Nation
Insecurity: We’re Ready To Protect Our People, OPC Assures
Worried by the spate of banditry and kidnapping for ransom in some parts of Ogun State and perceived inability of the security agencies to stem the tide, the state chapter of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), yesterday, disclosed its readiness to protect all Oodua sons and daughters from the marauders threatening people’s lives and peace in the state.
The state Coordinator of OPC, Chief Adesina Jimoh, who addressed newsmen in Abeokuta to deplore the situation, claimed that media report has it that a whooping sum of N34.5million had been paid out to perpetrators of three separate abduction operations carried out within a week in the state.
OPC members recalled with pains that in the last couple of weeks, no fewer than six people, including a medical doctor and a nurse were kidnapped in separate kidnap operations at the Olubo village, along Abeokuta-Aiyetoro-Imeko road in the Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
Adesina wondered how long they would have to wait for the security operatives to do the needful, saying they would not wait and watch their people dying by installments in the hands of criminals.
He expressed disappointment that the governments at both state and federal levels have not been able to tame the monsters who felt they have found a comfort zone in Ogun State.
He said “The Ogun State chapter of OPC, under the able leadership of the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, here declared that enough is enough to all these kidnappings and other forms of banditry on Oodua land.
“As we are all aware that it is expressly stated in the Constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) as well as laws of other countries of the world that security of lives and properties is the primary function of every responsible government, however, in the face of this glaring ineptitude of security agencies in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, we are ready to provide an alternative towards securing lives and properties of all the Oodua sons and daughters of Ogun State.
“We are battle-ready to defend the Yoruba people of Ogun State against all acts of subjugation that may be perpetrated in any forms under any guise or name: be it banditry, kidnappings, killings, raping of our girls and women, or Fulani herdsmen’s acts of terrorism”, Adesina said.
“We are highly convinced that with the present levels of wanton killings, kidnapping and raping going on across the country, particularly as it affects Ogun State, the OPC had been pushed to the wall and as such, our level of tolerance is completely exhausted. We are left with no other options than to defend our motherland and all the Oodua sons and daughters Fire for Fire; Violence for Violence!”
He added, “In as much as we are neither ready to point an accusing finger at anybody as responsible for the current woes bedevilling every region of the country, not interested to join issues with anyone for over any ethnic agenda, we, however, want to state unequivocally that we are going vehemently resist all attempts by usurpers to forcefully take over our land or displace our people for their selfish ethnocentric agenda.
“Enough is enough of this rubbish. OPC in Ogun State will no longer sit back, fold our arms and watch our people being kidnapped, raped, and slaughtered like a ram by these bandits or Fulani herdsmen, who on a daily basis commit crimes with impunity.”
The Head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive forensic science infrastructure, warning that the nation’s ability to investigate and solve crime is being hampered by lack of scientific data and systems.
In his inaugural lecture titled, “Man: Fearfully Different, Wonderfully Made,” delivered as part of the 207th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university, Prof Oladipo highlighted that while no two individuals are exactly the same, the country currently lacks the robust systems needed to collect and manage biological and anthropometric data that could support criminal investigations.
He explained that the natural variations among humans — from fingerprints to physical measurements — form the foundation of personal identification in forensic work. These biological differences, he said, are essential for distinguishing one person from another, especially in the context of criminal investigations where clarity of identity can mean the difference between justice and impunity. Without this scientific foundation, he argued, law enforcement agencies lack a critical tool in the fight against crime.
Experts have noted that Nigeria’s forensic science capacity has historically lagged behind needs, with only a few forensic facilities available and many law enforcement agencies struggling to access or use scientific evidence effectively. One review of the state of forensic investigation in Nigeria found that outdated facilities and limited adoption of modern forensic methods have left many cases unsolved or poorly investigated, even as crime rates rise across the country.
In Lagos, efforts to improve forensic capabilities have focused on DNA analysis, with the Lagos State DNA Forensic Centre — the first of its kind in West Africa — providing critical support for criminal investigations and helping to identify human remains, link related cases, and assist with paternity testing. However, such initiatives are yet to be replicated at a national scale, leaving many regions without access to these vital scientific tools.
Prof Oladipo’s lecture went beyond academic theory to propose concrete actions. He called for the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science responsible for creating and managing a nationwide anthropometric and forensic data bank. This repository, he stressed, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track crime, assist law enforcement agencies, and improve the administration of justice by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and legal processes.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research and training in forensic science. Many Nigerian universities currently lack the funding and infrastructure to offer complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs in areas such as forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigation, a gap that forces aspiring experts to rely on collaborations with institutions abroad. By fostering a research-friendly environment and securing greater support from both government and private sectors, Nigerian institutions could produce homegrown experts capable of advancing forensic science in the country.
Awareness of forensic science’s role in criminal justice remains low among the general public and even among some security professionals. Studies have shown that a significant portion of Nigerians are unfamiliar with basic forensic concepts or the existence of tools such as DNA profiling and national forensic databases — tools that are common features of criminal justice systems in countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Prof Oladipo also urged regular training and retraining programs to keep forensic practitioners updated with evolving scientific methods. According to him, continuous professional development is critical in a field where technological advances — from biometric databases to digital forensic tools — are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved.
The lecture was attended by academics, students, and professionals drawn to the intersection of science, identity, and justice, all of whom heard the professor make a compelling case for scientific innovation and institutional reform as central to Nigeria’s effort to contain crime and strengthen its justice system.
The event not only showcased Prof Oladipo’s expertise in human anatomy and forensic psychology but also positioned forensic science as a strategic national priority — one that could bring clarity to investigations, support victims and their families, and ultimately enhance public safety across Nigeria.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
