Headlines

Tragedy struck in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as unidentified gunmen attacked and killed two police operatives in the early hours of Thursday.

The officers were on investigation duties when the assailants launched a surprise attack, sparking a fierce gun battle.

An eyewitness described the horrific scene to Punch, saying the attackers hurled an improvised explosive device (IED) at the police team, which detonated and instantly killed two officers.

The attackers opened fire on sighting the police team and threw the IED into their operational vehicle, which was engulfed in flames.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesman, assured the public that they are committed to bringing the attackers to justice.

Ikenga urged eyewitnesses and the public to provide any relevant information to aid the ongoing operation, promising confidentiality.

The police are working tirelessly to track down the criminals and ensure justice is served.

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country have expressed outrage after receiving a significantly reduced allowance of ₦33,000 for September, contrary to the approved ₦77,000 minimum wage.

The Federal Government had announced the implementation of the new minimum wage, signed into law by President Tinubu on July 29, following an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in June.

Corps members were expecting the increased allowance, including arrears for July and August. However, the reduced payment has sparked widespread discontent.

The development has generated heated reactions on social media, with many questioning the government’s commitment to supporting its youth.

The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

In an announcement, Special Assistant to the President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun in a post on X, formerly Twitter on Tuesday advised Nigerians in Lebanon to contact the Nigerian mission for documentation.

Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation,” he wrote.

This comes as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, retaliating for the assassination of Hezbollah leaders, prompting a heated exchange of threats.

Details later…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has announced its withdrawal from the local government elections slated for November 2, 2024.

This decision was made public during a joint meeting of the party’s state executives and local government chairmen held in Umuahia.

The party cited a lack of official communication from the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) as the primary reason for its withdrawal.

The State Assistant Secretary and acting Publicity Secretary of the APC, Engr. Sterling Uruakpa, explained that the party cannot rely on information disseminated via social media platforms regarding the elections.

He emphasized the importance of ABSIEC using proper and official channels to convey important updates and details to the party.

The APC stressed the need for transparency and inclusiveness in the election process to maintain credibility among all stakeholders involved.

Uruakpa stated, “The All Progressives Congress is the ruling political party in Nigeria and the biggest party in Africa and will not tolerate any form of contempt or disrespect from ABSIEC.

“ABSIEC must follow due process in their activities, ensure inclusiveness, and provide a level playing field for all the parties in order to gain the confidence and trust of the political parties and the people.

Armed attackers reportedly killed two soldiers, a village head, and six residents in the Egwuma community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday evening.

The assault, which occurred around 5 p.m., left the village shaken. According to local sources, the attackers also seized weapons from the slain soldiers, seriously injuring another.

A former member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu constituency, Sule Audu, confirmed the incident in a phone interview with reporters.

He stated that nine people, including the two soldiers, the village head of Egwuma, and six others, were killed during the attack.

Audu said, “The incident happened between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday. The bandits attacked Egwuma through Akile axis, boycotting the road where soldiers were stationed.

They opened fire on people in their houses. They killed the clan head of the village and six others as well as two soldiers and carted away soldiers’ arms.

One of the soldiers was seriously wounded. They went back to the part of Agatu land that they are occupying; villages like Ogwumogbo, Ejuma, Akile, Okpogbolo, Okpiye, Echije.

It was on Sunday that the people returned home after soldiers assured them of safety, then they were killed on Tuesday. The affected village had long been deserted following the bandits invasion. They would attack and run back to the villages they are occupying.”

Audu added that the attackers likely came from Nasarawa and Kogi states, where they have maintained a presence in the area, terrorizing local communities.

He noted that while the soldiers had been instrumental in curbing past attacks, the situation remains dire.

When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene said she had not yet received a detailed report of the attack.