*Kidnappers targeting US citizens in Nigeria, says Embassy

*Gunmen goes berserk raise Governor Uzodimma’s aide, other houses

By Evarest Ezihe (Owerri) and Eze Ezechukwu (Abuja)

With two days to the national elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) advised foreign observers accredited to monitor  elections to respect the sovereignty of Nigeria.

This is as the Embassy of the United States, has asked its citizens to be wary of travelling outside of official assignments.

Also, unknown gunmen in Imo State, went berserk setting ablaze buildings belonging to serving and former government officials, leaving a woman dead in the process. 

INEC on its part, further disclosed that it accredited 33 international organisations which deployed 2,113 observers, summing up 229 groups which deployed 146,913 observers for the polls.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal at a briefing for accredited election observers in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said: “Today’s briefing for observers is in keeping with international good practice. I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. 

“You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship.

“In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose sovereignty must be respected.

“I urge you all to keep to the rules, listen to the presentation to be made shortly and ask questions where you require further clarification”.

He said that for the 2023 general election expected to begin weekend with the presidential and National Assembly elections, the commission accredited 196 national or domestic groups that are collectively deploying 144,800 observers.

“Similarly, the commission accredited 33 international organisations deploying 2,113 observers. 

“In all, 229 groups are deploying 146,913 observers for the 2023 general election. 

“This is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria,” he said.

Yakubu also explained that: “In line with global good practice, electoral commissions in most jurisdictions invite national and international organisations to deploy observers or organise study tours for election managers during elections.

“As a consequence, observers submit reports to electoral commissions highlighting strengths and weaknesses of processes. Arising from study tours, election managers also learn from other jurisdictions.

“The progressive improvement in our electoral democracy since 1999 draws in part from the reports of observers and the study tours. 

“That is why over the years, the commission has sent open or specific invitations to national and international observers. The implication is that all accredited observers are guests of INEC.”

Kidnappers targeting US citizens in Nigeria, says Embassy

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in updated Travel Advisory titled, “Reissued with updates to staffing and do not travel areas,” advised its citizens to be wary of movements except they are essential. 

The Embassy said violent crimes,  common across the country, was often targeting dual nationals who have returned to Nigeria.

“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.  

“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as US citizens with perceived wealth.  Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.  

“Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

“There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region.  

“Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. 

“The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.”

The embassy, therefore, warned Americans in Nigeria not to travel to “Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping.

“Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping

“Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.”

*Gunmen goes berserk set ablaze Uzodimma’s aide, other houses

Hell was let loose in Imo State as unknown gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday set ablaze the country home of Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, the Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development.

Also burnt is the country home of a former Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, who had served as the Commissioner for information, Youth and Sports as well as Land and Urban Planning, respectively, during the administrations of former Governors Ikedi Ohakim and Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

The country home of a retired Director of Department of Security Service (DSS), Mr. Emeka Ngwu, was also burnt.

During the attack, an elderly woman who was in Ngwu’s house was roasted as narrated by Mr. Daniel Ajaelu an eye witness.

Moreso, two other houses belonging to two prominent sons of the area were also burnt.

The incident happened at Amagu Ihube community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner for youths and sports, Okoronkwo, confirmed the incidents, while decrying the brigandage. 

The spokesperson for the police in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, also confirmed the attack, saying that investigations have began with the view of arresting the fleeing suspects.

Recall that Ihube has recently become the hotbed of criminal activities with the country homes of the Labour Party candidate for Okigwe LGA, Nnaemeka Obiaraeri and the Director General of the Labour Party House of representatives candidate, Hon. Okey Unam burnt earlier in the year.