FORMER Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen, yesterday, urged the military authorities to pay the salaries and allowances of over 300 soldiers granted pardon by President Muhammadu Buhari, to avoid unnecessary distraction to the war against insurgency.

Rivers State Police Command has shot dead eight kidnappers and arrested 18 others .

Commissioner of Police, Mr Musa Kimo, who disclosed this yesterday in Port Harcourt, while parading the 18 kidnappers, said those who died lost their lives during exchange of fire with his men.

Traders of Building Material International Market, Ogidi; New Tyre Market Nkpor; Electrical Market Obosi; Electronic Dealers Association, Onitsha; Amalgamated Tyre Dealers Association, Nkpor and Iron Road Dealers Association, Bridge Head Onitsha,yesterday embarked on solidarity rally for the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON.

Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, said its Leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has gone through a lot of deprivation and pain for the interest of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Record signing Kevin De Bruyne scored again as Manchester City crushed Sunderland 4-1 to reach the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday, but Swansea City fell to second-tier Hull City.

Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season was abruptly ended by a 2-1 loss at home to West Ham United at the weekend, but Manuel Pellegrini’s team bounced back in style at the Stadium of Light.