The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • 35 suspected cultists held

    Thirty-five suspected cultists were apprehended at the weekend in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    The raids were conducted by operatives of the Nigeria Police and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

    It was gathered that the suspects were nabbed around 1am on Friday at an initiation venue following intelligence report that cultists and land grabbers had invaded Otta-Ikosi.

    Read Also: Two suspects nabbed over death of 15 cultists during supremacy battle

    The Nation gathered that policemen from Agbowa Division and LNSC officials stormed the hideout and arrested the suspects, who were celebrating and allegedly initiating new members.

    Besides the 35, it was learnt that five suspected members of the gang, who fled, were arrested while trying to board a vehicle to Ikorodu around 7:50am the same day.

  • Troops begin new strategy to counter Boko Haram’s attacks

    The Army said on Sunday it had deployed new strategies to counter resurgence of Boko Haram’s attacks in some communities in Borno State.

    Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi stated this when he led reporters on a visit to Magumeri, Gubio and Benisheik, headquarters of Magumeri, Gubio and Kaga Local Government Areas.

    Adeniyi addressed the troops at the 5 Brigade Battalion and interacted with members of Gubio community during the visit.

    He dismissed as “misleading” reports indicating that the Army had withdrawn its personnel from the affected areas, which exposed the communities to insurgents’ attacks in recent weeks.

    Adeniyi frowned at social media reports on troops’ withdrawal, noting that such misinformation created fear in the society and aided the insurgents’ atrocities.

    Read Also: Boko Haram members now cut across ethnic groups in Nigeria, Says Gov Zulum

    The commander explained that the army, as part of its new strategy, set up “Super Camp”, shifted trenches and mobilised troops on mobile patrols to counter insurgency as well as protect lives and property in the theatre of operation.

    “Nigerians need to understand that the army did not withdraw from Magumeri, Gubio and other locations in Borno and the Northeast, as erroneously insinuated.

    “The troops are now on mobility operation instead of staying in trenches in one location; the mobile troops would be moving to take the fight to the insurgents, protect roads and communities so that people can go about their normal life without fear.

    “The new measure will enable the troops to dominate everywhere; deny the insurgents freedom of movement, enhance rapid response and render assistance to their colleagues when called upon in good time.

    “It is true that the insurgents attacked Magumeri and Gubio. There were no loss of lives on troops and civilians. Unfortunately, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed and six other persons sustained injuries, either from stray bullets or while trying to escape.

    “The insurgents torched some targeted residential homes and public buildings in response to the owners’ allegiance to the government and the nation.

    “Markets stores are stock with food items and other essential commodities but they were not looted or destroyed by the insurgents.”

  • Police arrest three highway ‘robbers’

    The police in Ogun State have arrested three suspected highway robbers alleged to have terrorised Odogbolu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

    Johnson Afokolu, Victor Michael and Jacob Usang were arrested last Saturday morning by a police patrol team that saw them allegedly taking position to attack early travellers.

    The suspects were said to have attempted to flee when they sighted the policemen, but were chased and apprehended.

    Read Also: RRS arrests suspected traffic robbers

    It was gathered that a toy gun, a knife, phones, substances suspected to be marijuana, military accoutrements and torches were recovered from them.

    “They confessed to have been responsible for most armed robberies in the area and that other members of the gang usually joined them on special operations,” said police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP).

    He said Police Commissioner Bashir Makama has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for discreet investigation, while manhunt for their accomplices has begun.

  • RRS arrests vehicles ‘brain-box thieves’

    Operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested two suspects who allegedly specialised in stealing brain boxes from vehicles.

    The suspects, Sodiq Musa, 28, and Saidu Atiku, 34, were arrested at 27, Awolowo Way in Ikeja with three Toyota brain boxes. Their accomplice, Ridwan Adamu, fled with another suspect, the police said yesterday.

    According to the police, Musa claimed that he could remove a brain box from a vehicle within four minutes.

    The Political Science graduate, the police said, confessed to have relocated to Lagos in 2017 in search of better life.

    “I worked in Lagos as a barbeque man in various hotels and event centres before I met Ridwan, who introduced me to brain box theft. He taught me all the antics and styles.

    “We use ‘magic stone’ that is vehicle spark plug to break vehicles’ windows without attracting attention. It takes two minutes to loosen a Toyota Hiace bus brain box and it takes four minutes to loosen a Toyota Hilux brain box.

    Read Also: Unemployed accused of stealing motorcycles

    “The spark plug reduces the noise and effects quick break of any vehicle window. We tie the plug in a handkerchief if we have many vehicles to work on.

    “We specialise in stealing Toyota brain boxes because they fetch good money in the market. The demand for them is higher than any other brand. For example, we sell a Toyota Hiace brain box for N40,000, while that of Toyota Hilux goes for N20,000.

    “Ridwan connects with the buyers of the brain boxes, who he claims are from popular spare-part markets in Lagos. We always meet the buyers outside the market where we exchange our loots for cash.

    “They usually pay in cash and will never spend more than two minutes as we already have an understanding on the prices. Ridwan gives me 40 per cent of whatever we make from the sale of our loot. He never tells me where our next operation will be because he feels he is my boss.

    “Our target areas are usually night clubs where people come with different types of vehicles. We strike between 1am and 2am when most of the clubbers would have started enjoying themselves,” Musa told detectives.

    He confessed that Atiku, a guard with a company on Awolowo Way, Ikeja was the one who invited them to vandalise vehicles belonging to the company he worked for, which were parked on the street.

    He said they arrived the venue around 1am, broke into two Toyota Hiaces and Hiluxes belonging to the company and stole the brain boxes before another guard working for a nearby firm raised the alarm and they were nabbed.

    According to him, “Atiku, who was supposed to be on night duty for his company, slept beside the vandalised vehicles and pretended as though nothing was wrong until the other guard raised the alarm.”

    The suspect also confessed to have stolen two boxes at a popular night club at Lekki, Lagos Island, another at Ogunlana Drive in Surulere and Allen Avenue in Ikeja.

    Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has directed the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    He advised night clubbers to ensure they park their vehicles in safe areas.

  • How to ensure peace in Ibadan, by family heads

    THE  Ibadan family heads, known as Mogajis, on Sunday described the withdrawal of the suit on the Ibadan 21 kings at the Court of Appeal and the request for out-of-court settlement by Governor Seyi Makinde as the best option to ensure peace and progress of Ibadanland.

    The Mogajis, who hailed the governor’s wisdom for his step, also warned against misinterpreting the action of the judges of the appellate court.

    According to the family heads, the people of Ibadanland should understand the decision of the  judges of the Court of Appeal to return the case  to a lower court for settlement, rather than twisting the ruling as rejection of the out-of-court settlement.

    A statement by the spokesman of the family heads, Mogaji Wale Oladoja, urged the people to consider the peace of Ibadanland as paramount than fueling crisis that was supposed to be a family affair.

    The statement added that the people  were resolute in ensuring that the chieftaincy crisis is resolved and peace return to the Olubadan-in-council without delay.

    The statement reads: “Without mincing words, Governor Makinde has made us proud on withdrawal of the suit seeking an appeal of the Olubadan chieftaincy legal battle. The family members send their warm greeting to the governor that they are happy with his move to ensure the case is withdrawn.

    “With all indications, Makinde has proved that he has the interest of Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State in mind. We, therefore, appeal to our High Chiefs to accept the move of withdrawing the suit for peace, progress and prosperity of our land.”

    On the importance of understanding of the judgment, the statement added: “We know that some enemies of progress are misinterpreting the judgment, but it is noteworthy to emphasis that the judgment was to return the case to the lower court for out-of-court settlement because of the Appeal Court was set for judgment before the state government approached it for withdrawal of the case. We need to understand that when the court set for judgment, it can only return judgment to a lower court.

    “We, therefore, appreciate the effort of Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji and Osi Olubadan High Chief Rasidi Ladoja for their role in ensuring that peace returns to the family of Olubadan-in council and the personal conviction of Otun Olubadan High Chief Lekan Balogun to see the course as a family affair and his advocate for peace.”

  • Ekere, cleric warn church against politics

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State Nsima Ekere and Rev. Effiong Isangedighi have decried the meddling of Christian leaders in politics.

    They spoke at the weekend during the funeral of Apostle Patrick Jerome, the Prelate of the Christ Believers (Evangelical) Mission.

    Ekere urged Christian leaders to concentrate on propagating the gospel and refrain from partisan politics.

    He said: “My appeal to all of us, especially the church, is that we should emulate this man of God and go back to the old ways of God. Most importantly, the church should please leave politics out of church. In the memory of our Apostle Jerome, our Christian fathers should concentrate on the teachings of the gospel of salvation and Christ-like life.

    Read Also: Churches must do more than preaching, says cleric

    “I believe if Christian leaders do that, we will have the peace we want in this state and the country. My prayer is that God will heal the church and bring the peace we need.”

    He eulogised the late Apostle as a great man of God who always insisted on one’s personal relationship with God.

    Rev. Isangedighi, in his sermon titled “Stop playing the fool,” lamented that “some Christians and Church leaders have abandoned what God asked us to do and are now doing what God has asked us not to do.”

    He condemned politicians who kill and kidnap for rituals to achieve their ambitions, even as he lamented that “politicians have joined to destroy the church.”

  • My election devoid of godfatherism, says Makinde

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that no political godfather was involved in his election.

    Makinde spoke in Akure, Ondo State capital, during his family’s thanksgiving at the St. David’s Anglican Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, Ondo State capital.

    The governor, who was accompanied by some members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said rather than any godfather, God Himself supported him all the way.

    He said: “I am standing before you that I am a testimony of an individual assuming the position of a governor of a state without a godfather apart from the Almighty.

    “When I wanted to go into politics, my two mothers doubted me. They called me late in the night – that is Mama Akure and Mama Ibadan – and told me in Akure and Ibadan dialects that, if politicians give you anything, do not take.

    “They said this because of their belief that no godly person should go into politics. If my mother can doubt me, it means I should not worry if an outsider does the same.

    “But I am standing here before you to say that a godly person can go into politics and do well.”

    The governor encouraged godly people to participate in politics, saying: “Holding political position does not make person depart from the ways of God.

    Read Also: We’ll take proactive initiatives to end flooding, says Makinde

    “The church was 100 per cent involved in my election in Oyo State. It was the first time that a provost of a church became an activist.

    “During voting, the provost called that some people had stolen ballot box and described where they kept it. We made necessary contact and the box was retrieved and taken to where it should be for people to vote.

    “We as a church should not be timid. It is only when godly people participate in politics that we can sanitise our environment. The church must organise to participate actively in politics.

    “As you all know, election would soon come in Ondo State. I will also be here to campaign; so the church should be ready to participate.”

    In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Diocese Rev. Simeon Borokini, recommended certain policies that the governor must put in place for him to be successful.

    Borokini, who was represented by Rev Cornelius Osinyemi, said the governor must revamp the old farm settlements established by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to engage the youths in agriculture.

    He urged the governor to make available in the farm settlements modern farm equipment for people to engage in different aspects of farming like fishery, piggery, poultry and many others.

    The bishop also suggested that the government should be ready to buy agricultural products from farmers to guarantee stable income for farmers.

    Borokini also advised the governor to rehabilitate schools in the state and make the welfare of teachers a priority just as he must take welfare of workers and pensioners a serious matter.

    The bishop also urged the governor to use his experience as a private sector person to attract investors to Oyo State by creating a conducive environment in the state.

  • Monarch debunks bloodbath in community

    The traditional ruler of Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Ben Emeka, has debunked the allegation of bloodbath in his community as misleading and false.

    The monarch was reacting to reports that some of his subjects were killed and others injured in a fracas involving him and the community’s President-General.

    He warned perpetrators of the report to desist from it, saying his community was peaceful. According to Igwe Emeka, what transpired was a minor land dispute which had been handled peacefully. He, therefore, sought an amicable resolution between the parties involved.

    Read Also: Community leader, wife, others kidnapped in Enugu

    He said: “When I read that there was bloodbath in Umueri, I began to wonder which bloodbath they were talking about. Whose blood was being shed because there was nothing like that.

    “Two villages – Iruagu and Umudiana – were locked in a land dispute, which didn’t warrant killing, and somebody went ahead to maliciously write that there was bloodbath in Umueri and three people were feared killed. I want to categorically state that nobody was killed and there was no bloodbath in Umueri. It is a mere land dispute which is also a subject of court litigation. It is already in the Anambra State High Court, Otuocha Division”

    “So, I use this opportunity to plead with these faceless social media writers to leave Umueri alone and leave Igwe Umueri alone. There is no problem in Umueri. The little crisis that we had which is a land dispute between Iruagu Umuatuolu and Umudiana is being managed.”

  • OPC to celebrate 25th anniversary

    THE pan-Yoruba cultural organisation, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), will during the week celebrate its silver jubilee.

    Over 24 pro-democracy activists, who laid down their lives during the June 12 1994 struggle, will  be bestowed with posthumous awards at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary, the organisers have announced.

    At a briefing yesterday, OPC National Coordinator Otunba Gani Adams and  Publicity Secretary Yinka Oguntimehin said some of those pencilled for the awards, include the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Moshood Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, Justice Adewale Thompson, Ambassador Segun Olusola, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Olumide Adeniji, Tony Ngrube, Prof. Sophie Oluwole, Ibraheem Abobanawo, and the OPC founding father and spiritual leader, the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun.”

    Others to be honoured are: Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana (SAN), Femi Aborishade, Kehinde Oluwole, Gabriel Akinadewo, Dr. Joe Okei- Odumakin and Yemisi Shylon.

    Adams, who is the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, recounted  the tortuous journey that started 25 years ago, saying the entire experience calls for celebration.

    Adams said Thursday, which is the grand finale of  the event, will feature a public lecture by a Professor of Political Economy and International Relations, University of Lagos, Tunde Babawale.

  • AbdulRazaq mourns death of 17 admission-seekers

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday lamented the death of 17 students in an road crash on their way back to the state from Kano.

    He described the incident as a painful one that could have been prevented.

    A ghastly automobile accident had on Thursday claimed 17 lives of students. The accident also left two persons injured.

    Read Also: Bishop Kukah condoles Katsina NYSC over death of corps members

    The unfortunate incident was said to have occurred at Bacita junction on Jebba/Ilorin highway, Moro Local Government Area.

    The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace passenger bus and an articulated DAF container truck.

    The accident was said to have been caused by over speeding and dangerous driving as the two vehicles had a head-on collision at a bend on the highway.

    In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, AbdulRazaq commiserated with the parents and families of the students and prayed to God to avert such calamity in future.

    “We, however, believe that we can avoid this calamity in the future.”