Nation
Enugu Attacks: Two Policemen, One Civilian Feared Dead … Vehicle, Motorcycle Burnt
At least two policemen are feared dead and a patrol vehicle and motorcycle burnt during two checkpoints attacks and shootings within Enugu State on Wednesday evening.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the shooting, without giving further details, in a statement made available to The Tide source in Enugu on Thursday.
The Tide source, who visited the scenes of the attacks within Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA) and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA on Thursday morning, saw the burnt vehicle and motorcycle.
The remains of the two policemen and civilian, allegedly killed by the yet-to-be identified gunmen, had been evacuated.
It was observed that police had condoned off and diverted traffic at the section of the Enugu-Amechi-Agbani Road, precisely in Obeagu-Amechi community, where the vehicle and motorcycle were burnt and human casualties recorded on Thursday.
The police spokesman, however, said that information about the incidents at the two checkpoints within the two council areas is still sketchy.
“Meanwhile, preliminary investigations have commenced. Further development will be communicated, please,’’ he said.
However, an eyewitness and commercial tricycle rider, Mr Obinna Nweke, who spoke to The Tide source on the incident at Obeagu-Amechi community, said that the shooting that started at about 5:30p.m. lasted for over an hour.
Nweke revealed that the checkpoint at the Obeagu Amechi community was manned by about 12 fully-armed policemen as he passed through the checkpoints three times while plying the route picking his passengers.
“What happened at the section of the road at Obeagu Amechi community was like a war situation as the heavy shooting continued unabated and everybody had to run for safety.
“After the gun duel between the police and unknown gunmen around 7p.m., the whole Enugu-Amechi-Agbani Road was deserted,’’ he said.
Another eyewitness and a student, Mr Chimezie Okoh, said that he passed through the road at about 6:45 p.m. when the shooting had stopped at the Obeagu-Amechi community.
“Thank God, myself and commercial motorcycle operator carrying me, are still alive and not hit by stray bullets emanating from the cross-fire.
“However, I saw a policeman whose head had been shattered with bullets and another policeman lying lifeless.
“And after passing a small bridge near the checkpoint, I saw a lifeless civilian, probably hit by stray bullet, in front of a building suspected to be a Church.
Efforts to get people’s reaction on what happened at the checkpoint at Amagunze community in Nkanu East LGA proved abortive as commercial motorcycle operators plying the lonely route refused to comment on the incident.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.
“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
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