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“We Will Deal With You Decisively,” Police Warn Intending Celebrants Of Cult Day In Anambra State

July 7, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the widely speculated news that Sunday July 7, 2024, has been reserved for the celebration of Cult day in Anambra State gaining traction, the State Police authorities have warned that dare consequences await anyone and/or group of persons caught disrupting the fragile peace of the state.

The Source reports that of recent, Anambra State has become an epicentre of all manners of cult-related gangsterism, with so many lives and properties lost in the process.

Successive Commissioners of Police in the State, had had to battle, the notorious and debilitating activities of cult gangs who, most times, engage themselves in deadly rival wars.

Their activities are strongly believed by security agencies to be accentuated by some political godfathers, who allegedly use them to further their ambitions.

In the last two days, speculations have been rife that most of the cult groups operating in the state have set aside Sunday to, at once, initiate new entrants and mark their activities.

But in a statement issued on Saturday July 6, by its Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP , the State Police Command urged parents and guardians to advise their children to uphold the law and refrain from actions that could disturb the peace in the State.

The Police said they are ever ready to enforce the Anti-cultism Law recently enacted by the Anambra state Government to the last letter .

” Information received indicates that a group of criminally minded individuals under the guise of Cult Day have planned a celebration tomorrow Sunday, July 7, 2024.

This event is notorious for its violence and bloodshed. The Police Command advises these individuals or groups to immediately desist as we are constitutionally mandated to safeguard lives and property and will not permit such elements to undermine the progress achieved in combating cult-related incidents .Offenders will be dealt with decisively ” the police warned .

The statement assured that: “the police and other security agencies in the state ,are committed and dedicated to protecting the lives and properties of innocent and law abiding citizens and residents of the state at all times.”

Furthermore, the police have cautioned hoteliers, relaxation spots operators and managers of event/ recreational centres in the State to be wary of gatherings signposting celebration by cult groups at their facilities.

They warned that any recreation centres and or hotels that lend their premises to such nefarious activities as the celebration of cult day will suffer the consequences.

Rivers Police Command Alerts Over Cult Related Activities On Sunday, Cautions Public

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Command in Rivers has alerted that some cult groups in the country are regrouping on Sunday for a celebration.

It has cautioned the public to be careful over cult-related activities across the country on July 7.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.

According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.

“We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.

“The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.

“The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’

Iringe-Koko disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.

“The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.

“It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’

The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.

She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.

“Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.

“Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.

“Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults.”

Again, Another Woman Shot Dead In Ekiti By Suspected Robbers On Motorcycle

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A middle aged woman whose identity is yet to be ascertained was early Saturday morning shot dead by unknown gunmen on motorcycle.

This brings the number of victims of the broad daylight street shootings to four within one month.

The Ekiti State Police Command had early this week paraded some suspects that claimed responsibility for the killings which they said was to retaliate similar incident by a cult rival.

The incident happened at a junction close to the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti Continuing Education Center, off, NTA road.

The incident which involved a 50’year old woman, occurred at about few minutes to seven in the morning.

According to witnesses, the gunmen came on a bike and attempted to snatch the bag of the woman who was apparently going for early morning shopping and waiting for transport.

It was gathered that in the process of trying to resist the attempt to take her bag, the dare devil criminals shot at her and rode off.The incident caused panic in the area as many scampered for safety.

Many traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled the scene.

When contacted, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, said it was more of a robbery incident adding that the sum of forty thousand, two hundred and eighty Naira was found in her bag.

Abutu stated that her body had been deposited in the morgue and the police is on the trail of the criminals.

Following the increase in activities of robbers operating on motorcycle in the State the Leadership of Okada Riders embarked on stop and search of motorcycles in Ado Ekiti on Saturday.

They were sighted at major junctions in the State capital, searching both the riders and the passengers thoroughly.

The Union Leaders of the riders took the action to clamp down on robbers operating on bikes to kill innocent pedestrians.

Super Highways: Umahi Woos North Central Govs, Stakeholders Lists Benefits

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 6, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, has said that the proposed Super Highways are not mere road constructions, but an investment which would in the near future rejig the economy of the country.

This is even as he singled out the Cross River-Ebonyi- Benue-Kogi- Nasarawa-Apo Super Highway as a legacy project that has the potentials to positively impact on the economic growth and development of the beneficiary states.

The Works Minister who spoke on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at a North Central stakeholders meeting held in Lafia ,the Nasarawa State capital, therefore, appealed to the Governors and other opinion leaders from the zone to accord maximum support to the project.

Engr Umahi explained that the purpose of the meeting which had in attendance Governors and major stakeholders from Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States was to solicit their support and understanding for the proposed 477 kms Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Kogi-Apo portions of the Federal Super Highways projects by the Federal Government.

According to him, the Federal Super Highway projects when completed will greatly benefit all Nigerians, especially residents of the host states.

He added that the seriousness attached to the project informed the wide consultations being made with Nigerians, particularly the leaderships of the beneficiary States .

The works Minister assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is irrevocably committed to completing all the portions of the Super Highways, including the Lagos-Ondo-Edo–Delta- Bayelsa-Rivers- Akwa Ibom-Cross River-and the Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry Super Highways .

” I request that you buy into it and support Mr President who still has about seven more years to deliver these projects .

“We believe that with these seven years ,these three legacy projects will be delivered” Umahi assured .

Further speaking, the Works Minister assured that the projects have been designed with due attention to high quality and reasonable durability.

According to him ,each of the Super Highways portion will be reinforced with concrete ,so that they will be able to last up to 50 years before under going any major maintenance works.

” Each of the sections is going to be reinforced with concrete. Each of the sections has six lanes . It also has train tracks . we are using solar street lights.

“The benefits of these legacy projects can not be over emphasised. It is going to be done in concrete. Sokoto-Badagry end has 53 Dams. Any road properly constructed on concrete ,for the next 50 years ,you will not touch it .

“Lagos-Calabar has a lot of potentials .In fact ,we are aiming at finishing the first section ,which is 47 .7km, by May next year and we will be tolling it immediately”

“Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum and Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule while appreciating the Federal Government for conceiving such audacious projects , also assured of the unalloyed commitment and cooperation of the people of the Zone to the successful completion of the projects.

Governor Sule ,who spoke on behalf of his colleagues and other stakeholders , particularly expressed happiness that a project which for many years had only remained in the pipeline, has today become a reality.

FG Takes Over Hospital In Ekiti, Minister, Oyebanji Sign MoU

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal and Ekiti State Governments have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU), converting the state specialist hospital, at Ikole to Federal Medical Centre.

Speaking while signing the MoU at the State Specialist Hospital, Ikole Ekiti, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa said the MoU was a testament to President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government commitment to ensuring that Nigerians, regardless of their location have access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.

He said the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre was in line with the Federal Government’s agenda to decentralize and democratize healthcare, making it more accessible to even the remote communities in the country.

The Minister explained that the facilities will be upgraded and equipped to provide comprehensive services, training, and research.

Commending the Governor for his decision to handover the state specialist hospital for the use of the Federal Government as Federal Medical Centre, the Minister said it is a clear indication that the state government is dedicated to improving the healthcare infrastructure and service to the people of the state.

“Todays event marks a significant milestone in our effort to improve healthcare delivery across our nation. It is a testament to our commitment to ensure that every single Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.

“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre aligns perfectly with the President’s agenda to decentralize and democratize healthcare, making it accessible to even the most remote communities.”

In his own remarks, Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, emphasized that delivering quality healthcare to the people has always been a top priority of his administration which was what led to the state’s decision to sign the MoU with the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Governor explained that the Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ikole-Ekiti represents hope for patients battling illnesses beyond the capacity of secondary health care, brings comfort for families in distress, and increases the possibility of a healthier future for many more citizens within the state.

He said the FMC would also attract skilled healthcare professionals to the region, fostering a better health care environment.

Oyebanji added that the influx of medical expertise to the facility would enhance the overall quality of care, leading to better health outcomes and increased life expectancy for the local population as well as serve as training ground for medical students and health professionals to enhance medical practices.

The Ikole hospital will be the second Federal Medical Centre in Ekiti State.

How Petroleum Products Are Smuggled To Neighbouring ECOWAS Countries – CGC NCS

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 6, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Against the backdrop of the debilitating effects of the smuggling of petroleum products through Nigeria’s border posts, the Nigeria Customs Service NCS and Nigeria National Petroleum Limited have reaffirmed their resolve to battle the scourge.

At a meeting of delegates of the two bodies on Friday July 5 2024, in Abuja ,the NCS Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Mele Kyari NNPL Chief Executive Officer CEO, pledged to explore all lawful means to secure and protect the national and security interests of the country against the unpatriotic activities of saboteurs.

The Source reports that the NCS recently inaugurated a special taskforce- Operation Whirlwind to combat the activities of petroleum product- smugglers through the borders to neighbouring West African Countries.

A statement issued on Friday by the National spokesperson for the NCS ,Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the NCS CGC, Adeniyi, has reassured of his commitment to reinvigorating the existing collaboration between the Service and NNPL to effectively halt the operations of smugglers of petroleum products .

At the meeting which held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi blamed the escalation in the smuggling of petroleum products especially to neighbouring countries on the current diferential that exists in the prices of the products between Nigeria and its ECOWAS neighbours.

He, however, assured that the Operation Whirlwind is assiduously working in concert with other stakeholders to ensure that the illegal activities of petroleum products smugglers are reduced to the barest minimum.

“The operations that we have done have thrown up a number of issues, but despite them, I am happy we have made fantastic seizures from different parts of the country.

“We have seen also the ingenious ways in which smugglers take supplies from depots and place in their stations.

“The stations might look empty from the front, still directly behind ,they have linked the hoses through some artificial holes created in their walls into waiting Jerry cans and vehicles from where they take them across the borders.

“It is an act of economic sabotage, and those that we have seen we have arrested, ,confiscated the products that were seen. We have sealed up the filling stations and we have handed them over to regulatory authorities to handle.

“Some filling stations operators tactically devise means to smuggle fuel in a way that is not noticeable” the NCS CGC stated.

Adeniyi emphasised that combating the heinous crime is a significant operation, creating a considerable burden on the NCS resources.

But ,he nevertheless, noted that it has been a very rewarding exercise so far for the Service.

“We felt that we could have a very good partnership with the NNPL for us to sustain this operation over a period of time.

“We are happy we had a secondment from the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA . But the Nigeria Customs needs a Situation Room where we can. get data that speak on the issue of enhancing our capacity .Also our personnel will be motivated and taken care of ,so that they won’t be compromised ” Adeniyi emphasised.

The NNPL CEO, Kyari, while acknowledging the dangers posed to the Nigerian economic growth and development, by the activities of petroleum products smugglers, appealed for continued assistance of the NCS CGC in the fight to halt the scourge.

He also admitted that the volume of smuggled petroleum products has drastically reduced owing to the efforts of the operatives of the NCS Operation Whirlwind Taskforce.

“We are available to provide any necessary support to combat this crime on our borders. We are happy to be working with you, and we appreciate the enormous impact of your collaboration so far” the NNPL Chief stated .

The Coordinator of the NCS Operation Whirlwind Comptroller, Hussein Ejibunu, earlier, while emphasising some challenges facing the operatives noted that the taskforce has since brushed them aside to focus on the onerous task ahead.

He informed that since coming on board five weeks ago, the taskforce has recorded tremendous success.

“There is no operation that does not have challenges. But we have been able to put them aside with the help of the CGC . We have tackled fuel smuggling not only in Adamawa, but across the nation.

“We recently showcased about 79,000 litres of fuel that was about to be smuggled out of Kebbi State. This is an indication that we are desirous of doing the job. But we need absolute support of the border communities and other agencies.” Ejibunu noted.

“Sanwo-Olu Is In Your Face When It Is Demolition, But when It Is Flooding, There Is No Emergency” – Rhodes-Vivour

Akinwale Kasali

July 6, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate at the 2023 Gubernatorial Election in Lagos State has taken a swipe at the Lagos State Government, and lashed it for not being proactive in disaster management in the State.

Rhodes-Vivour said the approach of the Lagos State Government in addressing the flooding that submerged several areas in the State was not well managed by the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led Government. He faulted the Lagos Government ’s flood and disaster management efforts.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Rhodes-Vivour advised the Government to initiate wetland protection policies that would mitigate and manage the impact of annual flood.

He said: “What is more painful to me is that I see a Government that is in your face and very active when it comes to demolition but you have this kind of thing (flood) you don’t see any emergency response or protocol.

“We are not seeing men on the ground. We are not seeing intelligence being given out early: ‘avoid these routes’. There were no diversions.

“I don’t feel a sense of ‘I told you so’. Anybody who loves Lagos well enough and has looked at the history of Lagos would see these things way before they happen.

“Which is why it is very painful to see the government pass the buck to the citizens when they have no forward planning or when they show no empathy for the destruction that happens to Lagosians every year.

“We need a wetland protection policy. Wetlands are nature’s sinkholes and indiscriminate sandfilling is pushing water away and the city has to deal with it.

“We also need to address this issue with a forward-thinking mindset by bringing in innovations like the flood protection canal in Japan.

“We cannot just be talking about gutters anymore. We need to have a well-managed mechanised hydronic system.”

Rhodes-Vivour made this statements on the heel of the flooding on Wednesday following a downpour that ravaged the commercial capital of the country, rendering several persons homeless, and Cars submerged.

Imo Set To Complete Abandoned IMSU Multi-Million Naira Water Treatment Plant

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 6, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Vice Chancellor of the Imo state University, Owerri IMSU, Professor Uchefula Chukwumaeze, has assured that all necessary support will be given to the State Government to ensure the completion of the institution’s multi-million Naira water project.

This is even as the Imo State Government said getting the moribund project back on stream will ameliorate the water supply needs of the University community and Owerri environs.

To this end, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu, informed that the Imo State Government has put all necessary machineries in motion to complete the construction processes of the water scheme .

He emphasised the crucial role the project will play in the lives of the IMSU students, staff and residents of the University environs when fully functional.

The Commissioner who spoke in Owerri ,the State capital on Friday July 5, 2024, while addressing the Media, said the reactivation move, will also ensure that huge resources already invested in the scheme in the past do not go down the drain.

Ogwuegbu expressed the readiness of the State authorities to explore partnership with all relevant entities in the task of rejigging and completing the water project.

According to him, the Governor Hope Uzodinma- led administration in the State is committed to providing essential amenities and creating enabling environment for the citizens and residents to realize their full potentials .

When completed the multi million naira Imo state university water scheme will serve the university community and its environs within the capital city.

“The Imo State University Water Scheme mini- treatment plant is crucial to the health and over all wellbeing of the students, staff and other residents of the city” the Commissioner noted .

The IMSU Vice Chancellor, promised that the University Management will provide all the necessary support needed to ensure the successful completion of the water scheme.

Consequently,, Prof Chukwumaeze directed the University’s Director of Work Services and Physical Planning to work out the areas the University could assist in fast tracking the processes of completing the project.

Fulani Herdsmen Attack Amotekun Officers In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Fulani herdsmen have attacked men of Amotekun security corps in Ondo state leaving some of them seriously wounded.

The incident which happened Friday evening, along a village at Akure/ Ado Ekiti highway, forced some of the officers to make a retreat following heavy bombardment from the herdsmen.

Jimoh Adeniken, Public relations officer Ondo Amotekun, explained in a statement on Saturday that “Upon constant complaints from many farmers in the Igoba and Osi areas of Akure North Local Government since the 6th of May 2024 till date, the agency of Amotekun corps from the Headquarters in Alagbaka Akure, responded today dated 5th of July 2024, at about 1600 hours.

“During the operation, the corps surveillance team was led to the farms by the owners. On getting there, they met over one hundred and twenty cows ravaging the farms and there was nobody with the cows.

“Determined to enforce the anti-open grazing law of the State, the operatives of the Amotekun corps moved the cows out of the farms, and while passing by the Sango Area, at Igoba, along Ado Road in Akure, groups of armed Fulani herdsmen attacked the officers with stones, bottles, cutlasses, and guns.

“Thereafter, the corps retreated based on the order from the state Headquarters of the Amotekun corps.

“Furthermore, the assailants continued to throw stones and bottles till they invaded the main road and hacked one of the Amotekun officers to a coma, while attempting to disarm the officers and men of the Amotekun corps.

“Sequentially, the officers of the Amotekun Corps shot into the air to dislodge them and move back to the office.

“Unfortunately, other officers sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack and they are currently receiving medical attention at the Hospital.

“Hence, the owner of the cows have been identified while investigation continues by the corps.”

The government of Ondo state had on August 31st, 2021, signed the Anti-Grazing Bill into law.

The decision, which was is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum, was aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.

The statement added that “Government will continue to pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance of the law with a view to ensuring, that the efforts of farmers would not be truncated through destruction of their farmlands by herders and their cows.

“Officers of the Corps will however, continue to carry out its legal functions of protecting people of the state as well as their properties.”

Ondo Gov Election: Gov Aiyedatiwa Wants To Buy Over Opposition Candidates – YPP Alleges

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Young Progressives Party, (YPP) in Ondo State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using State resources to buy over opposition parties which field candidates for November poll.

Apparently reacting to the collapsing of structures by the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) and throwing support behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, YPP noted that this could jeopardize the integrity of the current democratic process.

A statement by Ayodeji Oluleye Director General, YPP governorship campaign team at the weekend alleged that the incumbent government is exploiting its power and control over state resources to undermine opposition parties through a political merchandising strategy.

“This tactic is designed to weaken and absorb opposition structures, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of our democratic process.

“Central to this alarming situation is the alleged collapse of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) into the incumbent’s camp.

“Such political maneuvering betrays the principles of fair competition and undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy upon which our nation was founded.

“The Young Progressives Party views these actions as contrary to democratic values and a dangerous precedent threatening to erode the foundations of governance in our state.

“It is regrettable that opposition politics in Ondo State is being reduced to a commercial venture, where principles are sacrificed for expediency and power.

“The commercialization of our political landscape threatens to strip away our liberties and diminish our democratic rights.

“The Young Progressives Party unequivocally condemns the practice of commercializing opposition politics.

“It catalyzes totalitarianism and regression in governance, stifling dissenting voices and subverting the people’s will. Elections should be a solemn exercise where citizens freely choose their leaders based on merit, integrity, and vision for development.

“As a party committed to the ideals of democracy and good governance, the YPP reaffirms its dedication to the people of Ondo State.

“We are resolute in our mission to offer a viable alternative rooted in serious, people-oriented, and development-driven governance.

“Our candidacy in the upcoming gubernatorial election on the 16th of November represents not just a political ambition but a pledge to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.”

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