchers. This is most unfortunate as there was no truth in that allegation.” 


A statement by Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC), one of the lawyers of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday, confirmed the attack. 


It described the affected area as a ghost town following the invasion by the troops. 


"Orsu-Ihiteukwa is a community in Orsu Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo state. According to verifiable and credible eyewitness accounts, this hitherto peaceful community was this weekend, invaded by the combined team of Governor Hope Uzodinma's Ebubeagu Security outfit and the Nigerian Army.


"It is heart-rending that at this period of economic downturn, the only available daily market in the community, where the downtrodden go to for communal trade, in search of their daily bread was completely razed to the ground, and homes burnt by these evil monsters acting on behalf of the state Government. 


"Indigenes of the community were thrown into this unexpected horror, and out of fear, they fled from their very own ancestral homes. Right now, Orsu-Ihiteukwa is a ghost town," the statement said in part. 


It continued, "We are asking the Governor of Imo state - could there be any justification, whatsoever, under any known law in Nigeria, as well as the international jurisprudence, that sanctioned this oppressive, barbaric, wicked, soulless and evil destruction of the lives and properties of his own people that he swore to protect?


"Was it an engagement strategy, envisaged, permitted and consequently, sanctioned within the Operational Rules of Engagement of the Nigerian Security Agents? The answer is capital NO. 

"Furthermore, if the overzealous Security Agents are in hot chase of targeted criminal elements, can’t they profile and define their targets? Can this oppressive conduct occur in any other region or part of Nigeria?

"Remember, Governor Hope Uzodinma that power is transient, it does not last forever! You must not also forget that you will definitely give account of your stewardship someday and one day, very certainly, before the International Criminal Courtof Justice. 


"These monumental atrocities, genocidal killing of innocent lives, destruction of properties, and obvious crimes against humanity, brazenly perpetrated and superintended under Governor Hope Uzodinma's watch with reckless abandon/impunity is extremely cruel and the evidence abound.

"Again, we continue to call on responsible Foreign Governments and Foreign Institutions to prevail on the Nigerian Government, under whose domain these crimes against humanity are being perpetrated on a daily basis, to call their lawless Security Agents to order.  

"The actions of the Nigerian Security Agents in conjunction with the Governor's Ebubeagu Security outfit is not only barbaric and wicked, but totally condemnable.


"We, therefore, call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in these inhuman, wicked, and barbaric acts.


"Enough is enough! We urge the Governor of Imo State to retrace his steps and embrace peace, for the overall well-being of his State and people. The incessant blood of the innocent being spilled in the State cry to the God of Justice for vengeance." 

Orsu communities in the local government area have witnessed a series of army and police bombardments since 2001 following the presence of ESN/IPOB militants in the communities. 


On 30th August 2022, Military spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu told newsmen that soldiers from 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies killed two members of ESN while on a raid operation along Eke Ututu – Ihitte Nansa Road in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. The Army spokesman said the soldiers recovered several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along the road and locally fabricated rocket launchers during the operations.

The military spokesman said Eke Ututu— market has become a flash point as dissidents often ambush troops using explosives and firearms from within and around the market, while troops are on routine patrol.


The army authorities have not commented on the latest round of attack which left several buildings burnt and at least one civilian dead. 

 

The presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Nigeria Labour Congress to state its position on petrol subsidy. 

The NLC is among the groups that have declared support for the presidential bid of Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP). 

On Monday, Ayuba Wabba, NLC president, while speaking at a retreat of the LP, said the union will mobilise its members across the 774 LGAs to achieve victory for Obi in the 2023 presidential election. 

Obi had said part of his plans if he becomes president, would be to remove petrol subsidy.

“Going forward, we must look for ways to move Nigeria beyond oil. We must end this criminality called ‘oil subsidy’,” he had said.

Over the years, the NLC has protested against the plan by the government to remove petrol subsidy. 

In November 2021, the government announced the plan to remove petrol subsidy, but it was met with a pushback from key stakeholders, including the NLC which threatened to embark on a nationwide protest.

In January, the federal government postponed the plan indefinitely, citing “high inflation and economic hardship”.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Festus Keyamo, spokesperson of the APC presidential campaign council, said by supporting Obi’s presidential bid, the NLC should disclose its current position on petrol subsidy. 

“We note that the leadership of the organized labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday, September 13, 2022, at a national retreat of the Labour Party in Abuja, promised to mobilise its members across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria to ensure victory for Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in next year’s presidential election,” the statement reads.

“We also note that in several interviews he granted in the last few months and weeks, Mr Peter Obi has vowed to totally remove subsidy on petrol if elected President. We also note NLC’s long-standing opposition to the total removal of fuel subsidy. Other left-leaning supporters of the Labour Party were also present at the event to cheer Mr Peter Obi. 

“Consequently, the following questions are urgently begging for answers by the leadership of the NLC:

“Before adopting Mr Peter Obi as its candidate, did the leadership of the NLC have a discussion with him on the issue of removal of fuel subsidy?

“If they did have that discussion, did Mr. Peter Obi agree to back down on the issue of subsidy removal? Was that a basis for supporting him? If he did not back down on the issue, did organised Labour agree with him?

“If no such discussion is held, does it mean the leadership of the NLC now fully supports the removal of fuel subsidy? Or will that not be reckless of the NLC to adopt a candidate without thoroughly interrogating the candidate on his policies as they affect the Nigerian workers or the masses? The NLC must make a public statement and come clean on this. 

“If the excuse is that Mr Peter Obi has said that the money saved will be used in other critical areas of the economy, how is that different from what Buhari’s Government is also saying? 

“These questions have becomenecessary because Nigerians deserve to know whether organised Labour’s adopted party, which is the Labour Party, supports and promotes a policy that the leadership of Labour opposes in another breath when it is adopted by the government of the day. They cannot be blowing hot and cold.”

Some operatives of the Ondo State Security Network (popularly known as Amotekun) on Friday afternoon allegedly beat up some Northern youths who were passing through the state.

SaharaReporters gathered that the youths who were passing through the state were intercepted around Gbeleaje Estate, Ilesha/Owo expressway.

They were however thoroughly searched by the operatives who found nothing incriminating on them.

A witness told SaharaReporters that after the stop-and-search operation, the Amotekun officials descended on the youths and flogged them thoroughly.

Their motorcycles were also seized by the operatives who later asked them to continue their journey.

“We initially thought they were bandits but they were not. The Amotekun people asked them to come down which they did, they searched all of them and found nothing on them.

“But to our surprise, they started beating them. They seized phones of those recording this act and deleted the pictures and videos. Someone asked why they were beating them when they didn’t see anything on them but they claimed the driver initially refused to stop, making them to waste their time.

“They now seized their motorcycles and put them in their vehicle. They now asked them to enter the truck back and leave. The excesses of these operatives are too much, you searched someone and found nothing, yet you started beating them. We all know what’s happening but torturing of suspects is even bad not to talk of innocent people,” a resident told SaharaReporters.

When contacted, Adetunji Adeleye, Commandant of the corps in the state said operatives were taught in the best practice on how to handle suspects and not expected to torture them.

“We don’t, we operate in the best practice in enforcing the law, if there are operatives that do that, then normal disciplinary action will be taken on such officers,” he told SaharaReporters.

Amotekun operatives in Ondo have in recent time come under fire for indiscriminately checking of mobile phones and laptops of residents of the state.

They were also accused of arresting drivers without licenses and impounding vehicles without tinted permits.