The Nation Newspaper

Tag: alert

  • No cause for alarm over terror alert, says Fed Govt

    No cause for alarm over terror alert, says Fed Govt

    Nigerians were advised yesterday not to panic over that alert of a likely terror attack on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and elsewhere.

    Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser Segun Adeyemi: “There is no cause for alarm despite the latest travel advisories by some Western countries.

    ”We know that the terrorists, who have been massively degraded and put on the run have been looking for soft targets to attack.

    “This is the nature of terrorism all over the world, as can be seen in recent attacks in the UK, France and Egypt, among others.

    ”That is why the Nigerian security agencies have continued to be on the alert, even if their efforts have been largely unobtrusive so as not to disrupt the daily activities of the citizenry.

    ”Such efforts are routinely stepped up during religious festivals.”

    Mohamned said the Federal Government would continue to take adequate measures to protect the lifes and property of citizens and non-citizens alike.

    He stressed that the military remained unrelenting in ensuring that the terrorists neither regroup nor regained the capacity to carry out organised attacks.

    He said the Federal Government’s sensitisation campaign on security, with the punchline ”if you see something, say something”, would be stepped up on national radio and television.

    The Minister advised the citizens to be security conscious and to report suspicious people and objects to the security agencies.

  • Northern Governors: Army, police to remain on alert

    Northern Governors: Army, police to remain on alert

    •Salute residents for nonviolence
    •Laud Lalong for rapid response in Jos

    The 19 Northern State Governors want the army and the police to remain on the alert in the region with a view to tackling any attempt to cause breach of security.

    Their chairman and Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima in a statement in Maiduguri hailed residents of the region for keeping the peace in the face of the recent clashes between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers in Abia State which posed threats to the lives of some northerners living in the Southeast.

    No Nigerian, according to them, deserves to be punished for the mere fact that he or she happens to be living or doing legitimate business in any part of the country.

    They acknowledged concerns ýover possible spill over of the Jos violence in parts of the North, and hailed Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State for dealing promptly with the problem.

    The governors asked all residents to   see themselves as equal citizens who have the same rights to freely live in any part of Nigeria as provided by the Constitution which the governors are under oath to preserve, protect and defend.

    The governors also called on all Nigerians to support and promote peace and coexistence, maintaining that the collective vision to have a greater and prosperous Nigeria can only be actualised under an atmosphere of peace and stability.

    They commiserated with Nigerians affected by the violence and asked northerners living in any part of the country to remain law abiding and calm saying they share in their concerns and will continually take lawful measures to support them under any circumstance the northerners find themselves.

  • Reps: Security should be on the alert

    Reps: Security should be on the alert

    The House of Representatives yesterday condemned the ultimatum by the Coalition of Arewa Youths to the Igbo to leave the North.

    The House urged security agencies to be on the alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order that may arise as a result of the threat.

    The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion under matter of urgent public importance by  Oghene Egoh (Lagos-PDP).

    Egoh condemned the threat issued by some pro North youth groups and the stand of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the matter.

    The lawmaker stressed the need for the Federal Government to urgently intervene to avert a national crisis.

    “As part of the campaign by the IPOB for the actualisation of Biafra Republic, Biafra agitators shut down major towns in the South-East on May 30, 2017.

    “It is disturbing that 16 Northern youth groups on June 6, 2017 gave Igbos residing in their states up to Oct. 1, 2017 to vacate the region.

    “In its reaction, the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it received with gladness the ‘quit notice’ and urged the Igbo to return home immediately.

    “The two calls created alarming twist, which is ominous and dangerous for the good health of Nigerians.

    “This motion is not interested in the merit or demerit of Biafra; nor is it interested in apportioning blame on those who made the two unpatriotic calls.

    “Rather, this is only concern for the nation’s leaders to immediately intervene to stop these agitations from resulting in violence that may consume the entire nation,’’ Egoh said.

    He also urged the National Assembly and the Presidency to initiate dialogue with the two groups to avoid damage to the nation.

    “While people have the right to their views and decisions about lives, the National Assembly must rise to the occasion we find ourselves and put an end to the confusion that is brewing.

    “This must be done by appealing to both parties to withdraw their demands to avoid loss of lives, especially that of innocent children, women and others who are not part of the problem,’’ Egoh warned.

    Without debate on the motion, the House urged the Arewa youths and their Biafra counterparts to rescind their decisions.

    The legislators called on the Federal Government to urgently wade into the crisis to avoid loss of lives and properties.

  • GeNs@gtbank.com: Fraudulent bank alert to be careful of

    GeNs@gtbank.com: Fraudulent bank alert to be careful of

    Fraudsters have taken another turn in the game of defrauding innocent but unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard earned currencies by sending transaction messages and demanding a follow-up within 24Hours.

    If you have an account with Guaranty Trust Bank (at least the ones concerned so far) this message is for you. Beyond GTB, this is pertinent to everyone who saves money or other valuables in the bank.

    Recently, fraudsters have grown even smarter by using disguised email name like GeNs@gtbank.com, udirect@ubagroup.com, diamondbank@diamondbank.com to send initiated debit transaction from the victim’s account and further ask for other details.

    Some customers of GTBank have fallen victim of this fraudulent message. In fact, other people who do not bank with GTB, like a colleague who got his message from mny@inetlab.net under the disguise of GeNs@gtbank.com, also received the message.

    Concerned banks so far, include, Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank, GTBank, UBA and StanbicIBTC

    Read the experience of an individual who fell victim below:

    This happened to me OluwaDamilola Ayomi Olatunbosun (ayomiessentials) a few hours ago (now weeks). I got an email from GTB (my one and only bank) some hours ago that I was debited 14,500 for a bulletin I subscribed for, the email further read I should click a link to oblige and another link below to decline, I clicked on the link to decline cos the mail read it will be assumed that I agreed to the terms and conditions if I don’t respond to the mail in 12hrs…

    I clicked on the link to decline the offer since I don’t want my 14,500 to be debited for some magazine I didn’t subscribe for (note that I got these same email last week and I got tried calling GTBank customer service that day, I gave up after wasting about 600naira worth of airtime, I felt the need to respond when if got the message today again)….

    Lo and behold the link took me to my Internet banking page, it requested that I enter my log in details which I did…the page requested I answer my test question which I did 1st then entered my 6 digits token code which Is usually requested when doing online banking.

    Almost immediately I filled the form, the page kept loading and I was hoping I’d see a page where I’ll click the Decline button or something then the worse thing happened…. I got an alert that all the money in my account has been debited. They left only the kobo for me this happened to me less than 2hrs ago.

    I went to the nearest GTBank and I was told that my account was hacked.
    The debit alert I got showed that I recharged with all the money in my account.
    Lo and behold I was given the number that was recharged at the bank 08170003208 (I was told at the bank that I used my money to recharge that number thinking it’s mine, I wonder if wanted to call heaven or hell that I will recharge that much of money on recharge)All my money is gone and nothing can be done about it, I’m sharing these with you all so u won’t fall a victim.Please be careful.
    Note that the mail came from opokonwa@gmail.com under the disguise of GeNs@gtbank.com

    A fraudulent alert from a supposed UBA alert system reads:

    ‘Dear Customer,

    Thank you for succesfully SUBSCRIBING for the U-Direct monthly Bulletins.

    We are processing to debit your account with the sum of 16,450 NGN as our monthly charge for the subscription as per our terms and conditions.

    If you are not aware of this subscription and Wish to Cancel this, kindly follow our website below to unsubscribe.

    Note: To Unsubscribe, A mobile code will be sent to your registered mobile number to Cancel After Security Validation

    https://www.ubadirect.com/Login.jsp/unsubscribe/portal/rBanking/axisebanking/AxisRetailLogin/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOKNAzxMjIwNjLwsQp0MD

    Things You Must Know

    1. After 24hrs you cannot cancel subscription and Debit will be processed on your account.

    2. If you have been successfully debited, you will receive your ticket number by mail after 24hrs.

    A fraudulent alert from a supposed Diamond Bank alert system reads:

    However, the banks have not been silent on this issue as it continued to notify its customers of possible scams and how to avoid being defrauded. One of such is from GTBank saying:

    Dear Customer,
     

    Scam Alert

    This is a reminder that you should never disclose your account or card details to anyone or enter your personal banking details on a website that is sent as a link in an SMS, Email, Online or any Social Media Platform. Exit any page immediately if you are asked to enter your account, card or internet login details.
     

    GTBank, its staff or agents will never call or send you an email asking for your account details, PIN, Card or other Personal Bank details in exchange for monetary or material reward.
     
    You can help us stop these types of scams by following any of the simple steps below:
     
    • Fake Online Flyers: take a screenshot that clearly shows the link (website address) and send it to us by email at complaints@gtbank.com so that we can work to block the site.
       
    • Scam Calls, SMS, and Emails: Report the phone number to GTConnect (see numbers below) and forward such emails to complaints@gtbank.com
     
    Thank you for choosing Guaranty Trust Bank plc.
    As observed with all analysed scam alerts from the above mentioned disguised Bank email addresses, the fraudsters attempt to create an emergency for you to which a delay might cost you some money. Kindly note, that silence to this message might be very important as it allows you think properly but swiftly notify your bank.
    Similarly, demand the contact number of your Account Manager from your nearest bank branch to be able to monitor your account on the go.
    Whatever the case might be with your initiated transactions or fraudulent attempts, vigilance is paramount. Be careful of your kind of response in order not to

  • Kwara prison personnel put on alert

    Officials of the Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) in Kwara State have been put on the red alert following alleged riot  by inmates at two different prisons in the state.

    At least six inmates were said to have died while about five are on danger list following injuries sustained in the melee.

    The incidents, according to a prison source, occurred at Mandala Prisons on Ilorin-Alapa road and Oke-Kura prisons in Ilorin metropolis.

    It was learnt the inmates, who were in the condemned inmates’ cell, protested the substandard quality of their food.

    “It has become a culture of the condemned inmates to enact a riot scene yearly, especially when December is approaching, with the ulterior motive to cause a jail break,” the source said.

    He added that while the Mandala prison scene was brought under control, the Oke-Kura episode recorded deaths.

    Minna Zonal Comptroller Musa Maiyaki has visited the state for a firsthand information.

    The source said while the comptroller was addressing prison operatives, inmates regrouped and attempted to cause trouble.

  • Dasukigate: Why Buhari must be on alert

    SIR: Since our return to civil rule in 1999, if there is one thing successive governments agree on as a barrier to our journey to development as a nation, it is corruption. Indeed no nation grappling with Nigeria’s kind of blatant corruption can experience any meaningful development.

    Ever since the story of $2.1b misapplied defence funds broke, many Nigerians are still alarmed at the height of wickedness in high places. Was it up to two years that Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State told the world that the Nigerian army was ill-equipped to fight Boko Haram insurgents? Shettima attracted knocks, sticks, stones and invectives mainly from political chauvinists who viewed the issue from the prism of sentiments. Today, the Borno governor has been vindicated by the stench emanating from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA).

    Curiously, former President Goodluck Jonathan either looked away or slept when the funds meant to secure Nigeria and Nigerians were funneled into his campaign to secure second term in office, even when he swore that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    One indisputable reason Dasuki played “Donatus” with the $2.1b defence fund is the fact that the former NSA and his cronies see the victory of the PDP in the 2015 elections as more important than the millions of IDPs in the Northeast. To them, Yobe can convulse. The entire Borno can burn; a PDP victory is all that matters. After all, the party’s chieftain, Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe, attempted to justify the diversion of defence funds for partisan purpose in an interview with Punch newspaper lately. Hear him: “If one wants to contest for an election, will the person not have money to spend? Won’t money be shared? Whatever is happening is normal.’’

    Ogunlewe is not too far from the truth for what is normal here is actually weird in sane climes. That is why heads would have rolled through the guillotine in countries where there is punishment for stealing.

    Beyond excoriating Dasuki and all the beneficiaries of the blood money he gave, the diversion of defence funds for partisan purposes should provoke a national debate about how parties in this part of the world are funded. How, for instance, has the PDP been funding its Presidential elections after 1999? How have governors of all the ruling parties -PDP, APC, APGA, etc. at the state level been funding their campaigns?

    The only reason Dasuki is in the eye of the storm is because his party was displaced at the centre. We probably may never have the faintest idea of the blood money shared by Dasuki and the gang if PDP’s dream of ruling for 60 years had not been cut short. But the buck stopped on Jonathan’s table.

    It is apposite to state that corruption did not die with the PDP on May 29, 2015. Corrupt elements are also in the ruling party. Now that the call for Jonathan to speak up on the corruption that happened under his watch is gaining traction, the lesson President Buhari can glean from the Dasuki episode is that one day, it will also be his turn to take responsibility for all that happened under his watch. This is why Buhari must be on the alert.

    • Ladesope Ladelokun,

    Lagos.

  • Danbazau to security agencies: be alert

    Danbazau to security agencies: be alert

    Minister of Interior Gen.  Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau yesterday urged security agencies to be on the alert against illegal cross borders activities.

    Speaking when he visited Illela border post at the boundary point between Nigeria and Niger Republic, Gen. Danbazau noted that illegal cross borders activities contributed to the criminal menace affecting Nigeria with over 4000 kilometres round its borders.

    “Nigeria needs absolute security, especially in this period of terrorism,” he stressed.

    The minister, who also identified human, arms and dangerous drug trafficking as responsible for most crimes, said it was time for everyone to be up and doing to overcome the problem.

    “It is in our best interest to check people who are not suppose to cross into the country for negative ulterior motive.

    “We expect you security agencies to live above board with high integrity and shun corrupt practices by living within your legitimate means.

    Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Martin Kure explained that Illela border remained one of the biggest and most vibrant in trade activities, which also reflects the affinity between Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic.

     

  • UK varsities on alert as intakes arrive from Nigeria, others

    UK varsities on alert as intakes arrive from Nigeria, others

    Universities in the UK have been put on alert to be ready for a potential outbreak of the Ebola virus when the new term starts in September.

    Universities UK, the umbrella body that represents vice-chancellors, has written to every university giving detailed guidance on how to deal with an outbreak. The decision was made to send out the guidance because universities are expecting thousands of new students to arrive from West Africa.

    While the three countries which have seen the largest number of Ebola cases – Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone – have hardly any students enrolling at UK universities, Nigeria – which has had confirmed cases – is the fourth largest supplier of international students to UK universities. In 2012-13, the latest year for which figures are available, a total of 9,630 were enrolled.

    A spokesman for Universities UK said: “The issue is very much on universities’ radars. We circulated to universities the publicly available guidance on the topic.”

    The guidance makes it clear that anyone suspected of having Ebola should immediately be isolated in a side room away from any staff or student contact.

    “The side room should have dedicated en-suite facilities or at least a dedicated commode,” it says. “The level of staff protection is dependent on the patient’s condition.” Those having any dealings with the patient must take careful hand hygiene precautions, wearing double gloves and a disposable visor.

    The guidance reassures university staff: “Evidence from outbreaks strongly indicates that the main routes of transmission of infection are direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membrane) and indirect contact with environments contaminated with splashes or droplets of blood or body fluids.

    “Experts agree that there is no circumstantial or epidemiological evidence of an aerosol transmission risk from patients.”

    So far, there have been more than 1,060 deaths and 1,975 confirmed sufferers, but the World Health Organisation warns that the crisis is likely to continue for months.

    The outbreak was first identified in March in Guinea.

  • Ede youths alert Osun ACN on Assembly poll

    Youths in Ede North State Constituency, comprising 11 wards, have said the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State may lose in the 2015 House of Assembly election in the area to an opposition party.

    They are protesting against the alleged domination by one of the wards, Ologun/Agbaakin, in producing candidates into the House of Assembly in the last 16 years.

    The youths under the aegis of ‘Kose Je Mogun Group’, alleged that within the 16 years, the Ologun/Agbaakin Ward 3 had produced member of the House of Assembly more than three times in which the member served as a Minority Leader and later as Speaker.

    The group, in a statement by its Chairman, Ayoade Adetoberu (Oloba Atapara Ward 1) and Secretary, Okunolanje Gafar (Asunmo Ward 10), urged the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Osun State to intervene in the matter to avoid losing the state constituency in the forthcoming poll.

    The youths said the opposition party is planning to take advantage of the development.

    They said: “For about 16 years, none of the 10 remaining wards has produced the representative to the House of Assembly. The immediate Speaker of the House, Adejare Bello, was from Ologun/Agbaakin Ward 3. Also, a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, Alhaji Kola Isiaka Aliyu, is from the same Ologun/Agbaakin Ward 3.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police put Jos churches, mosques on alert

    The police yesterday warned Muslim and Christian worshippers in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and its environs to be on the alert for likely suicide attacks.

    The police noted that members of the Boko Haram sect may not have stopped their killings.

    Police Commissioner Emmaniuel Dipo Ayeni addressed Christians and Muslims at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Police Officer’s Mess in Jos.

    He said: “The purpose of this meeting is partly to review current security situations and challenges as we have done on regular bases.

    “If you ask me to review our situation in the last two months, I will say with all sense of disappointment that our religious leaders have relaxed the security network we all agreed to put in place at worship centres in this state.

    “In our stakeholders’ meeting in March, this year, we agreed on certain security strategies to be put in place to prevent another suicide bombing. Most leaders of worship centres complied immediately. But later on, we all relaxed.

    “The last suicide bomb attack in Jos was in February, this year, when suicide bombers attacked worshippers at St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church, Rayfield, Jos, killing over 20 worshippers.

    “We all agreed here that worship centres should be barricaded by leaders of the church and mosques that no worshipper should be allowed to come to worship centre with a vehicle and that handbags should be allowed into the premises during congregation.

    “I wish to sound this note of warning that we have relaxed and we need to wake up. the attackers have not given up. I am not saying they are coming today or tomorrow; they will strike again when they notice that we have relaxed.

    “In this command, I have never allowed my men to relax. But we don’t have enough men to police everyone in the state, hence we agreed on police-community policing. You will help us to help you.”