The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Taskforce boss marks first year with over 18,000 arrests, cleaner Lagos

    Taskforce boss marks first year with over 18,000 arrests, cleaner Lagos

    Over 18,000 suspects have been arrested, 1,019 vehicles and 16,600 commercial motorcycles seized, and several criminal hideouts cleared by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) in the last one year.

    Taskforce Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele revealed this at a media parley on Tuesday afternoon while reeling out the agency’s scorecard under his watch.

    According to Akerele, the agency has been able to enforce the government’s drive for a cleaner Lagos by dismantling illegal shanties and other structures that constituted environmental nuisances.

    He said the achievements were the result of renewed collaboration, proactive strategies, and intelligence-led enforcement, all executed with a strong sense of professionalism and public engagement.

    “Between June 2024 and June 2025, we arrested 14,087 suspects across notorious black spots such as Oshodi, Mushin, Iju-Ishaga Railway, Lagos Island, Obalende, and Marina.

    “Out of these, 1,287 were released after proper screening, while 12,999 were arraigned. This has led to a significant reduction in criminal activities in these locations,” he said.

    The chairman said the agency introduced its bi-weekly CLEAN UP Enforcement Operation in April, which led to the arrest of 2,276 miscreants, drug addicts, street traders, hooligans, and other suspected criminals, adding that 222 of the suspects were released after screening, while 2,154 were charged in court.

    He said the seized vehicles were impounded from major commercial and residential hubs, including Victoria Island, Apapa, and Ikeja, adding that two of the vehicles were forfeited to the state government following court orders.

    On the seized motorcycles, Akerele noted that the 16,625 recorded within the period under review was record breaking compared to the 6,915 motorcycle impoundments recorded in 2023 and early 2024.

    “The seizures occurred in enforcement zones such as Festac, Second Rainbow, Lagos Island, Agege, Ikeja, and Badagry Expressway, aligning with the state’s sustained ban on commercial motorcycles.

    “The sheer volume of motorcycles impounded shows our resolve in restoring order on Lagos roads and preventing road traffic injuries,” he said.

    In addition to crime and traffic control, the agency tackled environmental degradation by demolishing 1,786 illegal shanties across locations such as Ogombo, Mile 2, Fagba, Epe, and Oworonshoki. These actions, Akerele said, helped restore urban order and reduced health risks in the affected areas.

    Read Also: Anti-oil theft taskforce applauds NNPC boss for transparent service delivery

    The campaign against street trading also yielded results, with 418 hawkers and traders arrested and goods seized across Ikeja, Ikoyi, Obalende, and Eko Hotel Axis. The operation, he said, was not just about arrests but about protecting lives and ensuring pedestrian safety on Lagos streets.

    Aside from enforcement, the agency introduced several welfare initiatives for its personnel. One such project, he said, was the Safety Arena Relaxation Spot, described as the first of its kind in any enforcement base in Nigeria. Akerele said the initiative was designed to boost the mental and physical well-being of officers engaged in high-stress assignments.

    Health and service delivery were also improved with an upgraded Health Centre and a newly renovated reception area, both aimed at offering better support to officers and creating a more welcoming environment for members of the public.

    He solicited public cooperation and understanding to decimate crime, assuring that the Taskforce under his watch would continue to improve, and introduce better ways of enforcing the law.

  • FG strengthens counterterrorism with new strategy 

    FG strengthens counterterrorism with new strategy 

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has convened a high-level workshop to review and validate the revised national counter terrorism strategy (NACTEST). 

    The NACTEST, which had guided the national counterterrorism efforts for nearly a decade, was first developed in 2015 and revised in 2016.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, noted that the review aims to enhance national and regional security amid evolving threats and terrorist tactics.

    He emphasized the urgent need for a revised strategy that addresses new threats and incorporates hard-won operational experience.

    Laka said, “given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the security landscape, it has become increasingly clear that a comprehensive review and update of this strategy are long overdue.

    “This is necessary to ensure it reflects emerging threats, the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations, and the invaluable lessons learned from our counterterrorism operations over the years.

    “Sequel to the expert review and the contributions made during the several stakeholders’ meetings, we now have a consolidated draft of the revised NACTEST.”

    The NCTC boss stated that the review process incorporated valuable inputs from diverse stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. 

    Read Also: ‘How NCTC boss is shaping Nigeria’s security landscape’

    He noted that these varied perspectives have resulted in a draft strategy that is robust, inclusive, and aligned with international best practices, ensuring its long-term relevance.

    He said the review came at a particularly important time as the centre is transitioning into a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, following the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He noted the transition underscored Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to regional security, adding that there was a need to produce a strategy that meets Nigeria’s needs and also sets a benchmark for the Region.

    “This workshop is also carefully designed to ensure active participation and collective ownership of the revised strategy. 

    “Let us remain guided by the two foundational pillars of our counterterrorism approach: the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society strategies. 

    “These pillars remind us that terrorism is not only a security challenge but also a social and ideological one, requiring the combined efforts of government institutions and society at large,” he added.

    In his remarks, the Director Policy and Strategy, NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said that significant progress had been made in developing the counterterrorism strategy through collaborative approach.

    Madawaki said the approach was built on two fundamental pillars, which is Whole-of-Government and Whole of Society. 

  • Land administration: CSO lauds Wike’s performance, clears Minister of any wrongdoing

    Land administration: CSO lauds Wike’s performance, clears Minister of any wrongdoing

    The Centre for Democratic Integrity and Leadership (CDIL) has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s performance, clearing him of any wrongdoing in the administration of land in Abuja.

    The CSO’s statement comes in response to a recent media campaign alleging that Wike corruptly allocated thousands of hectares of land to his son, Joaquin Wike.

    According to CDIL, the allegations are “politically charged” and “highly irresponsible,” lacking in both context and credibility.

    Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Kelvin Kuhwa notes that Wike has shown “extraordinary leadership and administrative rigor” since assuming office, transforming the FCT’s infrastructure and land administration.

    He highlighted Wike’s achievements, including the renovation of the International Conference Centre, delivery of intra-city rail and bus terminals, and the resurfacing of internal roads.

    The group also emphasised that land administration has been brought under fresh scrutiny, with dormant allocations and illegal land grabs being revoked and reallocated to those who would utilise the land productively.

    Regarding the allegations against Wike, CDIL added that there is no prohibition against allocating land to a legitimate company based on who its directors may be, and that the proper processes were followed in the allocation of land to Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd, a company associated with Wike’s son.

    The CSO believes that the smear campaign against Wike is driven by entrenched interests who have lost access to the FCT’s former regime of favouritism and are fighting back against the minister’s reforms.

    Kuhwa said the Minister’s outstanding performance is already being perceived as a threat to persons who are President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

    The statement added: “Since his assumption of office, Mr. Wike has shown extraordinary leadership and administrative rigor. From neglected roads and infrastructure decay to bureaucratic indifference and fiscal leakage, the FCT was a textbook example of government dysfunction. But under Wike’s stewardship, the nation’s capital has witnessed a rapid, visible and measurable reversal of these trends.

    Read Also: Wike as an asset

    “He has revived the long-abandoned renovation of the International Conference Centre, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre, and turned it into a world-class diplomatic hub. For years, the ICC stood in embarrassing decline, yet within months, it was not only fully rehabilitated but re-equipped to host high-level international summits with renewed prestige. This alone is a legacy-defining achievement.

    “In transportation, Wike has successfully delivered intra-city rail and bus terminals, a bold step in solving urban congestion, reducing informal motor park chaos, and enhancing public safety for commuters. Today, thousands of residents benefit from orderly, efficient transport hubs previously unthinkable in the FCT.

    “Additionally, dozens of internal roads have been resurfaced, expanded, or completed, particularly in fast-growing but underserved areas like Lokogoma, Galadimawa, Jahi, and Karmo. These are communities that were excluded from the federal development map until Wike insisted on inclusive urban renewal. The roads in Guzape and Asokoro Extension, once impassable, now attract investors and residents due to deliberate planning and engineering discipline introduced under his watch.

    It is within this same reformist framework that land administration has been brought under fresh scrutiny. Prior to Mr. Wike’s appointment, dormant allocations and illegal land grabs were rampant across Abuja. In line with his vow to sanitise the system, the Minister began revoking undeveloped allocations and reallocating them—legally—to those who would utilise the land productively.

    “That some allocations were made to corporate entities — such as Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd — is neither criminal nor irregular. Joaq Farms is a registered business. Under existing legislation, there is no prohibition against allocating land to a legitimate company based on who its directors may be — so long as the proper processes are followed, which, by all available evidence, they were.”

    CDIL urged Nigerians to reject toxic reporting and stands firmly with Wike, citing his record of rebuilding the capital and enforcing development standards.

  • One dies, several injured in Plateau land dispute

    One dies, several injured in Plateau land dispute

    A violent clash between two families over land dispute has resulted in the death of one man and several others injured.

    The incident happened at the weekend in Kopkopshe village, Loham ward of Tunkus, Mikang local government of Plateau state

    It was  learnt that the members of the family had been at loggerhead for over two years over who inherits the farmland.

    Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali has visited scene of conflict to assess the level of damage caused.

    According to a statement, Alkali strongly condemned the outbreak of violence, describing it as unnecessary and unacceptable.

     He emphasised that such conflicts undermine his administration’s efforts to foster peace and unity among the four ethnic groups in the council.

    The chairman expressed dismay over the conflict and assured the community that the government has taken prompt measures to prevent further escalation.

    Read Also: Travellers’ killing: Plateau Govt pays Zazazu Emirate visit

    He stated that the Governor is aware of the sad event and mandated him to assess the level of damage and engage the two families to come up with a lasting solution.

    “It’s shameful that while the government is committed to protecting our lands from external forces and land grabbers, we are also fighting and  killing ourselves over land. This will frustrate government efforts, as when brothers fight over land, a stranger inherit,” he said.

    The chairman encouraged the people of Kopkopshe village to live in harmony and peace, emphasizing that God did not make mistakes by bringing them together. 

    Son of the deceased, Mr. Felix Bagen, shared a harrowing account of the incident, detailing how his father was brutally killed over the land dispute. He explained that the conflict had been ongoing for five years, with a pending court case.

    Bagen urged  government to come to their rescue by taking ownership of the land until the law decides otherwise.

     Mr. Saty Woldut, a community leader, appreciated the chairman for his visit and assured him of peaceful coexistence in the community. 

    Long Lalin, Leader of the Mikang legislative arm and councillor representing Luham ward, urged community leaders to engage their youths and warned them against taking actions that would further disrupt the peace enjoyed for decades.

  • NCYA hails Senate for confirming Tsenyil as NCDC boss

    NCYA hails Senate for confirming Tsenyil as NCDC boss

    ..commends Tinubu’s vision for regional development

    The North Central Youth Assembly (NCYA) has applauded the Nigerian Senate for confirming Cyril Tsenyil as the pioneer managing director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing the confirmation as a landmark step toward inclusive governance and strategic investment in the region.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by its president, Gideon Unazi, the group praised the Senate for what it called “a historic and patriotic endorsement” of a commission that represents hope for millions in a region long plagued by insecurity, infrastructural decay, and systemic neglect.

    “We commend the Senate for acting with speed, maturity, and an uncommon sense of duty. By confirming Mr. Cyril Tsenyil, they have honoured a vital national promise and elevated the hopes of an entire region,” Unazi said.

    He described Tsenyil’s appointment as the start of a transformative journey for the North Central zone, noting that the new MD is a competent and grassroots-connected leader with a proven commitment to public service.

    “This is not just an appointment; it is a statement about the kind of future we want — one built on capacity, integrity, and regional inclusion,” he added.

    The NCYA described Tsenyil as “eminently qualified and remarkably grounded,” with a strong track record in public service, development programmes, and community engagement.

    “Mr. Tsenyil is not a stranger to the challenges of the North Central. He is a product of the region, familiar with its pulse, its people, and its potential. His competence, humility, and impact-driven mindset make him the right man to lead this Commission into relevance and results,” Unazi said.

    The group also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the NCDC Establishment Bill into law and nominating individuals it described as having “a clear understanding of regional complexities, development priorities, and national cohesion.”

    Read Also: Senate to meet Ambassadors, High Commissioners of African countries over colonial injustices

    “President Tinubu has demonstrated through action, not just words, that no region should be left behind. By assenting to the NCDC Act and nominating Mr. Tsenyil and others, he has reaffirmed his commitment to unity through equity,” Unazi said.

    “North Central Nigeria has been battered by conflict, overlooked by national plans, and marginalised in development conversations for too long. But today, a new chapter begins. And for that, we thank Mr. President.”

    According to the group, the mandate of the commission goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It is about rebuilding lives, dignity, and opportunities in communities where displacement and deprivation have become generational burdens.

    “We believe Mr. Tsenyil understands the magnitude of the assignment. He must now steer the NCDC toward becoming a bold engine of regeneration — from Nasarawa to Niger, from Plateau to Benue,” Unazi stated.

    “We need a Commission that breathes in the villages, towns, and IDP camps of the North Central. That is the vision we expect Mr. Tsenyil to champion.”

    Unazi said the North Central Youth Assembly would continue to serve as a watchdog and civic partner, offering both support and scrutiny as the Commission begins its operations.

    “We will stand with the Commission when it works for the people, and we will raise our voices when it forgets its purpose. Mr. Tsenyil must know that this is a sacred trust, not just a public appointment.”

    Also confirmed during the Senate session was Cosmas Akyhir, who will serve as Chairman of the Commission. Seventeen others were appointed as Executive Directors, representing the six North Central states and other zones of the country.

    The newly confirmed Executive Directors include: James Abel Uloko (Benue), Princess Atika Ajanah – Projects (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim (Nasarawa), Muhammad Bashar (Niger), Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger), Sulaiman Buka Ali (Kogi), Bunmi Olusona (Kwara), Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Plateau), Atotse Abraham (Benue), Solomon Adodo (FCT), Abdulkadir S. Usman (North-West), Habu Maman (North-East), Atinuke Owolabi (South-West), Rachael Kufre Nse (South-South), and Chief Boniface Izziogu (South-East).

    Unazi said the broad-based composition of the Commission is a welcome development and urged all members to put regional development above politics.

    “The diversity of this board shows readiness to serve every corner of this country — but especially the North Central, where the wounds are deep and the needs urgent. From Guma to Jos East, from Mokwa to Karu, our people want results,” he said.

    The NCYA president called on Tsenyil and the other confirmed officials to adopt a citizen-first approach, pledging to support policies that prioritize inclusive development, local empowerment, and transparent governance.

    “We expect the Commission to be present in places where suffering is most visible — in the hunger of farmers displaced by violence, in the silence of children without schools, and in the pain of mothers walking hours for healthcare,” Unazi said.

    He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for what he called a bold and just intervention.

    “Mr. President, we say thank you. With this Commission, you have offered the North Central not just a platform, but a lifeline. May this mark the beginning of a new season of peace, prosperity, and progress for our people,” Unazi added.

  • How military killed terrorist leader, Kachala, 38 others – DHQ

    How military killed terrorist leader, Kachala, 38 others – DHQ

    • Four IPOB commanders arrested

    The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of a wanted terrorist leader, Ali Kachala Kawaje, a terrorist bomb expert Machika, Dan Muhammad, and 38 other terrorist commanders in Niger State airstrikes.

    This was as the DHQ said it was closing in on other wanted terrorists, according to a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, on Friday.

    The statement partly read: “During the week in focus, air assets conducted aggressive air flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers. Strikes carried out resulted in over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 of them were arrested.

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    “Recently, the military conducted two major air strikes on terrorists’ enclave. One of the strikes, on December 6, neutralised several top terrorist commanders, namely, one Machika, a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of a notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide).

    “Other prominent terrorist leaders neutralised include Haro and Dan Muhammadu, both of whom are specialists in kidnapping and assault operations, respectively. A terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Ali Alhaji Alheri, popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje, was neutralised in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State along with many of his foot soldiers.

    “The military is fast closing in on others and they will equally suffer the same fate. The armed forces are hunting down prominent terrorist leadership and engaging them wherever they are hiding.”

    Buba also said troops arrested a prominent commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, Uchechukwu Akpa.

    He said the commander was arrested together with three other sub-commanders, namely Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

    Buba said: “The trio was arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. They gathered to plot a takeover of the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from the apprehended former commander known as ‘Chocho’. They also planned to attack troop locations.

    “During the raid, Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape. It could be recalled that Akpa was the Second-in-Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody.”

    He further said troops arrested 66 suspected oil thieves and rescued 89 kidnapped hostages.

    Troops also recovered 67 assorted weapons, 1,194 assorted ammunition, and confiscated stolen products worth N161,232,500.

    In a breakdown, he said troops recovered  20 AK47 rifles, four pump action guns, five locally fabricated rifles, two locally fabricated double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol, four locally made pistols, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, one round of 5.56mm ammo, and 15 live cartridges.

    Others include one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one LMG magazine, one CZ pistol magazine, seven empty magazines, one locally made pistol magazine, one damaged magazine, one Dane gun butt, five vehicles, 14 mobile phones, 32 motorcycles, one laptop and the sum of N1,123,800.00 among other items.

  • Lions Club renovates school building in Lagos

    Lions Club renovates school building in Lagos

    Lions Club Akowonjo has renovated a block of classrooms, the headteacher’s office and a security post at Shasha Community Nursery and Primary School, Lagos.

    Its District 404B3 Nigeria Governor, Ibrahim Bello, described the project as timely.

    “This three-in-one project just keys into our mission and vision of making an impact, especially in the educational sector. Every child deserves to learn in a conducive environment and we are proud to have met some of the needs of the school,” he said.

    The outgoing president of the club, Ayo Olugbenro, said the project reflects the club’s commitment to uplifting the community and making an impact through education-centred initiatives.

    She said: “This project became a necessity because of our vision of ensuring that no child is left behind. What we stand for is service to humanity, and we want to give them a good learning environment that will enable them to thrive as leaders of tomorrow.”

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    Olugbenro noted that the project marks the final project of her tenure and charged the school management to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.

    “This project is the last project my one-year tenure will accomplish at the Lions club. In my administration, we made sure to do a community-centred project every month, from free medical services to feeding initiatives. I want to urge the head of school and community to ensure adequate maintenance of the facility for the benefit of the pupils,”he added.

    The traditional ruler of Shasha Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunrombi, who commended the Lions Club, stated that the project is a call to action for other non-governmental organisations (NGOs)  and stakeholders to take up more Corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in their communities.

    “Kudos to the Lions Club for this laudable project. It is for humanitarians, and this just goes to say that the government cannot do it all, so if you are affluent or wealthy enough, It would go a long way to rise to the occasion of providing community assistance to the people who need it,” he said.

    Headmistress of the school, Kemi Odediran, expressed gratitude to the club, noting that the project solves a major space problem that the school has been facing for a while.

    “We have 400 pupils and a shortage of classrooms, but this project will do a lot of help for the children. It will create more space for the children to learn comfortably,” she said.

  • Sex worker killed during altercation with customer in Ondo

    Sex worker killed during altercation with customer in Ondo

    A yet-to-be identified sex worker has reportedly been killed at a brothel in the Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The sex worker was killed on Sunday during an argument with a client at the brothel located in the cathedral area of the state capital.

    Sources revealed that the sad incident occurred following the “violent altercation” between the deceased and her male customer.

    One of the sources told The Nation yesterday that disagreement began when the sex worker stood up while having fun and reportedly complained to the client of a sudden weakness.

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    “The customer (male client) became enraged, resulting in a heated verbal and physical confrontation,” he told our reporter in confidence.

    He stated that the tensed atmosphere forced the manager of the brothel to quickly intervene, saying all attempts to calm the nerves of the client proved abortive.

    He noted that the customer insisted on a refund of his N15,000 from the sex worker, but the latter kicked.

    The refusal, according to the source, made the client fled the premises of the brothel only to return shortly after with a group of miscreants believed to be his associates, with the intent of forcibly retrieving the said amount.

    “The arrival of the suspect with others to escalate the confrontation – that prompted the brothel manager to place a distress call to the police.

    “A patrol team was mobilised to the scene, arriving promptly and finding the suspect and his accomplices attempting to recover the money by force, while the victim’s condition continued to deteriorate,” he said.

    According to him, the sex worker was rushed to a nearby hospital in the Lafe area but was rejected and referred due to her condition before he was pronounced dead on arrival.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, said three suspects have been arrested with the death of the sex worker.

    Olayinka, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), explained that the police were also on the lookout for two other suspects believed to have connections with the killing.

    Olayinka, however, added that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue for autopsy.

  • Police mobilise stakeholders to protect pupils, schools in Lagos

    Police mobilise stakeholders to protect pupils, schools in Lagos

    The police yesterday held a stakeholders’ forum at the POWA Hall, Ikeja on the security of schools in Lagos State.

    Organised by the Police’s School Protection Squad (SPS) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the two-day event also saw the commencement of training of the Lagos State Command’s SPS.

    The Nation reports that by this action, Nigeria joins the list of global actors like the United States of America (USA) and Israel that have upscaled their protection of schools and demonstrating proactive models that combine law enforcement, police, innovation and community engagement to fortify school safety.

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    Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, said the initiative was borne out of the desire to ensure the safety and security of pupils and educational institutions in the light of trends of attacks across the globe.

    Egbetokun, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police  (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, noted the safe schools programme integrates the culture of safety for pupils, teachers, staff and host communities, adding that all parties must be involved in the security architecture of schools.

    Recognising the vulnerability of pupils and educational infrastructure in the light of violent conflicts, gang violence, ideological extremism and criminal operations, whose perpetrators see schools as soft targets, the IGP said he already directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, to engage their various stakeholders in meetings towards guaranteeing safety of schools.

    Quoting statistics from the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), the IGP said between 2020 and 2022, over 5,000 attacks were recorded on schools, students and educators worldwide, which affected more than 22,000 individuals and disrupted the right to education across 28 countries.

    “These acts are not isolated; they reflect a rising global trend where learning environments are being weaponized and turned into theatres of fear. From Boko Haram’s abductions in Nigeria to school shootings in the United States and bombings in Afghanistan, students are increasingly caught in the crosshairs of violence.

    “The psychological scars, interrupted education and community displacements that follow such incidents are long-lasting and undermine national development.

    “School insecurity is not only a breach of the right to education; it is a direct threat to global peace and human capital development. It challenges the international commitment to Sustainable Development Goal4 (Ensuring Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Promoting Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). It is imperative that our educational authorities and community leaders work hand in glove with the police and

    other security agencies, to ensure that our schools are fortified against any potential threats and as we launch the Schools Protection Squad, we mark a significant stride towards an all-inclusive approach to school safety,” Egbetokun said.

  • Pastor sentenced to 25 years for defiling his daughter

    Pastor sentenced to 25 years for defiling his daughter

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday sentenced a 45-year-old pastor, Ndukwe Ogbu, to 25 years in prison for defiling his 14-year-old daughter (name withheld).

    In her judgment, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe held that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt the three-count charge of defilement, sexual assault, and sexual assault by penetration against the convict.

    The judge also noted that Ogbu showed no remorse for the crime, when he pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, citing that he had other children to care for.

    She consequently found him guilty of the three-count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

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    According to the judge, the testimonies of the medical doctor and social worker corroborated that of the survivor.

    “Based on the evidence presented before the court, the defendant is found guilty on all three counts. He is sentenced to three years on count one.

    “On counts two and three, he is sentenced to 25 years each.

    “The sentences shall run concurrently and will be effective from December 2019, when he was remanded in custody,” the judge held.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the convict was arraigned sometime in February 2021 and the trial commenced on Oct. 18, 2021.

    NAN also recalls that during trial, the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered exhibits, while the convict testified as the sole defence witness.

    The first prosecution witness, Mr Femi Oyeleke, a social worker, told the court that he reported the case to the police.

    The survivor and a medical doctor also testified against the convict.

    In her testimony, the survivor identified the convict as her father and told the court that she was 14 years old when the abuse began.

    She told the court that her father had sexual intercourse with her on several occasions and threatened her not to tell anybody.

    The survivor said she later confided in her teacher in school who reported the case to the social worker.

    The defendant, however, denied all the claims and maintained that he was not at home as claimed by his daughter.

    He confirmed to the court that he lived in the same apartment as the survivor, but she had her own separate room.

    He also stated that he lost his wife when the children were young and the other children lived in the village with their maternal grandmother.