Gunmen Kidnap Former Rep Member, Kill 2 Police In Delta

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Gunmen have kidnapped former House of Assembly member in Delta State, Honourable Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor on Tuesday evening at Asaba, the state capital, killing two policemen attached to her.

It was gathered that the two police orderlies attached to her and her driver were feared dead.

Honourable  Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor was one term member of the Nigeria House of Representatives who represented Aniocha and Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta state.

Mrakpor had resigned her appointment to enable her younger brother to contest the chairmanship election of Aniocha South Local Government Council according to reports.

Her resignation followed Mrakpor a series of protests against the siblings following her brother’s interest in the chairmanship position while she held a position in the state cabinet.

We learnt she was kidnapped around  4pm on Tuesday by gunmen at the premises of her church, ‘Jesus and 1’, off DBS Road in Asaba.

A video posted online showed group of people weeping with one of the policemen body seen lifeless on the ground.

Meanwhile, Anioma media Team has called on the general public to put the kidnapped former commissioner in the state in prayers for her to return safe.

In a statement signed and made available by Joel Okonkwo, the media team said: “In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the very foundations of the Anioma community, Honourable Joan Mrapkpor, a trailblazing former Commissioner and revered politician in Delta State, affectionately known as Ada Anioma, was kidnapped while worshiping in her church.

Tragically, two brave policemen lost their lives in the process, leaving behind a trail of grief and devastation. This despicable act has galvanized the Anioma Media Team to issue a heartfelt appeal to all Deltans, particularly the good people of Anioma, to join in fervent prayer for her swift and safe release, as well as for the repose of the souls of the two fallen heroes.

As the news of her abduction and the policemen tragic deaths spread like wildfire, a sense of collective despair and anguish enveloped the Anioma community, who have come to regard Honourable Mrapkpor as a champion of their aspirations and a steadfast advocate for their welfare.

Her unwavering dedication to the empowerment of her constituents and her unshakeable commitment to the development of Delta State have earned her a special place in the hearts of the people.

We also remember the two brave policemen who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and we pray for their souls to rest in peace. May their bravery and selflessness never be forgotten, and may their memories continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more just society.

In this hour of darkness, the Anioma Media Team entreats all Deltans to unite in prayer, beseeching the Almighty to intervene in this distressing situation and secure the safe release of Hon. Mrapkpor, as well as to grant eternal rest to the souls of the two fallen policemen. We implore the kidnappers to recognize the inherent humanity in their victim and to treat her with the dignity and respect she deserves.

As we fervently pray for Hon. Mrapkpor’s liberation and the repose of the souls of the two brave policemen, we also urge the security agencies to intensify their efforts in ensuring her prompt release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Anioma community and indeed all Deltans eagerly await the safe return of their beloved Ada Anioma, and we remain steadfast in our resolve to support her family and the families of the fallen heroes during this trying period”.

Arrested Protester Calls For Peaceful Protest

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A suspected protester who was arrested few days ago in Plateau State for allegedly calling on people to attack Petrol stations, Police stations, security operatives and other government infrastructures has called on the general public to ensure that the planned Nationwide protest against Bad Government in Nigeria is peaceful.

The suspect, Suleiman Yakubu who is 34 years old made the appeal on Tuesday when he was paraded before newsmen at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the suspect, he allegedly made calls for people to attack properties and security operatives with the intention to have more views or generate more traffics to his social media page on TikTok.

He said he called for the burning down of fuel stations because of the high cost of purchasing the Petrol Motor Spirit, PMS in Nigeria.

Adding that the high cost of purchasing PMS in the country has made the price of bread to scale up to ₦2000.

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi while speaking during the suspect parade, said: “as you are all aware, a video recently went viral on TikTok, where an individual incited violence against state critical infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals in Plateau State, in connection with the planned nationwide protest.

The video, originating from a TikTok account identified as “Dan_Mallam68,” showed the suspect provocatively urging the public to attack petrol stations, security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures.

Upon receiving this information, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State, with support from relevant stakeholders, traced the suspect’s location to Ahmadu Bello Way.

On 28th July 2024, Suleiman Yakubu, a 34-year-old resident of Jos North, was successfully apprehended.

During interrogation, Mr Yakubu confessed to being the individual in the viral video but has not been able to explain his motivation for such statements with severe criminal implications. He is currently in police custody as we continue our investigations.

In light of the planned nationwide protest, we have received credible intelligence indicating that certain individuals are planning to infiltrate the protest and cause chaos.

It is crucial for the leaders and organizers of the protest to interface with the police, providing us with vital information such as contact details for ease of communication, locations, routes, and schedules.

This collaboration will enable us to deploy our personnel effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the general public.

It is imperative to emphasize that the Nigeria Police will not tolerate any attempts by mischief-makers to destabilize the country or incite violence.

We remain committed to maintaining peace and order and urge everyone to exercise their right to protest responsibly and within the bounds of the law”

Pro, Anti Govt Protests Rock Abuja Ahead August 1st

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Group of women on Monday protested against the planned August 1, 2024 Nationwide protest in Abuja just as another group of young Nigerians came out to block Abuja-Kaduna highway demanding end to bad governance in the country.

The Women groups in Abuja staged the protest against the planned nationwide demonstrations over economic hardships.

Many Nigerians have described the women action as an irony of protesting to stop a protest, with some calling it a misuse of resources and questioning the motives behind the rally.

Also, “Say No To Protest” was held in Lagos on Monday to kick against the planned protest.

The “Say No to Protest” Nigerian women in Abuja came out in mass and were spotted dancing as a way of protesting against people planning the August 1, 2024 Nationwide Protest over what many described as alarming rate of hunger and hardship currently in Nigeria.

While the women in Abuja was protesting, in a bold move, anti government protesters blocked the Kaduna Road highway, a critical link between Kaduna and Abuja, just three days ahead the planned 10-day nationwide protest.

The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages like “We Are Not Slaves” and “Hardship Is Unbearable”, chanted anti-government slogans, expressing their frustration with the country’s economic situation.

The protesters demanded an improvement in the cost of living and a reversal of government policies, particularly the reinstatement of petrol subsidies. Nigeria is grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, with food prices more than doubling since President Bola Tinubu removed subsidies and floated the naira.

The government has been trying to prevent the protests, meeting with traditional rulers, clerics, and other groups, while security agencies warn of potential violence. However, the protesters seem determined to make their voices heard, refusing to wait for the planned nationwide strike on Thursday.

Another protest took place in Lagos state on Monday when a group of disgruntled MTN subscribers took their frustration to the company’s FESTAC office in Lagos on Monday, damaging the office fence.

The incident was sparked by the telecom company’s recent blocking of phone numbers due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage requirement, according to reports.

Many subscribers have been affected by the blockage, leading to widespread discontent and protests at MTN offices across the country.

The protesters expressed their disappointment and frustration at being unable to access their phone services.

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has called on Nigerians to cancel the planned Nationwide protest, saying, the government led President Bola Tinubu is working towards an improved living standards of people in the country.

In a statement signed and made available by Musa Abdulrahaman, the media aide to the Minister of Women Affairs, the ministry said and in quote: “the Federal Government  has called on Nigerians to shelve the planned nationwide protest as government is working assiduously towards ensuring an improvement in the living standards of the people

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the call today during a Women Rally organised by the Ministry at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

She explained that government was not oblivious of the plight of the people, noting that this informed the  provision of sustainable empowerment machines by the Ministry to 16 States of the Federation, including the FCT, Abuja, with a view to equipping women to earn and contribute to their family upkeep as well as nation at large.

Kennedy-Ohanenye assured that plans are also underway to ensure the distribution of these machines to other States of the Federation in line with their specific  needs so as create more job opportunities and ensure poverty alleviation in the country

The Minister added that the resumption of the Cash Transfer Programme by the present administration with modalities being in place for the reduction of food prices as well as other reforms put in place by the Administration would soon yield the desired results.

*We don’t want this protest, we don’t want our children to die, if there is protest, it shatters the economy*, she said.

The Niger Delta Ijaw leader, Asari Dokubo who graced the occasion called for more patience and support to enable the realization of government’s policies and programmes which are tailored towards economic stability, enhancing security as well as ensuring an improvement in the living standards of the people.

Others who graced the Rally was the President, National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) Comrade Lucky Emonefe, President of Ijaw Youth Council, Representatives of NLC, RTEAN, NURTW, TUC, e.t.c”