The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sallah

  • 33 killed in Sallah tragedies

    33 killed in Sallah tragedies

    •Truck runs into worshippers, crushes two •Policeman lynched in bid to rescue driver from mob •Boko Hara hits IDP camp, stabs 11 to death •Auto crash claims 19 lives •Six injured as Ifeanyi Ubah FC’s van collides with passenger vehicle

    One Boko Haram attack. Three auto accidents. Thirty-three deaths. Several injuries.

    The foregoing was the situation in parts of Borno, Ogun and Edo states yesterday after Boko Haram terrorists attacked an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) camp at Banki on Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, stabbing 11 to death, and a timber laden truck ploughed into a crowd of Muslims at Eid el Kabir prayers in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

    Two children worshippers were instantly.

    Enraged by the development, other worshippers swooped on the truck driver in order to lynch him, but they ended up clubbing to death one of the policemen from Ijebu-Igbo Police Divisional Headquarters who came to the driver’s aid.

    The deceased policeman’s colleagues gave his name as Joseph Adejuwon.

    Eyewitnesses said the truck was navigating a hilly road on the seedy Atikori area when it veered off the road and crashed into a packed vehicle before mowing down the two victims.

    Several other people were injured.

    An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who did not want to be identified by name, said two pedestrians were killed on the spot.

    He said: “The crash occurred with a truck killing two on the spot. I learnt that a mob (gathered) and became irate, even preventing security operatives access to the scene.”

    Speaking separately, the Public Relations Officer of the state’s traffic agency, TRACE, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the driver of the truck lost control following a break failure, and first crashed into a stationary Toyota car before running over the worshippers.

    He said: “This morning, just before the Eid prayer at the Atikori praying ground, Ijebu-Igbo, a Bedford truck with Registration Number AA523JGB laden with logs had a break failure, lost control and ran into a parked Toyota Thundra with Registration number APP995DD.

    “It damaged the Toyota before running over two children at the praying ground, killing them while several other Muslim faithful sustained various degree of injuries, including some security operatives.

    “According to the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Adekoya, both the dead and the injured, including a Civil Defence officer, were taken to the general hospital in Ijebu Igbo while the deceased police officer died on arrival at Shilom, a private hospital.”

    The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the deceased policeman was an orderly to a Divisional Police Officer.

    Oyeyemi said the driver of the truck had been arrested.

     

    Boko Haram men stab 11 IDPs to death in Borno

    Members of the deadly Boko Haram sect sneaked into IDPs camp at Banki on Nigeria’s border with Cameroon on Thursday night, stabbing 11 people to death.

    The camp is home to more than 45,000 people.

    Reports yesterday said the terrorists, at about 11.30pm on Thursday, smashed the barricade protecting the camp and descended on helpless IDPs.

    Eleven people were killed while two others were wounded before soldiers guarding the camp were alerted to chase them.

    They went away with food items meant for the IDPs.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums resorted to the use of knives as against guns to avoid alerting soldiers.

    A victim however raised the alarm, attracting the attention of the soldiers who responded accordingly.

    Banki is 130 kilometres (80 miles) southeast of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

     

    19 die in auto crash in Edo, says FRSC

    Twenty hours to the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir, 19 people, including five children, died in a separate auto accident at Ogoneki, off the Asaba-Benin Expressway in Edo State.

    The accident, which involved a trailer and a passenger bus, occurred at 4.30 pm, according to the state sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Samuel Odukoya.

    He said 24 persons were trapped in the accident.

    Sixteen of the victims died on Thursday while three others gave up the ghost in a hospital yesterday.

    Five others sustained various degrees of injury.

    “The trip was from Benin to Auchi and the cause of the accident was attributed to dangerous overtaking,” Odukoya said.

    “Three females, 11 males, a female child and four male children were killed in the accident, while five men were injured and have been taken to the hospital.”

    The third accident involved a Nissan Civilian bus conveying players and officials of Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club to Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

    The team was on its way to the city for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 36 fixture with Sunshine Stars of Akure billed for tomorrow.

    The club’s Chairman, Chuma Ubah, who described the incident as pathetic and excruciating, said the team was coming out of the trauma.

    He assured their fans that two of the seriously affected players of the team were responding to treatment while others and their fans had continued to support the team.

    Ubah, in a statement, said: “Sequel to the reports making the rounds this morning, we wish to confirm that FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s team bus conveying the players and officials was involved in an auto accident.

    “The accident occurred along Benin/Ore Expressway while we were on our way to Ijebu Ode to honour the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 36 fixture with Sunshine Stars billed for Sunday, Sept. 3.

    “Six of our players sustained varying degrees of injuries and two that are unconscious hitherto have regained consciousness and are receiving treatment presently at the closest medical facility near the scene of the accident.

    “We wish to express our felicitations for your concern, support, show of emotions, deepest thoughts and prayers at this sad time,” he said.

    Ubah said the club would come up with decisions on the matter as related to their ability to honour the match as scheduled.

  • Dankwambo, Sani Bello preach peace at Sallah

    Dankwambo, Sani Bello preach peace at Sallah

    •Etsu Nupe charges wealthy Nigerins to care for the less privileged

    Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, have appealed to traditional and religious leaders as well as other residents of their states to live together in peace irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.

    The two governors spoke at different fora after the Eid prayers in their respective states yesterday.

    Speaking in Gombe during a Sallah reception at Government House in Gombe shortly after he returned from the Eid praying ground, Dankwambo noted that peace is the prerequisite for the socio-economic development of the state and the country at large, hence the need to sustain it.

    He also asked the people to shun acts that are capable of disrupting their peaceful co-existence.

    He pledged that government would not abandon its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

    He expressed his appreciation to the people for supporting his administration to implement viable policies and programmes aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

    In Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local government Area, Governor Bello reiterated the need for Nigerians to live in peace, which he said is the only atmosphere progress can be made.

    He spoke shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers he had with other Muslim faithfuls at the Kontagora township’s Eid ground.

    The governor, who was joined by the Sarkin Sudan, Alhaji Sheidu Namaska and other top dignatories at the Sallah prayers, said all hands must be on deck to ensure, improve and sustain peace in the state and the country as a whole.

    He said: “We as a people need to deliberately ensure that peace reigns in our country. Whether you are a Christian or a Mouslim or whatever is your religion or tribe, we have to live together in one accord.

    “For any meaningful development to be recorded, we have to enthrone peace in our day to day national life.

    “Our progress as a people is dependent on peace. There must be deliberate and concerted efforts by all to give peace a chance”.

    The two rakat prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Kontagora, Sheik Shehu Rimaye. He also conducted the symbolic slaughtering of ram at the Eid ground.

    In Bida, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya  Abubakar called on Muslims to use the Eid-el Kabir celebration to rebuild the fabric of national unity, adding that Nigerians need to harness its abundant resources and work towards becoming a progressive nation.

    He appealed to wealthy individuals in the nation to assist the less privileged, adding that if this is done, the rate of crime and criminal activities would reduce in the nation.

    “God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate family, but for the benefit of entire society. The present socio-economic predicament that we are now facing requires such assistance from well to do individuals in the country.”

    The monarch then charged the Muslim faithful to continue to pray to God to assist President Buhari and other elected and appointed leaders to overcome the current economic meltdown.

    The Eid-el Kabir celebration in the state was generally peaceful with massive security presence noticed everywhere.

    Men from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps were seen in strategic areas in their bid to provide adequate security and ensure a peaceful celebration.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babalola Adewole, in a release earlier, had reminded the public that the ban on banger was still in force, while he advised parents to monitor the activities of their children and wards.

  • What Nigerians must do during Sallah, by Tinubu

    What Nigerians must do during Sallah, by Tinubu

    •APC chieftain urges prayer for president

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to submit to the will of the almighty and pray for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The administration, he noted, has a mission to move Nigeria out of the woods and that the purpose for which the government set out must be accomplished for the benefit of all.

    “As we pray during this period, let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration in our supplications so that the government may fulfill its appointed mission by uplifting us as a nation unified in vision, direction and purpose”, the former Lagos State governor said in his Sallah message.

    The message reads: “Today is Eid-el-Kabir. I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and across the world for this festival.

    “Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated his submission to Almighty Allah as exemplified by his readiness to sacrifice his only son. This is reason we celebrate the Eid.

    “To mark the Eid faithfully, we must celebrate it in the same spirit of submission to the will of Allah that prophet Ibrahim showed.

    “This is what the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told us to do. This is what we as Muslims must do and do without fail.

    “Our devotion to Allah must manifest itself in how we treat our fellow man. If we are truly devoted to the will of Allah, then we must also be devoted to the wellIbeing of our neighbour.

    “This occasion calls for peace, compassion, justice and tolerance. It calls for us to adhere to principles and causes greater and nobler than our own self interests. It asks us to work and strive for the betterment of community and country.

    “It is these traits that must order our daily lives and our relationship with one another.”

    “May Almighty Allah accept all our devotion and take it as an act of Ibadah.”

  • Nigeria can make rapid progress – Buhari in Eid-El-Kabir message

    Nigeria can make rapid progress – Buhari in Eid-El-Kabir message

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reassured Nigerians that the country can make rapid progress on all fronts.

    The President gave this message in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians from his home in Daura, Katsina state.

    In the Sallah message, President Buhari thanked Nigerians who prayed for his recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after his return to the country.

    The message reads: “Fellow Compatriots, I felicitate with you all, particularly the Muslim faithful, on the celebration of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

    “I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters who are currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.

    “From the outset, I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after my return to the country. 

    “Indeed your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religion, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.

    “On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.

    “For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.

    “As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.

    “We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that ‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break’.

    “Once again, I assure you that this administration, which has made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream.
    I wish everyone happy Sallah celebrations.”

  • Sallah: Borrno, Yobe Police restrict movement 

    Sallah: Borrno, Yobe Police restrict movement 

    The police in Borno and Yobe States have placed restrictions on movements of people and vehicles during the Sallah eid prayers in the state.

    The measure is part of security reorganizations to ensure hitch free celebrations in the security challenged states.

    The Yobe State Police Commissioner Sumonu Abdulmaliki told our correspondent on phone that all vehicular and human movement in the state will be restricted from 10.00pm of Thursday 31/08/2017 to 11.00am of Friday 01/09/2017 on Sallah day.

    CP Abdulmaliki disclosed that all security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers at the various Eid ground within the metropolis and the entire state have been put in place.

    He disclosed that the decision was taken at a state security meeting under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali.

    In Borno State, the movement of people including vehicles and  animals  in any form, either on tricycles, bicycle will seize on the day of Sallah.

    In a statement signed by the police Public Relations Officer Victor Isuku said, “There will be restriction of vehicular movement on the day of Eid prayers, 01/09/2017.

    “The restrictions though regretted will include vehicular, human tricycles bicycle and animals except those on essential duties,” the statement said.

    The statement further advised Muslim fateful to ensure that they find the nearest praying ground in their vicinity and go early to undergo security checks before gaining entrance into the praying ground.

    “Muslim fateful are advised to pray at their prayer grounds close to their homes and ensure they go early enough for security screening. And to avoid rush when prayers are about to Commence thereby compromising the placed security measures,” the state advised.

    It also added that, “Parents who go to prayer ground with their children are advised to watch and take proper care of their children so to avert incidences of missing children. In addition, youths are are advised not to carry with them any dangerous Eason like knives to prayer grounds and recreational centers like zoos. An body found with such dangerous weapons will be treated as a common criminal and prosecuted”.

  • EID-EL-KABIR: Your to-do list this Sallah

    EID-EL-KABIR: Your to-do list this Sallah

    It’s that time of the year again when Muslims all over the world celebrate the holiest festival in their calendar, known as Eid-el Kabir or Sallah.

    It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for three days. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

    The days of Eid which has been singled out as “days of remembrance” and considered the holiest days in the Islamic Calendar, honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Issac) as an act of submission to God’s command, before God intervening, through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informing him that his sacrifice has already been accepted.

    The meat from the sacrificed animal is usually divided into three parts. The family retains-one-third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.

    Eid-el-kabir is not just about the festivities, the celebrations and the merriments most people look forward to; there are deep lessons to learn from this historical event such as tolerance, patience, love and commitment.

    For the non-Muslims, this is a good opportunity to eat plenty of meat, enjoy and make merry with all of your Muslim friends.

    In Nigeria, the Federal Government declared 1st and 4th of September, as public holidays, so it’s truly a time to make merry and enjoy to the fullest.

    Here are a few things you can do this holiday

    1.Look out for your generous Muslim friends and hit them up:
    We all have that one Muslim friend we’re not really close to, it’s time to spark off that friendship. You can call or text or even visit, You don’t want to miss out on sallah meat. Don’t forget that lots of people are calling in for their meat slots, you don’t want to get displaced if you’ve not already called -you’re late-, but nevertheless, pick up that phone and dial

    2.Find out the party venue:
    You don’t want to wander off to where you assume the party is holding and it’s not holding there, find out if it’s just a get-together or a huge party, so you can dress appropriately to suit the occasion

    3. Avoid African Time:
    This is probably the most difficult task every Nigerian has to go through, if it’s 3:00 pm, be there at exactly 3:00pm, so there would be no excuse as to why you did no get your own sallah meat. You don’t want to hear stories that touch the heart

    4.Share with others: 
    Don’t be stingy, givers never lack. Be sure to give out some meat to those that don’t have Muslim friends, next Sallah, you’ll most definitely get more meat

    5. Thank your Muslim friends before leaving: 
    A little “Thank you” does the magic everytime. You don’t just rush off with meat, or sneak out on them, as though that’s the only reason you came, although we know it’s the only reason you came.
    Be courteous. Greet everyone when you come and be sure to say thank you to your guests before leaving.

    These few easy tips can get you plenty meat this Sallah,

    Thank me later

    Happy Sallah!!!

  • Sallah: NSCDC to deploy 300 personnel in Edo

    Sallah: NSCDC to deploy 300 personnel in Edo

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Edo Command, said on Thursday that it would deploy 300 of its personnel across the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Spokesman of the command, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    Ogbebor who said the deployment was to guarantee maximum security during the celebration, added that the command would be working closely with other sister security agencies in the state.

    He said that both armed and unarmed of its personnel as well as those that operated undercover would be deployed during the Sallah holiday.

    He said: “all arrangements to ensure a perfect Sallah celebration, security wise, have been made by the command.

    “These personnel will particularly monitor activities at praying grounds and public places where people may likely gather for fun and other activities.’’

  • Sallah: FRSC deploys 33,000 personnel, 859 vehicles for special patrol

    Sallah: FRSC deploys 33,000 personnel, 859 vehicles for special patrol

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is deploying 33,000 personnel and 859 vehicles for a nationwide special patrol during the Sallah to ensure free flow of traffic and check accidents.

    Mr Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer of the FRSC made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    Kazeem also said that said that 106 ambulances, 267 motorcycles and 22 tow trucks would be deployed for the exercise due to begin on Thursday and end on Sept. 6.

    According to the FRSC spokesman, the exercise will focus on traffic control, excessive speeding, dangerous driving/overtaking, clearance of obstruction, seatbelt use violation and use of phone while driving.

    He said that others were lane indiscipline and route violation which had been identified as recurring factors for road traffic accidents.

    Kazeem advised motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations as over 200 Mobile Courts had been set up to prosecute traffic offenders during the period.

    He urged the general public, in the event of emergency, to notify the corps through its emergency line: 0700-call-FRSC (070022553772 or toll free number, 122, for prompt response.

    Kazeem quoted the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi as wishing Nigerians, especially Muslims happy celebration and assuring them that personnel of the corps would be on ground to serve them.

  • FRSC commences Sallah special patrol in Ogun

    FRSC commences Sallah special patrol in Ogun

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun is to commence a special patrol between Aug. 30 to Sept. 6 to enhance free flow of traffic during the Sallah festivities.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr Clement Oladele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the exercise would ensure safety of lives and reduce gridlocks across the state.

    NAN reports that the Muslim faithful would be celebrating the Eid-kabir on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 across the country.

    According to Oladele, the FRSC would mobilise its personnel in ensuring that people travelling to different destinations across the state do not encounter hindrances.

    “We are going to join hands together to ensure that minimum obstructions were experienced across all principal corridors of the state.

    “The personnel would be deployed to areas like Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Odegbolu, Ogunmakin, Itori and Ota to curb excesses of drivers and reduce crashes to its barest level,” he said.

    Oladele, therefore, implored motorists to cooperate with the FRSC officials and adhere strictly to all the traffic regulations.

  • Sallah: Lagos donates food items, cash to physically challenged persons

    THE Lagos State Government on Thursday presented food items and cash donation to Persons with Disabilities, PWDs in the State, saying that PWDs also deserve quality life especially during the forth-coming Sallah celebration the same way the able-bodied does.

    The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who led senior officials of the Ministry to Oko Baba Resettlement Home, Ebute Metta during the donation of the food items and cash reassured Lagos residents that the inclusive governance being championed by the Akinwunmi Ambode led administration has no religious undertone or tribal sentiment. Akinbile-Yussuf maintained that the state government remains committed to the maintainance of peaceful co-existence of every resident of the State through friendly policy formulations and inclusive programmes.

    She appealed to the leaders of the PWDs camp which include the visually-impaired, the crippled and the leprous to desist from street begging, noting that the empowerment given to them by the state government should be judiciously used to uplift and upscale their standard of living so that they can be independent. “As you know, 20 of your members from this camp benefited from the recent empowerment initiative by the State Government few weeks ago where N 100, 000 cash was presented to each of the beneficiaries.

    I urge you to judiciously use the money to better your lot.” “We want you to also contribute your quota to the society, allow your children to have formal education so that they can also become important personalities in the future. It is possinle for your children to become doctors, lawyers, journalists among several other enviable professions in the future.” Akinbile-Yussuf added.