Itsekiris Raise Alarm Over Alleged Plot Against Olu of Warri’s Uvwie Visit

By: Michael Mike

The Itsekiri National Association in Canada (INAC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some individuals in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State to disrupt a planned royal visit by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Itsekiri communities in the area.

The group warned that any attempt to prevent the revered monarch from visiting his subjects could trigger avoidable inter-communal tension, urging the Delta State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

In a statement jointly signed by INAC President, Fiogho Tonwe; Secretary, Owen Fregene; Tosan Eyide; and Oritseweyinmi Adodo-Obadoni, the association said the monarch’s scheduled visit to Ugbolokposo and other Itsekiri settlements in Uvwie was in line with long-established traditional responsibilities and should not be politicised.

According to the association, the Olu of Warri’s visit to communities under his traditional authority is a legitimate exercise of his role as custodian of the Itsekiri people, irrespective of where they reside.

“The Olu of Warri has a legitimate and historic responsibility to his subjects wherever they reside. A visit to Itsekiri communities within Uvwie that have co-existed with their Urhobo neighbours for generations is neither an encroachment nor an act of aggression. It is the exercise of a sovereign’s duty of care to his people,” the statement said.

The association alleged that some individuals were mobilising opposition to the visit in what it described as a deliberate attempt to inflame communal sentiments for political relevance.

While acknowledging that many residents of Uvwie do not support the planned protest, INAC condemned what it called the exploitation of ethnic sensitivities by a few actors seeking political visibility.

The association also expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the Delta State Government and sections of the Urhobo leadership, warning that failure to publicly discourage threats against the monarch could embolden those intent on causing unrest.

“It is deeply troubling that at a moment when a clear and authoritative voice is needed to de-escalate tension and reaffirm the rights of all communities to practise their traditions freely, that voice has been absent,” the statement said.

It added that “silence from those in authority is not neutrality; it is, in effect, permission. It emboldens those who incite and abandons those who suffer the consequences.”

INAC called on Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to publicly affirm the rights of Itsekiri communities to receive their traditional ruler and to promote peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in the state.

The association also urged the Urhobo Progress Union and other Urhobo traditional and civic organisations to distance themselves from individuals allegedly promoting division and to reaffirm the longstanding peaceful relationship between the Urhobo and Itsekiri peoples.

It further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to provide adequate security for the monarch, members of his entourage and the communities expected to receive him, while ensuring that anyone resorting to violence or intimidation is brought to justice.

INAC also urged the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria to intervene where necessary in defence of the constitutional rights and freedom of movement of recognised traditional rulers across the country.

Reaffirming its support for the Itsekiri people, the association warned that the international community was monitoring developments and called on all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and restraint.

“Peace is possible. It has always been possible. But peace requires courage from those in leadership—the courage to speak, to intervene, and to refuse to be silent when silence itself becomes a form of complicity,” the statement added.

Itsekiris Raise Alarm Over Alleged Plot Against Olu of Warri’s Uvwie Visit

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Vigilante Accomplice in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier and an alleged accomplice during an intelligence-led operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed sustained communication intercepts and surveillance on suspected terrorist logistics networks operating within the area.

The sources said troops of the 222 Battalion (Mechanised) conducted a covert operation at about 10:00 p.m. on June 26 and arrested the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Hamza, in Malari village while he was allegedly attempting to deliver supplies to ISWAP fighters.

Items recovered from the suspect included a loaf of bread, two bottles of soft drinks, a pack of sewing needles and thread, which investigators believe were intended for insurgent elements.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he was on his way to meet an ISWAP member whose telephone number had earlier been identified through intelligence intercepts.

The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of a second suspect, Haruna Abubakar, identified as a member of a vigilante group in Maiduguri, who is alleged to have acted as an accomplice.

Both suspects have been handed over to the military intelligence authorities for further investigation and profiling.

Military sources said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and support networks across the North-East.

The sources added that troops would continue sustained surveillance, covert operations and intelligence exploitation to identify and disrupt individuals providing material support to terrorist groups operating in the region.

Troops Intercept Tricycle, Solar Equipment Suspected for Terrorist Logistics in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a tricycle and a consignment of solar generators and panels suspected to be destined for terrorist elements during a stop-and-search operation along the Potiskum–Maiduguri highway.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception was made at about 8:00 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at a checkpoint along the route.

According to the sources, troops first intercepted a truck bearing registration number KTG 647 ZZ conveying a tricycle without valid ownership or transportation documents.

Further search operations along the route led to the interception of a Volkswagen Sharan with registration number KRD 74 XL, loaded with 16 solar panels and 16 solar generators, also without valid documentation.

The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Nasiru, 39, from Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State; Anas Danliti, 35, also from Azare, Bauchi State; and Kabiru Yakubu, 55, from Hardokwala Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The suspects and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation to determine the ownership, destination and intended use of the equipment.

Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and prevent the movement of equipment that could support insurgent activities in the North-East.

The sources added that troops have continued to intensify stop-and-search operations along major supply routes as part of ongoing measures to deny terrorist groups access to critical logistics.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Vigilante Accomplice in Borno

Nine Irigwe Residents Killed in Armed Fulani Bandits’ Attack in Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Nine members of the Irigwe community, have been killed following an attack by armed fulani bandits on Ungwan Magaji village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of June 16, opening fire on residents and killing nine persons.

The victims were laid to rest on Saturday, June 27, in a mass burial attended by members of the Irigwe community, religious leaders and sympathisers.

Community leaders condemned the attack and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and prevent further attacks in the area.

They also urged the government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities along the Plateau-Kaduna border.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Nine Irigwe Residents Killed in Armed Fulani Bandits’ Attack in Kaduna