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Nigeria’s Army Chief Confirms Arrest Of Owo Catholic Church Attackers, Assures Of Peaceful 2023 Elections
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has confirmed the arrest of one of the architects of the terrorists attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State on 5 June 2022.
Gen. Irabor disclosed this during the Second CDS’ parley with media executives and editors, which took place at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja on Tuesday 9 August 2022.
Major General Jimmy Akpor, Director Defence Information in a statement on Wednesday said, the “parley was organised by the Directorate of Defence Information in collaboration with The Media Today (TMT) International.”
According to the statement, the CDS said, “Through the collaborative efforts of military and DSS personnel, four terrorists were arrested at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022. Those arrested included Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi.
The Defence Chief said, preliminary investigation revealed that Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza was the mastermind of the terror attack on the Owo Catholic Church as well as the attack on a Police Station in Adavi LGA, Kogi State on 23 June 2022, during which a policeman was killed and weapons carted away.
The Defence Chief also mentioned the arrest of another terrorist, Idris Ojo (32 years), who was apprehended at Ayetoro Osi, Ondo State through the combined effort of military and DSS personnel on 7 August 2022.
Idris Ojo, the CDS said, was one of the suspected ISWAP terrorists who escaped from the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre highlighted on 5 July 2022.
The CDS also mentioned that Ojo was arrested alongside Jimoh Ibrahim (39 years), a sympathizer of the terrorist group, who accommodated him.
The CDS further revealed that, the arrest of Idris Ojo was crucial as he, along with others, was already planning terrorists’ attacks against some selected targets, in order to create fear amongst the citizenry aimed at discrediting the government.
Gen Irabor also confirmed the death of a bandit leader, Alhaji Abdulkareem, who was killed alongside his fighters on 6 August, 2022 during air operations in the North West region.
Whilst mentioning the unfortunate terrorists’ attacks on Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, Owo Catholic Church, Kuje Medium Correctional Centre and the presidential advance convoy, the Army chief assured the media chiefs that the military, Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies were collaborating in many fronts, working day and night to keep the country safe.
He appreciated Nigerians of goodwill, in understanding what military operations were like and what the responsibilities of Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies were and what they were doing in ensuring that every one of us, within our geographical space, lived in peace and harmony.
The CDS used the opportunity to solicit the cooperation of the larger society, saying that, “What the criminals (terrorists) amongst us want to do is to stoke fear and to promote it to such a level that every one of us will not even want to leave our houses.
“This is the strategy, which if we do not take time, will become part and parcel of our daily lives”. Gen Irabor said the media gatekeepers had a responsibility “in educating the society to understand that, never again should we allow agents of destabilization to stoke fear amongst us, that together we will crush the elements that do not want us to leave in peace.”
The CDS therefore, urged the media executives and editors to remain partners in progress in ensuring that their media were insulated from being used by terrorists to unintentionally fuel fear in the minds of Nigerians.
Gen Irabor also expressed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in guaranteeing a secure and peaceful 2023 general elections during the parley.
He remarked that, “members of the Armed Forces have a covenant with the democratic process that the covenant deposition is that the military would create conditions for free, safe and secure conduct of the 2023 general elections.”
The CDS further explained that, all the operational engagements of the AFN have been tailored towards ensuring that the nation’s democratic process was not only nurtured but also made to remain solid.
He urged all stakeholders that would be involved in politicking to take actions that are focused and geared towards moving the democratic process forward.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Media Today International and lawyer, Charles Odenigbo, in his opening remarks, commended the AFN for the operational successes recorded in the various theatres of operations in recent times. He said the Second CDS parley was planned in the spirit of openness, to elicit a practical and robust review of media reportage of defence and security sector over the intervening period since the first CDS parley.
This, he said was aimed at evaluating the contributions of mainstream and online media towards assisting the military and security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
Odenigbo urged the media to continue to work with the military in the task of national security and nation building.
In his welcome address, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Jimmy Akpor, recounted that the first edition of the CDS parley with media executives and editors, which held in January this year, was mooted by the current CDS, Gen Irabor.
According to him, the parley was in line with the leadership philosophy of the CDS, “to foster a professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting constitutional imperatives.”
The DDI further described the CDS’ parley as a welcome development that would build sustainable trust and confidence between the AFN and the media, particularly as it concerned the conduct of military operations and engagements.
Highpoint of the occasion was a presentation on “Media Analysis/Review of the Defence/Security Sector in Nigeria,” delivered by the CEO PR Nigeria, Mr Yushau Shuaib.
The CDS Gen Irabor was also honoured by the Centre for Crisis Communication during the event. The President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, gave the vote of thanks at the event.
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged for necessary measures to protect journalists and other media workers during this weekend’s off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
The group sent the request to the federal and state governments, as well as law enforcement and security agencies, stressing that the role of journalists in disseminating information about the electoral process is critical to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
In a statement issued ahead of the elections in Lagos and signed by the Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda, Idowu Adewale, MRA also urged journalists to be cautious and to use its existing hotline (08138755660) to report any threat or attack they may encounter during the process, as well as any obstacle.
Adewale said in the statement: “Given the pattern of heightened attacks on journalists and the media during previous elections, including the recent 2023 general elections, as well as the tense political climate in the three states in the lead-up to the elections, measures must be taken to ensure general security during the elections and provide adequate protection for journalists covering the elections.”
“Access to information allows citizens and other members of the public to have the information they need about political and electoral processes, facilitating effective public participation in elections,” he says.
“Journalists and the media play an important role in ensuring residents and other members of the public have access to information and may participate in the process.
“As part of efforts to preserve the integrity of the polls, it is also critical that the safety and well-being of these interlocutors be assured and safeguarded.”
Lamenting the increased number of attacks on journalists in the run-up to the off-cycle elections, as well as earlier this year in the run-up to the general elections, he emphasised that “a free and vibrant media is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear, coercion, or violence.” During this vital phase, MRA stands ready to assist them and assure their safety.”
Men from the Edo State Police Command are said to have detained Mrs. Toluige Olokoobi’s husband after he allegedly murdered her.
Olokoobi was the mother of Oreofeoluwa Lawal-Babalola, the tiny boy whose video went viral in 2020 after he pleaded with his mother, “Mummy be calming down.”
Oreofeoluwa rose to prominence on social media after a video of him crying in an attempt to confidently appeal to his mother, who chastised him, went viral.
The film inspired Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who used it to deliver an Eid-el-Kabir appeal to Muslims and Lagos people in general to remain calm during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Following that, the youngster and his family met with the governor, who praised his bravery and poise.
While little has been heard about the family in three years, heartbreaking news broke on social media on Tuesday that the boy’s mother had committed suicide.
According to an X user, Olokoobi committed suicide in Benin, the capital of Edo State, for unknown reasons.
The X user, who stated that he was present at the site on Monday afternoon, went on to say that she had refused to disclose her difficulties with anyone before committing herself.
“The woman in the viral Mummy Calm Down video has just committed suicide here in Benin,” he stated in an email.
“She refused to discuss her problems with anyone.” She abandoned three children for her husband, including the well-known Mummy Calm Down boy.”
Meanwhile, confirming Olokoobi’s death in a chat with BBC Pidgin, the spokesperson of the Edo State police command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said her husband has been arrested and detained for questioning.
Nwabuzor said the husband reported the matter to the police.
The police spokesperson quoted the husband to have said that “he came home from the market when he saw his wife hanging with rope on her neck”.
Nwabuzor said she was rushed to the hospital and then to the mortuary after she was confirmed dead. (Adapted from a Vanguard report).
The Anambra State Police Command Headquarters Conference Hall was a hive of activity Thursday as CP Aderemi Adeoye took turns decorating around 18 promoted officers of the command with their new titles.
The delight of some of the officers whose wives assisted the CP in decorating their husbands with their new ranks knew no bounds, as their husbands duly saluted their wives and the CP for their new positions and responsibilities.
Obi Innocent, one of the officers elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), whose wife joined CP Aderemi Adeoye in adorning him with his new rank, said it was wonderful that the Inspector General of Police thought him worthy.
CSP Obi Innocent, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13, Police Zonal Headquarters Ukpo, stated that his new rank was a call to service and that he would do his best to uphold the charge given to them by CP Aderemi Adeoye to respect and protect the citizenry’s fundamental rights in the discharge of their new assignments.
Charity Akharame, who was honoured with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and was the only female officer among the 18 promoted officers decorated with new ranks, said it was not an easy feat but she was grateful to be among those who were decorated with their new ranks.
DSP Charity Akharame, the officer in charge of stores in the Anambra State Police Command, recalled how she began as a Police Constable and worked her way up to her current position as Deputy Superintendent of Police.
She stated that as a very disciplined police officer, she would follow the Police Commissioner’s directions regarding respect for all and sundry in the fulfillment of her constitutional obligations.
Jane-Frances Obi, one of the spouses of the officers elevated to the level of CSP, stated that being the wife of a police officer was not an easy assignment. As a result, she recommended any lady who is married to a police officer to be patient and understanding because the job is quite demanding.
Jane-Frances Obi, whose husband is Innocent Obi, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13 Ukpo, believes the promotion is a reward for years of being patient, understanding, and standing in for them when they are not present.
Meanwhile, Emenike Chinenyenwa, who was decorated with the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and presented a vote of appreciation, expressed deep gratitude to the IGP and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission for considering them worthy of being adorned in their new ranks.
ACP Emenike, the officer in charge of Medicals, stated that the elevation comes with increased responsibility and that they will work harder in their new tasks.
CP Aderemi Adeoye praised the current promotion winners in his remarks, noting that two aspects make the police career very interesting and eventful. He stated that one is for promotion and the other is for positions.
CP Adeoye, on the other hand, urged the newly honored officers to develop more empathy, compassion, care, and dedication in the performance of their jobs.
The police chief insisted that newly promoted officers must first recognise that they share the same humanity as others, and as a result, they must treat all people with dignity and protect their fundamental human rights at all times.
CP Aderemi Adeoye stressed that without the enormous roles of spouses, they wouldn’t have been successful in their careers. He therefore congratulated all the promoted and prayed that God gives them good health to enjoy the new ranks and the energy to discharge the responsibilities of their new offices.
- Source: Independent
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