The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Matawalle alerts on presence of Boko Haram elements in Zamfara

    Gov. Bello Matawalle Matawalle of Zamfara has alerted on the presence of elements of Boko Haram allegedly recruited by some politicians to cause havoc in the state.

    The governor made the revelation through his Director-General of Press Affairs, Yusuf Idris at a press briefing in Gusau on Monday.

    He said the state government “is in possession of credible intelligence reports suggesting that some disgruntled politicians of the state origin are making clandestine moves to destabilize the state.

    “They are intending for sinister and personal gains, collaborating with dispersed elements of Boko Haram, to launch series of attacks on innocent and peace loving people of the State in order to scuttle the relative peace being currently enjoyed as a result of the peace and dialogue process initiated by the present administration.

    “According to the intelligence report, the cruel and mischievious elements have perfected plans to launch the attacks in seven local Government areas of the state and in other strategic places within the state capital and that two important personalities of the state are also targeted for elimination should this dastardly act succeed.

    “The targeted local governments include Gusau, the state capital, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Anka, Zurmi, Maru and Maradun while the strategic places targeted are Gusau Central Mosque and Gusau army Mammy Market where soft targets are known to gather both at day and night.

    “The Boko Haram elements, were said to have been recruited from far and wide to carry out these heinous acts slated for between Monday 23rd September to 25th October 2019.”

    Read Also: OPPI: Army nabs 5 key logistics suppliers, fighters

    The governor further said it became imperative to alert people of the state on the development to guard against panic and give update on the government preparedness in collaboration with security agencies in arresting the situation.

    He said already, security had been beefed up in all the identified flashpoints and areas while stop and search operations were being intensified in all parts of the state.

    Matawalle appreciated the people’s goodwill to his administration and assured that he would not be “deterred nor distracted by negative thinkers in his drive to improve the standard of living of the state and its people.”

    The governor also thanked repentant bandits and members of Yansakai group for sustaining the peace process initiated by his administration which had brought peace in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state has been enjoying relative peace in the past two months with over 370 kidnap victims released willingly by their abductors.

  • UPDATED: Fire razes Unity Bank headquarters

    One of the floors of Unity Bank Plc headquarters in Lagos was engulfed in flames on Monday.

    The fire which started early hours of this morning has been brought under control by the fire service. The source of the fire remains unknown.

    In a statement, the bank said: “We regret to inform the public that there was a fire incident on one of the floors of our Head Office building early this morning.

    The cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained but the fire service has intervened and has brought the situation under control. While the extent of damage is being assessed, we are happy to note that there was no casualty or loss of life as a result of the incident. From current observations, however, the Banking Hall and other strategic business areas were not affected”.

    Continuing the bank said: “We are grateful to all the Agencies and volunteers that supported in bringing the incident under control. Further developments regarding the incident will be communicated as it unfolds”.

  • Seven children killed, 57 injured after classroom collapses in Kenya

    Kenyan Government on Monday confirmed that seven pupils were killed and 57 others injured after a classroom at a primary school in Nairobi collapsed.

    Colonel Cyrus Oguna, a government spokesman said at a press conference that the classroom, at the Precious Talent Academy in Nairobi’s western suburb of Dagoretti, collapsed at 7.30 am (0430 GMT).

    A community leader said the first casualties were evacuated to a nearby Catholic clinic by motorbike, because ambulances took an hour and a half to arrive.

    The Red Cross announced on its Twitter account that it had set up information and tracing desk and would be offering psychosocial support services.

    Distraught parents and members of the public railed at the school’s administration for what they termed the poor structural quality of the collapsed building.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct PDP chieftain in Benue 

    One parent told dpa that the collapsed building was an iron-sheet walled, one-storey building, with the first floor built of a concrete slab.

    The school’s manager, Moses Ndirangu, said the collapse could be the result of ongoing sewer works on one side of the classrooms.

    Local lawmaker, John Kiarie said the school is located in an impoverished informal settlement and the quality of the structures may not be up to par.

    Education Minister George Magoha was expected to give a report in due course.

  • Kidnapping: Army dismisses three soldiers in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday says it has dismissed three soldiers arrested among a kidnapping gang in the outskirts of Maiduguri.

    Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this while handing over the dismissed soldiers to the police in Maiduguri.

    Adeniyi disclosed that the soldiers were arrested with 22 other suspects by a joint patrol team in the early hours of Sunday at a building in the outskirts of Maiduguri.

    He said that the soldiers were initially deployed to the Operation Lafiya Dole, but engaged in nefarious activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, killings and cultism.

    Adeniyi added that the erring soldiers were dismissed in accordance with the military procedures, warning that the army would not condone criminals in its fold.

    “The three soldiers were caught among the evil group, there was further resistance and attempt to escape, so we tied them up with ropes because handcuffs were not available.

    “In addition; we could not put violent men that do these kinds of crimes into a police van to take to the station, there will be breakout on the road and we know what would happen.

    “We have to restrain them thoroughly with ropes before we take them and handover to the police.

    “The Acting GOC, 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. AK Ibrahim, has conducted military procedures. We do not keep armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists in the army, they had been dismissed.

    “We gathered here to witness their handover to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for civic action, they are dismissed, and they are no longer soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

    “Our code of conduct is strict and high, no evil soldier will be allowed to serve in the army,” Adeniyi said.

    The commander called on the people to be vigilante and report suspicious persons, movement and activities to security agencies

    Meanwhile, the Borno Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohhamed Aliyu, said the command had arrested 25 suspects at Bagani Hotel in Abuja Sharaton Area of the metropolis.

    Read Also: OPPI: Army nabs 5 key logistics suppliers, fighters

    Aliyu said the suspects belong to a cult group called Neo Black Movement (NBM), adding that they were arrested wearing black dresses at about 2:00 a.m., while conducting their imitation activities.

    He disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that most of the suspects were students of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, a medical doctor, a banker and three dismissed soldiers.

    Aliyu added that one of the suspects fired shot in the air and run when the patrol team stormed the hideout.

    He said the suspects had been terrorizing residents of Maiduguri and its environs and were involved in robbing filling stations.

    The commissioner revealed that the command had recovered calabashes, a 25-litre keg containing reasonable quantity of red substance suspected to be human blood and charms.

    Other items recovered include 20 school identification cards, four ATM cards, phones, six SIM packs, one live 7.62mm ammunition and some gun powder, among others.

  • OPPI: Army nabs 5 key logistics suppliers, fighters

    The Nigerian Army says the Operation Positive Identification (OPPI) in the North East has started yielding positive results with the arrest of five key terrorists suppliers and fighters.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), Col. Ado Isa, disclosed this on Monday.

    Isa said that the troops of OPLD had intensified searching for and arresting of all suspected criminal elements that were currently roaming parts of the North East.

    He said that the Theatre Command had enjoined members of the public to always carry valid means of identification such as National Identification Card when moving or passing through Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    Isa said the operation was based on credible information that some of the fleeing criminals were hibernating in some towns and villages of Borno and Yobe States in particular and North East in general.

    Read Also: Army launches Operation Positive Identification in Northeast

    “Troops are directed to strictly check legitimate means of identification such as National Identification Card, Voters Registration Card, Drivers’ License and International Passports or other valid official identification before allowing such persons passage.

    “Consequently, the operation is seriously ongoing across the region and five key terrorists logistics suppliers and fighters have so far been apprehended.

    “Members of the public are requested to cooperate with the troops by moving along with valid identification cards and present same to the troops in the efforts to rid the North East zone of criminals fleeing for safety,” he said.

  • Ooni to install Kessington Oodole Oodua

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is set to install a business magnate and Lagos socialite, Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Kessington, as the Odole Oodua.

    The conferment of the chieftaincy title on Kessington, popularly called Dodondawa, is the first by Oba Ogunwusi since his ascension to the throne as the 51st Ooni about four years ago.

    According to a statement by the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the chieftaincy conferment will take place on October 19, 2019 at the Ile-Oodua, the Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife.

    The statement read in part: “The Odole is a special office, which works closely with the Ooni in rallying the descendants of Oduduwa wherever they are in the world for unity, peace and progress of the race. The Odole Oodua, a position once occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and subsequently by Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, is a highly revered chieftaincy in Yorubaland, pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while he was still a prince of Ife.

    “Oranmiyan served as a rallying point and stabilising force among the powerful empires within the expansive Oduduwa territory before becoming the Ooni in Ife, after his exploits which cut across Benin and Oyo kingdoms, where he established his royal dynasties which have been in existence till date.”

    Read Also: Where is Ooni’s ex-wife, Olori Wuraola?

    “Historically, the office has its roots in the remarkable roles played by the Oranmiyan, the great ruler of old Oyo and Benin kingdoms. Oranmiyan was virile, bold, adventurous, circumspect, dutiful and at the service of his other siblings. He stood as an effective link between them. It was his commitment to a united Oduduwa family that is referenced in the fragment of his panegyric, “akantunkansi or as’otuns’osi, akinn’ile akinl’ogun” (the great link to both sides, the brave both at home and at war).

    “Even though both Benin and Oyo kingdoms were at a point most powerful domains within the expansive Oduduwa territory, Oranmiyan ensured that they never overran each other. Etymologically, “Odole” derives from the expression “odo ile Oodua” (the youth in the house of Oduduwa). It is a contraction of the expression adopted as a title to perpetuate the ideal of internal cohesion for which Oranmiyan stood in the Oodua family of the ancient days.

    “The traditional title of the Odole of Ife has been retained as part of Ife’s social and political system and specially conferred on distinguished Oodua descendants, who in present times can replicate the roles played by the Oranmiyan.

    The statement added: “In the contemporary history of the Oodua people, the late sage, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, who later held the title of Asiwaju Ile-Oodua, which has since been left unfilled till date, was the first to be honoured with the title after Oranmiyan. The second holder of the title was the late Chief G.O.K. Ajayi (SAN). Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Kessington is the third in the line.

    “Like his predecessor, Sir Adebutu’s exemplary life achievements and awesome potentials for positive social transformation were a crucial factor in his consideration for the prestigious position. From a very humble background to a life of a successful businessman of national and international repute, a philanthropist of rare breed and a social reformer of distinction, Sir Adebutu has emerged as the most suitable candidate for the position. He hails from Iperu Remo in Ikene Local Government Area of Ogun state, Nigeria.

    “The choice of Adebutu as the Odole Oodua is also in recognition of his philanthropy, positive contributions to human development, and promotion of our prestigious cultural values and traditions as descendants of Oduduwa. The Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation(KAAF) and the medical laboratory and Maternity Centre established in 2005 among other commitments to the service of the poor and other vulnerable people in the society attest to this.

    “In line with the established process of filling such an important position, both the political and spiritual wings of Ile-Oodua have sought Sir Adebutu’s consent in this regard on behalf of the Ooni and he has presented his acceptance of the offer to the Arole Oodua’Olofin Adimula, the Ooni of Ife for final ratification.

    “All the necessary rites attached to the installation are being observed ahead of the installation ceremony slated. The kings, the high chiefs (AGBA IFE) and chief priests (THE ISOROS) are atop of the coronation rites which will reach the climax on the eve of the event in October 2109.”

  • Two ‘cultists’ say ‘we are sorry’ in Edo

    Two students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Inegbedion Sebastine and Alabi Joshua, who were arrested on suspicion of being members of Vikings Confraternity, have said they are sorry and have asked the school authorities and the Nigeria government to forgive them.

    The two AAU students were paraded alongside 92 others by men of the Edo State police command for engaging in cultism.

    Inegbedion who is a final-year law student is expected to graduate this month while Alabi is a 100-level student in the department of Electrical Engineering.

    Paraphernalia of Vikings Confraternity such as regalia and other things used for initiation were allegedly found in Inegbedion’s room.

    Speaking to our reporter, 24-year-old Inegbedion said he was forcefully initiated into cultism when he gained admission into the institution and all efforts by him to renounce were met with death threats.

    Inegbedion said his father learnt about his involvement in cultism and was aware of the threat before he died.

    He stated that he opted to lie low to complete his studies.

    Read Also: Police parade 49 for alleged robbery, cultism

    He said, “I was apprehended while writing my final examinations. My apartment was searched and they found Vikings regalia. I am not their number one man. It was my fellow cult members that brought them to my room.

    “I barely stay in my rented apartment. I stay inside the campus because of my studies and fear of attack. I have never been aware of any student recruited into cultism because I am an inactive member.

    “I hope this will not affect my studies. If it did, I will look for a better life and move on. I will get a decent job and live a responsible life. I gave my members my key and they have access to my room.

    “I need a chance to renounce cultism and not thwart my education. I need to round up my study by Monday next week if the state could grant me amnesty to enable me finish my studies.

    “I barely stay at home and so the cult members requested for my key to enable them have access to my room.”

    I appeal to the school authorities to forgive me. I was scared. I plead with the school authorities to show mercy. I don’t have anything to do with these regalia.”

    Spokesman for the institution, Mr. Edward Aihevba, said the Senate of the university would decide their fate after getting a report of the disciplinary committee.

    Aihevba stated that the institution has zero tolerance for cultism and cult activities.

  • Group accuses bureau of illegal land acquisition

    A group, the Media Advocacy and Technology Centre (MATEC), has accused workers of the Kwara State Bureau of Land of illegal acquisition of land.

    It urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to caution the bureau to tread softly in its bid to acquire land “and to ensure justice is done and that land grabbers at the bureau are made to face the law for dragging the government in the mud.”

    MATEC Media Communication Officer Abdullahi said: “Our attention has been drawn to the operating procedure of the Kwara State Bureau of Land over illegal acquisition of family and community land, using government power and office.

    “An Ilorin Upper Area Court 1, on June 11, 2019 issued an injunction restraining the bureau and Akorede family from constructing any building on the land situated at Oke Andi, Babá Alawo, Tapa and Alagbon villages, all behind Judges’ Quarters, in Ilorin South Local Government.

    “To our surprise, the Kwara Bureau of Land flagrantly disobeyed this injunction and has continued to sell, allocate and distribute the said property. This is in addition to the bureau using the police to harass and intimidate the family whose land is being unjustly acquired.

    “MATEC is ready to use every legal means to ensure that those using government names and offices to oppress citizens do no go scot-free.

    “We believe OTOGE mantra should have ended recklessness in the government operation in Kwara State.”

  • Two killed in attack on Adamawa villages

    Two people have been killed and many others, including a soldier, wounded following an attack by gunmen on two villages in Numan Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.

    Local sources who attributed the attacks to herdsmen, said the attackers laid siege on Shaforon and Kodumti villages around 1:00am on Sunday, visiting mayhem on households.

    The Principal Medical Officer of Numan General Hospital, Dr. Nuhu Tari, confirmed two deaths among the victims taken there.

    Confirming the attacks, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Suleiman Nguroje, identified the attackers as cattle rustlers.

    He said, “One of the attackers was killed in the crossfire with security operatives and his corpse has been deposited at the Numan mortuary.

    “The CP has dispatched additional operatives to join other security agencies to comb the bushes in the area and arrest the fleeing cattle rustlers.”

  • N150m donkey hides, other contraband seized in Kano

    Customs in the Kano-Jigawa area command has impounded a large consignment of donkey hides and other contraband worth N150.4m.

    The seizure was made along Babura and Daura routes leading to Kano through Katsina State in one month.

    Giving an update on the seizures to reporters at his headquarters in Bompai, Kano yesterday, the Customs Area Comptroller of the command, Nasiru Ahmed said his men and officers intercepted 678 packages of 25kg of unfinished leather of donkey skin with a duty paid value of N70.1 million, which was prepared and labelled for export to China.

    Read Also: Ogun Customs Command 1 rakes N6.7b revenue

    Also, over 4,114 Jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil valued at N56.5 million, and 490 bags of foreign rice valued at N11 million were seized.

    Ahmed said his men  impounded 19 units of assorted smuggled vehicles valued at N7.7 million, adding that 223 compressed blocks and a bag of  Indian Hemp estimated at N3.3 million, concealed inside a black SUV heading to Kano were also intercepted.

    He said, “This Cannabis Sativa which is called Indian Hemp is part of the hard drugs our children are taking and it will be easy for them to engage in kidnapping and banditry. It is valued at N3 million; and we have concluded arrangements to hand it over to NDLEA.”