Nelson Ugwuagbo

A group of unidentified gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, the former chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

LeadingReportersgathered that the monarch was taken by the hoodlums from his home in Orodo Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, early on Saturday morning.

The respected traditional ruler, who is the traditional ruler of the Orodo autonomous community in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo was reportedly carried to an undisclosed location by the mysterious gunmen, who have not released a statement or contacted the family.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on Saturday that “His Royal Majesty, Former Ezeimo, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri has been kidnapped by unknown persons from his residence at Odumara Orodo in Mbaitoli LGA Owerri, Imo State.”

He said the four-man gang, heavily armed, with a green-colored Toyota Highlander, kidnapped former Ezeimo while his cousin escaped. The kidnappers abducted Ezeimo and drove towards Umaka-Orlu road.

Confirming the ugly development Henry Okoye, Imo police command spokesperson, said the command has commenced an intense investigation.

He further said, “We have taken some affirmative steps towards ensuring that the victim is rescued and that his kidnappers are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. Updates on this case will be communicated in due course.”

Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko has said civilians in Nigeria should be allowed to bear arms in self-defence in the wave of endless attacks by bandits and terrorists across the country.

He said the endless massacre of innocent and vulnerable persons encouraged him to introduce a bill to amend the existing law on civilian ownership of firearms purposely for defending themselves in time of unprovoked attack by criminal elements.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja, the lawmaker expressed optimism that the bill will sail through when Senators resume legislative business after a new year break.

He said massacre, abduction and killing of vulnerable persons have not abated despite the government’s effort at tackling insecurity, pointing out that the bill to own and bear weapons will empower civilians against criminals.

He described it as a ‘disturbing moment,’ the violent attacks in some Plateau communities leading to the killing of over 200 people with several others injured on the eve of Christmas by terrorists.

Nwoko said: “Considering these dire circumstances, there’s a growing call for responsible firearm ownership as a means of self-defence.”

Speaking on the stage of the bill, he said, the bill has been laid and will be read for the first time, when Senators resume from new year recess, insisting that it’s a pressing issue that must be given due attention.

“I am pleased that the topic has gained national significance, sparking diverse opinions and discussions that predominantly fall into two camps – one in opposition and the other in support.

“It’s evident that the existing security measures have not been sufficient in safeguarding our communities. Allowing law-abiding citizens to possess firearms could potentially provide a sense of security and a means to protect themselves and their families from immediate threats.”

He emphasized that the move to allow civilians to bear firearms comes with responsibility and stringent regulations with comprehensive training on how to use them.

Men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Tuesday flooded the Maitama office of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, (NSIPA), shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), and National Coordinator, NSIPA, Halima Shehu on allege financial malfeasance.

The Guardian observed a heavy presence of EFCC officials dressed in black suits, red ties, and red outfits with the EFCC insignia positioned outside and inside the office.

Access to the office located at Taraba Close, off Limpopo Street, Maitama, was also restricted as no one was allowed in or out of the building.

In what appears to be a mild phase-off between suspected Department of State Services, (DSS), officials, the EFCC personnel later took over the compound while Shehu alongside her Key officers, including media aides were not allowed to leave their offices.

LeadingReporters gathered that after hours of being kept locked in the office, observed that the EFCC personnel left followed shortly by Shehu’s convoy.

A source in the agency explained that the NSIPA national coordinator will issue a statement as soon as the situation is clear and that she is not allowed to comment on the development at the moment.

Meanwhile, the alleged suspension has led to the cancellation of an event the agency was set to hold Tuesday morning in Karu where she was to distribute cash grants and starter packs to vulnerable groups and also reach out to some victims of organ trade black market, in Abuja.

Shehu reportedly rushed to the Presidential villa to confirm the authenticity of the news since she was yet to be serve any letter at the time, leaving journalists waiting at the venue.

News of Shehu’s suspension filtered Tuesday morning in the media claiming that President Bola Tinubu has suspended her and has appointed the Renewed Hope Job Creation Programme, (RHJCP), formerly, N-Power boss, Dr. Akindele Egbuwale as the acting NSIPA national coordinator pending outcome of investigations.