Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Kogi state

  • Former GM, Graphic Newspaper for burial January 13th 2022

    Former GM, Graphic Newspaper for burial January 13th 2022

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The burial of a Former Editor and General Manager of The Graphic Newspaper, Hon. Fidel Egwuche is slated for burial on Thursday 13th January this month at his country home, Omabo in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    A statement by the Chairman burial sub-committee in Lokoja, Alhaji Sani Adamu said the remains of Hon. Fidel Egwuche who was also a retired Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, Special Adviser to Kogi State Government and also the Pioneer Sole Administrator to Ibaji Local Government would depart Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja on Wednesday at 4pm for a wake at his residence in G R A, Lokoja.

    According to the statement, the burial mass will hold at the Arch Angels Catholic Church Gadumo-Lokoja at 8 am before departing for the interments at his residence, Omabo in Ibaji Local Government Area.

    He was aged 68 before his death. He died on the 15/7/21 and survive by a wife, six children and other relations.

  • Gov. Bello signs Kogi State 2022 Budget into Law

    Gov. Bello signs Kogi State 2022 Budget into Law

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Wednesday in Lokoja signed the state’s 2022 N146 billion budget of Accelerated Results into law, assuring greater performance in the coming year.

    Speaking after signing the budget into law, Bello said that his administration had tried to reduce corruption to the barest minimum assuring of greater accountability.

    The governor assured that his administration would continue to guarantee zero corruption in Kogi.

    “Corruption will never lead us anywhere. We’d try our best to reduce it to the barest minimum, if not at zero level in Kogi.

    “I want to assure you that we will continue to be transparent in our governance and financial dealings. We will continue to show a high level of probity and accountability,’’ Bello said.

    The governor said that his administration would consolidate on economic, infrastructural and security development in the year 2022.

    “We will continue to improve on security because without security, there can’t be any meaningful economic development in the state.

    “As we all know, Kogi remains the best in terms of security.

    “My appreciation to all law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Kogi for always responding properly whenever there is any challenge.

    “Just like the year 2021 that is rounding up, we are the best in all ramifications by all world and local ratings; we don’t intend to fall to the second position in the year 2022,” Bello said.

    The governor also urged the Ministry of Finance to guide the administration to abide by all the provisions of the budget.

    He thanked the House of Assembly for giving prompt attention to all the requests of the government.

    Bello said it was evident that the three arms of government in the state had an excellent working relationship.

  • Insecurity: EODU Inaugurates 350 Akogu-Omaga Vigilante Guards/ Hunters Group In Kogi

    Insecurity: EODU Inaugurates 350 Akogu-Omaga Vigilante Guards/ Hunters Group In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    In their quest to work in synergy with government to curtail and curb criminality in the society, the Egume Ome Descendants Union, (EODU) over the weekend in Egume inaugurated over 350 Vigilante Guards, known as “Akogu-Omaga Vigilante Guards.”

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at Ome Community Secondary school Egume, the national President of EODU, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim said the task of the formation of the security committee and inauguration of vigilante group became necessary sequel to the rising insurgency and criminal activities in the area that almost made Egume a war zone.

    The President charged the vigilante group and all other security personnel to be very active in ensuring peace and security in the area at all time adding “Security is everybody business and should be the utmost concern of all citizens of the community.”

    Alhaji Ibrahim stressed that members were recruited from all the three political wards within Egume environs stressing that the gesture is to curb harbouring of criminals and prompt arrest of any possible escapee.

    He pointed out that the activities of kidnappers in recent times scared personalities from visiting their country home during festive season despite the efforts of some security agencies.

    The President further disclosed that the Union has spent over #2 million
    on the uniforms, Personal ID cards, NIN data capturing, torchlight and other working tools for the group to enhance their performance.

    Alhaji Ibrahim who attributed the current economic woes and food insecurity in the society to insecurity on the farms, however, appealed to Government to rise to its challenges by doing the needful to encourage agricultural production, protection of lives and property.

    The president therefore commended some individuals and branches of EODU for their financial support and exemplary leadership, especially the facilitating of four hospital bed units to Egume general Hospital by the Lokoja branch recently.

    He lamented over the security challenges, especially kidnapping and incessant attack on farmers in Egume area in the recent times that has posed a lot of threats to low food production and development of the community adding that the formation of Herdsmen/ security we committee has enhanced peaceful coexistence between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

    Alhaji Ibrahim who was unanimously re- elected for the second term as the President of EODU reiterated his commitment to ensure sustainable peaceful coexistence among the people of the community so as witness progress in the land.

    In his remarks, the Onu Egume, Alhaji Etila Ajeka who was represented by the Amana- Attah Ojikpadala, Chief Mohammed Atogijo Onu stressed that the fight against insurgents is a collective efforts and called on the rural people to always expose crliminal elements in Curbing Criminality.

    He commended the national body of the Egume Ome Descendants Union for their zeal and determination to work in synergy with the government in fighting criminality in the society.

    Alhaji Ajeka therefore advised parents to always caution their children to be ware of bad company that could lure them into social vices and other source of criminal activities that is ravaging the society today.

    Highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of uniforms, identity cards, working tools and other accessories to group members to commence their job.

  • Police, Community Clash, Two Feared Dead In Kogi

    Police, Community Clash, Two Feared Dead In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Barely 10 days aftermath the gang of deadly armed robbers visited three banks at Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba-West local government area of Kogi state, killing two persons, a policeman and a resident of Odo-Eri community were on Thursday killed when a mob of protesters clashed with police in the same town.

    The state police command spokesman DSP William Aya confirmed the incident to newsmen.

    He said that the Inspector -General of Police, in response to the robbery incidents of Tuesday, December 14 directed that hills and thick forests surrounding the town be combed for suspects.

    He said that two suspects were arrested on one of the hills with the aid of a police helicopter sent from Abuja.

    Aya said that the suspects were whisked to the divisional police headquarters in the town and were being interrogated when a large mob of residents invaded the police station to demand instant justice for the suspects.

    He said policemen stoutly resisted attempt to mete out jungle justice to the suspects and it was in the process, that a bullet accidentally discharged and killed a resident.

    Aya said that the mob swooped on the policemen and killed one of them in retaliation and also set the police divisional headquarters ablaze and vandalised vehicles and other property.

    On Tuesday last week, they robbed a branch of UBA Bank Plc in the community and killed two persons in the process and also went to the divisional police headquarters where they opened fire on policemen on duty.

    The robbers on the same day attacked a branch of Access Bank, Egbe and killed one of the security men on duty and went away with undisclosed amount of money.

    According to Aya, investigation into the incident has commenced.

  • Kogi Under Siege: Three killed, Many Injured In Bank Robbery In Kogi

    Kogi Under Siege: Three killed, Many Injured In Bank Robbery In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Barely 48 hours that unknown gunmen kidnapped the mother of Governor Bello’s chief of staff at Okene, Dare devil armed robbers on Tuesday killed three persons and injured many other people when they attack branches of Access and UBA banks at Odo Ere and Egbe communities in Yagba West Local Government, Kogi State.

    According to eyewitnesses , those killed included two security men and a lady said to be in her early 20s.

    The armed robbers , according to reports, came in a Toyota Highlander SUV and three motorcycles.

    They were said to have come in through Egbe, where they launched attacks simultaneously on the divisional police headquarters and a branch of the Access Bank Plc where they killed the security man on duty.

    The heavily armed robbers also descended heavily on a branch of First Bank in Egbe which had been out of business for more than two years due to incessant robbery attacks.

    Eyewitnesses said the robbers then proceeded to Odo Ere, the headquarters of the local government where they rain bullets on the only police station in the town and a branch of the UBA bank where they also killed the security man on duty.

    The robbers after a successful operation started shooting indiscriminately as they were leaving the town and in the process shot a lady.

    The state police Commissioner, Mr Dauda Dabban confirmed the robbery attacks but that he was still waiting for details from the Area Commander .

    However, residents, who spoke to newsmen said that the armed robbers operated for more than one hour without any resistance from police and other security agents.

    They believed that policemen , civil defence officials and other security agents in the town fled for their lives on sighting the heavily armed robbers.

  • Dr Ramatu felicitates with 7 new SANs fom Kogi State

    Dr Ramatu felicitates with 7 new SANs fom Kogi State

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has congratulated the seven indigenes of Kogi State just confirmed Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

    The minister’s goodwill message came as the new Silks were sworn in at the Supreme Court, yesterday 8th of December, 2021.

    She expressed profound joy at the conferement on well deserving seven indigenes of kogi state whose exploits in the Legal profession earned them a place on the exalted list of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.

    She wishes them well and enjoined them to redouble their efforts towards an enduring reform of the legal system to the benefit of the common man and humanity.

  • APC Disowns Former Governorship Aspirant, Mustapha Mona Audu In Kogi

    APC Disowns Former Governorship Aspirant, Mustapha Mona Audu In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The All Progressives Congress in Ogbonicha Ward of Ofu Local Government area of Kogi State has disown prince Mustapha Mona Audu for his inability to revalidate his membership registration, during the 2021 registration exercise.

    The Ogbonicha Ward Party Chairman, Hon. Peter Onoja who disclosed this at the party’s State Secretariat, Lokoja during a press conference said Prince Mona Mustapha Audu has ceased to be a member of APC

    The Party dissociated itself from the activities of Prince Mona, Mustapha Audu described him as not known to the party at the Ward level and accused him of unruly behavior and conduct.

    It would be recalled that the crisis of leadership rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new turn as leader of one of the support groups in the party, the Progressive Youth Movement (PYM), Prince Mustapha Audu emerged chairman, Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

    The movement consequently announced the disbandment of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led extra ordinary convention committee

    Prince Mona Audu is the son of late Prince Abubakar Audu, former Governor of Kogi State and a governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 Governorship election.

  • Governor Bello Has Compromised Security Of Kogi State

    Governor Bello Has Compromised Security Of Kogi State

    The Kogi State ALGON Chairman and Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Council,Hon. Taufiq Isa has in strong term sympathized with the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye and some travellers on the recent attack/kidnap. Assured the general public of arresting the culprits,as all hands are on deck.

    In a statement released to the press,The Kogi State ALGON Chairman debunked in totality that Governor Yahaya Bello has compromised security in the State.

    Governor Yahaya Bello is one of the best security conscious Governor in Nigeria,this he has displayed severally.

    Through the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ijumu Local Government has been able to put up a formidable security architecture to weed out men of the underworld. In the Local Government,we have supported our securities with Vehicles, Motorcycles and Logistics for ease of weeding out criminals.

    Recently, A bye-law on Security Trust Fund was passed by the Ijumu Legislative Council Members and awareness was made in all the communities to intimate the traditional rulers, citizens and residents of the Law. This is to curb criminality.

    Security of lives and property is not a business for the Government alone but for all concerned citizens. PDP spokesperson, Pastor Stanley Ajileye should see the protection of our people as a collective responsibility rather than inciting the public against the Governor. Where was Pastor Ajileye when Kabba-Obajana and Kabba- Okene road was a safe place for kidnappers before we took over power from them? Where was he when the wife of Former Kogi West Zonal Chairman was kidnapped and I spent four (4) days inside the bush?
    Where was he when criminals are almost entering our houses before we took power?

    Under the authority of the Executive Governor of Kogi State,we went round all communities to meet community presidents, market women, farmers,NURTW, etc. Where was he?
    What has been his contributions towards security of lives and property in the Local Government?

    As part of our proactivness, it took me less than 18 minutes to got to the scene on Sunday. Immediately I took over as the Administrator, I convened a stakeholders security meeting at the Local Government,why was he not there to contribute his quota?

    Our party All Progressives Congress (APC) is not an anti peoples party and will never be,we are truly committed to the welfare, security and lives of our people.

    It is disheartening for the moribund People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to politicize the issue of security in Kogi State,using the recent attack/kidnap as a point of contact.

  • Thugs Invades Ewune-Egume Village, Injure Dozens, Destroy Property Worth Millions in Kogi

    Thugs Invades Ewune-Egume Village, Injure Dozens, Destroy Property Worth Millions in Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Property worth millions of naira were on Saturday at Ewune-Egume village in Dekina Local government area of Kogi state destroyed by some suspected bandits that invaded the community.

    It was a horrific scene at Ewune-Egume community on Saturday when suspected bandits launched an attack on the peace loving people of Ewune.

    An eye witness told newsmen that a group of young boys heavily armed stormed the community in trucks, tipper and started shooting sporadically, causing chaos which led to the entire people in the village to abandon their property and took to their heels for safety.

    It was gathered that on hearing gunshots, the beaded chief of the community, the Ochai Onu-Egume, Chief Olema Akpali was said to have fainted and hospitalized in one of the clinics in the area.

    Our Correspondent who visited the community report that some household appliances, water tanks and houses were destroyed even as the arsonists drank all the beers and beverages in some restaurants and destroyed empty bottles.

    The Community leader, Mr. Matthew Audu, said the bandits/ Thugs invaded the community in five trucks with AK 47 rifles, went away with some domestic animals, 200 Jericans of palm oil, 13 motorcycles and set ablaze other motorcycles while other valuable property were destroyed.

    Audu said that people of the community reported several threats by this group to the Divisional Police Office Egume and their incessant invasions on Ewune farms by a group of Saw millers suspected to have emerged from Ofu local government area of Kogi state.

    He said when the alleged Saw millers of Ejule were, however, confronted over the wanton and indiscriminate felling of their Iroko and economic trees, they allegedly claimed that the government of governor Yahaya Bello was aware of their activities in the forest.

    It was also gathered that these groups of people have been invading the community at will, drink beer in their restaurants freely, kill their domestic animals whenever they were hungry and move away from the community unhurt.

    Some members of the community suspected that the posting on Facebook of the recent invasion of this group who were on a free drink at a restaurant in the community, that went viral on social media irked the group’s attack on the community.

    In his reaction, the chairman of the security committee of Egume Community, Hon. Gowon Omale condemned the destruction at Ewune-Egume community, describing it as a terrorist acts.

    He said efforts must be intensified to forward the matter to the Authority concern to avoid future
    occurrence.

    When contacted, the Kogi state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Williams Ayah who confirmed the story said some people actually invaded the village looted property and destroyed many.

    He further disclosed that normalcy has since returned to Ewune community as policemen have since been deployed to the area to maintain peace as efforts are being intensified to bring perpetrators to book.

  • Alleged N20bn Bailout: Kogi Govt Gives EFCC 48-Hour Ultimatum To Apologise

    Alleged N20bn Bailout: Kogi Govt Gives EFCC 48-Hour Ultimatum To Apologise

    The Kogi State Government has given a 48-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apologise and retract a malicious statement that it kept N20 billion bailout fund meant to pay salaries in a commercial bank meant to yield interest.

    In a briefing on Sunday in Lagos, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government did not open or create the said account.

    “I want to assure you that after 48 hours from today, if they refuse to retract their ill-fated, false, politically motivated, irresponsible press statement, we will drag them to court,” the commissioner said.

    The commissioner equally challenged the anti-graft agency to produce the account mandate and details of those who operated the account.

    This is even as the Kogi State Government said it has gotten the bank’s response which exonerated them from running the account.

    According to the state, the government has enough evidence against the EFCC to have a field day in court.

    “The Kogi State government does not currently operate or maintain a fixed-deposit account with Sterling Bank.

    “There is no mandate letter from the Kogi State Government to open account number 0073572696 with Sterling Bank. Sterling Bank account 0073572696 is an internal mirror account operated by the bank for purposes of managing the Kogi State Salary Bailout facility,” Fanwo added.

    The EFCC in a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of an exparte application has stated that it received a credible and direct intelligence which led to the tracing of the fund reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities of accounts domiciled in Sterling Bank.