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Presidency Tackles The Economist, Dismisses Publication As Anti-Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Garba Shehu

By Akinwale Kasali

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has condemned the recent article by The Economist of London, on the approach of the Federal Government to insecurity and other challenges bedeviling the nation. It described the publication as “flawed” and “anti-Nigeria”.

The article was published on the 23rd October 2021, and  highlighted what it called the nonchalant attitude of the President Buhari government to security challenges. “When violence erupts, the Government does nothing or cracks heads almost indiscriminately”, it wrote.

It stressed urged Buhari “to stop the slide towards lawlessness, and make its own forces obey the law”.

However, reacting to the publication, the Presidency in a statement Sunday, October 24th, 2021, through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said though the article’s identification of the security threats facing Nigeria are “correct”, but the present administration is the only Government that has shown determination to fight insecurity.

“The Economist is correct: Nigeria faces four key threats to the stability and prosperity of the nation – namely: ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East; kidnapping and crime in the North-West; herder-farmer disputes in the central belt; and the delusions of IPOB terrorists in the South-East,” Shehu said.

“The Economist is also accurate to state that they have come to a head under President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. Yet they do so, because for so long, under previous administrations, whether military or democratic, tough decisions have been ducked, and challenges never fully met – with the effect of abetting these dangers and allowing them all to fester and grow. Today, all four threats are being fought concurrently and it is only this President’s administration which has finally had the will and determination to confront them.

“The Buhari administration has sought to push back terrorism which has been a threat for more than two decades since the first emergence of Boko Haram. It is only the Buhari administration that has now sought to intervene against the kidnapping and banditry that has been a simmering threat for far longer.

“It is only this President’s government which has taken on IPOB, the violent terrorist group which bombs police stations and offices of security agencies, while also threatening those who break their Monday-sit-ins whilst claiming the mantle of forebears who half a century ago fought a civil war. And it is only the Buhari leadership which has sought – ever, in over one hundred years – to identify the root causes of the herder-farmer clashes and find durable solutions.

“The forms may have altered, and the threats posed by each may have waxed and waned, but what has been constant is that administration after administration since independence – whether military or democratic – none sought to fully address these threats to Nigeria as President Buhari’s government does now.

“Today, the military is engaged in almost all the states of Nigeria because the President has insisted upon addressing these decade-after-decade-long issues during his time in office.

“In the North, Boko Haram members – many of whom now fight under the breakaway banner of Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) – have been pushed back. At the start of the President’s tenure, Boko Haram was launching attacks across the majority of the country – including in southern states and Lagos. Today, they are cornered and confined along with their ISWAP compatriots in our country’s outermost fringes of the border, unable to spread further.

“In the South-East, IPOB – which the Economist rightly describes as “delusional” – the arrest and present trial of the terrorist leader of the group is the beginning of its demise. The President’s administration is redoubling efforts to have IPOB rightfully designated as a terrorist group by our allies outside of Nigeria – an act which will collapse their ability to transact gains from crime and extortion in foreign currencies.

“It is important to remind the Economist and the global media that this group’s aggression and widespread presence on social media does not reflect their public support, for which they have none: all elected governors, all elected politicians and all elected state assemblies in the South-East – which IPOB claim to be part of their fantasy kingdom – reject them completely.”

Stressing further, Shehu said when talking about banditry,  the attacks involving bandits have been “simmering for generations”, but “it is the newest of the organised threats Nigeria faces to her stability”.

He faulted the description of banditry attacks in the article, saying criminals who have resources to shoot down military aircraft shouldn’t be referred to as “bandits”, but as “highly organised crime syndicates with huge resources and weaponry”.

Shehu added that the organised syndicates are not different from insurgents, but that the current administration remain committed to addressing the situation.

“The Economist is correct: Nigeria faces multiple threats. They confluence now not because of this government; but on the contrary, it is this government which is addressing them concurrently, and simultaneously – when no other prior administration sought to adequately address even a single one. That is the difference between what has gone before and what we have now. It is why the President and his party were re-elected with’ an increased majority in national elections two years ago,” he added.

Instructively, The Economist had, in 2015, backed Buhari against then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, saying being a retired General, he would handle decisively, the security situation in Nigeria.

First Bank Otedola Takeover: Board, MD Stays For Now- Sources

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

Femi Otedola will not effect any significant change in First Bank until the end of the year despite being declared as the largest shareholder, the magazine has learnt.

The business mogul will allow the tenure of the current managing director of the bank, Adesola Adeduntan to expire in December before he effects board change in FBNH Plc, the mother company of First bank Nigeria Limited, FBNL. The current board under the chairmanship of Remi Babalola was appointed in April this year by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN following the botched removal of Adeduntan as chief executive.

The magazine had reported that Otedola was making a move to take over the bank, after he successfully purchased more 1,818,551,625 shares from the company’s issued share capital of 35,895,292,791, which represents more than five percent of total equity, and according to CBN’s guidelines gives him the power to do so. His shares in the bank are said to be worth over N30 billion.

The management of the bank initially denied such moves, but has now owned up that such move indeed exists, after it admitted that Calvados Global Services Ltd, CGSL, Otedola’s company is now the largest equity holder.

A statement, signed by the company secretary, Seyi Kosoko said, “We refer to our communication to the market dated, October 22, 2021 on the above subject wherein we stated that we would inform the public of any substantial acquisition, upon receipt of notification from the shareholder.

“This morning, October 23, 2021, FBN Holdings Plc received a notification from APT Securities and Funds Limited, that their client, Mr Otedola Olufemi Peter, and his nominee, Calvados Global Services Limited have acquired a total of 1,818,551,625 units of shares from the company’s issued share capital of 35,895,292,791.

“Based on the foregoing, the equity stake of Mr Otedola Olufemi Peter and his nominee in the company is now 5.07 per cent,” the statement said.

According to the bank’s 2021 Half year report submitted to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX other big equity holders including Globalcom owner, Mike Adenuga and Otudeko have less than five per cent equity in the commercial bank.

The Source magazine learnt that the initial rebuff from the bank was prompted by some members of the board who felt that Otedola, one of the promoters of the $100 million Geregu Power Plant should not be allowed to take over the bank.

“Their objection is based on the fact that the new board had barely settled down in office after they were appointed seven months ago by the CBN. Therefore, allowing new people to take over now will present the bank to the public as unstable, and that’s not good for the image of any financial institution,” a reliable source in the bank said.

The source, however, said public institutions are not run based on sentiment but based on rules set by the regulator “which stipulates that the largest equity holder of any public quoted company can declare ownership”.

Another source told the magazine that “This group of people were the ones that engineered the statement where the bank said Otedola’s company did not have majority shares. They forgot that FBN is a public quoted company whose information is in public domain.

“What they simply want is to buy more time before Otedola finally takes over. But the way things are going the current Board will soon give way to the control of Otedola’s people, who will anytime from now declare ownership,” another source said.

 Multiple sources, however, informed the magazine that the business man will not want to immediately take over the bank, but wait for the tenure of the current chief executive and managing director to expire, so as not to set off another crisis in the bank following the one that occurred early in the year, when the former board unsuccessfully sacked Adeduntan.

“The bank already has enough crisis on its plate, therefore, adding another one to it will not improve its image. A wise business man like Otedola understands the game, rather than upsetting the apple’s cart, it will be wise to let the tenure of the current managing director, which comes to end in December, expires before doing anything.

“What Otedola’s group thinks is that any management change at this moment will unsettle the bank. They are prepared to wait till the end of the year to take full control. But, definitely, the current board will go because he that pays the piper dictates the tune ’ one source close to the businessman said.

 

AWCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons Lose To Ghana, Zoom Into Second Round

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

Coach Randy Waldrum Super Falcons team of Nigeria was outclassed by 10-man Black Queens of Ghana team at the reverse leg of their African Women Cup of Nations, AWCON, at the Accra International Stadium, Accra, Ghana, but managed to zoom into the second round of qualification series with a 2-1 aggregate score line.

Princella Adubea’s 49th minute strike wasn’t good enough for the Black Queens to beat their fierce rival and qualify for the second phase, despite dominating the match.

As earlier promised by Super Falcons Captain and Barcelona Football Club of Spain forward, Asisat Oshoala the team qualified for the next round of the qualification series. The team absorbed the pressure and was able not to concede more than a goal.

Portia Boakye of Ghana was given the marching order in the 64th minute to the relief of the Super Falcons  that were under intense pressure, coupled with the cheers and massive support the Ghana ladies received from their teeming fans.

The red card gave the Nigerian side opportunity to catch their opponent on a counter attack, but this did not yield any result as the Ghanaians were resolute in defense, and were more on the offensive than the AWCON defending champion.

As the center referee blasted the whistle signaling an end to the pulsating and tension soaked encounter, a relieved Super Falcons team were full of smiles for overcoming their toughest and fierce rival in female football, also fulfilling their promise of qualification to Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

The Super Falcons now await the Continent Soccer Governing Body, Confederation of African Football, CAF, to know their next opponent in the Second Round of the qualification series.

Oyo Prison Break: Gov. Makinde Visits, Says High Profile Suspects Escaped

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Seyi Makinde Visits Oyo Prison after Jail Break

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State  on Sunday visited the Abolongo Correctional Center, Oyo town, condemning the attack and promising that immediate steps in protecting the facility have been put in place.

The Governor said that after inspecting the attacked center, he has ordered that the main road leading to the facility be immediately graded, to avert further occurrence and free flow of vehicular movement within and outside the facility to ease mobility.

The Governor stressed further that he will install security cameras in the facility and link same with the security situation room in the State.

In a Statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Taiwo Adisa, he said the Governor is baffled by the shocking jail break and laments the death of two Security personnel attached to the facility.

“This is shocking and, unfortunately, we lost a soldier and an Amotekun Operative. Another person is on danger list at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as we speak.

“In the main, investigation is still on-going and we cannot say precisely whether this is an isolated event or the beginning of a wider issue that we have to deal with. But whatever the case is, we have made an assessment and taken some immediate decisions.

“We have asked that the main road to this facility be graded immediately. “We will position security cameras here and link it back to our security situation room. It is not just only for this facility but for other correctional facilities in the state.

“We are also making a list of critical state assets that we need to monitor and I have also asked that the entrance and exit points into the state be monitored. We still have almost 300 criminals that are on the loose in the state. So, efforts will still continue to try and apprehend the criminals and bring them back here.

“About the high-profile suspects here, people are very quick to start talking about conspiracy theories. What I can say is that investigation is still on. Yes, there were high profile criminals that were held in this facility.

“Again, I will appeal that our people should be calm. We have challenges around the country – banditry, insurgency and terrorism. And we can only deal with those issues when we have the people in alignment with what the leadership is trying to do.

“So, they should please believe that their leaders will tell them the exact situation of things at the appropriate time”, Adisa stressed.

Abologo: Iskilu Wakili, Kidnap Kingpin, Escape; 446 inmates Rearrested says Aregbesola

By
Uche Mbah
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Rauf Aregbesola and Prison Officials

By Uche Mbah

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Sunday said  446 out of 907 escapees in the Abologo correctional facility in Oyo State have been recaptured.

During an inspection visit to the facility in Oyo town, Oyo State, Sunday, Aregbesola called the attack unconscionable.

“I’m assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government will pursue not just those who attcked our facility, but those who have escaped lawful custody.

“The attack was unconscionable, I commend officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service and other members of sister security agencies who provided perimeter security for our facility for fighting gallantly and holding the fort before the attackers were able to gain access to the awaiting trial section of the facility.

“However, those who escaped are already being pursued. Some have been rearrested, many more will still be captured,” he said.

There are rumors that the attack was engineered to spring the release of a terrorist kingpin,  Iskilu Wakilu, who was in the facility at the time of the attack. He is among those missing.

The Minister confirmed that 446 out of 907 escapees have been recaptured while 69 never left the facility.

“As at the last count, 446 of the escapees have been recaptured, leaving 392 still at large. We want to assure Nigerians that the service has an updated database of the escapees which includes their biometrics. We are sharing the database with all security agencies in the country including Interpol, so those who escape our recapture efforts can be nabbed.

“To those on the run, be assured you have nowhere to hide. You can run, but you can’t hide. We’ll fish you out! We are publishing details of those who escaped in the mass media so the public can assist in that effort,” the Minister said.

The Minister said he had directed the NCOs to immediately begin remediation work.

“I have instructed the CG of NCOs to immediately begin the reconstruction of the damaged parts of the building. We hope to make the facility better secured and more habitable for the inmates.”

In his own words, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCS, Haliru Nababa, said they are collaborating with other security agencies to bring back the escapees.

“The NCOs have so far prevented internal jailbreaks in the country. What we have reoccurring in recent times are external attacks on our facilities. We have been retraining our officers not just on securing those in lawful custody but preventing external attacks.

“We are collaborating with other security agencies in the country to make such attacks near impossible and where they do occur, the attackers will live to regret it,” the CG said, adding that remediation work has already started.

“As you can see, workers are already on-site, fixing damaged doors, broken windows, and mounting walls. Before the end of today, work would have been completed on it,” Nababa stated.

2023: Northern Group Insists On Osinbajo, Denies VP Stepped Down For Tinubu

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James orji

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will not abandon his 2023 presidential quest, says the Progressive Consolidation Group PCG, a group championing his presidential ambition amidst lingering rumour to that effect.

The PCG disclosed this following suggestion that Osinbajo has decided not to run to clear the way for Bola Tinubu, another presidential hopeful. Both Tinubu and Osinbajo have yet to declare their interest in the nation’s number one job, even as sources claimed that the two politicians disagree on who among them should take the shot at the presidency.

To underscore this disagreement, a report recently claimed that Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor and All progressives Congress, APC National Leader refused to see Osinbajo while he was in London to take care of an undisclosed ailment.

The former Lagos helmsman who spent more than three months in the United Kingdom, UK was paid visits by President Muhammadu Buhari and other top politicians in the ruling APC.

Since he came back from London, he has received massive support from groups across the country who are urging him to run, the most recent being the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hamisu Chidari  who, on Friday, said the North will support Tinubu if he decides to run.

In spite of this, PCG said Osinbajo’s support base has been growing even though the nation’s number two citizen has yet to declare interest in the race because he’s not a desperate politician. The vice president, the group said in a statement is more focused at the moment in assisting President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver his election promises to Nigerians.

According to a statement signed on Sunday, by Aliyu Kurfi, PCG’s chairman, Osinbajo has not stepped down from the race, describing the report that Osinbajo has renounced his presidential ambition as false.

Kurfi said, “0ur dear Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN remains loyal to his boss, President Buhari. He is very focused on the job and he has never been known for desperate politicking.

“Specifically, it must be stated that an outrageous lie that the vice-president attended any meeting to renounce 2023 presidential ambition or bow to any politician for the same, remains an absolute falsehood. How can he renounce what he is even yet to accept or declare?

“The wishy-washy concocted reports about Professor Osinbajo having any meeting with any individual or group about a purported withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race is about an illusory event which only happened in the fertile imagination of mischievous persons.

“Every well-informed Nigerian knows that PCG is the very first 2023 support group to be formally recognised by our progressive party, APC, and we have never sought to prevent or discourage others from following in our footsteps because Vice-President Osinbajo will not subscribe to dirty political games that some typically desperate politicians play.

Kurfi said the Vice President will not be blackmailed out of the presidential race.

“While Vice-President Osinbajo’s consistent loyalty to Mr. President, the APC and Nigeria continues to energise an increasing number of groups and individuals who genuinely believe in our party’s progressive cause, greedy and desperate political elements along with their manipulated perspectives must be kept at bay,” Kurfi said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, said on Saturday that the north would reward Tinubu for supporting President Buhari.

“All of us in the North-West are aware of the role he played in taking our son, President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Villa. So, we are going to reward him; we are going to pay him back. So, I have assured him of victory. Almost all the delegates from the North-West states are going to vote for him in the next primary elections,” Chidari said at an event organized by Tinubu Support Group, TSG in Abuja.

FG On Trail Of Attackers, Escapees Of Oyo Custodian Centre – Aregbesola

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Rauf Aregbesola and Prison Officials

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday visited the Abolongo custodial centre, in Oyo state which was attacked by yet to be identified gunmen Saturday night with a promise to recapture escapee inmates.

The Minister, while inspecting  the facility, in Oyo, stated that “I’m assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government will pursue not just those who attacked our facility, but those who have escaped lawful custody.

“The attack was unconscionable. I commend officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service and other members of sister security agencies who provided perimeter security for our facility for fighting gallantly and holding the fort before the attackers were able to gain access to the awaiting trial section of the facility.

“However, those who escaped are already being pursued. Some have been rearrested, many more will still be captured.”

Giving more details about those who escaped, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola noted that, 446 out of 907 escapees have been recaptured, whilst 69 never left the facility.

“As at the last count, 446 of the escapees have been recaptured, leaving 392 still at large.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the service have an updated database of the escapees which includes their biometrics.

“We are sharing the database with all security agencies in the country, including the Interpol, so those who escaped our recapture efforts can be nabbed.

“To those on the run, be assured you have nowhere to hide. You can run, but you can’t hide.

“We’ll fish you out! We are publishing details of those who escaped in the mass media so the public can assist in that effort.”

The Minister announced that he has directed the NCoS, to immediately begin remediation work on the damaged parts of the building.

“I have instructed the CG of NCoS to immediately begin the reconstruction of the damaged parts of the building.

“We hope to make the facility better secured and more habitable for the inmates.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, noted that so far, the service has successfully prevented internal jailbreaks in all its facilities.

“The NCoS have so far prevented internal jailbreaks in the country. What we have reoccurring in recent times are external attacks on our facilities.

“We have been retraining our officers not just on securing those in lawful custody, but prevent external attacks.

“We are collaborating with other security agencies in the country to make such attacks near impossible and where they do occur, the attackers will not live to regret it.

“As you can see, workers are already on site fixing damaged doors, broken windows and mounting walls. Before the end of today, work would have been completed on it.”

Before leaving Oyo, the Minister’s entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and commiserated with him over the attack of the FG facility in his town.

The minister told Aalafin “We are here to commiserate with your majesty over the attack in your town less than 72hours ago.

“Oyo is known as a peaceful town and with the measures we are putting in place, you can be assured nothing of such will take place again.”

Enugu, Anambra Schools To Open For Studies Saturdays

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Students - Education

By Ayodele Oni

Anambra and Enugu states have extended their school day to Saturday as against the normal Monday to Friday.

It was learnt that the change may not be unconnected with the disruption of educational and other activities in the South-East, as a result of the compulsory sit-at-home announced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to press home the demand for the unconditional release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu is being tried by the Nigerian Government for alleged treason and six other purported offences.

Though IPOB later suspended the Monday sit-at-home, it has continued to be enforced by unknown gunmen believed to be sympathetic to its  agitation.

In Anambra, Saturday classes will commence on October 30, 2021 according to a memo in to that effect.

Titled, ‘Anambra State Government Approves Saturday as School Day,’ it reads “I am directed by the Executive Secretary to inform you that the Anambra State Govt. has approved Saturdays as school days in place of Mondays.

“All HMs are to notify teachers, pupils as well as parents about the new development. Quality Assurance supervision and every other supervisions henceforth will hold on Saturdays.

“Every game permission for absent from classes on Saturdays must be addressed to the Executive Chairman ASUBBEB through the Executive Secretary following due process. Saturday classes will commence on 30/10/21 ie next week.”

Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba, clarified on Sunday, that “the measure is to enable our pupils to learn as much as possible in a safe environment.”

There are indications that other South-East states are contemplating similar measure in view of no work on Monday order, which is gaining ground in the zone.

2023: Tinubu Support Group Flags Off Presidential Campaign

By
The Source
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0
Tinubu Support Group TSG

By Akinwale Kasali

The much anticipated unveiling of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign ahead of the 2023 elections has commenced.

Tinubu Support Group, TSG, the Group spearheading the ambition of the former Lagos State Governor in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 has unveiled the “Asiwaju legacies” and inaugurated  States” Steering Committee of Bola Tinubu’s campaign.

At a glamorous event held at the National Secretariat of the TSG, in Maitama in Abuja, supporters of the All Progressives Congress, National Leader wore vests, fez caps and other regalia indicating that Tinubu has finally thrown his hat in the 2023 Presidential race.

The TSG inauguration of State Steering Committees and the beginning of Campaign for the Presidential ambition of Tinubu further explain why the astute politician returned home two weeks ago, having spent months in London, the United Kingdom, where he  underwent knee surgery.

Different Groups across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were present with a large crowd of supporters across the six geo-political zones, chanting the name of Tinubu as the right man to succeed President Buhari.

James Abiodun Faleke, member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikeja II Federal Constituency delivered the keynote address, saying that the APC must prepare grounds for an orderly transition of power to another APC Government in 2023 by fielding Tinubu as its Presidential candidate.

“Our party and Government must snap victory from the jaws of these challenges.

“It is not the time to experiment with inexperienced experts. It is not the season for those who can talk but have no history of walking their talk.

“To secure the votes of the majority in 2023, we must present a candidate that knows where the shoe pinches the average Nigerian, not just because he has been but because, as the Governor of the most difficult, most complex state in Nigeria, he put smiles on the faces of the poor by convincing the rich to join the Government to chase poverty from the streets.

“That man is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Lagos, Lagos State.

“Our party is therefore lucky that it does not need to go on a wild goose chase for the man to fly our party’s flag in these challenging times; a time when the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must go to the person who can continue to end banditry, to crush kidnappers and engage separatists so that our people can live in peace and prosperity.

“We have discovered a man who is ready to sacrifice all he has for his fatherland.

“It is now clear that the meeting of minds between him and President Buhari is grounded in their circumstances.

“Just like President Buhari left power in august 1985 but continued to mark the higher standards of the progressive military in government, the image and relevance of our man of the moment soared in public consciousness despite his unofficial status,” Faleke said.

Oyo Prison Break: Over 580 Prisoners Still Missing, Fear Grips South-west

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Over 260 prison break escapees at the Correctional Center in Abolongo, Oyo State have either been rearrested or made a voluntary return.

The Federal Government said security operatives recaptured some of the inmates who escaped from the Prison following an invasion that occurred at the on Friday.

But over 500 are still missing, thus spreading palpable fear in the South-west as some of them  are hardened criminals.

The Public Relation Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, Olarewaju Anjorin, in a press release stressed that no effort will be spared to recapture the fleeing inmates, and solicited for credible intelligence to aid security agencies in tracking down the fugitives.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in his reaction  assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control.

He also urged members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen around their vicinity to the nearest security post.

The Correctional Centre at Abolongo, Oyo town, was established in  2007 with a capacity of 160 inmates but as at the time of the attack, it had a total population of about 907.

Of this number awaiting trial persons were 837 representing 92% with just 64 convicts.

In a statement by  Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior, on Saturday, he said “while the number of those who fled the facility is yet to be ascertained, Fasure revealed that some other escapees returned voluntarily.

However, some are still on the run.

“Security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants,” he said in the statement.

“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily. However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as an escape from lawful custody is a serious offence. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested.”

It would be recalled that some daredevil gunmen had on Friday attacked the Correctional facility, during which several suspected criminals awaiting trial were freed by the gunmen.

Narrating how the attack occurred, Fasure said, “At about 10.00 pm yesterday, October 22, 2021, a large number of heavily-armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State.

“Armed squad unit members of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.”

“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates. Other sections of the facilities were left untouched,” he added.

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