NEWS
Edo PDP Chairman Abducted In Benin
Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, was abducted by armed individuals just a stone’s throw away from his Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence in Benin City.
This shocking incident occurred shortly after the conclusion of the PDP’s gubernatorial primary, where Mr. Asue Ighodalo emerged as the party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21st, 2024 gubernatorial election.
Reports indicate that Aziegbemi was trailed and ambushed by his abductors, who were traveling in two Toyota Corolla cars.
According to report, the abduction took place at about 11pm on Friday night along Osaro Street, off Country Home Road, as Aziegbemi’s vehicle was intercepted near his home.
Aziegbemi, allegedly devoid of police escort, had just concluded a nocturnal meeting at the Government House when he found himself being stalked by his captors.
Describing the ordeal, his driver disclosed, “When we left Government House heading home at about 11pm, I noticed a car trailing us, so I decided to take another diversion. We never knew they were kidnappers.
“Few minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a speed breaker point and blocked our car in the front and immediately, the gunmen pointing gun at us and ordered our chairman to enter their car and took him away.”
The gunmen reportedly left Aziegbemi’s vehicle abandoned along Sapele Road and forcibly took him away in their own vehicles.
At the scene of the abduction, top government officials and security agencies were observed by witnesses.
When reached for comment, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, acknowledged the incident, stating that it falls under the jurisdiction of the New Etete Police Division.
He said “That is confirmed, it is in the jurisdiction of New Etete Police Division, also known as Godwin Abbe Police Station, that is where it happened.
“The Commissioner of Police has given marching orders to the tactical teams of the operatives to go after the hoodlums, and we pray that by the grace of God, all hands are on deck and we will be able to rescue him unhurt.”
A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi yencountered a “hard landing” on Sunday.
According to report, the incident took place near Jolfa, a city situated on the border with Azerbaijan, within Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.
However, details regarding the incident were not disclosed.
The Associated Press noted uncertainty regarding whether bh Raisi was onboard the helicopter during the incident.
Despite rescue efforts, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind, have hindered access to the site, according to state TV.
Before the helicopter incident, President Ebrahim Raisi had been in Azerbaijan on Sunday to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
This dam marks the third joint construction project between the two nations on the Aras River.
Despite Iran’s diverse helicopter fleet, obtaining parts is hindered by international sanctions, with much of its military air fleet dating back to pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the country’s judiciary leader.
Considered a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some analysts speculate that Raisi could succeed the 85-year-old leader in the event of his resignation or demise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.
According to him, the plot, involving both foreigners and Congolese citizens, unfolded in the early hours outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe district, close to the president’s offices at the Palais de la Nation.
General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the defence and security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.
He said “An attempted coup d’etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces. The foreigners and Congolese…including their leader” would “all no longer cause any harm”.
Shots were heard near the Palais de la Nation during the attempted coup, as confirmed by various sources.
General Ekenge didn’t elaborate further on the incident, and AFP’s attempts to get additional information from official sources remain unanswered.
However by late morning, the city appeared calm.
Early social media reports suggested an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, with some assailants heading towards the Palais de la Nation.
“This morning, there was an armed attack at the residence of the economy minister,” wrote Japan’s ambassador Hidetoshi Ogawa on X.
He stated that Kamerhe “was not harmed, but two policemen and an assailant were killed according to sources.”
France’s ambassador reported hearing automatic weapons fire in the area and advised French nationals to steer clear of the location.
Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, waving flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed all transition committee chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.
This decision was detailed in a letter titled “Expiration of Tenure and Handover to Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs),” dated May 17, 2024, and signed by Collins Nwabunwanne, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.
According to the letter, the directive will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.
The letter read, “Following the expiration of your tenure as Transition Committee Chairman, you are hereby directed to handover the affairs of your Local Government Council to the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), in your respective Local Government Councils.
“This directive takes effect from Monday, 20th day of May, 2024. Thank you for your service to the state. All replies to be addressed to the Honourable Commissioner.”
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