Chairman, traditional rulers council of Imo Eze Emmanuel Okeke has conferred the chief of army staff Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya with the chieftaincy title of Dike Ogu 1 (War Lord) of Imo.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday at the monarch’s palace in Owerri, Imo State when Yahaya paid a courtesy visit to him.
The visit was part of activities marking the commemoration of the 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Okeke, who thanked the army chief for his efforts at restoring peace in Imo, pledged his readiness to partner with the army and other security agencies in the state in the fight against criminality.
“We take cognisance of the partnership of the Nigerian Army with the Imo Government and we pledge our readiness to assist in whatever way it is required of us to ensure lasting peace in Imo,” he said.
In response, Yahaya thanked the traditional ruler and his cabinet for the honour bestowed on him, adding that he came to pay homage to him in line with the dictates of tradition as Imo was hosting the NADCEL.
He urged traditional rulers in the state to keep watch, partner security agencies and report obnoxious conducts capable of disrupting peace to relevant quarters.
Also on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari’s advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers came under attack by terrorists near Dutsinma, Katsina State.
The team was heading to Buhari’s hometown Daura ahead of him for Sallah.
In a statement, Katsina police spokesman Gambo Isah said that the police area commander for Dutsinma, Aminu Umar, and one other were killed in the ambush.
Although Isah did not specify that the attack was on the presidential team, the description of the location matched those of the presidential team that was attacked.
