Barely 24 Hours After Army's Exit Okuama-Ewu Community Confronts Invaders in Violent Clash

According to an article published by Vanguard News on May 10, 2024, a clash occurred in the Okuama-Ewu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Suspected invaders encroached on the community shortly after the Nigerian Army withdrew from the area. The invaders, believed to be youths from neighboring villages, went to Okuama-Ewu to scavenge for valuable items like zinc, iron rods, and scraps. The community members confronted the invaders, resulting in the death of one invader and three others being injured with machetes.

The Nigerian Army began withdrawing from Okuama-Ewu on Monday, and the final pullout took place on Wednesday, following negotiations between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Army authorities. Taking advantage of the absence of soldiers, youths from neighboring villages entered Okuama-Ewu to loot items they could sell.

In a separate incident, residents of Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area expressed concerns about a missing person. The residents reported that returnees from Okuama community ambushed and attacked four indigenes of Akugbene with machetes. One victim managed to escape with machete wounds and sought refuge in Akugbene, while the others were taken towards the community's waterfront.

There were speculations regarding how the returnees from Okuama-Ewu could have organized the ambush on Akugbene villagers. It was suggested that soldiers of Urhobo descent stationed in Okuama might have provided information about the withdrawal to the returnees. This raised questions and caused anxiety among neighboring communities, leading to restricted movement and limited access to essential goods.

The chairman of the Okoloba community expressed a commitment to maintaining peace and praying for protection. However, a community leader from Okuama-Ewu clarified that no indigene had returned to the community, and residents were waiting for a clear announcement from the government before doing so.

According to Mr. Innocent Ejedegba, the solicitor to the community, community members reported that troops had vacated the area. The withdrawal of soldiers created an opportunity for scavengers to exploit the situation and remove valuable materials from Okuama-Ewu, which disappointed the community members.

Israel Launches Intensive Bombardment of Gaza Following Hamas Hostage Threats

In the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel has intensified its bombardment of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip after the militant group Hamas threatened to execute hostages it abducted during a weekend assault. The situation has prompted Israel to impose a total siege on Gaza, cutting off essential supplies and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

Hamas' unprecedented ground, air, and sea assault, which Israel has compared to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, has left Israel reeling. The death toll in Israel has risen to over 900, prompting Israel to respond with a barrage of strikes on Gaza, resulting in a death toll of 687.

The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that it had regained control of the Gaza border after a mass breach by Palestinian gunmen on Saturday. They reported recovering the bodies of approximately 1,500 Hamas militants inside Israel, confirming the scale of the assault. Israeli communities around the border have been evacuated nearly completely.

Gaza City has been subjected to intense bombardment, with explosions and sirens filling the air. Hamas claimed that Israeli air strikes had already killed four of its hostages and threatened to carry out executions themselves. In a televised speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared Hamas to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, and announced plans to deploy "unprecedented force."

Israel has called up 300,000 army reservists for its campaign titled "Swords of Iron." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would impose a complete siege on the Gaza Strip, cutting off electricity, food, water, and gas supplies. This move has raised concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation, which United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned would deteriorate exponentially.

The conflict has also heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran expressing support for Hamas, although denying any direct involvement in the military operation. Hamas has called on "resistance fighters" in the West Bank, as well as in Arab and Islamic nations, to join their operation, dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood."

An answer to a question: If police come to your home and ask you to step outside, do they have the right to arrest you if they don’t what the charges are or put handcuffs on you

The specifics of police powers and procedures can vary depending on the jurisdiction and applicable laws. In many cases, police officers have the authority to detain and question individuals without immediately disclosing the charges or placing them in handcuffs.

When the police come to your home and ask you to step outside, they may have various reasons for doing so. It could be for a routine inquiry, to investigate a complaint, or as part of an ongoing investigation. They may want to speak with you as a witness or a potential suspect. However, being asked to step outside does not necessarily mean you are under arrest.

In most jurisdictions, the police must have reasonable grounds or probable cause to arrest someone. Reasonable grounds typically require more than a mere suspicion, but less than conclusive evidence of guilt. If the police have reasonable grounds to believe you have committed a crime, they may arrest you. However, they are not always required to disclose the charges immediately.

Once you are arrested, the police will usually inform you of the charges against you. However, the timing of this notification can vary depending on the circumstances and local laws. It's important to note that your rights, including the right to know the charges against you, may be protected by law. If you are unsure about your rights or believe they have been violated, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide specific guidance based on the laws in your jurisdiction.

Shocking Escape: 10-Year-Old Speeds Away in Mom's Car After Phone was Taken!

A surprising incident occurred in Florida where the police pulled over a driver on a major highway, only to discover that the driver was a 10-year-old boy. The boy was accompanied by his 11-year-old sister. The children had been reported missing by their mother earlier in the week and were found in Alachua, which is hundreds of miles away from where they were last seen.

According to the police, the children had decided to run away after their mother confiscated their electronic devices. The traffic stop was deemed high risk by the Alachua County Sheriff's office as it took place late at night, around 03:50 local time. The white sedan they were traveling in had also been reported missing by their mother in North Port, Florida, which is over 200 miles away from Alachua.

The police discovered that the reason for their escape was their mother taking away their electronic gadgets due to their inappropriate use. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the children were mistreated at home.

The children's mother was informed about the incident and drove three hours to Alachua to collect them. The Alachua County Sheriff's office had a conversation with the mother and provided her with recommendations to get assistance in raising her children.

In Florida, the legal age to obtain a learner's permit is 15, while a full driver's license can only be applied for at the age of 18.

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Police apprehend pastor accused of killing girl in Delta community

A man in his middle age, identified as Alex Itedjere and believed to be a pastor, has been taken into custody for allegedly using a machete to kill a young girl in the Agbarha-Otor community of Delta State. The victim's body was found in the pastor's house in the agricultural community. Sources indicate that the cleric used a machete to end the young girl's life. However, the specific details surrounding the motive for the killing are still unclear at this time. In response to the gruesome incident, angry youths from the community reportedly stormed the pastor's house seeking retribution. They were on the verge of lynching him, but security operatives were called in by concerned leaders and managed to intervene in time to prevent further violence. Comrade Israel Joe, a human rights activist, swiftly demanded justice for the deceased girl and appealed to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the accused person is prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land. Unfortunately, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, was not available for comment at the time of reporting. However, a senior security source from the command confirmed that the suspect was apprehended earlier today.

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Tragic Shooting Incident: Woman Shot While Bathing at Home

A woman named Adijat, who lived in the Oke Akute Area of Iba, Osun State, was shot by unknown individuals while she was taking a bath at her home around 10:00 PM on Tuesday. Adijat, who belonged to the Fulani tribe and had a three-month-old baby, was quickly taken to a private hospital in Iree for treatment after the incident. Unfortunately, she passed away in the early hours of Thursday while receiving medical care at the hospital.

The incident caused fear and panic among the residents of Iba, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Witnesses reported seeing police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel at the crime scene the day after the shooting. The community is now living in fear following the tragic event.

The spokesperson for the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed that the incident occurred on September 19th, 2023, at around 10:00 PM. Adijat, the victim, was shot by unidentified gunmen while she was in the bathroom at her residence in the Oke Akute Area of Iba. Sadly, Adijat, a mother of a three-month-old baby, passed away on September 21st, 2023, at approximately 5:00 AM. The NSCDC is collaborating with other security agencies to investigate and uncover the mystery behind the incident.

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Mohbad's body exhumed by police for further examination

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that they have dug up the body of the late Afrobeats musician, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, for an autopsy.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police, made this confirmation in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The autopsy is scheduled to begin soon.

In the meantime, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to participate in the investigation of Mohbad's death.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, issued a statement acknowledging the developments following Mohbad's death. The state government has urged anyone with crucial information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and share it with the investigative team.

Furthermore, the government has requested that the investigating team ensure the confidentiality and protection of all witnesses who provide vital information or evidence.

Omotoso appealed to the deceased's friends and fans to remain calm and avoid making inflammatory statements or forming premature conclusions regarding the matter.

The Lagos State government expressed condolences to Mohbad's family and fans. Omotoso emphasized that they understand the pain of losing such a talented and promising young man who had made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry.

A special investigative team, assigned with the responsibility of unraveling the circumstances surrounding Mohbad's death, has been instructed to submit an interim report within two weeks from the day of its inauguration, which was Monday, September 18.

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Taliban police rescue woman held captive in a room for 25 years.

The Taliban Interior Ministry has announced that Taliban police have rescued a woman who was held captive in a dark room in the capital of Afghanistan for a period of 25 years.

According to the ministry, the room where the woman was imprisoned was filled with debris and garbage, as depicted in disturbing images released by the ministry.

During her captivity, she was provided with food through a window.

Ministry spokesman Abdul Matin Qani described the woman's ordeal, stating that she feels unsafe and fearful whenever she encounters other people.

Currently, the woman is receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Kabul, as she has suffered both mental and physical harm.

A doctor reported that she is malnourished and has developed severe anemia.

Medical professionals also observed that her bones were deteriorated and her joints were damaged.

According to the police, the woman endured years of turmoil, including a separation from her first husband, struggles with infertility, her brothers' involvement in criminal activities, and a dispute over inheritance.

In connection with the case, the police have arrested four of her family members, including her brother and nephews.

The police have stated that a comprehensive investigation into the case is currently underway.

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Tips for staying safe and avoiding kidnappers

There has been a troubling increase in kidnapping cases throughout the country. It's not just the wealthy who are being targeted by kidnappers; workers, students, and even children are also being victimized.

In a recent incident, terrorists abducted eight members of the National Youth Service Corps and their driver while they were traveling on a highway in Zamfara State. The corps members were on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State to participate in the mandatory national service.

Similarly, residents of Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area in Bwari, Abuja, have expressed concern about the rising number of kidnappings in the area.

These kidnappings are happening across various regions of the country, including the North-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West, South-West, and South-East. The perpetrators include Boko Haram terrorists, militant groups, gunmen, and other non-state actors.

According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, over the past 10 years, there have been 2,694 attacks resulting in the kidnapping of at least 19,366 Nigerians.

However, Armstrong Oyeyemi, a security officer with a private firm, believes that while some kidnappings occur randomly, individuals can reduce their risk of being abducted by taking certain precautions.

Assessing your risk level is important. Oyeyemi explains that certain individuals are at a higher risk of being kidnapped and need to be more proactive in protecting themselves. For example, politicians, actors, doctors, humanitarian volunteers, oil industry employees, tourists, and corps members are at a greater risk of being targeted for kidnapping. If you fall into one of these categories, it is crucial to take deliberate steps to ensure your safety and avoid traveling to regions with ongoing conflicts.

When traveling, it is advisable to research your destination thoroughly. If you have to travel through unfamiliar areas, find out about the safety of those places by consulting friends, transporters, or people who are familiar with the route.

Staying informed about local news is essential. Oyeyemi advises that there are certain areas where kidnappings occur more frequently, known as "kidnap zones." If you are traveling through or to these areas, it is important to stay updated with news reports so you can take appropriate precautions or change your travel plans if necessary.

Scrutinizing employees is also important. Some kidnappings are orchestrated by employees within an organization or among fellow staff members. Conducting background checks on individuals before employing them and ensuring their family members or guarantors are known and can be contacted is crucial.

Being discreet online is another precautionary measure. Oyeyemi warns against flaunting luxury possessions on social media, as kidnappers may target individuals for extortion purposes. It is important to be mindful of the information shared online, especially if adequate personal security measures are not in place. Additionally, revealing one's location unnecessarily can make a person more vulnerable to kidnapping.

Keeping emergency numbers readily available is vital. Having the contact information of security operatives and family members can be useful in case of any suspicious activity. Enabling location services on mobile phones can also be helpful in emergencies.

Reporting threats is crucial. If you receive threats, particularly related to kidnapping, it is important to report them to the police. Drawing attention to yourself in the event of a targeted kidnapping, such as by screaming or creating a commotion, can deter kidnappers who are not armed. Undergoing self-defense training can also help individuals protect themselves.