WE DID IT TO IPOB, WE HAVE DONE IT NOW TO EL-ZAZAKY'S ISLAMIC MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA, WHEN ARE WE GOING TO DO IT TO FULANI HERDSMEN?

Unless otherwise proven by Nigerian government and those supporting her, terrorism remains the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians in the pursuit of political aims. These global definition of what terrorism is, calls to question the activities of Nigerian government from 2015 till date and her actions towards naming some groups terrorists.

In the wake of the agitation by the Indegenous People of Biafra, a group of radical youths agitating for the indepence of the Biafran people from South East  Nigeria, the federal government of President Muhammdu Buhari responded by declaring a military operations in South East Nigeria, tagged, "Operation Python Dance" where a lot of these youths were killed. The federal government ended up proscribing the group and named it a terrorist group, not minding that the group is not known for violence and no tangible record associates the group with violent agitation.

In the run up to the  2015 general elections, pictorial evidence abound where President Muhammadu Buhari was seen with other politicians visiting Sheikh El-Zazaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria to seek his support. This was done not minding the history of occasional violence by the group and the need for leaders who are not in support of such activities to distance themselves. After the 2015 elections, one event led to the other and Sheikh El-Zazaky was arrested by the Buhari's government and has been kept in custody for years without trial and the government has also disobeyed all court orders to release him.  This again raising concern if this is not a Shittes/Sunni Moslem problems that have plagued most Islamic countries, Buhari being a Sunni Moslem supported by Saudi Arabia and El-Zazaky a Shiite, supported by Iran.  President Muhammadu Buhari has again like what he did to IPOB, proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and declare it a terrorist group.

WHEN WILL BUHARI AND HIS GOVERNMENT DECLARE FULANI HERDSMEN A TERRORIST GROUP?

On Wednesday 18th November, 2015, the Independent Newspaper reported a news from the Global Terrorism Index GTI where Fulani herdsmen In Nigeria and other West African countries were ranked the fourth most deadliest terrorist group in the world. Fulani Herdsmen came fourth after Boko Haram, ISIS and Al-shabab.
Known records have shown that recently in 2013 Fulani Herdsmen killed about 80 people, in 2014, they killed about 1,229 and from there 2015 to 2018, Fulani herdsmen In Nigeria have succeeded in killing about 3,641 known Nigerians excluding records that are not known. Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria did not just stop in killing, they have also gone into land grabbing and kidnapping for money. Their brutality in kidnapping, has no equal record in the history of Nigeria.

With minimal violence, Buhari's government has proscribed IPOB and IMN, what is stopping Buhari from prescribing a known terrorist group in the World, the Fulani Herdsmen? A group whose violence activities in the world against civilians  is well known.

WHEN WILL BUHARI PROSCRIBE FULANI HERDSMEN AND DECLARE THEIR GROUP, MIYETTI ALLAH, A TERRORIST GROUP?

Ekpenyong Isaiah
Commander, Infantry Pen Battallion
isacool4good@yahoo.com

Governor Ayade congratulates Jeddy Agba on his ministerial nomination

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has congratulated Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba on his nomination as minister by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement issued in Calabar on Saturday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, quoted Governor Ayade as describing Agba's nomination as a big plus for Cross River.

"I heartily congratulate my brother and friend, Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba, on his nomination as Minister.

“It is a fitting nomination and a big plus for Cross River considering Jeddy's track record of service to Nigeria. And I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on any ministry he is eventually assigned to", the governor said.

While expressing optimism that the ministerial nominee will make Cross Riverians proud as a minister, Governor Ayade called for closing of ranks across party divides to give Jeddy the needed support to succeed.

"The interest of Cross River comes first. Let us therefore, rise above party and ethnic affiliations to give one of own, our son, the necessary support he needs to succeed  as minister,” he further stated.

Yesterday, we appointed the leadership of Standing Committees of the House. It is usually a very challenging task selecting leaders among equals. But we did our best in record time as this is one of the earliest such appointments have been made since 1999. The House is now fully ready to perform its legislative duty.

Let me clarify that Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin was not excluded from the leadership composition. He was involved in the composition process and declined accepting any committee leadership. Hon. Jibrin had, repeatedly, made clear his intention to leave the House. My persuasions and that of some other leaders convinced him, reluctantly, to stay a bit longer.

He wants a fresh challenge and his preference will be to return to the university and pursue his professorial ambition, face his private business or serve in the executive arm of public service. I have no doubt, whatever he decides, he will be of immense value. He has had a meritorious career in the House over the last decade.

Eseohe Ebhota-Akoma

There was a general laughter on Friday at the Senate when Sen Ali Ndume (APC,Borno) told his colleagues of how he gave out his daughter in marriage after payment of N100,000 dowry.
Dowry, in Islam is a mandatory payment, in the form of money or possessions paid by the groom, to the bride at the time of marriage, that legally becomes her property.

Raising a point of order on personal explanation, Ndume said he was absent from the morning session of Thursday’s sitting, because of an event meant for the collection of his daughter’s dowry.

He said the event later ‘translated into a ‘brief’ marriage ceremony.
“ The parent of the person that wants my daughter in marriage brought dowry to indicate interest. I didn’t know it would translate into marriage,” he said.
Ndume said he decided to explain his absence so that his colleagues will not be offended, that he did not not announce the marriage of his daughter in line with the tradition of the Senate.

The Federal Government has obtained a court order to proscribe the Shiites’ organisation formally referred to as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the proscription of the Shiites’ movement as protests by the Islamic organisation rock Abuja.
According to PUNCH Justice Nkeonye Maha issued the order in a ruling in which she also designated the activities of the Shiite organisation in any part of Nigeria “as acts of terrorism and illegality.”
The court restrained “any person or group of persons” from participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the IMN “under any name or platform” in Nigeria.
To complete the process of the proscription of the group, the court ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation “to publish the order proscribing the respondent (Islamic Movement in Nigeria) in the official gazette and two national dailies.”
However, the spokesperson for the group, Ibrahim Musa, said the government could not proscribe the movement, pointing out that its members were Muslims practising Islam as “revealed” by Prophet Muhammed.
He said the group was neither an association nor a political party that could be proscribed by fiat.

Real Madrid boss, Zinedine Zidane is not happy after their 7-3 humiliation in the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid at the International Champions Cup, but the Frenchman is “convinced” Real Madrid will enjoy a good season. Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored four goals in a stunning win for Atletico in the International Champions Cup early hours of Saturday morning.

Real Madrid were put to the sword in New Jersey, where city rivals Atletico led 5-0 at half-time in the pre-season fixture on Saturday. Spanish striker took centre stage in the absence of Antoine Griezmann who joined Barcelona in the summer with four goals before he was sent off, along with Los Balncos full-back Dani Carvajal, following a clash in the second half.

It was a stunning encounter between both Madrid clubs at the MetLife Stadium, where the margin of defeat could have been greater if not for some desperate defending and late goals from Karim Benzema and Javi Hernandez. Discussing the result post-match, Madrid head coach Zidane – whose team conceded after just 43 seconds – told reporters: “What happened is that we entered the game very badly. A high-level competition, we entered very badly.
“At eight minutes we were down 2-0. There was no response from us to change something. The first part was difficult. We never entered the game. We have lacked everything. Especially intensity.”

Zidane continued: “They scored seven goals, it can’t happen. That is also known to the players, who are disappointed. You don’t have to spin it over. It’s a pre-season game. They’ve been better at everything. There is nothing more to talk about. “We are preparing a season and being calm. We have to be on August 17, with the first league game. For now, we have lacked things for sure tonight.”

It will be remembered that Real Madrid overturned a two-goal deficit in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal after losing to Bayern Munich 3-1 in their pre-season opener, finished third behind champions Barcelona and runners-up Atletico in La Liga last season but eventually secured the Champions League spot despite their poor run of form last season.

“We will be motivated. I have no doubt about that. Our season is going to be good. I am convinced,” added the Frenchman, who saw Luka Jovic leave the game in the first half with an apparent leg injury. “Today we cannot be happy. For the rest I am convinced that I have a team that will compete and very well. That’s it. We have to go back and get some rest. “It doesn’t worry me, but it hurts. When you lose … you don’t play to lose. But that’s it, we can’t look back. It’s a bad game and you have to think about what we’ve done.”

Madrid will face Tottenham (July 30) and Red Bull Salzburg (August 7) before opening their La Liga campaign against Celta Vigo on August 17.

A sergeant of the Nigerian army identified as Tella Adedapo has allegedly committed suicide.

Adedapo, a driver attached to the budget and planning department at the army headquarters in Abuja, was said to have hung himself on the ceiling fan in his apartment— flat two, block F, Muhammadu Buhari quarters at Gowon barracks.
It is not immediately clear what prompted Adedapo’s decision but a note he left behind suggested he was having issues with his wife.

“What’s Rose problem with my work, is this husband and wife? Ask Rose the problem she has with my work,” the note read.
TheCable gathered his body has been moved to the National Hospital in Abuja.
Sagir Musa, army’s spokesman, was yet to respond to TheCable’s message seeking details on the matter.

Over the months, soldiers have continually complained about poor welfare.

Everton have ramped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha and are willing to bid £60million plus Cenk Tosun, according to reports.

The Toffees are looking to pip their Premier League rivals Arsenal to the signature of the Ivory Coast international this summer after he admitted he was looking for a new challenge to develop his career.

And according to the Telegraph, Everton are ready to make their move by offering big-money to Palace for Zaha and include Turkish striker Tosun in the deal.

But the report also claims Chelsea are weighing up a bid for the 26-year-old when their transfer ban ends next summer if Zaha is still at Palace.

Frank Lampard's outfit are currently serving a two-window ban and can't sign anyone this summer.

That may be suit the Selhurst Park outfit as it means they could keep hold of their star player, who they value at £80m, for another season.

It would also boost their chances of signing Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who was on loan with Palace in the second half of last season.

Zaha is reportedly aware of Chelsea's interest in his services although they have yet to make a formal approach.

Palace have played hardball with Zaha's suitors so far as they are determined to keep hold of their world class player, who scored 10 goals and created as many assists in 34 Premier League games last campaign.

"I met this Man during my Campaign tour to Maiha Local Government Adamawa State. Jagbajaba Village was not in my program for stop over but the village people learnt that my convoy will be passing through the village and came out en - masse blocked my way with singing and dancing. I was forced to come down from my vehicle to address them.

After taking me round the village to see their infrastructural challenges, THIS MAN held me by my clothe and said Maigida save my life I have a tumor and I don’t have money to pay for the surgery. I was moved with compassion.

I sent him to Yola and doctors carried out a Major Surgery on him.

I am so happy seeing him strong and happy today.

A big thank you to my class mates Doctors Elijah Tonde Gargah and Joseph Fashe for their support.

Politics apart, We must show compassion. We must help humanity the best way that we can.

Congratulations Alhaji Adamu Diba

I AM ~ Senator Ishaku Abbo - SIA"

Duncan Mighty Donates Land To Church To Mark 4th Wedding Anniversary 
By Eje Peter, 
Popular musician, Duncan Mighty, has celebrated the fourth anniversary of his wedding to Vivien Okechukwu, by donating land to a Port Harcourt church.

Duncan Mighty married his long-time girlfriend, Vivien, in 2015 at a private ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The couple has three children.

The ‘Obianuju’ singer has had to contend with allegations of wife battering.

Read also:https://www.theeaglesvoice.com/2019/07/burna-boy-nigerians-love-me-now-because.html?m=1 

The charismatic singer said that people were only looking for an avenue to tarnish his reputation.

The self-proclaimed Port Harcourt’s 1st Son wrote a message to her via Instagram on Thursday.


“MRS VIVIEN MIGHTY MY WIFE MY PEACE.WE ARE THE DEFENDERS OF OUR INABILITIES WE NOT JUST LOVERS BECAUSE LOVE FADES AND DIES WE ARE CALLED BEST VALUERERS AND WE ARE FOUR YEARS TODAY. Forever Together one wife one wedding many anniversaries. In addition to our celebration and thanksgiving offering is a piece of Land today in portharcourt for the purpose of GODS PLACE OF WORSHIP AND HIM ALONE BE GLORIFIED AMEN,”  he wrote.

TEV_media

Burna Boy: Nigerians Love Me Now Because The Rest Of The World Does

Chelsea only have themselves to blame for Lewis Baker's unfulfilled potential

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Despite being regarded as one of Chelsea’s brightest youth prospects and being named the club’s Young Player of the Year for the 2013/2014 campaign, Lewis Baker’s career has been a tale of unfulfilled potential.


The 24-year-old’s journey has taken him on spells abroad and into the lower leagues of English football, but year after year, his chances of forcing himself into first-team contention at Stamford Bridge have slowly slipped away.

Now, as confirmed by the club’s official website, Baker will once again spend the upcoming season away from Chelsea after joining Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Since making his senior debut for the Blues back in January 2014, Baker has spent time on loan at (and take a deep breath here) Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Vitesse, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Reading and now Fortuna. Not exactly the kind of career he would have imagined after Jose Mourinho’s proclamation.

Back in 2014, the then Chelsea boss waxed lyrical about the young potential he had at the club and took personal responsibility for their development. He declared: “My conscience is simple. If, in a few years, Baker, (Isaiah) Brown and (Dominic) Solanke are not national team players, I should blame myself.”

Well the fact is, Mourinho, and a whole host of other Chelsea managers and staff, have to now take the blame for how Baker’s career has panned out, while Brown has struggled with injuries and Solanke is waiting in the wings to prove his worth at Bournemouth.

The midfielder’s resume at youth level is really quite something, as he added a goal of the season award to his YPOTY in 13/14 and also scored the goal that clinched the title for the young Blues. He even showed his credentials at international level when he won the Golden Boot as the England U21s won the 2016 Toulon Tournament.

His performances for Vitesse in the 2016/2017 season saw him net 15 goals and register a further seven assists as he inspired the Dutch side to lift the KNVB Cup. That summer should have been the time for Chelsea to really give Baker the keys to the kingdom, and see whether he could genuinely make a success of it.

Instead, the 24-year-old was shipped out on loan again and has since fallen completely off the radar with spells at various Championship sides.

Frank Lampard’s arrival heralds what could be an academy revolution, ushering in a new dawn at Stamford Bridge where young talents are nourished and offered pathways into the first-team, rather than pawned off to whatever club needs an extra shirt for the season.

It may just be too little too late for Baker though, and the club have no one to blame but themselves.

Rojon

If the morning of Tuesday, July 22, had broken like the sweet melody of a blackbird, full of promise, freshness and newness to come, now, for proponents of Ambode-for-Minister, the day (and many more to come obviously) now sits like a cold cup of coffee waiting to be drained away.
Prior to the release of the ministerial list two days ago, aides, loyalists and fans of the former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, had been venting and ululating about his purported ministerial nomination. And they backed their enthusiasm with believable arguments.
Described as having got power-drunk at the height of his governorship, Ambode laboured to get the ticket for a second term but was rebuffed to the consternation of political observers who felt strongly that he performed excellently in office. Sources in the presidency said the President felt likewise too and actually reached out to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and godfather of Lagos southwest politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure Ambode was returned but it was too late as the political leaders in the state had made up their mind, it emerged.
To compensate Ambode, President Buhari was alleged to have promised to make him a minister in spite of Tinubu or whoever’s ox was gored. His cheerleaders further went to town saying that it was to underscore that the president was in Ambode’s corner that he visited Lagos in May to commission some of his (Ambode’s) administration’s projects including the 10-lane Oshodi-Muritala Muhammed International Airport Road; the 170-bed ‘Ayinke House’ (maternity hospital) at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja; the Lagos State Theatre at Oregun, Ikeja; new 820 mass transit buses; and the multi-level Oshodi Transport Interchange along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Despite that some of the projects have still not been completed, the president commissioned them, saying, “Ambode has performed satisfactorily and should be commended for his contributions to the growth and development of the state.” The Ambode-for-minister crowd threw a victory party saying unequivocally that they had hit target; and that it was a matter of time before their man got a ministerial slot.
When news later emerged that the president had decided to have an expanded cabinet of 42 – 36 to represent each state of the federation and six to represent the geopolitical zones – it was further victory celebrations for the Ambode people who reckoned that the expansion was to accommodate disgruntled party members like him. Alas, the release of the list earlier today has thrown Ambode and his supporters into heartrending mourning.
Strangely, on different social media platforms, there is no pity for the former governor. Some jocularly said his name would be on the Vice Chancellor’s list – a euphemism for the practice in higher institutions where the VC has his own list of prospective undergraduates who did not make the school’s merit list. A twitter user wrote, “Someone said Ambode didn’t get the cut off mark that’s why his name is missing on the list.” To further rub salt on his injury, Ambode is still a trending topic on Twitter while the accompanying memes and GIFs are as hilarious as they are heartbreaking for the man on the receiving end.

Presidency sources said Ambode had to be left out because President Buhari could not deal with the catalogue of complaints against him and was mindful of the fact that going ahead with his nomination would be pitting him against Tinubu, a scenario he wanted to avoid at all cost. Thus, sacrificing Ambode was seen as a masterstroke in political calculations.

Source: The Capitalng

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (left), decorates Aircraftman Bashir Umar with the new rank of Corporal in Abuja yesterday, for returning 37,000 euros found at Hajj Market in Kano to the owner. In the middle is the recipient’s father, Audu Umar.

Aircraftman (ACM) Bashir Umar yesterday received double promotion and was decorated with his new rank of Corporal for returning lost €37,000 Euros (N15m) to the owner in Kano.

He also received a letter of commendation from the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja, during a special decoration ceremony.

Abubakar in his speech, said ACM Bashir’s display of uncommon act of integrity by returning €37,000 Euros he found at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano to its owner on 7 July 2019 while performing his routine duties.

He said, “I am proud to say that we have found in ACM Bashir the rare qualities we stand for in the Nigerian Air Force.
“The special promotion of ACM Bashir to the rank of Corporal today, apart from serving as a reward for good conduct is also to serve as motivation to other airmen/airwomen to aspire for such elevation.”

Abubakar said ACM Bashir earned the rank of Corporal by good conduct and as part of the desire to reward uncommon good deeds and excellence, he is being decorated in front of his friends, peers and family.
Aircraftman (ACM) Bashir Umar was born on June 1, 1995 into the family of Mallam Bashir Abdulmumuni and Salamatu Aliyu in Maiha L.G.A. of Adamawa State.
ACM Bashir Umar was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force on August 1, 2016 after Basic Military Training at the Military Training Center Kaduna.

He is serving with National Air Defence Corps (NADC), Ikeja Lagos and attached to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as part of the Mobile Air Defence Team.

John Ameh, Adelani Adepegba, Tunji Bosun, Peter Dada, Abiodun Nejo, Bola Bamigbola and Ademola Babalola

There were indications on Thursday that the military had yet to get an order on the deployment of troops in the South-West to tackle killer herdsmen.


The acting  Director of  Defence Information, Col Onyema Nwachukwu, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja, said if a directive was given, the military would comply.

Traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji;  motorists and residents of the South-West  in separate interviews with The PUNCH, said the Federal  Government had yet to deploy troops in the zone as it promised after  Mrs Funke Olakunri, a daughter of the Afenifere leader, Pa Ruben Fasorati, was killed by herdsmen in Ondo State on July 12.


Some of them also said that the threat by herdsmen, who  had been kidnapping people and attacking farmers in the region, still persisted.

During a condolence visit to Fasoranti on July 14, the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had said the Federal Government would consider  troops deployment  on the highways.

Also at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by the Vice-President in Osogbo on  July 23, it was agreed  that security agencies would carry out an aerial surveillance of the South-West forests.

On Thursday,  the  Vice-President’s office said Osinbajo did not promise a date for troop deployment on highways,  but only stated that it was being considered as an option to tackle insecurity

When asked to comment on remarks by traditional rulers that there was no military presence in their areas and their people could not go to farms, Nwachukwu stated, “If a directive is given, the armed forces definitely have to comply. Everything has to go through due process.”

He, however, said that there  were existing joint operations with other security agencies in the zone.

He stated, “The fact is that we have an existing joint operations with other security agencies in the South-West. Although we have an existing operation, if a directive is given, definitely, those operations can be reviewed. We have Operation Awatse which we are jointly conducting with other security agencies. There are other Quick Response groups around there.”

Osinbajo didn’t give a date – Aide

When contacted,  the Vice-President’s office said Osinbajo only said troop deployment was a possible option to be taken by the Federal Government.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the VP, Mr Laolu Akande, who made a reaction, stated, “The Vice-President said it was one of the options (troop deployment); not that he gave a date. Go and check what he said again. He said one of the options.”

No security presence in South-West –Traditional rulers

In separate interviews with The PUNCH, traditional rulers, motorists and residents of the South-West  said there was no security presence on the highways in the zone, adding that threats by herdsmen had not abated.

Troops not yet deployed on Ekiti roads, say monarchs, residents

In Ekiti State, the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olu Adeyemi, who stated that he had not noticed any deployment of troops, said,  “I don’t think that much has been done on the said deployment noticeably. We are only hoping that they will do something.

“Government should make good the promise to carry out surveillance and to keep vigil over the troubled places otherwise the security situation will worsen. If the bandits find out that no efforts are being made, they will be strengthened to continue to launch attacks. But for now, there is no noise around the place. Government should actualize its dream,” the monarch said.

A community leader in Ise Ekiti,  Tunji Falana, who corroborated the traditional ruler, said: “I have not noticed any (troop deployment). They (the Federal Government) should start the planned troop deployment immediately”.

The community leader, who said his community had about 56,000 square kilometres of reserves, which were occupied by strange faces, canvassed community policing.

According to him, the community policing should  include  the Oodua Peoples Congress, Agbekoya and local hunters.

Security situation still bad – Traditional ruler

A traditional ruler, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, who said he had not heard in the news that troop had been deployed in any road in the state,  said,  “The security situation is bad and the solution that the government is proffering is not the best.

“Aerial  surveillance and  troops deployment are not what we need right now particularly in the South-West. What is the adequacy of the troops they have that they are thinking of deploying them on the roads?

“How are we sure of the mindset of those people they are going to deploy? What is their position, how do we know those people are going to really protect us? Which of the roads do they want to deploy the troops?”

We only see policemen occasionally – Traditional ruler

Some residents of state also said the aerial surveillance had  yet to be carried out the in the forests in Ondo State.

The traditional ruler of Auga Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the state, Oba Samuel Agunloye, said there were no troops on the highways in the area. He added that there was no aerial surveillance in the area .

He said the regular policemen were the only ones that occasionally patrolled the highways.  The monarch stated, “We don’t have any troops here in this area. We have not seen any aerial surveillance here too. May-be they can start today or tomorrow; we don’t know, but for now nothing like that.”

The monarch of Osi Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, Oba David Olajide,  said no aerial surveillance or troops had been working in the forest and the highways in the local government area.

He stated, “ We have not seen any troops here and no sign of aerial surveillance in our local government. Maybe the troops will come later but now they have not come here .”

However, a resident of Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Oluwole Ogunro, who is a commercial motorcyclist, told our correspondent that troops were deployed in the Ore-Sagamu Expressway for some time but they were withdrawn later.

He said, “We saw soldiers on the Benin-Ore-Sagamu Expressway during the time the daughter of Pa Fasoranti was killed but after a week, we did not see them again.

“Also at that time we saw a helicopter moving round for few days but later we didn’t see it again. But as I am speaking with you now, there is no more helicopter and the soldiers too have gone, but we still have few checkpoints mounted by policemen on the expressway.”

Similarly, Mr. Olusegun Elegbe, who resides in Oniparaga in the Odigbo Local Government Area, also confirmed the presence of military men on the roads in the area, a few weeks ago, but said the soldiers had been redeployed from the area.

“About two weeks ago , we saw many soldiers at almost every 500 metres on our roads while helicopter too flew over our  area here but now they are no more there.

Also, commuters on the Ilesha-Akure Expressway, which is prone to herdsmen attacks,  said there  was no special security on the road on Thursday.

In Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, in an interview with The PUNCH,  said there was no new deployment of troops along the Osogbo-Iwo Road.

He urged the Federal Government of expedite action on the recommendations arrived at when the Vice -President visited the state.

A traveller along the Osogbo-Ife-Ibadan road on Thursday also said no deployment of troops along the route.

In Ogun State,  investigations showed that there were neither troops nor aerial surveillance in any part of the state .

The Towulade of Akinale Owu in the  Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, Oba  Olufemi Ogunleye,  said there was nothing like troops and aerial surveillance  in their villages.

Oba Ogunleye  said   the Federal Government must prevent incursion of the killers herdsmen to solve the problem.

He said, “There are no troops here . The Federal Government should do the needful, instead of combing the bushes. It should stop herdsmen incursion and give traditional rulers specific constitutional roles to play”.

The Olu of  Alabata in the Odeda Local Government Area, Waheed Sanusi, said there were no troops and aerial surveillance in his communities.

Some farmers in various parts of the state who  spoke with   our correspondent, denied  the presence of troops and aerial surveillance  in the forests as promised by Osinbajo.

Also some motorists who spoke with our correspondent said they did not observe the presence of the troops on the highway.

FG not committed to S’West security – Afenifere

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere,  said it had not observed increased police presence in the south-western states of Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos, as promised by the police authorities in the aftermath of Olakunri’s death.

Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, explained that no troops had been dispatched to beef up security on the highways as promised by Osinbajo.

He said, “Are you referring to the statement by the Vice- President? Well, we have not seen troop deployment in the South-West. Maybe he didn’t get clearance before making the announcement?

“This clearly shows that the Federal Government does not have any commitment to the security of the region; This is the reason armed herdsmen are still freely carrying out killings and abductions in the region.”

Fufil your promise, YCE tells FG

On his part, the Secretary General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr. Kunle Olajide, asked the Federal Government to make real its promise to deploy troops in the South-West forests.

Olajide particularly told  Osinbajo, whom he described as ‘our son’ to drum it to the ears of President Muhammadu Buhari, especially the need to make the Yorubaland safe for posterity’s sake.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, Olajide also queried both  governors of Ondo and Ekiti states, Rotimi Akeredolu and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on why they had yet to make drones available as they promised the people, few days ago.

He said, “I have been quite uncomfortable since the incident of the latest kidnap of a son of one of my junior colleagues, who was shot and kidnapped on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by suspected herdsmen. It is an ominous sign that the siege on our land is real and has been further confirmed.

“We have heard of the impending surveillance of our forests by the government in the last four weeks and again, the VP, our son, came and promised us of troop deployment to fish out the criminals in the bush, yet nothing is on the ground.

“Governors of Ondo and Ekiti also promised us drones to flush the criminal elements. I am yet to see any drone or troops anywhere near the forests. The impression now is that we have been rounded up in the Southwest especially with the Tuesday’s kidnap incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

“We want to appeal again to Mr. President and the Vice president to flush out criminals in our forests; arrest the marauders and prosecute them accordingly.

“We are appealing to them to do the needful and make real their promises. The troops should be deployed immediately.

Swing into action, Olubadan tells FG

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, said there were no troops anywhere in the land, just as he appealed to the government to swing into action without further delay.

The Olubadan who spoke through his Director of Media, Adeola Oloko, said, “As I speak with you Kabiyesi has not seen or heard of the presence of  troops as promised by the Federal Government.