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Abia State Landowners Reject Resumed Government’s Airport Enumeration Exercise
Abia State Landowners Reject Resumed Government’s Airport Enumeration Exercise
By: Michael Mike
The Nsulu Airport Landowners Forum has sharply criticised the Abia State government’s ongoing land enumeration exercise for the proposed Nsulu Airport project, labelling it “forceful,” “unauthorised,” and lacking in transparency.
In a strongly worded letter to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the forum announced its rejection of the current enumeration and demanded its immediate suspension.
The letter, signed by Dr. Max Nduaguibe (Chairman) and Elele Felix (Secretary) of the Forum, follows a virtual meeting held on February 11th, where landowners deliberated on a previous meeting with government representatives on February 9th.
While the landowners acknowledged the Governor’s recent reduction in the land designated for the airport, which the forum welcomed, they expressed deep concern about the government’s subsequent actions.
The landowners’ main complaint concerns the government’s unilateral actions. The forum claims that government officials forcibly entered the property to begin the enumeration process, collecting payment information without the landowners’ consent or participation.
Furthermore, the government appointed estate surveyors to represent landowners with no prior consultation.
The letter stated that the government’s actions are in bad faith, undermine the negotiation process, and raise serious concerns about their sincerity.
The forum insists that the enumeration exercise can only begin once a mutually agreed-upon land size has been formalised and all stakeholders have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
They have requested the immediate withdrawal of the government’s enumeration team, as well as a commitment to fair negotiations, which are set to resume on February 16th.
They emphasize that suspending the enumeration will be key to restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of any future field workers.
The letter also expressed concerns about the fairness of the virtual meeting platform used during previous negotiations. The forum claims that access restrictions prevented its representatives from fully participating, whereas government representatives had unrestricted access.
They are urging the government to resolve this issue before the next meeting.
Copies of the letter were sent to Rt. Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Member Representing Isiala Ngwa North & South Federal Constituency, and Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, Member Representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, emphasising the urgency of the situation and the need for action.
The rejection of the enumeration process calls the future of the Nsulu Airport project into question. The government has yet to respond publicly to the landowners’ demands, so the project’s fate and the possibility of further conflict remain uncertain.
The upcoming meeting on February 16th is expected to be crucial in resolving this dispute and determining the next steps.
Observers are waiting to see how the government will respond to these serious allegations of heavy-handedness and lack of transparency.
Abia State Landowners Reject Resumed Government’s Airport Enumeration Exercise
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 245 Battalion have arrested a suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River State in an ongoing effort to curb illegal arms circulation.
A military source said the suspect was apprehended at about 11:35 p.m. on April 14 in Abong-Ebam Community, Boki Local Government Area, while riding on a motorcycle.
According to the source, troops intercepted the suspect during a routine operation and discovered 25 cartridges in his possession.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the ammunition.
The military said preliminary interrogation is ongoing as part of efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the area.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons and enhancing security in Cross River and adjoining states.
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Headquarters 16 Brigade, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested eight suspects and recovered quantities of illicit drugs during coordinated raids in Bayelsa State.
A military source said the operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 14 across Obunagha, Azikoro and Swali communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area.
According to the source, the joint operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of about 850 grammes of cannabis sativa and 11 grammes of methamphetamine.
The suspects and recovered substances have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina State have foiled a bandit attack and rescued 10 kidnapped persons in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 at Sabon Garin Yankara village following a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.
According to the sources, a large number of armed bandits invaded the community, prompting the joint troops to be deployed in the area.
They added that the joint team tactically blocked the escape routes of the attackers and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“The bandits were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and fled with gunshot injuries, leading to the rescue of all 10 victims unharmed,” the sources said.
The sources, however, disclosed that a vigilante member, identified as Sanusi Naatta, 45, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.
They noted that security operatives have since blocked all exit routes, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
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