THE Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Borno axis has identified the killer of an in -law of Boko Haram founder Babakura Fugu, who was assassinated on Saturday.
Fugu was killed for speaking on behalf of the group with former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was in Borno, the Boko Haram stronghold on Friday.
Sources close to the JTF told the Nigerian Tribune that the late Fugu was shot by a loyalist of the wanted Mallam Mamman Nur, who is wanted for masterminding the bombing of the UN House on August 26.
It was leant that one Ustaz Mote, who grew up in the Fugu family, was used to carry out the murder.
Security operative were said to have launched a manhunt for him on Sunday.
It was learnt on Sunday that the spiritual leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, was said to have condemned the killing of Fugu, describing it as a further turture of the troubled Fugu family.
A source told the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday that “the assassination of Mallam Babakura Fugu on Saturday afternoon in Maiduguri was said to have been masterminded by the Mamman Nur group (a faction of Boko Haram), which felt that the recent arrest of some key members of the group, who are very close associates of Nur, were facilitated by the late Fugu.
“The group also beleived that Fugu had entered into undue alliance with the Federal Government and that he was benefitting financially.
“One Ustaz Mote, who grew up in the Fugu family house and an ardent footsoldier of Nur was used for the dastardly act.
“I can tell you that security agents are their trail. You can also note that the spiritual leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, is said to have condemned the assassination of Fugu, describing it as immoral and further injustice on the Fugu family, which has every right to seek redress on perceived persecution without recourse to the group.”
It was learnt that the killing of the host of former president, Chief Obasanjo, in Maiduguri had endangered the peace option being pursued with the sect.
Meanwhile, following report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa service that members of the Boko Haram sect have claimed responsibility for the killing of Babakura Fugu, its spokesman, Abu Kaka, has denied the claim by the BBC, stating that the sect did not kill him.
Abu Kaka, who spoke with newsmen in a telephone interview in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, also warned international media to desist from reporting what the group had not said or claimed, unless if it actually said so.
The spokeman, who said they were not happy with the report by BBC and other international media, called on the media to be careful while reporting issues or happenings in the state.
“We did not kill Baba-kura Fugu and we did not claim responsibility for his killing as reported by the BBC and other international media.”
“We are not happy with the way we are being misquoted and misrepresented in the media, especially by the international radio houses like BBC, VOA (Voice of America) and Radio France International. Today, we received with shock the unfortunate killing of the family member of our leader, Sheik Muhammed Yusuf, but to our dismay, we later heard it on the BBC that we said we were responsible for it. This is unacceptable, because the BBC cannot receive a text message sent to their head office without our name on it.
“This kind of false representation has been going on for some time now and we will not continue to tolerate it any longer. The media houses should know that we have an understanding with the press whom we regard as mediators; but if they don’t do their job professionally, we will be compelled to take action on their reporters on the ground just the way we take actions on the security agents and other enemies of Islam,” he said.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Oil refinery threatens as boko harams member arrives in warri and general insecurity in the north as sss places 25million naira reward on UN bomber
THERE are fears over likely attacks on oil installations in Warri, Warri Local Government Area of Delta State, as security agents were, on Sunday, put on red alert, following a report on the arrival of three vehicles loaded with suspected Boko Haram members.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the vehicles that brought the suspected sect members arrived in Warri at about 4.00 a.m.
Warri houses major oil installations from which the country derives the largest percentage of its revenue.
Sources disclosed that undercover security agents were informed about the development by an informant leading to a frantic security search for the suspected Boko Haram members.
“We got a signal that three vehicles brought in some suspected Boko Haram sect members into Warri early today (Sunday). We have cordoned the areas we suspect they might take up residence.
“We have also held a meeting with the leadership of the Hausa community in Warri, with an agreement to report new entrants into the oil city,” a highly placed security source disclosed.
Nigerian Tribune observed security agents moving around Warri city on Sunday in search of the suspected Boko Haram members.
Heavy security was also observed at Hausa Quarters on the Warri-Sapele Road, as well as Ugwuwagbe area.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Charles Muka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he was yet to be briefed, but assured the people that adequate security arrangements were in place to thwart any threat in any part of the state.
FG deploys soldiers
at borders
Meanwhile, all the nation’s northern borders have received heightened security alerts lately, following intelligence reports suggesting regular influx of violent elements into the country from neighbouring countries.
Consequently, soldiers have been deployed in the official border areas as well as illegal routes in the North.
A security source told the Nigerian Tribune that land borders in the North-West and the North-East had been of particular interest to the security agencies, since trans- border activities of religious extremists in that part of the country had been confirmed.
Apart from the traditional security and para-military forces who man the border posts, the source said the military itself had been involved in curtailing the activities of terrorists believed to be escaping to these neighbouring countries after perpetrating atrocities in Nigeria.
The Libyan crisis and reports of the escape of some of Moammer Gaddafi’s soldiers into neighbouring Niger Republic, the source said, had added to security concerns along the borders with that country.
The matter is made worse with the reported involvement of some Nigerians in the Libyan war, some of who could also escape home through these borders with the tendency of linking up with the home-grown terrorists currently planting and detonating bombs in Nigeria.
The comptroller of customs, Adamawa/ Taraba command, Mr Joseph Sambo, confirmed the security alert at the borders in the area. He gave kudos to the Brigader Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Brigadier-General John Nwaoga, who he said had been very supportive to other agencies in providing security at the borders.
Also, a senior immigration officer in Adamawa State disclosed in reply to enquiries by the Nigerian Tribune that security at the borders in the state had been very tight.
He said the state immigration command had beefed up security at the borders in the wake of the current security challenges in the country.
Also, Borno State Comptroller of Immigration, Babayo Alkali, disclosed, at the weekend, that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in conjunction with the military Joint Task Force (JTF), had tightened security at all the border points with neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic.
He explained that the measures put in place were to check the influx of illegal aliens and Chadian rebels, who were said to be teaming up with Boko Haram to wreak havoc on the country.
Niger and Chad are of particular interest, said another source, who pointed at the existence of several illegal entry points into Nigeria from these countries.
In the North-West, a major border post with Niger Republic is in Illela town in Sokoto State, while there are such key border towns with that country in Zamfara and Katsina states. In the North-East, there are border posts in Gambouru, Banki, Baga, Duji-Damasak, Sigal and Jilbe, with the three affected neighbouring countries.
A local source in Illela told the Nigerian Tribune that men of the Nigerian Army had intensified patrol of the border area lately.
However, one of the major challenges facing the security forces is said to be the scores of unauthorised trans-border routes which criminals use to enter and exit the country.
Blood and language affinity among the residents on both sides of the border areas are other factors which the source said had been aiding criminal activities across the borders with these countries. The source noted that several communities in the North-West and the North-East had large numbers of aliens who had inter-married with Nigerians.
The Borno State immigration comptroller further told newsmen that “the influx of aliens into Nigeria through the border points is causing a lot of security threats to Nigeria and its citizens, where some of them join the Boko Haram sect in the serial attacks, killings and bombings that have claimed many lives and property in Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno and Bama, a border town with Cameroun.”
He said since the deployment of troops in Maiduguri on June 12, 2011, the immigration service had joined forces with the Joint Task Force in putting a “water-tight security” system at all the border posts.
In Zamfara State, the only recognised borders in the state are Shinkafi in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state and in Gobir Bore village in Zurmi Local Government Area, both bordering Niger Republic. However, apart from these two borders, there are several other illegal entry and exit points created by smugglers.
Speaking in an interview, the Public Relations Officer of Zamfara State immigration command, Alhaji Yahaya Lummu, told the Nigerian Tribune that the command had ensured that the border towns were properly monitored by his men. According to him, “we are up to the task. And we are doing our jobs in accordance with the laws of the land.”
Also, investigation carried out by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that military men are firmly on the ground around these border towns. A senior military officer who pleaded for anonymity confirmed the deployment of soldiers in the borders. He said the soldiers were on the ground to monitor the security situation at the borders with the view to providing adequate surveillance.
In another development, the Department of State Security Service (SSS), on Sunday placed N25,000,000 prize on wanted Boko Haram member, Mamman Nur, in connection with the bombing of the United Nations House in Abuja last month.
A two-paragraph statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Relations, Mrs Marilyn Ogar, and made available to Nigerian Tribune in Abuja read: “Following the bombing of the United Nations (UN) building on 26th August, 2011 in Abuja by Boko Haram, which claimed about twenty-three (23) lives, Mamman Nur was identified as the mastermind and security agencies subsequently declared him wanted.
“Attached herewith is a picture of Mamman Nur. He is still declared wanted. A reward of twenty five million naira (N25,000,000) is being offered for information that could lead directly to the apprehension or conviction of Mamman Nur. If you have any information concerning this person, please contact the nearest police station, military formation or any other security agency.”
It will be recalled that the SSS spokesperson had, through a statement she issued on August 31, confirmed that one Mamman Nur, in conjunction with two other persons, masterminded the bomb blast at the UN House.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the vehicles that brought the suspected sect members arrived in Warri at about 4.00 a.m.
Warri houses major oil installations from which the country derives the largest percentage of its revenue.
Sources disclosed that undercover security agents were informed about the development by an informant leading to a frantic security search for the suspected Boko Haram members.
“We got a signal that three vehicles brought in some suspected Boko Haram sect members into Warri early today (Sunday). We have cordoned the areas we suspect they might take up residence.
“We have also held a meeting with the leadership of the Hausa community in Warri, with an agreement to report new entrants into the oil city,” a highly placed security source disclosed.
Nigerian Tribune observed security agents moving around Warri city on Sunday in search of the suspected Boko Haram members.
Heavy security was also observed at Hausa Quarters on the Warri-Sapele Road, as well as Ugwuwagbe area.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Charles Muka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he was yet to be briefed, but assured the people that adequate security arrangements were in place to thwart any threat in any part of the state.
FG deploys soldiers
at borders
Meanwhile, all the nation’s northern borders have received heightened security alerts lately, following intelligence reports suggesting regular influx of violent elements into the country from neighbouring countries.
Consequently, soldiers have been deployed in the official border areas as well as illegal routes in the North.
A security source told the Nigerian Tribune that land borders in the North-West and the North-East had been of particular interest to the security agencies, since trans- border activities of religious extremists in that part of the country had been confirmed.
Apart from the traditional security and para-military forces who man the border posts, the source said the military itself had been involved in curtailing the activities of terrorists believed to be escaping to these neighbouring countries after perpetrating atrocities in Nigeria.
The Libyan crisis and reports of the escape of some of Moammer Gaddafi’s soldiers into neighbouring Niger Republic, the source said, had added to security concerns along the borders with that country.
The matter is made worse with the reported involvement of some Nigerians in the Libyan war, some of who could also escape home through these borders with the tendency of linking up with the home-grown terrorists currently planting and detonating bombs in Nigeria.
The comptroller of customs, Adamawa/ Taraba command, Mr Joseph Sambo, confirmed the security alert at the borders in the area. He gave kudos to the Brigader Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Brigadier-General John Nwaoga, who he said had been very supportive to other agencies in providing security at the borders.
Also, a senior immigration officer in Adamawa State disclosed in reply to enquiries by the Nigerian Tribune that security at the borders in the state had been very tight.
He said the state immigration command had beefed up security at the borders in the wake of the current security challenges in the country.
Also, Borno State Comptroller of Immigration, Babayo Alkali, disclosed, at the weekend, that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in conjunction with the military Joint Task Force (JTF), had tightened security at all the border points with neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic.
He explained that the measures put in place were to check the influx of illegal aliens and Chadian rebels, who were said to be teaming up with Boko Haram to wreak havoc on the country.
Niger and Chad are of particular interest, said another source, who pointed at the existence of several illegal entry points into Nigeria from these countries.
In the North-West, a major border post with Niger Republic is in Illela town in Sokoto State, while there are such key border towns with that country in Zamfara and Katsina states. In the North-East, there are border posts in Gambouru, Banki, Baga, Duji-Damasak, Sigal and Jilbe, with the three affected neighbouring countries.
A local source in Illela told the Nigerian Tribune that men of the Nigerian Army had intensified patrol of the border area lately.
However, one of the major challenges facing the security forces is said to be the scores of unauthorised trans-border routes which criminals use to enter and exit the country.
Blood and language affinity among the residents on both sides of the border areas are other factors which the source said had been aiding criminal activities across the borders with these countries. The source noted that several communities in the North-West and the North-East had large numbers of aliens who had inter-married with Nigerians.
The Borno State immigration comptroller further told newsmen that “the influx of aliens into Nigeria through the border points is causing a lot of security threats to Nigeria and its citizens, where some of them join the Boko Haram sect in the serial attacks, killings and bombings that have claimed many lives and property in Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno and Bama, a border town with Cameroun.”
He said since the deployment of troops in Maiduguri on June 12, 2011, the immigration service had joined forces with the Joint Task Force in putting a “water-tight security” system at all the border posts.
In Zamfara State, the only recognised borders in the state are Shinkafi in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state and in Gobir Bore village in Zurmi Local Government Area, both bordering Niger Republic. However, apart from these two borders, there are several other illegal entry and exit points created by smugglers.
Speaking in an interview, the Public Relations Officer of Zamfara State immigration command, Alhaji Yahaya Lummu, told the Nigerian Tribune that the command had ensured that the border towns were properly monitored by his men. According to him, “we are up to the task. And we are doing our jobs in accordance with the laws of the land.”
Also, investigation carried out by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that military men are firmly on the ground around these border towns. A senior military officer who pleaded for anonymity confirmed the deployment of soldiers in the borders. He said the soldiers were on the ground to monitor the security situation at the borders with the view to providing adequate surveillance.
In another development, the Department of State Security Service (SSS), on Sunday placed N25,000,000 prize on wanted Boko Haram member, Mamman Nur, in connection with the bombing of the United Nations House in Abuja last month.
A two-paragraph statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Relations, Mrs Marilyn Ogar, and made available to Nigerian Tribune in Abuja read: “Following the bombing of the United Nations (UN) building on 26th August, 2011 in Abuja by Boko Haram, which claimed about twenty-three (23) lives, Mamman Nur was identified as the mastermind and security agencies subsequently declared him wanted.
“Attached herewith is a picture of Mamman Nur. He is still declared wanted. A reward of twenty five million naira (N25,000,000) is being offered for information that could lead directly to the apprehension or conviction of Mamman Nur. If you have any information concerning this person, please contact the nearest police station, military formation or any other security agency.”
It will be recalled that the SSS spokesperson had, through a statement she issued on August 31, confirmed that one Mamman Nur, in conjunction with two other persons, masterminded the bomb blast at the UN House.
Google becomes dream employer
It's the second year in a row the search engine giant has crowned the nation's dream employer list.
Self-employment was second, followed by the Virgin Group, Qantas, Apple and Microsoft.
Pay, benefits and conditions are the main reason workers become attracted to a company, according to findings from the Insync Surveys and RedBalloon 2011 Dream Employers Survey.
Google handed its employees a 10 per cent raise in 2010 and its workers famously enjoy funky offices, massages and naps on company time.
"We have in place robust reward and recognition programs, [where we] reward employees via excellent benefits and unique perks, such as massages, sleep pods and fun off-site events," the company's Australian HR manager Joe Krayer said.
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The police and defence forces were a surprise inclusion in this year's top 20 dream employers after neither featured in last year's list.
Recruits are attracted to the armed forces by pay, benefits, conditions and training, Insync Surveys CEO James Garriock said.
"As for the police, the sense of vocation is a much more common reason for joining the force," he added.
Police Association of NSW president Scott Weber said television shows such as CSI and Underbelly attract police recruits.
"Other reality shows like COPS and Recruits also show a glossy, edited version of life as a police officer," Mr Weber told AAP.
"For working cops, however, the job is tough and dangerous, and significantly different to what you see on TV."
He said the NSW government should take advantage of the interest by increasing the size of recruit courses.
The Department of Defence was unable to immediately comment about the findings.
Google also topped a list of dream employers in New Zealand, followed by self-employment, Air New Zealand, Apple and Kiwi Bank.
The results are based on surveys carried out with 7100 Australians and New Zealanders.
Self-employment was second, followed by the Virgin Group, Qantas, Apple and Microsoft.
Pay, benefits and conditions are the main reason workers become attracted to a company, according to findings from the Insync Surveys and RedBalloon 2011 Dream Employers Survey.
Google handed its employees a 10 per cent raise in 2010 and its workers famously enjoy funky offices, massages and naps on company time.
"We have in place robust reward and recognition programs, [where we] reward employees via excellent benefits and unique perks, such as massages, sleep pods and fun off-site events," the company's Australian HR manager Joe Krayer said.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
The police and defence forces were a surprise inclusion in this year's top 20 dream employers after neither featured in last year's list.
Recruits are attracted to the armed forces by pay, benefits, conditions and training, Insync Surveys CEO James Garriock said.
"As for the police, the sense of vocation is a much more common reason for joining the force," he added.
Police Association of NSW president Scott Weber said television shows such as CSI and Underbelly attract police recruits.
"Other reality shows like COPS and Recruits also show a glossy, edited version of life as a police officer," Mr Weber told AAP.
"For working cops, however, the job is tough and dangerous, and significantly different to what you see on TV."
He said the NSW government should take advantage of the interest by increasing the size of recruit courses.
The Department of Defence was unable to immediately comment about the findings.
Google also topped a list of dream employers in New Zealand, followed by self-employment, Air New Zealand, Apple and Kiwi Bank.
The results are based on surveys carried out with 7100 Australians and New Zealanders.
Teenager commits suicide because of love
The morning hours of last Tuesday, 6th September will forever remain indelible to residents of Yan Kaji in Yakassai area in the ancient city of Kano as a 17-year-old girl, Nafisa Ahmed Haruna poisoned herself to death because she was denied marrying her 25-year-old boyfriend, Sani Musa.
Nafisa was said to have consumed a poisonous insecticide popularly called ‘Ota-Pia-Pia’ after she was confronted and scolded by her mother for secretly dating Sani after the parents had earlier on halted the relationship and warned that she stop seeing him any longer.
Speaking to Weekly Trust, a family source said Nafisa’s mother scolded her all through the night prior to her death and threatened that there was no way they would allow her get married to the boy no matter how deeply they were in love and that prompted her to embarking upon the deadly mission. “The teenager was found lying unconscious, foaming at the mouth while the room she was lying in was filled with the pungent smell of the poisonous substance,” said the source.
Weekly Trust reliably gathered that the deceased had dated Sani for over two years before the parents insisted that she wouldn’t be allowed to marry him on the basis that he was unemployed and therefore could not cater for her if he marries her. It was further gathered that she had once disappeared with her boyfriend to an undisclosed destination were they spent days before deciding to show up. This happened when her parents openly showed their resentment for the relationship.
A source close to the boyfriend told Weekly Trust that the girl had earlier on indicated tendency of going to any length for the love of Sani. “But her parents insisted that she must stop seeing him. I can remember that when the parents introduced another suitor to her and he agreed to marry her, she and Sani disappeared. This happened five days into the just concluded Ramadan. The parents stood by their words and went ahead to halt the relationship.”
“God knows that we advised Sani to back out of the relationship considering the problems coming up but he insisted that they were deeply in love and could not simply path ways, which was very obvious but at a point, he decided to give it a trial by shunning her calls and refusing to see her. In fact, I even seized his phone so that they stop communicating while her parents kept her hostage to the extent of even stopping her from attending school, not until the worst happened,” said the source.
On Sani’s reaction to the incident, the source confirmed that he immediately went into comma after attempting to also commit suicide by stabbing himself with a knife when people around intervened. He has since then been unconscious.
“Immediately he received the news of his girlfriend’s death, he also attempted killing himself if not for our intervention. He broke a bottle and also tried using a knife but we stopped him, and from there, he went into a coma,” the source added.
When Weekly Trust visited the Yakasai residence of the deceased shortly after the burial rites were performed, the mother wouldn’t speak to the press, as she said she was still in shock.
Father of the deceased, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna only said he has accepted the tragedy as an act of God and only hope that people will help him in praying for the repose of his daughter’s soul and not concentrating on the cause of her death. “All I will say is may her soul rest in peace because as a Muslim, I believe that every soul must taste death, so I don’t see Nafisa’s death as extraordinary.”
Kano State Police Command however couldn’t confirm the story as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya said he was not aware.
Nafisa was said to have consumed a poisonous insecticide popularly called ‘Ota-Pia-Pia’ after she was confronted and scolded by her mother for secretly dating Sani after the parents had earlier on halted the relationship and warned that she stop seeing him any longer.
Speaking to Weekly Trust, a family source said Nafisa’s mother scolded her all through the night prior to her death and threatened that there was no way they would allow her get married to the boy no matter how deeply they were in love and that prompted her to embarking upon the deadly mission. “The teenager was found lying unconscious, foaming at the mouth while the room she was lying in was filled with the pungent smell of the poisonous substance,” said the source.
Weekly Trust reliably gathered that the deceased had dated Sani for over two years before the parents insisted that she wouldn’t be allowed to marry him on the basis that he was unemployed and therefore could not cater for her if he marries her. It was further gathered that she had once disappeared with her boyfriend to an undisclosed destination were they spent days before deciding to show up. This happened when her parents openly showed their resentment for the relationship.
A source close to the boyfriend told Weekly Trust that the girl had earlier on indicated tendency of going to any length for the love of Sani. “But her parents insisted that she must stop seeing him. I can remember that when the parents introduced another suitor to her and he agreed to marry her, she and Sani disappeared. This happened five days into the just concluded Ramadan. The parents stood by their words and went ahead to halt the relationship.”
“God knows that we advised Sani to back out of the relationship considering the problems coming up but he insisted that they were deeply in love and could not simply path ways, which was very obvious but at a point, he decided to give it a trial by shunning her calls and refusing to see her. In fact, I even seized his phone so that they stop communicating while her parents kept her hostage to the extent of even stopping her from attending school, not until the worst happened,” said the source.
On Sani’s reaction to the incident, the source confirmed that he immediately went into comma after attempting to also commit suicide by stabbing himself with a knife when people around intervened. He has since then been unconscious.
“Immediately he received the news of his girlfriend’s death, he also attempted killing himself if not for our intervention. He broke a bottle and also tried using a knife but we stopped him, and from there, he went into a coma,” the source added.
When Weekly Trust visited the Yakasai residence of the deceased shortly after the burial rites were performed, the mother wouldn’t speak to the press, as she said she was still in shock.
Father of the deceased, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna only said he has accepted the tragedy as an act of God and only hope that people will help him in praying for the repose of his daughter’s soul and not concentrating on the cause of her death. “All I will say is may her soul rest in peace because as a Muslim, I believe that every soul must taste death, so I don’t see Nafisa’s death as extraordinary.”
Kano State Police Command however couldn’t confirm the story as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya said he was not aware.
What Slain boko Haram Leader discused with Obasonjo by the Family
The family of late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf yesterday gave insight into their discussion with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo who paid the family a visit in Maiduguri on Thursday. Babakura Alhaji Fugu, the eldest son of an in-law of the late Yusuf told newsmen that the former president said he came to condole with the family and show dismay over the extra-judicial killing of their father and the demolition of their family house during the 2009 crises.
According to him, Obasanjo has promised to take their problem to President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he will give them feedback in two weeks. The junior Fugu said they got to know about the visit of the former president from the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), adding that they are optimistic that the visit will change things for the better because the family has gone through a lot. He said among those things discussed with the former president is the court judgment which affords the family compensation over the extra-judicial killing of their father. He said though the demands of Boko Haram was quite distinct from theirs, “we suggested to Obasanjo that there was still need for the authorities concerned to consider the conditions they set for dialogue, especially on the withdrawal of soldiers from the streets of Maiduguri, so that normalcy can return.”
According to him, Obasanjo has promised to take their problem to President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he will give them feedback in two weeks. The junior Fugu said they got to know about the visit of the former president from the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), adding that they are optimistic that the visit will change things for the better because the family has gone through a lot. He said among those things discussed with the former president is the court judgment which affords the family compensation over the extra-judicial killing of their father. He said though the demands of Boko Haram was quite distinct from theirs, “we suggested to Obasanjo that there was still need for the authorities concerned to consider the conditions they set for dialogue, especially on the withdrawal of soldiers from the streets of Maiduguri, so that normalcy can return.”
Brother kills brother over inheritance in Nigeria
Pandemonium broke on No. 55 off Iorkyaa Ako Street, High Level Makurdi, the Benue State capital when a serving Lance Corporal with the Nigeria Air Force in Port Harcourt, Gulenen Hanmaikul allegedly stabbed his elder brother Jacob to death. Weekly Trust learnt that since the death of their father, the family has not known peace over the assets he left behind. August 25, 2011 was one of the days the family scheduled to resolve some issues.
A close associate of the family told Weekly Trust that on the fateful Thursday, when a lawyer arrived with the will the late soldier was said to have left behind, tempers began to flare. The deceased was said to have been dissatisfied with the content of the will, which spelt out everything in favour of his younger brother, Corporal Hanmaikul.
According to our information, the late Jacob accused the mother of partiality, saying the will did not come from the family lawyer and therefore would not be recognized as it was written with her knowledge to favour his younger brother, a situation he said was against Tiv custom. The deceased insisted that the ‘will’ be altered to his advantage, but the mother and the officer disagreed. With this situation, Jacob opted out of the discussion. However, the mother was said to have begged him to see reason.
Corporal Gulenen was said to have been infuriated by his mother’s action which he viewed as degrading and vowed to teach Jacob a lesson. Corporal Gulenen, it was learnt, dashed into his room, came out with a knife and stabbed Jacob, 35, in the chest, killing him. Gulenen was subsequently arrested by Air Force authorities.
At the 45 Air Force Hospital, Makurdi, where the victim’s body has been deposited, a medical officer declined comment over autopsy report. He referred our correspondent to Air Force Public Relations Officer, who was said to have gone on official assignment as at the time of filing this report.
Family members and sympathizers who converged at No. 55 off Iorkyaa Ako Street to accompany Jacob’s body for burial at Tse Hanmaikul Ayila Mbademagu Mbaachia-Gaav Konshisha Local Government Area on 3rd September, 2011 went home disappointed as the Air Force Command is still holding the victim’s corpse at the time of filing this report.
Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Alaribe Ejike said he was yet to be briefed over the matter.
A close associate of the family told Weekly Trust that on the fateful Thursday, when a lawyer arrived with the will the late soldier was said to have left behind, tempers began to flare. The deceased was said to have been dissatisfied with the content of the will, which spelt out everything in favour of his younger brother, Corporal Hanmaikul.
According to our information, the late Jacob accused the mother of partiality, saying the will did not come from the family lawyer and therefore would not be recognized as it was written with her knowledge to favour his younger brother, a situation he said was against Tiv custom. The deceased insisted that the ‘will’ be altered to his advantage, but the mother and the officer disagreed. With this situation, Jacob opted out of the discussion. However, the mother was said to have begged him to see reason.
Corporal Gulenen was said to have been infuriated by his mother’s action which he viewed as degrading and vowed to teach Jacob a lesson. Corporal Gulenen, it was learnt, dashed into his room, came out with a knife and stabbed Jacob, 35, in the chest, killing him. Gulenen was subsequently arrested by Air Force authorities.
At the 45 Air Force Hospital, Makurdi, where the victim’s body has been deposited, a medical officer declined comment over autopsy report. He referred our correspondent to Air Force Public Relations Officer, who was said to have gone on official assignment as at the time of filing this report.
Family members and sympathizers who converged at No. 55 off Iorkyaa Ako Street to accompany Jacob’s body for burial at Tse Hanmaikul Ayila Mbademagu Mbaachia-Gaav Konshisha Local Government Area on 3rd September, 2011 went home disappointed as the Air Force Command is still holding the victim’s corpse at the time of filing this report.
Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Alaribe Ejike said he was yet to be briefed over the matter.
Man Caught Stealing Baby in Calabar
The sale of young children is silently going on in some parts of Calabar, Cross River State. Even as the State Security Service (SSS) has gotten wind of the disturbing trend and has made arrests, some ‘dealers’ remain on the loose. Before now, it was hardly believable that something beyond the ordinary was happening in the popular settlement called Bogobiri in Calabar South Local Government Area where many Nigerian ethnicities are found. Hausas, Kanuris, Igbos and others from the northern part of Cross River State can also be found living peacefully there.
A lot of trade goes on in Bogobiri, but a handful of illicit ones are bringing the area under the scrutiny of men of law enforcement agencies in the state, because of the booming child-selling business in Bogobiri. Had the SSS not uncovered it last week, everyone would still be going about their business innocently, not knowing that the various cases of missing babies and children in Calabar and other parts of the state are connected with their very area. The SSS picked up three persons who attempted to sell a ten-year-old called Mfon Bassey on a tip-off from a slighted potential buyer.
The SSS Assistant Director, Operations and Intelligence, Mr. Bassey Ntewo told Weekly Trust that on receiving the information, his men were immediately sent to Bogobiri, where the sale was being concluded. He said his men arrested the key suspect, Emmanuel Asuquo Inyang, 28, who is a maternal uncle to the abductee, alongside one Malam Dahiru Abubakar who claimed to be a watch-seller. Also arrested was one Musa Mohammed, 35, who was to allegedly buy the boy at N3 million.
Ntewo said the SSS are intensifying investigations for more arrests because intelligence reports confirm that child-selling in the area and in the state is becoming rampant. The SSS boss said Inyang claims to be a dealer in oil palm in Eneneje in Akamkpa local government where little Mfon lives with his sick mother, Mrs. Idongest Etim Ita, a 25-year-old farmer. Inyang, the key suspect reportedly confessed that he actually negotiated with the facilitator, Abubakar who had approached him in Eneneje some two months ago requesting if he had human beings to sell. Inyang said he was shocked when Dahiru approached him with such a demand, but succumbed when they accepted his terms, adding that they settled for N3m for each child. He said he was asked to bring the ‘goods’ to Bogobiri in Calabar, adding that when he first went there for another negotiation, Mohammed even gave him transport fare.
Speaking in Ibibio, Inyang said: “I had told him (Musa) to give me time, so I can carry out the deal without any suspicion. So when I brought Mfon to one shop in Gbogobiri, I was directed to a particular shop near where Forex is being traded. In the shop, I saw many other children of about same age with Mfon.
But when Mohammed came out, he ordered the children to be moved to another section of the house. I did not know the reason. He then brought a big polythene bag containing money. When I saw it, I was afraid and refused to collect. Surprised at my action, it was then that he said the boy I brought was too small and that they needed an older male. So, he asked me to wait for him, and that if any other person comes to ask me the price for the boy, I should say it is N5 million instead of N3million. I did not know that as he was going outside to invite the police.”
Asked why he did not sell his own children instead of his nephew, Inyang blamed his action on greed, pleading for mercy.
Both Mohammed and Abubakar denied knowing Inyang nor were they attempting to buy the ten-year-old boy. Mohammed said: “I am a tailor and have never dealt in a business of this nature all my life. When he entered my shop, I had called the Police because on many occasions I have worked as an informant to the Police to thwart cases of criminality in Bogobiri. I don’t even know him.”
According to Abubakar, he accepted however that he normally travelled to Eneneje a distant of about30 kilometres from Calabar, to hawk his watches to his many customers but that he has never met Inyang before or ever discussed any business of kidnapping children for sale.
Mfon’s mother told Weekly Trust that she’s yet to recover from the shock. “I have been sick for some time now and this development has complicated my problems. I’m very shocked that Emmanuel, my own nephew, can do this to me.”
Head of the Hausa community in Calabar, Alhaji Jaafar Sarki Lawal, also lives in Bogobiri. He said there is nothing like baby or child-selling in the community. “I have heard about the visits of the SSS, but I am surprised that they are combing my community without my knowledge. However, I encourage them to carry out their lawful duty and if approached, I would give them my assistance wherever possible. Let me also say that I do not know those alleged to be involved in this matter, neither am I aware of any trafficking ring in Bogobiri.”
A resident on Bassey Duke Street, Calabar who preferred anonymity, said she was once approached by a man who asked her playfully if she has babies for sale.
Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River State, Mrs. Ekama Iwara said the government was interested in issues such as this. “Cases of trafficking continue to come up, particularly on our territorial waters and borders,” she said, adding that in June last year 56 children were rescued and handed over to NAPTIP.
A lot of trade goes on in Bogobiri, but a handful of illicit ones are bringing the area under the scrutiny of men of law enforcement agencies in the state, because of the booming child-selling business in Bogobiri. Had the SSS not uncovered it last week, everyone would still be going about their business innocently, not knowing that the various cases of missing babies and children in Calabar and other parts of the state are connected with their very area. The SSS picked up three persons who attempted to sell a ten-year-old called Mfon Bassey on a tip-off from a slighted potential buyer.
The SSS Assistant Director, Operations and Intelligence, Mr. Bassey Ntewo told Weekly Trust that on receiving the information, his men were immediately sent to Bogobiri, where the sale was being concluded. He said his men arrested the key suspect, Emmanuel Asuquo Inyang, 28, who is a maternal uncle to the abductee, alongside one Malam Dahiru Abubakar who claimed to be a watch-seller. Also arrested was one Musa Mohammed, 35, who was to allegedly buy the boy at N3 million.
Ntewo said the SSS are intensifying investigations for more arrests because intelligence reports confirm that child-selling in the area and in the state is becoming rampant. The SSS boss said Inyang claims to be a dealer in oil palm in Eneneje in Akamkpa local government where little Mfon lives with his sick mother, Mrs. Idongest Etim Ita, a 25-year-old farmer. Inyang, the key suspect reportedly confessed that he actually negotiated with the facilitator, Abubakar who had approached him in Eneneje some two months ago requesting if he had human beings to sell. Inyang said he was shocked when Dahiru approached him with such a demand, but succumbed when they accepted his terms, adding that they settled for N3m for each child. He said he was asked to bring the ‘goods’ to Bogobiri in Calabar, adding that when he first went there for another negotiation, Mohammed even gave him transport fare.
Speaking in Ibibio, Inyang said: “I had told him (Musa) to give me time, so I can carry out the deal without any suspicion. So when I brought Mfon to one shop in Gbogobiri, I was directed to a particular shop near where Forex is being traded. In the shop, I saw many other children of about same age with Mfon.
But when Mohammed came out, he ordered the children to be moved to another section of the house. I did not know the reason. He then brought a big polythene bag containing money. When I saw it, I was afraid and refused to collect. Surprised at my action, it was then that he said the boy I brought was too small and that they needed an older male. So, he asked me to wait for him, and that if any other person comes to ask me the price for the boy, I should say it is N5 million instead of N3million. I did not know that as he was going outside to invite the police.”
Asked why he did not sell his own children instead of his nephew, Inyang blamed his action on greed, pleading for mercy.
Both Mohammed and Abubakar denied knowing Inyang nor were they attempting to buy the ten-year-old boy. Mohammed said: “I am a tailor and have never dealt in a business of this nature all my life. When he entered my shop, I had called the Police because on many occasions I have worked as an informant to the Police to thwart cases of criminality in Bogobiri. I don’t even know him.”
According to Abubakar, he accepted however that he normally travelled to Eneneje a distant of about30 kilometres from Calabar, to hawk his watches to his many customers but that he has never met Inyang before or ever discussed any business of kidnapping children for sale.
Mfon’s mother told Weekly Trust that she’s yet to recover from the shock. “I have been sick for some time now and this development has complicated my problems. I’m very shocked that Emmanuel, my own nephew, can do this to me.”
Head of the Hausa community in Calabar, Alhaji Jaafar Sarki Lawal, also lives in Bogobiri. He said there is nothing like baby or child-selling in the community. “I have heard about the visits of the SSS, but I am surprised that they are combing my community without my knowledge. However, I encourage them to carry out their lawful duty and if approached, I would give them my assistance wherever possible. Let me also say that I do not know those alleged to be involved in this matter, neither am I aware of any trafficking ring in Bogobiri.”
A resident on Bassey Duke Street, Calabar who preferred anonymity, said she was once approached by a man who asked her playfully if she has babies for sale.
Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River State, Mrs. Ekama Iwara said the government was interested in issues such as this. “Cases of trafficking continue to come up, particularly on our territorial waters and borders,” she said, adding that in June last year 56 children were rescued and handed over to NAPTIP.
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