Soldiers, Police Rescue Petrol Station Manager, Others from Kidnappers

Barely twenty-four hours after they were kidnapped by unknown gunmen, a petrol station Manager in Ekiti State, Mr. D. Alalade and his wife, as well as six others hostages have been freed from kidnappers’ den in the state.

Alalade and wife were captured by kidnappers dressed in Army uniform between Efon Alaaye and Erio Ekiti on Friday. They later contacted the family and demanded a sum of N20 million as ransom.

But the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed to journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that the abductees have been freed from their captors.

Ikechukwu revealed that it took the intervention of the combined forces of military men and police to rescue the couple and six others from the captivity.

Alalade, is the Manager of one of the BOVAS Petroleum and Gas Limited Filling stations in the State.

The soldiers and men of the Operation Flush from Ekiti State Command, were said to have invaded the expansive forest where they were held hostage yesterday morning and combed the area.

A source said there was fierce gun duel between the security men and the gunmen before the breakthrough was recorded.

The source said: “They requested for N20 million ransom from the oil dealer, they later reduced to N15 million. They were constantly making contact with the family of the oil dealer on the deal.

“As of this morning (Saturday), the family could only raise a sum of N1.2m and that was the situation before the soldiers and police stormed the forest and secured their freedom”, he said.

A source, who escaped from the scene confirmed to journalists that the couple were kidnapped at Efon Alaaye in Efon Local Government area at about 4pm on Friday.

The source said the kidnappers who allegedly resembled herdsmen dressed in military camouflage waylaid the victim’s vehicle between Efon and Erio Ekiti. He said the abductors, numbering six wielded sophisticated weapons while performing the operation.

“As they waylaid their car, the occupants of the vehicle coming behind them quickly ran into the bush to take cover. They even shot into the air to scare us and ensure that we waited, but we ran for our lives. We even thought they were robbers until we learnt that they have called the abductors’ family”, he said.

The sprawling forest between Efon, a border town with Osun State to Iwaraja, in Osun State, had been branded beehive of criminals in recent time.

Prominent indigenes of the state, including the State Financial Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kayode Oni, have been kidnapped in that axis recently.

Men of the Nigeria Army recently combed the bush, in a bid to arrest those who were taking cover in the forest to perpetrate evil.

Again, gunmen abduct 20 in Kaduna

Again, gunmen struck in embattled Birni Gwari community, called Kwanar-tsauni, Kaduna State, and abducted more than 20 travelers mostly women and children.

One of the attacked vehicles’ driver Muhammed Kabir who managed to escaped from the scene of the incident confirmed the development to Saturday Sun via telephone call.

According to Kabir, five vehicles were intercepted by kidnappers along Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road between 7:30 and 8:30 am this Friday.

“At least 20 people were kidnapped, including a nursing mother and one other kid.

“The incident occurred at Kwanar-tsauni between Udawa and Labi. The local vigilantes (Yanbanga) tried to assist but were overwhelmed by the kidnappers.”

He called on government to deploy more security personnel to the area as it was done on Funtua-Katsina road to put the situation under control.

Birni Gwari, one of the 23 local government areas in Kaduna is notorious for killings, banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping happening virtually on daily basis, despite the presence of both men of Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army in the area.

Several government representatives and security personnel include Minister of Interior, Lieut Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) and Chief of Army Staff, Lieut General Yusuf Buratai, have paid scheduled visits to this community, which its natives live in perpetual fear of the unknown and their economy grounded.

The State Police PRO, ASP Aliyu Mukhtar however said, one person died while only two persons were abducted from two vehicles as policemen engaged the armed bandits in gun duel.

He said police’s timely response led to the rescue of others in the two vehicles that were involved.

According to him, the vehicles, one of them Gulf 3, were traveling from Kaduna through Birni Gwari to Niger state at about 9 am Friday when the gunmen attacked them.

“We are on top of the situation. We were able to respond to the distress call and engaged the bandits in gun duel.

“A lady and driver of one of the vehicles were abducted and we are trailing their abductors. Unfortunately one person died during cross fire.”

Buhari after me, Obasanjo cries out

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, said he has uncovered grand plans by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to hang phantom crimes on him.

Obasanjo, added that since his State-of-the-Nation special statement on January 23, the federal government had embarked on desperate efforts to frustrate, intimidate and blackmail him into abandoning what he termed “divine mandate to protect the rights of the people to better life and living”.

He noted that the plot has continued unabated and even taken a bizarre dimension recently. Obasanjo, made the accusations in a statement signed by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi and made public in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, yesterday.

According to Obasanjo in the statement, he got information through impeccable security sources that his name was on their watch list and that the security of his life cannot be guaranteed.

He explained that the informants, many of who are in the top echelon of the nation’s security management and close to the corridors of power, further hinted him that security operatives are daily perfecting how to curtail his personal liberties and hang a crime on him. The former president stated that one of such plans to curtail him was to seize his international passport and clamp him in detention indefinitely.

This, according to him was to prevent him from further expressing his angst and criticisms of President Buhari’s administration’s quality of governance,  mismanagement of the country’s economy and failure to secure lives  and property of Nigerians.

He further pointed out that since such step could expose the government to a swath of international condemnation, embarrassment and outrage, another plot being hatched is to cause the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-open investigation into the activities of his administration using false witnesses and documents.

This, Obasanjo noted will be a re-enactment of the Abacha era in which he was one of the principal victims. He, however, took a swipe at the government for demonstrating apathy and encouraged its conduct, observing many Nigerians,  now live in fear of being hounded, harassed, maimed or even killed as the battle for 2019 takes worrisome dimension.

Obasanjo, who expressed regrets that the government has resorted to “shameless desperation to cow opposition”, declared that “resort to blackmail, despotism and gestapo-tactics being employed by the goons of this government would not hold water”, adding  “no government ever remains in power forever”.

The statement reads: “Since Chief Olusegun Obasanjo declared in his State-of-the-Nation Special Statement on January 23, 2018, the desperation to frustrate, intimidate and blackmail him into abandoning his divine mandate to protect the rights of the people to better life and living continued unabated and has even taken a bizarre dimension.

“Impeccable security sources have alleged Chief Obasanjo’s name is on their Watch List and that the security of his life cannot be guaranteed.

“According to these informants, many of who are in the top echelon of the Nation’s security management and close to the corridors of power, the operatives are daily perfecting how to curtail the personal liberties of the former President and hang a crime on him.

“Ordinarily, we would not have dignified these reports with a response but for the fact that many of these informants are not known for flippant and frivolous talks. Secondly, this Government has demonstrably exhibited apathy, and in some cases, encouraged by its conduct, daily loss of lives and property in many States of the country, the office cannot be indifferent.

“We are currently in a nation where the Number Three citizen is currently being harangued and the Number Four citizen is facing similar threat within the same Government they serve. There is a groundswell of our nationals that live in fear that they could be hounded, harassed, maimed or even killed as the battle for 2019 takes this worrisome dimension.

“For Chief Obasanjo, this is a joke carried too far and being someone who do not act on unofficial information, he had cautioned all informants and adopted a wait-and-see attitude to the bestial propositions allegedly being contemplated to cow, cage and embarrass him.

“The content of the alleged beastly designs, it was learnt are two-fold for now. One, to seize his International Passport and clamp him into detention indefinitely, in order to prevent him from further expressing angst on the pervasive mediocrity in the quality of governance, economic management and in the protection of lives and property by the Government. But, since that could expose the Government to a swath of international condemnation, embarrassment and outrage, it is said that another plot being hatched is to cause the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-open investigation into the activities of Chief Obasanjo’s administration using false witnesses and documents. This will be a re-enactment of the Abacha era in which Chief Obasanjo was one of the principal victims.

“The same EFCC that had conducted a clinical investigation on the activities of Obasanjo in and out of Government, it was said, would now be made to stand down the existing report that gave Chief Obasanjo a clean bill of health on the probes are now to get him indicted, fair or foul for possible prosecution and persecution like it is being done to real and perceived opponents, enemies and critics of this Government. Dissent is a fundamental principle on which liberal democracy is predicated. A true democrat must be ready to live with and accommodate dissent and opposition.

“While it is regrettable how the Government has sunk in its shameless desperation to cow opposition, a resort to blackmail, despotism and Gestapo-tactics being employed by the goons of this Government would not hold water.  And no government ever remains in power forever.

“For the record, Chief Obasanjo reiterates his readiness to face probe again after that of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the ICPC, and the EFCC, but before an independent, objective and credible panel of enquiry to account for his stewardship in Government and beyond. Chief Obasanjo reiterates that he has taken a principled position to ensure that the ship of the Nigerian State does not capsize and he remains steadfast in his resolve to turn the tide of maladministration, poor economic management and rudderless governance model that has tore Nigerians apart on account of religion and ethnicity which is a great threat to our democracy.

“We would like the Government and its supporters to understand that no amount of campaign of calumny, no matter how well contrived, orchestrated or marketed would deter Chief Obasanjo from calling a spade by its name. Chief Obasanjo is a patriot whose sole agenda is to ensure that the country’s unity, progress and democracy are not negotiated on the altar of incompetence and provincialism and mediocrity.

“It is important to point out that chief Obasanjo is one former President and Head of State who has engaged the current administration privately and in a bilateral manner on several issues of direct interest to the government and other matters of national concern. That channel of private engagement remains open and continues.

“However, should there be the need for public engagement, the right to free speech will always be exercised and jealously guarded, again in the best interest of Nigeria and the government”.

Six-month-old baby, mother, 2 others killed in JTF, militants gun battle

Four people have been confirmed dead in a gun battle between troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (ODS) and suspected militants in Oluasiri community in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa state.

Already there is  palpable tension in the area as the people of Oluasiri have cried out over what they called the invasion of the  community and killing of its people by the military between Thursday and Friday.

Sources in the community said a six-month-old baby, her mother and two others were confirmed dead after the security operation conducted by armed soldiers against suspected militants in Oluasiri. Names of the identified victims include Mr. Wilson Patason, Madam Beauty Christian Gamage and her six months old baby while many others were also confirmed to be in critical condition with various degrees of injuries.

Security sources explained that the operation was launched to dislodge suspected militants and sea pirates hiding in the community but the military troops were attacked by the suspected militants leading to a gun duel.

A community source stated that some suspected sea pirates and militants had forcefully been residing within the community and some people had to invite the military to dislodge them

“The armed militants were residing in the community forcefully. They had become lawless and this may have caused the security operations. But as you know, these boys also pay some military men and may have been tipped off by some of their military friends. They had left the community before soldiers arrived. The soldiers arrived in six gunboats and started shooting indiscriminately. It is sad and unprofessional. “

The Oluasiri community in a statement described as “reckless and nefarious” the wanton invasion of Ben-Ama and Tengele-Ama by the military. The statement jointly signed by the President of Oluasiri Development Union, Deacon Gamage Difurotogu, and the President of Oluasiri Youth Federation, Kienworio Tanga said the people of Oluasiri called on the Federal Government and Civil Liberty Organisations to carry out an investigation in order to unravel the mystery behind the ugly incident.

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) through its Bayelsa Chapter Chairman, Chief Nengi James condemned the military invasion describing it as barbaric and unprofessional. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide, through its President, Eric Omare condemned the invasion under the guise of looking for suspected criminals.

The IYC called on the military authorities to comply with the rules of engagement in their operations in the Niger Delta. The spokesman of the ODS, Major Ibrahim Abdullahi in an interview dismissed the claims that the military invaded the community.

According to him, the ODS had intelligence reports that criminal bandits were hiding in the community and in line with its mandate to  protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta and rid it of criminal gangs it went to the community.

“We had intelligence reports that some criminal bandits were hiding in the community and in line with the mandate of the ODS we went there only to be attacked by the criminals. However due to the superior fire power of ODS troops we over powered them and we were able to recover arms and ammunition”

World Cup: Super Eagles Do Not Have Goalkeeping Issues — Rohr

Despite conceded five goals in their three friendly games, Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has dismissed reports that he is facing a goalkeeping crisis. He also explained why the most inexperienced goalkeeper in the squad, Francis Uzoho, has started the last four matches played by the national team. With Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Carl Ikeme on the sidelines due to an illness, the German coach worked on the possibility of recalling Lille’s Vincent Enyeama to the Super Eagles, but he failed after the former Hapoel Tel Aviv star failed to join a new club in the January transfer window. ‘’For me we don’t have a goalkeeping problem, I hear we have a goalkeeping problem, no,’’ Rohr said post-match. ‘’We have three good goalkeepers, now we gave the opportunity to Francis to play because he needs the experience of these big games, playing in Wembley, playing in Poland, there were only 40,000, today was more, they have the atmosphere of the World Cup already. He did very well. ‘’We are working a lot with him, we sent our goalkeeper coach two times to La Coruna for ten days to help him also. ‘’He is only number three in La Coruna but he is doing well in the reserve team, so he continues to work. He is quiet, tall, he is good on the line. We need something like that.’’ Although Uzoho was unbeaten in his first two games for the Super Eagles, against Argentina and Poland, he conceded five goals in his last three outings for the team.

Eagles Get FIFA Integrity Briefing

Nigeria’s World Cup –bound squad members have been taken through the paces of the world body’s integrity initiative, as they were fully briefed by the Assistant Director (Legal) of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Okey Obi in London on Thursday last week. The session took place at the team’s Hilton London Wembley hotel in the evening, with Obi sharing the kernel of FIFA’s effort at fighting match manipulation with the players and officials. “I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and delighted with the keen interest and attention that the players and officials paid to the presentation, and the level of acceptance that I could deduce thereafter. “Players and officials excitedly downloaded the FIFA Integrity App on their phones and my attention was in fact drawn to the collective sharing of ideas on the presentation by the players. Immediately they had access to their phones, they downloaded the App and started talking about it among themselves.” Players and officials sat with rapt attention through the 30-minute, 21-slide presentation, and Obi’s task was made easier by Captain Mikel John Obi leading the sense of absolute involvement in the programme. All 26 players in the team camp in London as at Thursday night attended the briefing. Officials present were Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr; Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Jean-Luc Royer (Assistant Coach); Imama Amapakabo (Assistant Coach); Alloy Agu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer); Enrico Pionetti (Assistant Coach); Bernard Gines (Assistant Coach); Dayo Enebi Achor (Team Administrator); Ibrahim Gyaran (Team Doctor); Nnaemeka Anozie (Team Physiotherapist); Pascal Patrick (Team Coordinator); Toyin Ibitoye (Media Officer); Hassan Suleiman (second Physiotherapist)and; Chidi Ngoka (Equipment Manager). Barrister Obi is Nigeria’s Single Point of Contact (SPoC) on integrity matters for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the National Integrity Officer, will also be at the FIFA World CuP.

Peak Milk unveils largest chocolate cup

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak Chocolate Full Cream Milk Powder and Peak 456 Growing Up Milk, unveiled a 10-foot high chocolate cup in celebration of Children’s Day and ahead of World Milk Day on June 1. The unveiling, which was in partnership with Nutrition Society of Nigeria, took place at JJT Park in Lagos and was attended by over 2,000 children and parents.

Brand Manager of Peak Chocolate Full Cream Milk Powder, Gloria Jacobs, said the essence of the unveil was to re-emphasise the importance of nutrition whilst creating excitement for children.

“With this year’s event, we wanted to show something spectacular and never-been-done feat to Nigerian children and particularly impress on them the importance of good nutrition by taking Peak Chocolate and Peak 456 daily for optimal growth and brain development because both contain adequate vitamins and essential nutrients,” she said.

Also speaking, Senior Brand Manager, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk, Akon Imoh, explained that to demonstrate the versatility of milk in everyday foods, the children were encouraged to prepare daily recipes with Peak 456 and Peak Chocolate as a follow up to their Peak masterclass. The children then produced pancakes, chocolate cakes and doughnuts, and banana smoothies to the amazement of their parents. There was also a masterclass for mums to highlight the nutritional benefits of adding milk to their children’s daily foods.

Marketing Manager, Peak, Maureen Ifada, reiterated that the Peak brand is synonymous with quality and high standards, as it is always a step ahead in providing the best nutrition required for daily living.

“Children are very important to us at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria and it is very essential to cultivate them young, especially at this stage of their growth when they need high quality nutrition for optimal brain growth, strong body development, sharp minds and a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

The children participated in outdoor games and performed the drink-move-be-strong exercise routine. Sensational Afro pop singer, Simi, entertained the children and parents with her hit songs.

The Peak Children’s Day Party also featured a nutrition talk by a representative of Nutrition Society of Nigeria. Everyone enjoyed unlimited access to Peak Chocolate and Peak 456 milk.