Crime
Redeploy CP Garba now over insecurity, Ebonyi indigenes urge IGP Baba
***Ask him to disband Ebubeagu
The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural In the Diaspora (AEISCID) has asked the Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Ahmed, to immediately redeploy his Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi state, Garba Aliyu, and also constitute a committee to probe him over various allegations levelled against his office.
The Ebonyi indigenes also gave the Inspector General 48 hours ultimatum to disband Ebubeagu and set up a tactical squad to comb the old Government House Abakaliki.
In a statement made available to newsmen Thursday in Abuja by the President of the association, Amb. Paschal Oluchukwu, said the demands followed some media reports raising the red flag over the degenerating security situation in Ebonyi state as a result of activities of an armed militia group, Ebubeagu Security Network.
According to the statement, Ebubeagu has no place in Nigeria’s law and democracy going by the extant provisions of Sections 4 and 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria respectively which provides that only the National Assembly shall have powers to legislate on matters pertaining to the security of a state under the Nigerian federation and further made an Act creating the Nigerian Police Force as the only security outfit recognized by law has been running amok since it’s establishment through an unknown law by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The group said it has “read and uncovered the truth that no single day passes in Ebonyi state without a case of one abduction of a perceived opponent to Umahi’s administration or the other by the said Ebubeagu militia and this is often followed by a terribly vicious torture of their victims at the old Government House, Abakaliki directly opposite the State Police Command Headquarters.”
While accusing CP Aliyu Garba of making himself a willing tool in the hands of the state government, the statement said many Ebonyians have lost their lives in the process while majority of the operations and activities go unreported in any section of the media.
“We demand immediately redeploying CP Garba and also constituting a Committee to probe these very weighty allegations that has been leveled against an officer of the law who shouldn’t be above the law! The Police authorities must show cause by disciplining him and his equally accomplice top officers in the State Command to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Deploying a very professional, incorrupt, competent and unbiased CP who will not be easily compromised to dance to the naked and desperate dictates of Governor Umahi. The CP must have records of self discipline and integrity not one being tried for corrupt practices.
“We give the IGP 48 hours to disband Ebubeagu and set up a tactical squad to comb the old Government House Abakaliki which has since become a crime zone for the Ebubeagu militia and rescue those trapped inside the dungeon. All arms illegally acquired by the group and in their possession should also be retrieved immediately.
“The Nigerian Police authorities should also constitute a public probe panel of enquiry for citizens who have been victims of Ebubeagu torture to lodge their petitions and complaints for immediate treatment of same just like during the EndSARS protest.
“Bring to book all it’s officers and men of the Ebubeagu Security Network who are found wanting in one way or the other based on the petitions and allegations leveled against it’s men and officers of Ebubeagu.
“For the IGP, AESICID concludes that a stitch in time can still save nine. The time for a very urgent action therefore is now because we fear that anarchy looms in our beloved State if these alarms are not followed with corresponding actions!”
Crime
New Terror Group, Lukarawa, Uses Social Media for Recruitment as DHQ allays Public fear
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the newly emerged terrorist group, Lukarawa, has begun recruiting members via social media platforms, but reassured Nigerians that security forces are aware of the situation and are taking steps to prevent the group from gaining ground.
The group is believed to be operating in the northern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, areas that have seen a rise in violent incidents linked to the group.
According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations at the DHQ, *Lukarawa* has recently escalated its activities by using social media to attract new recruits, primarily targeting young people with sermons and welfare incentives. This marks a shift in the group’s recruitment strategy, which has traditionally been more localized.
“The group has started utilizing online platforms, showcasing sermons and offering welfare packages to entice potential recruits,” Buba explained. “However, we are fully aware of their plans, and our forces are actively working with other security agencies and state governments to counter their efforts.”
Lukarawa;s presence has been particularly felt in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where they have carried out a series of attacks. The latest incident occurred in Mera town, Kebbi State, on Friday, when militants attacked during the Friday Jumaat prayers, killing at least 15 people and stealing over 100 cattle. The violence has left communities shaken and has raised concerns over the group’s growing presence in the region.
While *Lukarawa* is being described as a new group, former Department of State Services (DSS) Director Mike Ejiofor noted that the group has actually been active since 2018, initially operating in the Niger Republic. The group was reportedly formed by a local leader named Nassala, and after his death, the group moved into Nigeria, with some elements settling in Sokoto.
Ejiofor suggested that the group, despite its recent spike in visibility, does not currently pose a serious national security threat. “Although they have been operating in the region for some time, their numbers are still small, and they have not grown to the point where they can pose a significant threat to national security,” he said. “Our intelligence agencies have been monitoring their activities closely.”
The former DSS director also highlighted that the group’s recruitment efforts could be countered through stronger intelligence operations and greater cooperation from local communities. He stressed the need for residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent the group from gaining further traction.
“This group is still small, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” Ejiofor said. “The community has a vital role to play in supporting security efforts. Reporting suspicious movements and activities is key to stopping these groups from spreading.”
In response to growing concerns, the DHQ has reassured the public that security forces are monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property. The military has also called on local communities to cooperate fully, as the fight against insurgent groups requires a united front.
The emergence of Lukarawa serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the northern regions of Nigeria, where various groups continue to exploit local grievances and instability. While the DHQ remains confident in its ability to contain the group, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of extremist activities.
Crime
Vandalism Disrupts Lokoja–Gwagwalada Transmission Line, TCN Reports
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another incident of vandalism on the Lokoja–Gwagwalada power transmission line. Unknown vandals have damaged three towers along this route, affecting power transmission.
According to a statement from Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, the vandals also removed two spans of aluminum conductor from line one. Although the transmission line is a double-circuit, TCN is supplying bulk power through the undamaged line two, while efforts are underway to source replacement conductors for the damaged line.
The statement expressed TCN’s alarm over the increasing vandalism incidents, which pose a significant threat to the reliability and growth of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. TCN is appealing to local communities and security agencies to work together to protect these critical assets from further damage.
Crime
Lakurawa Attack: Mass Burial Held for Fifteen Victims of Mera Village
A somber mass burial has been held for fifteen residents of Mera village in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, following a violent attack by a new terror group, Lakurawa.
The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning.
The burial ceremony drew the presence of Deputy Governor Umar Tafida, the Commissioner of Police, other top security officials, and the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Isma’ila Mera, who all came to pay their respects and offer support to the grieving families.
Deputy Governor Tafida extended condolences on behalf of the State Governor, pledging continued support for the affected families.
He also promised that the government would strengthen efforts with security agencies to prevent similar attacks, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to community safety.
Emir Isma’ila Mera, addressing the gathering, called for unity and resilience among residents and urged security agencies to intensify their actions to protect local communities.
Prayers for peace and the repose of the victims’ souls were held, highlighting a collective determination to improve security across the region.
The state government reassured citizens that it remains committed to safeguarding lives and will implement additional security measures to prevent further tragedies.
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