Nation

Police Parade Eight Kidnap Suspects, Others

Published

1 year ago

December 16, 2022

The Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command, yesterday paraded eight suspects for allegedly kidnapping and banditry in the state.
Speaking while parading the suspects, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Muhammed Gumel, called on parents to always monitor their wards.
The CP, while parading the suspects, said on December 4, at about 1435hrs, one Suleman Musa reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Sokoto, that around 1400hrs, unknown persons conspired and kidnapped his son, one Musa Suleman, aged seven years, and kept him at unknown destination for four days in captivity until the sum of four million naira ransom was extorted from the family members after which the boy was released.
He said, “Painstaking, police investigation identified one Haliru Riskuwa, who is a neighbour to the family and popularly known as ‘Lopetee’ ‘M’ of Arkilla State Low-Cost Area in Sokoto and was subsequently arrested.
“During police investigation, he confessed to the police on how he conspired alongside with his other gang members and committed the crime.
According to him, he committed the crime along with one Abdullahi Umar ‘M’ and Faruku Usman Binji, all of Plateau State and Binji LGA, Sokoto State respectively.
“All the suspects are in police custody except Faruk Usman Binji who is still at large. So far, two million, five hundred thousand naira ( N2,500,000.00) cash has been recovered as exhibit from the suspects.”
CP Gumel further explained that following series of complaints at the central police station, miscreants are launching armed robbery attacks, snatching of cell phones, engaging in free-for-all fights and inflicting injuries to several victims.
“On the 6th day of December, 2022, one Abubakar Tukur, a.k.a Aba; Suleiman Abubakar, a.ka. Dan Wanka; and Auwalu Bello, a.k.a Suwari all ‘M’ of Hubbare area, Sokoto, were arrested by the police of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Marina, in connection with the offences of criminal conspiracy, political thuggery, being in possession of dangerous weapons, causing grievous hurt and armed robbery.
“The suspects were arrested with exhibits such as: go-to-hell kind of weapon, long cutlass, knives and scissors.”
He also explained that on December 9, one Professor Bello Bazza, ‘M’, of Sokoto, reported at the SCID that he went to Juma’at Mosque on the Ali Akilu road and discovered that his Toyota Vibe with Reg. no. AZ 2685 KML was stolen, and he reported the case to U/Rogo Police Station and Control Room.
“On 10/12/2022 at about 23000hrs, a good Samaritan was passing around Shehu Shagari College of Education when he noticed a strange person with the vehicle.

The attention of policemen at the CID was drawn and the team quickly mobilised to the scene. On noticing policemen approaching the scene, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and took to their hills”.
The CP further said the usual crime preventive measures the police always adopted to keep the state safe and to ensure peace and order, the Divisional Police Officer of Isa LGA conducted raid at the surrounding of some political parties’ secretariats in Isa town on the November 20, 2022, at about 1400hrs.
In the course of the exercise, Gumel said weapons including axe, saw, sticks, and a Dane gun, etc. were recovered from both parties’ secretariats.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.