Home Blog Page 1042

Ondo APC Primary: Why I Collapsed Structures For Governor Aiyedatiwa – Olusola Oke, Says He Has Moved On

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, one of the Ondo Governorship Aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the April primary election, has explained that the interest of the Party and peace of the State propelled him to collapse his structures and resolved to work with the candidate of the Party, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oke, a perennial Governorship aspirant from Ilaje area, pointed out that his decision to contest was solely for the development of Ondo state.

Oke’s statement reads “After much deliberations, it was resolved at the meeting that my supporters and I should not move to another political party.

“That we should remain in the APC which I have spent my time and resources to help build, and that we should support and work for the success of the party and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

“Let me note that my decision to sheathe my sword was not a product of any form of fear or weariness.

“Rather, the decision was taken in the interest of peace and unity of our dear state. To me, the interest of the state outweighs my personal interest.

“My quest to lead Ondo State has always been propelled by my sincere love for the state and concern for its development.

“God has blessed me enough. So, my ambition to be Governor is solely about contributing significantly to the development of our dear state and finding an enviable place in history.

“I, therefore, thank all my teeming supporters for their dedication, loyalty and hard work demonstrated towards me during the governorship primary election of our party.

“I urge all my supporters to support the APC and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the forthcoming Governorship Election with the same strength and commitment with which they supported my bid for the nomination of the party.

“Let us continue to pray that our expectation of good governance in our dear state will be met.

“As for me, I have decided to move on, believing that only God gives power. Only He crowns the kings. Only He can explain how he distributes His gifts. Nobody can question Him.”

Oke had served as the Commissioner representing Ondo state on the board of the Niger/Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) and chairman Ondo state Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) while in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before he joined the APC.

Abia PDP Flays Mass Sack Of Civil Servants, Political Office Holders By Governor Otti

Ayodele Oni

June 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the mass sack of political office holders in the administration of Governor Alex Otti amounts to confusion and lack of proper administrative direction.

The Party stated that even the political office holders in the administration are jittery as they do not know the next person the Governor will send packing.

The PDP said that in the past two weeks, confusion has gripped the Otti Government, and it is running helter-skelter to patch its alleged propaganda and other pipes, which were burst by the superior PDP media machinery.

Elder Abraham Amah, Abia PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary is of the view that with the ongoing sacking of both the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and the Commissioner for Health, an air of uncertainty has gripped the entire operatives of Otti’s Government because nobody knows where, and on whom, the axe would fall next.

He said that the PDP has reliable intelligence that many of Otti’s Commissioners and Aides were considering throwing in the towel before they are disgraced out of office as he did to their colleagues.

“A fortnight ago, Alex Otti suspended the Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, on allegations of massive corruption in the Ministry and placed her under investigation.

“Last week, Alex Otti sacked his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, and replaced him with one Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

“We had expected that Ukoha N. Ukoha would understand that his duty is to tell Abians and Nigerians how his Principal has delivered on his campaign promises and showcase his good works, if there are any, beyond re-asphalting roads done by the previous administration.”

Amah said that it is unfortunate that instead of complying with the suggestion above, Ukoha who is in a hurry to please his boss, made his first misstep in his first outing by continuing with the deja vu bashing of the PDP, which earned his Principal the bad reputation he was called to come and clean up.

“Our sympathy lies with the new CPS Ukoha because his fall would be more calamitous than that of his predecessor since he has failed to learn that his job is not to profile the PDP wrongly.

“As the fire in the Alex Otti media and propaganda team raged, the axe fell on Mrs Joy Maduka, former Head of Service, whom Alex Otti bypassed due process and promoted ahead of her superiors, as she was summarily dismissed and asked to proceed on compulsory retirement.”

Amah explained that having sacked all the Senior Directors and Permanent Secretaries who were trained with State resources prematurely, Otti is currently, allegedly, grappling with a shortage of trained manpower with whom to govern without the daily missteps that put him and his Government into ridicule.

“It was the same confusion and lack of direction that caused the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, CSO, to summon Civil Servants to his office, in utter defiance of Abia State Civil Rule, (CS) Rule 04102, which empowers only the Civil Service Commission to exercise disciplinary control over Abia Civil Servants.

“Presently, Alex Otti’s house is falling apart, and we advise him to come down from his high horse, swallow his pride, and recall those he sacked ignominiously so that they will help him in the good governance and administration of Abia State before the roof finally collapses on his head.

“The people he sacked were not Okezie Ikpeazu loyalists, not PDP members, but Abia Civil Servants, who ordinarily must be loyal to any Government in power, as they are loyal to him now. No time is too late to do the right thing.”

First Bank: Otedola Pockets Otudeko; Ramps Up Controlling Stake

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 25, 2024

Businessman Femi Otedola has further proved his resolve to take over First Bank Nigeria, FBN, from competitors following his acquisition, on Monday, of additional 797,946,415 units of the company’s shares through the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX.

The development, analysts in the sector contend, has now made him the largest shareholder of Nigeria’s premier bank, ahead of close rivals of the bank such as Oba Otudeko, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, and others.

Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Energy Group, had in 2021 stated that he had no plan to take over, neither take a board position in the bank, following the fierce contest between him and Otudeko, for the soul of the commercial bank at the time.

He said:“I am simply an investor who saw an opportunity in the financial institution and decided to take advantage of it through the investment I have made.

“My interest, contrary to speculations is not to become chairman of the bank or its holdco. Moreover, I am in semi-retirement.”

“Being the single largest shareholder doesn’t mean I must necessarily hold a position in the bank. I believe in allowing competent people run institutions in a professional manner and to the benefit of all the stakeholders.”

Both businessmen have been increasing the number of shares they hold in the bank directly and through proxies, with a view to sustain their grip on the bank. .

From all indications, Otudeko, a former chairman of the bank appears to have lost out in the contest to control one of Nigeria’s biggest and profitable bank, due Otedola’s recent acquisition which has raised his total share in First Bank Nigeria Holding, FBNH, to close to 12 percent.

According to a corporate disclosure to the NGX, on Monday, Otedola now holds 11.63 percent stake in the commercial bank, after acquiring shares valued at N17.219 billion at N21. 58 per share.

Recall that last week, Otedola, increased his stake in FBN Holdings, with the purchase of 546, 674, 034 units of shares valued at N12.01billion. Otedola bought the shares through Calvados Global Services Limited at a price of N21.97 per share at the Exchange.

Before then, the billionaire had 7.01 percent stake in the bank, behind Oba Otudeko’s Barbican Capital Limited which held an 8.67 percent stake.

The magazine reported that on January 31, the board of the bank appointed Otedola as Chairman of FBNH after a meeting by its members.

CBN: Emefiele’s Wife, In-law Benefit From Alleged Multi-million naira Sleaze – EFCC

Tosin Olatokunbo

June 25, 2024

Embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Govermor Godwin Emefiele approved contracts worth several millions of naira to wife and brother-in-law, according to a witness in the case.

The former Nigeria’s CBN governor is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over corruption related cases and alleged abuse of office while in office.

According to the anti-graft agency, the Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, in the trial of Emefiele on Monday, June 24, 2024 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, that Emefiele signed and approved contract awards and payments to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, which are companies owned by Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, a staff of the apex bank, his wife Margaret and her brother, Jonathan Omoile respectively.

The witness, Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, who is a member of inter-agency investigation team that comprise the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Department of State Services, DSS and the Nigeria Police Force during his cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said Emefiele was the approving authority of the contracts awarded to both companies having endorsed all the contract award documents and given approval for payments to the companies.

Burkaa identified exhibits F24 to F44 which are letters from the CBN to April 1616 Investments Limited, for the award of contracts for the supply of cars to the apex bank as well as documents showing requests for payments from the company to the CBN for the delivery of the cars, all signed by Emefiele.

Similarly, the witness identified exhibits A1 to A8, as documents containing memos from CBN for the award of contracts to Architekon Nigeria Limited, belonging to Emefiele’s wife and her brother for the renovation of the CBN governor’s residence, provision of dedicated power lines and supply of furniture as well as requests of payments in respect of the contracts to the company, all approved by Emefiele.

Justice Muazu admitted the exhibits in evidence and adjourned the matter till 25, 2024 for re-examination of the witness.

The former CBN governor is standing trial before Justice Muazu on amended 20 count-charges that border on conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretense.

Emefiele was removed from office in July last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and has since been charged to court by the EFCC for graft and other related offences.

NAFDAC Says Counterfeit Injection Drug In Circulation, Sample Found In Ariaria Market, Aba

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Agency For Food ,Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a red alert to Nigerians concerning the use of a counterfeit batch of Giga-S Injection drug currently being marketed by a high profile Pharmaceutical outlet in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia.

The regulatory agency said the sample of the Giga-S injection, Ceftriaxone +Sulbactam 1.5gIM/IV which is widely used for the treatment of severe infections like septicemia, pneumonia and meningitis, purchased at the popular Ariaria International Aba, may have been circulated nationwide.

In a statement contained in its official site on Monday June 24, 2024, NAFDAC called for the withdrawal of the drug from circulation for the purpose of preserving the health of Nigerians..

“Although this falsified batch product was identified in Abia State ,it may have likely been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets .

“Consequently,it is important to detect and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients”

“Importers ,distributors, retailers and healthcare providers are advised to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation ,distribution ,sales and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products .

“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers .The products authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked .

“Members of the public in possession of the above product are advised to discontinue sales or use and summit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office .

“If you have this counterfeit product ,please DO NOT use it. If you or anyone. you know have used this product ,or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use ,you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professional.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicious Substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office .

“Similarly, health care professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse or side effects related to the use of medicinal products to the nearest NAFDAC office” part of the statement reads.

Meanwhile, an authoritative source has revealed that the regulatory agency has ringed a strong surveillance around drug dealers at the Ariaria International Market preparatory to a full scale raid.

The raid expected to take place anytime soon, is aimed at mopping up the falsified Giga-S injection and other related pharmaceutical products considered to be injurious to the health of the people.

“We understand that NAFDAC officials will be ‘visiting’ the market anytime from now. Their mission is to look for the drug in question and may be others. We have seen the NFDAC public notice concerning the product and there is nothing much anyone can say or do now until they ( NAFDAC) conclude their findings” of the medicine dealers stated.

Blame States Not NAHCON For Hitches In Holy Pilgrimage – CSO

Ayodele Oni

June 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has advised that intending Pilgrims in Nigeria should be allowed to pay fees directly to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

It faulted the call by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, for the scrapping of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

In a statement on Monday, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) described Bago’s call as a very wrong move.

IHR said that while it supports an advocacy for improved services for the pilgrims, it however stresses the calls for the decentralisation of NAHCON and devolving powers to the states would be a very wrong move.

It explained that there were allegations that most of the delays experienced every year, that affects the smooth operations of the Hajj, including that of 2024, was as a result of the failure of some state boards to remit collected fares to NAHCON in time.

According to the body, some governors used the monies for other purposes and are being awaited to make refunds.

Towards this end, IHR called on the National Assembly to amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act, to ensure a cohesive and effective hajj operating system in the country.

It was reported that Governor Bago’s outburst stemmed from the inadequate space given to Tent ‘A’ pilgrims from Nigeria, which included some state governors who came for the pilgrimage as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

While the services rendered to the personalities were from private tour operators, the governor described the 2024 hajj as a failure.

It further said; “By virtue of diplomatic protocol, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj only relates with National Hajj missions not regional bodies.

“Decentralisation as being touted will allow 36 states’ pilgrim’s welfare boards and agencies to send 36 different delegations to Saudi Arabia, the first in the History of Hajj operation, to liaise with Saudi Arabia on Hajj plans.

“36 states will also sign different hajj memorandum of understanding with one country.”

Commenting on service delivery, IHR noted that NAHCON controls Airlines and accommodation in Madina, adding that in the last few years, Nigerian pilgrims have been housed in a 4-star hotel within the vicinity or five minutes’ walk close to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.

“On the other hand, States are responsible for choosing their accommodation in Makkah.

“This year for example, our team currently in Saudi Arabia observes that Niger state pilgrim’s accommodation is located in an isolated area, far away from the holy Mosque, this invariably denied quite a number of the pilgrims the opportunity to observe their obligatory prayers at the Haram.

“Also, registration of pilgrims starts from the local governments after which the funds are transferred to state pilgrims’ boards before being transferred to NAHCON.

“There are allegations that most of the delays experienced every single year, that affects the smooth operations of the Hajj, including this year is as a result of the failure of some state boards to remit their collected fares to NAHCON in time because governors have used the monies for other purposes and are being awaited to make refunds.

“We, therefore, call on the National Assembly to make it possible for pilgrims to pay their deposits directly to NAHCON so that the commission can in turn meet its obligations in time and avoid a situation where the entire operation will be put in jeopardy.

“This, we believe, is also the best way to truly hold the commission to account in case of any service failure.”

Cholera Outbreak: FG Warns Nigerians To Desist From Drinking Locally Made Zobo, Fura, Tigernaut

Akinwale Kasali

June 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Cholera Outbreak ravaging the country remain unabated, the Federal Government has sternly warned Nigerians to avoid locally made drinks such as Kunu, Zobo, Fura and Tigernaut to prevent the spread of the disease.

Prior to the latest warning by the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government had warned Lagosians to desist from taking locally made Tigernaut.

The FG also urged the public to be more vigilant and to imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace.

Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Salako further tasked all and sundry with preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

He said, “Ensure the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals, ” he said.

He added that Nigerians should ensure the use of clean and safe water.

“Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

He also called on States and Local Governments to increase environmental health surveillance in places where food and drinks are sold nationwide.

These places include markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious and sporting event venues.

Salako noted that the measures would help avert the further spread and transmission of cholera and aid in the prevention and control of the disease.

He also urged all Commissioners for Environment and the Local Government Chairpersons to support environmental health officers to step up sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation.

He said it is also to strengthen collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the one health approach of the federal government.

He added that arrangements had been made to support most affected states with chlorine solution or tablets, water and food testing resources to avert further transmission across the country.

Salako noted that a recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 States.

Kano Gets New Police Chief Amidst Festering Emirate Stool Crisis

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the elevation of erstwhile Kano state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Hussaini Gumel, to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police penultimate week, the Command on Monday June, 24, 2024, received Salman Dogo Garba as his replacement.

But contrary to a widely held belief, AIG Gumel described the 2023 General Elections as his greatest challenge in his one year sojourn in the ancient city.

The festering Kano Royal Stool crisis, with the divergent interests it presented, not a few had thought, would have been his most trying period.

At a handover ceremony at the Bompai Headquarters of the Command while appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP, for the confidence reposed in him, and the conducive environment provided for the discharge of his duties,Gumel called on the officers and men of the Command to extend the same support and cooperation accorded him to his successor.

He thanked his colleagues in other sister security Agencies for the synergy and harmonious working relationship that the police enjoyed under them.

But beyond the challenges posed before, during and after the 2023 elections, the outgone Commissioner of Police also acknowledged other difficulties including thuggery and armed robbery activities.

“Managing the post 2023 Governorship election period from the pronouncement of election verdicts to the court processes including the Tribunal and Supreme court sittings, and the recent attempts by some political actors to politicize security issues around the Kano State Emirate Council are not insurmountable.

“We faced several security challenges including armed robbery, thuggery, car theft ,threats from bandits along the prone local councils ,kidnappings,and other violent crimes .

“These threats were not only endangering public safety, but also hindering governance and socioeconomic development in the state .

“Under my watch, the Police Command remained professional and committed to maintaining peace and order. I am confident that these challenges will soon be resolved.

“As I .move to my new assignment ,I carry with me the experience ,lessons and memories from my time here ( Kano). They will continue to inspire and guide me in my future endeavours” the newly promoted AIG noted.

In the same vein, the Kano State Police authorities on Monday enhanced security arrangements at the two Palaces being occupied by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

Before now, a larger part of the security at the City Palace hosting Sanusi had been provided by local hunters .

But the Police in the new arrangements have driven them away ,and replaced them with heavily armed Police Operatives.

Addressing the Media, the departing Commissioner of Police, Gumel said the reinforcement of security at the two Palaces is to ensure adequate security and maintenance of peace.

He noted that the enhanced security arrangements have become necessary following reports of an upsurge in thuggery and other criminal activities in some parts of the kano city.

According to him, the heavy security presence at the Palaces is to, also, properly guarantee security for the gladiators, pending the resolution of the Emirship crisis.

Governors Have No Regard For Workers Welfare – NLC Says 15 States Refused To Implement 2019 N30,000 Minimum Wage

The Source

June 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Even as the Organized Labour is locked in negotiations for an increase in wages for the country’s workforce, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Monday, June 24 2024, accused 15 State Governors of refusal to give effect to the 2019 approved monthly minimum wage of N 30,000.

The NLC expressed surprise that even with the increase in revenue from the Federation Account, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Nassarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Imo, Benue, Taraba and Zamfara States have so far failed to implement the N30,000 minimum monthly wage for their workers.

In a Media chat in Abuja, the NLC Assistant General Scribe, Chris Onyeka, blasted the Governors of the affected States for their blatant disregard for a duly enacted law.

Onyeka noted that for the Governors to continue to refuse to implement the N30,000 wage, with the excruciating hardship in the country and the enormous revenue at their disposal as a result of the removal of petrolatum products subsidy, smacks of gross insensitive and total disregard for the welfare of the suffering workforce.

“A state Governor who does not believe in the sanctity of the laws will have a high proclivity to disobey them. If you examine the history of these Governors and their handlers, you will find a preponderance of those who came to power by breaking the laws.

“Is it now that they will obey the National Minimum Wage Act? Some Governors perceive State resources as their own.

“They believe erroneously that workers salaries can wait or be toyed with without consequences. So they do not place priority on it.

“However, they forget that workers are human beings who need their salaries to meet their basic needs of life” Onyeka noted

The NLC Assistant National Secretary also attributed the sad development to unbridled greed and quest for the primitive accumulation of wealth by some Governors, in addition to fiscal recklessness.

“Governors should ensure budgetary fidelity, shun funds diversions and stop making provisions that allow for looting of the States.

They should stay more in their States, instead of constantly being in Abuja ,spending a lot of money maintaining two Government Houses” the NLC Scribe admonished.

According to him, financial indiscipline, and mismanagement of State resources by some Governors, have led them in to viewing other peoples’ needs as secondary, which in turn results in their mindless appropriation of state resources.

Onyeka insisted that with fiscal discipline, display of sincerity of purpose and accountability, state Governors will not find the protection of the interests and welfare of the workforce burdensome.

Ondo Boundary Clash: One Dead, Student Missing, NANS, Reps Member Sue For Peace

Ayodele Oni

June 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Protesters who are mainly students of higher institutions of learning took to the streets of Ode Irele, the headquarters of Irele Local Government Area of Ondo state, on Monday, to demand for the whereabout of one Gideon Akindoye.

Akindoye, who was last seen on Monday June 11, 2024 disappeared after he left for his father’s farm located between Igbobini and Ode Irele Communities.

The two communities are currently at war over boundary disputes with one life already lost.

Gideon who returned from school to meet his parents and later went to the farm with his motorcycle to harvest cassava, but yet to return home since then, raising suspicion that he must have been kidnapped on the farm.

During the protest, the students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) called on the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the security agencies in the state to intervene and find the missing student.

Singing different solidarity songs, the students carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Bring back Gideon dead or alive’, ‘Mr Governor, we need UR Help,’ ‘ Akindoyo Gideon missing since 11th June 2024, Where is him?’, ‘Gideon where are you,’ among others.

Speaking during the protest, the Senate President of NANS, Henry Olukunomo, who believed the missing student was kidnapped, called on his abductors to release him dead or alive .

Olukunomo confirmed that the missing student was a bonafide 300-level student of Computer Engineering in Al-Hilmah University in Kwara State

“We are calling on those who kidnap comrade Gideon to release him to us dead or alive. If he is dead, they should release his body to us to give him befitting burial but if he is alive they should release him to relieve his parents from unnecessary trauma.

“We have gathered here to solidarize with the people of Irele and Igbobini, and we are using this opportunity to call on the governor to end the lingering crisis between there two communities.”

The mother of the missing student, Mrs Janet Akindoyo said the boy arrived Irele on Sunday, June 10, went to the farm to harvest the following day but he had not returned.

“He has not returned, search party saw his motorcycle where he parked it but we haven’t seen him . I’m appealing to the security and the people to help find him.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the missing, of the students incident but said the men of the command are in the forest to search for him.

“Our men are working in the forest in search of the person and investigation into the matter had begun.”

Meanwhile, A member of House of Representatives representing Ilaje/ Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo state, Donald Ojogo has described as unfortunate the inter-communal clash between Igbobini and Irele communities, calling on the leaders to broker a round table talks for restoration of peace in the area.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Akure on Monday, the lawmaker said it is unfortunate that the lingering clash, which had claimed lives could have been averted if leaders tow the path of peace.

Ojogo said, “The inter-communal clash between Igbobini and Irele communities that has resulted in the destruction of properties, unfortunate loss of lives and a missing 30 year old university undergraduate, Gideon is a tragedy that should never have occured.

“This avoidable dispute, rooted in unresolved land issue, has lingered for too long and I am particularly pained that it was allowed to escalate this point.

“As the representative of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, I urge all traditional leaders, religious leaders and relevant stakeholders of both communities to come to a table and proffer urgent solutions that will bring an end to this crisis.

“We must work together to address the underlying issues that have led to this conflict to restore peace and harmony to our communities.

“These communities have coexisted and intermarried. It is, therefore, important that this relationship is sustained for mutual benefits and not jeopardized on the account of a difference that can be resolved.

“I urge both communities to embrace dialogue as the best means of resolving the dispute.”

1...1,0411,0421,043...2,907 Page 1,042 of 2,907