Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

April 24, 2017

Adamawa
The Nigeria Police Force is to organise a National Security Summit to tackle issues bordering on national security.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Hyiecent Dagala, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.
Dagala said the summit would bring together all major stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the security challenges facing the country.
The DIG, who is also the coordinator of the police operation in the North-East, said that the summit would look into issues of clashes between farmers and herdsmen and kidnapping, among many others.
Dagala said that his visit to the North-East was on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to meet with officers and men in the sub-region to discuss challenges in their areas of operation.

FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Urhoghide, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
The lawmaker told journalists on Wednesday that the move was evidence that the president was ready to fight corruption irrespective of who was involved.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, who announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, said Buhari also ordered investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against the SGF.
The Senate Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crises in the North-East had, in an interim report, indicted Lawal in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).

Jigawa
A Chinese company, said its proposed sugarcane company in Kaugama local government area of Jigawa State would generate 5,000 indirect jobs to youths in the state.
The representative of the group, Mr Wilkins Lam, said this at a sensitisation workshop in Dutse on Thursday.Lam said that the company would also provide clinic and a vocational school in the area. He added that the facilities, when established, would enhance the livelihood of communities both within and outside the project area.
The representative assured that as a reliable and committed investor, the group would continue to service its obligations as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.

Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, began a special military exercise in Southern Kaduna code-named ”Operation Harbin Kunama II” – Scorpion Sting-, to checkmate farmers/herdsmen and ethno-religious crises in the area.
The three-decade-old crisis mostly occurred in Kaura, Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf local government areas.
The operation, which is also to flush out bandits and cattle rustlers, will be extended to parts of Plateau, Kano and Bauchi states.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on the people of the area to maintain the peace and avoid reprisal attacks.
Buratai said the operation was to ensure security and safety of the people.

Lagos
A housewife, Remilekun Adepegba, who allegedly assaulted and beat her 13-year-old housekeeper to a pulp, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The 35-year-old, who resides at No. 111, Otta Road, Orile-Agege, is facing a charge of assault.
The accused offence was committed on April 4 in her residence at her apartment, according to the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu.
Ogu said the accused beat up her 13-year-old housekeeper, alleging that she failed to do her duties.
“The woman descended on the girl and beat her until she became unconscious. It was one of the neighbours who intervened and rushed her to the hospital.’’

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it lacked adequate manpower and communication gadgets to tackle crime in the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, made this disclosure in Lafia in a welcome address to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Shuaibu Gambo, who was on a two-day working visit to the state.
“The command has a paucity of manpower, the problem is compounded daily by the transfer of men in large numbers out of the command.
“Presently, the command has a staff strength of 4,000 men to police, the population of more than two million residents of Nasarawa; I believe this is grossly inadequate,” he said.

Niger
Eight gunmen last Sunday kidnapped a Trader, Alhaji Nuhu Isa, in Lambata village of Gurara local government area of Niger State.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, last Tuesday.
Ayuba said the gunmen had already used the victim’s cell phone to call his family and demanded N1 million ransom.
He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.
He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive,” the commandant said.

Oyo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has alerted the Oyo State Police Command of moves by some individuals to misuse the law enforcement agents in the manner that could cause the breakdown of law and order.
The Olubadan made the accusation at his palace in Ibadan while receiving the new Deputy Inspector General of Police, South West, DIG Foluso Adebanjo.
Adetunji specifically mentioned the case of Oloode village in Oluyole local government where one Lukman Alao was deposed as Baale and promptly replaced on January 9 with Baale Dauda Odeyemi.
According to the first class monarch, “ Alao has become a law unto himself using mercenaries procured outside Oyo State to molest and arrest law abiding citizens.
“Part of his mode of operation is continuous use of number plate of Baale Oloode long after his removal from office.

Osun
The Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufimihan Adeoye, said citizens have no absolute rights that cannot be violated by the police.
Adeoye, while paying a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Wednesday, however, said that such violation must be within the ambit of the law.
He said that the operations of the police were limitless; hence, he advised the public to always cooperate with police officers on official duties.
“Rights are not absolute free and they can be violated by the police as long as they are done within the ambit and in accordance to the law.
“The police can stop and search any person, but it must be done professionally and in accordance with the law; so, there is no absolute freedom of movement.
“When a policeman stops and searches an individual, such a person should allow the officer, once it is established that the policeman is genuine.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chapter of the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union (AEWUN) has postponed its delegates conference it earlier planned to hold.
A source told newsmen in Sokoto on Thursday, that the postponement of the conference might not be unconnected with the fear of possible breach of the peace.
It was gathered that the executives to run the affairs of the union for the next four years were to be elected on Thursday,if not for the sudden shift in the date.
It was also learnt that the action was taken sequel to the alleged interference of “ external forces and interests”in the exercise.
It was further gathered that tension has been brewing in the union, especially over divided interests on the chairmanship post.

Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, on Thursday urged traditional rulers to promote love and unity while striving to make their domains models in the efforts toward peace and stability.
“We want permanent peace in the state and traditional rulers are key to this quest. You must strive to be models by setting good examples for all to follow,” he said.
Ishaku spoke in Jalingo, at a meeting with traditional rulers from Jalingo and Ardo Kola local government areas.
The governor reminded the traditional rulers of the important roles they were expected to play as custodians of good cultures and warm traditions, and appealed to them to always offer suggestions that would aid the quest for a better Taraba.
He also tasked them to mobilise and sensitise their subjects on policies and programmes of government to gauge their feelings and also ensure massive support.

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

2 days 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.