News
Army major killed, while battling unknown gunmen in Anambra
Nigerian Army on Sunday lost a major who is identified as Major Churchill Orji, while battling with unknown gunmen in the troubled Azia axis in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The death of the top military officer was confirmed by one of his schoolmates who revealed his name as Leonard Edu on social media on Monday.
He wrote, “He was my senior in Agulu Boys Secondary School. Our labour is perfect then. It’s true he was killed by gunmen at Azia, in Ihiala LGA.
Another person who is familiar with the late soldier confirmed, saying: ”Rest in peace my brother from Nneogidi village, Agulu, Major Churchill Orji.
The post said, he was killed on Sunday
at Azia/Ukpor defending the South-East from the marauders.
Again, another source said, “An Anambra indigene Major C Orji was killed in Ihiala/Azia axis by gunmen.”
Father(God), we are at your mercy in Anambra state. May the soul of Major C Orji rest in peace.
Ihiala axis, bordering Imo State, where the army major was reportedly killed has been notorious for the activities of people suspected of being Biafra agitators.
However, normalcy had in the past two months gradually returned to the area before the recent development, following the killing of the suspected leader of the dreaded gunmen called ‘Double Lion’, operating from the Orlu area of Imo State through some communities in Ihiala and Nnewi South in Anambra.
Double Lion and four members of his gang were killed by a suspected rival group at Ihiala in June at a time moving around the state had become frightening.
It was gathered that Double Lion originally belonged to the mainstream gunmen, but later formed another more daring group.
His group was the one allegedly terrorizing most communities in Anambra South Senatorial zone and forcing people who have functions to pay them hundreds of thousands of naira before such functions could take place.
Once the money was paid, organizers of the event were strictly warned never to invite security operatives.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said, the Command was yet to confirm.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
-
News1 week agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News1 week agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Politics1 week agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Opinion1 week agoSule Lamido, PDP, and the politics of defection.
-
Politics1 week agoYahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
Foreign5 days agoHouthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
-
News6 days agoWhy Christ Embassy’s Pastor Chris holds Abuja mega crusade – Fisho
-
Politics1 week agoLagos PDP tackles Jandor for defecting to APC