The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • NAOSS condemns attack on Customs officers in Ogun

    NAOSS condemns attack on Customs officers in Ogun

    The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has condemned recent attack on officers of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by suspected armed drug smugglers.

    NAOSS described the attack as a reprehensible act of violence against men and women carrying out their legitimate duties.

    It emphasised that such a nefarious act is unacceptable and should be met with serious consequences.

    Suspected armed drug traffickers attacked and injured officers of the Command during an anti-smuggling operation at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer Zakari Chado, explained that officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

    He added that the attackers in an attempt to frustrate law enforcement efforts, mounted barricades at about nine strategic locations, blocked access routes and opened fire on the officers, while a Customs patrol vehicle was disabled.

    Chado disclosed that two officers of the sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical attention, as the smugglers reportedly escaped with the seized truck amid the chaos.

    Read Also: Customs revenue collections hit 7.2tr in 2025 

    NAOSS, however, in a statement jointly signed by its National President and General Secretary, Olubodun Olalekan and Adesanya Peter, respectively, condemned what it described as “brutal attacks” on the customs officers by the drug smugglers.

    While commending the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security, the student body empathized with the injured officers and wish them a speedy recovery.

    “We empathise with the injured officers and wish them a speedy recovery. We also commend the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security.

    “NAOSS calls for increased synergy between sister agencies, paramount rulers, and stakeholders to tackle the menace of drug smuggling. We urge the government to provide adequate protection and support to law enforcement officers risking their lives to curb this scourge.

    “The dangers of drug smuggling are real and far-reaching, contributing to addiction, crime, and the destruction of lives. We must act now to prevent our country from becoming a haven for drug traffickers.

    “To this end, NAOSS demands stiffer legislation and penalties for smugglers of banned substances. Those found guilty of attacking law enforcement officers should face the full weight of the law.

    “We stand in solidarity with the NCS and will continue to support efforts to combat drug smuggling and related crimes”, the statement submitted.”

  • Awujale: Protesters demand penalties for bribery

    Awujale: Protesters demand penalties for bribery

    Following the suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland by the Ogun State Government, a group of residents yesterday staged a peaceful protest across parts of Ijebu-Ode in support of the government’s decision.

    The protesters, under the banner of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major roads in the town carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale”, “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis”, “We want the best prince as Awujale”, and “Let there be a free and fair selection process”.

    The procession converged on Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the Chairman, Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd.

    He assured the protesters that Ogun State Government had no preferred candidate, explaining that the suspension was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to due process.

    “The government is not interested in who eventually emerges as Awujale,” he said. “The decision was taken to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.”

    He hailed the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who would reflect the will of the people.

    READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria has not recovered from military rule’

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was intended to send a message to the kingmakers to act responsibly.

    “The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond,” he said. “This is not a position that should be treated casually. We want the kingmakers to choose the right person for our land.”

    Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.

    “We are here to insist that due process must be followed,” he said. “We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless.”

    Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of contestants, noting that holding a traditional title should not be used as a basis for disqualification.

    “We have heard allegations of bribery involving contestants and those conducting the selection,” she said. “The government must punish anyone found guilty. We do not want the process compromised, as this can lead to unnecessary litigation.”

    The Alagemo in Ijebuland have backed the actions of Ogun State Government aimed at ensuring a seamless selection process.

    Speaking after a meeting held at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Muili, expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.

    “I do not believe the suspension was done for the governor to impose his will,” Muili said. “Rather, it is to ensure due process is followed. We appreciate the steps taken so far and only urge that the process be expedited.”

    The Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to properly conclude the process by giving all contestants equal opportunity.

    “Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates,” he said. “The kingmakers should now sit down and complete the process transparently.”

    “All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people,” he added.

  • Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    • …as gunmen abduct woman, injure three

    Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state on Monday protested the incessant killings and abductions allegedly carried out by suspected gunmen in the area.

    The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw government attention to what they described as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from security agencies.

    Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the residents said they had been traumatised and forced to live in fear, chaos, and uncertainty due to repeated violent attacks in the community.

    One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct woman, injure three in Ondo community attack

    According to him, the latest incident occurred at Liberty Community, a peaceful settlement along the Akure Expressway in Ilu-Abo, and was part of a long pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for nearly three years.

    Mr Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a period w

  • Gunmen abduct woman, injure three in Ondo community attack

    Gunmen abduct woman, injure three in Ondo community attack

    Suspected gunmen have abducted a woman identified as Oladeinde Tomilola and injured three other persons during a violent attack on Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The incident occurred on Sunday at about 8 pm along Liberty Avenue in the Iluabo area when about six armed men reportedly stormed the neighbourhood and opened fire on residents.

    An eyewitness told the Nation that the assailants targeted a vehicle at the entrance of a residence, shooting at its fuel tank and tyres to force it to a stop.

    The witness, who crafted anonymity, said during the violent attack, John Ofuduwa, who was driving into his residence in a Toyota Camry with Abuja registration number GWA 674 CM, was shot and sustained a gunshot injury.

    According to him, residents who raised the alarm and attempted to attract help were also attacked as the assailants fired indiscriminately.

    As a result, two other persons – Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, Victoria Olorunfemi – sustained varying degrees of injuries from the gunfire.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    It was gathered that all the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the attack caused panic in the community as residents fled their homes amid fears of further violence.

    Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations in the area.

    The command, in a statement released on Monday by its spokesman, Jimoh Abayomi, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, had visited the scene to assess the situation and reassure residents.

    CP Lawal condemned the attack and said additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures had been deployed to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence.

    The police commissioner also visited the palace of the Oluabo of Iluabo, Oba Samuel Oluyemi Falae, who condemned the incident and pledged the support of the palace in assisting security agencies.

    The monarch said community vigilante groups would be mobilised to complement police efforts and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

    The Commander, 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Justin Ifeanyi also joined the police during the assessment and assured residents of military support in tracking the attackers and rescuing the abducted woman.

    The police, however, urged members of the public to provide credible information that could aid investigations.

    It added that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to rescue the abducted victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • Lagos residents decry alleged arbitrary reclassification, ‘outrageous’ bills by EKEDC

    Lagos residents decry alleged arbitrary reclassification, ‘outrageous’ bills by EKEDC

    Residents of Ebute-Metta (West) in Lagos State, alongside the traditional ruler of the Otumara community, Apapa Road, Ojo-Oniyun and surrounding areas, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, have protested what they described as excessive estimated billing by Excel Distribution Company, formerly Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

    The residents condemned the alleged reclassification of electricity consumers from Band C to Band A without prior notice or consultation, describing the move as arbitrary and unacceptable.

    High Chief Kalejaiye, while expressing dissatisfaction with his recent electricity bill, claimed his monthly charge surged from N300,000 to N1 million, adding that the distribution company has threatened to disconnect his supply if the amount is not paid.

    He further alleged that although the entire community was previously placed on Band C, his premises was moved to Band B on the grounds that it operates a commercial meter, a decision he said lacked transparency and fairness.

    The affected residents called for urgent intervention to address the billing concerns and ensure fair treatment of consumers in the area.

    “The electricity company has failed in the discharge of its responsibility. How can consumers be made to pay exorbitant bill served for electricity not consumed” he said.

    “As a business owner, we know how difficult it is to operate in this country, and this is compounded by the outrageous billing system of Eko Disco. My bill jumped from N300,000 to N1 million without any justification. My meter was reclassified without prior notice,” Kalejaiye said.

    He accused the company of lacking transparency in its billing process and alleged that unmetered consumers were being exploited through arbitrary charges.

    “They are serving bills as they deem fit. Many households and businesses in Ebute-Metta (West) are on Band B, but how do we explain the sudden increase from N300,000 to N1 million?” he queried.

    Kalejaiye called on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tunji Bello who is also a mainlander and relevant regulatory agencies to intervene, urging the distribution company to ensure accountability and provide prepaid meters to consumers to curb what he described as a dangerous billing regime.

    “I am calling on the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Council (LASERC), the Executive Vice-chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr Tunji Bello, Lagos State Consumer Protection Commission and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to intervene and rescue residents of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area from this throat-cutting billing system.

    The renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu is yielding positive dividends and Nigerians are beginning to experience relieve from years of economic hardship. Therefore, no electricity company must be allowed to spoil the good works of the President. 

    “We want strict adherence to the capping order. We want transparency and accountability in billing, whether consumers are metered or not, and regardless of band classification.”

    Another resident of Ibadan Street (West), Ajadi Yusuf, complained of what he described as double billing, which he said had plunged many residents into debt.

    “How can you serve two bills on one meter?” he asked, describing the practice as strange and oppressive.

    Yusuf said repeated applications for prepaid meters had yielded little success, with only a few residents benefiting. He also raised concerns about the alleged forced migration of households from Band C to Band A without explanation.

    “What level of electricity consumption warranted such migration? We want a fair bargain. We want an end to huge monthly bills and a clear explanation for the way we are being treated,” he said.

    He added that residents were frustrated by high bills despite erratic power supply.

    “We are tired of outrageous bills amid epileptic electricity supply. We reject arbitrary billing by EKEDC. We want an end to unlawful extortion. Our complaints have not received any positive response,” Yusuf said.

    Efforts to obtain a response from EKEDC were unsuccessful, as calls to the company’s public relations officer, were not answered at the time of filing this report.

  • Lawmaker urges Tinubu to improve NDLEA welfare to combat drug abuse

    Lawmaker urges Tinubu to improve NDLEA welfare to combat drug abuse

    The lawmaker representing Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the welfare and operational challenges facing officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of efforts to curb drug use and abuse in Nigeria.

    Agboworin made the call while speaking as a guest on the current affairs programme Gbagede Oselu, aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) at the weekend.

    As chairman of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the federal lawmaker oversees legislative initiatives on drug policy, illicit substance control, and education and rehabilitation programmes for drug users.

    Responding to questions during the programme, Agboworin commended the NDLEA for its performance under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), but stressed that the agency requires greater support and encouragement to sustain and expand its impact.

    He expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse, particularly among young people, describing it as a critical national challenge that demands collective attention.

    According to him, drug abuse is a global problem, noting that even developed countries that spend millions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts continue to grapple with the menace.

    Agboworin identified social media, online influencers, entertainers, and the broader show business industry as contributing factors to the growing prevalence of drug use among youths.

    He also highlighted the efforts of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, including proposals for stiffer jail terms for drug traffickers and improved welfare packages for NDLEA operatives.

    He said, “The rate of drug abuse is worrisome and call for the attention of everyone. It’s a serious issue all over the world because even the US that is spending billions of dollars is still battling with the menace.

    “The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa is doing a great deal of job.

    “As the House Committee Chairman, alongside other members, in doing our job, we saw that there is need for a lot to be done for the Agency.

    “They don’t have enough personnel. They work alongside Customs Service and even doing more. They have barley 14,000 personnel in the country. Their welfare is nothing to write home about as they are not well equipped.

    “We have gathered all the challenges and put them into a bill. We suggested that the agency be moved from the Ministry of Justice to the Presidency.

    “At the committee level, we have also proposed a minimum of 25years jail term for traffickers, after they might have collected all they made through drug. We also proposed a 2 percent return to the agency from the money they make for government. 

    “I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to pay more attention to the need to improve thenfight against narcotics by strengthening the NDLEA more.

    “The agency is doing so well under Marwa but they need to be strengthened and encouraged in terms of improved funding, increase in personnel and welfare packages.

    “The internet, showbiz, influence of entertainers and social media personalities have also constituted to the spread of drug use.”

  • Fire guts residential building, multi-million naira property in Ibadan

    Fire guts residential building, multi-million naira property in Ibadan

    A six room residential building at Block D5, Ifedapo Estate, Amuloko area of Ibadan, and properties worth millions of naira were razed by fire on Friday, a statement issued by the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr. Moroof Akinwande has said.

    Akinwande explained the fire incident completely burnt down the bungalow.

    According to the statement, the agency received a distress call about the fire incident on Friday at exactly 2:53 p.m., from one Odetunde and immediately deployed firemen led by ACFS Amoo to the scene.

    “Upon arrival, it was a bungalow of six rooms engulfed by fire and our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Gov Abba Yusuf’s convoluted defection

    The statement said that no casualties were recorded in the fire incident and attributed the cause of the fire to an explosion caused by domestic gas that spread to the entire building.

    “Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the fire,” the chairman said.

    Akinwande advised members of the public to promptly call fire service and provide correct address whenever there was an emergency.

  • Lagos lawmaker dumps Labour Party, joins ADC

    Lagos lawmaker dumps Labour Party, joins ADC

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 1, Hon. Foluke Stella Osafile, has dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Osafile is the Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation and is the only opposition lawmaker in the 40-member legislative house.

    READ ALSO; Poor pastor or powerful pastor?

     “Yes, it is true. I have defected to the ADC,” the female lawmaker reportedly told a newspaper.

    She was quoted to have promised to make a formal announcement lawmaker soon, during a plenary session at Assembly, saying: “Don’t worry, I will announce it during plenary soon.”

    She defeated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Folorunso Olaitan Segun, in the 2023 general election and her victory was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal.

  • Ondo federal lawmakers pledge support for Aiyedatiwa, seek APC unity

    Ondo federal lawmakers pledge support for Aiyedatiwa, seek APC unity

    Federal lawmakers representing Ondo State in the National Assembly have pledged their total support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, vowing to work collectively to ensure unity, stability, and effective governance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The lawmakers, all members of the House of Representatives from the state, made the pledge on Friday while being hosted to a dinner by the governor at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.

    At the meeting, the lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the success of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration and the overall development of Ondo state.

    Those present at the dinner included Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida (Akure South/Akure North), Hon. Abiola Makinde (Ondo East/Ondo West), Hon. Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Hon. Gboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/Akoko South-East), Hon. Ife Ehindero (Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West).

    Others include: Hon. Festus Akingbaso (Idanre/Ifedore), Hon. Festus Adefiranye (Ileoluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo), Hon. Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Ese-Odo) and Hon. Jimi Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele).

    Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Adesida said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as closing ranks within the APC in the state.

    READ ALSO; Poor pastor or powerful pastor?

    He said the federal legislators had resolved to ensure unity within the party and support policies that promote effective governance and development.

    The lawmakers stressed that a united APC remains critical to sustaining development and consolidating the party’s hold on Ondo State, noting that internal cohesion would also strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

    They commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for hosting them and praised the developmental strides recorded by his administration across the state.

    Pledging their loyalty, the lawmakers assured the governor of their readiness to put politics aside and continue to contribute their quota to the development of Ondo State and the growth of the APC.

    In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the collaboration with the federal lawmakers as a major boost for the state, noting that such synergy is essential for sustaining development and stability in the sunshine state.

    The governor said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the people and the development of the state above political considerations.

    He added that peace, unity, and stability in the state should be seen as a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa also briefed the lawmakers on activities lined up to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo state.

    He expressed delight that all 12 members of the National Assembly from the state, as well as all 26 members of the State House of Assembly, are now members of the APC, describing the development as unprecedented in the state’s political history.

  • Traditional ruler donates borehole, gifts 40 traders cash support in Ogun community

    Traditional ruler donates borehole, gifts 40 traders cash support in Ogun community

    The Baale of Odan Otun Itele, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Ogun State, Chief Babajide Abiola Durojaye has inaugurated a borehole project in commemoration of 100 days of his enthronement as a traditional ruler.

    The water project was commissioned on Saturday amid fanfare.

    The event held at the Durojaye’s palace was witnessed by some royal fathers, traditional chiefs, community leaders, youths, women groups and traders.

    READ ALSO: Gov Abba Yusuf’s convoluted defection

    The traditional ruler also gave 40 traders and market women cash support to boost their business and encourage entrepreneurship in the community.

    The cash empowerment was witnessed by the Onitele of Itele, Oba Ademola Eletu Ashorota, whose presence added grandeur to the occasion.

    Oba Ashorota commended Baale Durojaye for his humility, dedication, and development-driven approach, urging other community leaders to emulate his example.