Enugu Governor Peter Mbah commends security agencies for seizing ESN arms cache
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah praised the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force for their security efforts in the state and the South-East region. The commendation followed his inspection of weapons and ammunition recovered during a raid on the proscribed Eastern Security Network's armory in Enugu State. The recovered items included a rocket launcher, two RPG warheads, three RPG chargers, 11 AK-47 rifles, over 610 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, National Youth Service Corps uniforms, and lanyards. Governor Mbah, accompanied by security chiefs and senior government officials, highlighted the effective cooperation among security agencies, stating that their intelligence-driven operation prevented coordinated attacks intended to destabilize Enugu and other South-East states. He added that the seized arms would have been used by ESN terrorists to cause widespread damage and create a false impression of insecurity in Nigeria. The governor also called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu's ongoing efforts to address insecurity nationwide.
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Members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Kwara State staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin, demanding the immediate rescue of residents abducted across various communities and issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the government. The protesters marched from Tanke Junction to the Government House, highlighting concerns over rising kidnappings and violent attacks in areas like Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, and Kwara South. Saidu Tsaragi, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, stated that insecurity has made Democracy Day meaningless for families with loved ones in captivity, citing seven people from Yaashikira and others from Edu, Patigi, and Kwara South still held. He urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to rescue the victims or resign. Protesters criticized the government for not prioritizing the plight of abducted residents and failing in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. They warned of escalating actions, including wider mobilization across Kwara State and a call for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, if their demands are not met within 72 hours. The movement emphasized that the protest is not politically motivated but driven by concern over increasing kidnappings and vowed to return to the Government House if their demands are not met.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has issued a stern warning against insecurity and violent extremism, stating that "terrorists and merchants of public anxiety" will not be tolerated in the state. In his Democracy Day address, Governor Otti emphasized the government's commitment to resisting individuals or groups who exploit public fear for personal or political gain. He stressed that the fight against insecurity requires firm and coordinated action, deploying all lawful means to confront terrorism and protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Otti also cautioned against the underlying conditions that enable extremism, urging a confrontation of economic and political misconduct alongside violent crime. He highlighted the importance of denouncing economic and political greed, sectarianism, and other behaviors incompatible with democratic values. Reflecting on Nigeria's democratic journey, the governor called for reflection and recalibration rather than blame, acknowledging public frustration with governance outcomes. Despite the disillusionment, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the democratic project, emphasizing perseverance and long-term commitment to national development. Otti also reflected on Nigeria's return to civilian rule, describing the period between 1993 and 1999 as one defined by sacrifice and resilience. He affirmed that democracy, while imperfect, remains the most viable system of governance. The governor further highlighted his administration's eff
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