ESON-TVNews Summit

JUST IN: PDP Chairman Reportedly Slumps During Peace Accord Signing, Dies

https://www.osunreportersng.com/pdp-chairman-reportedly-slumps-during-peace-accord-signing-dies/

PDP Chairman Reportedly Slumps During Peace Accord Signing, Dies - Osun Reporters …..Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara State chapter, Alh Ahmad Sani Kaura,…

Ahmed Musa: Nigeria’s reigning Prince of philanthropy ☞ https://newsmakers.com.ng/ahmed-musa-nigerias-reigningprince-of-philanthropy/

Ahmed Musa: Nigeria’s reigning Prince of philanthropy Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has been crowned the reigning prince of philanthropy in Nigeria. Musa has made philanthropy his latest past time. He seems to be towing same lane with his senior, KA…

BREAKING:Ifeanyi Adeleke, Davido’s Son Is Dead

https://warrireporters.com/2022/10/breakingifeanyi-adeleke-davidos-son-is-dead/

BREAKING:Ifeanyi Adeleke, Davido’s Son Is Dead Ifeanyi Adeleke, the three year old son of Popular Music Star, Davido Adeleke is dead. It was gathered that the young Adeleke drowned in a pool at the Family Residence. A source close to the family stated; “The boy was inside water for too long and they pulled him out and rushed him to the…

A PEEP INTO THE MENTALITY OF NIGERIA RULING CLASS THRU EKWEREMMADU'S WINDOW

By Engr. Kissinger Okoye

Ekweremmadu's daughter Sonia has three siblings with six kidneys and two parents with four kidneys who all by virtue of their familial ties offers more probability of one them being a matching donor to Sonia. Together they have five pairs of kidney, a whooping 10 pieces of kidneys to choose from.

Ekweremmadu refused to donate, his wife also refused to donate, Sonia's two brothers equally refused to donate and most heart breaking, her only sister also said no.

The big question now begging for an answer here is; why did they all fail to donate a kidney to save one of their own and the simple answer is that they value their lives, their lives were of immense value to them that they dare not tamper with it, but David's life can be tampered with.

The only crime that David committed that made his life tamper-able is being poor, yes it's a crime to be poor in Nigeria, in Nigeria being poor stripes you of your dignity and rights as a citizen, denies you your government's protection and now we just found out with this shocking and crude incident that the your right to life can be denied you at will if you are poor in Nigeria.

Ekweremmadu and his family knew the danger inherent in kidney transplant procedure and they equally knew the danger of living with one kidney, the very reason they all shied away from donating theirs.

What they could not do themselves, they enticed and cajoled an innocent poor boy, who only wants a better live for himself, knowing he lacks options and when they discovered that he is not a matching donor for their daughter, in keeping with Nigeria's political class culture of use and dump, they tried to do just that, to bundle him back to Nigeria and dump him, having found that he is of no use to them. If this Is not the height of wickedness, I wonder what is.

Now spare a thought for David; he is a human being just like the Ekweremmadu's but the circumstances he found himself in made him a lesser being to them, so much so that they where ready to sacrifice his life for ten pieces of sliver, if not that they see him as a sacrificial lamb, why couldn't Ekweremmadu resettle David in the UK for at least making an effort? This question I will leave to your conscience.

Before you rush to Ekweremmadu's defense to promote the sentimental narrative of a father trying to save his daughter, think of David, he also have family, think of what could've been and also think of the inhuman treatment that would've been his lot had things not taken a different turn. However you look at it, the criminal here is Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu!

I have nothing but sympathy for Sonia and pray that God would intervene and provide a donor for her, what is happening, that is now jeopardizing her life further is no fault of hers but that of her family. Her father failed her, her mother failed her and her siblings failed her.

Opinion Poll, please vote and share widely for others to vote.

https://pollforall.com/plq57gz6

Who will you want to be APGA 2023 Candidate for Ogbaru Federal Constituency? Poll For All - Click here to vote!

https://thenationonlineng.net/community-threatens-to-occupy-govt-house/

Community threatens to occupy Govt House THE people of Ogwaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government of Anambra State yesterday urged Governor Charles Soludo...

Monarch's murder: We'll occupy govt house if Soludo snubs us - Protesting Anambra community

Click here to read more >>> https://thedailyvendor.com/monarchs-murder-well-occupy-govt-house-if-soludo-snubs-us-protesting-anambra-community/

Monarch's Murder: We'll Occupy Govt House If Soludo Snubs Us - Protesting Anambra Community People of Ogwaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to wade

*Breaking News!*

Sponsors and Killers of the Traditional Ruler of Ogwu-Aniocha Community, Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji Have Been Cought
..Those arrested include Chibuzor and Emeka that cut off the Igwe's hand and Collins that cut off the Igwe's head.

The long arm of the law has finally cought up with the barbarians that abducted and beheaded the traditional ruler of Ogwu-Aniocha Community, Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji after attacking and burnt down his Palace on the 15th of November 2021.

Those arrested include:
(1) Okwudili Ogana, (2) Chidi Ekpendu and (3) Azuka Okoronkwo who are the masterminds of the killings and the trouble in Ogwu-Aniocha.

Others include: (4) Chibuzor Nduba and (5) Emeka Udom who were the people that cut off Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji's hand. (6) Collins Nwonani was the one that was confirmed by one of the suspects to have cut off Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji's head. (7) Iwuama and the rest 6 conspired in the murder of Joseph Ifenatuorah, Ikenna Ugochukwu, Amaechi Ucheonwu(JB), Ajie Umuonicha and Azuka Udom and other persons that they killed in the most gruesome manner.

There arrest was made yesterday after over four months of coordinated searches. Other members of the dreaded Lion Squad are being closed up and will be rounded up soon.

You can run but can not hide from the law....

Profile of Prof (Chief) Obidinma Isaiah Okoli Onyemelukwe, an 84 year old man, he was shot few days ago by armed men in Oko, Anambra State.

He was brilliant. He was an institution and a library. He was a decent, kind, generous, conscientious man. He was a pillar in his community, Nanka, which he loved dearly. He was an iroko in the Onyemelukwe family. He was a loving father to his four children, the best father one could ask for. He loved his wife, Rebecca, with the love every woman in the world would wish for.

He was born to the storied Onyemelukwe family of Nanka. He graduated with the highest grades from the Addis Ababa University, scoring a distinction (the equivalent of First Class Honours), and a Masters and PhD in Economics in 1977 from the University of Michigan, USA having written his doctoral dissertation on 'Econometric Analysis of Structural Patterns of Economic Development.' He had postgraduate diplomas from the Institute of Social Studies at The Hague, The Netherlands, International University of Comparative Sciences, Luxembourg in 1962 obtaining a diploma in Comparative Economics. United Nations Fellowship from the United Nations African Institute for Development and Planning, Dakar, Senegal in 1966. He was the recipient of several scholarships and awards.

A career civil servant, he began his career at the Ministry of Economic Planning, Enugu, and rose to become a Permanent Secretary in 1988, having worked on Economic Development and Planning for the governments of Eastern Nigeria, East Central State, and later on Anambra State from 1962 up to his retirement as Permanent Secretary in 1992.

Retiring in 1992, he moved into academia, having already been a part time lecturer for several years, he transitioned from civil service into full time university teaching on his retirement.

A consummate teacher, always teaching even outside the classroom. From 1992 until 2012, he lectured at various institutions of higher learning, the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he also served as Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki where he also served as Head, Department of Economics from 1999 to 2001, and Anambra State University, Uli. He was the author of several books and many published academic articles.

An Old Boy of Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha (DMGS), he was a proud and active Dengramite. A member of the DMGS Old Boys Association (DOBA), Enugu Branch, he served in various positions, including as Secretary, Financial Secretary, and later on as President.

A Rotarian, since 1984, he served in various positions, including as President of the Rotary Club of Trans-Ekulu. He was until his death a member of the Rotary Club of Enugu. Always engaged in activities in his environment, he was active in many other societies including community and church matters.

He was a member of the Igwe’s Cabinet in Nanka with the title, Ichie Ochimba. He was a titled man, holding the Ozo title of Chibugo.

May his soul Rest In Peace and may the Lord console the family, friends, colleagues and community members he left behind.

Please share to your brothers, it's very important.

Happy birthday to the incoming Minister of Education, an Education Consultant and Counselor.

An inspiring youth and founder of the largest pro Ogbaru online group, Ogbaru Friendship Network (OFN).

Chidi C Ifeachor may your years be long and continue to blessed.

You are a worthy son of Ogbahu and humanity!

HOW TO PRODUCE GOOD LEADERS IN OGBAHU TO GUARANTEE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF NDI OGBAHU.

By Francis Idegwu

Daalunu, ndibeanyi, I salute your courage and resilience Ochiagha Ogbahu, our able coordinator.

All protocols observed, nke onye chili ya zelu.

We are here today to look at how we can produce good leaders that can guarantee a bright future for the next generation of ndi ogbahu.

In this paper will be looking at

1. What is leadership

2. Who is a leader

3. What are the qualities of a good leader?

4. How can we produce good leaders for the next generation?

One of the experts on leadership in the person of John C Maxwell said that everything rises and falls on leadership. Leadership is the act of organizing, managing and instructing people around us, whether it is official or unofficial, so that there will be peace, order and prosperity for all.

Leadership is found on every facet of life. From the home front to the village level, from the town union to the local government level, from the state level to the national and international level. We should also understand that leadership is the reason for the stability of the private businesses in the world. The results we are seeing today in the various institutions that influences the lives of men and women today is hinged on leadership. The decadence and the chaos we are witnessing in this nation today is as a result of bad leadership.

Therefore leadership is one of the most important aspect of our society. The day we get our leadership right, then we are ready to enjoy our lives.

Who then is leader?

A leader is that man or woman, that boy or girl who is ready to take responsibility and is ready to serve his or her people with the singleness of heart.

True leaders should be clothed in humility in order that they may realize that true leadership is truly service to men and sacrifice of time, resources and even comfort. Though they may be as wise as a sage, he or she should be humble and thus yield to others. This Will help the intelligent folks to offer their counsel, the brave to serve with all their strength.

No leader therefore knows it all. He needs the right followers to succeed and make necessary changes.

A lot of leaders are waisting away because some don't know that they are one, some others cannot fit into the leadership life style because they are not trained to do so. This brings us to the point that we must understand the qualities of a leader so that some people that are leaders by calling can see themselves In a mirror and some others can also see where to focus in their quest of becoming a leader.

Like I mentioned earlier on, that leadership is encompassing, which makes it a critical issue in building the society. So as I outline the qualities of a leader, I am doing it to cover all areas that has to with leadership in our lives, which includes the parents in our home front, the community leaders, the captains of industries, the spiritual leaders and political leaders.

The qualities of a leader can be seen from the works of some philosophers and political thinkers in defending and opposing the social contract theory. People like Thomas Hobbes, John Lock, Jeane Jacques Rousseau, Niccolo Machiavelli etc.

The main lesson of the social contract theories is that morality and political society came into existence together and they are inseparable from each other. Thus morality is inseparable from politics and leadership.

In the state of nature the lives of men were solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. This was what brought about the theory of social contract.

Professor Joseph Omoregbe observed that Thomas Hobbes in his work Leviathan told us that in the state of nature, when there was neither politics nor morality, men lived in a state of chaos, conflict, strife, war against all and insecurity. There was no politics, no law, no morality, no sense of justice or injustice, good or evil. Might is right. The only preoccupation of men was how to satisfy their appetites, and the only means of doing so was by brute force... Men now realized means to retain it. In doing this the ruler should simply ignore morality and use immoral means provided that the ruler succeeds in the end. Thus the idea of Niccolo Machiavelli is that grabbing political power is the ultimate goal, once it is achieved, any means used is justified. He went ahead to propose that the ruler seeking for political power should be shrewd, prudent, practical and Swift. He could be violent and brutal but must be shrewd in achieving his aim.

This is exactly what the political leaders in our nation are practising today. They have chosen to play politics the Machiavellian way, separating morality from politics and leadership. We are made to believe that once a person starts playing politics he must ignore morality. Hence we often hear people say that "politics is a dirty game" this simply means that politics involves using immoral means to rule the people. It is therefore not not surprising that most politicians both civilians and military have used such immoral means as murder, assassination, arson, fraudulence rigging, tribalism and nepotism to gain political powers and to retain it.

This is what we in ogbahu professional forum will be eager to change. We will make sure that we educate the younger generation by letting them know that morality and leadership is inseparable, that removing morality from leadership simply means drifting to autocratic system of leadership which will never help our society because leadership presupposes morality, honesty fairness, equity, open mindedness, peace and prosperity of the people.

For the leadership in the home front, it is the kindergarten class for leadership in our society. The children grows up observing what their parents are doing and believes that it the right things to do. Hence people become good or bad when they get to the position of authority based on the moral values that was inculcated into them by their parents in the home front.

For the community leaders and the captain's of industries, they are been controlled by the laws that is made by the political class. As long as you are under the laws of this nation, they can never do more than they are allowed to do. The truth is that the government is playing politics with the exclusive, concurrent and residual lists. This will never allow them to perform, except some with good morals that can feel what many people are going through. Go check the Nigeria Constitution, you will be amazed what the government has allowed to be in the exclusive list. Things that are suppose to be for the state and the local government, they deliberately put it in the exclusive list. This does not mean that the leaders at the state and local governments level should not do what is right within their own power to make the people comfortable.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us now focus on the essence of this paper, which is how can we produce good leaders for the next generation in ogbahu.

One of the first thing we should do is that we should watch our own characters, what we do and how we do them is so important because this younger generation we are talking about are watching us. Have you thought of why the this younger generation have decided to listen to mazi Nnamdi KANU (Ohamadike). The answer is simple, they have watched our political leaders and have observed what they are doing, this is part of what lead to their choice of believing in Nnamdi.

Secondly, we must encourage healthy competitions that will be rewarded with trophies, medals and cash. This will boast the morals of others to become good leaders.

Quarterly conference and symposium that will enlighten the minds of this younger generation will be encouraged. This will help to decolonize their minds and reprogram their thinking pattern. Making sure that they understand that leadership is not about stealing government funds and living luxurious lifestyle but that leadership is about service to humanity.

To buttress what i mean, i remembered I was invited to a wedding ceremony by someone that the mother is from my home town Atani, On getting to the reception venue, the brother came to me and pleaded with me to become the chairman of the day, he explained that the man that is suppose to the chairman of the occasion could not make, So I agreed. But I told him that I might do some things differently. He agreed with me.

When the reception started, I was introduced as the chairman of the occasion. The first thing I did was to announce to everyone that we will leave the reception hall in less than one hour thirty minutes. Everybody was happy, the second thing was to consult all the members of the high table to let them know that for the fact that they are here on the high table with me means that they are respected and honored, which implies that they have a level of comfort and food will not be a problem to them, in case if the food did not get to them, Everyone agreed.

I then called the caterer to reserve a cooler of rice with meat for some people. She asked me "who are these people" I asked her to look at the entrance of the reception hall that she will see some people with black nylon bags waiting to park left over foods. I said to her that there is no need for them to be given left over food when we can relinquish our own portions of foods so that they have a proper meal.

This was how those people outside was served and everybody was happy. After the reception everybody on the high table was congratulating me and shaking my hands.

The last on the list of suggestions on how to produce good leaders is for us to make sure that we encourage the community leadership structure that we have, through the age grade system. By picking out their leaders and find a way of interacting with them. The various committee we have on ground can work on these recommendations and raise the terms of reference for their training and interactions.

Ladies and gentlemen, we will not relent on our efforts to see new leaders emerge in ogbahu. Thank you all, for your time and patience in going through this paper, God bless you all.

Just making an uncommon sense.

Political jobbers from Ogbaru... where do they take you to..Burials or Child dedications?
👇👇👇👇
Waooooo ,like Chinedu Obidigwe or hate him, that Guy is making a loud statement on his own .
Taking 40 supporters out go Egypt to learn how to do dry season farming is a mean feat, it is a huge sacrifice, it is something only a Man who understands future will do...

Akaoma, Jide ka Iji..I know many Politicians who can only take the supporters to Burial and not any where they will stretch and eat in peace or on paid Meal..

Thumbs up for you.

©️Mazi Odera

*ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND BULLETIN OF 26TH JANUARY 2022*

*UPDATE ON THE INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED MURDER OF CHIEF AJIEH ANTHONY NWANASOR, IKENNA UGOCHUKWU AND ABDUCTION OF HRH IGWE OLIVER CHIKE NNAJI, THE TRADITIONAL RULER OF OGWU-ANIOCHA, OGBARU LGA OF ANAMBRA STATE.*

The Anambra State Police Command wishes to declare below persons *WANTED* in the ongoing investigation of the alleged murder of *Chief Ajieh Anthony Nwanasor, Ikenna Ugochukwu and abduction of the traditional HRH Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji* ( Ezechukwukwadolu the III) of Ogwu-aniocha community Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Therefore, the Command urges the general public to report to the nearest Police Station incase if any of the names and pictures attached below are seen around. They are:
1. Okwudili Ogana
2. Chidi Ekpendu
3. Chukwunonso Udom
4. Amaechi Akachukwu
5. Emmanuel Ejiofor
6. Christian Udeze
7. Chikezie Onwuka aka Osy Torture
8. Iweka Odogwu
9. Chimezie Okonkwo aka Danger
10. Onochie Nwabugwu aka Young PG
11. Anayo Ubadi aka Agunechimba
12. Chibueze Egwenu
13. Charles Obi
14. Aboy Udom
15. Chinedu Collins Nwonani
16. Onyebuchi Umuna aka Omeke
17. Ifeanyi Mbanugo aka Acid
18. Sunday Osadebe
19. Nduba Chibuzor
20. Amechi Adama
21. Azuakonam Anyakodia

Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police *CP Echeng Echeng* assures *Ndi Anambra* and the good people *Ogwu-aniocha* that the Command shall leave no stone unturned in the ongoing investigation. He also encourages citizens/individuals to call the Anamabra State Police Command on *07039194332* or *08039334002* if you have any information that can aid the investigation.

*Confidentiality is guaranteed*

*DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, ANIPR PPRO, Anamabra State Police Command*

There Won't Be Fanfare At My Inauguration – Soludo

Anambra State Governor-Elect, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on Thursday, said that there won’t be fanfare during his inauguration on March 17. He said that funds for such would be used to address more important development issues in the state.

Soludo made it clear that he had adopted an open governance model that would guarantee transparency and accountability to Ndi Anambra; insisting that his administration would not waste the state’s resources on jamborees.

The incoming governor bared his mind during the inauguration of his 80-man transition committee led by Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said that he would move from the inauguration venue to his office and from there to the slums in Onitsha and environs particularly Okpoko community where he plans to clean up.

He said that those who would be appointed into the government must be ready to work as “there is no time to waste”, saying that he was determined to revamp Anambra’s economy and place the state on the global map.

“I’ll be heading to Okpoko immediately after the inauguration. I’ll put in eight hours of work immediately after the inauguration. Don’t expect fanfare because it won’t take place”, he stated.

Soludo promised to finish the works started by the outgoing Governor Willie Obiano and then initiate new ones; adding that he would source for competent hands that would help to develop the state irrespective of where they come from.

“If a Pakistani will give us 24 hours of electricity, I will bring him and make him commissioner for utilities. What the people care about is the services they get and not necessarily who did it. We want to get good results here. What matters is the result. Accountability is a must here”, Soludo declared.

The Sun Nigeria

Basket mouth wife complains about high cost of foodstuffs and groceries.
We are in big trouble in Nigeria.😰

Ebube Ogbaru 2023
Made in Ogbaru by Ogbaru for Ogbaru people...
Maka Odinma Ogbaru!

Ogbahu culture!
Ogbahu tradition!
This is Isagba Ajie of Ochuche-Umuodu.

The conspiracy against Ogwuaniocha people by Senator Stella Oduah, Rep Chuchu Onyema and Hon Somto Udeze who are the three elected representatives of Ogwuaniocha community, Ogbaru LGA and Anambra North Senatorial Zone is so disturbing and alarming.

A community in Ogbaru has been at war with its resultant refugee crises and with over fifteen people dead including the traditional ruler for over two months yet our Senator, Rep and Assemblyman have turned blind eyes to Ogwuaniocha people. They suddenly became deaf and dumb.

This should be a source of worry to our people from other Ogbaru communities. Everyone is on his or her own. Our elected representatives only remember you when they need your votes.

This is not fair to Ogbaru people especially Ogwuaniocha people.

These elected representatives have footsoldiers here in Ogbaru and some of them are in this Forum. So they cannot feign ignorance of the war going on in Ogwuaniocha for over two months with refugees scattered all over Ogbaru.

Ogwuaniocha people sent a delegation to some of them, yet they turned their back on Ogwuaniocha people. A people they're representating.

Yes, the people may be surviving one way or the other but still a good representative with good conscience will not look the other way in a situation like this.

Is this not wickedness?

Igwe Ochuche-Umuodu Makes Case for Ogwu-Aniocha

As Gov. Obiano Directs Immediate Deployment of Forces to Ogwu-Aniocha

Receives Briefing
from Commissioner of Police on Ogwu-Aniocha

The traditional ruler of Ochuche-Umuodu, Igwe Barr. Osy Ijeomah today, met and discussed with the governor of Anambra State on the situation in Ogwu-Aniocha. He said that the traditional ruler of Ogwu-Aniocha, Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji, would not have slept if it were to be another Igwe that his fate befell on and that he speaks with Odobor, the wife of Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji almost on daily basis and kept imagining if it were to be his own wife that is undergoing such trauma.

He appealed to the Governor to help save Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji and to restore normalcy in Ogwu-Aniocha. He also lamented the influx of refuges arising from Ogwu-Aniocha situation.

The Governor who felt disturbed by the situation in Ogwu-Aniocha assured the traditional ruler of Ochuche-Umuodu, Igwe Barr Ijeomah, that the Commissioner of Police and the Council Chairman, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu have earlier briefed him and that a strong force has been assembled specifically for Ogwu-Aniocha and will be in Ogwu-Aniocha latest by midweek.

The Governor assured that the forces will not be pulled out until normalcy returns to Ogwu-Aniocha.

A prominent, illustrious, dedicated and loving Ada Ossomala Igili, Ada Ogbahu and two prominent Ogbaru sons at Laura's 50th birthday in Corona California in 2021.

Who can mention their names?

WIN a Prize!

Why We Abducted Anambra Monarch, Burnt Palace, Suspected Kidnappers Make Shocking Confession

ngdailynews

Suspected members of a kidnap gang said they abducted the traditional ruler of Ogwaniocha community in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Oliver Nnaji, to take over the oil proceeds of the community.
The traditional ruler was kidnapped on November 15, 2021, when gunmen invaded his palace at midnight and razed the building.
It was reported that the Special Forces of the Nigerian Naval Base, Onitsha, raided the Ochan forest camp of the hoodlums at 1.20am on Friday, killed 10 and arrested five of the suspects.
During interrogation on Monday, one of the suspects, Victor Ibenegbu, aka Network, 32, said his group was behind the serial killings and arsons in the community.
He said, “We abducted the Igwe because he did not allow us to control the oil proceeds in our community. Because we wanted to be in charge of the proceeds, we formed a group called ‘Lion squad’ headed by one Okwudili, who is a native doctor in the community, but he is based in Asaba and comes through the river near the forest to meet us.
“Each time we are to carry out an operation, he prepares charms for us, and a young girl carries the charm in a calabash naked around the forest. We stormed Igwe Nnaji’s palace on November 15, 2021, kidnapped him and burnt down the palace.
“We first kept the Igwe in one of the buildings in the community until at night when our leader directed us to move him to the forest. Right now, I don’t know where the Igwe is because our leader took him away and since then we have not set our eyes on him.”
Another suspect, Egbuna Anyakoha, said he overhead their leader telling a member that the monarch had been beheaded.
The 36-year-old said the gang leader who recruited them promised to pay them N1m every month to join him in fighting the community over the control of the oil proceeds.
“The leader of the Lion Squad tried to install himself as igwe but he was resisted because there is an igwe. It was in his unsuccessful bid to install himself as igwe that he formed the squad,” he added.
The leader of the naval team that carried out the operation, Suleiman Agabi, said the suspects were arrested based on intelligence, adding that his men swooped on their hideout and engaged them in a gun battle.
“They go to communities around the borders, kidnap their traditional rulers and force the communities to dance to their tunes. They kidnap the rulers and use the ransom to buy guns, prepare charms and maintain their operations,” Agabi added.
Among the items recovered from the suspects were live ammunition, cartridges, guns and charms.