society
Our lives are in danger Mgbuoshimini Community, Rumueme Kingdom cries out
Published
2 years agoon

Our lives are in danger Mgbuoshimini Community, Rumueme Kingdom cries out
By Ifeoma Ikem
The people of Mgbuoshimini Community, Rumueme Kingdom has petitioned the River State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emeka Nwoyi before the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, accusing him of backing a wanted killer group leader that has endangered the lives members of the community.
In a petition signed by Mr Livingstone Wechie, Mr Ohazurume Chukwu on behalf of the community claimed that six other members of their community vigilante are still in custody of the police.
They said that their members who are in the police detention are Jeremiah Pardon Chukwu, Prince Uchechukwu Amadi, Ndubisi Sunny Amadi, Sunny Amadi, Friday Godwin and Gift Echem.
He said that in 2017 a group of killers led by one Daddy Chukwu a.k.a Oboni killed over 30 people in their community including on Chief Minikwu Chukwu, Godspower Aligbo and Omunakwe Benson in 2019.
“They were declared wanted by the Nigerian police under the then CP Kaki Ahmed now retired DIG operations.
“They later returned to Mgbuoshimini community and in an effort to secure our community, we set up a local vigilante called OSPAC’’.
The petitioners said that they had in April 2023, petitioned the Rivers State Police Command under CP Effiong Okon seeking his intervention.
“He swiftly set up a team led by the c4i Strike Force (octopus) and they carried out an operation and raided the camp of the wanted group in the community and assisted the vigilante.
“The camp was dislodged and the community returned to normalcy, but suddenly, the group recruited secret cult boys committing all manners of crimes including bunkering, killing, gun running etc.
“Their leader got information and escaped while some members of his group were arrested.
“Since then they’ve been following up on him while the vigilante has been working with the police to restore peace in the community, my brothers and I were on their hit list’’.
They claimed that immediately Nwoyi came on board, the wanted group through their sponsors initiated a fresh petition against the vigilante alleging murder and raped.
“A sister of the wanted persons went on radio to accuse the vigilante boys of raping her during an operation under the supervision of the police and her brother was killed in her presence and buried by the riverside in the camp.
`I had earlier explained to CP that the petition against us was aimed at misleading and misinforming him to distract him from the real issues.
“I appealed to him to sustain the gains of his predecessor CP Effiong Okon but he arrested six of the vigilante boys and I told him that the arrests will expose the community for another attacks by the wanted boys but he refused to heed.
“sadly, he warned me in the presence of his officers never to refer him to his predecessor and that he is the new CP that the old is past that he’s not interested in it.
“He said that he is not the one that asked us to kill ourselves and that that’s not his business.
He ordered the c4i strike force commander Jovinus Iwu to withdraw the charges from court against the people arrested during the operations.
“It’s obvious that CP Emeka Nwoyi was thoroughly compromised against us and his actions were unfair and unbecoming of a commissioner of police’’.
They claimed that Nwoyi invited them for a meeting last Monday along with the petitioners, he didn’t allow them (the vigilante) to speak saying he did not want to waste his time that he was very busy that the petitioners should speak so he could give directions.
“They listened to the other side and they raised issues of murder, rape and damage of property, the plan was to trump up charges of murder and rape and to remand us in detention but their plans were scuttled.
“Immediately the CP ordered for our arrests and detention by the x-squad who held us for a week from Monday to Saturday.
“We had initiated a petition to the IGP to transfer the matter to force headquarters and he referred it to the IRT led by DC Aliyu.
“In fact he sent his x-squad commander to stop reporting him to DIGs because some have called him on our behalf but it does appear that nwoyi is bent on justifying his inducement’’.
They claimed that it took the intervention of the AIG FIB who called him on their behalf to caution him against his high-handedness and unfairness towards them.
“On Friday July 7, 2023, the IRT team came to Port Harcourt to take over the case, when the signal got to the cp x-squad commander Mr Chris Anyanwu, called me out from the cell to his office for question.
“He said they have no evidence against me and my brothers over the allegations that the main point is more on the wanted boys and the petitioners.
“He said the allegations lacked proof that since the CP is not responding to bail that force headquarters is coming to take over the matter.
“We were taken into the custody of the IRT, from Abuja they said they had a little mistake of not reflecting c4i strike force as one of the stations to take suspects from which is where suspects from the April operations are being held’’.
“They said they will have to take custody of those suspects first before releasing us who are the complainants, they said they will be meeting with the Cp Nwoyi to minute on their signal to allow them move those suspects.
“Currently we are detained at the central police station in Port Harcourt by the IRT pending when they will resolve with the cp and take custody of the suspects at the c4i strike force octopu and that they may most likely move everybody to Abuja.
“It has been a very painful, embarrassing and frustrating experience, I had expected that we should be granted bail then asked to report to Abuja on a date.
“The team leader says it is actually their mandate from their commander to take over the matter and grant us bail then fix a date for interview in Abuja while they move the other suspects to Abuja.
“He said doing so requires their commander reaffirming that instruction because of this delay, the petitioners against us is one Larry Anele Nyeche who purports to lead a faction of Rumueme Kingdom Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
`The matter has been transferred to the IGP-intelligence response team IGP-IRT in Abuja.
“`Parties have been invited to the IRT for an interview with the commander, the six ospac vigilante are still held at IRT custody in all cumulatively for forty days now.
“We demand their release and actions to bring the wanted killer group and their sponsors to justice.
“Our only offence is that we along with our brothers, Weli Gaddafi Nyeche, Ohazurume Chukwu approached the police to help rescue our community from the killer group led by one notorious Daddy Chukwu a.k.a Oboni a group affiliated to the notorious Don-Wani yet the Rivers CP is bent on destroying all the gains.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

society
WHEN INDUSTRY MOVES LIKE NATION-BUILDERS Otega Ogra & Tope Ajayi
Published
5 hours agoon
May 24, 2025
WHEN INDUSTRY MOVES LIKE NATION-BUILDERS
Otega Ogra & Tope Ajayi
There is a particular kind of silence that greets progress in Nigeria—when food prices fall, inflation slows, the country is positively recognised, debts paid, or things begin to work. It is the kind of silence that would rather a good story stay buried than be told. But make no mistake, what we are seeing in the market today is not magic. It is the outcome of vision from the Tinubu-Shettima administration, backed by execution.
When President Bola Tinubu signed off on a six-month waiver to allow the importation of select food items, it was not an act of political theater. Rather, it was visionary economic strategy at play. That singular decision broke a cartel of hoarders who had turned food insecurity into an immoral enterprise. But strategy alone does not and cannot lower the cost of rice. What does is when industry leaders respond not with hesitation but with urgency.
Last week at The Aso Villa, the seat of the Presidency in Abuja, Abdul Samad Rabiu did not just show up to thank President Bola Tinubu. He came prepared and showed up with results. He brought evidence—bag by bag, commodity by commodity—of how Mr President’s policy met action. Rice that once cost N110,000 now sells for less than 80,000. Flour is down. Maize is down. And for once, the loudest people in the room are the ones who used to profit from scarcity, not the ones breaking it.
What happened here was disruption. The BUA team as well as other major Nigerian manufacturers and industrialists who heeded President Tinubu’s call, understood the assignment. They flooded the market, shattered the economics of hoarding, and exposed a truth few want to say: sometimes, the real enemy is not the system. It is the silence and sabotage that follows reform.
But Alhaji Rabiu did not stop at food. He announced a second move upon the advice of fellow billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote which was just as consequential. In an economy reeling from FX volatility, energy price surges, and imported inflation, cement manufacturers have decided to freeze the price of cement, not for everyone, but for every contractor working under the government’s Renewed Hope infrastructure projects. This is not charity at play. This is alignment.
Cement isn’t just a product. It is the bloodline of infrastructure. By holding the price steady for public works under the Renewed Hope Agenda, BUA Cement, Dangote Cement, Lafarge and new entrants, Mangal Cement didn’t just make a corporate gesture. They bought the government fiscal room, time, and momentum. That is what nation-building looks like when it wears a private-sector face.
It gets deeper. Cement manufacturers are resuscitating the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria, pledging up to N20 billion annually to train artisans, real human capacity, not PowerPoint plans. We live in a Nigeria where for the longest time, conversations about growth rarely touch skills. This novel move is therefore a bet on people because when people are trained, projects do not just get built but they endure.
President Tinubu alluded to something important during that meeting. He did not just commend BUA. He called the actions of the private sector who have taken a bet on Nigeria throughout this period, “economic patriotism.” Whilst many sit on the sidelines waiting for stability before they act, it matters when Nigerians step in to create it.
Nigeria does not just need big men. It needs bold moves. What Rabiu and his peers are doing from freezing prices, and disrupting hoarding, to funding technical skills is not corporate PR. It is policy execution by other means and, that is what separates firms that extract value from those that build it.
In this phase of Nigeria’s transformation, we will need more of the latter. Those who understand that the private sector is not a spectator sport. That stability is not gifted but engineered. And that to win the confidence of 250 million people, you must show, not tell, that the future of Nigeria is under construction.
And if we tell these positive stories loud and well, if we stop whispering good news while bad actors shout, we may just shift the national mood from despair to resolve.
We make bold this statement because, when industry starts to move like this, it is more than just a market correction. It is a clear signal that the tide is turning positively.
As President Bola Tinubu says, the future of Nigeria will be a future built by Nigerians, for Nigeria, and indeed, Africa. No one will build our Nigeria or Africa for us but ourselves. The time is now.
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society
Why Gen. Buratai will always remain in the minds of Nigerians-Enyioma
Published
10 hours agoon
May 24, 2025
Why Gen. Buratai will always remain in the minds of Nigerians-Enyioma
From………
Lance Corporal Chikere Vitus Enyioma, an admirer of the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai has given reasons why Nigerians would not forget the retired Army boss in a hurry.
In a statement, Enyioma explained “I joined the Nigerian Army in 2014 with the full intention of serving my country diligently. My first posting was to 1 Division Kaduna, where I was influenced by a common belief among the junior ranks—that our generals didn’t care about us.
“However, that perception changed when Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed full command and began to truly work and serve both Nigeria and the Nigerian Army.
“Later, I was transferred to Abuja and had the rare opportunity to serve directly in his office as an office orderly. I witnessed firsthand the incredible demands of serving as the Chief of Army Staff. I remember a specific week when he worked day and night without rest. During a particularly intense period of operations against insurgents, he broke down after a night of nonstop work and back-to-back high-level meetings.
“I was sent by his MA and I had to rush downstairs to get the medical representative, who administered treatment to help him recover. To my surprise, as soon as he regained his strength, he returned immediately to his desk to continue working.
“Throughout my time working in his office, I never saw him take a leave or even a break. Under his leadership, long-forgotten allowances were restored, Many non-commissioned officers were promoted or commissioned. Soldiers were given access to both military and civilian education programs—of which I was a beneficiary.
“He also expanded housing schemes and introduced mortgage opportunities for personnel. Lt. Gen. Buratai redefined what it meant to serve with commitment and vision, and every other Staff officer under him was equally busy.
“Under Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army successfully reclaimed large swathes of territory previously under Boko Haram’s control in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Major highways like the Maiduguri-Bama and Damaturu-Maiduguri roads were reopened, allowing for the restoration of civil governance in formerly overrun regions.
“He initiated the creation of vital commands and formations to improve rapid response, including Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Army Aviation Corps. These formations enhanced operational flexibility and strengthened counter-insurgency efforts.
“Under his tenure, the Army acquired modern armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones, significantly increasing its firepower and tactical capabilities.
“Establishment of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB). Founded in 2018 in Biu, Borno State, NAUB focuses on advancing military education and research, supporting innovation and technology in military operations.
“Buratai championed soldiers’ welfare by introducing; Housing initiatives and educational opportunities.
Enhanced healthcare services which gave birth to one of the Best hospitals in Abuja ( COMMAND AND NAOWA HOSPITAL). These improved the morale and effectiveness of the troops.
“Promotion of Civil-Military Relations: He emphasized mutual trust and understanding between the Army and civilians, strengthening nationwide collaboration and public support.
“Support for Democracy; During election periods, Buratai ensured the Nigerian Army upheld constitutional order, playing a neutral and stabilizing role in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches; established agricultural projects to boost food security for soldiers and provide alternative welfare support for their families.
“Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. He founded this institute to train soldiers in technical and environmental disciplines, supporting their post-service careers.
“Advocacy for Cultural Integration in Security; after his retirement, Buratai actively promoted using Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to enhance national security, emphasizing that no indigenous culture supports criminality.
“Army Structural Expansion Under Buratai. New Divisions
6th Division (Amphibious)– Port Harcourt, Rivers State
8th Division – Sokoto State.
“New Brigades and Units:16 Brigade– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
17 Brigade – Katsina State
63 Brigade – Delta State
2nd Brigade – Akwa Ibom State
42nd Engineering Brigade
Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base – Daura, Katsina State
331 Artillery Tactical Forward Operating Base – Buratai, Borno State
Forward Operating Base, Okene – Kogi StaSpecialized Institutions and Facilities.
“Nigerian Army Aviation School,
Nigerian Army War College, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC)– Abuja
Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Modern military housing in Abuja
“Here is a list of some infrastructural projects constructed or initiated under Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff (2015–2021). These projects span military bases, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, roads, housing, and operational commands, reflecting his strategic focus on capacity building, welfare, and professionalism.
“Army Headquarters Command Structures. Remodeling and modernization of Army Headquarters Complex in Abuja.Renovation and expansion of Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja
“New Divisions and Formations Infrastructure. 6th Division Headquarters– Port Harcourt, Rivers State (including barracks and support facilities). 8th Division Headquarters – Sokoto State (administrative blocks, housing, operational centers).
“Brigades and Units Infrastructure:
16 Brigade Complex– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.17 Brigade Complex– Katsina State.63 Brigade Complex– Asaba, Delta State.2 Brigade Forward Operating Base (FOB) – Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
1 Brigade Headquarters Complex – Gusau, Zamfara State.13 Brigade Complex– Calabar, Cross River State
“Specialized Institutions: Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) – Biu, Borno State
Nigerian Army War College– Abuja
Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) – Abuja. Nigerian Army Aviation School– (location development under construction). Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies – Makurdi, Benue State
“Medical Infrastructure: Renovation and expansion of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital – Kaduna
Upgrading of Military Hospital – Port Harcourt, Establishment of new medical facilities in several divisions including Lagos, Abuja, and Maiduguri
Field hospitals were constructed in combat zones in the Northeast.
“Barracks and Residential Housing Projects; Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Abuja (state-of-the-art barracks and officers’ quarters)
Army Housing Estate – Kurudu, Abuja
Massive renovation and new construction of soldiers’ accommodation across all 6 geo-political zones
Construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Barracks– Buratai town, Borno State
“Forward Operating Bases (FOBs): FOB/171Bn Daura – Katsina State
FOB Okene – Kogi State
FOB Buratai– Borno State
Numerous FOBs in the Northeast, enhancing real-time response to insurgency.
“Army Farms and Ranches: Establishment of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches in several divisions, providing food and economic support for troops.
“Roads and Internal Transportation; Construction of internal road networks within new barracks and cantonment
Upgrading of military access roads and connecting roads in conflict zones for logistics and troop movement
“Training and Capacity Building Centers: Modernization of Depot Nigerian Army – Zaria, Establishment of Command Science Secondary Schools in multiple states, Construction of training ranges and simulation centers across Army divisions, Renovation of military churches and mosque.
“These infrastructure projects were executed as part of Buratai’s vision to professionalize the Nigerian Army, improve troop welfare, and enhance operational readiness. They also reflect a balanced focus on education, healthcare, housing, logistics, and combat efficiency.
“Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s legacy is not just in what he built but in how he inspired countless soldiers, myself included, to believe in the military institution again.
“He served tirelessly, restored honor to service, and laid a strong foundation for future generations of the Nigerian Army.
“I recalled how Harvard University Boston USA became an annex of the Nigerian Army in building and shaping the intuition of military officers across the rank beyond the traditional strategic institution like the Defense College NIPSS etc. I am a beneficiary and can proudly be rated. Allah bless our legend of yesterday, today, and tomorrow”.
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society
NBA Ikorodu condemns systemic pressure on rape victims, says justice must never be negotiated
Published
12 hours agoon
May 24, 2025
NBA Ikorodu condemns systemic pressure on rape victims, says justice must never be negotiated
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch has condemned the systematic pressure on rape victims and also added that justice must not be negotiated no matter who is involved.
In a statement signed by Tessy Osakwe, the
alternate chairman of the committee against Domestic violence, child’s rights and persons living with disabilities of the Nigerian Bar Association, of the ikorodu branch,noted that there has been troubling tales of rise in the withdrawal of rape cases by victim’s parents before justice is served.
She said that the branch through its Domestic Violence Committee, Child’s Rights Committee, and Persons Living with Disabilities Committee, expressed deep concern over this disturbing trend which happens due to societal, family, institutional, or even economic pressure.
“Our committees have observed, with alarm, that many survivors particularly children, women, and persons with disabilities are often compelled to abandon legal proceedings due to threats, shame, victim-blaming, or interference from influential individuals seeking to shield perpetrators from accountability.
“This act of silencing victims not only denies them justice, but also emboldens offenders, perpetuates impunity, and weakens public confidence in the justice system.
“We remind the public that rape is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, and its prosecution is not subject to private negotiation or family settlement’’.
“Every victim has the right to be heard, protected, and supported throughout the legal process,’’ she added.
The branch, therefore, called on the law enforcement agencies to act with independence, integrity, and diligence in rape investigations and ensure survivors are not intimidated.
“Judicial officers and prosecutors should offer timely and trauma-informed legal support to victims; traditional and religious leaders should refrain from encouraging “out-of-court settlements” in rape cases and instead support survivors in seeking justice.
“The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Public Defender should expand survivor support services, including safe shelters, psychological care, and legal aid.
“The media to maintain sensitivity in reportage and protect the identities and dignity of survivors.
“And the Civil society and community groups create safe spaces for survivors to report abuse without fear or shame’’.
She promised the survivors and their families that they are not alone as the NBA Ikorodu Branch stands with them.
“Justice may be delayed, but with courage, support, and advocacy, it must not be denied,’’ she assured.
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