Category: City Beats

  • Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    A 45-year-old man has lost his life while rescuing a goat which fell into a well in Mokola, Saki,  Saki West Local Government Area, Oyo State.

    Also, the body of 30-year-old, Shina Adedeji was recovered from another well in Aaje Ikose, Ogbomosho.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the governor on Fire Reforms/Chairman, state Fire Service, Moroof Akinwande, said the men had died before the arrival of the men of the State Fire Services.

    Akinwande said: “On February 3 at 9:45hrs, we were summoned to a rescue by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at Aje Ikose area, Ogbomoso.

    “The firemen led by CFM Oladejo left for the scene. On getting there, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji fell into a well and was recovered by the officers of the agency.

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    “The casualty got himself trapped into a well containing ammonia gas when he was trying to recover a fetcher from it,” he stressed.

    The chairman warned the public to prioritise their safety in their everyday activities as life has no duplicate.

    He added that, Saki Command of the agency also recovered a 45-year old man in a deep well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    Akinwande said, “The agency received the distress call on Monday at exactly 22:23hrs at the fire station through the running caller and Yusuf Ismail when somebody fell into a well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    “Fire officers led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo promptly mobilised and responded to the scene of the incident.

    “Upon arrival, it was a man of about 45 years of age trapped inside a deep well. Our officers quickly swung into action and secured with necessary nuts and the operation was carried out and the man was recovered from the well.

    “The incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well with the aim of rescuing a goat of which he was trapped.”

  • Kidnap-suspects demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnap-suspects demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnappers have demanded N260million as ransom to release four children abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, within Evboneka community, Ovia Northeast Local Government Area.

    The children were said to have been abducted about 5pm on Monday while returning from school.

    Other victims that were abducted alongside the children were a nursing mother and her two younger sisters.

    Father of some of the victims, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her baby after a heavy rainfall.

    He said three other victims of pre-KG classes were also rescued by security operatives.

    Bamidele said victims remaining with the kidnappers were two of his children, younger sister and a sister-in-law.

    He said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded the sum.

    Edo Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said five of the victims were rescued while four were taken away.

    Read Also: Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    “The command in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise for the kidnappers with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims”

    Operatives of the Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol on the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.

    Ikoedem said the suspects were identified as members of a kidnapping syndicate.

    The statement read: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant successes in the fight against kidnapping through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika.

    “On January 28, 2026 about 13:30hours, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty at their traditional nipping point along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru, 35, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna, 25.

    “The suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations.

    “Upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress.

    “In a related development on Monday, February 2, 2026, about 17:00hours, a convoy of motorcycle patrol teams from the Igarra Area Command foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road. The patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.

    “The suspects fled into the forest after a chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects. Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in January while 105 cases are still pending before the court.

    The state Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who made this known in a statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis on the Auchi-Abuja Expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the North. 

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brig.-Gen A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu, 48, and Aboy Egah, 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remain resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

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    He said: “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the state command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”

  • Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    • 70 victims escape from captivity

    At least 32 suspected terrorists have been killed after troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), under Operation Desert Sanity V, uncovered and destroyed detention facilities belonging to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the  Timbuktu Triangle forest spanning Borno and Yobe states, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.

    Over 70 hostages said to be among about 300 held in the camps escaped during the clearance operations that lasted two weeks.

    Spokesman for OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, in a statement said most of the escapees resurfaced in communities including Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.

    “One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, who was abducted on December 22, 2025, said he escaped during a gun battle between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle,” Uba said.

    The military spokesperson disclosed that ISWAP suffered significant losses during the encounters, with at least 32 fighters neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others sustained injuries.

    Read Also: Troops kill ISWAP leader in Sambisa Forest

    He said troops subsequently cleared and demolished the detention facilities to prevent their reuse.

    Uba noted that the destruction of the camps weakened ISWAP’s detention and ransom-collection operations and could provide intelligence value through testimonies from escaped captives.

    He added that the operation reflected progress in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, with troops advancing into previously inaccessible insurgent strongholds and forcing the terrorists to abandon key facilities.

  • After court verdict, Ajah landowners take possession, back Tinubu

    After court verdict, Ajah landowners take possession, back Tinubu

    Members of the Association of Landowners in Winhomes Estate, Okun-Ajah, Lagos, have moved to take possession of their land and start construction, saying the delay in handing over their plots was not due to any ownership dispute but to stalling tactics linked to the Federal Government’s ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

    The association announced the decision at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday. Members of the association said years of delays had prevented them from developing properties acquired in 2020 and 2021.

    The estate is situated on the route of the Federal Government’s Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has led to the acquisition of some portions of the land for public use. The association members said they have no dispute with the government over the acquisition of the affected portions and support the project as serving the broader public interest.

    However, they emphasised that their grievance is with Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited, which they accuse of persistent delays, obstruction of access to the remaining land, and hindrance to construction.

    Mr. Charles Mbah, representing the association, read out a statement outlining the group’s position and legal basis. He said the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1803/2024 had resolved that there are no disputes in the land ownership.

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    According to the association, Justice Akintayo Aluko, in a composite ruling delivered last November 21, held that Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited had divested itself of all proprietary interests in the land by selling it to third parties. The court further ruled that the company was no longer the bona fide owner of the land and therefore lacked the legal standing to institute or maintain any action concerning it. The suit was subsequently struck out.

    “In view of this clear judicial pronouncement, members of the Association of Landowners in Winhomes Estate remain the lawful and bona fide owners of the land, having validly purchased the same and holding relevant title documents,” Mbah said.

    Based on the judgment, the association announced that, as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, its members had taken possession of their parcels of land and would resume development.

    The landowners said they were prepared to meet the statutory pre-construction requirements, including the timely payment of land-use charges and other government dues.

    The association urged Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited and its chief executive officer, Mrs. Stella Okongwu, to refrain from initiating legal action on behalf of its members without consulting them. It emphasized that, having sold the land, the company no longer has authority over matters of ownership or possession.

    They further alleged that Mrs. Okongwu brought a court action over the Federal Government’s acquisition of portions of the estate without consulting the landowners, even though they were the primary stakeholders affected by the acquisition.

    Several members of the association were present at the press conference, including Chief Kingsley Udochukwu, Chief Obiora Divine, Chief Valentine Ifeanyi, Eze Anthony, Chief Richard, and Chief Okafor.

    Some members displayed placards expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as deceptive management practices. The placards read: “President Tinubu, Protect Our Renewed Hope Agenda,” “Don’t let con artists scam investors,” “Five years after, no allocations, no buildings,” “Why are you reselling our land?” and “Stop collecting N12.5 million development fee for empty land.”

    Some landowners told reporters they purchased plots in 2020 and 2021 but were unable to take possession due to repeated delays. They cautioned the public against buying land in the estate, stating that the rightful owners have now taken possession.

    Despite their concerns, association members said they had no issue with the Federal Government or its infrastructure agenda. They expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, which they said would deliver significant economic benefits to the country.

    They requested compensation for landowners whose plots were affected by the coastal road construction, either through monetary payment or allocation of alternative land.

    “As the coastal road project has consumed meaningful portions of our land, we respectfully appeal to the government to show magnanimity by compensating affected landowners,” the association said.

    The association also called on the Federal Government to audit Winhomes Estate’s management activities and to ensure the public is informed that no land remains available for sale within the estate.

    The landowners reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful engagement, respect for the rule of law, and cooperation with government agencies. They urged the media to maintain professionalism and factual reporting, emphasizing that accurate information is vital for investor confidence and national development.

    The conference was organised by the Association of Landowners in Winhomes Estate, Okun-Ajah, and Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, a rights group.

  • Two Ondo varsity students drown during hotel pool party

    Two Ondo varsity students drown during hotel pool party

    Two undergraduates of the Ondo State owned-Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have died after they reportedly drowned in a hotel swimming pool during a party for matriculated students.

    The duo were identified as Adegbola Blessing (19) and Oludere Opeyemi (22).

    The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued on Wednesday to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

    Abayomi said the incident was first reported at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters of the state Police Command by the hotel’s pool manager, identified as Shittu.

    “On the 29th of January, 2026, a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from one Shittu, male, the pool manager of Unibercity Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko, regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred during a swimming pool party organized by the hotel for newly matriculated students.”

    Read Also: Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    “According to the report, at about 2000hrs on the same date, one Adegbola Blessing, male,19, was discovered unconscious in the hotel’s swimming pool. He was rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was taken home by his friends.

    “Shortly thereafter, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, male, 22, was also discovered unconscious in the swimming pool. He was rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” he said in the statement.

    Abayomi added: “Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the scene on the night of the incident to commence investigation. Meanwhile, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, female, alongside the pool manager, were invited for questioning as part of preliminary investigation.

    “Further developments occurred in the early hours of 30th January, 2026, about 0700hrs, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also passed on. Consequently, the case was transferred to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.”

    He said the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation process.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, called on hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise guest safety by installing functional safety equipment, ensuring proper supervision around swimming pools, and enforcing safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents.

    Adebowale, however, assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be fully investigated and any culpability established, appealing to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations continue.

  • Lagos Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover firearms

    Lagos Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover firearms

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations.

    The suspects were arrested in Ajegunle and Ojo areas of the state, a statement by spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said Wednesday night.

    She said their arrests followed actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals terrorising residents and commuters in the affected areas.

    According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Team, Thunder Blast, apprehended 27-year-old Waheed Orelope in Ajegunle after receiving reports that hoodlums were using commercial motorcycles to rob unsuspecting members of the public.

    Read Also: 2027 election won’t stall infrastructure projects in FCT – Wike

    “During preliminary investigation, one locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspect,” the police said.

    In a similar operation, the surveillance team of the Ojo Division arrested another suspect, Wasiu Shonibare, 29, at the Iyana Iba Under Bridge following reports that suspected hoodlums had taken over the area, posing a threat to commuters and residents.

    The police said a locally made pistol was recovered from Shonibare at the point of arrest.

    Both suspects, she said, were in custody while investigations continue to determine their level of involvement and track down other members of the suspected criminal gang.

    Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.

    He urged residents to support the police by providing timely and credible information through the command’s emergency lines.

  • Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    …police quiz hotel manager, launches probe

    Two undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have died after reportedly drowning in a hotel swimming pool during a party organised for newly matriculated students.

    The victims were identified as Adegbola Blessing, 19, and Oludere Opeyemi, 22. They were said to have drowned during a swimming pool party hosted by the hotel to celebrate newly admitted students.

    The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital.

    Abayomi said the incident was first reported at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters by the hotel’s pool manager, identified simply as Shittu.

    “On the 29th of January, 2026, a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from one Shittu, male, the pool manager of University Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko, regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred during a swimming pool party organized by the hotel for newly matriculated students.

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    “According to the report, at about 2000hrs on the same date, one Adegbola Blessing, male, aged 19 years, was discovered unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool. He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was subsequently taken home by his friends.

    “Shortly thereafter, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, male, aged 22 years, was also discovered unconscious in the swimming pool. He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel,” he said in the statement.

    Abayomi added, “Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the scene on the night of the incident to commence investigation. Meanwhile, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, a female, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of the preliminary investigation.

    “Further developments occurred in the early hours of 30th January, 2026, at about 0700hrs, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also passed on. Consequently, the case was transferred to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.”

    He revealed that the remains of the deceased persons have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation process.

    Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, called on hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise guest safety by installing functional safety equipment, ensuring proper supervision around swimming pools, and enforcing safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents.

    Adebowale, however, assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be fully investigated and any culpability established, appealing to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations continue.

  • Why we recorded a spike in road traffic crashes in December/January – FRSC 

    Why we recorded a spike in road traffic crashes in December/January – FRSC 

    …597 deaths recorded in 687 accidents

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed said risky road user behaviour was largely responsible for the 3.4 per cent increase in road traffic crashes recorded during the festive season, from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. 

    Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing on the Operation Zero 2025 festive season, comparing the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 operations, the FRSC boss said crash data revealed an increase across all major indices.

    Mohammed disclosed that total road traffic crashes rose from 665 in 2024/2025 to 687 in 2025/2026, representing a 3.4 percent increase. 

    He said, “The number of persons involved increased from 5,761 to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, a 4.2 percent increase. Injuries also increased from 2,462 to 2,522.” 

    “Those rescued without injury rose from 2,697 to 2,792, reflecting improved rescue and emergency response outcomes. 

    “The figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continued to undermine safety during peak travel periods.”

    According to the FRSC boss, analysis of Operation Zero 2025/2026 showed that the most severe crashes were concentrated along key interstate and peri-urban corridors, with several single-incident crashes resulting in multiple casualties.

    He said, “Locations such as Benin-Asaba-Awka recorded 17 injured and 12 deaths; Zuba-Kaduna-Zaria recorded 67 injured and 39 deaths; while Jos-Bauchi,Gombe-Bauchi-Darazo-Potiskum claimed 49 lives, Abuja-Lokoja, 28 deaths, Mai Adua-Daura-Kazaure-Dambata 18 deaths, and Enugu-Umuahia-Aba recorded 11 fatalities.” 

    Mohammed revealed that the largely avoidable crashes were primarily caused by speeding, dangerous overtaking, loss of control, tyre burst and brake failure—clear indicators of reckless driving and poor vehicle condition.

    He said in December 2025 alone, the FCT Metropolis corridor recorded 97 crashes, followed by Zuba–Kaduna–Zaria with 86 crashes, and Lafia–Akwanga–Keffi–Goshen with 80 crashes. 

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    He added that the same corridors also accounted for the highest fatality burden, justifying sustained patrol dominance, speed enforcement and targeted intervention along high-risk routes.

    The FRSC boss said analysis also reveals that Zone RS4 Jos recorded the highest severity index at 0.18 and accounted for 11.4 percent of total crashes in December 2025, indicating a disproportionate fatality to crash ratio requiring sustained operational focus.

    He said: “Temporal analysis further shows that 87% of crashes occurred between 0600hrs and 1959hrs, with a pronounced peak between 1200hrs and 1359hrs, while Wednesdays recorded the highest crash frequency.”

    “Causation analysis remains unequivocal. Speed limit violation accounted for 41 percent of all identified causes of road traffic crashes in December 2025.”

    “Speed remains the single greatest threat to life on Nigerian roads. The data is clear: speed kills, indiscipline sustains crashes, and disciplined enforcement saves lives.”

    While giving January to December 2025 statistics, Mohammed also revealed that a comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 percent from 9,570 to 10,446. 

    He said that in 2024, fatal crashes which were 2,532 rose to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 percent, serious crashes by 10.5 percent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase. 

    The FRSC boss reported that the number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent.

    He also reported that the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction, hence the reduction confirms that post-crash response interventions are working, it fell short of the Corps’ strategic target of a 10% fatality reduction and confirms that the challenge before us is no longer response alone, but prevention, compliance and deterrence.

    He said in 2025, the Corps recorded a significant rise in enforcement activities compared to 2024. 

    “The number of offenders arrested increased from 453,304 in 2024 to 581,332 in 2025, representing an increase of 128,028 arrests, which translates to a 28.3% rise. Similarly, offences booked rose from 496,799 in 2024 to 648,918 in 2025, an increase of 152,119 offences, amounting to a 30.6% increase,” he said.  

    Mohammed said the upward trend reflects intensified patrol operations, improved surveillance, and a more robust enforcement strategy aimed at promoting road discipline and enhancing overall safety on Nigerian roads.

    He revealed that in comparison of 2024 and 2025 passenger and vehicular movement reveals steady growth, with passenger traffic rising from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million, representing a 2.54% increase; vehicles traveled also increased from 3.65 million to 3.74 million signifying a 1.25% difference; luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 trips to 29,844 trips, a 5.51% difference; and total kilometres covered growing significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, reflecting a 9.05% difference.

    The data, he said, confirms that both vehicle and persons travelled increased significantly in 2025, leading to higher vehicle volumes, mobility and economic activity. 

    He said despite the increased exposure, fatalities declined by 2.4 percent, meaning 132 lives were saved compared to 2024, hence the target of the corps was to reduce fatalities by 10 percent by 2025.

    He said the increase in injuries reflects higher crash occurrence alongside improved postcrash survival and rescue outcomes, hence, success was measured not only by targets but by lives preserved while enforcement and emergency response interventions were working, but they must now be intensified.

    Mohammed who revealed his policy directive on reversing the rising trend of road traffic crashes noted that the corps was dealing with a crisis of exposure, weak compliance, declining deterrence and persistent indiscipline, not an absence of laws or awareness. 

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in the month of January while 105 cases are are still pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City. 

    Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a press statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs 

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis along the Auchi-Abuja expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the northern part of the country.  

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu aged 48 and Aboy Egah aged 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remained resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

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    Accordind to him, “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured prominently in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, comprised predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the State Command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”