The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Lagos to employ traffic personnel for 2016 Hajj

    The Lagos State Government will recruit traffic personnel to guide and enlighten pilgrims in Mecca during next year’s Hajj, Home Affairs Commissioner  Dr AbdulHakeem Abdullateef has said.

    This is to prevent the kind of stampede witnessed during this year’s hajj in which hundreds died.

    Speaking at a reception in his honour at the weekend,  AbdulLateef said government would also engage clerics to educate pilgrims on the pebbles throwing rite.

    Traffic officers, he said,  would be trained, adding that the trained personnel would go on pre-visit and understand the routes to Jamarat before guiding the pilgrims.

    He said: “We must now recruit traffic officers from home who will guide the pilgrims in Mecca. Pilgrimage has to do with traffic. If you look at the stampede for instance, the Saudi authority has its own share of the blame. People who embark on pilgrimage need to be educated especially in the area of obeying those in authority. The essence of pilgrimage is not to go and die, rather for worship. If the government can allocate specific time for specific nation, it must be obeyed. We need to educate the pilgrims that throwing of pebbles, as fundamental as it is among the hajj rites is not as fundamental as the Arafat.”

    Emphasising the need for people to be guided and enlightened when embarking on the hajj, Abdul-Lateef said conscious efforts would be made on the part of the government to guide against possible stampede and death.

    The Commissioner said the state government has begun arrangements to make the subsequent hajj exercise stress-free for the pilgrims, especially in the transportation area.

    “Our forms will be out between November 2 and 30. We will ensure there are no fraudulent acts in selling the forms. We will begin enlightenment by December,” he said.

  • Police grant suspected rapist bail

    •PRO: I’m not aware of his release

    Family of a raped four-year old girl has cried foul over the granting of bail to the suspect.

    Grandmother of the  girl allegedly raped by her school bus driver on September 17, alleged that the suspect, Yemi Adesina, has been bailed by the school management.

    Lagos Police Public Relations Officer Joe Offor, a Deputy Superintendent, said he was aware of the suspect’s detention, but could not confirm if Adesina has been bailed.

    Mrs. T. Ajose, said she was in church last Sunday when some members told her they saw the suspect at his Ibikunle Street residence in Ipaja, Lagos.

    She said she once heard two weeks ago that he was granted bail but she didn’t believe it.

    “I heard he was granted N200,000 bail but when the school couldn’t afford the amount at that moment, he was remanded again. I was really shocked on Sunday when I heard he was freed and it was the school, who bailed him. Since the incident, I have left my residence because the school management threatened me to drop the case. I just pray help comes. It is justice I want,” she said.

    Meanwhile, End Rape Now (EPN), a non-governmental organistaion in conjunction with Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Violence Team in the Attorney General’s Office is now on the case.

    Its Coordinator, Dupe Kila, said the organisation had been working with lawyers of the National Human Rights Commission to look into the matter.

    Kila said: “We have been working with professionals over the case because the school has turned it into a murder case. We want to support residents who stood by the victim’s grandmother when she was ignored by the school’s management. If these residents are detained, will residents help one another when they are in trouble? I doubt if kids are save in that school because the victim’s health or welfare never mattered to them.”

  • Residents blame fire service for loss of properties

    Occupants of Block 369 in Double Star area of Jakande Estate in Ejigbo Local Development Area of Lagos have absolved themselves of blame in the  fire that ravaged their apartments.

    They are blaming fire fighters for the incident.

    The inferno destroyed two flats in a two-storey building.

    It was gathered that occupants of a flat left their gas switch on. Another person said the fire emanated from the air conditioner  that wasn’t switched off.

    A victim, John Ogwu, said electricity voltage in the area had not been stable for a while, adding that he switched off all appliances before he left for work.

    He said: “I was at Ikeja when a neighbour called that my flat was on fire and immediately I dialled 112. I also called the Ejigbo fire service but I was told they were not working. I called Isolo Fire Service, they said there was no water. It was later I informed the Bariga office and before they reached the estate, my properties were gone. There was nothing left in the house. I went to Ejigbo LCDA and nothing has been done; nobody has called me.”

    His certificates, his wife’s  and children’s birth certificates, he said, went with the fire.

    “If the fire fighters got to my place on time, they would have rescued few things. An estate that is owned by the government should have a fire service unit because it has over 500,000 occupants leaving there,” he added.

    A resident, Nelly Momodu, who runs a barber’s shop opposite the affected building, said the fire was caused high voltage.

    Momodu said when the light was restored, it fluctuated and people complained of how it damaged their appliances.

    He said: “Some residents tried to put out the fire but it was more than their capacity. The land meant for the fire service to build their station in the estate has been sold out to people and other spaces have been rented out as shops.”

  • Abia 419 gang arrested

    Abia 419 gang arrested

    Members of a three-man gang in Aba, Abia State have been arrested by the Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (FOB) under144 Battalion, Asa.

    The suspects, who are specialized in swindling innocent visitors and residents of Aba, operated between Osisioma to Ariaria junction as sources disclosed that their targets were traders and individuals going to Ariaria International market Aba to shop, visitors who prefer boarding cab along the Aba – Port Harcourt Express than using the park.

    It was also learnt that many traders who are always in a hurry to be in Ariaria have fallen victim and left heartbroken after they must have been swindled by this gang.

    The gang members identified Udo Mba (aka Chief Udo Mba of Amavo-Ukwu), an indigene and traditional title holder in Amavo-Ukwu, Osisioma Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Enwereji of Obuda, Aba South Local Government and Philip Nwulu of Rivers State were allegedly apprehended when one of the female victims they swindled last month identified them and raised the alarm that alerted the people nearby who swiftly went after them.

    The Nation learnt that the gang who were already waiting for their would be prey on sighting the girl drove off, but luck was said to have been against them when their Blue Coloured 504 Peugeot car with registration number Oyo State AA 851 EGB entered into a ditch on the expressway.

    Sources said that by the time they could open their car to run away, the surging crowd caught up with them and were about lynching them when some soldiers came and prevailed on them.

    They (gang members) were said to have been taken to the Ngwa High School FOB by the soldiers where they were being kept, though a source at the army base said that they would be handing them over to the police for further investigation.

    The victim who simply gave her name as Miss Chidinma, a cosmetic dealer at the Umuahia main market narrating her ordeal to reporters said “It was about last month when I came to Aba to buy what I will sell in my shop from Ariaria International market. When our bus stopped at Osisioma junction, I entered their car because I was in a hurry and wanted to do my shopping fast so that I can go back to Umuahia early enough.

    “I was inside the car when the driver drove off with a male passenger and later picked another woman on the road. I didn’t suspect anything. We got to a point where the woman brought out dollars.

    “At a point I didn’t know what I was doing but I remembered that they said that I should give them money to buy chemical which they will use to produce more money. I declined but later told them that I have N15, 000 with me… After signing what an agreement that they will pay me back the money, the two male members left and the woman later left leaving me alone in a particular place that I can’t remember.

    “I left without buying what I came to buy. And today when I came down from the bus that brought me to Aba at Osisioma junction, I saw them (gang) at the same place where I entered their car on that fateful day and immediately they saw me, they drove off but I started shouting and people who were around there went after them”.

    A source at the area who commended the quick response of the Ngwa High School FOB however disclosed that the gang was already beaten to pulp by the angry mob who had gathered materials to execute jungle justice (setting them ablaze).

    The suspects confessed to the alleged crime and promised to turn a new leaf if they were granted pardon.

  • We did not kill Disu, say police

    We did not kill Disu, say police

    The Lagos State Police Command has repudiated the claims of leaders of Okunraye Community in Ibeju-Lekki on the death of  Lekki Free Trade Zone Managing Director Tajudeen Disu.

    It said contrary to the community’s allegation, the police did not kill Disu.

    Its spokesman Joseph Offor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), condemned the allegation, describing the report as cheap blackmail and diversionary.

    “They are not serious. Who inflicted machete cuts on retired Col. Usman, the Chief Security Officer of Dangote Refinery? Was it the police that injured him? Their allegation is diversionary. It’s cheap blackmail.

    “Is it the police who asked the villagers to gang up to stage a violent protest? Is it the police who asked them to come from their homes with charms and ammunition?

    “All those things they are trying to say is simply cheap blackmail and diversionary.

    “It is not true and investigation is still ongoing. When the autopsy is conducted, we will get to know how he died,’’ he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone.

    “They should own up because before they left their various homes that morning, all of them were armed to the teeth to do exactly what happened that day which was to kill and maim.

    “The police cannot join issues with them on that kind of cheap blackmail.’’

    Disu died of gunshot wounds when gunmen attacked him during a peace mission to one of the communities in the Free Trade Zone Area in Ibeju-Lekki.

  • Five rescued, others trapped as building collapses

    Five rescued, others trapped as building collapses

    Five persons, including a teenager and an octogenarian, were rescued yesterday from a collapsed three-storey building in Lagos.

    The building fell at 4, Odunfa Street, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, around 9am.

    Many residents are expressing fear that people may still be trapped in the rubble.

    Before the building called “barracks” collapsed, some of the residents, particularly those on the third floor, were said to have escaped through windows.

    While outside, they claimed that their neighbours trapped in the rubble called them, appealing to be rescued.

    Four persons had been rescued when The Nation got to the scene; two excavators were also being used to create holes between the slabs, to create easy access for those trapped.

    The octogenarian, was rescued over four hours after the collapse.

    She was carried on a stretcher, with an oxygen mask placed on her mouth and nostrils before she was conveyed to a Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) vehicle.

    The grey-haired woman, who was in dust, covered in, looked strong, and attempted to clean her ears.

    A combined team of Police, army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); federal and state fire service; Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) and Lagos Safety Commission took charge of the situation.

    Speaking with reporters,  LSBCA General Manager Shola Aderigbebe, said the building had been marked for integrity test after the residents were issued 14 days ultimatum.

    “For this building, we have served them 14 days ultimatum. The ultimatum has expired before today. We asked them to conduct structural stability test (SST) and they agreed. We were still waiting for them to conduct the test before the building collapsed.

    “The test would have helped us to ascertain if the building was distressed or not. Some buildings can be defective but when the test is conducted, we will be able to know if the building can be renovated or demolished.

    “We have opened a file for the building. Marking a building does not mean we are demolishing because no building can be demolished until a test has been conducted to ascertain its stability.

    “In the last four months, we have sealed 1104 buildings for lack of compliance. Some are illegal structures, while some are distressed.”

    LASEMA boss Michael Akindele said those rescued  were taken to Lagos Island General Hospital.

    He said the numbers of occupants of the building could not be ascertained, adding that it could also not be confirmed if people were trapped.

    “We cannot say if people are trapped or not because we have not gotten to ground zero. But so far, five persons have been rescued and we are still working. All agencies responded in good time and we are doing everything possible to ensure that lives are saved,” he said.

    Assistant Director, Federal Fire Service, Okone Macaulay said weak structure was responsible for the collapse.

    “Initially we rescued about four people that were slightly injured from the building. We haven’t seen any victims. The challenges are the equipment used to bring the debris out. It is an old building but as time went on, they have been increasing it.

    “The cause hasn’t been ascertained but the building is weak. The landlord was informed as at last month and he did not do anything. I believe as at yesterday (Tuesday), people were packing out of the building not knowing it was going to collapse this morning.”

    Some residents blamed the landlord and caretaker for negligence.

    They insisted that they had complained to the owners, Onibudo family and the agent, Shile Buga that the building was leaking and weak.

    Some accused government agencies in charge of conducting integrity tests of collecting bribes from landlords.

    A resident, Fatimah Usman said: “They didn’t give us quit notice. My shop is not far from my house. I took my child to school. I was relaxing outside when the building collapsed. I ran and called my husband who was inside when the building collapsed. I didn’t know how he came out. I just saw him few minutes later.

    “We have been living here since four years ago. We have told the landlord severally that the house isn’t good but he didn’t listen. Even last month, when they brought a letter from the state government about the building, he ignored it. Some of us even contributed money for the renovation and now we have been rendered homeless.

    “Those on the third floor may have seen signs; I stay on the second floor and I did not notice anything.”

    Another resident, Bisola Lawal said landlords in the area usually collected money for renovation from tenants, without doing anything.

    She said: “Government should rescue us. They collected money from us claiming they want to renovate their buildings but when you move into the flat, you will not see any sign of renovation. It is really painful. It is not our wish that we are here. It is because we cannot afford houses on the mainland.

    “Government should pity us. At times they (agencies) will come to test the soil and some landlords will bribe them. I know the government may not be aware but they should screen their workers.”

    Enitan Ayinla said she scaled through her window into a nearby uncompleted building.

    She said: “Three pupils were standing this morning and talking to themselves. So, I called one of them and asked what they were talking about and she said our building was making some sound and has cracked.

    “I had just a wrapper on  and I told my husband what the children said. He told me to dress up and go downstairs to check the area that was cracked.

    “We were still at the staircase when we heard a huge sound and the building collapsed. It was through the uncompleted building beside us that my husband and I escaped.

    “People have been calling us that they were in the building and they said the heat was much. We were seven who escaped from the building.

    “I still know some of us that were in the building but I haven’t seen them. I am glad my children had gone to school because I don’t know how I would have escaped with them.”

    Idris Shoga, 50, who claimed that, he paid N150, 000 per year for a self-contained, room and parlour, said the building was recently renovated.

    He claimed that the over 30-year-old structure was renovated about six years ago.

    Shoga explained that dusts came out of the structure before it caved in, adding that he cried when he escaped unhurt.

    “This building is really old; I grew up to know the building. It was very spacious and was built with high standards.

    “Things changed when the owner passed on and those who inherited the family house started demarcating it. It is really unfortunate. It is like a barracks. I can’t count the number of people living there. It was demarcated into different parts,” he said.

  • Abducted businessman freed

    After several weeks in kidnappers’ den, a Lagos businessman, James Uduji was yesterday freed by his abductors.

    Uduji, Chairman, Comestar Company was kidnapped in Festac with $1million (about N250million) ransom demanded for his freedom.

    The kidnappers were said to have laid ambush for Uduji on 72 Road junction, Seventh Avenue at a bad spot on the road where they whisked him away.

    It was learnt that despite his family paying N100 million, his abductors refused to free him, insisting that the balance N150 million must be paid or he will be killed.

    The Nation could not confirm if the family eventually paid the N150 million demanded.

    When contacted, command’s spokesman Joseph Offor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed Uduji’s release.

    He said the police played no role in it, adding that the force was only informed by the family that Uduji has regained freedom.

    Offor said he does not have the details on the issue, adding that he was not in the know if ransom was paid.

     

  • Assembly summons LASTMA chief

    Assembly summons LASTMA chief

    The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) yesterday summoned the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager Bashir Braimah, to explain the persistent gridlock on Lagos roads.

    It also urged the Commissioner for Transportation Dayo Mobereola to ensure free flow of traffic in the city.

    The call followed a motion moved by Moshood Oshun (Lagos Mainland II) and seconded by Yinka Ogundimu (Agege II) under the matter of urgent public importance.

    It blamed LASTMA for dereliction of duty which, it said, led to the “unbearable’’ gridlock.

    Ogundimu said traffic had become worse because of the negative attitude of most drivers, bad roads and the negligence of LASTMA officers.

    Jude Idimogu (Oshodi-Isolo II) blamed the gridlock on the deliberate action of LASTMA officers while reacting to the call for civility by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “Many of the officers will be at the traffic prone areas, standing akimbo and be watching the situation unperturbed,’’ Idimogu said.

    Tunde Braimoh (Kosofe II) alleged that LASTMA officers wanted to revolt against the governor’s gesture because his call had affected their extortions.

    “Now that the governor came up with a modern way of enforcement, what the officers do now contradicts their modus operandi. If there is need to drop all of them and recruit others, we have to do so, they cannot disregard the law of the House and the state,’’ Braimoh said.

    Mrs Funmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin II) agreed that there are some rotten eggs in LASTMA which must be weeded out.

    Mrs Tejuosho alleged that some of the officers extorted people so much that they follow offenders to Automated Teller Machine (ATM) portals to withdraw money for them.

    The Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1), said Ambode’s intention in challenging the LASTMA officials to be civil was fair and good.

    “We should call on the Commissioners for Information and Transportation to collaborate to enlighten the public on the real intention of the governor,’’ he said.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa agreed that LASTMA is delibrately sabotaging the government.

    Obasa said: “It is not out of place to sack any of them (LASTMA officers)  that is not ready to perform.

    “I wonder why five or 10 LASTMA officers will gather at a junction with traffic and none of them would try to intervene to ease traffic.’’

    He said there was a need to map out plans to expedite action on intermodal transport system.

  • •Govt hails Senator Tinubu’s motion on Apapa gridlock

    •Govt hails Senator Tinubu’s motion on Apapa gridlock

    Lagos State Government has praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her motion on easing the Apapa traffic gridlock.

    It has appealed to the National Assembly to hasten hearing on the motion to bring relief to the public, especially those using the road and Apapa residents.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy Steve Ayorinde yesterday hailed the Senate for accepting the motion.

    Ayorinde said the development was heart-warming, noting that it shows the government’s effort at addressing the problem has caught the Senate’s attention.

    The Senate’s intervention, he said, would complement the government’s moves in finding lasting solution to the gridlock and lessening the people’s hardship.

  • Eko Disco to re-route Unilag electricity feeder lines

    Eko Disco to re-route Unilag electricity feeder lines

    The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) will soon begin the re-routing of electricity feeder lines at the University of Lagos (Unilag) and other areas, its Chief Executive officer Mr Oladele Amoda, said yesterday.

    Speaking at the company’s quarterly media briefing in Lagos, Amoda, explained that the cables would be run underground to avoid electrical accidents and electrocution.

    Miss Juliana Anekwe, a 300-level student of University of Lagos (UNILAG) was  electrocuted on the campus last month when a live wire fell on her.

    Amoda admitted that changing of all obsolete cables and re-routing of feeder lines under-ground within its network became necessary to guard against frequent cable damage and loss of lives.

    According to him, as we proceed with our commitment to optimal service delivery to customers, it is sad to see some unfortunate incidents that appear to stain the gains of our efforts.

    “One of such incidents is the recent electrocution in Unilag in which the precious life of a young and promising Nigerian was lost. As an organisation with a very high premium on human lives, we are so pained and grieved by this incident and we have taken measures to prevent a recurrence.

    “The snapped overhead line that led to loss of life was part of the obsolete network inherited from PHCN but the incident was more painful to us. The line was already slated for conversion to underground cables as part of our network upgrade project when the incident occurred,’’ Amoda said.