4Play: A lot of Nigerians seem to reason that your ethnic group should determine how you see things.
You see this with IPOB supporters who insist that all Igbos should be pro-IPOB, must support their poverty-maximising weekly sit at home strikes, and must speak only good of Nnamdi Kanu.
The idea that each person has their own mind is alien to a lot of people who demand a sheepish unity of opinions.
You're right. I see nothing wrong in what Seun said. He even made it clear that he's in support of states collecting VAT. Bigotry is just the issue.
A mild drama occurred early Thursday on Twitter following Seun Osewa's tweet that the FG should have the upper hand over state since VAT is in the concurrent list. The tech guru argued that Federal laws in Concurrent List supersede State laws.
However, his innocent opinion invoked the anger of some of his followers who described it as "bewildering". One even went as far as questioning his "Yorubaness"..
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has insisted it does not give “preferential cut-off marks” to students who take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, from the northern part of Nigeria.
Recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State earlier called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to stop giving “preferential scores” to students in Northern Nigeria.
Appearing on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, the Governor said it was wrong for the students in the North who sit for the UTME to get preferential treatment.
El-Rufai said that all students in the country should get the same cut-off marks and that students in the North shouldn’t be given lower cut-off marks.
Reacting, the board’s Head of Information and Media, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement on Tuesday insisted that the exam body doesn’t give preferential cut-off marks for anybody.
“JAMB doesn’t give preferential cut-off marks to candidates. Candidates are only admitted according to the scores defined by institutions.
”The students sit for the UTME examination and it is what they obtain that is the basis for their selection after the policy meeting has authorised the commencement of admission.
“What people refer to as the cut-off mark is the minimum score and each institution sets its own minimum score; it is a function of performance in the UTME for the year, subscription to programmes and institutions .
”The determining factor is the subscription to a particular programme or school. If the subscription is very low, then it will affect the minimum score for the programme,” he said.
2019 Election: Documents show Atiku paid $16.5 million to secure U.S. visa, destroy Buhari campaign
The deal was signed on October 26, 2018, three weeks after Mr Abubakar clinched the presidential nomination of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigerian opposition leader Atiku Abubakar paid $16.5 million (N8.7 billion in today’s parallel conversions) to an American firm to help him destroy his opponent’s campaign message and procure a visa to Washington in the run-up to the 2019 presidential vote, according to disclosure filings seen by Peoples Gazette, bolstering a long-held presumption that Nigerian electioneering was becoming more expensive to run even before illicit payments to electoral officers and voters are factored in.
Mr Abubakar, 74, used the money to enlist the services of K.M. Family Investment, LLC, a Texas-based public affairs consultancy run by Sada Cumber, a Pakistani-American diplomat and former U.S. Special Envoy to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) under President George W. Bush. The deal was facilitated by Legacy Logistics, an Abuja-based integrated services venture linked to Mr Abubakar’s associates Samuel Cornelius and Joseph Nzepuome.
Amongst other campaign ideas, Mr Cumber and his team accepted the $16.5 million deal to help the former Nigerian vice president lobby American politicians and bureaucrats for a visitor’s visa, coordinate advanced communications of his campaign and help build a structure tasked with the “destruction” of opposition messaging, according to the contract seen by The Gazette as part of compliance with the provisions of U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act.
The deal was signed on October 26, 2018, three weeks after Mr Abubakar clinched the presidential nomination of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 2019 elections.
But the filings said Mr Cumber had contacted top Washington lobbyists Holland & Knight no earlier than September 20, 2018, seeking their services in helping Mr Abubakar procure a visa to the U.S.
Holland & Knight charged Mr Cumber $75,000 for the contract and promptly dispatched its personnel to liaise with Republican members of the U.S. Congress, as well as representatives of White House National Security Council and the State Department.
Mr Cumber, an influential Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, started preparing his team for a trip to Abuja to meet Mr Abubakar’s campaign shortly after the deal was signed and the visa was all but guaranteed, The Gazette learnt.
It was unclear how much Mr Cumber charged Mr Atiku for the visa alone as part of the $16.5 million campaign strategy deal. A spokesman for his firm did not immediately return a request seeking comments from The Gazette on Tuesday night.
The contract said the agreed sum was exclusive of Mr Abubakar’s flight and accommodation to the U.S. and security and logistics for Mr Cumber’s team on their trip to Nigeria — indicating that the Nigerian politician paid out of his pocket when his entourage stayed at the Trump International Hotel in Washington during the trip.
[b)In the contract agreement, Mr Cumber asked Mr Abubakar’s campaign to pay $16.5 million into an escrow account. The money would be depleted in three tranches at every milestone of the three phases of the project.[/b]
“The Escrow Agent shall disburse the Escrow Fund as follows:
“a) Five Million, Five-Hundred Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($5,500,000.00) shall be disbursed by Escrow Agent from Escrow Fund to Firm immediately upon confirmation that the travel VISA for Mr. Atiku Abubakar has been issued by the United States government;
“b) Eight Million, Five-Hundred Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($8,500,000.00) shall be disbursed by Escrow Agent from Escrow Fund to Firm immediately upon shipment of the book by Firm and release of the Op-Eds by Firm.
“c) Remaining Two Million, Five-Hundred Thousand and NO/10G Dollars ($2,500,000.00) shall be disbursed by Escrow Agent from Escrow Fund to Firm thirty (30) days before the currently announced Election Day in Nigeria of February 16, 2019. This date shall not change even if Election Day is postponed.
“Funds may also be disbursed in accordance with the joint written instructions signed by both Firm and Client. On disbursement of all of the Escrow Fund, this Escrow Agreement shall terminate,” the contract said.
The contract was scheduled to last between October 2018 and January 2019, when the last $2.5 million was slated to be released from the escrow account. It also included a clause that said any postponements of the election will not affect the disbursement of the $16.5 million as scheduled in the agreement. The election was indeed shifted from February 16, 2019, to February 23, 2019.
The deal underscored how expensive Nigerian presidential elections have become over the past decade, and how politicians continue to contract foreign strategists to help direct their campaigns. In 2015, Mr Buhari’s APC awarded a similar contract to AKPD Message & Media, a strategic communications outfit headed by David Axelrod, who directed President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008 and 2012.
The amount appeared to have been drawn from Mr Abubakar’s formidable campaign war chest and did not include other electoral expenses locally, including ad buys across traditional and digital media.
Nigerian politicians are also known to pay heavily to secure their parties’ tickets at the primaries, advance illicit payments to electoral officers and induce voters at the ballot box.
Mr Abubakar has carried a burden of corruption perception since he was accused of laundering about $40 million by the U.S. Senate in a 2010 probe. The probe uncovered how Mr Abubakar used his wives to launder the funds, including about $1.7 million in cash bribes from German technology giant Siemens. Siemens pleaded guilty to the charges in 2008 and paid about $1.6 billion in fines.
The main opposition chieftain was also named as an accomplice in a multinational bribery scandal of a broadband contract that sent his Democratic ally Jefferson to prison in 2005. Mr Abubakar denied all allegations of corruption and has not been formally convicted of graft, but the U.S. nonetheless found him unworthy of its visa and blocked him from getting one for years.
Mr Abubakar said in interviews that he applied for a U.S. visa repeatedly but was denied on administrative grounds, which consular officers did not elaborate.
But as his opponents were preparing to use his inability to enter the U.S. owing to unclear corruption claims, Mr Abubakar pinned his hopes on Mr Cumber’s steep ties across Washington, which paid off when he arrived in Washington on January 17, 2019, for the first time in over a decade, thereby crossing a major political hurdle that has haunted him for years.
Mr Cumber agreed to, as part of the deal, help Mr Abubakar write a book outlining his vision for Nigeria, hold talks with key players at the World Economic Forum in Davos, conduct opposition research and SWOT analysis of his ambition.
A campaign insider told The Gazette that Mr Cumber and his team helped put together the structure of his campaign, as well as the strategy document he launched in the run-up to the election. Still, it remained unclear whether the agreement was implemented in its entirety, especially as Mr Abubakar did not appear to have launched any book before the election.
A spokesman for the former vice president did not return requests seeking comments about the contract.
Mr Buhari was declared the winner of the election amidst condemnation from election observers and protests from Mr Abubakar. The opposition leader argued the election was rigged after ruling party agents broke into the electoral commission’s database and changed votes, but lost at the tribunal and the Supreme Court.
JAMB has never lowered the cut off mark for anyone seeking admission to a university. El-Rufa'i was conflating JAMB with admission to Unity schools, which account for less than 1% of all schools in Nigeria. In fact, I only know of two people in my area who attended such a school.
This morning God told me to tell Biafrans that they are praying a wrong prayer. God say I should tell every Biafran to start praying for gift of spiritual understanding, to identify your helper/help when it comes because spiritual controls physical. You may have missed ur helper.
Those of you who always look for fault in all my post, you will always be hit with disappointment and BP. I am guided by the spirit and you are not in the spirit to see what I am seeing. The tweet bellow has nothing to do with 150 days of Psalm. You can to my Facebook & read more
Nigerian troops backed by gunships and fighter jets are carrying out, for the third day, a massive offensive against kidnap gangs in Zamfara state, in wake of telecoms blackout.
The military operation in Zamfara state came after gunmen kidnapped more than 73 students in the latest mass abduction by heavily-armed criminals called bandits.
On Saturday, military jets began air raids on remote camps of gangs and troops moved after the authorities imposed a telecommunication shutdown aimed at disrupting contacts and coordination between the gunmen.
“Several camps have been raided, a large number of the bandits have been neutralised,” said a security source with knowledge of the operations.
“The bandits are feeling the heat and are in disarray while troops pursue them,” said the source, who asked not to be identified.
A second security source confirmed bandit camps had been targeted by air and ground offensives since Saturday.
The operation continued on Monday for the third day, targeting bandit camps dotting Sububu forest in Shinkafi district, the sources said.
Northwest and central Nigeria have for years struggled with tit-for-tat violence between local farmers and nomadic herders whose clashes over land and water have escalated.
Violence has worsened with the emergence of criminal gangs, often with hundreds of members, who raid communities, steal cattle and kidnap residents for ransom after looting and burning homes.
The bandits’ heavily-guarded camps dot the Rugu forest, straddling Kaduna, Katsina Zamfara and Niger, where they often hold their kidnap victims for weeks and months.
The gangs have recently intensified attacks on schools where they haul off students to squeeze payments from authorities and parents.
On Wednesday bandits seized 73 students of a secondary school in Zamfara’s Maradun district.
Around 1,000 students have been taken in similar raids since December, though most were released after negotiations.
On Friday, Nigeria’s telecom regulator ordered operators to shut down their towers in Zamfara state for two weeks, following request from the state authorities.
Local authorities complained the bandits were using phones to coordinate among themselves and get information about troop movements from informants in neighbourhood communities.
Bube Altine, a grains trader from Shinkafi confirmed the military operations to AFP, saying fighter jets had been flying in the area since Saturday.
“Soldiers are in the forest and jets have been flying overhead but nobody can say what is happening,” Altine said.
He was attending a weekly market in Jibia town in neighbouring Katsina State when he spoke to AFP.
Several states in northwest Nigeria have introduced restrictions on motorcycle traffic, cattle trading and fuel sales — all measures aimed at curtailing bandit movement and activities.
Uche Okafor-Mefor, estranged deputy-leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asserted that Nnamdi Kanu is cursed.
According to Mefor via his known Facebook page on Sunday, Kanu, IPOB leader, is replete with injustices, acts ‘the land of Biafra’ detests.
Mefor who blamed Kanu for the brutal killing of civilians during IPOB-ordered sit-at-home days, stated that confusion will engulf IPOB.
Read Mefor’s full message below:
IPO NNAMDI KANU (IPONK) REMAIN CURSED—NEMESIS/KARMA REMAIN IN FULL GEAR UNTIL THE CONFESSIONS AND THE SELF-DESTRUCTIVE EXPOSITIONS ARE COMPLETED
In fullness of time, humanity shall recognise and appreciate this fact that treachery does not pay nor does it do anybody or any group any good—-IPO NNAMDI KANU (IPONK) is cursed beyond redemption. The spirit of the land of our ancestors—- the land of Biafra—-arbhors injustice, it frowns at the abomination of crimes against humanity which go to the very heart of spilling of the blood and beheading of Biafrans by Biafrans on Biafran soil and the desecration of our heritage.
The legacy of lies, of deception and of blackmail which we proudly fought against and which they have continued remains her waterloo. These IPO NNAMDI KANU (IPONK) shall continue with the CONFESSION, they shall continue to speak in confusing, hostile languages among themselves until they completely expose their evils and atrocities by themselves and you know what? They have no control over it because they who are cursed have no influence over what befalls or happens to them. The desperate, ineffective, damage-control manoevers shall all the more continue to expose the hypocrisy therein.
They shall continue to lie from one level to the other and further continue to defend those same lies with other bundle of lies and deception until they destroy themselves by themselves and blame no other themselves.
IPOB Media leadership has banned all contents, including posts and videos, belonging to Simon Ekpa from all its platforms. Simon Ekpa, who took to Twitter to lament the ban, is being accused of undermining the leadership structure of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Recall he was banned from broadcasting on Radio Biafra for refusing to "follow the laid down rules of operation."
However, following the ban, Ekpa built his own platforms through which he communicates with his followers. It was through these platforms that he instigated IPOB members to observe the sit-at-home order, despite IPOB's and Nnamdi Kanu's relaxation of it.
As a result, the IPOB media leadership announced that it was banning all contents belonging to Ekpa. Enraged by its decision, Ekpa took to Twitter to lament. According to him:
NIG government banned Simon Ekpa and EnterBiafra while someone fighting to free Biafrans from Nigeria also banned Simon Ekpa and Enterbiafra from Biafra group. My allegiance is to Biafra and I am MNK disciple on Biafra restoration. Your opinion matters not
Falola disclosed that Igboho was chained to prevent him from Turning Into a Cat.
Olusegun Falola, one of the lawyers of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Igboho, has disclosed why the agitator was initially chained by the Benin Republic security agents.
Falola disclosed that Igboho was chained to prevent him from disappearing mysteriously.
According to Falola, Beninese security agents were told that Igboho could turn into a cat and escape.
“When I arrived from Paris and got to the custody where Igboho was detained, he was first chained. They were scared that he could just disappear into the thin air because of his mystical powers.
“The police told me that if Igboho’s chains were untied and he escaped mysteriously, he (the police officer) would be stripped of his rank and also dismissed.
“The police officer said he was told that Igboho could disappear or turn into a cat, and many other things were said to the police officers which made them tie him,” he told the Nation.
The lawyer, however, disclosed that his timely intervention led to the officers unchaining Igboho.
SaharaReporters had reported that Igboho was awaiting his fate at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, following his arraignment by the authorities of the country for immigration-related offences.
A source had told SaharaReporters that the activist was not for extradition to Nigeria.
SaharaReporters had reported how Benin Republic police arrested Igboho at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou, while trying to fly from the country to Germany.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had on July 1 raided the residence of the activist in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Igboho had planned a ”Yoruba Nation Rally” in Lagos two days before the raid.
The DSS raided the residence, killing two people and arresting 12 aides but Igboho escaped.
The agency alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.
The Yoruba self-determination group known as Ilana Omo Oodua headed by Professor Banji Akintoye had stated that they are not terrorists.
The group made the clarification following reports that the federal government was plotting to proscribe the group.
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the then Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata, had in September 2017 approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to give judicial backing to the Executive Order of President Buhari, outlawing IPOB and its activities in every part of Nigeria.
Speaking on Saturday the office of the AGF stated that it was open to all option to put a stop to calls for Nigeria’s break up.
Akintoye’s Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye, told PUNCH that the Buhari government won’t want to descend low to outlaw the group.
According to him, the Ilana Omo Oodua was not a terrorist group but a peaceful self-determination association with a belief in referendum and sensitisation through rallies.
He said, “There is no basis for the proscription of Ilana Omo Oodua. The government can only proscribe a terrorist group and not a peaceful group like Ilana Omo Oodua. All our members arrested in Ojota (area in Lagos), were charged with disturbance of public peace but later released. Why weren’t they charged with treasonable felony or murder?
“If the government proscribes us, we are going to challenge it in the court of law because we have committed no offence. It is an organisation that believes in peaceful agitation for self-determination. We even released a manual on peaceful agitation for self-determination as authored by our Leader, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye.
“I do not think the Nigerian government will descend so low to proscribe a peaceful organisation like Ilana Omo Oodua. Professor Akintoye has released a formal statement that he is not afraid of arrest and that he is coming to Nigeria soon.”
While insisting that the group has no association with IPOB, Maxwell pointed out that they do not believe in the sit-at-home order issued in the South-East.
“Sit-at-home is never in our plan. Ilana Omo Oodua has no association with IPOB, so comparing IPOB methodology with ours is heretical. Our modus operandi is totally different. With all due respect to the members of IPOB, the only thing we have in common is that they want Biafra Nation and we want an independent Yoruba Nation.
“We are for peaceful self-determination; we believe in referendum, we don’t want war, we are not going to shoot a gun or carry a cutlass to attack anyone. We do not have any military wing. We are for peace and we believe the best way to achieve this is by NINAS (Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination) strategy of referendum and that is why we have been holding rallies to sensitise our people,” he said.
Gunmen, on Sunday, invaded a Fulani settlement in Dogon-Ruwa community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory and abducted four herders and injured one other.
A resident of the community, who identified himself as Danladi, said the incident happened around 1:23 am on Sunday, when the kidnappers in their large number, wielding AK-47 rifles, invaded two Fulani settlements in the community.
He said one of the herders, who attempted to escape, was inflicted with injuries with machete by one of the gunmen.
“It was when one of the herders was attempting to escape that he was attacked with a machete by one of the kidnappers,” he said.
The Public Relation Officer (PRO) – Ardo of Fulani – of Gwomani chiefdom, Malam Haruna Gambo, who confirmed the incident through telephone, said the kidnappers succeeded in whisking away three herders.
He said one of the four kidnapped victims later escaped, even as he said one herder sustained machete cut from the kidnappers.
“It was when they [Kidnappers] were leading them [herders] into the bush and discovered that blood was rushing too much in which they abandoned him and went away with the remaining victims,” he said.
He said the injured herder had been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. The Chief of Gwomani, Alhaji Adamu Saba, confirmed the incident to our reporter.
The spokesperson of the FCT police command, ASP Maryam Yusuf, did not respond to a text message sent to her phone number.
As per local news agencies, Afghanistan President Asraf Ghani has officially resigned from his post amid the Taliban takeover. At the same time, the militant group Taliban has taken control of all of Afghanistan including all military power. Ashraf Ghani is headed now to Tajikistan to take refuge for now and will head to another country from there on, added sources.
A political group, Tinubu Vanguard, on Sunday called on Nigerians to emulate the patriotic and detribalised nature of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu.
This, it said, would enhance national unity and cohesion.
“Nigerian youths should emulate the synergy and cordial relationship between Buhari and Tinubu as recipes for national unity and peaceful coexistence,’’ its Director-General, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said in a statement issued in Abuja.
He said President Buhari should be specially commended for taking out time to check on Tinubu, who was recuperating in London.
Benjamin also commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and other Nigerians, who had shown concern for Tinubu’s wellbeing.
“We commend Mr President, the governor of Lagos State and other prominent Nigerians who took time from their tight schedules to check on the APC national Leader in London.
“We particularly appreciate Mr President for displaying exceptional care and concern for all Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides,’’ he stated.
Benjamin also condemned rumours in some sections of the media which suggested that Tinubu had a surgery and died.
The imminent victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan proves that no Government or system, no matter how powerful, can stand against the people. Nigeria must learn from this. We cannot defeat the terrorists by force of arms alone: we must also win the hearts & minds of the people.
It amazes me that the National Chairman of a political party that has attracted 3 Governors from the ranks of the opposition together with Senators, House of Rep members, BOT members, former Ministers and other notables all in 1 year is being undermined by disgruntled elements in his party.
The biggest mistake @OfficialAPCNg can make is to get rid of Gov. Mala Mai Buni as its leader.
I say this because he has done more for the credibility and strength of the ruling party than any National Chairman since its inception.
Apart from being a formidable intellectual, a man of his word and an absolute gentleman, he is also a moderate, civilised, cerebal, fair-minded and focused individual for whom I have immense respect.
Murdering & cutting off the heads of men, women & children & targetting our security personnel & their families for death is barbaric. Those "unknown gunmen" that carry out these operations are as evil as BH & the bandits & herdsmen that butcher our people. STOP THE KILLING!!!
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says it has disbursed N791 billion to over three million farmers across the 36 states, under its Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).
The Director, Development Finance Department of the bank, Mr Yusuf Yila, made this known on Friday in Abuja, during an interaction with newsmen.
Yila said the apex bank had reduced interest rate on the loan from nine per cent to five per cent, to encourage more farmers to have access to the credit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ABP was launched on Nov. 17, 2015 and designed to provide farm inputs and cash to Small Holder Farmers (SHFs).
The programme was intended to create a linkage between Anchor Companies involved in food processing and SHFs of the required key agricultural commodities, through commodity associations.
He said the programme had helped participating farmers to improve their yields, especially maize from initial two metric tons per hectare, to five metric tons per hectare, while that of rice to four metric tons per hectare.
Yela said the bank was also investing in reducing post-harvest loses of farm produce, by encouraging dry season farming, describing it as “better in reducing such losses.
“Agriculture works better in the dry season, because you cannot control water during the rainy season, but you can control it during the dry season by using irrigation.
“The bank is also building silos and irrigation dams to reduce losses,’’ he said.
Yila said the apex bank had also disbursed about N312 billion, in energy infrastructure support through National Mass Metering Programme.
He explained that the programme was initiated to bridge the six million metering gap in the country, adding that 670 thousand meters had been distributed across the country.
“We are also ensuring value addition in the scheme, by ensuring the meters are not fully imported but assembled in Nigeria.
“By that, we are creating thousands of jobs and also supporting economic diversification,’’ the director said.
1) I believe that after 107 years together, we are more integrated than we realize. Even a bloodless breakup would be very painful and expensive. We have intermarried, own businesses and properties outside where we come from, and each region contributes something important.
2) I believe being the giant of Africa is an economic advantage. Once we get our act together, we could be as influential within Africa as USA, China and India are in their respective regions.
3) I hate violence. The country can't break up without violence. Thanks to oil & gas.
4) An independent north will certainly be taken over by violent religious extremists. Non-muslims in the north will face genocide. Millions of refugees will overwhelm the south. The south will never know peace cos the north will keep trying to take it back by force for the oil.
As long as violence remains part of IPOB's platform, acts of violence by unknown actors in the South East can be blamed on them, and their denials won't be believed. They need to reject violence publicly and commit themselves to peaceful protests only if they want to succeed.
I'm for one Nigeria, so I want IPOB to fail. But not through violence! I want them to abandon their struggle voluntarily when we have unifying leaders who make them believe, through sincere words and actions, that Igbo people will fare better if they stay in Nigeria.
Apart from the $33 million USDT frozen by Tether to prevent the hackers from liquidating or moving the asset, all funds have been transferred to the Multisignature wallet controlled by Mr. White Hat and the Poly Network team.
6 IPOB/ESN members killed, 13 arrested, 19 AK 47 rifles recovered in Enugu, Ebonyi
**Arrests 51 terrorists, Rescue 29 Abducted Civilians; As another 1,000 BHTs and Families surrender in Borno.
Nigerian troops and other security agencies operating in the Southeast have neutralized one Commander and five other members of the Eastern Security Network and IPOB during a fire-fight at Nkanu area Enugu state while 13 other members of the secessionist group were arrested.
Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen Bernard Onyeuko made these disclosures in Abuja on Thursday at a media briefing on military operations against criminal elements, armed bandits and terrorists.
He said, in South East operations, “One ESN commander was neutralized and another apprehended. Cumulatively, a total of 6 IPOB/ESN members were neutralized and 13 criminal elements were arrested by their own troops and other security forces operating in the Zone.
This was during an ambush operation by security forces against the 6 IPOB/ESN members, who were involved in the killing of a District Police Officer (DPO) at Omuma Town in Orlu East LGA of Imo State. 3 others were arrested.
Furthermore, security forces following intelligence report arrested one notorious IPOB/ESN member named Obumneke Gabriel at Umueli Amaraku Town in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State. The criminal was in possession of arms and ammunition during the arrest.
“Relatedly, troops raided IPOB/ESN members’ hideout at Amaechi Idodo community in Nkanu LGA of Enugu State and Nguzu Edda in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State.
“Troops also recovered a total of 19 AK-47 rifles, 2 single barrel Dane guns, one G3 assault rifle and 3 locally-made pistols. Other items recovered were 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 3 daggers, and one locally-made double barrel pistol loaded with 10 rounds of cartridges were recovered in the course of the operations.
In other operations across the troubled zones of the country, The Nigerian Army noted that,
“Troops of Operation Safe Haven carried out rescue operations in different locations on the Plateau. During one of the operations, 2 Fulani herdsmen were rescued at Mararaban Tifa Town, 2 kidnapped victims at Ungwan Ayaba District in Nasarawa State and one along Tahoss – Sopp Road in Plateau State.
“Additionally, on its Civil-Military Cooperation efforts, Operation Safe Haven donated exercise books and other writing materials to students of Pilot Science Primary School at Bungha Mangu LGA of Plateau and Government Secondary School, Zango in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
“In Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State it distributed 45 wheelchairs to physically challenged persons as part of non-kinetic approach towards achieving peace in the North Central Zone. Furthermore, troops held peace and security meetings with community heads, youth leaders and other critical stakeholders at the Emir Palace in Wase LGA and Jengre Town in Bassa LGA of Plateau State, to discuss the various security challenges in the general area.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out raid operations and responded to distress calls at Nwokporo Agbagedo Community in Ado LGA and on bandits’ hideouts at Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA of Benue State as well as Garin Dogo village in Lau LGA and Lau – Jalingo Road, Taraba State.
“The operations led to the destruction of bandits’ hideouts, arrest of 8 armed bandits including their informants and rescue of some kidnap victims. Items recovered in the course of the operations include 6 AK-47 rifles, one SMG, 2 pistols, 66 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition among other items.
“Within the same period, troops also held peace and security meetings with community heads, youths’ leaders and other stakeholders at different locations including Udugbeho Community in Agatu LGA and Igumale Town in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, Dirigi Community in Dobere Council Ward, Lau LGA of Taraba State.
In the South-South and South-West, Onyeuko said, “Troops of Operation Delta Safe conducted series of anti-illegal oil operations at Orutoru area in Bayelsa State; Olutoro and Adamakiri villages in Bonny LGA, Udeyeada Community in Andoni LGA of Rivers State; and Opuebubor Creek in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
“These led to the discovery and deactivation of several illegal refining sites with a total of 21 ovens, 12 dugout pits and 58 metal storage tanks laden with a total of 2.329 million litres of illegally refined AGO and 2.19 million litres of stolen crude oils as well as 2 boilers and 750 bags of illegally refined oil products.
“During the operations, own troops also recovered the one-speed boat, one AK-47 rifle, one FN rifle, 3 Smoke gun rifles, 12 fabricated RPGs, 263 live cartridges, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 7.62mm special ammunition among other items”.
“The Military High Command appreciates the enormous sacrifices of the troops in the various theatres of operations across the Country. It salutes their courage, service and commitment to the nation. We appreciate the general public and the Media for their support. You are further encouraged to continue to provide credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements in all the theatre’s of operation” he said.
Following the intensive counter-insurgency and anti-banditry offensive by troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces both in the North East and the North West, Nigerian Air force Fighter jets and ground troops have neutralized no fewer than 123 armed bandits and destroyed their camps in their forest hideouts in Zamfara state while the Army also eliminated 27 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state.
During the operations in Borno, troops rescued 29 abducted civilians while another 1,000 BHTs and their families surrendered and a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered at Mongonu, Damboa and Baga among others.
He said, “The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out intensive airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at the South of Dansadau Town; North of Kwiambana Forest Reserves as well as North of Sububu Forest and Dudufi village under Faru District in Maradun LGA, all in Zamfara State.
“The airstrikes resulted in the destruction of bandits’ structures including the residence of one of their leaders, Halilu Tubali, in which the armed bandits converged for a meeting. The airstrikes in conjunction with ground troops’ assaults resulted in the neutralization of no fewer than 123 armed bandits and destruction of their logistics facilities in the process”.
Also, troops responded to distress calls from locals, on cattle rustling and kidnapping incidents and armed bandits’ attacks on farmers, at Bagida village in Sokoto State; Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Maigora, Falale and Ungwan Dudu villages as well as Kankara – Katsina Road in Katsina State.
“In all incidents, troops repelled the criminals, rescued farmers and kidnapped victims as well as recovered arms, ammunition and some livestock, while some criminal elements were arrested. Cumulatively, a total of 89 livestock, 5 AK-47 rifles, 3 rounds of 9mm ball and 48 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition were recovered and 4 kidnap victims were rescued.
“Two (2) notorious cattle rustlers named, Mallam Buda Umar from the Niger Republic and Mai Hatsi Ibrahim from Gada LGA of Sokoto State as well as 4 armed bandits and drug peddlers were arrested.
“In the North East, theatre, the intensity of operations has yielded tremendous results as evidenced in the number of casualties and massive surrender of terrorists in Buni Yari, Gorgore, Baga and Monguno Towns as well as Maiduguri – Baga Road, Maiduguri – Damboa Road and Bula Yobe – Darel Jamel Road.
“Operations were also carried out at Kayamri and Mairari villages as well as Monguno and Kukawa Towns, all in Borno State. Cumulatively, the operations led to the neutralization of 27 BHT/ISWAP fighters, arrest of 51 BHT/ISWAP terrorists, 3 terrorists’ collaborators as well as recovery of 35 assorted arms and 1,051 rounds of ammunition including AK-47 and FN rifles, Dushka anti-aircraft guns, GPMG, PKT guns, 60mm mortar tubes, Makarov pistol and other machine guns, amongst other items.
“In addition, 29 abducted civilians were rescued within the period under review and no fewer than 1,000 terrorists and their families comprising adult females and children surrendered to own troops at different locations in the North East.
“Notable among them is the notorious BHT bomb expert named, Musa Adamu aka Mala Musa Abuja and his deputy, Usman Adamu aka Abu Darda. This has in no small measure depleted the BHT fighting force.
“Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out intensive airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at the South of Dansadau Town; North of Kwiambana Forest Reserves as well as North of Sububu Forest and Dudufi village under Faru District in Maradun LGA, all in Zamfara State.
“The airstrikes resulted in the destruction of bandits’ structures including the residence of one of their leaders, Halilu Tubali, in which the armed bandits converged for a meeting.
“The airstrikes in conjunction with ground troops’ assaults resulted in the neutralization of no fewer than 123 armed bandits and destruction of their logistics facilities in the process.
Daddy Freeze: Now, let's take this a little further - praying to Jesus. That's another common error in today's church. What's your advice regarding that? Praying and worship?
Reno Omokri: Yeshua (Jesus) never asked anybody to pray to him. Praying to Yeshua (Jesus) is just a fallacy.
I remember when I was a child. They taught me this song in an Anglican church:
'Somebody touched me, somebody touched me, Somebody touched my soul. When I was praying, Praying to my Jesus'
Now imagine you are a child. You are emotionally scripted to sing that song. That's error. Yeshua (Jesus) never asked anybody to pray to him. And if you read scripture, nobody ever prayed to Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua (Jesus) Himself prayed to God. The Holy Spirit itself even helps you to pray to God. It's in scripture. (the Holy Spirit) Helps you to make groans and intercession to God. Yeshua never...
**As Total of 300 Boko Haram experts surrender in one week
**How Sustained Ground & Air Bombardments is Flushing-Out Terrorists from Enclaves.
There are indications that the days of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who had held sway for about ten years are coming to an end following the surrender of about 300 terrorists and some of their Commanders in the North East.
This is just as Amir Abu Darda (terrorist Commander) in charge of IED’s, Improvised Explosive Device making for the group has equally surrendered and carried along with him, 20 IED experts, with weapons and other incendiaries.
Many of the terrorists according to findings are said to be coming out from the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad axis following a no holds barred and relentless unleashing of land bombardments by the Nigerian Army with artillery and infantry firepower while the Nigerian Airforce is dropping sorties with precision and leveling their hideouts in caves and enclaves.
At the same time, Nigerian Navy gunboats and platforms deployed at the Lake Chad, supported by Airforce jets are smoking out the terrorist’s bases in the Tumbus and tributaries through which they carry out occasional attacks on communities in Borno and Yobe states
While this is ongoing, the military is simultaneously intensifying its non kinetic operations and giving communities which had been traumatized for years that with their support through valuable information and cooperation, the criminal elements will be quickly smoked out.
A senior military source told Vanguard that aside the impact of the fire-power from troops, “Our kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations are paying off. That is why about 300 BHT surrendered. Moreover, those that have surrendered are treated within the ambit of international best practices.
“We believe that the feedback of how those who surrendered are treated is getting back. The role of intelligence is massive but as you know, intelligence successes are not visibly seen when inserted but the outcomes are currently manifesting.
“This unfolding mixed technique and humane handling of surrendered members are tangible steps towards ultimate success. The media also has been key to shaping and boosting troops resolve to continue their aggressive posture.
The senior source urged the media and citizens to continue to maintain their confidence on the military efforts and condition the insurgents towards accepting defeat as we progress.
In keeping to international best practices, the source pointed out that within the last one month, over 150 insurgents who renounced their criminal involvement in the warped belief of the group were released to government.
It would be recalled that Vanguard reported that some notorious bandits’ led by Kingpin Dan Maraki & Associates were also planning to surrender but were shopping for prominent citizens to help them approach the authorities to appeal for amnesty.
The bandits involved are said to be those terrorizing states in the North West of the country, particularly Katsina, Niger and Kaduna states
A top security source had stated that two of the most wanted and notorious bandit leaders, ‘Samaila’ and his Associate ‘Dan Maraki’ have been orchestrating the plan for the possible appeal for the amnesty, to enable them surrender.
“In fact, the signal we are getting is that these two bandits’ commanders are seeking a way to surrender with their gang members and if all goes well for them and government keeps its promise, other bandit groups in Zamfara and other parts of the North West would come out and toe the same line”.
It was learnt that the underground moves by the bandit leaders which intelligence agencies intercepted is fueled by the current sustained combined military onslaught by troops of operation Hadarin Daji comprising the Army and Airforce, on the bandits camps scattered around the many forests in Kaduna, Katsina and Niger states.
The security source added that “the intended plan by the bandit leaders (Samaila and Dan Maraki) to surrender with their gangs and plea for amnesty if accepted and handled by the federal government, could signal an end to banditry, collaboration of their cohorts while boosting the morale of troops.”
The heat from the troops on ground offensive is further enhanced by the rapid and highly impactful non-kinetic line of the operation which is giving affected communities confidence and belief in the army to cooperate against the criminal elements.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Farouk Yahaya during his visits to troops in the battle areas in the forests, spent time with the troops and assured them of all the necessary support with regard to the onslaughts against the bandits, no matter who they are or where they come from”, a source said.
It was gathered that in the past, some bandits leaders gave their gang members the impression that they were untouchables based on who they know in the society which is responsible for the ‘lack of political will’ to really go after them (bandits) and bring the menace of the criminal gangs to an end.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, is said to have put his foot down and told his troops to ignore any such belief, ‘if it ever existed’, directing troops to smoke out the bandits and assuring them that it is in line with the express resolve to clear out the criminal elements
*Says operations now reinvigorated, optimistic about positive results soon
The Nigerian Army yesterday said it had reinvigorated its operations and strengthened them to enable the troops take the war to the enclaves of insurgents, bandits and other criminals terrorising the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-Gen Faruk Yahaya, disclosed this shortly after addressing troops at the Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base, Daura, Katsina State.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Army would carry out its operational battles to the enemies’ enclaves both in the North-west and North-east where most of their operations were being conducted to pave the way for peace and development to thrive.
While admitting that there were challenges afflicting the war against insecurity in the country, the Army chief said with determination and the right efforts by all and sundry, “the Nigeria security challenges are surmountable.”
He said: “The essence of my visit is to reinvigorate our operations and strengthen them to ensure that the troops take the fight to the enclaves of these criminals and destroy them.
“That is what we are doing and this is what we will continue to do. For every place that I pass, that is my message. We must carry the battle to the enemies’ enclaves both here in the North-west and even in the North-east where we are conducting them.
“This is done in synergy with other services and other security agencies and indeed other stakeholders. We are all partners and together with this synergy we will achieve result, like we have seen, it has started gaining ground.
“There are challenges. Sometimes, you see them, but they are not unsurmountable. With the support we have from the President and Commander-in-Chief, and with the cooperation of other service chiefs, we will get there”.
The Army Chief called for effective inter-agency collaboration between civil-military and paramilitary organisations to checkmate the activities of the hoodlums within their respective areas of responsibilities in order to ward off insecurity.
The COAS, who also paid homage to the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar, appealed to traditional rulers to support the military and other security agencies by providing actionable intelligence to combat security challenges besetting some parts of the country.
The Chief of Army Staff explained that traditional and religious institutions had vital roles to play in the fight against insecurity in the country.
He added that giving security operatives vital and actionable information on the whereabouts and movements of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers would help the authorities in containing the situation.
He however noted that the worrisome situation in the North-West was already improving, due to steps taken by officers and men of the Nigerian Army in synergy with other security agencies.
He said: “We need more cooperation and synergy from other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, particularly traditional and religious institutions as well as community and opinion leaders to curtail or bring to the barest minimum the issue of banditry and kidnapping”.
On his part, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, while in audience with the Army chief, attributed the spate of insecurity pervading the nation to the activities of informants whom he termed dangerous elements fueling banditry and kidnapping in the state.
The traditional ruler also opined that lack of credible information sharing and synergy among security personnel “are responsible” for the security challenges afflicting the country, especially the North-west region of the country.
The emir vowed to support the Nigerian Army to achieve the desired goal in its ongoing war against insecurity in the country.
The Shameful Antagonistic Political Analysis of DW News Media Against IPOB | IPOB DOS Editorial
The interview which Deutsche Welle (DW) News held with a Fulani security analyst, Kabir Adamu, on the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the terror activities of the Nigerian government on the indigenous Biafran people, is a show of ethnic bigotry and blackmail.
The Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), as a movement, has over the years, shown proofs to the world of her willingness to live freely and govern herself to the best of her ability. It has come to a point when the world will take a stand of fairness and justice in handling the issues concerning the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB has never been a secessionist group but a people inalienably indigenous to the land of BIAFRA located in the West African sub-region.
The consistent tag of IPOB as a secessionist group is a blackmail to the most widely travelled and advanced African race on the face of the Earth at present. Our survival and our collective determination to govern ourselves as a people through the legitimate Civil right of REFERENDUM does not in any way, make us a secessionist group because Nigeria is a country of diverse value systems forcefully amalgamated in 1914 without the consent of the indigenous civilian populations of the North and South.
Deutsche Welle (DW) Germany English International News must toe the line of ethics in her correspondence to journalism especially on its discussion and analysis of the Biafran restoration. The interview which Deutsche Welle (DW) News held with a Fulani security analyst, Kabir Adamu, on the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the terror activities of the Nigerian government on the indigenous Biafran people, is a show of ethnic bigotry and blackmail. It is unacceptable and IPOB completely faults it's approval.
First of all, DW News must understand that for an analysis or correspondence to be void of sentiments, those who are directly involved should be the target audience. The political interview of Kabir Adamu a Nigerian Security analyst of Fulani extraction and his subsequent analysis telling the world that there is a back channel with which the Nigerian government is applying to negotiate with the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), is totally unfounded and baseless.
Senate Eyinnaya Abaribe has never been the mouth piece of the Indigenous People of Biafra but only stood as a surety for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on the ground of bail bonds and nothing more.
The baseless storyline that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu jumped bail is sad and totally unacceptable. The world and all media outlets must understand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never jumped bail but escaped assassination attempt on his life, from the invasion of the Nigerian military of his home on the 14 of September 2017, with overwhelming evidence readily available.
The antagonistic account, view and comments of Kabir Adamu that only a few people within the Eastern part of Nigeria are in support of the self-determination effort of IPOB, is most shameful. On the 31st of May 2021, which was the Remembrance Day of Biafran Fallen Heroes and Heroines, the whole world witnessed the total compliance of the "Sit-at-Home" celebration which completely cut across all sections of Biafraland. Businesses and social activities were crippled completely on that day to show the world that it is a collective agreement of the people determined to exit the Nigerian contraption.
Finally, on the baseless storyline that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which is a vigilante outfit for the defense of Biafraland from the invasion of the fourth most deadliest terrorist group in the world, Fulani herdsmen, it should be clear to all and sundry that ESN does not engage in arms deal. The theory that the Eastern Security Network and the military wing of the Ambazonians exchange trade deals in ammunition is disgustingly unfounded and fallacious.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), hereby urge the media outlet of DW News to consciously toe the path of truth in her defense of the fourth estate. The views of Kabir Adamu against IPOB is shameful and dishonest. It goes to prove to the global community that the political foundation and security structure of Nigeria is faulty and must not be taken seriously.
IPOB has been a peaceful movement all around the world on her demand for self-determination and deserves an unreserved apology from DW News Media as well as an immediate Rejoinder to discuss with the leadership of IPOB on her strategies and alliances.
Ex-Presidential Aide, Reno Omokri Lied Buhari Regime Killed 6 El-Zakzaky's Sons, 3 Killed By Soldiers Under Jonathan Government | Sahara Reporters
Checks by SaharaReporters showed that the former presidential aide lied as three of the deceased persons were killed by soldiers during the administration he served.
Contrary to a claim by a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, three out of the six dead sons Of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, were shot to death by Nigerian soldiers in July 2014 during the administration of his former principal, Goodluck Jonathan.[/color
Members of the movement were demonstrating in Zaria, Kaduna state over the Gaza conflict when the incident occurred.
Omokri, who served under Jonathan, had in an article accused the Muhammadu Buhari government of killing six of the Islamic cleric’s children.
“El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained for six years. Members of his congregation were killed in their thousands. Buhari killed 6 of his children. The remainder of his congregation were hounded. Yet, they never abandoned him,” he had said.
[color=#000099]However, checks by SaharaReporters showed that the former presidential aide lied as three of the deceased persons were killed by soldiers during the administration he served.
According to a report by the United Kingdom-based Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), 34 defenceless Nigerians, including three sons of El-Zakzaky were murdered in cold blood on July 25 and 26, 2014.
The report, compiled from interviews with victims, their families, witnesses, found that contrary to the then Jonathan government’s account of the killings, the protesters were peaceful and did not provoke the attacks.
The IHRC fact-finding team, led by its Chair, Massoud Shadjareh, also obtained video footage of soldiers firing at unarmed civilians at the end of the procession. The report said bystanders were among those killed by the rampaging soldiers.
The IHRC also said that it has unimpeachable evidence to prove that many of those arrested died in military custody, unable to withstand the brutality they were subjected to by the soldiers.
The report titled: “Zaria Massacres and the Role of the Military” observed that on July 25, after Friday prayers, followers of Mr. El-Zakzaky embarked on the traditional Al-Quds procession done in support of the Palestinian Cause following the same route it has followed in the last 33 years.
It stated that the procession ended at about 4:30 p.m. and participants were already dispersing after a collective prayer had been said at the meeting point. But due to the number of people that turned out for the procession, the line stretched about three kilometres from the meeting point before soldiers attacked it.
“Trouble started after soldiers confronted volunteers managing traffic at the PZ Junction on the criteria they were using to give priority pass to cars. According to the report, the confrontation appeared to be an excuse by the soldiers to start the attack because despite allowing the truck they were in to pass, the soldiers started shooting at protesters indiscriminately.
“This appears to have been a smokescreen for the attacks because even as they were being given priority passage, the soldiers started shooting at demonstrators from a very close distance. Ishaq Abdullah was shot and bundled into the army vehicle. The soldiers then sped off, went around the block of shops, and cut off a large group who were at the tail end of the procession from the main body. They took positions near these shops and started to shoot at the crowd. The volunteers and other non-partisan eye-witnesses stated that the volunteers did not have weapons and did not instigate the violence,” the report noted.
The IHRC added that it obtained video footage and images that “clearly show the soldiers walking calmly towards the crowd while shooting at it.”
“There seemed to be no obvious danger to the soldiers as they took no precautions against being attacked. They were not seeking protection behind objects, nor wearing helmets, and were walking directly towards the crowd while shooting. Had the crowd posed any danger to them they would not have taken such a casual approach,” the report stated.
According to IHRC, stewards and traffic volunteers approached the shooting soldiers screaming “Allahu Akbar" (Allah is great) and "Ya Mahdi" (O Mahdi), adding that they “placed themselves between the soldiers and the crowd and also to rescue those who were lying injured on the road.”
Many of them were instantly shot for this brave act, the report found.
The report also noted that the indiscriminate nature of the shooting meant that bystanders and non-sect members were also killed and injured.
“Julius Anyanwu, a 68-year-old Christian man, was shot and disembowelled as he sought to know why the soldiers were shooting unarmed civilians. He died before arrival at the hospital. In an adjacent shop, a Christian woman was shot and injured as she sought shelter in the shop she worked in. A number of stray bullets tore through the front of the shop and into her hands and chest. IHRC obtained pictures showing the damage done to shops and other property.”
“Bullets pierced metal doors. One physically handicapped victim recounted that she had been in the area begging for food. When the shooting started she dived for cover as she was unable to run away. A soldier approached her, shot her in her good leg, and walked away. Her leg had to be amputated.”
All those interviewed said the soldiers did not issue any warnings. They told IHRC that the soldiers shot randomly and indiscriminately at the crowd.
According to the testimony of a farmer who was wounded in the attack, soldiers chased people into his farm and shot at them. He said he saw another soldier who took position in his sugarcane field, shooting those who ran to the field for cover.
HOW JONATHAN's GOVERNMENT KILLED THREE EL-ZAKZAKY's SONS
El-Zakzaky’s three biological sons, Mahmud, Ahmad, and Hamid were killed in the attack. A fourth son of the cleric, Ali, was shot in the leg. He survived.
Mahmoud Ibraheem Zakzaky was born on March 20, 1995; Hameed Ibraheem Zakzaky was born on January 17, 1992 and Ahmed Ibraheem Zakzaky was born on October 10, 1990.
They were all killed on July 25, 2014 by Nigerian Army.
One of those interviewed also explained in detail how the three sons of El-Zakzaky were killed.
Mahmud was a student of Al Mustapha University, Beirut; Ahmad, a Chemical Engineering student of Shenyang University, China; and Hamid, an Aeronautical Engineering student of Xiang University, also in China.
He said soldiers accosted Hamid, Ali, Ahmad and other volunteers at the PZ roundabout. The trio were chanting songs while lying on the ground as the shooting became intense. According to the witness, soldiers did not stop shooting, so Hamid and Ahmad decided to get away but Ali remained on the ground.
Most of those on the ground were already dead or injured. As the soldiers approached, Ali screamed and one of the soldiers shot him in the leg. The narrator said a soldier also pointed his gun at him and was going to shoot, but he grabbed the gun and was wrestling with the armed man when another soldier shot him in the leg.
He and Ali were dragged to the side of the road where they saw Hamid and Ahmad being shot by soldiers.
“They were shot twice in the back and once in the leg,” the report said.
“While all these were happening, Mahmud had been shot and his body left on the street for volunteers to retrieve. Ali, Ahmad and Hamid and others that were injured were piled on top of one another in the back of a truck and driven to the Chindit Barracks.”
[b]According to the unnamed narrator, during the journey, Hamid pleaded with the soldiers that Ahmad was badly injured and needed immediate medical attention, as he could no longer breathe freely. The narrator told IHRC that Hamid’s entreaties only attracted vicious response from the soldiers as he was kicked and hit with the butt of their AK-47 riffles.[/v]
The soldiers were not allowed into the Chindit Barracks so they turned and headed to the Basawa Barracks that was five kilometres away. At the Basawa Barracks, a senior military officer, on seeing how injured the victims were, ordered that they should be put in an ambulance and taken to the Teaching Hospital in Shika, the report said.
But the commander of the unit that arrested them, S.O Oku, a Lieutenant Colonel, stopped the ambulance at the gate of the barracks and ordered that they should be put on the ground.
Oku allegedly asked that the sons of El-Zakzaky identify themselves and he proceeded to separate Ali, Ahmad and Hamid. Soldiers took pictures of the captives while “insulting and taunting” them.
“The soldiers were also insulting and taunting their captives, and every time they said something Ali, who is only 15, would respond with a comment. One of the soldiers decided to attack him for his response and went to hit him, at which point Hamid tried to shield Ali with his own body. Hamid was hit on the head twice with the butt of a rifle. That was the last time anyone heard Hamid speak or move. Ali mentioned that he saw Hamid’s eyes rolling and he died soon afterwards.”
By the time they were taken to hospital, Ahmad’s body was starting to get cold while Hamid body was already stiff. They were both dead.
The report said that evidence by Gilbert Uwadia, the medical Director of St Luke Catholic Hospital, confirmed that the victim had clean laceration on their bodies which probably had been inflicted on them by the bayonet on the AK 47 rifles the soldiers carried.
Not satisfied with the bloodbath of the previous day, the report said soldiers in three trucks on July 26 approached a gathering of sympathisers outside the Husainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, resident of the sect leader, and without any warning whatsoever started shooting the crowd at close range.
Two people were killed and seven others were injured in the attack.
IHRC said the police were not involved in the incident of July 25 and refused to take the captive from the army. It wondered why the army was involved in an incident it itself had tagged a civil disturbance, which was a responsibility of the police.
It also added that the fact that senior military officers were not aware of the attack indicated that it was a special operation carried out by a select few.
The report also noted that despite the army’s claim that soldiers were fired upon, no soldier was killed or injured in the attacks.
When I talk about a collaboration between the British Government and those that kidnapped Our Client in Kenya, I meant every word spoken there. - Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor
CLARIFICATION ON FALSEHOOD BEING CIRCULATED OVER VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.
For your information, neither the British High Commissioner in Nigeria nor any one representing/acting for them has visited Our Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at DSS detention facility, where he is currently being held incommunicado. I can authoritatively confirm this position to you today.
Stop believing the falsehood being dished out in the public space by mischief makers. The purveyors of fake news have always been at it.
When I talk about a collaboration between the British Government and those that kidnapped Our Client in Kenya, I meant every word spoken there.
Thankfully, force of law has been activated through judicial process, before the British Court to ensure that their statutory obligation over their Nationale is asserted, without further ado. In this Political/Media trial of Our Client, I see a handful of Compromised socia media platforms, who are ostensibly feeding fat from the National treasury. But the majority of distinguished media houses are guided by good conscience in their reportage.
We definitely commend them. Always visit our social media handles for accurate account of that is happening around our Client. May Chukwuokike continue to streghten and protect him in this trying time. In the end,it SHALL surely end in praises.
Thank you all and remain blessed.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Lead Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu and the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
Politics › Re: 'Are You Truly A Yoruba Man?' - Man Knocks Seun Osewa Over VAT by SATANICALLY666(op): 9:05am On Sep 09, 2021
