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Bandits kidnap Catholic Priest, Seminarian in Niger

Bandits kidnap Catholic Priest, Seminarian in Niger

Lina TV, Minna

Unspecified number of Bandits have abducted a Catholic Priest and a Seminarian in Tafa local government area of Niger State.

The Priest, Fr. Paul Sanogo and Seminarian Melchoir who are Pastoral workers serving at St. Paul Catholic Church, Gyedna in Tafa LGA were abducted in the early hours of Thursday.

Making this known in a statement he signed, the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Martin Igwe Uzoukwu urged faithful to pray for their release.

According to the Bishop, “I request for your prayers for Fr. Paul Sanogo and Seminarian Melchoir who were kidnapped by Bandits in the early hours of Thursday 3rd August, 2023 at the Priest residence in Gyedna”.

An eyewitness report has it that, the Bandits upon getting to Gyedna shot sporadically which caused panic in the community.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun said Police tactical teams led by the DPO of Tafa Division had been dispatched to the scene.

He added that “however, the location of the church was discovered to be on the outskirt of the town, which is about an hour drive from Sabon-Wuse, and surrounded with mountains and forest, close to Kagarko are of Kaduna state.

“We advise other seminarians to relocate temporarily while investigation into the incident is ongoing with a view to rescuing the victims and arrest the perpetrators of the crime”.
END

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Lina TV Management Team Pays Courtesy Call to Former Governor of Niger State, Talban Minna.

Lina TV Management Team Pays Courtesy Call to Former Governor of Niger State, Talban Minna.

In a show of respect and journalistic integrity, the management crew of a prominent media organization, Lina TV paid a courtesy call to the former governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu Talban Minna. The visit aimed to foster a meaningful engagement and gain insights from the former governor’s experiences in public office.

The delegation from the media organization arrived at the former governor’s residence with the intention of familiarizing themselves with him and conducting an in-depth discussions around various topics related to governance, development, and the future of Niger State.

During the meeting, the media organization representatives expressed their gratitude to the former governor for his dedicated service to the people of Niger State during his tenure. They acknowledged the significant achievements made under his leadership and commended his contributions towards the development and progress of the state.

Seeking to understand the former governor’s perspective on pertinent issues, the journalists engaged in a candid conversation with him. They delved into topics such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and future prospects for the state. The former governor offered valuable insights, drawing upon his experiences and expertise. He also commended them and promised to offer his full support anytime they need it.

The courtesy call also provided an opportunity for the media organization to strengthen its relationship with the former governor and establish an ongoing dialogue. This dialogue aims to foster a platform for meaningful discourse, allowing for a better understanding of the challenges faced by policymakers and promoting transparency in governance.

Furthermore, the media organization pledged to continue its role as a responsible and unbiased news outlet, ensuring that the voice of Niger State is heard and the interests of its citizens are accurately represented through fair and balanced reporting. They expressed their commitment to contributing to constructive public discourse and holding those in power accountable.

The courtesy visit serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with past and present leaders and working collaboratively to address the needs of the society. By recognizing the former governor’s experience and seeking his input, the media organization highlights the significance of inclusive governance and public participation.

COV… Harajana Umar Ragada
2nd August, 2023.

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Protest: Niger NLC Demand N50,000 Palliative for Workers

Protest: Niger NLC Demand N50,000 Palliative for Workers

The Organized Labour made up of the local chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has demanded for a Fifty Thousand Naira palliative measure for all categories of civil servants in the State.

This was as activities were temporarily halted on Wednesday in Minna, the Niger State Capital as the State NLC joined in the nationwide protest.

The State chairman of NLC, Comrade Abdulkareem Idris Lafane in company of the Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba led the protest procession, which commenced from the Labour House on IBB Road in the state capital Minna, to the State Assembly Complex and thereafter headed to the Government House, Minna.

The State Chairman of NLC Comrade Edris Abdulkareem Lafene in his speech during the nationwide protest at the State House of Assembly in Minna listed other beneficiaries of the proposed palliative to include Pensioners, students as well as members of the informal sector.

Lafane also called for the suspension of Pay As You Earn tax for workers, pending further review of minimum wage as well as enforcement of price control policy on essential commodities.

In his response, the State Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba commended the Organized Labour for a peaceful protest in the State, adding that “it is a way of resolving demands between government and organized labour”.

Comrade Yakubu Garba assured the NLC that the government would go through its demands.

Also, the Speaker Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, said the Assembly has adopted three motions with respect to the removal of oil subsidy.

According to him, the motions included upward review of salaries for civil servants, provision of palliatives and the urgent need for the federal government to open its Silos in Minna and sell grains to the people at subsidized rate.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES ARREST FIVE NOTORIOUS RECEIVERS OF STOLEN/ROBBED PROPERTY AND ARMED ROBBERS TRANSPORTER IN MINNA 

NIGER STATE POLICE COMMAND

31st July, 2023

CRIME BULLETIN

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES ARREST FIVE NOTORIOUS RECEIVERS OF STOLEN/ROBBED PROPERTY AND ARMED ROBBERS TRANSPORTER IN MINNA

 

Law enforcement authorities in Minna have successfully arrested five individuals who are notorious for receiving stolen or robbed property. Additionally, among the suspects apprehended was an armed robbers transporter.

 

Due to a series of recent robberies in Minna, five suspects were apprehended on 09/07/2023. They were arrested in connection with the robberies that occurred at Morris, Brighter, Mandela, Tunga, Farm Center, David Mark road, and Mobile quarters areas of Minna.

 

The five receivers are;

-Ahmed Sani a.k.a Balarabe 23yrs, phone repairer at Obasanjo complex.

-Abdullahi Abubakar a.k.a Mourinho 37yrs, phone accessories seller at Complex.

-Auwal Saidu 25yrs – phone repairer.

-Abdulkareem Musa 30yrs – phone repairer.

-Safianu Ibrahim 21yrs, phone repairer at Chanchaga.

 

During investigation into these robberies, the Minna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) apprehended not only the five suspected armed robbers but also one tricycle rider and five notorious individuals involved in receiving stolen items from the targeted residences. These arrests were made based on the confessions provided by the earlier apprehended suspects.

 

Furthermore, Murtala Junaidu, a 21-year-old individual from Katsina State who resides in Makera Minna, was also apprehended during the investigation. He was found in possession of a tricycle with registration number BDA 806 WL. It was discovered that Murtala had been aiding the robbers by providing transportation services during their illicit activities, primarily between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

 

During interrogation, Abdullahi Abubakar confessed to his involvement in aiding the robbery gang by selling stolen items. He admitted to recently receiving seven phones and three laptops from one of the robbers, identified as “Miksail”. Abdullahi further revealed that he had contacted Balarabe to arrange the purchase of some of these stolen items.

 

Items recovered from the suspects are;

-Nine (9) laptop computers

-Sixteen (16) phones

-Seven (7) wristwatches

-Earpiece, power banks, and phone chargers.

 

Balarabe confirmed that he indeed purchased three iPhones from Abdullahi Abubakar at a rate of twenty thousand naira each. Additionally, he bought two laptops from Abdullahi, paying twenty-five thousand naira for each laptop.

 

 

POLICE ARRESTS NINE SUSPECTS FOR CONSPIRACY AND BELONGING TO GANG THIEVES

 

Acting on received intelligence, Police operatives from Tafa Division have intercepted a Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number LKJ 739 BJ along the Kaduna-Abuja highway in Sabon-Wuse, Tafa LGA, On 20/07/2023 at approximately 0330hrs.

 

The vehicle’s body was found to have bullet impacts, indicating that it had been fired upon. Furthermore, the vehicle was occupied by nine individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activities.

 

The occupants were immediately arrested and they are;

-Mohammed Sani

-Hakimi Abdullahi

-Aminu Bello

-Buhari Abdullahi

-Tasiu Abdullahi

-Bello Auwal

-Kabiru Abubakar

-Abdullahi Dabo

-Babangida Ibrahim

 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the group of nine men specialized in targeting and monitoring trucks that were loaded with faulty goods along several roads, including the Abuja/Kaduna road, Keffi/Jos road, Nasarawa/Akwanga road, and Minna/Suleja road. The syndicate was found to be involved in attacking and breaking into these trucks and containers to loot items and property found inside.

 

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime. They admitted to operating a warehouse in Akwanga, where they stored the stolen goods before selling them in Kano state. Additionally, they made an attempt to bribe the DPO with an offer of five hundred thousand naira in order to have the case terminated.

 

As a result, all the suspects were apprehended and subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation.

 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundele J. Ayodeji psc(+), expresses his gratitude to the people of Niger State for their unwavering support. He assures the community that the Police Command in the State remains committed to fulfilling its statutory duty and will continue to exceed expectations.

Harajana Umar Ragada, reporting for Linatv

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Alas! 6-month-old Chinedu found alive in Suleja

The six-month-old baby boy, Chinedu Chukwueke that was on Sunday 23rd July, 2023 abducted from his mother’s salon shop has be found alive.
A Source at the market had on Wednesday morning confirmed to Lina TV reporter that the baby was found in a carton by the roadside in Suleja local government area of Niger state.
Furthermore, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Wasiu in a statement made available to Lina TV confirmed the report saying the baby was found abandoned at an erosion ditch, close to Gauraka primary school at Gauraka area of Tafa LGA.
According to Wasiu “the case of abduction was reported at the GRA Division and was immediately incidented and transferred to SCID Minna. The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command swung into action, and commenced investigation with the aid of technical intelligence.
“Fortunately, today being 26/07/2023 at about 1230hrs, due to a sustained pressure and close monitoring, the baby was found abandoned at an erosion ditch, close to Gauraka primary school at Gauraka area of Tafa LGA”.
He further stated that “the baby was taken to a nearby hospital for medical examination and confirmed to be in good health. He has been reunited with the family.”
In a chat with Lina TV, father of the boy, Chikezie Stanley Chuks, told our reporter that “I was very hopeful that my son will be found hail and hearty.
“For about four days we were separated from my son. But to the glory of God we have found him and he is hale and hearty.
“I want to thank everyone for your prayers and for your support. I thank the Police too for their role”.
It should be recalled that Lina TV had reported that the baby was stolen by an unknown woman at his mother’s salon shop in Kure Ultra Modern Market, on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
In the report, Mr Chikezie had said “My baby boy Chinedu Chukwueke was taken from my wife’s shop today Sunday at Kure market Minna. She came in the guise of wanting to learn work in my wife’s saloon and took the baby. Here’s her phone number 09032876441. Please I can be reached on 07033286837”.
“The lady is of average height, light in complexion, with 11 facial mark. She spoke igala and introduced herself as Rabi. Last seen wearing a red dress with matching hijab”.
The Police according to the PPRO is still making frantic effort to apprehend the fleeing perpetrator of the crime to face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji, appreciates the concern of all Nigerlites and residents for their efforts in achieving this feast.
He therefore enjoins parents and guardians to be more careful and be security conscious, most especially avoid entrusting their children to strangers.