Anambra government offers N5m for information on killers of ex-lawmaker

• Group condemns renewed herdsmen killings, A’Ibom CP issues quit notice to criminals
• Police arrest kidnap kingpin in Benue, cleric explains why insecurity persists Government Area, Governor Willie Obiano, has offered N5 million for information on the killers.

The development has resulted in panic among residents of the community as the state government is making efforts to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.

A resident of the area told The Guardian yesterday that Igboka was shot at Oye Market Square in his car, even as the assailants stayed for some minutes to confirm him dead.

He explained that four gunmen attacked Igboka, who was also President General of Nimo Community, adding that his killing may not be unconnected to a lingering chieftaincy tussle in the community following the death of a traditional ruler.

Confirming the incident in Awka yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mustapha Dandaura, said when the assassins started shooting sporadically at Nimo Market about 8.18pm on Tuesday, he sent a team to the scene and found the victim unconscious in a pool of his blood.

Obiano condemned the killing of Igboka and vowed to unravel the cause of his death, describing it as heartless and unnecessary.

Besides, the Forum of Igala Journalists (FORIJA), an umbrella body of Igala practicing journalists, has condemned the renewed herdsmen attacks and killings in Omala and Dekina local government areas of Kogi State.

In a statement issued by its President, Omonu Gowon-Nelson, it said the prevailing peace that returned to the area following last year’s attacks, has again been jeopardised.

The group urged relevant authorities to move swiftly to nip the killings in the bud, as it could worsen the fragile economic and security situation in the area, since farmers were preparing to start the planting season.

However, newly deployed CP to Akwa Ibom State, Zaki Ahmed, has declared war against cultism and other forms of criminalities, stressing that armed robbery, kidnappings and other vices in the state have been linked to cult activities.

He stated this during his maiden media briefing at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo yesterday, insisting that those caught in any crime would be arrested and prosecuted.

Also, the police in Benue State have arrested a kidnap gang kingpin, Terngu Ackaa, who has been terrorizing residents and businessmen in Gboko, Katsina Ala, Makurdi and environs.

Briefing newsmen in Makurdi while parading the suspects, the CP, Omololu Bishi, said command also arrested 10 suspects believed to have been involved in armed robbery and several kidnap operations in the state.

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Reverend Callistus Onaga, has called for collective effort to end the security challenges in the country.

He stated that the idea of passing blames anytime there was security breach in in the country had compounded the situation, stressing that Nigeria would collapse if the trend continues.