A group of over 30 terrorists attacked the Guto area of Bwari Area Council in Abuja on Sunday morning, killing one person and kidnapping four others.
The attack, according reports, began around 12:30am and lasted for over an hour, with the armed men dividing themselves into two groups and attacking the communities from various angles.
According to sources, the attackers entered Piwaye through the swamps and killed a woman, Madam Alice, who was in her mid-40s, before kidnapping a man.
Two victims were abducted from their homes in Guto, while another person was kidnapped from Tudun-Fulani, which is less than a kilometer from the council Secretariat.
Residents of the area expressed frustration and helplessness, stating that they made frantic calls to the police divisional headquarters in Bwari but received no response.
“We felt so helpless because the kidnappers operated for over an hour, but there was no police or army to challenge them,” said a resident of Tudun-Fulani.
Read also: Ondo: APC chieftain slams Aiyedatiwa on nullification of LCDAs, urges appeal
“I called my neighbor when the shooting started, and he said he had already called the police. We waited for them to show up for 20 minutes, and when we didn’t hear sounds of sirens, we called again, but they kept telling us they were on their way. We never saw them until the kidnappers left on their own”, the resident who chose to remain anonymous said.
Another resident, who also preferred anonymity, described the attack as “very unfortunate” and stated that the attackers operated with sophistication, using weapons that suggested they were well-prepared.
“What happened last night was very unfortunate. We couldn’t sleep from 12:30am when they started till almost three o’clock. Initially, we thought it was the vigilance teams who were shooting, but when it became persistent, we knew these people were back again. We have had peace for sometime now, but unfortunately, they have resumed, and this time with full force because it was two groups that entered Bwari that night. One was in Guto while the other group was in Piyawe.”
The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the area, with residents calling for increased protection and response from security agencies. The police have yet to comment on the incident.
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Bandits kill one, kidnap four in Abuja community, as esidents condemn lack of security response
Financial services key to empowering MSMEs, says Moniepoint MD
The Managing Director, Moniepoint MFB, Babatunde Olofin has emphasised the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises the world over.
in driving sustainable and prosperous futures.
Speaking on this year’s World MSME Day, Olofin said financial services are key to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises the world over.
He highlighted the importance of support from governments, financial institutions, and consumers, stating that partners like Moniepoint are essential in creating an environment that allows MSMEs to invest, trade, and thrive in both local and global markets, leveraging developmental benefits.
In a statement sent to According Online on Sunday, Moniepoint MD said, “We recognize that MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy. Millions of people depend on them every day for food, daily necessities, and sustenance. For businesses across Nigeria, we have just one promise—we’re always going to be here to make you happy. As we celebrate this year’s World MSME Day, we must acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of MSMEs. They drive economic stability and sustainable development, helping to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
“MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs and empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating MSME Day acknowledges that these agents of innovation, growth, and sustainability hold the potential to unlock critical pathways for accelerating SDG progress globally.
“On a day like this, we must renew our commitment to join hands—agencies of government, private sector operators, and all stakeholders—to continue supporting MSMEs through policies, funding, and capacity-building initiatives. By empowering MSMEs, we pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all, especially the coming generations”, Olofin said.
From economic downturns to global crises, MSMEs have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, driving economic growth and development across borders.
Moniepoint MFB, Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution according to the Financial Times, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing unparalleled support for MSMEs.
This effort, according to Olofin, aims to enhance its capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while promoting innovation, creativity, and sustainable business practices nationwide.
Olofin said, “The United Nations reports that MSMEs account for over 90 per cent of businesses and 60-70 per cent of employment worldwide, contributing to 50 per cent of global GDP.
These enterprises are vital for the global economy and sustain livelihoods, particularly among the working poor, youth, women, and workers in vulnerable situations.”
APC’s attack on Obaseki diversionary tactics, says aide
Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media project to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday, said the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress is employing diversionary tactics ahead of the September 21 poll by making spurious allegations against his principal.
The Edo APC on Saturday accused Obaseki’s administration of monumental corruption, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate some top government officials of the state.
The acting Chairman of the state’s APC, Jarret Tenebe, who made this claim at a press conference, said the EFCC had already invited some top government officials, urging the anti-graft agency to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion.
He said, “The latest plan by Obaseki to make the activities of his administration paperless is a criminal plan that has been designed by one Ugo who is in charge of e-governance, who has colluded with the governor to destroy all documents relating to fraudulent contracts with the excuse that the Edo government has gone paperless.”
He also queried the N28 billion being allegedly spent on a five-star hotel by the state government which he said was already at 85 per cent completion before the government took it over from its original owner.
In a statement on Sunday, Osagie said the APC used the press conference to cajole the Edo people, noting that the party has brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
He said, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to an ill-fated press outing by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in which they made several spurious and outlandish accusations.
“The shameful event is aimed at cajoling the Edo people and fruitlessly staging a strawman’s argument aimed at winning support for their lacklustre and tepid candidate in the September 21 Edo governorship election.
“After this party that is currently putting Nigerians through untold hardship, shortchanged themselves by picking a candidate that is unsuitable for a sophisticated state like Edo, they are deflecting, hiding the candidate behind a needle and taking an aim at novel governance innovations which they cannot understand because they have the worse intention for the people.”
The governor’s media aide added that “clearly, the APC’s only strategy ahead of the September 21 election is to deploy diversionary tactics and manufacture alternative facts in the hope that this will remove the spotlight from the obvious and disgraceful defects of their candidate, which has made the election a lost cause.
“In their presser, for instance, they rambled on about the ingenious transformation introduced by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, which they are not intellectually equipped to understand. This is not unexpected because you cannot give what you don’t have. The profile of these individuals gives them away as people with no capacity for governance.
“In trying to sound smart, the APC took a swipe at the government’s e-governance Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which was emplaced to drive transparency, accountability, traceability and digitisation in government. Arguing that it was overpriced and intended to delete public documents, they exposed their ignorance and betrayed their phobia for technology and forward-thinking.”
Osagie noted that the state “has invested in positioning its workforce and its larger population for opportunities presented in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through a robust digitization programme. With a state-wide fibre optic cable infrastructure and an advanced ERP system in place, all files have been archived and are easily retrievable.”
He stressed that the state APC chapter “is lost in its quest to plunder public resources and is scared that an ERP system would make it impossible for them to steal without a trace. So, they are out to demonise the system so that they can nurture the idea of hiding files, demanding for bribes for government processes to be hastened and feed fat on an old, dubious and opaque system of administration.”
“They make light of the investment in Radisson Hotel, a key addition to the State’s hospitality landscape. Edo today boasts only one international hospitality chain, the Protea brand managed by Marriot, with Radisson being the second.
“Much as there are a number of quality local brands, the potential benefits of increasing the number of international brands bodes well for the state’s nascent tourism sector. The state has lost the hosting right of a lot of international events on account of the limited presence of international brands,” Osagie added.
Reps pledge deeper parliamentary diplomacy
The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to deepening parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation as part of its role in promoting democracy and good governance.
The legislative chamber pledged on Sunday on the occasion of this year’s World Parliament Day.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, World Parliament Day is marked yearly on June 30.
A statement issued by the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi on Sunday, read in part, “As we celebrate World Parliament Day, we reaffirm our commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.
“We recognise that our role goes beyond national borders, and we must work together to address global challenges and promote peace, security, and sustainable development. Let us continue to build bridges, foster understanding, and strengthen our collective efforts towards a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.
“Today (Sunday), the Nigeria House of Representatives joins parliaments worldwide in commemorating International Day of Parliamentarism also known as World Parliament Day, a celebration of the vital role parliaments play in promoting democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
“This year’s World Parliament Day focuses on the critical role parliamentarians play in international cooperation and conflict resolution, aligning with the theme of the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: ‘Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.’ “
While recognising the role of parliamentary diplomacy in building bridges between nations, the House image maker noted that upon its inauguration on June 13, 2023, “Took a significant step towards fostering global legislative cooperation by establishing 71 Parliamentary Friendship Groups. These groups are dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and promoting mutually beneficial relationships with other nations, thereby enhancing peace, understanding, and cooperation worldwide.”
The statement recalled that recently, the actions of the National Assembly delegation to the last Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, “Demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and humanitarian principles.
“Led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Nigerian delegation rallied parliamentarians worldwide to boldly advocate for global action in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, earning our country international commendation and underscoring Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to global peace, security, and humanitarian values.”
As part of activities heralding the commencement of the second session of the 10th Assembly, the statement noted that the House is furthering its Legislative Agenda on Inclusion and Open Parliament with the inaugural Legislative Open Week slated for July 3 to July 5, 2024.
“This initiative aims to foster an open parliament and promote citizens’ engagement in legislative and governance processes. We, therefore, invite the Nigerian public and all stakeholders to participate in these activities and join us in building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous country, where no one is left behind,” the statements further read.
Ondo: APC chieftain slams Aiyedatiwa on nullification of LCDAs, urges appeal
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, has criticized Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for not appealing the nullification of the newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Adesanya, a Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President and former State Publicity Secretary of Ondo APC, stated that the nullification is a minus to Aiyedatiwa’s government.
“The nullification of the LCDAs is a minus to Aiyedatiwa’s government,” Adesanya said. “Posterity will not be kind to Aiyedatiwa if the government did not appeal the judgment”, he said.
Adesanya praised former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for having the political will to create the 33 LCDAs. “Since 1999, successive governments of Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Governor Olusegun Agagu, and Governor Olusegun Abayomi Mimiko have tried to bring government closer to the grassroots through creation of more Local Council Development Areas, but to no avail, for lack of political will,” Adesanya said. “After 24 years of failed attempts by previous governments, Akeredolu had the Political Will, in conjunction with the State House of Assembly, to create 33 LCDAs to bring governance closer to the people.”
Read also: SERAP to CBN: You have 7 days to ‘account for missing N100bn dirty notes,other public funds’
Adesanya expressed surprise that Aiyedatiwa did not appeal the judgment, saying, “Rather than commending him (Akeredolu) and fortifying the LCDAs with relevant laws and amendments, I don’t want to believe Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa surreptitiously allowed the 33 LCDAs to slip off the people of Ondo State, because posterity will not forgive him.”
He advised Aiyedatiwa to appeal the judgment, saying, “I advise Governor Aiyedatiwa to appeal the judgment of the State High Court nullifying the creation of the 33 LCDA to bring it back to life and to avoid been accused of destroying all the legacies of his boss, Akeredolu, as various communities have also spent so much to build Secretariats for the new LCDAs.”
Adesanya’s statement reads in part: “The nullification of the LCDAs is a minus to Aiyedatiwa’s government. Posterity will not be kind to Aiyedatiwa if the government did not appeal the judgment. I don’t want to believe Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa surreptitiously allowed the 33 LCDAs to slip off the people of Ondo State.”
Adesanya’s criticism comes after an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure nullified the newly created 33 Local Government Development Areas in the state, describing the LCDAs as illegal and unlawful. The court ruling was a result of a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, challenging the creation of the LCDAs by the former governor, Akeredolu.
The creation of the LCDAs was seen as a move to bring governance closer to the people, especially in rural areas. The nullification of the LCDAs has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling on the government to appeal the judgment.
The post Ondo: APC chieftain slams Aiyedatiwa on nullification of LCDAs, urges appeal appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Group canvasses support for HIV, TB patients in Ogun
Residents of Ogun State have been urged to stop the stigmatization of persons living with HIV or Tuberculosis and instead support and encourage them.
This appeal was made by the State’s COVID-19 project program officer, Akinpele Tayo, during a media briefing organized by AID, TB, and Malaria Network (ATM) in Abeokuta.
Tayo stated that the prevalence of HIV, TB, and malaria is correlated with poverty adding that the poorest communities are particularly vulnerable because they lack adequate health facilities, access to information and quality education.
While TB treatment is free, he bemoaned the fact that other hidden out-of-pocket costs including transportation to clinics may make treatment unaffordable.
“Generally, we have a high level of stigmatization and this is due to a lack of or inadequate information. There is no reason to stigmatize someone treating tuberculosis or a person living with HIV. There are always pocket of them because interact with these persons and once we have such case we know that there is inadequate knowledge and what do is to provide the prerequisite information.
“We are gradually getting to the point where both the community members and health workers are reducing stigmatization,” he said.
Tayo revealed that more community education about HIV, TB, and malaria services have been carried out in the state’s local government areas of Abeokuta South, Adoodo Ota, Obafemi, Ikenne, and Sagamu.
In her remarks, the lead ATM Coordinator, Olufunmilayo Olatunji, appreciated the state government for its implementation of basic health care including the renovation of health facilities across the state.
Olatunji stated that these health facilities, however, are faced with shortage of workforce, drugs and instrument to carry out their duties.
“We urge government officials and policymakers to prioritize and increase funding for Secondary and Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs).
“Adequate financial support is crucial for these centres to deliver quality healthcare services, including prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and others to the community. By allocating more resources to healthcare, governments can strengthen infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, and ensure that essential services are accessible to all.”
She urged private and religious organizations, and community members, to support or participate in advocacy efforts to secure increased funding for primary health care centers.
Group canvasses support for HIV, TB patients in Ogun
Ajaka mourns ex-CDS, Ibrahim Ogohi
The Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, on Sunday, mourned the passing of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (retd.).
Ogohi, the first chief of defence staff from the Nigerian Navy, died on Sunday at the age of 76.
In a condolence message issued to the family of the late admiral, a copy of which was sent to his Igala community and the Nigerian Navy, Ajaka described his transition as the end of an era.
The former governorship candidate said Ogohi’s legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and history.
The statement partly read, “Ogohi’s transition at 76 marks the end of an era, and his legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and history. His illustrious career was a testament to his unwavering commitment to our nation. He made history as the first naval officer to become Chief of Defence Staff and the first to reach a four-star rank during a civilian administration.
“His leadership, vision, and contributions to the Nigerian military are immeasurable. He served with honour, integrity, and distinction, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us. His dedication to duty, passion for excellence, and love for our country will never be forgotten.
“To the family, I offer my deepest sympathies. May Allah grant you strength and fortitude during this difficult time. You will find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His memory will be a blessing to us all, and his contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.”
Ogohi was the chief of defence staff between 1999 and 2003.
He joined the Nigeria Defence Academy in 1968 and received training in the United Kingdom, France, India and the United States.
His remains will be committed to the earth later today after a funeral prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Call members to order, pro-Wike chairmen tell NULGE president
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has faulted the National Union of Local Government Employees over its planned protest against the police barricade of the 23 local government council secretariats in Rivers State.
This was as they asked the NULGE to call its members in the state to order and that the local government councils staff too should “refrain from any protest that their greedy leaders want to drag them into.”
Recall that the NULGE President in the state, Clifford Paul, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday, gave the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a four-day ultimatum to order his men to vacate the 23 LG councils they have presently barricaded or the union would mobilise its members for a protest.
Paul, according to the statement alleged that the action of the police has prevented its members from going to work from where they provide for their families and the attendant man-hour losses.
Similarly, the State chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Alex Agwanwor and his Trade Union Congress counterparty, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, in a joint statement also condemned the action of the police and backed the NULGE ultimatum to the IGP for his men to vacate the council headquarters or face similar protest.
But, the embattled Rivers State ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused NULGE of taking sides in the political crisis in the state.
Ihunda, who stated this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Sunday also faulted Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointing NULGE members who are council workers into caretaker committees for the 23 LGAs, saying it is wrong except they resign from their duties.
Ihunda alleged that it was the reason that NULGE was collaborating with the NLC and the TUC to stage the protest against the police on Monday, pointing out that the governor had gone ahead to appoint the members of the CTC when the Court asked all parties in the matter to maintain status quo.
He stated, “We are aware that despite the matter in the Court of Appeal, on the 19th of June, the Rivers State Governor went ahead to appoint caretaker committee members for the 23 local government areas of the State although the Appeal Court has stated clearly that all parties should maintain status quo on all the suits before the Court.
“Now from the list of caretaker committee members, we observe that across the 23 LGA appointments were made from NULGE members as part of the caretaker committees whereas these NULGE members are staff of the council. They were not supposed to be.
“That is the reason why we observed recently that NULGE has collaborated with the NLC and TUC to carry out a protest tomorrow 24th of June against the policemen that the Inspector General of Police has ordered to stay in the councils to maintain law and order to forestall further deaths that were experienced in Omuma LGA.”
On his part, the embattled chairman of the Emuoha Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said it is unfortunate that NULGE in the state has thrown itself into a political dispute in the state.
Dr Lloyd stated, “We have heard from publications by NULGE under the leadership of one Clifford Paul, they have dangerously entered the arena of political dispute.
“These are supposed to be civil servants. But they (NULGE) have made nominations into the illegal caretaker committees who were sworn by Oko-Jumbo and two others.
“And they did not resign their appointments in according to the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government Law. First, for you to be a member of a local government caretaker committee you must resign whatever appointment you hold.
“We are not aware that any of them have resigned. They have taken the oath of office. So they cannot say they are calling for the police to vacate the premises of the various local governments because they want to go to work.
“These are people now who are dangerously aligned in the seeming dispute. We can cause whatever violence that they want, but we will not do that because we cannot be seen to be maiming the same people that we are leading.”
Citing the amendment of the local government law by the Martin Amaewhule House of Assembly which extended the tenure of the LG chairmen, he said a similar situation had taken place in Zamfara without anybody throwing stones because according to him it is the way to go if the Government is not able to provide the enabling environment for elections to hold.
“The Assembly extended the tenure of the local government chairmen in Zamfara for six months. Our sister State here, Akwa Ibom has also done it. What we have here (Rivers) is a situation where the Governor is inept, and inexperienced and is now open to all kinds of advice, including from people who want to benefit from the system.
“So we are calling on the National President of NULGE to call his members in Rivers State to order. We are also calling local government councils staff to refrain from any protest that their greedy leaders want to drag them into.”
He stated further, “I hear all these illegal Caretaker Committees as constituted by the Governor have gone ahead to make all kinds of announcements including dissolution of standing committees that we appointed.
“All of those committees are still intact. We have enjoined our committees to continue the discharge of the functions given them by those who were democratically elected by Rivers people.”
Lloyd noted that as law-abiding citizens the ALGON will wait for what the Court will say in the various issues awaiting its decision, rather than take laws into their hands.
He added, “We are not going to allow the police to be blackmailed. How is it that they have stopped us from accessing our councils to discharge our civic obligations? We are happy with the police and we welcome what the IG has done to avert any further breakdown of law and order.
“We cannot be cowed, we cannot be intimidated. You are all aware that this is a government we all collectively know that the 21 of us here were the coordinators of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s campaign organization in our various local governments.
“So what is going on is beyond imagination. But it is not unmindful that a man can invest in a business and he is duped. We consider ourselves as having been duped in the business we collectively invested in.”
Ex-champion Murray out of Wimbledon after back surgery
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has been ruled out of this year’s tournament after undergoing back surgery, the ATP Tour confirmed on Sunday.
“After an operation on a spinal cyst, Andy Murray is sadly out of Wimbledon. Rest up and recover Andy, we’ll miss seeing you there,” the ATP said on X, formerly Twitter.
The Scot had been aiming to make a farewell appearance at the grass court Grand Slam, which he won in 2013 and 2016.
However, the 37-year-old will need an expected six weeks to recover from surgery with Wimbledon starting on July 1.
He now also faces a race against time to be fit for next month’s Paris Olympics, with Murray twice a gold medallist in the singles.
Murray managed just five games before a back injury forced him to withdraw from his second-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at the Queen’s warm-up event in London on Wednesday.
The former world number one, who plays with a metal hip, struggled from the start of his match against Thompson and said afterwards he had a feeling of weakness in his right leg and had lost coordination.
“I never had that loss of coordination, control and strength in my leg before,” Murray said shortly after retiring from his match with Thompson.
“I’ve been struggling with my back for a while — I had lost the power in my right leg so lost all motor control, I had no coordination and couldn’t really move.”
Asked then about his prospects of playing at Wimbledon, he added: “Like all tennis players, we have degenerative joints and stuff in the back, but it’s all predominantly been left-sided for me my whole career.
“I have never had too many issues with the right side. So maybe there is something that can be done between now and then to help the right side.”
Murray underwent minor back surgery in 2013 and following a first-round loss at the recent French Open he said he would need treatment to address soreness.
The three-time Grand Slam champion only returned to competitive action in May after nearly two months out with an ankle injury.
He had been due to play singles and doubles with his brother Jamie at Wimbledon before potentially ending his career at the Olympics in Paris.
AFP
FIRS files charges against firm for tax evasion
In a bid to strengthen tax compliance, the Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against Well Property Development Company Limited for tax evasion.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service filed the suit on behalf of the government, accusing the company of understating tax returns, false declaration of earnings, and failing to deduct and remit taxes.
This is according to a document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Sunday.
In the suit, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant, while Wells Property Development Company Limited is joined with nine individuals as defendants.
Among other things, the company was accused of various offences including understating tax returns, and false declaration of earnings, while carrying our taxable services.
The suit is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/293/2024 and dated June 21, 2024.
Details later…
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