The Nation Newspaper

Tag: residents

  • Military to residents: curfew still in place

    The military in Yobe State has warned residents of Damaturu, the capital, that the curfew has not been lifted.

    This followed reports that residents were not obeying restriction of movement, as peace had returned to the state.

    It warned those flaunting the curfew to desist.

    The warning, contained in a statement by Col. Texas Chukwu, for the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division (Tactical), Damaturu, reminded residents that the curfew was between 10pm and 6am.

    “In the course of the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, it has become necessary for the military and the government to warn on the movement of people for a certain period, for the benefit of all. It is worthy to remind the people that the curfew is between 10pm and 6am,” the statement said.

    It gave residents security tips, such as watching out for strange faces and avoiding crowded places. The statement solicited the “support and cooperation of the citizens with security agencies, by giving them information concerning the insurgents, to enhance their job, while pledging the confidentiality of the informants.”

    It noted that the curfew was not meant to inconvenience the people, but was for their safety. It said all local governments should observe the order.

  • Residents jittery over killings, robberies in Delta communities

    Residents jittery over killings, robberies in Delta communities

    People living in the Oil City of Warri and environs and other parts of Delta State are living in constant fear once again. Unmitigated incidents of armed robbery, bizarre killings and other violent crimes spike in the commercial nerve centre and other communities of the oil-rich state.

    Investigations carried out by Niger Delta Report revealed that dozens of persons have been killed, maimed and robbed by daredevil robbers, whose operations have sent chill down the spines of residents and made the twin cities of Effurun and Warri living hell for inhabitants, within the past couple of weeks.

    Our findings revealed that seven persons were killed between Wednesday last week and the time of filing this report on Tuesday afternoon.

    On Wednesday, October 7, Mr Stephen Omare, younger brother to Frank Omare, a former Commissioner for Environment in the state, was shot by yet unknown gunmen around the Omimi Link Road between Refinery and NPA roads in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

    Eyewitness told our reporter that the young man, an engineer, was on his way to an appointment with some friends and his kinsmen at a popular hotel on Refinery Road when he was caught in the hail of bullets from his attackers. His car was badly riddled with bullets and he was pronounced ‘Dead on Arrival’ at a private hospital where he was rushed to shortly afterwards.

    A few days later, on a Sunday along Jakpa Road, a commuter was gunned down by armed men who rode in a tricycle (popularly called keke), around the White House (Asheshe) Road Junction. The cause of the broad day light murder was unknown, although some eyewitness told our reporter that the hoodlums who killed the young man ostensibly thought he was carrying cash.

    “They were probably trailing another victim, who was riding in a keke, because after shooting the man, they went in search of money inside the keke but could find none,” a bystander said.

    In-between those two cold blooded killings, there was a report about the shooting of a mobile policeman along the Okumagba Avenue area of Warri. The fate of the security agent was not immediately known.

    Similarly, there have also been reports of incessant robbery operations along the busy Airport Road and other parts of Warri and Effurun.

    Last Friday, several persons were casually dispossessed of cash and other valuables along the busy Airport road in broad daylight, despite the torrential downpour in the area. The criminals, who mostly rode in tricycle, wielded various sizes and calibres of firearms.

    The incidents have raised concerns over bloody “ember months” that are similar to that of 2011, when up to 100 people were mowed down across several areas by hoodlums who terrorised the state in Toyota Hilux vans, until the gang was neutralised.

    Already, people are fleeing the Udu/Orhumworun areas of the state following relentless attacks by knives, machete, broken bottle and cudgel-wielding cult gangs and armed robbers. The notorious groups have killed and maimed several people, as reported in Niger Delta Report of October 2.

    Mrs Omamurhomun Ukana, one of the latest victims of violent robbery in that area, was killed on her way home on Thursday, September 10. She was stabbed on the back, head and neck and bled to death shortly after the attack.

    A similar fate was visited on Mr Ogheneruona Oyibo, a staff of a state broadcasting outfit, who was lucky to survive with lifelong physical and psychological scars.

    Residents of the areas blamed the parlous security situation on the perceived neglect of the affairs of the Central and South districts of the state by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    “Since he assumed office, the regularly security meeting that used to be held in the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri, has stopped. There is lack of government presence in these areas. The criminals are filling the void left by government’s absconding from its duty,” a source said.

    Recall that before his inauguration, the governor had reportedly vowed to close down Warri. Although Governor Okowa debunked the report, he is yet to attend any official function at the Warri Annexe, nearly five months into his government.

    A security source that spoke on condition of anonymity because of security reasons, said the usual government support to security agencies in the state have stopped, ostensibly due to paucity of funds.

    “Most of the security agencies are not getting the usual government support again. If you go to some police stations now, there is no patrol vehicle. I am particularly aware of the situation at Ugborikoko Police Station, which has just one patrol van and that was provided by the Inspector-General of Police, and not the state government,” the source added.

    However, a cross section of individuals who spoke with our reporter, accused the government and security agencies of not being proactive in tackling crime in the state. Some of them, who blamed the increase in robbery incident on joblessness and government’s tightening the noose on illegal bunkering, said these fallouts are expected.

    “If the security agencies are on top of their games, they should have nipped the crimes in their bud before what we are experiencing now,” a lawyer said.

    Speaking further, the lawyer, who is also a security expert, advised the state government to look inward, particularly by holding meetings with former militant leaders in the state.

    “Some of these guns are owned by ex-militants. Government should address the issue of ex-militants; the Governor should call them to a meeting and pressure them to rein in their boys. They know these boys, you can’t say you are a militant, you receive money from government and yet you are still terrorising the state.”

    Meanwhile, the state government recently appointed Mr David Tonwe as chairman of the state security apparatus. The move is seen as a bid to stem the wave of violent crimes across the state.

    Attempts to get Tonwe to speak on the unpalatable prevailing security situation were futile at press time, as he did not answer our call. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was also not reachable.

    However, a senior police officer in the Warri Area Command said the increase in robbery and other violent crimes was expected during the last three months of the year, stressing that the police was working on how to curb the marauding hoodlums.

  • Kuje blast: Residents seek hijab ban

    Following the bomb blast that claimed the lives of 15 innocent residents of Kuje area council and Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), some residents of Kuje area council have called on the federal government to ban the wearing of the long hijab by Muslim women.

    When Abuja Review visited the scene of the bomb blast at Kuje, it was discovered that the area has opened for business with security personnel keeping an eye on the area.

    Some residents who spoke with our reporter said that most of the young ladies used for suicide attacks wear long hijab.

    One of the residents, John Ibrahim who spoke with Abuja Review said that the explosion came as a surprise to the residents because of the peace that has been in the FCT and some other parts of the country.

    According to Ibrahim since it is seemed that the terrorists have completely engaged young girls in the suicide bombing mission, and most of them wear the long hijabs, it would be difficult to to identify any one that is a threat to the people.

    “I believe that the only way to successfully fight this insurgency, apart from the military checkpoints and other stop and check operations, is for the government to put a ban on the wearing of the long hijab that is worn by most Muslim ladies.

    “Like in Kuje, before the bomb blast, I used to see young ladies wearing long Ijabs, but I did not believe that young girls will be used for bomb blast in Kuje. The government should tackle this insecurity from the unexpected levels, which is banning this long hijabs in Nigeria for the main time, pending the end of insurgency,” he said.

    Another resident, Ms. Joy Ephraim, a trader close to the scene of the bomb blast in Kuje, also said that if the hijabs is not banned, it will be difficult for the people to assist the government in the fight against insurgency.

    “Imagine a young lady wearing vest of explosives inside a long hijab, and she passes by your side, there is no way you will be able to know what the person is wearing inside the hijab. But if the person is wearing simple clothes, it will be easy for you to notice and call the attention of security agencies.

    “The government should know that this is no longer a religious affair, but the affairs of everybody. If this insurgency should be tackled effectively, it should start from the smallest aspect, irrespective of religious affiliation. Like checking the clothes people are wearing and bags people are carrying. With this, there will be peace and security in Nigeria,” she said.

     

  • Residents’ welfare my priority, says Lalong

    Residents’ welfare my priority, says Lalong

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has expressed his determination to focus more on the well-being of residents of the state through the provision of quality health services.

    The governor said this while declaring open a three-day free medical services for Jos North and South councils.

    The outreach which was organised by the Rotary Club of Jos, was held at the Primary Health Centre, Jos North Local Government Council headquarters.

    Lalong, who was represented at event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Abel Habila, praised the club for the free medical service, saying the state government is willing to collaborate with such organisations to promote the well-being of the populace.

    The state Coordinator, 2015 Rotary Family Health Days, Rotarian Arthur Ophiohonren, a past president of the club, said the aim of the free medical service is to assist the rural communities which often lack the facilities they need.

    He said the three days service will cover areas such as HIV test, cataract test and treatment, breast cancer screening, diabetes and distribution of mosquito nets, among others.

    The community leader of Gyel in Jos South Local Government Council Da Chuwang Dung who is also a beneficiary of the service, thanked   the club for the gesture, but pleaded that the club should help provide an ambulance for the community clinic.

    The free medical outreach attracted hundreds of ailing residents.

  • Troops warn Jos residents of Boko Haram’s presence

    Federal troops code-named ‘Operation Safe Haven’ (OPSH), have alerted Jos residents to the presence of Boko Haram insurgents in the city.

    They said the terrorists might be planning to use suicide bombers at crowded places, such as markets, relaxation centres, termini, schools, etc.

    There had been multiple explosions in the city, which led to deaths.

    The last of such attacks was during the Ramadan fast when worshippers were killed at Dilimi Mosque, Jos.

    In a statement yesterday in Jos, OPSH spokesman Capt. Ikedichi Iweha urged people to be vigilant.

    The statement said: “Park operators and managers of relaxation spots, market unions, mosques, churches, etc are enjoined to put in place security measures.

    “This is because of intelligence report, which shows the intention of the insurgents to attack the Jos metropolis.”

    The troops reiterated their readiness to respond to breach of security.

    They urged the public to supply information to security agencies, assuring of that such sensitive information would be treated with confidentially.

  • Chinese restaurant for Ikorodu residents

    Chinese restaurant for Ikorodu residents

    A new African and continental cuisine restaurant  has opened in Ikorodu, Lagos. It  offers exclusive services ranging from Chinese, African, intercontinental dishes and assorted snacks. And for residents desirous of Chinese meals, the outlet, Emperor, offers Asian dishes.

    “Who says Chinese meals is for the rich alone, at Emperor; we have decided to bring the “rich man’s meals” to everybody’s table and that is what we stand for- affordability, quality and availability,” said the chairman and owner of the restaurant, Mr. Abiodun Akinyele- Peters.

    The opening began with a prayer by the provincial pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church, Pastor Godwin Obadan.

    Akinyele-Peters said the vision and mission of the establishment are to redefine fast food business in Nigeria and reduce unemployment in Ikorodu.

    The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ilufemiloba, Adegorushen IV,   the father of the day, prayed that the owner of Emperor would get value for money. He thanked him for being part of the development of Ikorodu.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ijede, Mrs. Abaniwonda Tokunbo, who was at the event, spoke on security measures. She assured that customers would be safe because the edifice is close to Area N Police Station in Ijede, Ikorodu, in addition to two other stations around.  “Based on the agenda of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Oluseun,  if there is a place like this, there should be 24-hour patrol. We have about two to three police stations that are responsible for this place, so, put your mind at rest because we are 100 per cent sure that there cannot be any crime around here. The bad boys cannot take advantage of this place; they know that we have more personnel and this place would be secured 24 hours. I have made arrangement with the owner on documenting the number of patrol teams,“she assured.

    Akinyele-Peters said: “I am more than happy to see dignitaries honour me today. I saw the need for an exquisite place like this where people would come and enjoy. Seeing this kind of dream come through in Ikorodu, it is a wonderful experience for me and I am indeed, blessed.”

    Opened to meet the needs of Ikorodu residents and others, Akinyele- Peters spoke on what led to his opening a restaurant in Ikorodu. He said: “I was around this place sometime in October, 2012 and I needed a place to eat good food, but there was no single place that people could sit and eat good food. I, therefore, decided to meet that need, thus, the siting of Emperor Meal Limited in Ikorodu.

    To push sales, Emperor Meals Ltd. would engage experienced personnel to handle the marketing of the business. The restaurant also has a strong social media presence with its facebook and twitter handles always busy with encouraging comments from customers, who have patronised the place. Beyond its strong social media presence, the restaurant offers office and home delivery to customers, who cannot find their way to Ikorodu and would like to have a taste of its cuisines.

    On how the restaurant will stand out, Peters said: “We will retain our quality services; our meals will be consistent in taste. We are here to do business, leave a legacy and create reputations like that of international brand. We are not going to drop out.

    He went on: “A few years from now, we would have expanded to other parts of the country. We intend to have an offshore location through well organised, structured and managed franchise. The people of Ikorodu will enjoy affordable prices and loyalty promos to reward and compensate them from time to time.

    “Subsequently, as we grow, we hope to expand not only into other parts of Lagos such as Ikeja, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, we intend to extend beyond Lagos,” Peters said.

  • Ooni: Aspirant donates transformers to residents

    AN aspirant to the vacant Ooni stool, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi from Ojaja Compound in Giesi Ruling House of Ife, has distributed 50 300 and 500 KVA transformers worth N200 million to communities in the town.

    Represented at the distribution exercise by Prince Leke Ijiyode, the donor, however, told the beneficiaries that the gesture was not connected with his aspiration to the Ooni stool.

    Ogunwusi, who noted that the beneficiaries are not to determine who the next Ooni would be, said he was moved by the challenges  which various communities of the town are experiencing as a result of electricity problem.

    He said the economy of the ancient town and its environs has been adversely affected because “many residents, particularly those who use electricity to operate their businesses, have suffered a great deal.”

    Ogunwusi revealed that the the critical need of the communities informed the donation, saying the gesture was meant to support the government in alleviating the suffering of the people.

    According to him, the communities to benefit from the gesture included Parakin, Fasina; NTA area, Fajuyi, Ondo Road Sawmill, Irebami, Oke-Ogbo, Lokore Odin, Lowa Ate, Ife City, Gulf Area, Ikoyi Celestial and Olasode, among others.

    Saying his support for the people of Ife, particularly the poor would come in phases; he also disclosed that plans are on to provide succour for the people in the areas of youth empowerment, water supply and education under several initiatives and programmes.

    Ogunwusi maintained that he had been supporting the people of Ife before Ooni stool became vacant. He said: “I have been assisting students who are indigenes of Ife and often donate instructional materials to schools to aid teaching and learning. The distribution of these transformers is not to induce anyone so that they would make me the Ooni. In fact, the beneficiaries of these transformers are not the people that can make me the Ooni because they are just members of the community and not the kingmakers.

    “So, this gesture is not because of my aspiration to become Ooni. I am really committed to the development of Ife and I have been doing this even before the former Ooni died. We have challenges of epileptic power supply in Ife and this is a major problem.”

    Sawmills operators in Ife and some of the leaders of the communities that benefited from Ogunwusi’s gesture, including Mr. Olalere ýOlanrewaju, Mr. Adedapo Olayode, Mr. Adebisi Adegilye and Mr. Titus Elewude said the socio-economic activities in Ife, no doubt, would improve when the transformers are activated.

     

  • Residents protest college restructuring

    Residents protest college restructuring

    •‘Aregbesola not against town’s interest’

    Residents of Ila-Orangun, Osun State, marched on the streets yesterday to protest the alleged proposed restructuring of the College of Education by the government.

    Traditional chiefs, elders, students, artisans gathered at the Igbonibi City Hall, and took turns to express disappointment at the alleged proposal.

    Leaders and members of the Ila-Orangun Parapo, Ila-Orangun Elders’ Consultative Forum, Ila-Orangun Community Development Council and Ila-Orangun Action Council were present at the town hall meeting.

    Many youths carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Aregbe should stop inflicting suffering on people and Ila-Orangun”; “Aregbe should not play tribal politics with tertiary institutions in Osun” and “Aregbe should stop his ravaging war against Ila-Orangun”, among others.

    Some of the speakers said the government had denounced the proposal but they said it was necessary that the people were enlightened about the issue because they do not want to be caught unaware if the government decided to carry out the plan.

    Secretary of the Ila-Orangun Community Development Council Yemi Adeoye said the information of the proposed restructuring shocked the Orangun of Ila and residents.

    He said: “We want to categorically state that the information transcends a rumour. Ila people are aware that a serious plan is underway to relegate Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun to a mere Continuing Education Centre. God forbid.

    “Ila people say no to that bid and describe it as sheer marginalisation.

    “Ila-Orangun is an ancient town and as the heart of Igbominaland, its people are peaceful, calm and accommodating.

    “But does that mean that Ila people should be taken for granted in the name of institutional rationalisation or restructuring by the government.

    “Inflicting under development on Ila-Orangun should by no means be the prize of our loyalty and mass support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola.”

    The Chairman of the Ila-Orangun Action Council, Paul Ogunrinde, said the town had socially, economically and academically benefited from the college since its establishment in 1979.

    According to him, on January 1, 1981, the college gained autonomy and was affiliated to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

    He said the gathering was not political but to let Governor Aregbesola know that the people were against the restructuring.

    “We initially planned to go and protest in Osogbo and other Ila indigenes in Lagos and Abuja have promised to join us.

    “But the governor called the monarch to deny that there is no plan to move the college.

    “Ila is against the restructuring. The college has been in Ila since 1979. Every previous administration has contributed to its growth and this is what we expect from the Aregbesola administration. So, we beg him to take his restructure elsewhere because we don’t want it,” he said.

    The Chairman of the college’s Governing Council, Niyi Akande, has assured that the administration will not work against the interest of the people.

    In a statement, he said Aregbesola has no reason to hurt the host communities of the four tertiary institutions in the state.

    The Chairman said Aregbesola and the council members of the four tertiary institutions were great lovers of education.

    Akande decried the way the unions and some students were expressing their grievances.

    He advised the unions and students not to allow themselves to be used by “the unprogressive elements, who were looking for ways to disrupt the peace”.

  • Residents appeal for better roads

    Residents of Jiwa community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the incoming FCT administration to rehabilitate the main road linking the community to Dei-dei and Gwagwa-Karmo communities.

    Mr. Hassan Musa, who spoke with Abuja Review, said that the poor road has presented serious challenges to the people, with motorists often trapped for hours in traffic gridlock when it rains.

    According to Musa, the residents of the communities have written many letters to the FCTA and even to media organisations just to attract the FCT administration to the roads and the plight of the residents, but nothing has been done to alleviate their suffering.

    He appealed to the incoming FCT Minister to include the rehabilitation of the road in the FCT budget when the new administration takes effect, saying that if the road is rehabilitated, it will reduce the suffering of the people and also improve on the economic development of the council.

    Another resident of the community, Mr. Alhassan Mohammed, also said that the dilapidated state of the road is affecting the businesses in the communities, as Dei-Dei, Gwagwa and Karmo communities are the most flourishing business areas in the FCT.

    “The internally generated revenue gotten from these communities are more than any community in the FCT,  the largest timber and building materials markets are in this communities,  but the road that leads to this markets are dilapidated and gradually becoming inaccessible.

    “That is why we are appealing to the incoming administration to consider the rehabilitation of this road, so that things will go well for everybody within and outside these communities. We have been going through hell as a result of the bad road, mostly when it rains, the government should come to our rescue so that we can have peace,” he said.

     

  • AY EXCITES PORT HARCOURT RESIDENTS

    AY EXCITES PORT HARCOURT RESIDENTS

    AHEAD of the annual Port Harcourt edition of  AY Live, comedian, Ayo Makun, has teamed up with malt drink, Maltina to celebrate the residents of the Garden city.

    The two-day event which held at the SPAR super market on Wednesday and Thursday, September 23 and 24, had lovers of comedy and Maltina enjoy a special one on one session with AY as well as win several exciting prizes including branded gifts, packs of Maltina and free tickets to the AY Live concert which holds tomorrow.

    Senior brand manager, Maltina, Wole Adedeji said; “In the spirit of sharing happiness, we are giving Port Harcourt residents an opportunity to meet and connect with AY before the AY Live show on October 4th. The response we have received during this activation has been overwhelming and we are happy that we have been able to give lovers of Maltina and comedy a complete experience this holiday.”

    The Port Harcourt leg of the annual comedy show, AY Live is sponsored by Maltina, the premium malt drink from Nigerian Breweries.