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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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EVENTS

JOINT SECURITY TEAM ARRESTS TWO ARMED HOODULUMS DURING A PATROL THAT RESULTED IN AN EXCHANGE OF GUN BATTLE, RECOVERS ONE AUTOMATIC PUMP ACTION AND TWO MOTORCYCLES IN AMORKA, ULI.

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April 21, 2025

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On 19th April 2025, a Joint Security Team comprising of Police Operatives attached to Uli Police Station and Uli Vigilantes on patrol of Operation Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping engaged armed hoodlums on motorbikes in a gun duel and arrested two suspects and recovers one pump action gun and two motorbikes along Uli, Amorka, along Onitsha-Owerri Road.

The suspects Chigozie Johnson and Umuerima Oguta all males between the age bracket of 30- 32 years confessed to being among members of the criminal gang and were on an evil mission before they were arrested. Meanwhile, during the Police operative’s search in a nearby bush, a lot of blood stains were observed – an indication that some of the gang members escaped with bullet wounds.

In the light of this development, the Command urges all proprietors of private and public hospitals to admit, but report any individual presented with bullet wounds or injuries of a suspicious nature to the nearest Police Station. This measure is critical to the ongoing effort to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further escalation of criminal activities in the State.

The Command remains committed to maintaining security dominance through sustained patrols and targeted security operations in the State.

*SP Tochukwu Ikenga*
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

20th April 2025
Admin Nibo

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MURDER: NPF COMPLETES EXTRADITION OF BENJAMIN BEST NNAYEREUGO ALIAS “KILLABOI” TO FACE CHARGES ‎ ‎As IGP Appreciates AGF, INTERPOL, Assures of Diligent Prosecution ‎

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2 days ago

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April 19, 2025

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‎PRESS RELEASE
‎
‎MURDER: NPF COMPLETES EXTRADITION OF BENJAMIN BEST NNAYEREUGO ALIAS “KILLABOI” TO FACE CHARGES
‎
‎As IGP Appreciates AGF, INTERPOL, Assures of Diligent Prosecution
‎
‎The Nigeria Police Force has successfully completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, male, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar to Nigeria. The fugitive, who had been on the run for the murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, 19th April 2025, through the coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.
‎
‎The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives dated 29th September 2024. The matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation. Investigations revealed that the suspect, Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, murdered Miss Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, at his residence located at No. 24A Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.
‎
‎Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension. He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity “KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Feeetown.
‎
‎Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.
‎
‎Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.
‎
‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja and extended sincere appreciation to the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.
‎
‎The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.
‎
‎
‎ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS
‎ABUJA
‎
‎19TH APRIL, 2025

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Swarm of bees kill farmer, injures two others in Osun

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April 19, 2025

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A swarm of bees have attacked and killed a farmer, eaving two others seriously injured in Olobe Farm, Igbajo, Osun State.

The incident, Ekwutosblog gathered occurred on Friday, April 18, 2025.

It was also gathered that the deceased, Abideen Olabiyi, who hailed from Alalade compound, Ada, was working on the farm alongside Solomon Kingsley and Olusegun Alalade when the swarm struck.

A police report from the Otan-Aiyegbaju Division of the Osun State Police Command also confirmed the incident.

The report stated that the three men were attacked suddenly and without warning.

The report partly reads: “Today Friday 18/04/2025, at about 1645 HRS, there was a complaint from one Babasanjo Alalade, male of Alalade compound Ada, Osun State, he stated that today, three of his brothers went to farm, one Abideen Olabiyi, male, Mr Solomon Kingsley and Chief Olusegun Alalade all of Alalade compound Ada, went to the farm in Olobe Farm Igbajo.”

The report noted the victim had been deposited at the Healthy Paradise Mutuary Ikirun for autopsy.

The two surviving victims are currently receiving care at an undisclosed medical facility in Ada, Osun State, where their conditions are reported to be critical.

“On getting to the farm they were attacked by bunch of bees X and as a result x Mr Abideen Olabiyi ( M) X lost his life x while the other two victims manage to escape with their lives X detectives mine visited the scene X photograph taken X corps removed and deposited at Healthy Paradise Mutuary Ikirun for autopsy while the other two victims were rushed to undisclose hospital at Ada for treatment x for your information sir X From Supol Otan Ayegbaju Division.”

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