NEWS
Four Dead As Gunmen Attack US Embassy Officials In Anambra
Tragedy struck in Anambra State, Nigeria, as four members of the United States Embassy on a humanitarian mission lost their lives in a devastating attack.
The incident took place in the Amiyi/Eke Ochuche communities located in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
The unfortunate incident occurred late on Tuesday when unidentified assailants ambushed the victims’ vehicle and opened fire, instantly claiming their lives. At present, the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
A local source provided information on the incident, stating that the assailants launched a sudden assault on the victims, leaving them with no chance to defend themselves.
According to a source, the assailants instilled panic in the area by infiltrating the arena where local residents had gathered. The community members were awaiting medical treatment from UNICEF officials as part of a humanitarian effort.
The source said, “They were ambushed and about four of them were gunned down, while others sustained various degrees of injuries as they escaped with their vehicle that has the inscription, UNICEF.
“Among the victims were whites and blacks officials who were on a medical outreach to the rural riverine areas.” he added.
In response to the alarming incident, the Anambra Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement.
According to DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesperson, joint security forces have initiated a rescue and recovery operation in the Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He said “The joint security forces have embarked on a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA, following an attack on a convoy of staff of US Consulate today May 15, 2023 by 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road.
“The hoodlums murdered two of the Police Mobile Force operatives, and two staff of the Consulate, and set their bodies set ablaze alongside their vehicles.
“Also, the arsonist/murderers on sighting the responding joint security forces abducted two police operatives, the driver of the second vehicle and took to their heels. No U S citizen was in the convoy.
“The command, while reacting to the situation regrets that a convoy of such or any related will enter the state without recourse to the police in the area or any security agency, assured that the battle against the insurgents in the State is focused and it will remain sustained until such a time security stability is fully restored. Further details shall be communicated, please.” he added.
In response to allegations of a conspiracy to impeach him and other high-ranking officials of the Assembly, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku of the Edo State House of Assembly took decisive action on Monday by suspending three lawmakers.
Among those suspended is Donald Okogbe, representing the PDP in Akoko-Edo II constituency, who notably refrained from endorsing the petition that resulted in the impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, a close ally.
The other two lawmakers he suspended are Addeh Emankhu Isibor of the APC representing Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright, representing the PDP in Orhionnwon II.
Agbebaku also alleged that the trio had arranged for the presence of traditional healers at the Assembly premises on May 1st, around 1 am, purportedly for ritualistic purposes.
Agbebaku declared the indefinite suspension of the three lawmakers, asserting that external influences were driving them to disrupt proceedings and oust the Assembly’s leadership.
However, the suspension sparked tension within the House as the affected lawmakers vehemently protested against their suspension.
During a chaotic session, the three suspended lawmakers vocally objected, arguing, “Mr. Speaker, you lack the authority to unilaterally suspend any member(s) of the house. You must put it to a vote. Let the members vote on the issue.”
Following the commotion, the Speaker abruptly adjourned the plenary session.
In a significant development, the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has announced a tariff reduction for its Band A customers.
Effective immediately from Monday, May 6, 2024, customers in Band A will see their tariff lowered to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour, down from the previously approved rate of N225/kWh by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
This decision, disclosed by IKEDC spokesperson Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion on Monday, marks a proactive measure by the company to provide relief to its Band A customers.
Notably, while this adjustment ensures a minimum of 20-hour daily power supply for those on Band A feeders, tariffs for customers on other bands remain unchanged.
IKEDC said “Dear Esteemed Customers, please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kWh to N206.80/kWh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily. The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged.”
Recalls that on April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revised the electricity tariff for Band A customers dramatically, soaring from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N255/KWh. It’s worth noting that this tariff hike did not affect other customer categories.
Since the release of the supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order, consumers categorized as Band A have been expressing discontent, citing the significant impact of the tariff increase on their finances.
They have been calling on the Federal Government to reconsider this policy.
However, during an investigative hearing before the Senate Committee on Power last Monday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued a stark warning.
He emphasized that if the electricity tariff hike was not implemented, the nation could face a total blackout within the next three months.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has voiced concerns about influential figures allegedly undermining his administration’s goals.
However, at the Uhola Festival and Agricultural Show in Zuru, Gov Idris reaffirmed his commitment to staying focused despite these challenges.
He disclosed instances where individuals from the state reportedly interfered with road development plans he had submitted to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
He said, “It might interest you to know that someone went and changed the submission we already made on the Koko Dabai Road with that of Bui-Kangiwa-Kamba Road up to the border with Niger Republic at the Ministry of Works in Abuja.
“Whereas the KoKo-Dabai Road needs more urgent attention than the Bui-Kamba Road which is still motorable. I feel sad whenever I come to Zuru because all the three roads linking the town to other places are in bad shape.”
Governor Idris pledged to assemble key figures from the Zuru Emirate, including traditional rulers, for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, aiming to swiftly address the concerning situation.
Emphasizing his administration’s commitment, he affirmed support and financial backing for the annual Uhola Festival, recognizing its importance in fostering cultural promotion for economic development and social unity.
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