Gov Alia Fumes as Police Confirm Killing of 15 in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has condemned in strong terms, the attacks on the innocent indigenes of the state, just as the state Police Command confirmed the killing of 15 people by bandits terrorising Ayati in Ukum Local Government
Area (LGA) of the state. Governor Alia expressed worry that such heinous acts have continued despite the strong presence of security agents and the regular dialogue sessions his administration has been holding with stakeholders, and traditional rulers to restore peace in Sankera.
Among those killed were two policemen, who tried to repel the attacks. The bandits were said to have attacked the community on Friday night. The attack on the community was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the State Police
Command’s Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene. Anene explained that on August 8, at about 16:30 hours while normal daily activities were going on in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, a large number of armed bandits invaded the village and started
on arrival at the hospital. “The unfortunate incident also claimed the lives of two police officers who were among the team that responded to the distress call. “Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum and
shooting sporadically at members of the community. She maintained that police officers within the community responded immediately and were able to repel the bandits. “However, 15 people had already sustained gunshot injuries from the attack and were confirmed dead
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Atiku Warns against Alleged Plots to Frustrate Dangote Refinery… Page 6 Sunday, August 11, 2024 Vol 29. No 10714
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Edun Hosts US Envoy, Chinese Delegation, Explores Enhanced Economic Collaboration… Page 6
Air Chief Reads the Riot Act to Agents of Violence, Says Military Duty-bound to Defend Democracy Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other sister
agencies are duty-bound to defend democracy in the country. Abubakar, who noted that Nigeria's democratic institutions, values, and principles were the foundation upon which the nation
was built, stressed that it is the constitutional responsibility of the NAF and sister services to protect and strengthen these values and principles. The Air Chief stated this
yesterday in Gombe State while interfacing with Governor Muhammed Yahaya. Abubakar further noted that though the burden of providing security rests squarely on the
shoulders of state governors, the Armed Forces and other security agencies are willing partners in ensuring that the freedom and rights of all Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution are upheld in
line with the rule of law. A statement issued yesterday by NAF Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said Continued on page 5
Peace Returns as Protesters Shun Nationwide One Million-man March DHQ vows to counter subversive actions disguised as protests Police disperse protesters in Abuja, arrest five in Ondo Plateau youths meet with Gov Mutfwang, demand accountability
Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos As several states count their losses from the #EndBadGovernance protest, which ought to have lasted for 10 days, the nationwide one million-man march scheduled to bring the protest to an end yesterday did not take place in the states as protesters shunned the exercise, THISDAY has learnt. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has, however, vowed that the military would counter any violent and subversive actions disguised as protest. While insisting that it would not condone any attempt veiled under the toga of protest to demand a regime change, DHQ also advised those who felt they had superior ideas on how to solve the nation's socio-economic challenges to sell that to the electorate and acquire power through legitimate means. Continued on page 5
PARTNERING FOR MARITIME SECURITY… Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (left), and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the governor’s visit to the naval chief in Abuja…recently
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