Seven people were killed on Saturday morning when unknown persons attacked Maza, a village in Jos North Local Government of Plateau State.
The attack on the sleepy and mountainous village, also left 10 others injured, while some houses were burnt.
"We are just coming out of the village; it is a difficult terrain really. There isn't much to say. This incident is just sad,'' Kingsley Umoh, Spokesman for the Military Special Task Force (STF) charged with maintaining peace in Jos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Mr. Umoh's figure, however, differs with that of the State Government, who announced that 10 people were killed while another 10 sustained serious injuries.
Some reports said the dead included the family of a Christian priest.
Witnesses said the men attacked the family of Nuhu Dawat in the village of Mazah, 12km (7 miles) from the state capital of Jos, killing his wife, two children and a grandson.
The priest ran for his life, later telling Reuters: "I leave everything to God to judge."
Plateau State Police Commissioner Gregory Anyating told Reuters the authorities were trying to find out "the root causes of the violence", but it had not spread to other villages.
"The attack is nothing unusual; it is just another attempt to destroy the peace Plateau people have been enjoying in the past months,'' Mr. Gregory said.
He said that those injured were being treated at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
"It is an embarrassing situation. Just when we thought we had found peace, we suddenly have to cope with another ugly situation," he said...
The Commissioner, who appealed to the people to remain calm, and not to take the law into their hands, called for more vigilance from the STF to prevent a recurrence.
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WARRI — TWENTY-FIVE persons — six children whose ages range between two and seven; 11 septuagenarians, six women and two other villagers were said to have been killed yesterday when Kurutie community came under fresh aerial attacks by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta.
Over 65 persons had earlier been killed and more than 100 injured since the JTF began its offensive against militants last weekend.
However, the Defence Headquarters, while explaining circumstances that led to the all-out battle to oust the militants warned that the Nigerian military will no longer tolerate or watch criminal gangs slaughter its personnel without response.
It also said no community, particularly in the Ijaw areas, was destroyed or razed down as claimed by many people in the battle area. Director of Defence Information (DDI), Col. Chris Jemitola pointed out that the JTF in carrying out its offensive, has ensured that collateral damage was kept to the barest minimum.
A youth leader from the area, Mr. A.B. Okore was said to have led others to assess the damage done to the community and pick up the corpses yesterday.
According to our source, the youth leader said: “This is genocide, the JTF should please stop the killing of innocent people, if they are looking for militants, they should go to their camps and leave our communities alone”.
A JTF source told Vanguard however that what the JTF did on Sunday was a mop-up operation to strengthen its hold on the areas it was occupying, saying there was no attack on communities, except for a house in Kurutie where some youths fired at the soldiers who were passing with an helicopter and they returned to bomb the house.
“It was because they fired at us that we defended ourselves and anywhere we see them with guns, we will attack them. You see, these militants live in these communities and their people are hiding them, so they should stop lying that the JTF is attacking innocent people. It is those who attacked our men, hijacked vessels and kidnapped hostages that we are looking for,” he added.
Why we struck— Defence HQ
Waving claims of genocide and carnage as mere propaganda aimed at protecting the militants, Jemitola said allegations of genocide are not true noting that before now, “we had appealed to the general public and the elders of these areas to appeal to these youths to stop these unprovoked attacks on military personnel carrying out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and property”.
His words: “On the 13th of May, 2009, members of the JTF, Operation Restore Hope, on routine escort duties around Chanomi Creek were ambushed by a militant group leading to the unfortunate and painful loss of some military personnel.
How militants tortured soldiers to death
“Prior to this, an NNPC chartered tanker CM Spirit had been hijacked with its foreign crew and some Nigerians on board. This vessel was run aground by the militants, who also stole some of its cargo while the crew members were tortured leading to the death of some of the crew members and the rest held hostage.
“JTF Search and Rescue team sent to free the hostages was attacked again by the militants. The search led to the discovery of a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition used for acts of criminality. It must be noted that at no time were members of the JTF aggressors, in fact, the JTF is only allowed the use of force in self defence or where arrest of a criminal is being resisted. Moreover, extra care is taken to reduce collateral damage to the barest”.
Continuing Jemitola said, “instead, what we have observed is the deliberate and repeated unprovoked attacks on JTF troops, the sabotage of oil and gas facilities, the kidnapping for ransom of people and the killing of innocent citizens of the society including children, people of the clergy and very old citizens.
“It is important to note that the Nigerian military has the constitutional responsibility of protecting our vital national interests wherever they may be. In the course of carrying out this responsibility, the military will no longer tolerate or watch criminal gangs slaughter its personnel without response”.
Uduaghan meets Yar’Adua today
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is expected to meet with President Umaru Yar’Adua today (Tuesday) in Aso Villa, Abuja, to brief him on the situation in his state and urge him, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta to unlock the barricaded waterways of the state so that normal social and economic activities could resume after six days of fighting in the creeks.
A competent source who confirmed the planned meeting to Vanguard said the governor left Warri for Abuja after the State Security Council, weekend, reviewed the security situation in the state and adopted some measures to contain the clashes, one of which was a mandate to some elders and youth leaders to reach out to the youths to cease all forms of confrontation with the JTF and destruction of oil installations.
Gov meets stakeholders
Yesterday morning, Governor Uduaghan held a meeting with the Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC), religious leaders and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The three different groups commended the initiatives of the Governor in resolving the face-off between the militants and the Joint Task Force.
National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor led the delegation of the religious leaders, which included the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Archbishop God-do-Well Avwomakpa, Secretary of the Baptist Convention in the State, Reverend G. Oyibo among other leaders.
Our source confirmed that the Governor briefed them on measures taken to bring the situation under control as well as the need for the ministers to pray for restoration of peace in the state and particularly in the troubled area.
Soldiers invade refugee camp, warn doctors
Hundreds of displaced persons from Oporoza, Kurutie, Kunukunuma and other Gbaramatu–Ijaw communities in Delta State fled their refugee camp in Ogbe-Ijoh on Sunday following the invasion of the camp by the Joint Task Force in search of injured militants.
Vanguard gathered that the soldiers interrogated the doctors on duty for allegedly treating injured militants, an allegation they denied.
Some of the displaced persons who spoke to Vanguard expressed anger that soldiers came to harass them, instead of sympathising with them over their plight.
One of them, Mrs. Josephine Amazor who said she was yet to see her two children, four days after the attack on her community by soldiers said, “can you see, instead of sympathising with us, the soldiers are here to stop us from taking treatment, saying that they suspect that the hospital is treating wounded militants”.
Spokesman of the JTF, Colonel Rabe Abubakar told Vanguard when contacted, yesterday, said that he was not aware that soldiers went to the Ogbe-Ijoh General Hospital to harass any refugee, saying that he would find out the true situation of things.
JTF rescues four more hostages
He however said the JTF has rescued four Ukrainian citizens who were taken hostage. He said the four expatriates were rescued around 4pm on Sunday.
His words: “The latest group of those rescued are four Ukrainian citizens who supply fish to Nigerians on regular bases.
They include, Mr Ponomarev Elman, Mr Mik Hailer, Mr Stroer Roman and Mr Vinogiador Mikael. These men have been doing business in Nigeria since 1993. According to one of them, they were abducted at about 0200am, 15 May 2009 along Chanomi Creek, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.”
Spokesman of the rescued group, Mr. Ponomarev Elman, who was also the Captain of the ship, MV Pusan Reefer, said they were 22 in the ship when militants abducted them.
Speaking during the presentation of the four Ukrainians to the media at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Major General Sarkin Bello apologised to the rescued men for the inconveniences caused them.
The four rescued men were later handed over to Mr Tom Enegbuma, the agent and representative of the company, Super-Maritime Nigeria Limited.
More troops deployed for ‘mop-up’ operation
As the JTF continued its onslaught against militants in Warri South West council area of Delta state, more troops were deployed in the creeks yesterday in what was described as a mop-up operation.
In reaction, the Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum appealed to President Yar’Adua to intervene in the face-off between the militants and the JTF in the creeks.
The forum stated that their appeal has become imperative as the violence has started affecting the relative peace in the entire area and would soon extend to the entire state if not properly handled.
In a statement signed by the forum’s president, Chief Favour Izuokumor and General Secretary, Mr. Moses O. Edougha they condemned the hostilities as unwarranted and very disturbing, noting that innocent citizens are mostly affected.
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If you love real talent, you would love . She acts with extra grace. All you need do is watch her in The Rivals and Sweet Tomorrow, then you are hooked. She recently signed up with the Ope Banwo-led Stingomania to manage her affairs. This 31 year-old French graduate who has been married for 10 years spoke with SAMUEL OLATUNJI on what has kept her marriage and Nollywood.Why did you have to marry so early?I wonder! I just met the right person. You know what it is when you meet someone and you know that this is the man. It’s not that he was my first boyfriend; I just knew that he is the man. Again, I fell in love with the way he loved me. His love was overwhelming and when he proposed, I just said yes. He proposed to me after two weeks actually. I surprised myself by saying yes.Are you sure you did not rush into this?No, I did not rush into it. It’s been almost 10 years now and we have three beautiful children. I think the love is even getting stronger.You have three children and you look this stunning. How do you keep in shape?It’s hard work. I do a bit of dieting and fitness on the side. I know a lot about keeping fit.What kind of exercise do you do and what kind food do you eat?Six weeks after my last child in England, I used to leave my baby and go for one-hour power walk. I would be out there whether it was raining or snowing and in the evening I would go to the gym. And I would not touch cake even if my life depended on it. Even till now I don’t take sugary thing.Why all these hard work?My husband likes me like this.Your husband looks so gentle one would wonder if he is capable of handling you, or I’m I being deceived?No, you are not deceived, but he is also very strong. He knows when to accept something and when not to accept. Generally, he believes in what I do and he knows this is what makes me happy, so he would rather have a happy wife than an unhappy one. This is my life; I’m not going to do anything else.Weren’t you scared that marriage would slow you down?Talent has a lot to do with how you rise. I got into the industry when I was 17 or 18. I didn’t have to sleep with anybody to get there. I did three lead roles in one year. The films are Destined to die, Not my Will, and Campus Tail by Hilda Dokunbo. Since I wasn’t sleeping with them before, I don’t have to start now.How was it like on the set of Figurine by Kunle Afolayan?It was great. It is very different from what I’ve ever done. I’ve never seen the kind of equipment we used. The story is very different; it wasn’t your normal regular Nollywood story. We shot for a month and we all became like one family. We also had lots of cool locations.How was it like leaving your husband behind in Lagos for one month?My husband had to come once and spent about four days with me.When you spend a long time with people outside of your home, do you get to feel something emotional with them?There is no actor in Nollywood that is as tight as my husband. Why would I be tripping for a fellow actor? This is a job, you have to do what you have to do and go. I have friends among them. But that is as far as it goes. I don’t even think about it. Really, no one looks better than my husband.What’s been the most challenging role you’ve played?I think it is Sweet Tomorrow. I had to be in wheel chair. I fell so many times and I had bruises all over me. It wasn’t funny at all.Why is it taking you so long a time to breakthrough despite the fact that lots of people are saying you are so talented?I think everyone has his or her time. But a lot of my movies have not been released. So, you should watch out.How was life at UNIBEN and why didn’t you study Theatre Art?Funny enough, I’ve been acting since I was three. I’ve always loved entertainment and showbiz. I don’t think I have to study Theatre Art to be in the industry. There are so many people who did not study art in school, but they are great actors. I believe I have the talent, which was enough for me.Since global meltdown affected Nollywood, did it affect you?No, Nollywood is not the only thing I do. And for crying out loud, I have a husband that works.What does your husband do?He is an optometrist. That is different from optician. It is an optometrist who checks your eyes and determines whether you need to wear glasses or not.Is that why you are wearing contact lens?I have eye problem.Let’s talk about your deal with Stingomania. Don’t you think you are signing away your freedom?I think this would work because I’m not driven by money. If my management company is taking 20 per cent, I still have 80 per cent. I think that is a lot. The management company is getting me deals and things I couldn’t do on my own. If for instance I’m supposed to do two movies a year, I would probably be doing six with my management company. So, I’m making more money because of them. Stingomania will do a lot of things for me and will get me deals even outside of acting. And as per the freedom issue, the company doesn’t close a deal for you without discussing with you first. If I say I don’t want it, that’s it.So, the marketers will have to speak with your management company now, don’t you think that will get them pissed off?They won’t get pissed off because I’m a humble person. I think the way you present issue to people will determine how they react to it.What is your fan book all about?It is a place where my fans can interact with me directly. It is omoniobolifanbook.com. They can ask me any question on anything and I answer.What has kept your marriage going for 10 years?We just have to keep it fresh all the time and we keep the sex hot. I was ready for marriage and I told myself that once I get married I would stay married.How easy is it to break into Nollywood?It’s not easy, let me not lie about that. Some people are there and don’t want anybody to come up there, I don’t want to mention names. But if you have the talent and persistence, you will get there.Who is the most interesting actor you’ve worked with?I would say Ramsey Nouah because he is fun to work with. He is lively and always looking for what will make people happy.How old are you?I was 31 in April.Are you still going to make more kids?No. I’m done.At 31 you are done with kids, you seem to be doing everything early?I got married at 21 really. Honestly I didn’t think I would be married at 21. I just met the right person. Why wait again if I’ve met the right person? He would probably date me for a couple of years, get frustrated and move on to another person. And then I would have missed the right person. He wanted marriage and I wanted it too. Marriage has matured me. I’ve always been matured. I grew up before my time. His being with a good man has also helped me.Does he complain about your romantic roles?No. There was a scene in Figurine where I had to kiss someone. Everybody is talking about the picture on facebook. But what most people don’t know was that he was actually there when we were shooting the love scene in Osun.Why kiss somebody on set when you could fake it?It’s a job. There is nothing to it. There were about 20 people there, so you can’t really be moved emotionally. It is a job.What should your fans expect from you?They should expect the best. I’ll always give them the best, That is why I don’t do every movie that comes across my way, I chose my script. That is why I can confidently say that if you find me in a movie, it is really good.courtesy odili network
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