Headlines
Gunmen Invade Taraba Communities in Alleged Reprisal Attack, Eight Feared Killed
At least eight persons were feared killed and others injured, following an attack by suspected herders on a Taraba community on Sunday night, witnesses and police have said.
Residents of the area said the attackers, who besieged the communities on motorbikes, first stormed Tudiri village, a settlement of Fulani and Mummuye tribes where they launched the attack before moving to other neighbouring communities.
One of the fleeing residents, Joseph David, said the attack occurred on Sunday evening from about 6 p.m. till midnight.
“For now, eight persons were killed while several others sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals.
“These herders took us unawares, and that’s why they killed our people and properties were destroyed,” he said.
Also corroborating, Misa Bello, a farmer said, ”nomads were allegedly killed by some Kona (tribe), so the Sunday night’s attack could be a reprisal.
“As I am talking now, we all fled for fear of uncertainty. Lives were lost while many houses were burnt by the assailants,” he added.
PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the details.
But the police public relations officer, Taraba state police command, David Misal, confirmed the incident.
He said the gunmen came into the village on motorcycles and carried out attacks.
“On hearing (about) the attack at Tudiri village, some Kona youths mobilised and barricaded ATC, Nukai Federal highway in Jalingo, the state capital where they carried out attacks indiscriminately on innocent persons.
“The Kona youth also burnt down three vehicles, two motorcycles and three tricycles, as well as some houses.”
Mr Misal, who described the action as unlawful, called on the youth to desist from taking laws into their hands.
He said the police is committed to protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
He also said the police could not verify the number of casualties until it concludes its investigations.
Meanwhile, some witnesses said Kurnayel, Sobayi, Wurbayi and Abbare Maikinta as well as Kasuwan Bera ATC, all in Ardo Kola LGA, were also affected.
Premium Times
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
Headlines
Breaking: Supreme Court Recognises Martin Amaewhule As Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders CBN to Stop Releasing Funds to State
By Eric Elezuo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has in its ruling on Friday recognised Hon Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating him to urgently resume sitting with elected members of the assembly.
The apex court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop releasing to the Rivers State government until a proper assembly is constituted.
Details soon…
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to reclaim his position.
Accompanied by heavily armed men, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex in a bold move that has thrown the State’s legislature into turmoil.
In a stunning turn of events, security details assigned to the substantive Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were abruptly withdrawn on Thursday morning, clearing the path for Obasa’s controversial comeback.
Sources revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security operatives attached to Meranda, leaving her exposed in the midst of an intensifying power struggle.
The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of personnel.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.
This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” Ganzallo stated.
He further called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the State’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order within the Assembly.
“The withdrawal of security personnel has left the Assembly naked and vulnerable at a critical time. Urgent action is needed to restore order,” he pleaded.
With the speakership battle taking a dramatic new turn, political watchers are keenly observing how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
