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How Two Journalists, Their Wives, Children Were Abducted By Bandits In Kaduna

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Two Kaduna based  working journalists- Abdul’Gafar Alabelewe ( the Nation), Abdul’Raham Aodu(Blue Print ), their wives and children,were among others abducted at about 10.30pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024 by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.

They were kidnapped from their homes at the  Millennium City in Danhonu area of Chikun local Council of the  State.

An eye witness ,who is also a family member of one the abducted Journalists, Taofeed Olayemi, said the suspected bandits who invaded the estate in their numbers scaled the fence,and gained entry into the homes of the victims ,after breaking the doors and windows of their apartments.

The abductors were also said to have shot indiscriminately into the  air, upon storming the area ,with intent to scare neighbours from any possible intervention.

According to Olayemi, the bandits in the end made away with the Nation Newspapers reporter, Alabelewe, his wife, and two his children.

They took away Alhaji Aodu of the Blue Print Newspapers, and his wife but left their sick daughter behind.

“Initially, they picked Alabalewe, his wife and three of his children and a girl living with them. Later, they (the abductors) asked the girl to go back with one of the children .They left with Alabelewe, his wife and two of their children.

Olayemi further informed that the criminal elements came at about 10 .30 pm. They shattered their (victims)  doors, windows and removed the burglary proofs after scaling the fence.

“They first forced Aodu’s door open and picked him and his wife and left their sick daughter behind.

“Then they entered Adebelewe’s apartment through the fence after, also, forcing the doors open. They went straight into his bedroom and picked him, his wife, and two of their children and left immediately.

After a while, some personnel of the local vigilante group arrived and started to shot into the air,” Olayemi narrated.

In reaction,  Kaduna State Police Command on Sunday June 7, said it has deployed its operatives to rescue the kidnapped Journalists ,as well as fish out the abductors.

Speaking on the development, the Command’s Spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, noted that all efforts are being made by Police Operatives to locate and free the victims unhurt

“We have deployed our operatives into the bush where the kidnappers are believed to be holding out”, Hassan said

Similarly, the Kaduna State Government had not issued any official statement.

The Source reports that this is the first time in recent times that journalists, have fallen victims to the criminal activities of bandits operating in some parts of the Northern region.

For the records, The Nation is owned by President Bola Tinubu while Blueprint is owned by the Minister for Information & National Orientation, Mohammad Idris.

“Return N30,000 Workers Sallah Palliatives You Diverted Or Face Dare Consequences”, Sokoto  Gov. Warns Officials

By
The Source
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Ahmed Aliyu - Sokoto State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Miffed by the reported diversion of N30,000 Sallah palliative approved by the State Government for workers in Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ordered the officials, particularly, at the Local Councils, fingered in the heist, to return the money to Government coffers immediately.

This is just as he expressed disgust over the despicable conducts of the officials.

Governor Aliyu issued the marching order at a briefing to mark the successful completion of this year’s Hajji operation, at the weekend.

He regretted that some Finance officials ,at the Local Council level could divert funds meant to ameliorate the plights  of workers during the last Sallah celebrations.

“I am appalled by the actions of those who denied our workers the stipends we provided for their welfare during the Sallah Celebrations.

“Those responsible for diverting these funds must return them without delay or they will face severe consequences.” the Governor noted .

Further speaking, Governor Aliyu reiterated his administration’s dedication to the enthronement of a regime of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

He warned of dare consequences for those found to be engaged in acts of financial mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds and properties

The Sokoto State Government under his watch, he said, will not condone corrupt activities insisting that public office holders should always justify the confidence and trust reposed in them by the people.

“This administration stands firm against corruption in all its ramifications. Anyone attempting to embezzle public funds will face the full wrath of the law .

“We are dedicated to serving the people with honesty and integrity ” he emphasised .

Not withstanding, Governor Aliyu,appealed to the people of Sokoto State to continue to support and cooperate with his administration in its efforts to take the state to the next level.

Arms And Ammunition Importation: Customs Places Officers On Alert

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Tenny Daniyan

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst increased cases of importation of arms, ammunitions, hard substances and other unwholesome and prohibited items into the country, the Comptroller, Port Terminal Multi Services Limited, PTML, Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Tenny Daniyan, has urged officers and men of the Service to always be on red alert.

This is even as he announced a revenue collection of over N152 billion for the period between January and June 2024.

Comptroller Daniyan called on Examination and Releasing Officials to always apply due diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in the discharge and handling of any import or export cargo passing through the Command

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 7, 2024 by the Command Spokesperson, Yakubu Muhammad, CSC, Comptroller Daniyan charged officers and men under the Command to, at  all times, shun any forms of compromise in the discharge of their duties .

He emphasised the need  for the protection of national interests and security to  be the over-riding consideration in the course of discharging their tasks.

He noted that it will amount to a great disservice to the interests of the country to allow arms and ammunitions in the hands of non-state actors .

“Arms and ammunition in the hands of non-state actors puts the country in danger and illicit drugs have been globally noted as a fuelling factor for many unlawful behaviours” Daniyan noted

The Comptroller warned that  any PTML Command personnel found to be involved in aiding and abating illegal activities will not be spared .

” I want to urge all Customs officers in PTML to always insist on cargo examination like we have always done. You are hereby placed on red alert to keep doing the right thing as importers of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs have shown more desperation in recent times .

“Let us continue to make PTML a no-go-area for perpetrators of such illegalities and be ready to make seizures of such items including effecting arrests of persons suspected to be involved in such activities” the Comptroller enjoined.

According to Daniyan, the N150 billion realized in the first half of  2024 is about  N50 billion higher than the figure during the corresponding period last year .

He expressed the optimism that the Command is poised to generate more revenue in the second half of the year.

” I strongly believe that we will do more with revenue collection and trade facilitation in the second half of 2024 as we continually improve on our level of service delivery and diligent implementation of all Government directives.

He, however, promised that the protection of National Interests and Security ,will not be sacrificed on the alter of improved revenue generation.

Bandits Abduct Former NLC President From Home

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Takai Shamang

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Takai Shamang, a former Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President has been abducted from his home in Kaduna State.

His daughter, Mrs Grace Abbin disclosed on Sunday that her father was whisked away at about 8 pm. on Friday July 5 2024 at his home town Biniki in Kaura Local Council of Kaduna State by some unknown persons. He is 78 years old.

Shamang who was, also, a former President of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers Union between 1982 and 1989 is the founder and promoter of a non governmental organization, Gantys Aid For Widows Orphans and Needy Foundation based in Kaduna.

His whereabouts remain unknown and no contact has been made with the family by the abductors.

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigeria Police Force

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dave Umahi
Dave Umahi

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

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.

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