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PoliticsBandits In Zamfara Receive Bank Transfers, Collect ₦2 Million Ransom by treesun(op): 7:23pm On Oct 05, 2024
Terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, now receive ransom through bank electronic transfer in Zamfara State, North-West, Nigeria.

SaharaReporters learnt that some of the terrorists were paid N2million ransom through a moniepoint virtual bank account on October 3, 2024.

A money transfer instrument seen by SaharaReporters showed that N2million was paid into a Palmpay virtual bank account number 7026353728, owned by one Musa Muhammad, believed to be a bandit in Zamfara State.

This was reported by a conflict and crisis journalist in Nigeria's Northwest, Bakatsine on his X social media handle.

Bakatsine, disclosed that after the N2 million bank transfer, the bandits instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to a credible source.

The incident, reportedly happened in the Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

"Bandits in Zamfara State received ransom through bank transfer. After transferring N2million to their bank account as requested, they later instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to my source the incident happened in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State," Bakatsine posted.
https://saharareporters.com/2024/10/05/daring-bandits-zamfara-now-receive-bank-transfers-collect-n2million-ransom

PoliticsRe: Rivers Poll: APP Candidate For Wike's LGA Casts His Vote (Pix) by treesun: 11:36am On Oct 05, 2024
Nonny95:
Rivers LG Election: Amb Ihunwo Chijioke, the APP candidate for Obio/Akpor LGA, has casted his vote in unit 40, Rumunduru, Obio/Akpor LGA.

#RiversLGAPolls2024
Peaceful!
PoliticsTinubu’s State House Spends Over N550million In One Day To Purchase Bags Of Rice by treesun(op): 11:35am On Oct 05, 2024
The same day, N280,590,000 went to Victor Adeks Nigeria Limited for 3000 more bags of rice.

The State House under President Bola Tinubu in one day spent over N550million to purchase bags of rice and cartons of seasoning cubes according to records from GovSpend, a civic tech platform tracking the Nigerian government expenditures.

On March 1, 2024, N275,633,850 was paid to Samdan Global Construction and Resources Limited for 1,095 bags of 50kg rice and 4,095 cartons of seasoning cubes.


The same day, N280,590,000 went to Victor Adeks Nigeria Limited for 3000 more bags of rice.

Between March and July 2024, the government in accumulation spent about N1.7billion on several expenses, including rice, diesel, and presidential honorariums.

On March 15, N300,000,000 was paid for presidential honorariums, followed by N400,000,000 on May 29 for the same purpose. By July 5, N433,575,000 was paid to NNPC Retail Ltd for 315,000 litres of diesel.

Two days later, N358,527,663 was spent on unspecified foreign exchange.
Earlier, N701million had been spent to fund the First Lady, Remi Tinubu’s, foreign trips, while N2.3billion was used for President Bola Tinubu’s trips between February and July 2024.


Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, told PUNCH that Nigeria needed a new constitution to tackle the profligacy in the government.
He said, “We all know that, until now, there is so much profligacy in government. And until we have a new constitution that regulates government spending, we will still be battling with the problem,” he said.


https://saharareporters.com/2024/10/05/tinubus-state-house-spends-over-n550million-one-day-purchase-bags-rice-4000-cartons
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Manchester City Vs Fulham (3 - 2) On 5th October 2024 by treesun(op): 11:27am On Oct 05, 2024
Manchester City faces Fulham at Ethiad.
PoliticsBandits Disrupt Jumat Prayers In Katsina by treesun(op): 5:24pm On Oct 04, 2024
Bandits armed with dangerous weapons invaded Dan-Ali, a community in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, disrupting Jummat prayers in multiple mosques.

PUNCH Online learnt on Friday that the armed assailants stormed the areas, firing sporadically, causing panic and forcing worshippers to flee.

A source within the community confirmed the incident.

He stated, “We were at the Jummat prayer when we heard the shooting and everybody ran. We couldn’t hold our prayers again. Thanks to the Security Watch Corps in the area that gave them a hot chase.”


The source, who wished to remain anonymous, added, “We need reinforcement because the bandits are giving us a tough time in our communities as we speak.”


According to him, for over a week, bandits have been preventing farmers from entering their farmlands in Dan-Ali and surrounding areas, including Gwarjo, Dangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya, and Tasha Biri.

“Many farmers have been kidnapped, and we are all scared to enter our farms,” the source added.


Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, for comment, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
https://punchng.com/breaking-bandits-disrupt-jumat-prayers-in-katsina/

PoliticsRe: You Can Drive At Night, Travel To Any Part Of Nigeria Now & Feel Safe - Ribadu by treesun(op): 2:19pm On Oct 04, 2024
Nlfpmod, you belive this lie. Day light people are not safe!
PoliticsYou Can Drive At Night, Travel To Any Part Of Nigeria Now & Feel Safe - Ribadu by treesun(op): 11:48am On Oct 04, 2024
President Bola Tinubu has boasted that Nigerian security has improved under his leadership.

Tinubu, who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria, narrating how the country’s security was worse in 2022 and up till 2023, when Muhammadu Buhari was the President.

The President added that Nigerians can now easily drive from the capital, Abuja to any part of the country without any fear of being attacked.

He said: “We have not been talking, we have been working. We work, we work less. And I can assure you that we are on the right track. Nigeria is getting to be stable. You will feel it, you will see it. Give us time.

This is also a gentle reminder that to some of us who are, don’t forget the Nigeria of 2022. Here in Abuja, bad people and terrorists would come here and kill our soldiers.

In Nigeria, people would come in and attack our prisons and remove the most dangerous persons from the prison; just 2022 up to 2023. They would attack a train and take hundreds of victims of kidnapping.

That is Nigeria of 2022. And we came in, and I can assure you Abuja is secure. Today you can drive at night, and you can go to Kaduna, you can go to Lokoja, you can go to Minna. You can go to Lafia and you will feel safe, that is one year and four months. In Nigeria, you can travel to any part of the country and you dared not do it in 2022.”

Meanwhile, a recent report released by SBM Intelligence showed that no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted across Nigeria between July 2023 and July 2024.

The report noted that the security crisis had become increasingly complex, with armed groups and non-state actors exploiting the state’s weakened influence.

It was noted that some of the issues include Boko Haram’s resurgence in the Northeast, armed gangs in the Northcentral and Northwest, secessionist violence in the Southeast, and gang-related issues in the Southwest.

“Amid these diverse security threats, widespread kidnap for ransom has emerged as a common thread. Between July 2023 and June 2024, our research found that no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country,” the report says.

“In that same period, kidnappers demanded at least the sum of N10,995,090,000 (approximately $6,871,931) as ransom but received N1,048,110,000, a mere 9.5% of the money demanded, indicating that kidnappers have become less targeted in their victimology.

“Of the 1,130 reported kidnapping cases, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have the highest numbers of incidents and victims.”

The report also noted that Zamfara recorded the highest incident with 132 cases and 1,639 victims.

“Zamfara recorded 132 incidents with 1,639 victims, Kaduna had 113 incidents with 1,113 victims, and Katsina reported 119 incidents with 887 victims,” it says.

“These three states also have the highest number of civilian deaths. In the year under review in this report, kidnapping has become more lethal, with 1,056 people killed in 1,130 reported kidnap incidents. On average, someone is killed each time there is an attempted kidnap.”
https://saharareporters.com/2024/10/04/you-can-drive-night-travel-any-part-nigeria-now-and-feel-safe-says-tinubu-amid

PoliticsSituation In Nigeria Today Worse Than It Was In 1984, Says ASUU by treesun(op): 7:03pm On Oct 03, 2024
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has criticized the current state of governance in Nigeria, describing the country as being in a “hopeless state” due to corruption and poor leadership.

This sentiment stands in sharp contrast to the “Renewed Hope” mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, made this statement on Thursday at the 2024 edition of the ASUU State of the Nation Conference, held in Abuja.

Themed “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,” the conference was convened to address the country’s deteriorating situation and to offer solutions aimed at restoring hope and development.

I Lost My Dad And Shoe Making Found Me - Lady Cobbler0:00 / 0:00

Osodeke warned that Nigeria’s governance system, which he claimed is controlled by foreign interests and only benefits a select few, must be overhauled.

He expressed disappointment that despite Nigeria’s wealth, citizens continue to suffer in poverty, calling for the country’s resources to be used for the common good.

“As the nation marks its 64th independence anniversary, it is disheartening to note that the situation today is worse than it was in 1984,” Osodeke said.


He emphasized that ASUU’s mission goes beyond advocating for improved conditions for its members, but also includes protecting and advancing the socio-economic and cultural interests of the Nigerian people.

He noted that ASUU was established in 1978 to champion these causes, and since then, it has continued to organize national conferences aimed at generating ideas for better governance.

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Reflecting on ASUU’s first State of the Nation Conference in 1984, held at the University of Benin, Osodeke drew parallels between the economic crises of that period and the current situation.

He lamented that the failure of past governments to implement resolutions from that 1984 conference has contributed to today’s challenges.

Key issues highlighted by ASUU at the time included chronic shortages of essential goods and services, infrastructure collapse, mass unemployment, high inflation, and the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources by foreign firms, aided by local elites.

Osodeke argued that these problems persist today, worsened by a foreign-controlled governance system that serves external interests.

Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by a deputy, commended ASUU for its continued advocacy for better funding of universities and improved working conditions for academic staff.


He acknowledged ASUU’s role in shaping Nigeria’s educational system and its contributions to national development.

ASUU called on the government to urgently address the current crises and implement solutions that will rescue Nigeria from the stronghold of foreign and local exploiters.

The union also stressed the importance of restoring Nigeria’s dignity and advancing the welfare of its people.

https://punchng.com/situation-in-nigeria-today-worse-than-it-was-in-1984-says-ASUU/
PoliticsCourt Bars VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles by treesun(op): 4:57pm On Oct 03, 2024
Justice Evelyn Maha, of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has issued an order restraining the Directorate of the Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office, from stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the road.

The court also barred the Road Traffic Services from imposing fines on motorists.

The judgment, delivered on October 2 by Justice Maha, stemmed from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.

Justice Maha, in the judgment, agreed with the applicant’s contentions that there is no legal basis for the VIO and its officials to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or to levy fines against motorists.


The applicant, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, sued the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Mr Leo, the Area Commander, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (as at December 12, 2023) Onoja Solomon, Team Leader, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Jabi Area command, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

Marshall in his originating motion on notice among others, had asked the court for a declaration that the “1st to 4th respondent under the control of the 5th respondent, herein are not empowered by a law or status to stop, impound or confiscate the vehicle of motorists or impose fine on motorists and doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful as it violates the fundamental human right of such motorists to fair hearing, freedom of movement and presumption of innocence and therefore unlawful by virtue of section 6(6)(B) 35 (1)( cool and (12) and 41 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 2(7) (b) 12 and 14 of the African Charter of human and peoples right”.


The court in its judgment, issued a restraining order against the respondents, preventing them and their agents from impounding or confiscating vehicles or imposing fines, labelling such actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.


Justice Maha further granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of Nigerians, ensuring their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.

The court in its judgement held that “the 1st (Directorate of Road Traffic Services) to 4th Respondents under the control of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”


The court also gave “an order restraining the 1st to 4th respondents either through their agents, servants and or assigns from impounding, confiscating the vehicle of motorists and or imposing fine on any motorist as doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful by themselves.”

The court made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the 1st respondent from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification inter alia.
https://punchng.com/just-in-court-bars-vio-from-stopping-impounding-vehicles/

PoliticsCivil Servants Kick As Tinubu Government Suspends Sale Of Subsidised Rice In FCT by treesun(op): 3:17pm On Oct 02, 2024
Civil servants in Abuja are voicing their concerns following the abrupt suspension of the Nigerian government’s subsidised rice sales priced at N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag.

Their unease was prompted by the sudden disappearance of officials at various registration units for purchasing the rice.

It could be recalled that the President Bola Tinubu-led government had pledged to sell 30,000 metric tonnes of 50-kilogramme bags of milled rice to Nigerians at the subsidised rate.

Mr. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, explained that the initiative was part of government’s efforts to reduce food prices in the Nigerian market.

The sale commenced and lasted over a week before being suspended without prior notice, leaving many workers who had not benefitted feeling frustrated.

A civil servant, identified only as Mrs Nwachukwu expressed her surprise and dismay upon arriving at the federal secretariat only to find officials absent.

I was encouraged to come to the registration unit at the secretariat, only for me to be told that the whole thing has been suspended. Nobody knows what may happen next and if the scheme will still continue,” she stated.

Mrs. Kudirat, another civil servant who initially faced delays in accessing the rice, voiced her disapproval of the suspension.

I was here for two days to get my name registered, but because of the huge crowd, I decided to wait until it eases off, only to be told now that the exercise has been suspended,” she told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

What I heard from the grapevine was that the suspension was as a result of the rowdiness and chaos at the registration and payment point. If they can adopt a better method of access to the rice, it will be better for us,” she said.

Mr. Sylvester also expressed disappointment over the suspension. “My brother, I spent two days here before I could register my name, waiting to be called for the rice, but now I am hearing another story.

“[b]Although we heard that the rice will be accessed through another method, we cannot trust this government. The palliative rice will, to some extent, ease the burden of hunger, so, it is important for the government to bring it bac[/b]k,” he said.

NAN's findings confirmed that a new arrangement is being established to simplify the rice purchase process. An authoritative source in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who requested anonymity, clarified that their office was not responsible for coordinating the scheme as speculated.

The source indicated that the palliative rice distribution is being managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) after its inauguration by the minister.

On the suspension of the sale, the source explained that registration was halted due to excessive noise and chaos disrupting the work environment. “People could no longer attend work in their offices as a result of this exercise. Therefore, we have to suspend it,” the source stated.

They also acknowledged NAN's report about individuals facing difficulties accessing the subsidised rice. Plans are underway to decentralise the purchasing process by involving various ministries, where core civil servants will register in their respective ministries.

The source advised officials at MDAs to connect with their parent ministries for details on the new payment and distribution methods for the palliative rice.
https://saharareporters.com/2024/10/02/nigerian-civil-servants-kick-tinubu-government-suspends-sale-subsidised-rice-abuja

PoliticsBoko Haram Terrorists In Fresh Attacks Slaughter Five, Abduct 15 Farmers In Born by treesun(op): 7:50am On Oct 02, 2024
The incident occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum reassured farmers of adequate security during their Independence Day messages.

Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly slaughtered five farmers and abducted 15 others in the Ngoshe Community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The incident occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum reassured farmers of adequate security during their Independence Day messages.

Sources revealed that the terrorists struck as farmers were working in their fields, leading to the massacre of five individuals and the killing of Jubril Zarana, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who bravely aided security forces in repelling the attack.


One of the sources told Vanguard that, “We deeply regret to inform you of the abduction of approximately 15 farmers, including children, women, and the elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.

“The attack also claimed the lives of Jubril Dada Zarana, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and five other civilians. The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were working in their fields.

“Despite the efforts of security forces, including the Army and CJTF, they were unable to hold off the attackers for long. Jubril Zarana tragically lost his life defending his community, while the other victims were taken alive.

“After reaching their base, the terrorists brutally executed five of the captives: Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, and Baba Amos."


“Three women captives were later released. They reported that several victims, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga, and two young boys, remain held hostage," another source stated.

“Among the still missing are Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos, Babson Yaron Teacher, and others.

It said, “To our fellow Gwoza citizens, please keep these individuals in your prayers during this time of despair.

“On this Independence Day, meant to celebrate freedom, human rights, and progress, our people are instead experiencing sorrow, fear, and hopelessness.

“Despite severe hardships and the lack of basic necessities, they choose to remain in their homeland out of love for their country. Neither the government nor NGOs have provided them with food supplies, and the little farming they do to survive comes at the risk of their lives,”
they added.
https://saharareporters.com/2024/10/02/boko-haram-terrorists-fresh-attacks-slaughter-five-abduct-15-farmers-borno

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Slovan Bratislava Vs Manchester City 01-10-2024 8pm by treesun(op): 2:08pm On Oct 01, 2024
Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City 01-10-2024 8pm
PoliticsRe: FCT Police Personnel Accuse Superiors Of Withholding ₦30,000 Entitlements by treesun(op): 10:06am On Oct 01, 2024
Nlfpmod!
PoliticsBobrisky: You Remain Suspended, NCoS Tells Anugwa, Others by treesun(op): 11:44pm On Sep 30, 2024
ABUJA: The Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS has affirmed the suspension of senior officers alleged to have been involved in violating ethical standards regarding the custody of cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was legally at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.


Officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections DCC Michael Anugwa had told a parliamentary inquisition on Monday in Abuja that he was not suspended, despite an official order of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to the contrary.


NCOS spokesman, ACC Abubakar Umar in a statement on Monday night said the suspension which took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.

He said; “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers purporting that the Service has not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board CDCFIB.

“The Service views this as an act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts so as to allow for further investigation.


“The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state.

“Recall that two letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services board (CDCFIB) with reference nos: CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17 both dated 26th September, 2024, suspending the aforementioned officers.

“The suspension which took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.


“The public is advised to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that thorough investigation would be carried out and any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws”.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/bobrisky-you-remain-suspended-ncos-tells-anugwa-others/

PoliticsNigerian Security Agencies Meet, Consider Shutting Down Airports Over October 1 by treesun(op): 7:40pm On Sep 30, 2024
Top sources informed SaharaReporters that no decision had been reached yet but the police authorities were agitated about the looming protests and had plans to frustrate the demonstrations.



The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are currently meeting in a bid to stop the #FearlessInOctober protests by Nigerians on October 1.

SaharaReporters learnt that the security agencies are considering the closure of airports over the planned nationwide protests in a bid to stiffen movements.


Top sources informed SaharaReporters that no decision had been reached yet but the police authorities were agitated about the looming protests and had plans to frustrate the demonstrations.

"Security agencies at Nigerian airports are currently meeting to consider closing down airports over the planned nationwide protests starting on October 1," one of the sources said.

SaharaReporters earlier today reported that the Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the territory, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1 Independence Day celebration.


Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the command in a statement on Monday, said the deployments were made to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.

She added that the deployment would include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.

The statement had read in part, "The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1st Independence Day celebration, has strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the FCT.

"These proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration. The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.

"Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square. While celebrating Independence Day, residents of the FCT are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192."

Meanwhile, the #FearlessInOctober protests are set to kick off on October 1, 2024, and will continue until the protesters' demands are met.

Organisers have announced the convergence venues and times for the nationwide event, which aims to shine a light on pressing issues like hunger and economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The convergence points include Abuja: Eagle Square at 7.00 am; Lagos: Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am; Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan at 8.00 am; Rivers State: Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt at 7:30 am; Borno: Arewa Youth For Peace Office, Damaturu Road at 8:00 am; Yobe: Damaturu Main Roundabout, opposite Old Motor Park to Maiduguri Road at 8:00 am and Kwara: Ilorin Post Office Under-bridge at 8:00 am.

The Take It Back Movement shared these details on its X handle, urging participants to gather at the designated times and locations.

This protest is a continuation of the sentiments of the #EndBadGovernance protests of August 1 -10, which also sought to address economic hardship in Nigeria and other issues.

When SaharaReporters reached out to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, she said she was not aware of such a plan.

"I am not aware that flight operations will be closed tomorrow," she said.

Also, the FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services, ACP Idafe Afeghai (Retd), said he had not received any instruction along that line.

"I don't have any instruction to close flight operations," he said.


https://saharareporters.com/2024/09/30/breaking-nigerian-security-agencies-meet-consider-shutting-down-airports-over-october-1
PoliticsFCT Police Personnel Accuse Superiors Of Withholding ₦30,000 Entitlements by treesun(op): 3:32pm On Sep 30, 2024
FCT Police Personnel Accuse Superiors Of Withholding N30,000 Monthly From Entitlements, Threaten To Begin Strike On October 1

Police constables and corporals serving under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Abuja, have lamented that the command is short-changing them by denying them the “N40,000 increment approved by the Nigerian government”.

The police personnel also told SaharaReporters that since January 2024, police personnel in other state commands have been receiving an additional N1,000 on their salaries but the FCT command has not been paying it.

They threatened to commence a strike from Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if nothing is done to resolve the issue and pay them their complete N40,000 approved by the federal government.

We all know about the increment that was implemented and several agencies were paid a flat rate of N40,000 increment but commands like Niger State and FCT are paying only N10,000 increment.

“As we are abiding by our code of conduct, we are not allowed to voice out our frustrations. We need help and urgent intervention by the police authorities,” one of the affected officers told SaharaReporters.

Another police officer said, “In respect of the recent increment of federal government workers' salary, please let it be known that we police constables only received an additional N10,000 instead of N40,000 that other sister agencies paid their staff and personnel.

“We are pleading with Mr President, some of us have parents that depend on us; N77,000 cannot even buy a bag of rice. We are humans just like them.

If other agencies could pay N40,000 irrespective of rank, then I see no reason why the Nigeria Police Force whom we call the mother of all forces will retain N30,000 and pay N10,000 to constables as if we are beggars.

If nothing is done about the shortchange, we constables have agreed to go on nationwide strike on October 1 because we can't continue to suffer in silence.

“And again, FCT Command has been short-changing constables by not paying N1,000 that should be added to our salary for the past 9 months. Our mates in other state commands have had an additional N1,000 added to their salaries since January this year but here in FCT command, it has been the same amount since we passed out till date.”

When contacted, the FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, directed SaharaReporters to contact the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

However, Adejobi did not answer his calls. He had not replied to messages sent to his mobile line as of the time of filing this report.
https://saharareporters.com/2024/09/30/fct-police-personnel-accuse-superiors-withholding-n30000-monthly-entitlements-threaten

PoliticsImport Bill On Used Vehicles Drops 83% To ₦‎138.62 Billion by treesun(op): 8:51am On Sep 30, 2024
Nigeria’s import bills on used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo, fell by 83 percent year-on-year, YoY, to N138.62 billion in the first half of the year (H1’24) from N819.15 billion in H1’23.


Quarter-on-quarter, QoQ, breakdown of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, ‘Commodity Price Indices’ and Terms of Trade, ToT, report for the review period showed that in Q1’24, no used vehicle was imported compared to N69.23 billion worth of used vehicles that were imported in Q1’23.

In Q2’24, the value of imported used vehicles stood at N138.62 billion, representing an 81.5 percent decline YoY from N749.92 billion in Q2’23.

NBS noted that the used vehicles were imported mainly from the United States of America, stating: “On the other hand, total imports from America in Q2’24 stood at N971.84 billion.

Recall that last year, the federal government introduced a new set of taxes on imported vehicles, among other things.


The new tax regime stipulates that imported vehicles between 2000 capacity (2 litres) and 3999 capacity (3.9 litres) engine will pay an additional charge known as Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) levy of two percent of the value of the vehicle, while vehicles with 4000 capacity (4 litres) and above engines will attract IAT of four percent of their value.


The new levy is in addition to the 35 percent import duty and 35 percent levy being paid by importers of vehicles.

However, vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles are exempted from the IAT levy.

The government also revised the import prohibition list with the inclusion of used motor vehicles above 12 years from the year of manufacture.


But in March this year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the suspension of the 25 percent import duty penalty on improperly imported vehicles.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/import-bill-on-used-vehicles-drops-83-to-n138-62bn/

PoliticsRe: Beware: Roads, Waterways In 17 States Where Kidnappers Reign by treesun(op): 1:21pm On Sep 29, 2024
Bayelsa


Kidnapping, which gained prominence in the creek of Bayelsa in the days of youth militancy in the late nineties and early 2000s, was targeted at expatriate oil workers in frustration over the age long neglect of the oil rich region by the Nigerian state.
Interestingly, no ransom was demanded by the angry Ijaw youths, who, often times, dared the nation security forces and laid siege to highly fortified onshore and offshore oil platforms operated by the international oil companies (IOCs).
Sadly, this audacious approach, which started as a campaign of terror against the oil industry for reparation and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta region, has turned out to be money spinning venture and a security challenge across the country.
Surprising, Bayelsa, with its maze of intricate waterways, creeks and rivulets, which, at a point, was a bastion of kidnapping, has been relative calm in the last twelve months with no single case of kidnapping ostensibly due to the improved security put in place by the authorities, the continued engagement of youths and the establishment of ‘Flying Camps’ at strategic locations along its waterways by a private surveillance security firm, Tantita Security.
Also, the state police command has set up a drone unit that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on constant surveillance of the upland and riverine enclave of the state.



Delta


Reports from Delta State indicate that kidnapping for ransom has increased lately with the state Police Command doing its best to stem the tide even though its personnel cannot cover every inch of the state.
Areas noted for the menace include Elume on Warri – Sapele Road, some communities in Ughelli North and Refinery Road in Warri among others. Though some communities are known to have strengthened their local vigilante bodies, their impact has been minimal because of the Federal Government restriction on the type of arms they are entitled to carry.


Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State has recorded resurgence in kidnapping in the last one year despite the state government’s renewed efforts to tackling the menace under the state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, who, unfortunately, just passed.
In March, a Director in Nsit Atai LGA, Mr. Nyakobong Etuk, and his wife were abducted in front of their residence by unknown gunmen, leaving behind their twin babies less than a year old.
Again on April 7, there was tension in Uyo when a prominent businessman, Pastor Sylvanus Ukpong, was ambushed and abducted in his car by hoodlums. He died in the kidnappers den, leaving Governor Eno shattered even as he offered Ukpong’s widow a job and scholarship for the daughter.
Renowned medical expert, Dr John Robbin Esu, was abducted in Oron on April 30 , resulting in doctors’ strike till May 21 when he was released. A source in Oron stated, “Who in the state doesn’t know ransom was paid? Ransom was paid, something in the region of N14m for the doctor to be released. Why do you think he spent 20 days in the kidnappers’ den?”
Within the period, the wife of Chief Asukwo Eweme Ulap Okon alias Levile, a prominent youth leader, was also kidnapped within Oro nation.
On May 18, Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area (LGA), HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, was also abducted in his Ebughu palace and shot on the foot in the process. He was not released till the payment of a speculated N50m ransom.
Oro ethnic bloc remains the most vulnerable to these abductions due to collapse of its road network and porosity of its waterways. Besides the case of Ukpong and that of Etuk, these mentioned abductions including those of the monarch and the doctor happened within the Oron axis where a Judge of the State High Court was also seized late last year.
It is believed that the kidnap gangs work with external forces that move in from Oron waterways and local informants who monitor the movement of targets to allow the syndicates strike with precision. Abducted victims are then whisked into the creeks where they are kept while ransoms are negotiated.
In all the reported cases of the release of victims, the seemingly reactive men of the police have always claimed the glory while family members who negotiate ransoms stay in the background.


However, the Police Command in Akwa Ibom State recently got some worried residents in the black spots heaving a sigh of relief with the news of the killing, on August 28, of dreaded ‘kidnap/sea pirate kingpin’, Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias Condiment.


ASP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom Command, noted that Condiment’s “stock in trade was to kidnap, kill, maim and cause havoc in society.”
John added, “Archibong, alias Condiment, gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force terrorizing Uruan/Oron Waterways, was responsible for the kidnapping of High Court Judge Joy Unwana and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Ltd, Pastor Ukpong, and kidnapping of his sales rep. The suspect was also responsible for the kidnap of Pharmacist Joemel as well as the kidnap of Mr. Brown, CEO of Mingles Hotel.
“The suspect was neutralized during a gun battle with operatives of the Command in his hideout at Uyanga community in Cross River State. One G3 rifle and four live ammunitions were recovered from the suspect.”
With the situation not abating despite Governor Eno’s massive logistic support, including provision of gunboats and patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state, the governor has called for more military presence in Akwa Ibom, particularly on the Oron waterways corridor.
Eno during an encounter with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, during the combined 2nd and 3rd COAS Conference held in Uyo, noted that Akwa Ibom, as a leading oil producer in the country, needs a new battalion, preferably in the Oron Federal Constituency to reinforce the “security architecture of the state”.



Cross River

Cross River State, which was bedeviled by kidnapping in 2023 and early 2024, has been relatively calm with peace restored in black spots in Akpabuyo LGAs, Calabar /Oron waterways, Nde in Ikom LGA and Atantigha in Calabar South LGA.
Before now, kidnapping was rife, but, from January till date, Sunday Vanguard findings reveal that the state has recorded only 14 cases.
Checks reveal that over 25 were reported either by petition as well as alleged cases.
Also, the spate of incidents at hot spots like NDE in Ikom LGA has completely stopped following tactical engagement by the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Augustine Grimah.
Kidnapping in Bakassi LGAs has also reduced as no case has been reported in the last 12 weeks unlike in 2023, and early 2024, when it was a recurring issue.
A security source said the state was calm as many of the masterminds have been neutralized, relocated or moved to the creeks where they operate from.
On her part, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, told Sunday Vanguard that it is really difficult for criminals to operate because of the security measures put in place by the state Commissioner of Police.


Imo


Since January, 2024, there have been reports of incidents of kidnappings in some parts of Imo State.
Residents, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard from the affected areas, said kidnappers operate in night hours.
The areas they pointed out as black spots for kidnapping include but not limited to the road between Anara- Okwelle to Okigwe town.
The list also includes the road between Avu and Obosima linking the LGA of Owerri West and Ohaji/Egbema.
Also, they mentioned the activities of kidnappers on the Owerri -Port Harcourt Road especially around the forest at Avu Junction to Obinze in Owerri West LGA.
Other areas pointed out were the Ikpaora, Arondizuogu Road linking Ideato North and Okigwe LGAs.
Residents in parts of Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise as well as Ngor Okpala LGAs linking Imo airport were not left out in this ugly experience, just as some residents at communities bordering Ngor Okpala council area of Imo State to Etche in Rivers State called on security agencies to put surveillance on the road to prevent kidnappers from using the area as hideouts to keep victims.
Speaking on kidnapping in Imo among other crimes and criminalities, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, said: “13 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and 10 snatched vehicles were recovered while 435 suspects were arrested for various criminal offenses including kidnapping.”
Okoye mentioned camps of kidnappers raided to include Okija in Anambra State, Eziama, Ubulu in Oru-West Council Area, Avu/Ihiagwa forest in Owerri West Council Area of Imo state, Ihitte Owerre in Orlu council Area, Njaba river in Njaba Council Area, Obinugwu and Logara forest in Ngor Okpala council area.




Ekiti


The rise in kidnapping has cast a shadow over Ekiti’s image as one of the most secured and peaceful states as residents grapple with fear and uncertainty.
A state once renowned as a sanctuary of peace is now being violated by the disturbing trends of abductions and killings.
Residents now find themselves facing a harsh new reality, one where traveling to nearby towns, work, school, or even the market is fraught with danger.
The audacity of the kidnappers, who operate with reckless abandon and increasing impunity, has left law enforcement panting, despite their efforts to rid the state of criminal activities.
On Saturday, September 1, 2024, bandits abducted three travelers in Emure-Ekiti during which one Taiwo Oluwole, the husband of one of the captives, was killed.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 5:30 pm near Oyimo River, along the Emure-Eporo Road, the spot where pupils from Apostolic Faith Children School and Atinuke, the wife of retiree Albert Adanikin, were kidnapped in January and July, respectively.
Sources revealed that Oluwole and his wife were returning to Akure after attending a family event in Emure when their Toyota Camry was ambushed.
Oluwole was shot dead while his wife, along with two other occupants of the car, was subsequently kidnapped.
Unfortunately, the kidnappers later killed Shile Ogunmolasuyi, a secondary school graduate who was abducted along with her mother, Mrs. Yemi Ogunmolasuyi, after a ransom of N10 million was paid.
They later released Yemi and Caroline Taiwo, whose husband, Oluwole Taiwo, was killed during the abduction.
A community leader in Emure, who spoke with one of the victims, said Shile was killed after being repeatedly raped, which left her unable to walk.
On February 16, 2024, the Ekiti State Police Command paraded eight suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate that abducted the schoolchildren and their teachers.
The Police Command also paraded one Omowaye Ayodele on August 2, 2024, one of the suspected killers of the late Professor Oluwafemi Olaofe whose abduction, according to the police, was masterminded by his domestic staff.
Reiterating their commitment to ensuring that all fleeing suspects are arrested, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, pledged to intensify efforts to make the state a hostile environment for criminals and ensure peaceful coexistence for residents.



Oyo


Since January this year, kidnapping have been reported in some parts of Oyo State.
The identified black spots are Ijebu-Ibadan Road and the Igbeti, Igboho and Oke-Ogun axis.
The areas mostly affected are Oke-Ogun area of the state, Igbeti-Igboho Road and Ijebu-Ibadan Road.
Also, some victims who were kidnapped within Ibadan metropolis said the incidents took place around Obafemi Awolowo Stadium and Felele area.
Notable black spots, such as the Iseyin Road, which could have posed a threat to residents and travelers, are now under vigilant surveillance by Amotekun operatives.
Their presence has deterred potential kidnappers.
Of the several abductions in Oyo, the recent one involved Benedict Akika, said to be very close to Governor Seyi Makinde. Akika, according to reports, was kidnapped at his Olorunda residence in Lagelu LGA of the state.
Also, a man, who was too scared to mention his name, told Sunday Vanguard that he was abducted around Liberty Stadium around 7:30pm by some men dressed in police vests.
According to him, he was ordered into a waiting Golf car by four armed men.
He said, he met two other victims in the car and they were all driven to Ijebu-Ibadan Road where they were handed over to four motorcyclists already waiting for them.
While speaking on the abduction of Akika, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said investigation had commenced on the incident.
No specific number of abducted victims of recent was given by the police.
But the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit dedicated to combating crime in the South-West, has proven invaluable in maintaining peace and order, particularly in areas that have previously been considered vulnerable.
The state police spokesperson said, “Our coordinated efforts have significantly reduced the number of incidents”.


Ondo

In Ondo, reports show that kidnapping, banditry and killings occurs on daily basis in different parts of the state, especially in Akoko communities in Ondo North.
Abduction of farmers, wives, children, travelers and market women and killings have become commonplace.
Findings by Sunday Vanguard indicate that farmers in the area now prefer going to their farms in groups.
Sources said that the kidnappers usually operate especially in the early hours of the day and in the evening.
Identified black spots in the state are the four Akoko councils which share borders with Kogi and Edo states.
The roads where kidnappers operate mostly in the state include Owo/lfon/Benin Road, ldoani/lsua/Edo/Kogi Road, and Ugbe/ lboropa/Akunu to Kogi boundary.
Most of the kidnappers operating in this axis, it was learnt, usually wear military camouflage or police uniform to stop unsuspecting motorists before swooping on them and thereafter marching them into the forest from where they open a line of communication with the victims relations and family members to pay ransom.
High profile abductions carried out in Ondo of recent include those of five NYSC members along Owo/Ifon/Benin Road. They were kidnapped on their way from Enugu State where they had done their orientation.
Also a couple travelling along Akure/Ikere Road were abducted while another traveler in another vehicle escaped into the bush.
Few days before the abduction along the highway, a suspected kidnapper, who reportedly disguised as a scavenger, was arrested in Akure, the state capital over the kidnaping of an 8-year-old girl.
Gunmen also abducted passengers in an 18-seater bus along Ikare/Irun-Akoko/Ado-Ekiti Road.
Speaking on abductions and arrest of suspected kidnappers in Ondo, police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said from January till date, hundreds of travelers, farmers and other persons have been abducted by suspected kidnappers while hundreds have also been rescued by security operatives.
Odunlami said many persons have either been killed by kidnappers or that they died in kidnappers’ den because of the stress they went through while in custody.
According to her, the police arrested many of the suspects and charged them to court.
Ondo State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, on his part, said the outfit had prosecuted 600 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers among other criminals from January to June, this year.
“Kidnapping in Ondo State has gone down by 90 per cent, and the remaining 10 per cent, we only have them in the border areas, the extreme”, he said.
Odunlami and Adeleye said that they were collaborating with other security agencies to end criminalities in Ondo.
PoliticsRe: Beware: Roads, Waterways In 17 States Where Kidnappers Reign by treesun(op): 1:20pm On Sep 29, 2024
She described the attackers’ modus operandi, “They lay in wait at the gates of their unsuspecting victims. As soon as a victim alights from their vehicle to open the gate, the kidnappers emerge from hiding, seizing the vehicle and any remaining occupants.”


This alarming tactic was highlighted by a recent incident in Ikenne, where a medical staff of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo was abducted very close to her house.
Another distressing case involved Nimota Busari, who was abducted in a similar manner while her children were thrown out of the vehicle.


The kidnappers target residents living in remote areas where police response might be delayed.
To combat the ugly trend, Odutola advised residents in such localities to avoid traveling at night and ensure they are at home before dark to avoid risks.
She said, “The State Commissioner of Police has directed that business owners and residents in new or remote areas should ensure they return home before dusk, so that the police can effectively monitor and respond to these threats”.
Odutola added that police had deployed additional patrols to the identified hotspots and were intensifying efforts to dismantle the kidnapping syndicate.
As part of measures to respond to the escalating crime, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has created three additional Area Commands in Ogun, and assured that tougher measures were being implemented to ensure the safety of residents.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, on his part, said that his administration was deploying drones, helicopters and other technological innovations to address security challenges in the state.
He said, “We have of recent acquired some drones and these drones are meant to help us in aerial surveillance knowing full well that it will be impossible for us to have enough boots to cover all the dark spots in the state.
“Because of that, we have chosen to deploy technology believing that with that, we can see where crimes are being intended to be committed and that can be neutralised before they are committed.
“We have also requested for a helicopter from the Nigeria Police to assist our law enforcement agencies and the Inspector General of Police has obliged us and the helicopter has since been in the state and any time there are distress calls, especially from kidnap situations, the helicopter will be able to fly there within minutes and, when this happens, the kidnappers are not able to move too far from the crime scene and this will make it easy for security men to move in and intervene.”
Abiodun said his administration revived the OP-MESA and also set up a task force to patrol the Ogun side of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to tackle the menace of kidnapping.
According to him, as a result of the intervention, kidnapping has been reduced to the barest minimum in the axis.
He promised to provide more support to the Forward Operation Base (FOB) on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as well as the one at the Muhammadu Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu Expressway for effective performance.


The governor appreciated men of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their untiring efforts, adding that this has contributed to the state being rated as one of the most peaceful in the country.

Adamawa
The rate of organized crimes, especially armed robbery, kidnapping and banditry, appears to be in the decline in Adamawa.


The state Police Command spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, told Sunday Vanguard that the combined efforts security agencies had drastically reduced the rate of crime in Adamawa.


According to him, black spots across the state have been cordoned and secured.


Notable black spots in the state include Maine Hills in Yola South LGAs, the border council areas between Nigeria and the Cameroun in Maiha, Mubi North and Mubi South
Other notable crime spots now aggressively policed in Adamawa are in Michika, Madagali, Fufore, Hong and Gombi LGAs that share common border with the dreaded Sambisa forest.
The police spokesman added that the feat achieved in reducing insecurity in Adamawa could also be attributed to the cooperation by the public in providing credible information to security agents.




Kwara



Kwara State is also having its own share of security challenges.
More than100 suspected kidnappers, according to the police, have been arrested since the beginning of the year.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that black spots of kidnapping are particularly in Kwara South and in communities such as Obbo Ayegunle, Araromi Isale-Opin, Oro Ago and Oko-Ode, among others.
Communities with thick forests, especially the ones in the border areas with Ekiti ,Oyo and Kogi states, are places where high rates of kidnapping usually occur.
Recall that gunmen invaded Koro town in Ekiti LGA of the state on February 1, 2024, killing the traditional ruler, Oba Segun Aremu-Cole, a retired Major General, right inside his palace.
The wife of the monarch was abducted in the process.
Koro Ekiti, with surrounding thick forests, shares boundary with Egbe in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State.
Asa LGA is also notorious for kidnapping because it’s largely dominated by thick forests and isolated bad roads which kidnappers usually explore to carry out their nefarious activities.
Similarly Eiyenkorin areas of Kwara State capital also in Asa LGA, which shares boundary with Oyo State, have also recorded many cases of kidnapping before now.
Meanwhile, the administration of Gov AbdulRazaq has supported the police and other security agencies in the state with vehicles and logistics towards reducing the menace in the state.
The state Police Command, for its part, has leveraged on the support of the local vigilante and hunters who have been strategic in providing information and helping the police to arrest kidnappers and even rescue victims.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, said operatives of the command have arrested no fewer than 100 kidnap suspects and 80 cult members in Kwara in the last six months.
PoliticsRe: Beware: Roads, Waterways In 17 States Where Kidnappers Reign by treesun(op): 1:20pm On Sep 29, 2024
Ogun
In Ogun State, investigation by Sunday Vanguard reveals that no fewer than 47 people were kidnapped between January and August this year in different parts of the state.
Out this number, two were killed while others were released or rescued.
Whereas some of the victims were kidnapped in transit, others were kidnapped at their different houses.
During the period under review, in an attack on a Celestial Church, two worshippers were abducted and a school teacher on his farm.
In Odogbolu area of the state, a farm manager was kidnapped even as a team of expatriates were abducted in Ikenne area.
The State Command of Nigeria Police alerted residents of Ogun to be vigilant of new strategies employed by kidnappers, particularly at residential gates.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that kidnappers were ambushing victims at their gates, leading to a rise in abductions in the eastern part of the state.
Odutola said the syndicates commonly operate in Sagamu, Iperu, Ikenne, Odogbolu, and Eruwon in the Ijebu North-East region of Ogun East.
Other areas where kidnapping was rampant in the state include Mowe, Onigbedu in Ewekoro local government and Iwoye Ketu in Imeko/Afon local government.
PoliticsRe: Beware: Roads, Waterways In 17 States Where Kidnappers Reign by treesun(op): 1:19pm On Sep 29, 2024
Taraba
The security challenges in Taraba State are multifaceted and range from tribal to communal conflicts which have, overtime, transformed into banditry.


This is case in Taraba South where numerous persons have lost their lives while others have had to part with money paid as ransom.
Most of these assailants, in their kidnapping operations, block access roads and shoot sporadically before picking their victims.


Some of the roads notorious for this act include Wukari-Takum Road, Takum-Katsina-Ala Road, Wukari-Tsokundi Road, Bali-Suntai-Takum Road and the Takum- Kashimbilla Road.
It was learned that assailants keep their victims in the stretch of forest along the Taraba-Benue corridor.
It was also gathered that they sometimes dress in military camouflage, especially when they block roads during the day.


In the last one month, the monarch of Chanchaji and his son were ambushed and killed along Takum-Wukari Road while returning from a burial.
Six other persons within the time under review also lost their lives in this same route when assailants shot sporadically at their vehicle.
While this has lingered for long, activities of these armed groups have affected the economic viability of major markets along that axis.
The Wukari Yam Market, which prides itsself as one of the biggest yam markets in West Africa, has seen reduction in patronage.
Other markets within that zone have also recorded decline in traffic of human and vehicular movements due to the insecurity and risks involved.
Merchants have now turned to neighboring states with relative peace for fear of being victim of banditry on Taraba highways.
A former Chairman of Takum local government area, Boyi Manga, who was waylaid along Wukari-Takum Road, sometime in 2023, while narrating his ordeal, said the bandits were ruthless.
Security agencies have, in the meantime, beefed up operations on the road, bandits decimated and their various camps cleared.
PoliticsBeware: Roads, Waterways In 17 States Where Kidnappers Reign by treesun(op): 1:18pm On Sep 29, 2024
The black spots •We are on top of situation – Police •Top Tinubu govt. official: We are working but it will take a bit of time to end kidnapping

By Dayo Johnson, Omobola Dickson, Samuel Oyadongha, Peter Duru, Wole Mosadomi, Jimitota Onoyume, Egufe Yafugborhi, Chioma Onuegbu, Ike Uchechukwu, Chinonso Alozie, Idris Salisu, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Umar Yusuf, Demola Akinyemi, Femi Bolaji, Rotimi Ojomoyela, James Ogunnaike, Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, Laolu Elijah & Adeola Badru


When some medical students from Universities of Jos and Maiduguri in transit to Enugu State were abducted on August 15 on Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam Road by kidnappers and whisked into nearby forest, the incident immediately generated national outrage. The captives were held until August 23 when they were released. It was not clear if ransom was paid to free the students. Before then, precisely sometime last year, nine potential members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), traveling from Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto, for orientation were grabbed somewhere around Gusau, Zamfara State capital by some armed men. Parents of some of the captives who have been freed claimed to have paid ransom. Sunday Vanguard could not confirm at press time if all the former undergraduates have rejoined their families. The two incidents highlight how insecure kidnappers-for-ransom have made our highways. The menace is not restricted to one part of the country. From Ondo State in the South-West to Imo in the South-East, Akwa Ibom in the South-South, Kwara in the North-Central, Zamfara in the North-West and Plateau in the North-East, travelers are taken by bandits/kidnappers and demand ransom for their freedom. The hoodlums also operate on some of the waterways. In a 2019 report, we highlighted some of the roads where kidnappers behaved like kings. But kidnap incidents appear to have spiked since then. In this report, our correspondents detail scores of kidnap spots in 17 states across Nigeria.

How I spent 24 years in prison for following friend to police station - Lukman Adeyemi0:00 / 1:07

Meanwhile, the police say they are on top of the situation as they are doing everything possible to make the highways and waterways safe. A top security official of the Tinubu administration, on his part, told Sunday Vanguard, recently, that more hoodlums are into kidnap-for-ransom as it has replaced armed robbers which became unattractive after cash-less regime set in and people stopped carrying heavy cash. The official admitted that kidnapping is not over. “It is on-going”, he said. “Kidnapping is like armed robbery and highway robbery and the like. Most of these things have become an economic crime. It happens in pockets. And wherever we hear anything, we act. “We go immediately and respond. Often, most of it has been successful. In Katsina, no single school child has been taken in a while. A week ago, some medical students were taken and we went in and fought them. We retrieved all of them and returned. There are a lot of cases like that. To completely end kidnapping, I think it will take us a bit of time because it is not something that is that easy. “We are working seriously. Kidnapping is a very cowardly way of committing a crime without having to take somebody into the hide and kill. This is because people or the family of the person kidnapped brings money to the abductors. “For them, it is very attractive, very easy and less dangerous. It is a force, but I can assure you that it is going down in some parts of the North like Taraba, Adamawa and in the North-East. It is more or less the same guy, top of the hill. This part sounds like the safest place, but it’s still experiencing kidnapping. It’s here and there. Maybe it will take us a bit more than what it takes to get to the top of the hill, but we are working seriously”.

Benue
Benue State has, no doubt, has been bedeviled by incidences of insecurity in several communities.
Aside the cases of herders’ attacks and banditry recorded almost on a weekly basis in parts of the state, the issue of kidnapping has also become a major challenge.


And some of the victims included important personalities, travelers, and even security personnel.
But a noticeable feature of these ugly incidences is that there are particular parts or areas of the state where the criminal gangs responsible for the nefarious businesses have marked out as their stronghold.
Such places have recorded and continue to record kidnap incidents despite repeated assurances from security agencies that their activities have been checked.


Places like Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, also known as Sankera axis, and the Makurdi-Naka Road as well as the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam roads remain the hot spots for kidnapping in Benue.


It was in that axis, close to Otukpo, that 20 medical students from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri in transit to Enugu State were abducted on August 15 by armed men and whisked into nearby forest.
The students were rescued on August 24 and two members of the kidnap gang arrested.
Before that incident, the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, and some members of staff of the institution were also abducted by armed men on same axis on July 12. They have since been released.


Two students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, JoSTUM, also fell into the hands of abductors on May 29 along the North Bank-JoSTUM Road. They were eventually released.


On same day a staff member of the Benue State University, BSU, Mr. Matthew Chile, and four others were kidnapped by armed men on Makurdi-Naka Road.


And after spending about a week in dungeon, the victims were released.


On March 24, 10 traders travelling from Wukari in Taraba State were abducted in Jootar, Ukum LGA of the state while a month earlier, on February 24, another 12 passengers, including a pregnant woman travelling from Imo to Adamawa, also got kidnapped in Jootar.



This came as another nine traders were earlier kidnapped on January 11, along the Otukpo-Enugu Road and whisked into the vast forests on that axis.


Luckily they were all rescued by the military spike team codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.
Before then, then-Chairman of Ukum LGA, Gideon Haanongon, his driver and police orderly were also kidnapped along the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam Road and after spending severely days with the abductors they regained their freedom.


Luckily, all the victims of these kidnap incidences lived to tell their stories and most of the syndicates behind the kidnap network have always evaded police arrest, apart from the two who were identified by one of their victims at an Otukpo motor park while trying to board a vehicle to Makurdi enroute to Nasarawa.
The duo, who were said to be herders, were also caught with part of the ransom they collected from their victims during their operations along Otukpo-Enugu Road.


Bothered by the spate of kidnappings in his domain, the traditional rulers of Ogbadibo LGA of the state, Chief Emmanuel Odeh, had, in January, raised the alarm and expressing worry that the axis had become unsafe for travelers and called for the beef up of security in the area “to check the activities of the criminals of people plying the highway in the area.


Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Steve Yabanet, who assumed duties, last April, vowed to deploy his “wealth of experience to tackle crime and criminality in the state and ensure the safety of lives and property of the people of the state.”


Governor Hyacinth also recently vowed not surrender the state to criminal gangs, assuring that “no stone would be left unturned in the decisive move to ensure Benue enjoys maximum security.”

Plateau
Kidnapping in the past had been almost a daily occurrence in some communities in Plateau State.
Traditional rulers, politicians, farmers, and businessmen had fallen victim to kidnappers, paying yet-to-be-known amounts of money as ransom to regain their freedom.


However, in the last eight months, there has been a reduction as cases of kidnapping have greatly reduced.


The information that used to be reported on many social media platforms by residents of the state has not been heard of in a long while.


Communities, especially in the Haske area of Jos North, Maigemu District in Jos East, Jannaret area of Mangu, and Namu area of Qua’an Pan local government areas of the State, which used to be flashpoints in the past, have been very calm in the last year.


The Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, attributed the success to citizens’ support to security agents.
Within the period, Alabo noted, “Cases of kidnapping has greatly reduced in the state; recall that Jos East and Qua’an Pan used to be the flashpoints, but the incidents have reduced drastically.


“From January, there was no record, but only recently we had a very few cases, and they will be paraded shortly. Apart from the recent incident in Bokkos, kidnapping and crime rates have greatly reduced. We commend the role of the media and citizens; the support has made our job easier.”


A security operative from another security outfit, who did not want to be named, confirmed, “We have not recorded any kind of incident this year. “As citizens, if it is prevalent, it will not be hidden. When it was happening in the past, everyone knew about it but we thank God that was in the past.”


A resident of Haske, Jos North, whose area was a flashpoint in the past, concurred, “We have not heard of any incident in a long while. The incident made some people to sell or rent out their property at a very low rate, but they are regretting it now, especially those who sold because we are free now.

“In the past, everyone was a suspect, everyone was a victim because you couldn’t tell whose house would be next. “From lecturers to retirees, we were all living in fear but the area is okay now.”
Zamfara
In Zamfara State, reports indicated that from January, this year, to date, there has been an increase in banditry activities that became so rampant on major roads where several people have been kidnapped or killed by bandits.



Sunday Vanguard findings reveal highways notorious for kidnapping and banditry in Zamfara include Gusau -Funtua and Gusau – Sokoto roads.


Other black spots are Kaura Namoda – Zurmi Road linking down to Katsina border, Kaura Namoda – Shinkafi Road, Gusau – Magami – Dansadau Road, and Magami – Dangulbi – Anka Road.
Bandits routinely kidnap people in transit on these roads and those in villages and collect ransom running into hundreds of millions of naira.


Gusau – Funtua Road, especially the portion between Tsafe to Magazu, is believed to be the most dangerous zone in Zamfara because of the attraction it holds for kidnapped in terms of the huge traffic of travelers from Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and other parts of the country down to Sokoto.


As a result, the state government has closed the road to travelers passing through Gusau from 6 pm to 7 am even as security forces keep surveillance on the highway round the clock.


Speaking to our correspondent, Zamfara State Public Relations of the state Police Command, ASP Yazeed Abubakar, could not immediately provide the number of suspected kidnappers/bandits arrested or of those abducted or rescued in the state.

Niger
Niger State had been under the siege of bandits since 2015 as out of the 25 local government areas in the state, 18 were constantly raided with scores, mostly women and children, killed, maimed or abducted.
Besides, blood-shedding in villages, many communities have been sacked after bandits set houses and barns on fire, leaving villagers with nothing to fall back on or start a new life.
LGAs frequently attacked in the beginning are Shiroro, Rafi, Mariga, Mashegu, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Paikoro, Munya, Wushishi, Lapai and Agaie.



One of the contributing factors to bandit attacks in Niger includes the presence of federal roads in the state.


Niger has the longest federal roads in the country, spanning over 1,477 kilometers and spread across 15 of the 25 LGAs.


Out of this, 1,115 kilometers, representing 80%, are Trunk A roads but sadly in a deplorable situation, thereby giving room for bandits to operate freely on the roads due to the snail speed of vehicles.
The situation forced Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to establish permanent security camps on some of the roads to stem banditry and kidnapping.


The step reduced the menace to about eight LGAs in 2021.
At the peak of the constant attacks, no fewer than 200 communities in the eight affected wards of Shiroro, 60 in Rafi, 54 in Munya, 15 in Paikoro, 12 in Mariga with unspecified number in Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mashegu could sleep with their two eyes closed within the period.
The biggest attacks and kidnapping in Niger happened when 128 students of Government Science College, Kagara and later pupils of Islamic Primary School, Tegina both in Rafi LGAs were abducted.
The captives spent about 90 days with their captors before they were freed.
Similarly, 47 commuters travelling in a Niger State Transport Authority, NSTA, bus were abducted at Kundu village along Zungeru –Tegina – Road.


According to the data obtained from Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), 152 farmers were killed, 355 kidnapped in attacks on various communities in Mariga, Rijau, Wushishi, Paikoro, Rafi, Shiroro, Mafama, Munya and Mashegu between April and September 2023.
The number of those killed, abducted or displaced may have increased in past months.
The attacks apparently forced many villagers in affected LGAs to flee.
Subsequently, the development dealt a huge blow on food production, leading to scarcity of food items and skyrocketing of prices.

Kaduna
The North-West region has been described as the epicentre of banditry in Nigeria.
Even though government has, overtime, mobilized security forces to the Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara inter-boundary axis connecting the notorious forests where bandits operate with impunity, killings, kidnapping and other criminal activities have continued in the region, thereby making life scary, difficult and dangerous, especially for rural dwellers.



In Kaduna, for example, to ensure that communities can once again live in peace and harmony for development, the state government has adopted numerous measures to deal with banditry and other criminal acts.


Under a new security outfit, ‘Operation Fushin Kada’, Governor Uba Sani has, among other measures, donated 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorcycles to security agencies.


However, bandits have continued to unleash terror in several locations across Kaduna.
For instance, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of the state, at a point, was on red alert, particularly the eastern part where the Ansaru terrorists hold sway, becoming the local authority and dictating how things should go in the occupied villages.


Farming activities in the area, previously known for massive maize production in hundreds of tons, have been grossly affected as indigenous farmers abandoned their farms for fear of being killed.
Others have since moved to neighboring Niger State as the terrorists imposed stringent conditions before the locals could access their farms.


Other hot spots in Kaduna where terrorists operate include the Galadimawa- Giwa axis, some parts of Kaduna Central and Igabi, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas.



Roads in the state that are now referred to as suicidal to ply because of bandit attacks are the Kaduna-Birnin-Gwari Road and the Birnin-Gwari-Funtua Road, even though soldiers often escort commuters who had to use the roads to reach their destinations.


Although communal clashes in Zangon Kataf and Sanga Local Government Areas have reduced and security beefed up there, there were however, attacks by bandits who killed and kidnapped for ransom.
The Rijana and Kudaru forest, and some areas along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, especially between the Greenfield University and Olam, were feared by motorists and commuters and groups of bandits hibernate there despite the presence of security operatives.


Outskirts of Kaduna, for instance, areas such as Danhonu in the Millennium City or suburbs near Gorin Gora were not spared by hoodlums despite their proximity to the state capital.
The practice in the past where the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs presented reports of the state’s security status on quarterly basis has been suspended and therefore there is no accurate data of number of deaths due to banditry or kidnapping.


Meanwhile, from January 2024 to date, bandits have launched attacks in several locations in Kaduna, resulting in deaths and varying degrees of injury.


Many victims have also regained freedom while some few others remain in captivity pending further action from security operatives or when their respective families would negotiate with the hoodlums and pay ransom.
Recently, Governor Sani said security efforts in the troubled Birnin Gwari Local Government area was yielding positive result and commended the various agencies enforcing security there.
He said there had been stability in the area, especially on the highway, in the last six months and observed that relative peace had returned to many communities along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route as farmers were seen working on their fields.
Sani expressed confidence that, with sustained security operations in the area, the economy of Birnin-Gwari will bounce back in no distance future, pointing out that his administration had prioritized rural transformation to boost the economy of the rural communities and minimize rural-urban migration.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/men-who-replace-highway-robbers-roads-waterways-in-17-states-where-kidnappers-reign/
PoliticsRe: President Tinubu To Reshuffle Cabinet, Accuses Ministers Of Not Engaging Media E by treesun(op): 7:36pm On Sep 25, 2024
Nlfpmod, there are enough town criers here!
PoliticsPresident Tinubu To Reshuffle Cabinet, Accuses Ministers Of Not Engaging Media E by treesun(op): 3:54pm On Sep 25, 2024
During a press briefing at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the President's concerns about the communication gap between ministries and the public.




President Bola Tinubu is set to reshuffle his cabinet, signaling imminent changes in the leadership of key ministries.



During a press briefing at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the President's concerns about the communication gap between ministries and the public.



Onanuga stated that while significant progress has been made across various sectors, many Nigerians remain unaware of such due to a lack of media engagement.



“The President has directed ministers to be more proactive in publishing the activities and achievements of their ministries," Onanuga said.



He stressed that the reshuffle would help reposition the government to better serve Nigerians, while urging ministers not to shy away from media interactions.



“The President has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet and he will do it. I don’t know whether he wants to do it before October first and he will surely do it. That is what I will say, but he has not given us any timeline,” Onanuga said.



Speaking on the performance of the present administration, Onanuga said, “The President has given an order to all his ministers at the last Federal Executive Council meeting to go out there and speak about the activities of his administration.



“Some of them have been media shy, television shy, radio shy, and he wants them to overcome all that and go out there and speak about what they have been doing.



“Because the feeling out there is that government is not doing enough and the government has been doing a lot. And it is up to them to go out there and blow their own trumpet. They should go out there and talk about what their ministries have been doing.



Commenting on the administration's performance, Onanuga stated, “At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, the President instructed all ministers to actively engage the public about the government’s achievements.



He said some have been hesitant to engage with the media, but he wants them to overcome this and communicate their work effectively.



“There’s a perception that the government isn’t doing enough, but the truth is much more has been done. It's their responsibility to go out there and showcase the work of their ministries.”





https://saharareporters.com/2024/09/25/breaking-president-tinubu-reshuffle-cabinet-accuses-ministers-not-engaging-media-enough
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Newcastle Vs Manchester City (1 - 1) On 28th September by treesun(op): 3:38pm On Sep 24, 2024
Newcastle Vs Manchester City 28-09-2024 12:30
PoliticsBe Patient With Tinubu, Ooni Begs Nigerians by treesun(op): 10:09pm On Sep 23, 2024
•⁠ ⁠Goes into seclusion ahead Olojo festival


The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has urged Nigerians to be patient with the Bola Tinubu-led administration as the monarchs head into seclusion to commune with the ancestors.


The monarch while in seclusion for seven days is expected to pray to God for the country.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare on Monday, the monarch before going into seclusion, said the rite is the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people, the Oduduwa race worldwide, as well as mankind in general.

“This time around, I want to pray and seek for the face of our Creator to intervene on the current economic situation.

“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not used our hands to destroy our country.



“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.

“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,”
Ooni said.

He however urged the present government to do more to serve the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.


The seclusion usually precedes the annual Olojo celebrations, which allows the Ooni to withdraw from the human distractions. It is usually marked by silence, reflection, and spiritual cleansing, allowing him to focus solely on the divine communication with the spirits.

During this time, he undertakes solemn prayers and makes offerings, not only on behalf of the Yoruba race but for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the entire nation. It is a time of deep intercession, seeking the favour of the gods for good harvests, protection, and guidance for his people.

Oba Ogunwusi will be marking his 9th edition of the Olojo festival on Saturday 28th when he will be appearing to the public with the sacred Crown of Oduduwa known as ‘Ade Are’ worn once a year to commemorate the first day of the mankind.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/be-patient-with-tinubu-ooni-begs-nigerians/

PoliticsKnocks On Nigerian Govt Over Suicide Rate Alarm by treesun(op): 9:21am On Sep 22, 2024
On Thursday, September 19, the Federal Government raised an alarm over the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria, which it revealed stood at 12.9 percent.

This figure, the government noted, was frightening, even as it disclosed that cases of suicide were under-reported in Nigeria.

The concern was raised by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at an event to mark the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday.

Themed ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide,’ the Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said: “Today, we are gathered to address the issue of suicide, which is a critical issue that affects us. Suicide is the act of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.

“Available data indicated that the global suicide rate is 9.0 percent per 1,000 deaths, with men being twice more likely to die by suicide than women. Annually, more than 700,000 people die by suicide, which is approximately one in every 100 deaths.

“The suicide rate in Africa is 11.2 percent, 100,000 deaths higher than the global average of 9.0 percent per 100,000, while the available data on suicide rate in Nigeria is at 12.9 percent per 100,000 deaths.

“Suicide rates are mostly high among young people aged between 15 and 29 years, and it’s the fourth leading cause of death among young people in Africa, accounting for 40 percent of all suicide deaths. However, I must say that these data may not reflect the actual prevalence of suicide in Africa, as under-reporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues remain huge barriers against accurate reporting.”

He said the link between suicide and mental health conditions, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, is well established, while many suicide happen impulsively in moments of crisis when there is a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness among others.

“Today, we join the rest of the world to mark this year’s suicide prevention day with the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action, ‘start the conversation.’ This aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

“Changing the narrative means we must shift from focusing solely on the tragedy of suicide to the hope of prevention and from taboos, stigma and discrimination to empathy and positive cultural change, as well as from punishment and ostracism to lending helping hands and support. Also, we must shift from sensational reporting to sensitive reporting guided by proper ethical standards.

“By changing how we talk about suicide, we can break down the barriers that prevent people from reaching out for support. We can create a culture where mental health challenges are met with compassion rather than judgment, where every person feels valued and supported, and where the dignity of life is upheld.”

In his remarks, Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike said; “This suicide figure is not just a number; it represents lives lost, dreams unfulfilled, and potentials unrealised.

“Every life is precious and every loss of life to suicide is a tragic reminder of our collective duty to do more, to reach out and to change the narrative around this preventable tragedy. This year’s theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide,’ calls us to rethink how we approach the issue of suicide.

“It challenges us to move beyond the misconceptions, stigma and discrimination that have long surrounded this topic. It is a call to action to foster open conversations, to create supportive environments and to ensure that no one feels isolated or without hope.”

World Health Organisation, WHO, Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi, who was represented by Dr. Mary Brantuo, said the call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and its prevention. “Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of support.”

He maintained that this year’s theme emphasises the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for the government’s action. “Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care and provide support for those in need.

“WHO Nigeria is delighted that Nigeria has new Mental Health Act, Mental Health Policy and implementation framework for Mental Health Act, National Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.

“We pledge to continue supporting the country to implement priority activities towards mental health, including suicide prevention and control, and implantation on key strategic documents. Together, by raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations, we can prevent suicide in our country, Nigeria.”

Also, Jibrin Kama, Associate Director, Access Programme, Clinton Health Access Initiative Nigeria, CHAI, said the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework was a testament to the Ministry’s leadership, commitment and vision for a future, where no life is lost to suicide and every individual receives the care and compassion they deserve.

“CHAI has been a critical thought partner to the Government of Nigeria for over 10 years. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to support programme implementation in line with the national strategic direction. Let’s commit ourselves to the fight against suicide. Prevention is possible and with the right strategies, support systems and resources, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, ensure timely interventions and save countless lives,” he said.

However, Nigerians have lambasted the government for contributing largely to the increasing scourge, only to come behind to shed crocodile tears.

Leading the pack on this line of thought is a lawyer, Maxi Okwu, who stated that suicide is on the increase because people are in distress as a result of economic hardship.

He lambasted the Federal Government for decrying the rate of suicide in Nigeria, when it knows exactly what to do to arrest the trend.

“How can a government which under Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution has the primary purpose of the welfare and security of the people of Nigeria be talking about being alarmed?

“If the Federal Government is alarmed, what do we do? Should we run away? If the Federal Government is alarmed, we should go into hiding, is that what the government is saying?

“It is the responsibility of the government to take care of the welfare and security of the people of Nigeria. They have failed on welfare; they have failed on security. That is the truth.

“So, how would people not commit suicide? Right now, the cost of living has gone over the roof; I don’t know how people survive. The Naira has practically become like the Ugandan money under Idi Amin if not worse.

“If you know what the ordinary man on the street goes through, then you will understand why people keep committing suicide.

“So, as far as I am concerned, it is the responsibility of the government to create an enabling environment for people to thrive and be happy, and the government is not doing so,” he told DAILY POST.

He blamed Nigerians for the choice they made during the 2023 general election, saying what Nigerians were going through was a result of that choice.

“We are tired of saying that the government has not lived up to its constitutional responsibility, because again, there was an opportunity for the people to vote and bring in a people’s government, but somehow, they didn’t do it.

“So, the APC administration, right from former President Muhammadu Buhari, was a total disaster and it has continued.

“The change of guard did not change anything. The APC under Buhari was an unmitigated disaster, because they practically killed Nigeria.

“In a proper democracy, there is no way the APC would have been returned but here we are with another APC government.

“So, the government knows why people are committing suicide and it should fix the problem instead of raising alarm that would not amount to anything,” he submitted.

Also, the president of Middle Belt Forum, MBF; Dr Pogu Bitrus advised the government to look inward at its economic policies which he said have largely been responsible for hardship in the country, instead of raising alarm.

He said: The Federal Government should look inward because people don’t just commit suicide like that. It is when people find that life is not worth living that they commit suicide.

“So, the economic policies of the government have pushed people to the wall to the extent that some people can’t even eat and there is suffering all over the place.

“People can’t even transport themselves anywhere because the cost of transportation has skyrocketed. Even if you work hard, the Naira has been so devalued that you can’t get anything with it, even to eat food once a day has become such a herculean task.

“So, all these things have put so much pressure on the people. There are no jobs anywhere, and even when they are available, the highest bidder gets it because everything has been monetized due to corruption.

“There is no merit anymore; there is nothing like you came out with first class, second class or whatever; that doesn’t guarantee anybody a job in Nigeria today.

“And when your parents are not well to do, even paying for your schooling becomes a big problem.

“All these have placed so much pressure on our youths and those who can’t bear it, especially those who are not grounded in religious doctrine where committing suicide is a sin, look for the easy way out and that easy way is to take their lives thinking that by doing so, the problems will be over.”

He said it was quite unfortunate that such a statement was coming from the government.

He advised the government to take a second look at the policies that were making life miserable and so difficult for Nigerians to the extent that even the young people were massively committing suicide.

“That is what I want the government to do. I mean, subsidy has been taken away and at the same time the Naira has been devalued.

“When this government came in, the Naira was already devalued to N740 or thereabout. Buhari took over from Goodluck Jonathan at a time when one dollar was N198 or thereabout; it wasn’t up to N200. Buhari messed it up and took it to N740 per dollar.

“Now President Tinubu has devalued it further by over 100 percent, taking 1$ to N1650. So, that devaluation plus the cost of energy has affected the cost of food, alongside banditry and insecurity all over the place.

“All those have impacted negatively on livelihood and people who cannot bear it have resorted to taking their lives. So, rather than raising alarm, the government should look inwards and address the issues.

“If people stole our money in the past, the government should bring them back and let us revive the economy, so that as the economic conditions improve, even if there are no jobs, people can get money that have value, so that the living condition can be tolerable and the plan to take one’s life will be diminished.

“By doing so, we will have vibrant young people coming up to replace those of us who are aging so that Nigeria will continue to be a vibrant nation. So, the government should stop raising alarm over a situation it has absolute control over. It should do the needful instead of raising unnecessary alarms,” he further told DAILY POST.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/09/22/knocks-on-nigerian-govt-over-suicide-rate-alarm/
PoliticsNigeria Technically Bankrupt, Says Obaseki by treesun(op): 10:16pm On Sep 19, 2024
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has described Nigeria as technically bankrupt.

Obaseki added that the Federal Government was “stuck in the past” and needed to restructure the country for progress.

The governor made this statement during a one-on-one interview on the Channels Television programme Politics Today on Thursday evening.

Obaseki explained that the country neither had enough nor earned enough to cover its expenditure, adding that government spending was also not decreasing.

He stated that the government must ensure that individual states took advantage of economic opportunities, noting that the Federal Government could not continue to centrally manage resources.

“Nigeria is technically bankrupt. And I mean it. When you are bankrupt anywhere in the world, like in the United States, you file for what they call Chapter Eleven. You restructure your affairs so that you can reorganise and meet your obligations. Nigeria is not restructuring in that sense; it still behaves as if it had money like it used to.

“It (Nigeria) has been in trouble for a while. I won’t say insolvent, but technically so, in the sense that we don’t have enough to cover our expenditure, we are not reducing our expenditure, and we are not earning more.”


“First, the Federal Government does not have the capacity to manage the economy at the scale and in the way it is currently doing. You’re producing 1.3 million barrels of oil, right? Because you are trying to do it centrally. We have 147 oil wells in Edo, and only 53 or fewer are producing.”

“Unless you create a new design that allows the individual states to take advantage of the economic opportunities they have, stressing the assets of this country and paying what they need to pay to the central government, the federal government cannot sit and try to micromanage the country and its assets. It has shown that it cannot. It doesn’t have the capacity to do so,” he said.

He also expressed his belief that the Federal Government was stuck in the past, stating that the current structure of the country was outdated and that a new structure was needed to effectively manage the economy.

“I think for me, it’s like this federal government is stuck, and stuck in the past. Because you cannot resolve a malignant problem using the same tools you have used over the years.

“It’s not that the people there are not smart; it’s not that they’re stupid. It’s more that they just don’t have the courage to make the decisions they need to make.


“The problem with Nigeria today is structural. The structure we have is expired; it’s outdated. We need a new structure to run the economy of the state. If it doesn’t happen, we are not going anywhere,” Obaseki stated.
https://punchng.com/nigeria-technically-bankrupt-says-obaseki/

PoliticsNigerians Hungry, Angry – Makinde by treesun(op): 10:26am On Sep 19, 2024
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that times are hard and Nigerians are currently hungry and angry.

Makinde made this declaration on Wednesday while performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrading of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, to international standards.

The governor, while addressing the gathering, said that his government will not implement policies that will increase the hardship the citizens are facing currently.

Makinde affirmed that his government had paid due compensation to landowners in Ajia who lost their property to the new Air Force Base being constructed in the area.

He said: “We took an important decision yesterday at the Executive Council Meeting. We know times are hard and Nigerians are hungry and angry. But I hope this will not boil over. But in Oyo State, we have control over what we can do here.

“I can see that the House has passed the Presumptive Tax Bill. Yes, it came from us because if we need to expand the economy, we need to generate money. I will sign it into law but we will not implement it for now.

“Let me especially thank the members of the committee who worked on the project in the last six weeks to make it possible for the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place today.

“Some people do not think that upgrading this airport at this time is a good idea, but the decision to upgrade this airport to international standard is based on data and logic. In the next twelve months, this project will be delivered. I will push the envelope.

“This airport will connect Oyo State to a global market. It will improve ease of doing business, bringing investments into agribusiness, manufacturing and technology sectors and positioning Ibadan as a true regional business hub.”

According to him, it is a strategic investment that includes a first and second phase that will culminate in the upgrading of the airport, the runway, airfield lighting, terminal and other critical facilities.
https://dailypost.ng/2024/09/18/nigerians-hungry-angry-makinde/

PoliticsHardship: Ex-sokoto Gov Donates N1bn To Fill Gaps His Tenure Created by treesun(op): 3:33pm On Sep 18, 2024
The former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa on Wednesday donated N1 billion as endowment to the people state.
Bafarawa ruled the state for eight years, between 1999 and 2007.
He explained that the gesture was born out of his desire to to ensure he fill whatever gaps he might have created while in office.
“At 70 years of age, I feel a greater pull towards the people. My desire now is to ensure that I fill whatever gaps that I may have created, consciously or unconsciously, in my relationship with the people while I was in office.

“Some may call this atonement, but I prefer to see it as an act of reciprocity. I want to give back to the people the goodwill and love they showed me.
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“At no time can this giving back philosophy of mine be more suspicious and compelling than now that the people are passing through hard times occasioned by the current hardship in the country.
“It is against this background that, I have decided to make available the sum of N1bn for the welfare and well-being of the people of Sokoto State,” he said.

He however sought for forgiveness from the people for whatever wrong he had done during his tenure as governor of the state.
Bafarawa explained that the management of this fund was entrusted to a committee chaired by Malam Lawal Maidoki, the chairman of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Board.
Also speaking at the event, Sheikh Isa Talatan Mafara, advised the committee to consider internally displaced persons who need this support the most.
Another cleric, Professor Mansur Ibrahim, enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic and work for the growth and development of the people.
The chairman, Vision FM, Shu’aibu Mungadi, extolled the virtue of the former governor whom he described as a great leader.


https://dailytrust.com/hardship-ex-sokoto-gov-donates-n1bn-to-fill-gaps-his-tenure-created/
FoodSix Hidden Dangers Of Consuming Burnt Food by treesun(op): 2:24pm On Sep 18, 2024
Burnt food may seem harmless, but it poses significant health risks. When food is charred or burnt, it undergoes chemical changes that release toxic compounds. Regular consumption of burnt food exposes individuals to significant health risks, potentially leading to severe health consequences.

PUNCH Online in this report highlights the health risks associated with eating burnt food.

1. Cancer Risk

Burnt food contains carcinogenic compounds like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs), and Acrylamide.

So This Happened (EP 259) review the celebration of Prof. Wole Soyinka @90, others
These substances can increase cancer risk, particularly for, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

2. Neurological Damage

Burnt food contains neurotoxins like Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) and lipid peroxides.

These compounds can damage brain cells, leading to, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)

3. Digestive Issues

Burnt food can irritate the digestive tract and cause inflammation, and Oxidative stress which can lead to heartburn, bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

4. Cardiovascular Disease

Consuming burnt food regularly can, Increase blood pressure, raise cholesterol levels, and damage blood vessels.

5. Weakened Immune System

Burnt food contains immunosuppressive compounds, making you more susceptible to infections.

6. Respiratory Problems

Inhaling smoke from burnt food can lead to respiratory tract irritation, Asthma, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevention Tips

•Cook food at lower temperatures.

* Avoid charring or burning food.

•Use cooking methods like steaming or roasting.

•Don’t eat food that has been reheated multiple times.


•Choose cooking oils with high smoke points.

Recognizing Burnt Food

* Blackened or charred appearance.

•Unpleasant, acrid smell.

•Bitter or unpleasant taste.

Conclusion

While an occasional burnt meal may not pose significant harm, regular consumption can have severe health consequences. Be mindful of your cooking techniques and food choices to protect your health.
https://punchng.com/six-hidden-dangers-of-consuming-burnt-food/

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