Kadunna: Shiite sect clashes with police personnel living 3 dead with several others injured

Yesterday at Kadunna, members of the Shiite sect, and the Mobile Police(Mopol) clashed in a shootout which took the life's of three persons, with several others injured.

According to reports reaching us through an eyewitness, said the Shiite sect members were preparing for a protest against the arrest of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, by the military when the police came to disperse the crowd.

The eyewitness, said the Sect after being disperse by the police, regrouped at Tudun Nupawa, many of them were said to have engaged the police in a shootout, leading to injuries on both sides.

Reports, also have it that at least four police men where injured, with one in a very critical condition.

The clash began when the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau, had led a Federal Government delegation to Kaduna State over the crisis between the army and the sect. Both parties, clashed last weekend when members of the sect blocked the Zaria/Jos road, preventing Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s convoy from passing.

The Minister also held a close door meeting with the Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on the development before going to Zaria to ascertain what really transpired between the sect and the soldiers.

At the Government House, the minister speaking to reporters, said: “I came to Kaduna to see the situation of things and I decided to see the Chief Security Officer of the state.

“I’m on my way to Zaria to see the situation of things.”

Concerninf yesterday clash, the sect issued a statement, saying: “The mobile police unit (MOPOL) attacked a peaceful protest staged by the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Kaduna, killing three people on the spot, with many receiving gunshot injuries.

“As usual with such protest conducted by the Muslim brothers, it started peacefully from Layin Kosai area of Tudun Wada Kaduna. However, when it reached Tudun Nupawa near Enugu Road, MOPOL, in about five vehicles, opened fire on the protesters.

“The main aim and slogans of the protesters was ‘Release Sheikh Zakzaky!’ “Enough is Enough!

“The protest was dispersed by the police by their sporadic shootings.

"However about 9 police vehicles moved to Tudun Wada where the Markaz (Islamic Centre) of the Muslim brothers is situated and opened fire there.

“As if in continuation of what the army started in Zaria over the weekend.

“Report reaching us said many were killed or wounded there also.

"Similar protests were held in Bauchi, Gombe, Kano and Gusau, and they all ended peacefully, becouse no police were ordered to shoot the protesters.

The question is, who are those in authority that are bent on creating choas in Kaduna through such brutal attacks on ordinary unarmed people.” The statement read.

Popular Nollywood actor Confirmed dead

Popular Nollywood actor and Comedian, Dede One Day, is dead. The actor who is based in Aba, Abia state, died yesterday of alleged high blood pressure.

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The comic actor who became famous for his ‘Laugh With Me’ work passed on after battling with high blood pressure yesterday morning, December 14, after performing at an event yesterday.

Reports going around, however claim that he anchored a program for one Charles Esonu yesterday in Aba. He from there went to Ugwunagbo for another event he was paid , but he couldn’t conclude that event as he was rushed to hospital over blood pressure related issue and he died later.

May His Soul Rest In Peace.

We killed 7 Shiite members and injured 10 others to repell an attack on COAS

The Nigerian Army has said it killed seven members of Shiite sect in Zaria, Kaduna State and wounded 10 other members of the group while repelling an attack by the group against the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Saturday.

According to the army, the shooting by the troops accompanying the COAS’ convoy was “in line with Rules of Engagement” – and aimed at saving the life of the COAS from “heavily armed” members of the Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zazaky-led Shiite sect.

The army’s version of the conflict was contained in the “Occurrence Report” prepared by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police and attached to a petition submitted by the office of the COAS to the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja on Monday.

The December 14, 2015 petition with the title, ‘Letter of complaint against Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff’, and with reference number NA/COAS/G1/52 was signed by Col. F.U Mijinyawa on behalf of the COAS.

The petition which was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, who received the representative of the COAS in his office, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar , on Monday.

“This is forwarded for your information and necessary action,” the petition stated.

The petition stated that over 500 members of the sect rushed out to barricade the road while the COAS was on his way from Dutse to pay homage to Emir of Zazzau before proceeding to attend the Passing Our Parade of the 73 Regular Recruit Intake.

The occurrence report with reference number HQ NACMP/G1/300167 detailed how the Shiite group “heavily barricaded” the road, allegedly preventing the convoy of the COAS to pass through for a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau.

The report stated that members of the sect were “heavily armed with dangerous weapons, ranging from long swords, knives, daggers, sticks, iron rods to catapult” at about 2.30pm on Saturday around the Polo/Golf Court on Sokoto Road where they mounted the barricade in Zaria.

It added that the group defied the soldiers’ warning shots and had allegedly started hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops while also planning to launch a “petrol bomb” attack against the COAS’ convoy.

The report stated, “However, troops were wary of the group being armed with guns. Some members of the COAS entourage disembarked to approach the armed group to talk with them to remove the barricade to allow free passage.

“All entreaties fell on deaf ears as they insisted that they had to contact their leader, El-Zazaki, before the COAS would be allowed passage.

“However, as this was going on, unknown, to the convoy, some of the members of the group had positioned themselves at strategic locations around the vicinity. A few of the group members had started crawling in the overgrown grasses by the roadside towards the COAS vehicle with the intent to attack the vehicle with petrol bomb.

“Subsequently, they suddenly resorted to firing gunshots from the direction of the mosque and hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops. Despite the troops firing warning shots, the El-Zazaki’s group continued attempting to forge towards the troops.

“The troops immediately responded in line with Rules of Engagement as the life of the VIP (COAS) was seriously threatened.

“Troops had to shoot their way through up to the Zaria Post Office area by PZ to provide a safe corridor for the COAS and the convoy to pass through before the arrival of the reinforcement from Depot NA.

“The COAS then proceeded to the Emir’s palace for the courtesy visit before moving to Depot NA to review the 73 RRI Passing Out Parade.

“Sequel to the above, about seven of the members of the group were shot dead and the COAS directed that the 10 wounded be evacuated to the Depot NA Medical Centre for treatment while all exhibit items such as swords, knives, cell phones are recovered from the scene.”

The report stated that the exhibit items were handed over to the Nigeria Police.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police Provost Admin Coy was directed to investigate along with the Nigeria Police,” the occurrence report stated.
It added that a detailed report would be forwarded to the commission when the investigation was concluded.

In response, Angwe assured the visitors that the NHRC would conduct detailed independent investigation into the incident.

News Source: Punchng.com.

#UCLDraws: Arsenal and Chelsea gets a had test as Manchester City gets Kiev

The final draws for the round of 16 games in the Uefa Champions League, have been made. As usual, it was some interesting pairing

While Chelsea, once again got PSG for the third season running, Arsenal will test their wit against a Barcelona side which boost of the most deadly attack in the games presently.

The other EPL representative Manchester City, however got a meatier tie with Dynamo Kiev. It looks like Manchester City, will be waiting for Arsenal and Chelsea at the quarterfinals already. As they are already bookmakers favourite to advance first from this stage to the next.

COMPLETE UCL DRAWS.

KAA Gent vs. Wolfsburg
AS Roma vs. Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain   vs. Chelsea
Arsenal vs. Barcelona
Juventus vs. Bayern Munich
PSV Eindhoven vs. Atlético Madrid
Benfica vs. Zenit St. Petersburg
Dynamo Kiev  vs. Manchester City

Meanwhile, chelsea, will be in domestic action tonight, as they'll face a flying Leicester City who are currently top of the league.

Chelsea, at the other hand, are just 1 point above the relegation zone, as they seat in a rather unfamiliar 14 position.

Amaju Pinnick, praises Dream Team for winning Afcon championship and securing Olympics ticket for Rio 2016

Nigeria U-23 Captain with the trophy.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has praised the team brilliance and calmness towards securing the AFCON CHAMPIONSHIP TICKET, and also the Rio 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES. Scheduled for Brazil next year.

 The Dream Team Vi defeated Algeria 2-1 at the final match played at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar on Saturday night to win the tournament.

Meanwhile in the we other final, South Africa defeated host Senegal 3-1 on penalties to win the third place match after both teams ended the encounter goalless at regulation time.

And President of the NFF Amaju Pinnick, in a statement posted on the federation’s website, expressed his delight to see the Nigerian team lift the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Dakar, Senegal.

“This is another reason to celebrate; we are delighted.

“But we give a lot of credit to the players and the officials, led by Coach Samson Siasia, because they showed exceptional perseverance and unyielding spirit to do the nation proud.

“The NFF has a special praise for Coach Siasia; he was strong mentally and never lost focus, even in the face of odds. He deserves every encomium,’’ Pinnick is quoted as saying.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  this triumph is the fourth major trophy in the 14-month life of the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF.

The titles are the Super Falcons’ 2014 African Women Championship and the Flying Eagles’ Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations win in Senegal earlier in the year.

The third triumph is the Golden Eaglets’ successful retention of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in November.

Sokoto state Governor buys Jamb form worth over N44m for 8,000 indigent students

The governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has purchased Joint Admission and Matriculation(JAMB) forms worth N44 million to be distributed to 8, 000 students of the state.

In a statement signed by Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Mallam Imam Imam, said the JAMB form was meant for indigent students seeking admissions into various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The governor, will continuously sponsor students who are seeking to study outside the shores of Nigeria, saying education is a top priority of the government. The statement read.

Tambuwal, speaking in Kampala, Uganda at the graduation ceremony of students from Sokoto under the state scholarship scheme at the weekend, promised to offer adequate assistance to students with exceptional intellect.

The governor further pledged to take over the four Computer Based Examination Centres (CBT) under construction by the Federal Government under the defunct SURE-P intervention programme.

According to him, the centres located in Gwadabawa, Wamakko and Tambuwal LGAs, will have a combined capacity of 1,400 computers and will be put to use during the 2016 nationwide JAMB examination.

Nigeria U-23 defeats Algeria to be crowned AFCON champions with Olympics ticket secured

Nigeria U-23 Football team players

On Sunday, the Nigeria U-23 football team, defeated their opponents from Algeria, at the finals of the AFCON CHAMPIONSHIP which was staged at Senegal.

The Nigeria U-23 team won by 2-1 courtesy of a first half double from Etebo Oghenekaro.

After defeating Algeria 2-1 in the final of the African U23 championship played on Saturday night, Nigeria, will now feature at the 2016 Olympics Games billed for Rio, Brazil. As champions of Africa.

Etebo, top goal scorer at the competition, repeated his brilliance in front of goal as he scored goals that handed Siasia boys their first Africa U23 Title.

The goal conceded against Algeria, was the first Nigeria had conceded in the first half of the competition.

But coach of the Algeria side, Pierre Andre Schurmann will rue his teams lack of cutting edge, as the team failed to convert their chances in both halves.

Nigeria could have run away with the two goals but for an own goal by Oduduwa SegunTope whose defensive blunder saw him nodding home into his net a Zinedine Ferhat’s dangerous cross from the right. This gave the Algerians their only goal of the crucial final.

At the other end of the pitch, Coach Samson Siasia, and his players,  will also be grateful to goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, for putting up an assuring display once again, after he saved Zinedine Ferhat’s penalty in the second half.