Connect with us

EVENTS

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.

Published

on

 

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.

EVENTS

“Naija Na Content, Abeg Make Trump Blow Trumpet” – Nigerians React As Fight Breaks Out Between Sowore And DSS Inside Court (Video)

Published

on

 

Nigerians have reacted after disturbing video of Sowore and DSS officials surfaces online.

So many online users have condemn this video, stating that both the security officials and politicians have no regard for laws in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

EVENTS

Institute condemns irregular migration, human trafficking, seeks stronger action

Published

on

The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria, CISWPN, on Thursday, expressed strong concern over rising challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking.

It described them as pressing social problems with far-reaching national implications, and expressed commitment towards tackling them.

Speaking to journalists at the ongoing 16th International Conference on Social Work, held in Enugu, the National President and Chairman of Council, Prof. Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John, said the conference provides a platform for professionals and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to issues relating to migration, trafficking, and youth vulnerability.

She explained that the Institute, which came into existence in 2009 and became chartered in 2022, has grown from an initial 200 members to more than 15,000 members across the world.

The CISWPN president also noted that the body maintains active collaborations with international partners, including USAID, UKAID, and several Italian organisations, to support projects focused on women’s rights, child welfare, and vulnerable groups.

“We have been very active in programmes such as fistula repair and rehabilitation, campaigns against female genital mutilation, and interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable women and children.

“This year’s conference focuses strongly on the issues of irregular migration and human trafficking, which have become critical social concerns in Nigeria,” John said.

Responding to questions on the causes of irregular migration, the CISWPN president stressed that the issue goes far beyond economics.

“Irregular migration is not just an economic problem; it is a social issue rooted in questions of dignity, justice, and human rights.

“People migrate irregularly because they feel alienated, hopeless, or deprived of opportunities at home. When youths finish school without jobs or are limited by age restrictions, they begin to believe their future lies elsewhere,” she said.

Prof. John also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among local and international partners.

She noted that agencies such as NAPTIP and several NGOs are making efforts, but urged the government to create more sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians.

“The truth is that our people’s eyes are still outside because they feel there is no future here.

“But the grass is not greener on the other side — it only appears so. What we need is to make things work here, at home,” she added.

Delegates from across Nigeria are attending the conference.

Continue Reading

EVENTS

NDLEA alerts on fake medicinal cannabis, recovers large consignment, arrests kingpin

Published

on

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted the Nigerian public about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely packaged and marketed to the public as medicinal cannabis.

The public alert comes on the heels of credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin Afeez Salisu (a.k.a Malu) on Saturday 1st November 2025 at his 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin-Lagos enclave from where he was packaging and distributing the fake medicinal cannabis in designer pouches and cups.

A statement from NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, says a total of 16.4 kilograms of dangerous and synthetic strains of cannabis including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud packaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis, were recovered from his store.

​The Agency warned Nigerians especially the youth that these so-called medicinal products are, in reality, adulterated and highly potent strains of dangerous psychoactive substances, and are not the regulated, safe pharmaceutical preparations they are purported to be.

Babafemi said i​Investigations by the Agency have confirmed that the seized and recovered products being peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis, including Loud, known for its extreme potency and severe psychological effects; Arizona, a highly concentrated and destructive variant of cannabis; and Colorado, a potent, often synthetic, strain with devastating consequences on the user’s mental and physical health.

‘’​Rather than the purported medicinal cannabis in the designer pouches and cups, the strains are highly addictive and pose a significant, immediate threat to public health and safety because they are associated with severe mental health issues, including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and other long-term cognitive impairments, especially among young people’’

 

Continue Reading

Trending