The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Border Closure: Ogun border communities groan as fuel sells for N350 per litre

    Residents of Ogun border communities of Iwoye-Ketu, Idofa, Ilara, Oke Agbede, Moriwi and Wasinmi Okuta are groaning over the artificial scarcity of petroleum product (fuel) and the attendant hardship on them, following the closure of borders between Nigeria and neighbouring Republic of Benin by the Federal Government.

    The residents claimed that since the regime of border closure began, it has all been losses from their farm produce due to the activities of overzealous Task Force operatives who have resorted to seizing their produce.

    They lamented that their woes worsened on Monday as the Task force allegedly prevented trucks conveying petroleum products from reaching their communities.

    Ooye of Iwoye Ketu, a border community in Ogun State, Oba Joel Ademola Alaye, who raised the alarm, alleged that a major fuel scarcity looms in their areas following the partial closure of the borders by the Federal Government.

    Oba Alaye, in a statement, claimed that a litre of petrol now sells at N350 at the border communities as at Monday, a development he attributed to the over zealousness of the Joint Security Task Force.

    He alleged that the task force officials’ unwillingness to allow fuel tankers to reach Iwoye-Ketu, Idofa,  Ilara, Oke Agbede,  Moriwi and Wasinmi Okuta, all border communities, has created untold hardship for the residents.

    The Monarch noted that the development has compounded the woes of the residents who are still battling with the issue of tomatoes, yam and other perishable goods reportedly seized by the task force, and urged the Federal Government to quickly intervene and bring respite to their plights.

    The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to the reported partial closure of the borders by the Federal Government due to the smuggling of rice into the Country.

    Read Also: Border closure has enabled us to arrest many wanted suspects, says NIS boss

    “But how come the joint security task force now create hardship for the people of Iwoye-Ketu, Idofa, Ilara, Oke Agbede,  Moriwi and Wasinmi Okuta by not allowing fuel tanker to reach these communities.

    “As at today (Monday), a litre of petrol is now N350 per litre due to the overzealous of the task force creating unwarranted hardship for my people.

    “I’m now appealing to the Federal Government to quickly intervene on the issue of scarcity of fuel because we are all Nigerians doing a legitimate business. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria didn’t say that people living at the border areas should not live in good condition. Most of us are predominantly farmers which can’t afford N350 per litre of fuel.

    “For the past three weeks, we have been battling with the issue of tomatoes, yam and other perishable goods but now the issue of artificial scarcity of fuel is biting harder and my community can’t fold arms, the government must find urgent solution.

    “I also seize this opportunity to draw the attention of Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State to the  deplorable condition of Imeko-Iwoye road, for the past 10 years now,  the road has not been graded let alone tarring it.

    “Let me state that the State Government is losing revenue in Iwoye Ketu in Imeko Afon Local government because the community is blessed with International market where neighbouring communities are bringing their farm produce every market day.”

    But the Operations Controller of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Abeokuta Field Office, Mrs Muinat Bello – Zagi when contacted, told reporters that she would investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.

  • Six killed as suspected cultists clash in Ikorodu

    Six persons were at the weekend killed and several others injured after suspected cultists clashed in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    The clash, which occurred at Imota, was said to have started on Saturday evening.

    The Nation had reported fresh cult wars between Aye and Eiye groups last week at Oworonshoki and Bariga in Lagos that left at least five persons dead.

    It was gathered that two persons were killed on Saturday and four others yesterday, while many others sustained injuries.

    Residents, who took to the social media to lament the resumed clashes, said the killings were alarming.

    According to one Yisu Mumini, the rival groups were killing one another as though life was cheap.

    He wrote: “Imota is on fire. The cultists are at it again. The massacre was on tough edges and life was just too cheap to take.

    Read Also: Operation Crush arrests 25 cultists at Ijora, Mushin, Bariga

    “Are we so lawless? Are security operatives sleeping? Is there no one to stop this massacre? Come and put permanent stop to this ugly and deadly situation please.

    “We cry loud for sanity and peace. Help the helpless because the count increases.”

    Not satisfied with Saturday night’s battle, The Nation gathered that the groups continued around 6pm yesterday while the Oro festival was ongoing, killing four people.

    It was learnt that those killed allegedly belonged to the cults and it took the intervention of policemen from Imota Division and reinforcement from neighbouring divisions to restore peace.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the incident. He said 19 suspects were arrested.

    He said: “Yes, there was a clash on Saturday and two of the cultists were killed. Those who sustained injuries are also cultists.

    “They continued their supremacy tussle this evening (Sunday) while the community was having a festival and some persons belonging to either Aye or Eiye cults were killed as well.

    “Police quickly moved to the scene and arrested 19 suspected cultists. Two locally-made pistols with two live and three expended cartridges were recovered.

    “Also recovered were 11 stolen phones, charms and large quantity of substance suspected to be marijuana. Intensive patrol, stop and search are being sustained.”

  • Fashola alerts public to fake Facebook account

    Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola has alerted the public to a fake Facebook account opened in his name, and warned people against falling prey to the antics of the scammers behind it.

    Fashola, in a statement by Mr Hakeen Bello, his special adviser on Communications, said the fake account, which had his name and picture, was opened by dupes and scammers.

    The statement, made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday in Abuja, said “the minister has, on several occasions in the past, disclaimed such fake accounts,” and reiterated that Fashola’s verified Facebook account remained @BABATUNDEFASHOLA.

    It said the latest fake account set up in the former Lagos State governor’s name claimed that the Federal Government was giving out N700,000 to youths and young adults to enable them pay school fees, set up businesses and invest in businesses, among others.

    Read Also: Fashola, Aliyu, a perfect team

    Part of the publication written in very poor English by the scammers, read: “All the Nigeria Citozings of All the and Local Government in Nigeria Are Beneficiary of the Federal Government Money Enpwoerment to Empower the Youth to Pay There School.

    “Adult to do Business Etc. Contact Number 08035339533). Good News…To All Nigeria Youth and Adult… Federal Government is Giving Out N700,000 Free Cash Transfer To All To Empower the Youth Further Their Educations, Open Good Business and Learn Good Works.

    “Call Mr Adebayo Kola, the Federal Government Cashier on 09035339533. All the Nigerian Citizens of All the States and Local Governments …” Bello said.

    Bello quoted the minister as describing the activities of the scammers as “unfortunate”, wondering why people still fall prey to the scammers “in spite of repeated warnings and disclaimers.”

    The statement said the warning became necessary following increasing activities of the scammers.

    It advised the public to always clarify with the appropriate agencies of government before engaging in any dealing with people purportedly working for them.

  • Three soldiers killed, eight wounded in Borno

    The  Army has confirmed the killing of three soldiers and injuring of eight others when troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists on Monguno-Mairari-Gajiram axis in Borno State.

    Its spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, said the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and other top military officers have visited the area and commiserated with troops.

    He explained in a statement that the wounded soldiers have been evacuated to a military hospital for medical attention.

    Col. Musa said: “Troops of Sector  3, Operation Lafiya Dole attached to Super Camp Monguno on Friday August 30, while on patrol, dealt a devastating blow on Boko Haram terrorists on Monguno-Mairari-Gajiram axis.

    Read Also: Army captain on my payroll, Wadume reveals

    “The patrol team came in contact with the terrorists and engaged them with heavy volume of fire that neutralised countless number while a few escaped with gunshot wounds going by blood trails in the general area.

    “The gallant troops also recovered some weapons and equipment from the terrorists.

    “Sadly, during the encounter three of our gallant soldiers paid the supreme price while eight other soldiers sustained injuries. The bodies of the fallen heroes and those that sustained injuries have since been evacuated.

    “The wounded are being treated and are in stable condition. The highly motivated troops have continued combing the general area with a view to clear remnants of hiding terrorists.

    “The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, along with some principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole and other commanders, have visited the troops and those wounded in action.”

  • Mob beats up kidnap suspect

    A mob at the weekend beat up a young man suspected to be a kidnapper at Iyana Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.

    He was alleged to have kidnapped a boy, whom he kept in a sack.

    An eyewitness said immediately he was apprehended after people noticed the strange nature of the sack and found the boy in the sack, he was stripped off his shirt and people beat him up.

    Read Also: Mob ‘critically’ injures ASP, two other policemen for shooting pregnant woman dead in Lagos

    He said: “We noticed he carried a sack, which, upon enquiry, contained a small boy. We asked him his mission, but he didn’t respond.

    “People around raised the alarm. A crowd gathered and started beating him up until he was injured.”

    It was gathered that the suspected kidnapper came from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The Nation learnt that he was later handed over to the police, while the kidnapped boy was reunited with his mother.

  • Buhari promises more help for Daura flood victims

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will soon deliver additional assistance to Daura community in Katsina State, which was hit by massive floods last week.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said contrary to the allegations that President Muhammadu Buhari has turned his back on the people of Daura, pre-assessment relief materials were dispatched to the victims within 48 hours of the floods.

    He said: “Ten trailer loads of building materials, including zinc, planks and cement, as well as tons of grains, cereals and other edibles have so far been delivered.

    Read Also: Buhari approves release of N800m for flood control in Bauchi

    “The flood victims also received blankets and mattresses.

    “Materials were delivered to and signed for by stakeholders while the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, welcomed the prompt emergency response from NEMA officials.”

    NEMA, he said, has equally promised that in line with establishment practices all over the country, as soon as the assessment of the damage to the flood-ravaged communities is reported, more food items and building materials would be dispatched.

  • World Bank, WHO seek water provision for poor communities

    The World Bank and World Health Organisation (WHO) at the weekend lamented the failure of governments to provide safe water for the planet’s poorest communities.

    They said this is because the governments are not investing enough and not deploying subsidies equitably too.

    Separate reports released by the two global bodies at the weekend, painted a damning picture of a world where the most vulnerable people are being left without suitable access to water.

    The World Bank’s report argued that a well-designed, effectively implemented subsidies can be “powerful and progressive tools” in making public resources work for the poorest people in those countries.

    But researchers found that in the 10 low and middle-income countries they surveyed, only six per cent of subsidies reached the poorest 20 per cent of the population, while the richest fifth captured 56 per cent.

    Subsidies often target networked water services, which are often unavailable in very poor neighbourhoods.

    The World Bank’s global director for water Jennifer Sara said: “This leaves low-income families without the support they need and exacerbates existing inequalities.

    “Access to affordable water and sanitation can prevent needless deaths and transform lives; healthier children become healthier adults who contribute more to the economy and better fulfil their potential.”

    WHO surveyed 115 countries and territories finding that there was sufficient money or human resources being invested in water, sanitation and hygiene in fewer than 15 per cent of cases.

    Its report identified a funding gap of more than 60per cent in 19 countries.

    Its Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom, said: “Too many people lack access to reliable and safe drinking-water, toilets and hand-washing facilities, putting them at risk of deadly infections and threatening progress in public health.”

    About half of the countries surveyed have now set targets of universal drinking water by 2030.

    Adhanom said: “Water and sanitation systems don’t just improve health and save lives, they are a critical part of building more stable, secure and prosperous societies.

    “We call on all countries that lack essential water and sanitation infrastructure to allocate funds and human resources to build and maintain it.”

    In many countries, government subsidies are used to pay for water and sanitation, totalling $320billion yearly worldwide (excluding China and India).

  • ‘Prison no longer punitive but correctional centre’

    The Assistant Controller General (ACG), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Mr. Tunde Ladipo, has said prisons have become reformative, rehabilitative and correctional centres to inmates.

    He spoke at the weekend at a send-off organised for him by officers and workers of the NCS at the state headquarters in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Ladipo said many inmates had become self-reliant and better citizens in the society after serving their jail terms.

    Read Also: Buhari changes Prisons Service to Correctional Service

    The NCS boss hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the change he had brought to the correctional services, saying it would be in line with international standard, which means inmates will not only come to prison to be punished, but also to be educated and trained in skills so that they will be useful and not be a burden on the society.

    “Efforts are being made by the NCS to train inmates in vocational skills so that they will become better persons and be self-reliant in the society.

    “Some of them are allowed to write external exams to gain admission to tertiary institutions,” Ladipo said.

    He said during his tenure, there was infrastructural development at prisons and the state headquarters, adding that he built a synergy between sister agencies, non governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Lagos State Government.

    Ladipo is now the ACG Supply at the national headquarters in Abuja.

  • Court clears driver of alleged N806,500 theft

    An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a driver, Richard Tayo Olalere, of stealing N806,500.

    Magistrate Mrs. O. A. Akokhia found Olalere, a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member, not guilty, following five-year, one month trial.

    The police arraigned the defendant on April 30, 2018 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing of N806,500 belonging to a bus owner, Mr. Vitus Nwamafio.

    The police alleged that Olalere and others at large, between April 2013 and March 2014, conspired and stole Nwamafio’s N806,500.

    The offence contravenes sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Read Also: Court acquits Jonathan’s ex-aide over N1.6b fraud

    During the trial, he told the court that it was a case of a bus hire purchase agreement gone bad and that he had even repaid Nwamafio N577,000.

    According to him, a misunderstanding arose after he refused to assist the claimant to transport his family to the village.

    In a May 30, 2019 judgment made available to The Nation yesterday, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the charge.

    Magistrate Akokhia held: “I dare say that there is nothing on the oral documentary evidence preferred by the prosecution pointing to a fraudulent taking of the sum stated in the charge. Rather, what can be deduced is that the defendant defaulted in the performance of the Hire Purchase Agreement, which he made with PW1 (Nwamafio).

    “The allegation that the defendant was issuing threatening words was not substantiated anywhere in the evidence preferred by the prosecution, hence this honourable court is unable to arrive at a conclusion that there is an intention by the defendant to permanently deprive PW1 of the said sum or the bus, subject matter of the Hire Purchase Agreement.

    “This honourable court therefore holds that the evidence preferred by the prosecution failed to establish that the defendant stole the alleged sum, rather it is the case that the said sum was being owed not stolen.

    “Accordingly this honourable court finds that the prosecution has failed to discharge its duty of establishing the ingredients of the alleged offence against the defendant.

    “….The defendant herein is hereby discharged and acquitted on the two counts charge preferred against him and I so hold.”

  • Five suspects arrested for allegedly hijacking Taxify car

    Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested five persons in connection with the alleged hijacking of a Taxify Toyota Corolla Sports in Lekki, Lagos State.

    The suspects, Michael Sosa, 27, Nelson Benson, 24, Idowu Dauda, 30, Owolabi Shobayo aka Daju pa, 29 and Biliaminu Abu alias Gengen, 43, were nabbed in Ijoko and Ota in Ogun State last week for allegedly hijacking and selling a Taxify car in February.

    The Nation gathered that they allegedly participated in the selling of the car to a dealer in Republic of Benin for N250,000.

    It was learnt that Sosa, in company of Dosumu, now at large, sometime in February converged on Elegushi Beach, Lekki where they hatched the plan to hijack a Taxify car, move it to Ogun State and sell.

    Sosa, a suspected ‘yahoo–boy’, after waiting till 10pm, ordered a Taxify ride from Agungi Estate to Lagos Island. In the car with him were Dosumu and Dauda.

    Read Also: Police arrest man, woman for hijacking N2.7m beer

    The police quoted Sosa as saying: “On Abraham Adesanya Estate, Lekki, I told the driver I wanted to urinate. We alighted. While I pretended to be urinating, Dosumu poured dried pepper on the driver. He screamed and jumped out of the car. He started shouting for help. I got on his seat and drove the car away.

    “I drove to the road leading to Alpha Beach where we stopped for some hours because we suspected we were being trailed. At about 4am, I proceeded to Agege, dropping Dosumu at Omole. I picked Benson at Agege Stadium. Nelson was to direct us through the routes that prevented us from encountering the police and to Ijoko.

    “At Ijoko, I took the car to Alfa Mouka’s house. He was my spiritualist. I told him the car was stolen. It was at that point we began to source for buyers. We were introduced to Daju pa and Gengen. They are dreaded cultists and notorious criminals in the area. I told them I wanted to sell the car for N300,000. We later discovered that the car had no papers. This made it difficult to sell.

    “We got a dealer who asked us to bring it to the Republic of Benin. Gengen and I took it there around 11pm after changing the number plate

    “We sold the car for N250,000. We would have sold it at a higher price but for the papers that were not available. I took N190,000. I gave N60,000 to Gengen and N40,000 to Eniba (Dauda) to give Michael. Although, I got to know that it was N30,000 that got to him. Our link to Benin Republic got N13,000. That was how we shared the money.”

    Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu said any criminal who thinks he can escape with nefarious activities perpetrated in Lagos needs to think twice, as the command is at alert and will arrest any criminal in any part of the country.

    The suspects have been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigations.