The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Fed Govt launches online platform for gas trading, exchange

    Fed Govt launches online platform for gas trading, exchange

    The Federal Government has launched the an online platform for gas trading and exchange also known as the Gas Trading Licence, Clearing House and Settlement Authorisation.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo said it is a new dawn with which the gas industry will emerge with a transparent, competitive, and investment-ready market.

    His words: “I am pleased to join you today on this occasion of the launch of the first Gas Trading Licence and Clearing House & Settlement Authorization.

    “This milestone event signifies the dawn of a new era where our gas industry will emerge with a transparent, competitive, and investment-ready market.”

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    He commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) leadership headed the Authority Chief Executive, Farouk A. Ahmed, and also to JEX Markets Limited for their innovative partnership efforts in developing the online platform.

    According to him, the efforts will pave the way for smooth natural gas business, transparent pricing, efficient price determination, and secure payment mechanisms— hallmarks that align seamlessly with our national energy policies and global best practices.

    He said the  launch is completely consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stated that natural gas will play the central role in the energy security, industrialization, and economic diversification.

    He said Nigeria is richly endowed with natural gas reserves, among the biggest in the world, but if the underlying market where the gas will flow is not efficient, reliable, and well-regulated, it will not be possible for stakeholders to realize the ultimate potential of the resource.

    Ekpo stressed that the Gas Trading Licence introduced is paving the way for a new, regulated market where reliable traders will feel safe doing business, where businesses can plan, and where investors can invest, knowing that it will safeguard both their capital and the public interest.

    He said in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, the Authority is mandated to regulate and monitor midstream and downstream operations; protect customers; set fair and transparent cost benchmarks; and ensure strict adherence to licence conditions.

    The minister insisted that the Gas Trading Licence is, therefore, the implementation of the provisions of the licensing requirement that make the investment possible. It provides the governance framework essential for a modern gas industry.

    Ekpo said the licence itself is founded upon sound regulations and guidelines governing technical competence, commercial capability, financial soundness, and responsible operations. Among the responsibilities of the licence holders is the adherence to the various rules on gas measurement, tariffs, pricing, and assignments.

    Meanwhile, the NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Engr Farouk Ahmed said the formal presentation of the market enabling Licence is a culmination of an effective collaboration with the Industry.

    He said it also reaffirms the commitment of the Authority to the actualization  of one of the core objectives of the PIA, which is the growth of the domestic gas sector into a dynamic and competitive trading and supply hub.

    Ahmed said as the regulator of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector, the Authority recognizes that the true test of licensing JEX Markets is not in the ceremony of today, but in the transformation it must deliver tomorrow.

    He vowed that NMDPRA provide a firm, transparent and technology -enabled regulatory platform to make JEX succeed.

    “To ensure that JEX succeeds as Nigeria’s pioneering gas trading, clearing and settlement platform, we will provide a firm, transparent and technology‑enabled regulatory framework under the PIA, giving investors the certainty and confidence required to commit long‑term capital to the gas value chain,” he said.

    He pledged that the Authority will continue to work closely with sister regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and key financial‑market institutions, harmonize market rules, standardize transaction contracts, and ensure that clearing and settlement arrangements meet the highest global standards.

    Continuing, he said, “We will actively deploy our licensing and regulatory instruments to drive participation in gas trading by producers, transporters, aggregators and large‑scale buyers, ensuring that liquidity is built and that transparent price discovery becomes the foundation of Nigeria’s domestic gas market.

     “In addition, we are committed to sustained capacity building, data transparency and industry education, so that Nigerian companies  are empowered to compete effectively and confidently in this new  gas economy.

    “Above all, we will position JEX as a strategic national platform within  our Decade of Gas agenda to enable regional integration and cross‑border trade and firmly establish Nigeria not only as a leading gas producer, but as Africa’s reference market for gas trading and pricing.”

  • BOI, NCGC to unlock N10b loans for women entrepreneurs

    BOI, NCGC to unlock N10b loans for women entrepreneurs

    The Bank of Industry (BOI), in partnership with the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to unlock N10billion in guaranteed loans for women entrepreneurs, as women economic participation gains major momentum.

    The Managing Director, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, who initiated the gender-inclusive financing, has continued to shape national Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs development policy, noting that the idea is to create a credit-guarantee framework that will make financing more accessible and affordable for thousands of women-owned businesses nationwide.

    Olusi started this during the signing of the MoU with the Managing Director of NCGC, Mr Bonaventure Okhaimo in Abuja, saying that under the arrangement, NCGC will provide a 25 per cent credit guarantee cover on BoI loans, significantly reducing lender risk and enabling BOI to fund more women-led enterprises.

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    He said: “The initiative targets high-impact sectors including manufacturing, processing, ICT, digital marketing, e-commerce, the creative and entertainment industries, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and waste management.  The GLOW (Guaranteed Loans for Women) programme is a national intervention to remove long-standing barriers that prevent women from scaling their businesses.

    “This event represents more than a procedural milestone, it signals our collective commitment to expanding access to finance for the Nigerian entrepreneurs who power our economy, particularly women and MSMEs, GLOW was crafted to deliver affordable, flexible, and well-structured financing to women, which is designed by BOI from the ground up to close systemic gender-financing gaps.

    “With a N10billion fund, concessionary pricing at seven percent, flexible collateral arrangements, and embedded capacity building, GLOW reflects our intentional drive to close gender-financing gaps and stimulate inclusive growth, one of the clearest signs of its necessity is the overwhelming market response.

    ‘‘We have recorded over 33,000 applications in progress, with an estimated value exceeding ₦65bn”.

    Speaking, MD NCGC Bonaventure Okhaimo has assured that the organisation will start with a ₦5bn, as this will help and also support in managing portfolio risk, and reach women and MSMEs who are viable but previously underserved due to collateral constraints, this will allow women-owned businesses to access loans at lower interest rates and with faster approval timelines.

    BOI, NCGC to unlock N10bn guarantee loans for women entrepreneurs

  • Wasiu Ayinde not our member, says Fusengbuwa Ruling House

    Wasiu Ayinde not our member, says Fusengbuwa Ruling House

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode yesterday said Fuji music maestro and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM 1, is not its member.

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House is the next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The stool became vacant on July 13, following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 90 after over 65 years reign.

    KWAM1 had on Tuesday submitted a letter to the head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, expressing his intent to run for the office of Awujale of Ijebuland. He declared that he derived his legitimacy from Jadiara Unit of Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    The Fuji star and businessman is of Fidipote Ruling House as evidenced in a letter signed by the late Oba Adetona, bestowing on him the chieftaincy title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland. It is not yet the turn of Fidipote Ruling House to produce the next Awujale.

    KWAM1’s submission of form caused mixed reactions from princes and princesses in Ijebuland, with many of them wondering how a prince from Fidipote Ruling House can contest a stool meant for Fusengbuwa princes.

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    The reactions got to a head after the Jadiara Unit wrote a petition to the Chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House and Ogun State Government, insisting that KWAM 1 wasn’t one of them.

    However, addressing reporters at Agunsenbi Ule Nla, the seat of Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu – Ode, spokesperson for Fusengbuwa Nomination Committee, Omoba Abiodun Ogidan, said: ‘’Wasiu Ayinde is not our family member.”

    The news briefing was conducted shortly after a meeting of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which was coordinated by the Chairman, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi and attended by his deputy, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, among others.

    Omoba Ogidan said investigation of family history and an extended meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and its units, including Jadiara, also revealed that Otunba Wasiu Ayinde was neither a member of Jadiara Unit, nor had his lineage form endorsed or signed by the Olori-Ebi of the unit he claimed to have come from in Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    He noted that Fusengbuwa Ruling House would not admit non-family members into its fold, stressing that doing so would translate to bringing “fake people” into the ruling house.

    He said: ‘’Nobody can rewrite the history of Fusengbuwa Ruling House so as to become a part of it.’’

    Omoba Ogidan clarified that the collection and submission of nomination form had closed; explaining that what KWAM 1 submitted was a family lineage form, not a nomination form for the Awujale stool.

    He said the names of nominated princess would be announced on December 15 at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode, in line with the laid down guidelines.

  • FCCPC seals IE’s office over alleged consumer rights violation

    FCCPC seals IE’s office over alleged consumer rights violation

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed the premises of the Head Office of Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc over what it described as the company’s prolonged refusal to comply with regulatory directives and continued violation of consumer rights.

    The enforcement action, carried out in Lagos, followed IE’s alleged failure to implement a binding decision issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directing the company to unbundle a Maximum Demand (MD) account of a customer into 20 separate non-MD accounts. The order required the company to treat 19 residential units and one service point as separate customer units and provide the appropriate metering and electricity connection.

    But the utility insisted that the delay in complying with the order was not deliberate as it required a process which needed some things to be put in place before execution. For instance, IE explained that upon the site inspection of the premises, it was observed that the hotel structure remains in its original state and has not been converted into a residential building comprising 19 flats as represented by the customer, meaning the premises still operates as a single consolidated facility, with no verifiable physical evidence of residential partitioning or individual dwelling units.

    Besides, the firm explained that the building maintains the same transformer configuration and MD service connection, with no visible low-voltage network topology or internal sub-networking to support connection of 20 separate NMD meters.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    In carrying out the sealing of the IE premises, the Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, Mrs. Bola Adeyinka represented by Assistant Director, Surveillance & investigation, FCCPC, Engineer Idayat Olorungbebe, IE’s non-compliance left the complainant (Providence real estate) without electricity supply for over two and a half years despite fulfilling all financial and procedural obligations requested by the distribution company.

    Adeosun said the prolonged blackout prevented the complainant from putting the 19 residential units to use, resulting in significant hardship a situation the Commission described as a clear violation of consumer rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    She explained that the FCCPC engaged Ikeja Electric on several occasions and issued multiple directives, including an April 2025 compliance instruction and a formal Compliance Notice on October 2, 2025, giving the company seven business days to meet its obligations. Despite these interventions, the company reportedly failed to act.

    Adeosun cited Sections 17, 18, 124, 150, and 155 of the FCCPA as the legal basis for the enforcement exercise, noting that the provisions empower the Commission to issue directives, enforce compliance, and take action including sealing premises where consumer harm persists.

    “The sealing of this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance,” she said. “The seal will remain in place until Ikeja Electric fully complies with the directives issued by both NERC and the FCCPC and submits written proof of compliance.”

    She also stated that the access given to the control wasn’t a free meal as Ikeja Electric would write an undertaking stating that access to the control room would be allowed so as not to lead to service disruption

    She further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment of consumers and unhindered access to essential services, stressing that service providers must meet statutory obligations and respect consumer rights.

    The FCCPC said it will continue to intensify enforcement to safeguard consumers across all sectors.

    The Head, Corporate Communications, IE, Kingsley Okotie, in a telephone interview with The Nation, described the action as regrettable stating  that staff that could have attended to the customer’s situation were also locked out with the sealing of the premises.

    He however assured that the firm would continue to engage with the FCCPC to resolve the matter as soon as possible in the over all interest of all our customers.

    Okotie explained that the the  non-compliance issue being referred to is receiving utmost attention by the company to amicably resolve.

    In a correspondence to FCCPC on October 14, 2025, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, IE had assured of its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and fair business practices as enshrined under the FCCPA, the Electricity Act 2023, and relevant NERC Regulations.

    Okotie disclosed that the utility had following the NERC Ikeja Forum’s, the firm visited the said location for assessment and in view of implementing the ruling regarding unbundling of the existing Maximum Demand (MD) account and provision of 20 Non-Maximum Demand (NMD) prepaid meters.

    “We reiterate that our commitment to full compliance with the Forum’s Decision and we happily invite the FCCPC to carry out a joint inspection of the property to independently ascertain the facts stated above and to confirm the readiness of the property to be served as expected of Ikeja Electric. We are also available for a meeting with the FCCPC to provide further information.

    “We reiterate that we remain fully committed to complying with the Forum’s decision within the limits of technical feasibility. We are willing to provide the Complainant with guidance and technical support on the process of procuring the 20 NMD meters at the customer’s cost, in line with the Forum’s directive. We will also continue to engage with the customer pending confirmation of the property’s configuration and readiness for connection as multiple residential units,” he said.

  • Tinubu: $1tr Economy depends on productivity, innovation, others

    Tinubu: $1tr Economy depends on productivity, innovation, others

    • Fed Govt showcases impact of 3MTT digital skills programme

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy hinges squarely on boosting productivity, deepening innovation and developing a workforce equipped with skills that meet global standards.

    Speaking at the 3MTT Nigeria National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President said the path to national prosperity lies not in chance but in deliberate investment in human capital.

    Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that in a world reshaped by rapid technological change, the nations that lead are those that strategically develop the skills of their young people.

    Nigeria, he stressed, must therefore continue to treat human capital as its most valuable resource under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He maintained that digital skills now power growth across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service, making programmes like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative essential to the administration’s economic transformation blueprint.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    According to him: “a strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shifts our role in the world from passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent.”

    The President hailed the 3MTT programme as proof of what focus and disciplined execution can achieve.

    From more than 1.8 million applications drawn from every local government area to new startups and job opportunities emerging nationwide, he said the initiative has moved from concept to measurable impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Opportunity is no longer limited to major cities,” he added, noting that the programme is restoring confidence among young Nigerians that they can compete and thrive in the global digital economy.

    Tinubu commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for stewarding the programme and acknowledged key private-sector and development partners, including IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union, for giving the initiative depth and credibility.

    While applauding the progress so far, the President said Nigeria must stay committed to the larger vision of transforming digital and technical skills nationwide.

    This, he emphasised, will require continued collaboration among government, industry and development partners.

    “To the young Nigerians gathered here, and to the millions you represent across every community in our nation, we believe in your capacity and your future. Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building genuine platforms for progress, not ceremonial commitments”, he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that the Nigeria of the future must be powered by skilled hands and driven by innovative minds ready to work, create and lead, adding that the government is determined to lay a strong foundation for a digital workforce that will propel the country’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani in his remarks said about 135,000 Nigerians have been trained within the past two years with some of them having opportunities to secure well paid jobs in tech companies, while others have had opportunities to travel to China, UK and other countries for further studies.

    Dr Tijani who praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the 3MTT programme and other digital technology innovation initiatives, said within the first month of the launch of the 3MTT programme, over 1.8 million Nigerian youths signed onto the programme.

    According to Dr Tijani the Commitment of the present administration to digital infrastructures development remains unparalleled as President Tinubu approved deployment of 4,000 telecom infrastructures to rural areas to ensure that 23 million Nigerians in unconnected areas are connected to the Internet.

    The Minister who said by 2030 about 170 million jobs would be available for Nigerians who have tech skills, noted that the digital economy sector would remain vibrant and Nigeria would be in a position to fill vacancies in the sector with the approach adopted by the present administration to bring the youth on board the digital economy sector.

    Dr. Tijani who highlighted the various supports and funding received by the government from the private sector and international institutions such as Google, Microsoft, IHS, Huawei, MTN, UNDP, African Development Bank among others, emphasised that the 3MTT programme is open to all Nigerian youths irrespective of status and class.

    The Minister further said under the programme, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC made available about 1.5 billion naira worth of laptops and other gadgets to beneficiaries, noting that the beneficiaries of the programme secured 15,000 direct jobs from different tech companies after their trainings.

    Dr Tijani who called for increased private sector participation in the 3MTT programme, said the initiative now has community managers in the 36 states of the Federation and one in the FCT, while over 600 facility agents are working across the 774 local government councils of the country.

  • ‘LSSTF spent N1.77b on security in one year’

    ‘LSSTF spent N1.77b on security in one year’

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday announced the donation of 100 vehicles and gadgets to boost security in the state.

    He disclosed this at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme: “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships”, where he advocated greater citizen participation to tackle emerging security challenges.

    He said securing lives and property was a shared responsibility, urging Lagosians to own the process.

    The governor said investment in security was a non-negotiable priority, adding that Lagos was ready to partner the Federal Government and security agencies to achieve a crime-free state.

    “Every investment we make in security is a direct investment in peace, order and prosperity. Security is not a task for government alone. It is a shared duty, and we must continue to work together to build a safer Lagos for all,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said the founder, Premier Lotto Limited (PLL), a gaming company, had pledged to begin, complete and donate a building to LSSTF within a year. 

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Giving an account of the year, LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said N1,775,543,613.81 was spent on security interventions between December 19 last year and yesterday.

    He said the sum was part of the N1,848,406,100.00 received as cash donations within the same period, adding that 228 security vehicles were also received as donations.

    Of the 228 vehicles all fitted with communication and security gadgets, 217 were donated by the state government; two from the SNEPCO/Shell Joint Venture, and nine -seven buses and two 15-ton troop carriers- were bought by LSSTF.

    Ogunsan said the vehicles were distributed across security agencies to boost mobility and response time.

    The executive secretary said 1,500 pairs of police boots, 100 batteries, 2,000 police uniforms with badges, 100 rechargeable flashlights and eight drums of SAE 40 lubricant were also donated to bridge critical operational gaps confronting security agencies in Lagos, while 220 police personnel were sponsored for training.

    He noted that LSSTF approved security requests within 24 hours under a transparent governance structure and maintained liquidity to respond quickly to emerging threats.

    Looking ahead, he said the fund was expanding its retail donation drive after receiving N38million from about 240 individual donors in the last four weeks.

    Ogunsan said officers who displayed exceptional bravery, including the police team behind the July 4, 2024 Ladipo anti-kidnap operation that neutralised nine suspects, would be honoured.

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Oluhundare Jimoh said the command arrested 317 armed robbery suspects, foiled 141 robbery attempts and charged 115 suspects to court within the period under review.

    He said four kidnap and 23 cultism cases were recorded, with 216 suspects held and 95 charged to court for both offences.

    CP Jimoh said the command recorded 76 cases of stolen vehicles and recovered 72, adding that there were 142 murder, 176 rape/defilement reported cases.

    “We arrested 222 suspects out of which 200 were charged to court.

    ‘’The command also arrested 9,275 ‘social migrants’, recovered 518 rounds of ammunition, 25 other weapons, and impounded thousands of vehicles and motorcycles for various infractions,” he added.

    The police boss said the state was safe, adding that proactive deployments and intensified surveillance were in place ahead of the festive season.

  • Court denies sacked Osun APC chairmen access to frozen local government funds

    Court denies sacked Osun APC chairmen access to frozen local government funds

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has dismissed an application filed by sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen in Osun State seeking to overturn orders freezing contentious council funds domiciled in United Bank for Africa (UBA).

    Justice Ladiran Akintola gave the ruling when the matter came up for hearing yesterday.

    The Nation reports that the former chairmen, described as “Persons Affected” in their filing, had brought the application in Suit No. I/1149/2025: Attorney General of Osun State & Anor v. UBA Plc, seeking, among other reliefs, leave of court to challenge the ex-parte order that froze the accounts granted on September 26, 2025 and the reversal of the order.

    They had argued among others that the freezing order was obstructing governance at the local government level across Osun State, and that leaving the order in place would amount to a violation of the 1999 Constitution.

    During yesterday’s proceedings, the applicants and principal parties were absent.

    Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, appeared with E.Y. Ajayi and D.G. Egunjobi for the Osun State Attorney General, while Oluwatomiwa Fadeyi represented UBA.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Delivering his ruling after hearing arguments from the parties, Justice Akintola held that the application lacked merit. He said the sacked chairmen were “strangers to the suit” since they had earlier withdrawn their application for joinder.

    The court also held, in particular, that they had no legally recognisable interest in the frozen funds, and therefore lacked the locus standi to seek either the discharge of the ex-parte order or the striking out of the suit.

    The judge noted that the withdrawal of their joinder motion by their senior counsel was itself acknowledgment that they had no legal claim to the funds. He therefore dismissed the application in its entirety.

    Following the ruling, Adetunbi, SAN, expressed appreciation to the court for what he described as a well-delivered decision. He also informed the court of his clients’ intention to obtain a clearer copy of the Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 5, 2025 in SC/CV/773/2025: Attorney General of Osun State v. Attorney General of the Federation, to guide their next steps in the matter.

    Justice Akintola adjourned the case till December 18, 2025 for mention.

  • Eight UNIJOS students, driver die in auto crash

    Eight UNIJOS students, driver die in auto crash

    Eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and a driver have died in an auto crash in Jos the Plateau State capital.

    According to reports, the students were returning from a ceremony when the accident occurred around 2am yesterday.

    The Public Education Officer, state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FSRC), Peter Longsan, in a statement said they received a distress call about 0230 hours yesterday on the crash that occurred opposite Unity Bank Zaria Road, Jos.

    The crash involved two vehicles, a trailer and a bus. Eleven people were on board the bus, and were said to be students of UNIJOS.

    The statement reads: “On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot, as they were eventually certified to be dead by the doctor; another victim died in the hospital bringing the total number of the deceased to eight.

    “Three others are receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were males.”

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    He added: “An eye witness testified that the bus was on a high speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, which led to loss of control and the eventual crash.

    Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof  Tanko Ishaya, confirmed the accident that 11 people were in the vehicle, while nine died.They were the eight students and driver.

    The Sector Commander, FRSC, Plateau Corps Commander Olajide  Mogaji, called on the motoring public, especially drivers to desist from night trips, avoid high speed and dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and driving when sick or fatigued as they are the major causes of fatalities in an advent of crash, the statement added.

  • Gunmen attack herders, rustle 168 cattle in Plateau communities

    Gunmen attack herders, rustle 168 cattle in Plateau communities

    Gunmen attacked herders and rustled no fewer than 168 cattle in two incidents in Barikin Ladi and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State.

    The state Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN),  Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to reporters in Jos yesterday, explaining that the first incident occurred around Nding community in Fan district of Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, where 137 cattle were rustled, while the second attack happened in Kukukah community of Jos East Local Government Area, where 34 cattle were rustled, but three returned home.

    Babayo said the affected cattle belonged to Alhaji Wada Sale, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Alhaji Talba Abubakar. He added: “Soon after the incidents, I called heads of security forces, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Operation Enduring Peace, and Police in the state, to inform them about the development. I also reported the incident to the Sector 4 commander in Barkin Ladi.”

    Ibrahim stated that the gunmen opened fire at the herders grazing the cattle and moved away with the cattle, forcing the herders to flee.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    He said: “On December 10, the gunmen stormed the grazing areas and started shooting. They succeeded in rustling the cattle while the herders escaped the attack.The two attacks took place on the same day.

    “The first one happened around Nding and the cattle were moved to fan in fan district Barikin Ladi; 137 cattle were rustled in the area. In addition to that, 34 cattle were rustled in Kukhkah in Jos East. It is very unfortunate that while the herders were carrying out their lawful business, some trouble makers would attack them and rustle their cattle.’’

    Ibrahim further called on members and those affected to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their duties, urging the security forces to track down the perpetrators of the attacks.

    National President, Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, however, dismissed any cattle rustling around the area.

     Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Nigeria Army, Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, said they would inform the sector commander and the intelligence department for further action.

  • Owo church killings: How we were attacked, Catholic priest tells court

    Owo church killings: How we were attacked, Catholic priest tells court

    A Catholic priest yesterday gave details of how St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State was attacked on June 5, 2022, which resulted in the death of over 40 worshippers, with over 100 others suffering various harms.

    The priest, whose name was not given, but merely identified as “SSA”, spoke while testifying as the first prosecution witness in the prosecution of five men accused, in a nine-count amended charge, of being behind the attack.

    Those being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in relation to the attack are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris 20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years).

    The witness said the attack took place towards the end of the first Pentecost Sunday service attended by many worshippers.

    The priest, who said he presided over the service, told the court that as the service was drawing to a close, they heard a loud noise, followed by sporadic shootings, which created commotion and chaos among worshippers.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the witness said said June 5, 2022 remained a memorable day for him “because it was the day when the violent attack was launched on us – myself and the worshiping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State.

    “It was an incident, which led to the death of over 40 persons among us, while some of us became maimed; some of us, till this point, have physical injuries.

    “I recall that the attack was towards the end of the worship that day. I was the priest assigned to lead the community in worship, which is known as the holy mass.

    “Towards the end of the mass, I was performing the last rite and the people of God have started singing the recessional hymn, the closing hymn. Suddenly I heard a loud sound. I looked into the congregation, facing them.

    “There was already a commotion, which for me, I thought somebody had fallen. But, I sighted two men from our congregation, these men were members of our community.

    “They quickly locked the main entrance door and another elder in the church came to me in the sanctuary and said to me, father, we are under attack.

    “From this point, I heard the sporadic shooting of guns. This was still outside the church. This elder told me, ‘Father you have to leave’. At first, I was reluctant to leave the sanctuary. If not for anything, but at least, because of those children, who call me Father.

    “So, taking my leave from the sanctuary, I and some adults moved some of these children into a safe place. This is an attachment to that church.

    “When I was in this place (the safe place), I continued to hear the continuous shooting of guns and the use of about three explosives.’’

    “The third explosive landed very close to the safe place, where I was with the children, with the effect which looked like the opening of the ground. The effect was like the ground opening to swallow us immediately.

    “So, the attack continued. After a while, some of our church members came into this place (safe place) and notified us that those who came to attack us have left.

    “Moving out with the children, I saw my choir master shot at the chest. He called me to pray for him. I did, but I told him I have to move him to the hospital.

    When I got out, I saw some already dead on the floor.

    “So, I shouted that if there is any of us, who could still drive, let us begin to move our brothers and sisters to the hospital,” the witness said.

    On whether he counted the number of the dead, said it was impossible for him to ascertain the number of those killed under the chaos that the attackers created in the church environment on that day.

    The priest said: “It was with that violent attack that I understood that proverb that the one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number. So, I could not immediately count the number of those dead.

    “I went two times to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo to take the casualties to the hospital. By the time I came the second time, there were already ambulances, both from FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital Owo, also moving the casualties to these two hospitals.

    “The second time when I got to FMC, the emergency ward was filled up with these casualties.

    The casualties were those that were killed and injured. With the wailing, weeping and crying from people, I couldn’t even drive again. The care and healing of those injured continued,” the witness said.

    The priest said he was later invited to the DSS office in Akure, Ondo State where he made a statement.

    Under cross examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not ascertain the number of those who carried out the attack.

    He said: “ With the commotion in the church, and my desire to rescue, especially the children as quickly as possible, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack. Therefore, I don’t know their number.”

    On how it was possible for him to rescue the children, the witness said the children were at the foot of that sanctuary, where he was standing when the attack started.

    He added: “And, I said with some adults, I moved with the children to a safe place. This safe place is the restroom, attached as a building to the sanctuary. From that building that is attached, you can move into the sanctuary and out of it.”

    Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Adedipe told the court that the charge has been amended to correct some minor errors.

    He applied that the amended charge should be ready to the defendants, which was done and the defendants all pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned till January 13 and 14, next year, at noon daily for the continuation of hearing.