Mass Killings in Rivers, Kaduna and Kwara on New Year Day

Many people have celebrated and are still celebrating the gift of another year. It has become a custom for many people especially Christians to meet in their various churches to pray and welcome the New Year in the presence of God. While many people have successfully welcomed the New Year and prepared themselves to attain greater heights, some others who are also expectant of a prosperous year have lost their lives during the early hours of January 1, 2018. Many were attacked on their way home after midnight New Year prayers in their churches while others were attacked in their various worship centres.

At least, 14 persons or more were murdered in Rivers state, a traditional ruler and his pregnant wife were killed in Kaduna while in Kwara state, worshipers were attacked by youths who wanted to organize a New Year carnival.

While many people are celebrating after ushering in the New Year, a lot of people have been thrown into mourning as a result of their loved ones that lost their lives in the New Year mass killings. It is so alarming the rate with which people lose their lives like animals on daily basis in Nigeria. On my way home with friends after the New Year midnight prayers, I saw a police security vehicle on patrol and I was happy that at least the police men are doing their job to ensure that people had a smooth transition into the New Year. Little did I know that it is not so in some places.

Police people more than anybody knows the height of insecurity in this country and should know what to do at all times. Is it that we don’t have enough policemen in this country to send to patrol around the cities, towns and villages in this country or what? Is it that they were deployed but do not know their job or what? Do they lack the equipment to do their job? Why are they just mobilizing their men to investigate and restore peace only when the deed has been done? How many times will things like these happen for the security personnel to sit up and know what to do in case of another? Are they always learning to do their job?

On this note, read below the report of the attacks as it happened at Rivers, Kaduna and Kwara state.

According to Punch of January 2, 2018, Some gunmen between 12.10am and 1am embarked on a shooting spree in Omoku, in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, killing 14 persons.

It was gathered that the victims had earlier gone to their various churches to pray into the New Year and were coming back when they were ambushed.

Other people also reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospitals by other residents of the community.

Some of those killed during the mayhem were said to be four members of a family, including a man and his wife.

The incident, according to a resident of the area who identified himself simply as Ukandu, occured at two places in the area – Omoku and Aligwu.

Ukandu said the fireworks that usually greeted the New Year made it almost impossible for residents to notice that hoodlums were shooting residents.

He said, “We were shocked to see some corpses in Aligwu and Omoku. About 14 persons were killed; and some of them were shot at close range.

There were, however, conflicting reports on the number of those who sustained gunshot injuries as some put the number at 24, while others said it was about 30.

A resident of the community, Desmond, told one of our correspondents that the Monday’s attack could be a reprisal from a cult.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Zaki, had ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators of the crime.

The police spokesman added that he could not immediately speak on the number of casualties of the incident because he had yet to be told.

“I can confirm the incident, but at the moment, we cannot confirm the number of casualties. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and heads of police units have been mobilized there to restore peace.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Zaki, has ordered a manhunt for the hoodlums so that they can face the law.”

Omoku has been experiencing violent crimes since 2014, even as some cult members, who initially embraced the state government amnesty programme, went back to crime.

A former militant leader, popularly known as Don Nwanee, had been on the run after security operatives raided his shrine and discovered over 10 human skulls, weapons and charms.

Monarch, pregnant wife killed in attack

Gunmen, at the break of the New Year, invaded Arak village, in the Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing the paramount ruler, Etum Numana ll,  Dr Gambo Makama, and his pregnant wife.

Sango, with headquarters at Gwantu, is hundreds of kilometres away from Kaduna metropolis, and located in the southern part of Kaduna.

The Monday attack was third in the series of attacks in the Southern Kaduna within a week.

The first was in Nindem in Godogodo chiefdom, in the Jema’ah LGA where a lone gunman attacked Christians observing the Christmas carol on December 23, 2017, killing four persons and injuring eight others.

In less than 24 hours, gunmen again attacked a nearby village on Christmas Eve, killing six persons and injuring several others.

In the latest attack, it was learnt that the monarch had travelled from his place in Gwantu to celebrate the New Year with his subjects in his village, Arak, but was murdered around 12.07am.

It was gathered that the gunmen, who reportedly opened fire on the entire family, including the monarch’s 45-year-old son, fled into the bush after the attack.

The traditional ruler and his pregnant wife died on the spot, while the son who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to a hospital.

The monarch’s house was said to have been razed by the attackers, who reportedly wore masks.

The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Mukhtar Aliyu, said, “We got a distress call about 4am that armed men stormed the monarch’s house and shot him and his wife.

“The hoodlums also set his palace ablaze before fleeing. We are intensifying efforts to ensure that we arrest them.”

The Chairman of Sango Development, Bala Audu, said the monarch was with his second wife when the gunmen invaded his home.

The chairman said, “The traditional ruler was seated with his second wife, who was pregnant. The gunmen, who covered their faces with masks, suddenly invaded the house and opened fire on them.”

The state Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, on Monday condemned the attack and ordered security operatives to fish out the attackers. He said the attack was a calculated threat to peace in the area and the entire state.

The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said, “The late Etum Numana was a peacemaker. The government commiserates with the immediate family of the royal father and his wife, the people of Numana Chiefdom and the entire Sango Local Government Area.

“The government has directed security agencies to investigate this criminal incident and bring the assailants to justice.”

“We urge the people of Numana Chiefdom to remain calm and to support the security agencies as they investigate this latest threat to the hard-won peace in the area.”

Youths attack worshipers in Ilorin

Scores of people were on Monday injured after an attack on both Christian and Muslim worship centres allegedly by youths from the Taiwo Isale area of Ilorin, Kwara State.

While the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said three people were injured, the Special Adviser on Security to the Kwara State Governor, Amusa Bello, said no fewer than 25 people were injured. There was, however, no report of any death.

Our correspondent gathered that the youths were prevented by the community leaders in the area from embarking on what they termed, ‘New Year carnival,’ around 2am for fear of the carnival turning into a security threat, owing to previous experiences.

Sources said the youths resorted to throwing bangers indiscriminately at all gatherings in the vicinity, including religious gatherings celebrating the New Year.

It was gathered that churches in the area and a Muslim group, called Quareeb, were attacked.

Property belonging to the churches and the United Secondary School in Taiwo Isale were also damaged.

A statue of Mary was burnt, while another was smashed at the St, Joseph Catholic Church, Taiwo Isale. Some windows and other property of the church, as well as a car were vandalized.

The hoodlums also destroyed property at the Methodist Church, Taiwo Isale.

Also, the building where some Muslims were holding a session was vandalized, while some of the faithful were injured.

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed condemned the attack. Ahmed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahaab Oba, described the attack as criminal, satanic and alien to the state.

He commended people who protected some of the victims regardless of their religious inclination.

He also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the “unholy act” with a view to bringing them to book.

Ahmed said, “Peace is sine qua non for the development of any society and the government will not tolerate any act capable of breaching the peace, unity and tranquility of the state.”

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, also condemned the attack.

Ahmad in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, AbdulRahman Sanni, called for calm.

According to him, the attack was not religious, but was carried out by hoodlums, who must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

He said peace was pivotal to the socio-economic transformation of the state and commended the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ado Lawan, for sending police officers and urged him to commence full-scale investigations into the incident.

He stated that Kwara State would not compromise on sustaining peaceful coexistence of the residents.

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said 10 suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.

Okasanmi said, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to assure the people of Kwara State of its capacity to deal decisively with anybody arrested for being a part of the breakdown of law and order that was witnessed in the Taiwo Isale area of Ilorin.

“At about 2am of today (Monday), some youths were prevented from carrying out what was termed New Year carnival and in protest to the denial, the youths resorted to throwing bangers indiscriminately at all gatherings in the vicinity, including religious gatherings celebrating the New Year. Three persons were injured in the resulting stampede.

“The Catholic, Methodist churches and other churches in the area, as well as a Muslim group, Quareeb, were attacked.

“It is important to note, that the attack has no religious undertone. It is simply an unlawful act by the disgruntled youths of the area, as both the Christian and Muslim gatherings in the area were attacked.

“Ten suspects have been arrested, while the injured had been taken to hospitals.  Investigation into the matter has commenced.”

Brought to you by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

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MY NEW YEAR DREAMS

Change is difficult but at the same time very easy. It is difficult because it requires sacrifice, discipline, determination and courage to achieve. This is about positive change which comes with amazing rewards. On the other hand, when we idle about, procrastinate or do things that are illegitimate, we experience negative change which of course comes with regrets, slavery, poverty, depression, etc.

A new year is here again. Other years may have been wasted years to so many people. Will you again watch this year to slip off with an empty diary? This year has a lot of blessings locked up in it and among those blessings are admissions to study higher, job creation abilities, job opportunities, business expansion, personal cars and houses, etc. These blessings are not for everybody. They are for those who are ready and prepared to plan ahead, strategize and implement. Spice your year with worthwhile activities and be more fulfilled. Make every hour in this year count. It starts now.

Some of these nuggets below can help you.

1.      Don’t just say what you will do, write them down in your diary and make sure you consult your diary. It doesn’t end there; make sure you write the time you want it accomplished and work towards it.

2.    Replace those old habits which might distract you with better ones. If you are the type that can watch T.V for a long time, try spending some of those times with people who will help you realize your dreams.

3.    Share your dreams with people. Some of the people you share your dreams with might be interested to partner with you or give you suggestions or solutions on how to realize your dreams. You might even be surprised that they will be the ones to remind you in a case that you forget. I bumped into my old friend sometime ago and gave her a copy of my book. I was shocked when she said, “Ah! Olive, you told us you will write a book and you have published one; it is remaining for you to build your school”. It was at that point that I remembered that owning a school is part of my dreams, as those dreams were shared when I was in secondary school and I have no knowledge of diary then.

4.    Define your intentions. What you intend to achieve or the end result of your dreams when achieved will give you the needed motivation to fire on.

5.     Forget about your past failures or reasons for such failures and try new things. It might just be your time to succeed.

6.    Distance yourself from people that distract or discourage you from achieving your dreams and be closer to those who inspire you to do great things.

7.     Don’t jack all trades only to master none. Prioritize your goals and take as much as you can at a time.

8.    Track your progress on daily basis and make sure a positive change or result is occurring.

9.    Crown your daily efforts with prayers. Make sure you communicate or keep in touch with your maker.

If you can start this January to make daily progress, you will laugh by December. No matter the situation or circumstance, you can add value to your existence. More grace!

We wish you a successful New Year!

Written by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

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DESIGN YOUR YEAR FOR LAUGHTER

Sluggishness, lack of knowledge, procrastination, and the likes all contribute to delays in life which brings about worries, restlessness, regret, depression, crashed hopes and dreams, poverty, insults and the likes. When we set out early, we beat the traffic and avoid any disappointment that may be caused by hold ups on the way. Severally, I have attended programmes either early or late and I have been able to experience the difference. I tend to be more relaxed, organized and attentive when I attend a programe early compared to when I am late to any programme.  When we do those things we are supposed to do and on time, we will achieve results and appreciate life more. Life is all about planning and timely implementation. 

This is New Year. Please let the planning and implementation begin. Make every hour count so that by December, we shall all count our blessings because God himself is prepared to crown our year with goodness if we are able to do every good work with our brain and hands.

I want to inspire your year by the story bellow culled from: http://www.Spiritual-Short-Stories.comUR?

 I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters.

He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.

The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

Brought to you by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

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THE WORLD OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a day billions of Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest celebration which impacts even non Christians. It is unique because it comes at the last week of December which ushers in the New Year.

Christmas celebration started in the fourth century when Christianity became the official religion of Rome. Christmas celebration has become so popular ever since, that those who celebrate it have given it an ugly face judging by the activities that go with it.

Nations all over the world express and celebrate Christmas differently. The French word for Christmas is Noël and it came from the Latin word natalis meaning birth. The masses of Christ, held by English evangelists in December, gave birth to the English word "Christmas". In Europe, Christmas lasts much longer than a day. The season stretches well over a month to fit in the many holy days and festivities. For many Europeans, the season’s main event is Christmas Eve, celebrated with Midnight Mass and a grand meal. Others focus more on Christmas Day and gift-giving. The Twelve Days of Christmas start from Dec. 25 until Jan. 6, which is Epiphany, the day the Three Kings delivered their gifts. Then the memories live on until next year.

In France, Christmas is marked with the festival of light which is a promise of longer days and the return of the sun. Food is at the center of Christmas celebrations in France, even in the dead of winter. The most anticipated culinary event of the year is Le Reveillon de Noel, the Christmas Eve feast. Reveillon literally means an “awakening.” In a symbolic sense, the Reveillon is a kind of spiritual and edible wake-up call.

In America, they usher in Christmas by different kinds of decoration according to the weather. Some form of lighting is often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. There are snowmen, Santas, manger scenes, snowflakes, reindeer, and other lighted displays in many neighborhoods. Others outline the architectural features of their homes in lights. There is sometimes a creche placed that represents the stable wherein the Christ child was born and has Mary, Joseph, the Child and various animals in attendance. Christmas in America is often a time of an extended open house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. Also, various churches play an important part in the American Christmas. There are a variety of associated activities such as church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, special church services, and a fostering of the spirit of giving to the less privileged.

Asian countries have a smaller number of Christians compared to the rest of the world.  As a result, in many Asian countries, Christmas has a more secular view than a religious one. Christmas wreaths, Merry Christmas banners, colorful lights and ornaments are seen everywhere in Asian countries during Christmas. But in most of the Asian countries Christmas is not recognized as a public holiday, which means that the offices as well as the schools, colleges and universities remain open.

In Africa, been colonized by the Europeans and Americans, Christmas celebrations are not too different from that of Europeans and Americans. It is marked with decorations houses, Christmas trees, staging Christmas shows where children go to see and receive gifts from Santa Claus, Christmas church services, carol of nine lessons ministrations,  preparation of different kinds of local and intercontinental dishes, exchange of gifts etc. However, it is celebrated in a more unique way in Liberia.

In Liberia, there is no Santa Claus in Liberia but rather, old man beggar. He dresses in rag like costumes and begs for gifts. People in Liberia also don’t say Merry Christmas but rather ‘my Christmas is on you” or “my Christmas is in your blood”. This is done to ensure that people give and share during the festive season.

In Nigeria, Christians all over the country celebrate Christmas but it is more celebrated in the South East and South South part of the country. Christmas is the season when mostly the Igbos who lives in different parts of the country and world crave to travel to their different states and villages in the South East and some parts of South South to celebrate Christmas with their family and loved ones. During this season, those who have planned to travel do so with great expectations of meeting their relations that they have not seen for a long time. They usually travel home with lots of food stuff and gift items for younger and elderly people in their villages or hometowns. Christmas is fun in this part of the country as the villages organize football and dance competitions among communities and give out trophies or cash prizes to the winners. Christmas is also marked with masquerade festivals. These festivities usually start from December 24 till December 31. On the other hand, on 31^st of December, Christians in Nigeria usually prefer to be in worship centres to enter the New Year. Prayers go on until 12.00 a.m. when the shouts of New Year and congratulations for making it into the New Year will echo from every corner. Almost all the night of December 31 and January 1, people hardly sleep, as the joy of the New Year drives away sleep. After the New Year celebrations, the villages in the South Eastern part of Nigeria once again remain as it has been; scanty of people until the next Christmas.

It is time for people all over the world to reflect on the reasons for Christmas celebration. We need to count the cost to know if Christmas deserves all that waste of food in our homes, and our large boxes and wardrobe of clothes. Many people all over the world are suffering. It will be more fun when we identify such people; either at the home of the less privileged or around us, and show them that Jesus Christ came for them too, by sharing what we don’t need and all our excess possessions. Some people are homeless, hungry, some wear clothes that can best be described as rags while some go bare footed. They are all around us. In the spirit of our Christmas celebrations, let us give the hopeless and helpless people reason to live to appreciate life.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Written by Olive Chinyere Amajuoyi

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