We need a state of emergency – and more, in today’s news roundup with Cheta Nwanze

by Cheta Nwanze

JTF

Given what has happened in Lafia, I find it quite sickening that the ACN, and other assorted groups are attempting to play politics with the situation. The harsh reality is that the situation in the North should have been declared an emergency a long time ago, because that is what it is.

“Bodies of dead police officers are scattered and placed on top of one another on the floor. Most of the bodies are bloated and the sickening stench of rotten flesh pervades the area.  Maggots could be seen coming out from the corpse of a dead anti-riot police officer. The charred remain of police officers were gathered together like logs to be used for firewood. No dignity whatsoever was accorded the officers.

“The police insider that tipped the cult members off had a sticker that boldly announces his membership of the cult yet he was selected to take part in the operation. He is being kept in a cell that is accessible by the public at the State CID in Lafia raising fear that he could escape before proper investigation into the tragedy commences.

“The police convoy was attacked some kilometres to village and were pinned down by cult’s superior fire as over a thousand members of the cult took part in the operation. Those that were remained were forced to surrender after which they were hacked by cutlasses and some were burnt alive.

“Force headquarters in Lafia is in complete chaos. Wives of slain officers are still protesting. Most of the road into the town are still barricaded.” – Nicholas Ibekwe.

Nicholas, is an award winning investigative journalist, whom I have known for the last four years. We have worked together on various projects, and insha Allah, will work together in future. His elder brother, Christian Ibekwe, was one of the slain policemen in Lafia, Nasarawa state. Some of his colleagues are yet to be found. May Christian, and his slain colleagues, rest in peace.

Bits and bobs

Given what has happened in Lafia, I find it quite sickening that the ACN, and other assorted groups are attempting to play politics with the situation. The harsh reality is that the situation in the North should have been declared an emergency a long time ago, because that is what it is.

How else do you explain yet another bomb in Maiduguri?

Meanwhile, it has become even more apparent that rich people in Nigeria are above the law. While those of us poor folk have to get smooched each time we pass through the airport, the big chaps with PJs don’t even have to tell who is on their plane or what they are carrying.

Yesterday the economic wizards at the NLC warned the FG against listening to the IMF.

It appears that some banks have taken to stuffing ATMs with fake bank notes. The real pity in this story is that the Tribune could not be bold enough to name and shame. For such complaints, and other bank related complaints, please contact the CBN via [email protected] or call 09-4623660 or 09-4623662. If you need to speak to a specific person, ask for Chidi Umeano. He’s the suit in charge of such matters.

Meanwhile for those of you who woke up to today’s rains in Lagos, well depending on which newspaper you read, either there is no cause for alarm, or simply put, be very afraid.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

One comment

  1. de governor killed ur brother,cos all those cops were paid 2 carry out dat special assignment(personal).if it was a mere arrest it shouldn’t be at night nd not over a 100 police officers.ist a shame 4 the governor 2 send police 2 raid a community? Becus of their religious believe.
    He shuld be charge 4 genocide and be held responsible 4 de death of those personel(may they rest in peace)
    nasarawa is not an islamic state nor a hausa state… A hausa man can never claim indigene here.

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