Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

January 10, 2014

Adamawa

The Police Command in Adamawa State said it recorded
15 rape cases across the state in two years.
This is contained in the statistics of the cases from the command, signed by Mr Salau Usman, the command’s Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of CID in Yola last Tuesday.
The statement stated that 16 people, made up of 10 people in 2012 and six in 2013 were arrested during the period under review. It said that eight suspects were charged to court in 2012 and three in 2013.
The statistics also showed that 27 cases of house breaking and theft were also reported within the period with 12 in 2012 and 15 cases in 2013, respectively.

Borno

The Borno State Fire Service Department recorded 121
fire incidents in the state in 2013, an official said in Maiduguri last Tuesday.
The Director of Fire Service in the state, Alhaji Musa Hussaini, said in an interview that no life was lost in the incident and added that the agency was working toward protecting the lives and property of the citizens.
He said the agency had acquired 60 fire fighting vehicles to facilitate speedy response to fire outbreaks and other related incidents adding that the agency was collaborating other organisations, such as Federal Road Safety Commission and Red Cross, to save lives.
Husain said the agency had opened area offices in Bui, Hawal, Shani, Damboa, Askira Uba, Goza, Bama, Konduga and Ngala local government areas to expand its reach to local communities and appealed to the public to desist from using charcoal to warm their houses during the hamattan.

Ekiti

Any person wishing to be appointed into any public
office in Ekiti State must first ensure that he or she is qualified, with sound character and exceptional pedigree.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State made the declaration in Ado-Ekiti last Tuesday, during the swearing-in of Mr Ayoola Owolabi, the state Accountant-General as a Permanent secretary.
He said there would be no room for persons whose preoccupation was to cut corners to achieve their goals in life and restated the determination of his administration to ensure that appointment in the state civil service was based only on ability and competence, rather than patronage.

FCT

The Nigerian Army has appointed Brig.-General Olajide
Laleye as its new Director of Public Relations.
Laleye, who hails from Lagos State, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on September 23, 1989 was until his appointment, the Commander, 1 Division Garrison, Kaduna.
He holds a B.Sc in Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Strategy, Defence and Disaster Management from the University of Yaounde.
Speaking in Abuja at a brief handing over ceremony, Laleye said that under his leadership, the directorate would focus attention on the achievements of the various sectors in the army.
He said the directorate would key into the vision of the Chief of Army Staff “to transform the Nigerian Army into a force better able to face contemporary challenges’’.

Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State said it had set up monitoring team to check the activities of illegal Private Guards Companies (PGCs) in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado, said in Dutse, last Tuesday, that the move was to ensure people did not run such companies without licence.
He explained that the action was necessary to ensure proper coordination of security activities in the state and urged all other PGCs operating in the state must renew their licences for them to continue operating.
Gidado said that some of the companies operating in the state were yet to establish their offices and advised those affected to establish their offices in the state before the end of the year.

Kaduna

Former executive members of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, last Tuesday, restated their loyalty to the party, saying they were not among those who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A former zonal chairman of the party, Alhaji Maikudi Tela,who made the position of the members known in a chat with newsmen in Kaduna State dismissed the allegation that they were part of the group led by a former state PDP chairman, Alhaji Yaro Makama, who defected to the APC two weeks ago.
He assured that they were committed members of the party and would continue to be loyal to it irrespective of the current challenges.
In her contribution, a former women leader, Hajiya Hauwa Abdullahi, stressed that no woman would decamp from PDP to any party and assured that the defectors would “certainly return to the party’’.

Kano

Kano State Government said it would accommodate refu
gees evacuated from the Central African Republic whose families had not been identified.
The Executive Secretary of the State Rehabilitation and Emergency Management Board, Alhaji Bashir Nikel, said in Kano State, last Tuesday, that although people from across the state had been coming forward to claim the refugees, those whose families could not be identified “will become government’s property.”
The executive secretary said the state rehabilitation centre at Mariri would be used to accommodate the unclaimed refugees.
He, however, said that the infants and children amongst them would be taken to the children’s home and would be placed under the care of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
About 413 refugees were on Monday transported to Kano from Abuja, most of whom women and children.

Kogi

The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Halima Wada,
has donated gift items to babies delivered in the state on the first day of 2014.
The wife of the governor who donated these items through the chairpersons of the local governments to mothers of the babies in Lokoja last Tuesday, said the history of Nigeria would not be complete without mentioning Lokoja as the first seat of government in Nigeria, hence the need to celebrate the centenary babies.
She said that the presentation of the gift items was to give the state its rightful place in the event and to celebrate the babies delivered during this period.
Earlier, the Director of her office, Mrs Susan Oguche, commended the governor’s wife for carrying every one along in her activities, and prayed that God would give her more grace to continue the good works.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State last Tuesday, said the state government would give priority to youth entrepreneurship in 2014.
Ahmed said at the graduation of Skill Acquisition programme organised by Dynamix Industrial Training Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development. He charged the 25 graduates drawn from the 16 local governments in Ilorin to take advantage of the opportunity to develop themselves and become employers of labour.
Represented by Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment, Saka Babatunde, Ahmed said his administration would continue to focus on youth development because they constituted the largest percentage of the country’s population.
Lagos

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and
the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development lastTuesday, signed an agreement to enhance exchange of research on Africa’s continental relations.
Signing the agreement in Lagos State, NIIA’s Director-General, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, said it was imperative for the institutes to come together and contribute to the continent’s development.
He said, “We have realised that Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world has been vertical. We strongly believe that through our partnership, we can promote African renaissance and intra-African cooperation.

Nasarawa

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Mr Umar
Shehu, said that the command recovered a total of 40 stolen vehicles and 50 motorcycles in 2013.
Shehu, who was briefing newsmen in Lafia yesterday on the efforts of the command to combat crime in 2013, also said that 136 armed robbery suspects were arrested and prosecuted within the period under review.
He noted the crime rate in the state in 2013 reduced significantly compared to previous years as only 234 criminal cases were recorded in the year under review as against 307 cases in 2012.
Shehu said that 92 of the cases were successfully investigated, prosecuted and the suspects convicted while 22 were still under investigation.

Ogun

The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Suraj
Adekunbi, in Abeokuta last Tuesday said the state government would continue to partner with civil servants.
Adekunbi, who gave the assurance shortly after a New Year special prayer session, said this would enhance the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of the state.
He said workers remained the engine through which the government functioned, and government had remained consistently proactive to ensure improved welfare for the workforce.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno (middle), accompanied by other officials inspecting the Chad Basin Development Authority Bump Station in New Marte in Maiduguri last Tuesday. Photo: NAN

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.
The Tide’s source reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.
Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.
Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1billion ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivity. The community could only gather N1million which was rejected by the bandits.
Last week, the armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.
A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.
The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.
In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.
On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.
All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.

In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.

“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.

She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.

“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.

Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.

While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasized integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.

Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritize accuracy in reporting.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Supply In Ogoni

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.

In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.

Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.

He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.

According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.

Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.

Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.