Incessant killings of Catholic priests and Buhari's silent mode - ITREALMS

MondayCommentary@ITREALMS:

The Catholic Priesthood is a unique vocation not only within the Church, but also among other religious preachers & ministers. A Catholic Priest receives Holy Orders, which is a sacrament, meaning that he receives special graces to fulfill his ministry.

The continuous killings of Catholic Priests in different communities in the country keeps receiving attention based on the dastardly act carried out by Fulani herdsmen.

Fulani herdsmen are seen by the Global Terrorism Index as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world. Hardly does each day pass without stories of Fulani herdsmen popping up.

Life under Buhari's watch has remained on the negative dimension, as the Fulani herdsmen under the guise of cattle grazing, the herdsmen keep carrying out notorious acts because lives are always wasted.

The killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu as the recent one & last week Friday, angry Catholic Priests marched to the Government House, Enugu with different inscriptions such as: " enough is enough, government should rise to defend Nigerians".

Protection of lives & property of citizens is a constitutional responsibility which can't be shoved aside. I must say here that insecurity has remained a major problem in a country that Buhari promised Nigerians about his plans to tackle insecurity. Human life is so cheap now, as the number of deaths keeps increasing.

The Fulani herdsmen (killers) saunter away from the scenes of massacres unchallenged.

Killing a Catholic Priest is evil & satanic. Some see it as an act capable of stoking up religious conflict in the country & plunge the communities into endless bloodletting.

Buhari should stop any blame game for now, he has his work cut out, should stand up & put an end to these killings. Enough of his lacklustre performance. The pains of his unfulfilled promises during his first term are still visible. He should give Nigerians hope & not leave them with the dot of despair.

On the killings, in an homily by Rev. Fr. Joseph Osunde, OP, he said, Nigerians are only good at reactive means, rather than to be proactive and than the onus lies on us to turn things around, if we agree to say " Yes We Can".

The worrisome dimension is now the killing of Priests, the Priests are now at the receiving end due to government's ineptitude. Nigerians now live in fear, as they don't know the next point (place) of attack & the next victim.

The gory pictures of killed Catholic Priests are all over the place. In the hour of need, leaders lead. Is Buhari leading?

For Catholics, we all need our Priests to carry out their vocation, help us all in the journey of faith & we don't want these sorry tales of killings by Fulani herdsmen.

Buhari, your silent mode is no longer acceptable, because this madness must stop by taking decisive measures & also nipped in the bud timely.

This is not an animal kingdom. May God bless Nigeria!

*CHRIS URUAKPA contributed this from Lagos.

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Looming Anarchy: 406 groups warn Buhari, 36 governors - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A coalition of 406 indigenous youth groups in Nigeria and the Diaspora on Saturday called on President Muhammdu Buhari and the 36 state governors to immediately save the country from collapse, reports ITREALMS.

The groups, under the aegis of the Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF), also appealed to Buhari to order the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore, who was detained for allegedly planning a 'Revution Now Movement' protest.

The groups spoke on the state of the nation in a joint statement signed by Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), who doubles as chairman of NENYLF, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, President of the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi, President, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide.

According to them, the country now faces obvious signs of anarchy and no responsible government and its leadership can continue to fold their arms pretending that all is well.
They listed some of the challenges facing the country to include "serial political imbalance and hydraheaded government's policies."

They demanded for 'a new people's national dialogue document master plan' to immediately to "salvage the ailing ship of the nation from imminent total collapse, in view of the ongoing premeditated and inciteful actions from various groups intended to cause full breakdown of law and order."

The coalition decried the crippling effect of corruption on the economy, political rifts, continued attacks by armed bandits and terrorists, kidnappings and killings of peace-loving Nigerians across the nation.

"We are more informed and learned to see daily threats as an invitation to anarchy and civil disturbances precipitating our further urgent and immediate call on President Muhammadu Buhari alongside 36 states governors to jointly proffer short and long term goals and objectives, aimed at rebuilding confidence and patriotism, developing economic master plan and innovative poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria," the coalition said.

According to the groups, steps must be taken urgently to show the will power of democracy at work, and protect the civil rights of the citizens, preserve constitutional authority and sovereignty of the government.

They urged the authorities to ensure that the various regions of the country do not remain breeding grounds for terrorism, wanton kidnapping, daily killings, corruption inflicted economy and nepotism.

"We shall be demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari set all machineries of government in motion to kickstart the convocation of a National Dialogue ahead 30th September to 1st October, 2019. 

"This is a no holds bar National Dialogue predicated on discussing critical areas of our national lives, in order to guarantee national security, peace, economic growth and political stability and development of Nigeria," the groups said.

While urging the government to go after criminals irrespective of their ethnic leanings, they warned the perpetrators of insecurity to desist forthwith from any actions capable of causing national commotion under whatsoever guise with immediate effect.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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#RevolutionNow protest: Gunshots @National Stadium Lagos

ITREALMS:

The air around the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Monday morning, showed several gunshots with armed policemen and soldiers hunting and dispersing members of the hashtag RevolutionNow movement who converged at the venue, Surulere, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

“The protesters, who arrived at the stadium around 7am on Monday, for the kick-off of the protest met a detachment of policemen at the entrance of the stadium. And some soldiers later joined the policemen,” reports TheCable.

The report further quoted a protester, who gave name as Eliaz Ozikpu, lamenting that he was discussing the protest plans with others when security operatives crossed over the road to meet them.

“We were standing here, while they watched us from the other side. Suddenly, they moved on us and said we can’t talk to the press. We weren’t even talking to the press yet. We were addressing ourselves,” he was quoted as saying.

In addition, he said, “The protesters, however, started chanting calling for the release of Omoyele Sowore, convener of the movement who was arrested Friday night by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).”

ITREALMS gathered that both the Police and the Presidency had categorised the protest as treasonable felony and warned the organisers to abandon the venture but lawyers and activists disagreed, saying that street protest cannot be regarded as treason.

Although there were series of gunshots at proposed venue but the incident has been recorded.
Ayo Midele/Editor

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Ekiti Bishop advocates capital punishment for rapist - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Bishop of Ekiti Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Christopher Omotunde, has called on Ekiti State government to enact a law that will attract maximum punishment for anyone convicted of rape or child abuse, reports ITREALMS.

The cleric, made the call at the weekend during a sermon at the burial ceremony of Chief Thomas Olonisakin in Igbemo Ekiti. Rev Omotunde said such laws would put an end to wanton abuse of children and women in the state.

The Bishop lamented the rate at which minors are being violated in the country. He said such acts should be condemned in its entirety. He urged Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to encourage the state Assembly to come up with a law on capital punishment for rapists, so that other states can also follow suit.

Rev Omotunde who hailed the child rights law and the Gender based violence laws of the state, said a more strident penalty must be meted out to sex offenders in order to stem the ugly trend.

Bishop Omotiunde in a direct appeal to Governor Fayemi, who was in attendance at the burial service said: “I want you to push it to the assembly to legislate capital punishment for those who abuse children, for those who rape either young children or adult. We want it, we want sanity, you have started it, I want you to push it until it becomes law for us here.

“And what can make life comfortable for our women, unfortunately, I’m a man, but most of our men abuse women, they misuse them, I’m not saying equality now, but there must be a measure of respect for our women in the society”.

Bishop Omotunde commended Governor Fayemi of Ekiti state for his efforts at ensuring that Ekiti becomes safer for investors, through collaboration with the security agencies and the traditional institution..

He stressed the need for more development projects from private sector that will complement all the efforts of government aimed at bringing more development to the state.

He said, “I pray that the security policy the government is trying to make will work for us in Ekiti state, because if there is security, people will love to come to the state. We pray that the move you are making towards security in the state to attract people to come and invest will be possible for you in Jesus name.”

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Flood: Imo deputy governor visits affected communities - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Gerald Alphonsus Irona, weekend, visited some communities in the state ravaged by flood, assuring them of the determination of the State Government to bring succor to them, reports ITREALMS.

Addressing residents of the affected communities in Orsu Obodo in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, the Deputy Governor described the development as unfortunate, even as he reiterated the state government’s commitment to ameliorating their sufferings.

“On behalf of the Government of Imo State, led by our Governor, His Excellency, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, we are here to see things for ourselves. It is unfortunate. It is a natural disaster, but Government will take steps to assist you and other affected communities. It is a pity. We have gone round all the affected communities and we have seen the level of damage.”

“We shall send experts to see how to ensure that this is controlled and that it does not happen again. I am here to commiserate with the victims of the flood. We have seen and appreciate the extent of the damage. We have seen that most of the communities have been submerged. People have lost property, but we are very lucky that no life has been lost so far. We shall try to give palliatives to the victims.”

Expressing happiness with the Deputy Governor’s visit, one of the jubilant community leaders, Rtd. DSP Andrew Anele Anyiwo commended the Government of Imo State for its timely intervention, reiterating the people’s confidence in the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

“Your Excellency, you have shown us love. We are hopeful that this your visit will bring about positive results. We trust you and we will continue to support you. Please, extend our appreciation to the Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. We are suffering. Our farmlands are also affected by the flood. Please, come to our aid.”

Among the flooded communities visited by the Deputy Governor are: Orsu Obodo and Oguta, both in Oguta Local Government Area, as well as Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area affected by the flood.

In the Deputy Governor’s team were: Hon. Barr. Frank Ugboma, member representing Oguta state Constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, Managing Director, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission- ISOPADEC, Engr. Anthony Okwuosha, Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Oguta LGA, Hon. Hilary Eberendu, Communication Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Walter Duru, Environmental and Disaster Risk Management Specialist, National Emergency Management Agency-NEMA, Evans Ugoh Ignatius, among others.

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NNPC/SNEPCo cancer machine reduces treatment waiting time by 80 percent - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The new cutting-edge cancer treatment machine just installed at the National Hospital Abuja will reduce patient’s treatment waiting time from 16 minutes to two minutes, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Jaf Momoh, said Friday at the inauguration of the equipment by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, reports ITREALMS.

The Elekta Synergy Linear Accelerator radiotherapy machine donated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) enables treatment to focus on the cancer tumor and not impact other organs in the patient.

Momoh described the intervention by NNPC and SNEPCo as timely noting that first cancer treatment equipment in the hospital became disused in 2017 after 17 years of use which caused the hospital management to set out for two state-of-the-art replacement machines.

According to him, the first replacement machine was installed and inaugurated in December 2017 and has since “treated 850 patients in over 25,000 cycles of radiotherapy sessions”.

“With this new machine, the hospital is poised for effective and efficient cancer treatment with no interruption during periods of routine equipment maintenance,” Momoh said, adding that indigent patients would enjoy subsidised treatment.

In his speech, Vice President Osinbajo said cancer prevention initiatives should be promoted, noting that many cases of the disease could be prevented.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abdullahi Mashi, Osinbajo said “The increasing trend in the prevalence of cancer may be a reflection of lifestyles which goes to show that lifestyle modifications may go a long way in curtailing the scourge. This underscores the importance of awareness creation at all health facilities and provision of screening facilities.”

The Vice President charged well-meaning Nigerians and organisations “to replicate what NNPC and Shell Nigeria have done in other health facilities to make cancer treatment easily accessible to patients.”

SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, said the intervention by NNPC and SNEPCo was to support government to widen treatment access, reduce waiting time significantly, and provide world-class facility that boasts of precision.

“The Elekta Synergy LINAC offers a unique radiation therapy technique that accurately shapes the radiation dose to the tumour with very little or no adverse effect on the surrounding organs, he said.

According to him, the cancer support was one of the five critical health projects being executed across the country by NNPC, SNEPCo and their co-venture partners.

He listed other projects to include Medical Emergency Response Improvement Programme in Lagos; Health System Strengthening Project at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Ogijo, Ogun State; Community Care Programmes – Health in Motion – across Nigeria; and Integrated Humanitarian Assistance Project for internally displaced persons in Dikwa, Bornu State where over 50,000 persons have so far enjoyed a broad range medical services, with over 826 children delivered.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, who was represented by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, pledged the commitment of the corporation to any initiatives aimed at touching the lives of Nigerians and stemming medical tourism out of the country.

Also at the equipment inauguration were former Speaker, House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Hospital Abuja, Mrs. Patricia Etteh; Managing Director of JNC International, the equipment solutions partner, Mrs. Clare Omatseye; Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bashir Bello; and representatives of SNEPCo’s co-venture partners: Esso E&P Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd; Total E&P Nigeria Ltd; and Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Pix: L-R: Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Jaf Momoh; Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Hospital Abuja, Mrs. Patricia Etteh;Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Mashi; Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Bayo Ojulari; Group General Manager, Public Affairs of Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Ndu Ughamadu; and Deputy General Manager External Relations of Shell Nigeria, Dr. Alice Ajeh, at the inauguration of a Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy machine donated to the hospital by NNPC/SNEPCo in Abuja on Friday.

Internet Subscriber base: Glo leads MNOs in June acquisition - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Globacom has been named top among the Nigeria's Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the latest statistics of Internet subscribers released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the month of June, reports ITREALMS.

The month of June was reportedly difficult as the total number of internet subscribers dropped by a whopping 332,338 from 122,624,417 in May to 122,292,079 in June.

The bulwark against complete free fall came from Globacom and Airtel who recorded subscriber gains, while the other operators recorded a loss.

Globacom gained a total of 196,816, moving from 28,825,533 data subscribers in May to 29,022,349 in June. Airtel gained a total of 42,510 subscribers in the corresponding period.

On the other hand, MTN lost 178,103 subscribers, dropping from 52,433,020 in May to 52,254,917 in June. Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunications operator, 9Mobile lost 310,924 data subscribers, dropping from 9,350,477 in May to 9, 039,553 in June.

Globacom has proven to be the favourite of internet subscribers over the years on account of its customer-friendly data packages and fast internet connectivity. The operator became the first network in Nigeria to launch nationwide 4G in 2016. With the launch of the service, millions of subscribers on the Glo network have been able to enjoy instant, efficient broadband internet connectivity.

Remmy Nweke/Editor

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Partnering agribusiness investors to enhance Oyo economy - ITREALMS.

ITREALMS:

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has said that the recent partnership with some agribusiness investors will enhance the economy of the state, reports ITREALMS.

This, he also said will encourage investors in the agriculture sector to expand the economy of the state as well as surmount challenges facing their operations therein.

The governor stated this during a visit to inspect the abandoned 10,000 metric-tons silo project embarked upon by the immediate past administration and the Ajila Value Adding Ventures Limited in Aawe.

In the governor’s entourage were the Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka; the Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola; and the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, Dr. Debo Akande, among others.

Governor Makinde, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, while speaking at the Ajila Value Adding Farms, Aawe, where he was conducted round the poultry, hatchery, egg powder processing plant and palm trees plantation of the farms, described the facility as world-class.

The Governor, who was received by the Alaawe of Aawe, Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo; Chairman of Ajila Farms, Mr Philip Olutayo; Managing Director of the farm, Mr Dotun Odekeye; president of Bond Group of Companies, Chief Debo Omotoso, and a foremost poultry farmer, Chief Lai Amoje, expressed his joy at the developments he witnessed at the Ajila Farms.

He maintained that it was the intention of his government to encourage Ajila Farms and other investors in the agriculture sector by addressing their challenges and, where necessary, providing incentives to help them expand their operations so that they could provide employment for the teeming youths of the state.

“Just as we have said in our manifesto, we want to drive our economy through agriculture and agriculture value chain. Most of the things I have seen and heard here are music to my ears: they want to process eggshells into egg powder and export it; they want to generate foreign exchange for the state and that is consistent with our idea of expanding the economy.

“We will encourage them. Some of them may have challenges; security challenges, some of them may have challenges with access to the market. We will look at their challenges and make sure that we solve them. And we may even give incentives to some of them to expand their operations and employ our youths,” Governor Makinde said.

The governor, while speaking at the site of the abandoned silo project, expressed displeasure at the pace of work, which he noted should have been completed within 10 months, making it clear that his government was ready to explore all options to make sure the project is delivered so that farmers and the state could derive value from it.

“We have had court cases over the project, so we intend to solve all these challenges because the state has expended so much money on that project and we have not been able to get any value from it. So, if we will need to spend a little more to make sure that we derive value from it, we will do it.

“The case is in arbitration right now, but I will encourage the contractor to come to sit down with us so that we can explore options of out of court settlement. We are not arrogant about this thing. This is a project that should bring value to our farmers and to the economy of the state and that is what we set out to achieve", he stressed.

Earlier, Phillips, chairman of the company, stated that the farm was focused on agriculture value chain and backward integration to provide direct and indirect employment for youths and other business concerns.

He maintained that the company was ready to partner with the Oyo State Government to boost agricultural development in the state, explaining that “our business is focused on agricultural value chain and backward integration, providing direct and indirect employment for youths, growing numerous other business concerns as the hub to ensure sustainable development and other indirect employment for our youths, vendors, suppliers, and contractors.”

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Gov. Ugwuanyi receives Helpshere Foundation founder, endorses ‘Values For Daily Living’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The cases of armed conflicts, killings, wanton destruction of lives and properties, kidnappings, lootings, pipeline destructions among other vices in the present day Nigeria can be tackled by laying solid moral foundation for the children, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu), stated this when he played host to Mrs. Sandra Ani, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Helpsphere Foundation; a child and youth empowerment Organization.

Gov. Ugwuanyi stressed that problem facing the nation is how youth restiveness can be curbed; adding that his administration is determined to curb the excesses through youth empowerment.

This trend of events, he said demands for urgent and timely intervention citing guidance and counselling and moral instructions in schools as compelling necessity for the Nigerian youths.

The Enugu State Governor said, “Youth restiveness stems from thinking (cognition), the use of cognitive behaviour restructuring is eminent.

“Undoubtedly, parents are expected to possess fundamental skills to teach their children distinguishing right from wrong, thereby fostering proper moral values, and guaranteeing fairness and justice.

“Moreover, because children always learn from what their parents do, whether it is good or not, I am definitely convinced that the more positive examples parents impart, the fewer crimes our youths commit. For instance, the polite children who can yield their seats and join the queue are attributed to the upbringing of civilized parents. It does not cause a young man anything to assist an old woman returning from the market with heavy load on her head.

“However, the circles of society is a critical factor to affecting behaviours of young people. The young often reckon that friendship is important to them, and sometimes even ambitious brotherhood is reduced to criminality due to unconditionally supporting their friends. I believe that this book is critical in redirecting the cause of our young people to emulating such Values for Daily Living.

“This administration is very much committed to partnering with this organization to tackle bad influence among the youths thereby eliminating crime in our society. Yes, bad company is the main culprit of juvenile delinquency over parenting. Young people sometimes go astray because of so-called friendship. However, while I don't deny the importance of friendship, we should recognize that to watch the friends we keep is more significant.

“Nevertheless, I have seen the future in our youths. They possess such skills that when fully harnessed they will contribute much more to the development of our dear State in the areas of tourism, entertainment, technology, agriculture, transportation, security, health, housing, commerce and other sectors”.

Governor Ugwuanyi, therefore reiterated the administration’s resolve to create more avenues and opportunities for the young people to re-discover themselves; become more useful to themselves, their families and the society at large.

Thanking the Governor for his youth-focused programmes, especially as they impact rural dwellers, Helpsphere Foundation founder, Mrs. Sandra Ani, said that the administration has demonstrated understanding on best ways to empower and engage the youths.

“Your Excellency, we align with your firm believe that ‘Enugu State is in the Hand of God’. Yes, this is because we have seen the hand of God in most of the things you have been able to achieve. At the time, this country’s economy receded to recession, this State was up and running; fulfilling mandates. Thanks, Your Excellency.

“So, I penned down this book: ‘Values for Daily Living’ as a manual to help parents, schools and the society at large to constantly remind the youths that we have norms, culture, and values we cherish and no civilisation will wash them away. Thank you for endorsing the book.

“We are committed to joining hands with your administration to win back our society totally by winning back the youths. So, as a youth-loving Governor we crave your support in our quest to reach every nooks and crannies of Enugu State with that singular message: values for daily living.”

Mrs. Ani added that the cause of the NGO’s activities they have come to realise that youth restiveness is mostly caused by illiteracy, unequal distribution of national resources, poor child upbringing among others.

“The effects include upsurge of social vices and destruction of lives and properties while the result also revealed that it can be curbed through skill acquisition programmes and enlightenment against the phenomenon”, she concluded.

Uj. N. Dominic/Editor

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Revealed! Police names five Igbos kidnapped @Ogbere, hope raises for RCCG – ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Ogun Police Command has identified five Igbos among those kidnapped on Thursday evening at J3/J4 Area, Ogbere, along the Benin-Ijebu-Ode-Sagamu Expressway, on their way to Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ITREALMS recalled, had on Friday, disclosed that five ministers of the church were kidnapped on their way to the ministers’ conference in Ogun State.

The five passengers, ITREALMS gathered were travelling from the Eastern Nigeria before the incident at J3/J4 Ogbere. They included Chidioze Eluwa, Chiemela Iroha, Okoro Ohowukwe, Ndubuizi Owuabueze, and Ibeleji Chidinma.

According to the Police in a press statement available to ITREALMS and endorsed by the Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the abductors reportedly emerged from the forest and forcefully stopped a commercial vehicle with registration number KW 230 XA belonging to Abia Line Transport Company and took the passengers into the forest.

Oyeyemi, also disclosed the Commissioner of Police would lead the rescue operation team, with all the tactical operations in the Command.

The abductors, he said, numbering about 10, used the J3 Forest at Ogbere as their hideout, which is some 114 kilometres away from Lagos destination.

Part of the press statement read:

“On the 1st of August 2019, at about 3:30 pm, the Ogun State Police Command received information that a commercial vehicle with registration number KW 230 XA belonging to Abia Line Transport Company was coming from the Eastern part of the country, heading towards Lagos.

“On getting to J3 area of Ogbere, some hoodlums numbering about 10 suddenly came out of the forest and forcefully stopped the vehicle.

“Five among the passengers, namely, Chidioze Eluwa, Chiemela Iroha, Okoro Ohowukwe, Ndubuizi Owuabueze, and Ibeleji Chidinma, were abducted and taken to the forest.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, is leading the operation to rescue the victims, with operatives from the Command’s tactical squads combing the entire area.

“The hideout of the hoodlums has been geo-located, but our men are trying to be tactical and professional in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims we are making efforts to rescue.

“With the operation going on presently, we are rest assured that the victims will soon regain their freedom and the hoodlums will definitely be brought to book,” he assured.

Although Oyeyemi could not confirm if those abducted were RCCG pastors as at press time.

ITREALMS recalls that earlier Friday, Pastor Adeboye, told his church that five ministers on their way to the ministers’ conference were kidnapped on Thursday.

Speaking at the Church Ministers’ Conference at the Redemption Camp in Ogun State, Pastor Adeboye appealed to the congregation to pray for the release of the captives.

“As a father, how do you think I should feel to hear that five of my children have been kidnapped while on their way to attend the Ministers Conference?” he bemoaned.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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