Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Imo State have arrested two suspected terrorist kingpins and their sponsors, recovering assorted arms, ammunition, and criminal charms during coordinated operations across several local government areas.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the arrests followed a joint military and tactical unit operation that trailed fleeing members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN from Ukwuorji in Mbaitoli LGA to Umuele in Umuaka, Njaba LGA.

During the operation, one of the suspects, Paschal Ibuaku, was tracked down and apprehended in Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA, where he was allegedly initiating new recruits. Another suspect, Mgbojiso Odunze, said to be one of the new members, was also arrested.

Recovered from the suspects were two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, assorted ammunition, and various charms.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Ibuaku confessed to multiple crimes, including terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder.

He reportedly admitted to participating in the killing of HRM Eze Dr. I.O. Asor, the traditional ruler of Agwa community, on Oct. 14, 2022, and several other homicides in Oguta and its environs.

He also identified two alleged sponsors of the terrorist group — Magnus Ejiogu (alias Emu) of Obudi Agwa, and Miletus Ihueze (alias Egede) of Amakohia-Ubi. Both men were subsequently arrested in separate operations.

Security sources said Ejiogu allegedly paid ₦1 million to the group’s commander, identified as Uzondu Nneji, to assassinate the late monarch, while Ihueze, a native doctor, was accused of fortifying the terrorists and allegedly paying ₦4 million for the same purpose over a land dispute.

Weapons, ammunition, and charms were also recovered from Ihueze’s shrine.

Sources added that other suspects connected to the group remain at large, while the case will soon be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo

Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits on Saturday attacked a Customs checkpoint along Luma–Babana Road in Niger State, killing one person.

The incident occurred after Customs operatives intercepted suspected bandit informants and food suppliers who were transporting fuel in jerry cans on motorcycles at Luma Audu Fari-Kuka village.

Upon receiving information about the interception, the bandits reportedly stormed the area and opened fire, killing Suleiman, a Customs camp assistant from New Bussa.

The deceased’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, New Bussa, for autopsy.

Efforts are underway to track down the assailants, while other areas in the axis remain calm and under control.

Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger

Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of Ohirigwe Village in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into mourning following the gruesome killing of a 15-year-old boy, identified as Sunday Ela, whose beheaded body was discovered on a farm.

According to community sources, the incident occurred on Oct. 15 when one John Adima, a native of the area but resident in Ondo State, asked the deceased to accompany him to his farm. Adima, however, later returned home without the boy and subsequently fled the village to an unknown destination.

Villagers, suspecting foul play, organized a search party which led to the discovery of the teenager’s decapitated body on the farm.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community as residents intensify efforts to locate the fleeing suspect.

Authorities have commenced investigations to uncover the motive behind the killing and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community