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Vigilante team rescues abducted Catholic priest in Anambra

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Vigilante team rescues abducted Catholic priest in Anambra

Rev. Father Cyril Okafor, a Catholic priest serving in Anambra State, has been rescued by the Umueri community vigilante team barely 24 hours after he was kidnapped.

According to reports, the priest was abducted on Tuesday afternoon in the area of the Holy Ghost Adoration Center in Igboukwu, Anambra state.

The cleric was kidnapped on Tuesday at around 3 pm but was rescued around 4:30 am on Wednesday by the vigilante team that had tracked down the kidnappers, according to a security update provided on Wednesday by Chief Johnny Chukwudi Metchie, President-General of the Umueri Community and African Director of the International Association of Peace Advocates.

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Metchie said, “Today, at about 4:30 in the morning, the agile men of the Umueri vigilante group led by the CSO, Friday (Omo Fri), intercepted some kidnappers in Umueri and rescued a Reverend Father identified as Rev. Father Cyril Okafor.

“The Rev. Father was kidnapped yesterday (Tuesday), November 15, 2022, around Holy Ghost Adoration Center Igboukwu. According to the Rev. Father, who is now with the police at Otuocha Police Station, he was taken to Enugu and then to Nteje where they hoped to keep him in a hotel room, but the hotel was fully booked.

“Then, they brought him to Otuocha, Umueri, and kept him gaged in an abandoned building, waiting for his family to pay a ransom before the Umueri vigilante CSO and his team intercepted one of the kidnappers who claimed he was a visitor on his way to pray in the river that early morning.

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“He was forced to lead the vigilante to where he is staying in Umueri, and that’s how he led them to the building where they kept the Rev. Father. Unfortunately, while the vigilante searched the building and questioned him, he ran away with the other three members of his gang.

“That’s when it dawned on the vigilante that they were criminals, and as they intensified the search on the building, the Rev. Father was found where he was tied up. The vigilante also recovered a Highlander SUV used by the kidnappers.

“I am thankful to God for using men of Umueri vigilante to save the life of His servant. I am so proud of the job being done by the Umueri vigilante group.

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“Criminals should stay away from Umueri and the entire Omambala region because the joint task force in place will always fish them out for the law to handle.

“While investigation is going on, I beg everyone to be alert and report any suspicious person to the vigilante group. Get to know your neighbour, and be worried when you see an unknown face in any abandoned or uncompleted building.

“May God keep protecting our vigilante men and Umueri Oke-ebo Kingdom from evil people.”

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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