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Abia State Government has placed a N25m bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the Aba area of the state and also condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja over the incident.

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Gunmen on Thursday stormed the military unit at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, and also burnt the unit as well as a patrol van parked in the unit. Some soldiers were alleged to have escaped the attack by the gunmen.

A day after the incident, the state government described it as unfortunate and prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died on active duty.

“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs,” a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture Okey Kanu read.

“The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.”

Military Confirms Killing
Meanwhile, the military authorities had earlier confirmed the attack which it blamed on terrorists suspected to be the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to the defence spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, the attack took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

He said the terrorists who attacked the troops in the surprise assault came in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, adding that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.

Buba said investigations are ongoing concerning the attack, stressing the military will retaliate the attack on its troops with their response brutal.

“Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.

“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists, in three-tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.

“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.

“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

“Accordingly, it is imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement read.

Unmask Killers
Also, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, condemned the killing, asking the military to unmask the perpetrators.

Uzodimma who briefed journalists in Owerri on Thursday, described the attack as unfortunate.

“On behalf of my brother governors in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts,” he said.

“Without any provocation, they were attacked by the men of the underworld. I want to condemn that and also to urge security agents to go all out and ensure that those behind that are caught and brought to book.

“It is unfortunate that this happened. Without any reason, innocent people who were doing their lawful duty were burned down.

“The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major setback to the peace process which the governors from the South East have been pursuing in talking to the Federal Government, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of insecurity in the South-East,” he said.

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Travellers must report reckless driving to curb crashes — FRSC

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Travellers must report reckless driving to curb crashes — FRSC
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The Plateau State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, on Friday, concluded a series of activities aimed at reducing road accidents during the 2024 ember months with a call on travellers to report reckless driving in order to achieve the objective.

The campaign, tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers,” kicked off on November 6, 2024, in Jos, the state capital, with a press briefing, town hall meeting, fliers distribution to the members of the public as well as motorcade carnival to sensitise the people.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Maxwell Plateau, emphasised the need for behavioural change among drivers.

He stressed that passengers have the right to a safe drive and encouraged them to caution drivers who violate road rules.
We must appreciate the selfless services the transport subsector in the country ensures that the movement of people, goods, and services get to their destinations safely.

“However, we must be deliberate in playing our role to maximize safety. As such, FRSC will, at this critical moment, intensify, increase visibility, provide prompt response to rescue, and add more gravity to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure our safety. However, passengers also have their own roles to play.

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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY
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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

Minister of State Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress so far made on the Multi-Million Naira Illela-Badagry Superhighway conceived to connect Northern with the Southwestern part of Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.

This is during an on the spot assessment to illela Amarawa the originating point of the legacy Project.

Contract for the construction of the 3 lane carriageway was awarded on 14th August, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu led Administration to create jobs, connect Communities and fast track economic development of the Country in line with his renewed hope Agenda on Road infrastructural development.

Work on the phase One 1A covering 120km that stretches 4 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State commenced on the 4th November as directed by the Minister of Works David Umahi.

The Minister of State Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo embarks on an on the spot assessment to ensure total compliance by the Contractor handling the Project

On the recent revocation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Project, the Minister lamented that, after eight Years the Federal Government can no not be hold to ransom by underperforming Firms.

Goronyo stated that the Ministry will re-award the contract to a more serious company in due course to facilitate movement of goods and services.

Representative of the Contracting Firm Willie Barkhursen and Federal Controller of Works incharge of Sokoto State Maigwandu Kasim assured that, the Project is being executed according to specifications and would be completed within the agreed 24 Months period.

A joint reconnaissance survey is ongoing under the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure safety of workers and equipment

The over 1000km length Superhighway passes through Four Northern and Three Southern States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos

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Obaseki Lauds State Security Council for Support, Urges Cooperation with Successive Administration

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Obaseki Lauds State Security Council for Support, Urges Cooperation with Successive Administration
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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to members of the Edo State Security Council, commending the Council for providing the State with adequate security and necessary surveillance.

The Governor noted that their collaborative efforts with the government and citizens of the State have gone a long way in improving security situation in the State.

Obaseki made this known on Friday November 8, 2024, at the valedictory Security Council Meeting by his administration, held at the State Government House, with representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Prisons Service, Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies.

According to the Governor, “We are blessed to have worked with these agencies who by adopting the right technology were able to provide a security blanket over Edo State, such that today, we have a Security Information Management System second to none in this country.

“It is one thing to have security but what is also important is the perception of security. I would say that the giant strides made by my administration in the last few years speak to the fact that the capacity to deal with security issues in Nigeria exists; the people to do the job exist; it is all about working with them and supporting them to perform their duties. We are hoping that the successive administration will continue to work with them.

Obaseki added: “The only thing I can do is to thank you, because we cannot reward you enough. When I look back, I want to say thank you for all you did, because I am leaving Edo much better security-wise. And my advice to the incoming administration is to take security seriously.

“Do not prioritize politics over security, and the citizens too must continue to demand for a secure environment, because we have shown over the last 8 years that it is possible; shown that we have men and women who have the capacity and training to offer security services to the people.

“As I step out of office, I know my success has been largely due to the support I received from you to ensure that we have a safe and secure State. Please keep it up. Continue with the structures we have put on ground. Keep that cooperation that made you very effective, so we can continue to provide security to our people.”

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