Connect with us

Politics

Uromi killings: Okpebholo visits victims’ families in Kano

Published

on

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the families of victims of the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State.

The governor assured the bereaved families and the people of Kano State that justice will be served. Most of the victims are reportedly from Kano State.

Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo described the attack as unfortunate and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“I was deeply touched when I received the news of the incident at night. By 4:00 am, I left Abuja and rushed to Uromi to meet with the affected families. During my campaign, your people supported me, and I stand with you in this time of grief. I extend my condolences to the people of Kano State and pray for the eternal rest of the victims’ souls.

“We have made significant progress in our investigations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not happy about this incident and has directed security agencies to go after the culprits. I can assure you that justice will prevail.

“So far, about 14 suspects have been arrested, and after the holiday, they will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. More arrests will follow as investigations continue,” Okpebholo stated.

In response, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended Okpebholo for his swift intervention and support to the bereaved families.

“We appreciate the Governor of Edo State for his prompt response to this tragic event. It is well known that our people were returning from Port Harcourt when they were brutally murdered. The majority of the victims were from two local governments in Kano State.

“Governor Okpebholo immediately visited the scene, ensured that the corpses were retrieved, and arranged for their proper burial.

“He also made commitments to support the affected families, and I can confirm that he has fulfilled those promises.

“We trust his assurance that the culprits will be brought to book, as justice remains our utmost priority. The people of Kano are peaceful and hospitable. This tragedy serves as a lesson to all, and I urge all leaders across Nigeria to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, regardless of their location. Governor Okpebholo’s visit today is a mark of true leadership, and we appreciate his gesture.”

Speaking on behalf of the Arewa community in Edo State, Badamasi Sally reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relationship between the northern community and Edo people, emphasizing that the unfortunate event should not be used to tarnish the State’s image.

“I was born and raised in Edo State, and we have always maintained a peaceful relationship with the people here. This incident should not be used to create division or smear the reputation of the Edo State Government. The swift response of the state government was commendable. Moreover, it was the people of Uromi who rescued some of the victims from the assailants. This tragedy will not change our bond with the people of Edo,” the Kano governor said.

Fred Akhigbe, leader of the Edo community in Kano, also expressed appreciation for Governor Okpebholo’s visit, urging both communities to maintain peace and unity.

“We are grateful to the governor of Edo State for personally coming to Kano to express his condolences. When this tragic incident happened, there was apprehension, but we are reassured by the swift actions taken by both state governments. We sympathize with the people of Kano State and pray for the victims.

“I have lived in Kano for 52 years, and we must remember that we are all one. There is no need for conflict between us. We commend both governors for their leadership and commitment to justice.”

Politics

Tinubu’s Minister, Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Published

on

Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology has tendered his resignation.

He resigned following some allegations of certificate forgery against him.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga who confirmed the resignation in a statement, said the president has accepted the Minister’s decision.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu has “accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.

“President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours”.

Continue Reading

Politics

Biafra: Ojukwu told me first agitation was necessary, second not – Orji Kalu

Published

on

Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed his meeting with the first Biafra agitator, late General Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu, during the last days of his life.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television monitored by Ekwutosblog on Sunday, Uzor-Kalu said Ojukwu told him that the first Biafra agitation was necessary but second was not.

He also refuted the allegation that he was less Igbo than the people of the entire Southeast.

 

“I am full blooded Igbo. I was with late Ojukwu in the later days of his life, and his wife, Mrs Bianca can testify to this that I was always coming to the General, and the General was coming to my village to stay some days or weekends.

“And then Ojukwu told me that the first struggle for Biafra was necessary, that the second one is no longer necessary.

“Even if these boys want Biafra, who are you going to rule when you kill all the Igbos? When you stop all Igbos from doing businesses?

“When on Mondays, if you see people going out for business, you start pursuing them and killing them? I mean, it is not rational. It is not just nice.

“I thought with what happened to Nnamdi Kanu, these boys should come together in a table and say, how do we get peace to resolve this matter politically? And not still talking tough as they are trying to behave.

“So I think even if they want Biafra, they should drop their arms and go with their flags and demand for what they want and negotiate for it and talk for a referendum.

“Even the man that fought the civil war, the wife is saying the same thing I’m saying. Minister Bianca Ojukwu knows the thought of her husband, and nobody will believe on the destruction of Igbo land. Enough is enough.

“Let us stop destroying ourselves. Let us stop destroying our properties. Let us stop destroying what we have.

“Look, there is no more commerce in the entire Igbo land. How are we going to live? Things are difficult. Things are very bad for people living there. So how are we going to live? These are the issues,” he said.

Continue Reading

Politics

Nigerian Air Force Launches Coordinated Airstrikes Against Fleeing Coup Plotters in Benin Republic

Published

on

Nigeria has carried out a series of precision airstrikes against members of the failed military coup in the Benin Republic, neutralising several suspected plotters and destroying their escape vehicles.

 

The operation was executed on Sunday after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), acting under a joint security arrangement with authorities in Cotonou, tracked the movement of key coup actors attempting to flee in armoured convoys. Intelligence reports had indicated that the fleeing soldiers were heading south toward coastal exit routes.

A senior security official confirmed the mission, saying it was “carefully coordinated with Benin’s leadership” to prevent the coup backers from regrouping and to support efforts to stabilize the country after the attempted takeover.

According to multiple security sources, the airstrikes—lasting approximately 30 minutes—targeted fast-moving convoys believed to be carrying loyalists of the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The fleeing soldiers reportedly departed the country’s interior in an effort to evade capture.

 

Residents in parts of Cotonou reported hearing loud explosions and seeing thick smoke rising from the outskirts, sparking speculation that foreign aircraft were involved in the crackdown on the mutineers.

 

The development was later confirmed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which reported that Nigerian jets conducted the strikes in coordination with Beninese authorities working to contain the mutiny.

 

Speaking on the operation, Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the mission was carried out “in line with ECOWAS protocols and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.”

 

Sources told POLITICS NIGERIA that the strikes successfully disabled multiple armoured vehicles and sealed off escape corridors identified by the fleeing troops. Although no official casualty figures have been released, security insiders disclosed that “a number of hostile elements” were eliminated.

“All sorties were flown with the consent of Beninese authorities and adhered strictly to international rules of engagement,” another official said, noting that planners were careful to avoid civilian areas and minimise collateral damage.

 

The air operation followed the unsuccessful attempt by Lt. Col. Tigri and his faction—known as the Military Committee for Refoundation—to dissolve state institutions and seize power. Loyalist forces in Benin swiftly regained control, forcing several of the coup backers to attempt a southern retreat before they were intercepted.

Continue Reading

Trending