The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Assailants kill 16, injure many in Plateau

    Assailants kill 16, injure many in Plateau

    At least 16 people were reportedly killed on Saturday night, while many others were injured in a gunmen attack on Lisham Kwahasnat community of Mangu Local Government, Plateau State.

    A community leader, who does not want his to be mentioned, told The Nation that the gunmen are suspected to be killer-herdsmen, who invaded the community at about 10:55pm when the inhabitants were preparing to go to bed. 

    He said the gunmen, on entering the community, opened fire on the residents at random and shot anyone, adding that in the operation, which lasted about an hour, 16 people were gunned down, while those who sustained injuries were taken to Mangu General Hospital for treatment. 

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    It was gathered that the 16 persons were given mass burial yesterday. The National President, Mangu Development Association (MDA), Sir Joseph Gwankat, who confirmed the incident, said the latest attack on the people of Lisham Kwahasnat community was a shock to peace-loving people of the council and the  state. 

  • 11 die in Jigawa auto crash, say police

    11 die in Jigawa auto crash, say police

    No fewer than 11 persons lost their lives at the weekend in an auto crash at Kwanar Gujungu town in Taura Local Government of Jigawa State.

    ASP Lawan Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), JIigawa Police Command, confirmed this in a statement in Dutse yesterday.

    Shiisu said the accident occurred on Saturday at about 12pm, when two vehicles, a Honda saloon with registration number NSR 469 AE, and a Golf wagon with number plate AUY 292 XA had a head-on-collusion.

    He said the Honda car was conveying five passengers and the driver identified as Abdullahi Muhammad, while the Golf wagon conveyed four passengers and the driver identified as Safiyanu Mamu.

    “On Saturday, at about 1200hrs, the command recorded a fatal motor vehicle accident, which claimed eleven lives at Kwanar Gujungu town, when two vehicles had a head-on-collision, as a result of which all the eleven people in both vehicles answered the supreme call on the spot,” he said.

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    He said a team of personnel from Taura Divisional Police Headquarters, rushed to the scene and conveyed the victims to the General Hospital, Taura, where a medical doctor confirmed them dead.

    “The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ahmadu Abdullahi, on behalf of the officers and men of the command, expressed his heartfelt condolence to the immediate deceased’s families, relatives and well-wishers in this trying moment.

    “He prays to Almighty Allah to have mercy on them, forgive their shortcomings and prevent the occurrence of such ugly incidents,” Shiisu.

  • Lagos govt shuts Quilox for causing traffic congestion

    Lagos govt shuts Quilox for causing traffic congestion

    Lagos State Government has shut popular nightclub, Quilox, on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island.

    The Nation learnt it was closed down for causing severe traffic congestion in the vicinity.

    Lagos State Environment Update – @enviupdatelasg via ‘X’ on Sunday had tweeted: “This is Quilox Club as of today, the 24th of December, 2023. At 7.30 am….

    “When the government takes a FINAL decision on the traffic and environmental nuisances caused by this club, nobody should cry a witch-hunt.”

    This is not the first time the state government will be shutting down the club.

    On December 26 last year, the popular nightclub was closed down over non-compliance with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency’s (LASEPA’s) directive and organising events without obtaining a sound control permit.

    Last month, it was also sealed off for noise pollution and other environmental infractions.

    LASEPA officials then stated that the club was shut due to multiple concerns, including severe traffic congestion in the vicinity and a flagrant disregard for the agency’s directives infraction

    However, the government later opened the club following a commitment by its operators to adhere to safety rules.

    Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) on their official X handle on Sunday, confirmed the latest shutdown.

    According to LASEPA, both agencies have warned social centres to ensure that their operations do not affect the safety and wellbeing of other citizens and vowed to sanction any of such erring.

    LASEPA added that Quilox Restaurant Bar Night Club had been found in non-compliance with essential environmental regulations set by the agency.

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    The agencies also warned Sol Beach, The Good Beach and Landmark Beach over environmental violations and safety measures.

    LASEPA tweeted: “Lagos State Government Seals Quilox, strongly warns Sol Beach, The Good Beach and Landmark Beach over Environmental and Safety infractions.

    “A joint enforcement operation between the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) sealed Quilox nightclub over environmental and safety infractions.

    “Recall an earlier press release, where both agencies have warned social centres to ensure that their operations do not affect the safety and wellbeing of other citizens and vowed to sanction any of such erring.

    “The agencies also warned the operators of Sol beach, the good beaches, landmark beach and other social centres across the State to ensure that adequate considerations are made towards the safety and wellbeing of their neighbours and citizens of the State during the Yuletide.”

  • Mutfwang condemns attacks on Plateau

    Mutfwang condemns attacks on Plateau

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the recent brutal attacks on innocent residents of Mushu village in Bokkos Local Government.

    He therefore directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous acts and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.

    The governor’s condemnation is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere.

    The governor expressed deep concern over the unacceptable violence. Governor Mutfwang urged communities across the state to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action. He questioned the impunity of the attackers who inflicted harm on communities, destroyed property and evaded justice.

    Highlighting the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the governor said proactive measures would be taken by the government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens.

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    He sympathised with the affected families and urged them to find solace in God.

    as the government diligently works to end the prolonged violence.

    Wishing swift recovery to those injured,  Mutfwang emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to pursuing peace and unity. He reassured the public that these goals remain top priorities, with continuous efforts until the desired results are achieved.

    As the state faces these challenges, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt prayers for a peaceful Christmas celebration in Plateau and across the country.

  • Otu warns contenders of Obong of Calabar throne over unguarded utterances

    Otu warns contenders of Obong of Calabar throne over unguarded utterances

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has warned those flouting the state government’s directive on the settled matter of the Obong of Calabar stool, not to test the patience of his administration over their unguarded utterances and other actions that can disrupt peace.

    The governor, who spoke as a guest of honour at the 12th Utomo Obong Festival (homage to the Obong of Calabar), at Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government at the weekend, said it was unbecoming of certain individuals to make insinuations and provocative statements on a matter the government had taken a position on, following a ruling by the Supreme Court.

    He said: “Enough is enough! We have no problem with anybody or group seeking judicial remedy to whatever perceived grievances there are. But this government will no longer tolerate insinuations and provocative statements capable of truncating peace.

    “Power comes from God, therefore, whoever God has given power to should be supported by all. The state government has taken a position based on the law, and some people do not want to accept that. We will no longer tolerate any situation that threatens the peace of the state.

    “The Obong stool as one of the few Treaty Kings East of the Niger is highly revered and should be supported by all.”

    Otu said his administration would “partner the Palace of Obong of Calabar to seek classical and ancient sagacity in providing good governance for our people under a convivial atmosphere and consistent policy framework and implementation. 

    “The security, peace process, due diligence and decency demonstrated in Efik kingdom architecture have informed our numerous achievements in the state in the past six months.”

    He described His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the 78th Efik monarch, “as a man of peace, a champion of inclusiveness and an evolutionary cultural dynamo. 

    “His sterling reign has seen to the stable federation of the 12 Efik principalities. The establishment of Obong of Calabar Executive Forum as the fulcrum of his engagements with his subjects in Efik language development, educational support programmes and dynamic preservation of the culture and tradition of the Efik is highly commendable. This cultural fiesta is the icing on the cake, as it provides the platform for the tangible manifestation of the Efik ethos and cosmology.”

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    The governor hailed the royal father for his “calmness of mind and stability of disposition in the face of the challenges to the throne,” noting: “As a government, we salute the genuine approach to achieving peaceful reign over the Efik and the inhabitants of Calabar.”

    He informed the gathering of Efik sons and daughters, as well as well-wishers from far and wide of his administration’s resolve to build a befitting palace for the Obong.

    The gathering had in attendance the 12 clans paying homage to the Obong, as well as notable personalities like former governor, Donald Duke, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Sen.  Asuquo Ekpenyong and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu.

    Mrs. Nella Andem-Ewa, SAN, was the chairman of the occasion, with High Chief Gershom Henshaw as the chairman of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum.

    There were cultural displays by the Efik.

  • Fed Govt grant for vulnerable to be launched today in Calabar

    Fed Govt grant for vulnerable to be launched today in Calabar

    • •Minister pays homage to monarch 

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has said Federal Government’s grant for groups will be launched today in Calabar under a joint supervision of herself and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu.

    She spoke in Calabar at the weekend.

    Edu, who graced the 15th coronation of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, spoke on the sidelines of the annual Utomo Obong event.

    She described the Utomo Obong festival as a classy celebration of the rich Efik cultural heritage and congratulated the Obong on his 15th coronation.

    She hailed the success of the festival.

    “I’m happy to be here in Calabar to attend the Utomo Obong for 2023. Our king, the Obong of Calabar, is an A-class king. He is father to all his subjects and brings together his people, the different clans, and indeed every well-wisher who wishes Cross River State well and who wishes his kingdom well too. 

    “We’re here to share culture. We’re here to share a good time and we’re here to share Renewed Hope for the people of Cross River State and the kingdom of Calabar.”

    She reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to stamp out poverty in the country and usher in a refreshing dawn for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

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    The minister said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Cross River State Government, on Christmas day, will launch grants for vulnerable groups. We’ve put together names of vulnerable groups in Cross River and we are beginning with those in Cross River South Senatorial District.

    “The idea is to reach the poorest of the poor at the grassroots, especially during this Christmas.”

    She added that the little funds put into their pockets would help them start micro businesses that could help sustain their families and bring them out of poverty.

    “So we have a full package for Cross River and we believe ‘Cross Riverians’ are ready.”

    Edu said the ministry has “a criterion, which is the poverty index and we have a checklist. We reached out to all the communities in the southern part of the state, the wards, the villages, and the people who matched these criteria were selected out of the many. So this is the first phase. We’ll continue to do this as we move to the next phase, but for now we are handling just 5,000 persons.”

  • Community to police: we’re ready to die defending our inheritance’ 

    Community to police: we’re ready to die defending our inheritance’ 

    The people of Ezinano community in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State have vowed not to cede their land to anybody or group.

    They said they were ready to stake their lives defending the land, which they noted they inherited from their forefathers.

    The land, they alleged, was being claimed by the people of Enugwu -Agidi community in Njikoka Local Government, in connivance with the police.

    The indigenes, who attempted at the weekend to inspect the land, were, however, stopped by armed police, who insisted they had orders not to let anyone into the disputed land. 

    The policemen stationed on the land opened fire and shot teargas at the indigenes, resulting in pandemonium, as some of the indigenes, including reporters who were to cover the protest, scampered for safety.

    Although no casualty was recorded, no fewer than 14 journalists narrowly escaped death, while four others sustained injuries.

    Addressing reporters after the incident, a prominent member of the community, Chief Kanayo Obidigbo, said police deployment in the area had stalled development of property.

    Obidigbo, who accused the police authority of complexity, said they had demonstrated apparent interest in the land, especially a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

    He called on Inspector General of Police Egbetokun Olukayode to investigate the matter and order withdrawal of the operatives from the land.

    He said: “We are here to inspect Agu Nawgu. This is a land our forefathers won in conquest. It is a vast land of about 60 kilometres radius. We grew up to know this land and it has a 1949 survey plan by our fathers, who were illiterate.”

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    “They gave out the land to Enugwu-Agidi people on rent to be cultivating, but later our forefathers sent them packing when they stopped paying rent.

    “The land belongs to Ezinano community of Awka, which has about 20 villages. Even the estates you see here belong to Awka people.

    “The police presence on our land is unacceptable. The men were sent here by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, whose interest we do not know.

    “They have stalled development in this site. I have a building here, but I can’t continue work because of police presence.

    “You are all witnesses today how police were shooting at us, defenceless  Awka indigenes. Yet they told the IGP they did not post operatives to our land.”

    Commissioner of Police Aderemi Adeoye denied sending police operatives to the land.

    He, however, failed to say who deployed the operatives in the land as alleged by the protesters.

  • Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths have hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolving the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State.

    The youth, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), said Tinubu’s role in brokering peace in Rivers State was an indication that he was indeed a ‘father’ to all.

    In a statement signed by the NDYM National President, Prince Boboye Peretu, at the weekend, the group noted that peace was a necessity for the development of the region.

    “We appreciate Mr President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for creating and midwifing the necessary peace in Rivers State, the headquarters of our region.

    “The youth of the region under my watch shall strive to reciprocate your fatherly disposition towards us. We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to your administration,” the group said.

    Pledging to mobilise the support and loyalty of youths of the region for the current administration, NDYM said it would work for the success of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC.

    It also promised to work with government agencies, including security organisations, to ensure that the programmes and policies of the government were implemented.

    “The board and management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are appreciated for their continuous support and encouragement.

    “The movement shall reciprocate by resuming our traditional role as the mouthpiece of the commission in all their projects, programmes and policies as it concerns the region,” it said.

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     NDYM thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and governors of Niger Delta states for engaging youths in governance, as well as spreading democracy dividends to their people.

    “NDYM appreciates the uncommon Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio – the story of your rise from grass to grace and from grace to grace is a study in perseverance, tenacity and steadfastness and it is an inspiration to us in the region. More so, we thank members of the National Assembly for their solidarity.

    “We sincerely thank Honourable (Prince) Eugene Dibiagwu, our national patron and member representing the people of Ohaji/Egbema, Ogwuta and Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State for the regular support and encouragement.

    “We thank our Royal National Patron, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Okirika, HRM King Ateke Michael Tom (The Ambassador of Peace), for his fatherly support.

    “We thank our pillar, Oba Nanka Ifeanyi (our National BOT), for his steadfast support.

    “We thank the Elders Forum Chairman, Comrade Moses Omo-Ikirodah and Comrade Stephen Youyah, Comrade Felix Ogbonna, Allen Okiakpe and others,” the group said.

  • Ekid people seek federal appointments for Ibibio

    Ekid people seek federal appointments for Ibibio

    The people of Eket and Esit local governments of Akwa Ibom State have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Ibibio people federal appointments.

    Under the aegis of Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), they appealed to President Tinubu to apply the federal character principle in selecting federal appointees from the states into its MDAs. 

    The call was made over the weekend by the National President of EPU, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, during the 2023 Annual National Congress of Ekid Nation. 

    In his address to Ekid people, Dr Udonsak drew the attention of the Federal Government to a glaring disparity in the appointment of the Ibibio by the Tinubu administration. 

    “It is necessary and timely to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the fact that so far, in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibio in general, including Ekid in particular, with a population of about five million and 65 per cent of Akwa Ibom’s voting strength have not been carried along in its appointment,” he said.

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    Udonsak added that the non-appointment of any Ibibio by the current administration in its federal appointments, negates the principle of federal character. 

    He urged the National Government to mitigate the suffering of the people as a result of the harsh economic environment. 

    “Government policies should be tailored towards alleviating the suffering of the masses partly caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and forex uncertainties,” he said. 

    He called on the Federal Government to complete section four of the East West Road and the execution of the Lagos-Calabar Rail Line crisscrossing the Niger Delta, for ease of transportation of goods and economic development.

  • ‘We won’t tolerate protest to disrupt Aiteo’s oil production’

    ‘We won’t tolerate protest to disrupt Aiteo’s oil production’

    Bayelsa State Government says it will not allow a protest planned for tomorrow to disrupt oil production at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration.

    The government in a statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Chief Ayiba Duba, warned the masterminds of the planned protest in Nembe Basambiri that youths and chiefs’ council activities remained suspended in the area.

    According to the state government, the security agencies have been alerted to the plot calculated to halt oil production at the OML 29 oil fields and deprive the state of the much needed oil derivation revenue.

    The government said it would not want anyone under any guise to breach the prevailing peace in Nembe Basambiri and across Bayelsa.

    “The attention of the Bayelsa government has been drawn to a planned protest on December 26 by some individuals at Nembe Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government, who have constituted themselves into youth and chiefs councils.

    “The public should note that activities of these individuals are in violation of the subsisting suspension placed on all youths’ and chiefs’ councils’ activities in Bassambiri at the wake of a violent crisis traceable to the unwholesome conduct of the youth body and chiefs’ council in the area in August.

    “The protest being planned by these individuals against Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company will not only disrupt activities of the company, but also breach the peace, undermine public order and safety as well as possible destruction of oil and gas infrastructure in the state,” it said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that oil production at OML 29 had remained comatose for two years due to unsustainable levels of oil theft and vandalism on the 97 kilometre Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL).

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    Aiteo, the indigenous oil firm that acquired the asset for 2.4 billion dollars, following divestment by Shell recently discarded the NCTL and resorted to direct export using a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel.

    The Bayelsa government explained that the planned protest was not only an affront on the authority of the state, but also a sabotage of the Nigerian economy.

    “Therefore, government wishes to warn those involved in this attempt to undermine the public peace in Nembe under the guise of protest against oil companies, to abort it immediately as there will be consequence for any unruly conduct.

    “Meanwhile, all security agencies in the state have been put on red alert and will not hesitate to do everything within their means to prevent infraction in Nembe and indeed the entire state.

    “To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” it added. 

    The management of the oil firm is yet to respond to request for response on the development.