Edith CHUKU
In Rivers State, residents of Rumudele blocked parts of the East-West road as part of their ongoing protest, demanding justice for 22-years-old graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Anthony Obodo, who was shot dead by a police officer.
During the Day-Three protest on Monday, father of the victim, Mr Princewill Obodo, alleged that the police officers were paid to kill his son.
According to him, the officers who visited the family’s residence after the incident confirmed that his son was innocent.
He said the family has been traumatised by his son’s death, even as he appealed to the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure justice for his son.
While in Kogi State, the National Youth Service Corps NYSC and the state government, eulogised the Police following its involvement in the rescue of 15 corps members and six others who were abducted.
21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area of the state, were rescued on Monday, following a joint effort by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and other vigilante group.
15 out of the 21 victims were corps members who were kidnapped on August 26, while they were travelling from Bayelsa State camp on relocation to Abuja after a successful orientation course.
Following reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis, security teams conducted a coordinated search of the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, leading to the successful rescue of all 21 victims.
In a statement on its Facebook wall, the NYSC Management said, “the NYSC particularly commends the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante groups, and others who contributed to the search and rescue efforts.
“The professionalism, courage, commitment, and coordination demonstrated in rescuing the corps members are deeply appreciated.
“The scheme acknowledges the unwavering support and commitment of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the safety and welfare of corps members nationwide.
“The security agencies were indeed animated by His Excellency’s concern and commitment to urgently and successfully rescuing the corps members.
“The crucial role played by the office of the National Security Adviser and the Honourable Minister of Youth Development in the recovery efforts is also greatly valued.
“NYSC appreciates the families of the affected corps members for their patience and cooperation during this period and the media for the professional manner in which they handled the entire episode without compromising the safety of the corps members while in captivity.”
Also, the Kogi State Government in a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, commended the joint security forces for the successful rescue, describing the operation as a demonstration of tactical excellence and effective inter-agency collaboration.
The statement noted that, “criminals will always regret setting foot in Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state.”
