SUSPECTED BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS STORM YOBE STATE, BURN DOWN SCHOOLS, WREAK DEVASTATING HAVOC

Reports reaching our news desk reveal that gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists, have on Saturday, stormed Gujba town, in Yobe State, firing gunshots sporadically.

The heavy gunshots have forced residents to scamper for safety.

“The attackers who invaded the town this evening, have burnt a Primary School, and construction work equipment”, a source  disclosed.

The identity of the assailants was not yet ascertained at the time of filing in this report, but the attack is reportedly similar to that of the Boko Haram/ISWAP Militants.

Gujba town is a few kilometers away from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, and the attack is coming three days after Boko Haram insurgents invaded Geidam town, where they burnt down public and private property, in addition to looting of shops.

Details later…

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR AND JOURNALIST JIM LAWSON MADUIKE IS DEAD

   Late Jim Lawson Maduike

Veteran Nollywood actor, Jim Lawson Maduike, has passed on.

The veteran actor reportedly died after complaining of body pains around 12pm on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

A former broadcast journalist, Lawson began his radio career with Radio Nigeria in 1980 before retiring to join the movie industry in 2004.

Lawson’s death is just one in a series of deaths that has hit the acting industry.

In the past one month, the industry has been in a mournful mood over the passing of Nollywood veterans.

SEVERAL PERSONS FEARED DEAD AS AMOTEKUN , HERDSMEN CLASH IN OYO STATE

Over seven people have reportedly lost their lives as men of the Oyo State Security Network, Amotekun clashed with some Fulani Herdsmen in Aiyete area, Ibarapa North LGA of the state.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the clash occurred in Okebi village on Saturday morning. Eyewitness reports indicate that several houses were also burned down.

“Alhaji Usman Okebi and his two sons were killed. We don’t know what caused the fight. Some persons were shot and injured.”

“The number of people killed has increased to seven. Those who were shot and ran away later died in the bush.” an eyewitness disclosed.

Details shortly…

RIVERS APC: ABOUT 300 APC SUPPORTERS DUMP SEN. ABE FOR RT. HON. AMAECHI

   Amaechi            Abe

A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chris Mba and former chairman, Andoni local government area of the state, Hon.

Emmanuel Eneyo, yesterday led about 300 of their supporters to dump a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Senator Magnus Abe, to the faction loyal to the minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

The Amaechi’s camp, popularly referred to as the mainstream, led by Barrister Isaac Abbot Ogbobula, is recognised by the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led national caretaker committee of the APC.

Speaking at a reception organised for the returnees at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt, Mba, expressed sadness that some members of the party were out to weaken the party and thereafter defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Describing his return to the main fold as homecoming, the former lawmaker who was the leader of Senator Abe’s faction in Andoni local government area, said those who are decamping were heavyweights and grassroots politicians.

He said: “This is homecoming for me. When I spoke with our leader, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, I told him that I am a political prodigal son and that I am coming back to my political family. I told him that he should have a place in his heart to forgive me and he said he has nothing against me as we have come a long way.

“Gathered here today are not paperweight politicians, but heavyweights and grassroots politicians. I took a deep thought about the progress of our party. I feel pained that some people are trying to drag the party backward. They are planning to do all they can to weaken the party and thereafter empty themselves into the opposition party.

“APC is the party and we will continue to rule Nigeria. We will certainly rule Rivers State in 2023. It appears to me that certain elements there are not interested in the peace and unity of the party.

Senator Magnus Abe is aware that I have left and he knows my reasons.

Let us join hands with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to make this party stronger.”

Receiving the returnees, Caretaker Committee chairman of APC in the state, Barrister Isaac Abbot Ogbobula, assured them that they won’t be kept at the back bench as they would participate in all activities of the party like every other member.

Ogbobula, who was represented by the party secretary, Hon. Baridom Badom, expressed hope that with the returnees, the APC will be stronger in Andoni local government area.