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Police vow justice, hunt masterminds of Anambra attack

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Police vow justice, hunt masterminds of Anambra attack

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has condemned the recent violent incident in the Nnobi and Nnewi communities vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

This follows the abduction and subsequent gun battle that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a vigilante operative, and left two others injured.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Itam expressed outrage over the incident, describing the assailants as cowards and pledging a relentless manhunt to apprehend them.

The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered a manhunt operation on the assailants and vows to get justice for the heroic act of the murdered vigilante operative and others. The Commissioner condemned the killings in the strongest possible terms, describing the killers as cowards who have ‘murdered sleep.’ He consoles the families of the deceased and vows to get justice for the victims.”

“The tragic events unfolded on Monday when security operatives were tracking suspected kidnappers who attacked a burial ceremony and abducted a citizen using a red Highlander at about 1:30 p.m. in the Nnewi area. The suspects were followed to Nnobi, where they engaged in a gun battle with the police. During the exchange, a vigilante operative was fatally shot, and stray bullets struck two innocent bystanders.

“The armed men, operating in a red Highlander jeep, abducted a citizen in Nnewi at about 1:30 p.m. on June 17, 2024, and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle. During the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by a bullet, and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape, two innocent passersby were also fatally struck.”

It added that on arrival at the scene of the incident, five injured individuals were promptly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

“When the police responding team arrived at the scene and found five individuals severely injured during the attack. They were promptly rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old woman, were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty, while two others are currently receiving treatment.

“The Police Responding Team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital, but regrettably, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old lady, were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty, while two others are currently receiving treatment,” Ikenga said.

According Metro earlier reported that some gunmen invaded the Nnewi community in Nnewi North Local Government Area as well as the Nnobi community in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State on Monday.

Sources in the areas who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said several persons sustained varying degrees of injuries as the assailants suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home exercise shot indiscriminately into the air when they arrived.

The sources said, “The gunmen arrived in three vehicles and went straight to a popular hotel at Nnewichi (name withheld). One of the persons in the hotel at the time they attacked was abducted by the gunmen.

“The gunmen shot sporadically into the ground while the bullets were flying all around the hotel’s premises. Mobile phones and other valuables were collected from the victims the gunmen met in the hotel.

CP Itam has called on the public, especially eyewitnesses, to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing manhunt operation.

“Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues”, Ikenga’s statement concluded.

NSCDC vows to arrest attackers of Lafia headquarters in Nasarawa

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NSCDC vows to arrest attackers of Lafia headquarters in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Nasarawa says it has commenced an investigation to unravel those behind the attack on its headquarters in Lafia.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Jerry Victor, said this in an interview on Tuesday in Lafia.

Earlier, an unspecified number of bandits attacked the NSCDC Lafia office in the early hours of  June 17 but were repelled by the personnel of the command.

Victor said that the state commandant of the corps, Ismaila Abdullahi, had directed the intelligence unit to get to the root of the attack by apprehending the attackers, collaborators, and sponsors.

He said that those behind the attack would not escape justice as the command would go after them, no matter their status in the country.

Victor said that preliminary investigation revealed that the bandits wanted to set some of their members in their custody free.

“They came in large numbers with iron rods and attempted to break some part of the command’s fence to gain entry into the facility.

“Our personnel swiftly responded by opening fire on the hoodlums, whose mission was to release some high-profile suspected criminals including informants of kidnappers in our custody,” he said.

Victor added that the command had beefed up surveillance in and around their office to forestall future occurrences.

(NAN)

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Rivers ALGON Chairman escapes death, chased by protesting youths

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Rivers ALGON Chairman escapes death, chased by protesting youths

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Allwell Ihunda, escaped death narrowly as protesting youths chased him along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Ihunda, who is the outgoing Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, was on his way to the council secretariat with some aides and security details when the incident occurred.

It was gathered that he had alighted from his vehicle and tried to make his way into the council but met a group of youths who occupied the entrance.

Almost immediately, the youth started shouting, chasing him, the youths tried to get hold of Ibunda, who raced towards his car.

But the security details attached to the Mayor, as he is fondly called, resisted the youths from getting hold of their principal, shooting into the air to disperse them.

Ihunda jumped into a black SUV vehicle, escorted by aides and zoomed off while the youths continued shooting into the air.

Two other vehicles, including a white van believed to be that of aides of the outgoing chairman, were spotted going after him, while the youths rained abuses at him.

Some of the youth were heard shouting, “That is him, Allwell. Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor is running. Chase him. Are you mad? God punish you.

“Don’t run, come, you will see pressure. We are not afraid of you. You are mad. Thunder will fire you.”

But some of his security details were seen trying to calm the youths who refused to listen to them, saying, ” Why is he running?”

Recall that the state ALGON had vowed not to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure on June 17.

The LG chairmen, who were elected under the administration of Nyesom Wike as governor, had cited the local government amendment law made by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The law extends the tenure of the council chairmen by six months due to the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to conduct local government elections.

The Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister have been having a running battle with Fubara, due to the disagreement between him and his predecessor.

Fubara survived an attempt to impeach him last year, which worsened the political crisis in the state.

Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, directed the heads of local government administration to take charge of council affairs from Wednesday, June 19th, pending further directives.

Ogun pilgrims receive praise, advice from NAHCON

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Ogun pilgrims receive praise, advice from NAHCON

As the activities for Hajj 2024 gradually come to a close for about 1.5 million pilgrims from across the world, the Commissioner of Operations, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prince Anofi Elegushi, has congratulated pilgrims from Ogun State on the successful completion of the 2024 Hajj rites.

Elegushi, according to a statement on Tuesday, expressed this felicitation during a brief visit to the Mina tent of Ogun pilgrims,.

The Hajj Commissioner acknowledged the dedication and spiritual commitment demonstrated by Ogun pilgrims throughout the sacred journey, emphasizing that their perseverance and devotion were truly commendable.

He admonished the pilgrims to avoid any actions that might invalidate their Hajj before Allah, stressing the importance of maintaining purity in their deeds and intentions to ensure that their pilgrimage remains accepted and blessed.

“This is a time to reflect on the lessons learned and to carry forward the spiritual upliftment gained during Hajj. Your prayers are powerful and necessary for the continued peace and progress of our nation. Let the purity and devotion you have shown during Hajj be a beacon in your everyday life,” he advised.

In response, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Hajj 2024 in Ogun State, Sheikh Hussein Kehinde Lawal, expressed deep gratitude for the continuous support and leadership provided by NAHCON.

He assured that the state, through the Ad-Hoc Committee, would continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication to ensure all pilgrims adhere to the principles and values of Hajj.

Governor Dapo Abiodun was commended for his support to the pilgrims during the hajj, especially in the area of welfare, where the state government provided 100 US Dollars to each of the 934 pilgrims from Ogun State to cater for the shortfalls in their travel allowance as a result of the foreign exchange differentials.

Davido used me to trend without giving me money, says Portable

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Davido used me to trend without giving me money, says Portable

Controversial Nigerian music star, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has continually dragged award-winning singer David Adeleke, aka Davido, while claiming that he ripped him and used him to trend on social media.

Portable claimed that Davido was supposed to feature him when he hosted him at a dinner in Atlanta, United States.

The street-hop singer made this known in a video he recorded on Tuesday, in which he expressed his displeasure with Davido’s actions.

According to him, Davido had been giving him bad advice since he came to the US, including telling him to record with Empire Music when he (Davido) was doing his with Sony Music.

He opined that he is a ‘superstar’ and that Davido ought to have paid him $10k for the shots.

“Davido ripped me, you invited me out for dinner, you posted me, but you didn’t give me a verse, you didn’t give me money, you just used me to trend.

“$10,000 wouldn’t have been bad if you gave me that at least.

“He said I am proud. I boarded a first-class flight to America. He didn’t give me anything, he is just flattering. He is not one of my philanthropists because he didn’t give me money,” he said in a disjointed street lingo.

Recall that Portable also made several other statements that prompted the singer to unfollow him on Instagram, which fueled his outrage.

The online outbursts started when Davido called Zlatan on the phone to speak with Portable because he was with him, but Portable was not pleased with the way he was addressed by Zlatan.

He alleged that Zlatan was warning him to be careful with Davido because they are in the same confraternity that he described as “Aye,” while claiming that Zlatan had also been with Wizkid, who is in the same group as him, but he was not angry.

The Zazoo crooner warned Zlatan to desist from saying unpleasing things about him.

Mohbad’s family lawyers question toxicology results, demand

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Mohbad’s family lawyers question toxicology results, demand

The legal team representing the Aloba family has expressed dissatisfaction with the toxicology test results concerning the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba,  aka Mohbad.

The legal practitioners, Wahab Shittu (SAN) and Taiwo Odumosu, Esq., during a press briefing held via Zoom on Monday, faulted the handling of the procedures, adding that it raised serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into Mohbad’s death.

According Metro exclusively reported that the US-based lab refuted the claim by the Lagos State Government that the toxicology test was conducted at its facility.

The revelation was in response to inquiries made by our correspondent, who embarked on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the musician’s cause of death.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, while responding to inquiries via a live telephone call with Ahmad Isah, the anchor of an Abuja-based online programme, Brekete Family, sometime in February 2024, had said the toxicology test was being conducted at the NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, USA.

However, a pathologist, while testifying before the Coroner’s Court on May 15, revealed that an autopsy couldn’t determine Mohbad’s cause of death due to the decomposition of his body

Responding to According Metro’s inquiry on May 17, the Client Services Associate, Forensics Division, NMS Labs, Esther Dede, stated, “Unfortunately, we do not have a case for that patient.”

While citing the report, Shittu stated that the silence that followed from the government made a review of the toxicology test a necessity.

Shittu, who claimed there were discrepancies regarding the involvement of NMS Labs alleged that the letterhead and address of the facility appeared on the toxicology report despite conflicting statements from the laboratory regarding their actual role in the testing process.

He said, “We, the legal representatives of the Aloba Family, express our profound dissatisfaction and disappointment with the recent announcement regarding the toxicology test results of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, which have been declared ‘inconclusive’ by the pathologist. This outcome is entirely unacceptable to us and the Aloba Family and raises serious concerns about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation by the police and the medical team into the untimely death of their beloved son, brother, and friend. The Aloba family and, indeed, the whole world demand to know where the toxicology test was carried out as this has impugned the integrity.

“Following the news report in the Punch Newspaper of 31 May 2024 titled ‘US Lab Denies Conducting Poison Test on Mohbad’ and the silence that followed from the government, a review of the toxicology test must be necessary. The legal team wonders how the letterhead and the address of the National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA appeared on the toxicology test report if the test was not truly carried out in the USA.

“The legal team is puzzled more, given the discrepancies in the further response given by the NMS laboratories ascribing the test to another sister laboratory. The conflict of interest bothers professional integrity. The public is interested in knowing the relationship between the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Laboratory, NMS in the USA and ITSI Biosciences who allegedly completed the toxicology test on behalf of the Lagos State government.”

While describing Mohbad as a vibrant and promising young individual whose sudden demise left an indelible void, Shittu said the declaration of the autopsy as ‘inconclusive’ failed to provide the clarity needed and undermined the public as well as his family’s faith in the investigative process.

The legal team, however, demanded a fresh examination of the toxicology samples by an independent and reputable forensic laboratory, ensuring transparency throughout.

The team also called for a thorough review of testing protocols to prevent procedural errors or contamination, just as it urged the involvement of international forensic experts to oversee and validate the re-examination process.

It insisted on complete transparency in sharing all findings and reports related to the toxicology tests, urging expedited efforts to re-examine the samples and deliver definitive answers promptly.

Furthermore, the legal team criticised the Nigeria Police for what they deemed insufficient effort in the investigation while calling for the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“The Aloba Family remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice for Ilerioluwa. They deserve clear, definitive answers regarding the cause of his death, and it is the responsibility of the investigative bodies to provide them with such clarity. The current ‘inconclusive’ results only serve to prolong their agony and uncertainty, which is both unfair and unjust.

“Considering the Coroner Inquest, we appeal to the presiding Magistrate to ensure that an independent toxicology report is submitted to the Coroner’s Court before submitting the final report to the authorities. Presently, we have an application before the Coroner Court seeking approval to conduct an independent autopsy and toxicology test. We call on the presiding magistrate in the matter to expedite a hearing on the independent autopsy and toxicology application. That is the only way justice can be served in this case,” the statement added.

Women with sexually explorative past not damaged goods

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Women with sexually explorative past not damaged goods

Commentator and life coach Solomon Buchi, on Monday, hit out at the “alpha male” movement for their commodification and dehumanisation of women with a sexually explorative past.

Posting on X on Monday night, Buchi said, “Women with a sexually explorative past are not ‘damaged goods’ like alpha male fools have strongly propagated. I uphold conservative ideals regarding sexual liberty, but if a woman lived a sexually reckless life and turns a new leaf, she should never be taunted with it.”

He took issue with the language often used to describe such women, stating, “The constant commodification and dehumanization of women by the alpha male camp is irking. I recognize the biological reality of women, but women in their 30s with a sexually active past should never be described as Leftovers. Such language is horrendously inhumane.”

Buchi acknowledged that embracing promiscuity has consequences but insisted women shouldn’t be endlessly shamed for past actions.

“Of course, an ex-promiscuous woman shouldn’t feel entitled to be loved and married by men, because they’ve turned a new leaf. Actions have consequences, however, stop jeeringly defining women by the consequences of their actions.”

He took particular umbrage at those using derogatory language towards women embracing religion or seeking redemption later in life, such as “Women are like newspapers, they get stale the next day? Shut up! Women are like flowers that bloom and die. Shut up!”

“In the past weeks, I’ve seen a lot of men harassing 30 plus women in their comments, and reminding them that they’re stale like yesterday’s bread, or shaming them for embracing Jesus. It’s mostly perpetuated by these classless spineless alpha fools,” he stated.

Buchi cited the example of Jesus’ respectful treatment of the adulterous woman to counter such rhetoric. “When Jesus met the adulterous woman at the well, he didn’t remind her that she was left over. I presume that she was in her late 40s; had been married 5 times and still had a 6th man at home.”

The commentator lamented that some of those engaged in shaming are Christians themselves. “It disgusts me whenever a female celebrity proclaims Christ that these alpha fools begin to shame them for wasting their 20s and then embracing Jesus.”

“No woman is too far gone in prostitution that God cannot save and restore. God doesn’t stop redeeming women in their 20’s…Just to remind you that female prostitution isn’t a heavier sin than male promiscuity before God,” he added.

The post has since stirred a series of mixed reactions from X users. While some agree with his opinions, some have a contradictory view.

Biden to legalise status of undocumented spouse

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Biden to legalise status of undocumented spouse

The United State President, Joe Biden has announced plans to announce a new policy that
would protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.

According to a report filed by the BBC today, the move will apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and will also allow them to work in the US legally.

The report said the action by the US President marks the most significant relief programme for undocumented migrants already in the US since the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or Daca, in 2012.

The White House believes more than 500,000 spouses of US citizens will benefit, in addition to 50,000 young people under 21 whose parents are married to an American citizen.

Recall that earlier in June, Biden vowed to make the US immigration system “more fair and more just” while polls show that immigration is a primary concern for many voters ahead of the presidential election this November.

The announcement comes ahead of an event on Tuesday marking the 12th anniversary of the Daca programme, which shielded over 530,000 migrants who came to the US as children – known as Dreamers – from deportation.

The BBC report also gathered that the White House is also planning to ease and speed up the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants who have received degrees from US universities or who have received a job offer in their field, including Dreamers.

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Beverages prepared with unclean water can spread cholera

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Beverages prepared with unclean water can spread cholera

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said that beverages, ice, and drinks prepared with unclean or contaminated water can spread cholera.

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the bacteria— Vibrio cholerae— in contaminated water and food.

Symptoms of cholera include acute profuse, painless watery diarrhoea (rice water stools) of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.

Experts say severe cases of cholera can lead to death within hours due to dehydration. However, about 80 per cent of infected people may only show mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually, mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.

The 10 states contributing 90 per cent to the current cholera outbreak burden include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states.

So far, from January 1 to June 11, 2024, cholera cases have been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts say cholera is prevalent in areas with high-density populations, poor water supply, and poor personal and environmental hygiene.

Earlier, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed that the agency is conducting a risk assessment, and assisting states to respond to the outbreak.

On Tuesday, the NCDC, on its X handle, NCDCgov, warned, “Beverages, ice and drinks prepared with unclean or contaminated water can spread #cholera.

“Protect yourself and your loved ones; do not buy or consume foods or drinks prepared with water from unreliable sources.”

On how to prevent the spread of the infection, the agency advised Nigerians to make water safe and use water from reliable sources.

It said, “Use water from reliable sources, boil water before drinking, store water in properly covered containers, ensure bottled water and pure water sachet is properly sealed before you drink it.”

On its website, the agency said the disease is easily treatable if detected early.

“Most infected people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of Oral Rehydration Solution to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and appropriate antibiotics.

“The ORS solution is a powder that can be reconstituted in boiled or bottled water. Cholera can be deadly when infected people do not access care immediately.

“Cholera can be prevented through ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water; proper sanitation and waste disposal; and appropriate hygiene including handwashing. Raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided,” it added.

It urged state governments to prioritise action for solutions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.

Survivors recall horror of deadly double Indian train crash

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Survivors recall horror of deadly double Indian train crash

Survivors of an Indian double train crash that killed nine people described on Tuesday their terror when a driver missed a signal and rammed a goods train into a passenger express.

The force of the crash on Monday was so strong that one carriage was initially thrust high into the air, precariously balanced on another.

Heavy goods carriages were flung off the tracks, lying high in tumbled piles.

“I did not feel like I was going to survive,” said one passenger, Arti Roy, who lost her belongings when the carriages crumpled, twisted and then flipped off the rails.

The incident in West Bengal state is the latest to hit India’s creaking rail network, which carries millions of passengers each day — and the most recent reported failure of drivers missing basic signals.

Jahangir Alam, 35, who lives near the crash site in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, rushed to offer his help.

He said the sight of the wrecked trains terrified him.

“These accidents that are happening are very dangerous,” he said.

“Whenever we think about travelling by train, we feel scared inside.”

The Chairman of India’s Railway Board, Jaya Sinha, said that the driver of the goods train had “disregarded the signal” and hit the back of the passenger train.

The driver and his co-driver both died in the crash.

Sinha said the casualties could have been worse, but a guard wagon and two others carrying post at the back of the passenger train took the brunt of the crash.

– ‘Horrific experience’ –

Officials said Tuesday that the number of dead had risen to nine after one of the around 50 injured died in hospital.

“The death toll from the accident has risen to nine, with the death of an injured passenger,” Eastern Railway official Kausik Mitra told AFP.

“Around 40 injured people are still admitted to the hospital, but their condition is stable.”

But the express train — minus its final five carriages which were derailed or damaged — was able to limp on and continue its journey.

It reached Kolkata with about 500 passengers on Monday night.

“It was a horrific experience,” said Antara Das, 35, told AFP. “God has saved us.”

Trains resumed operating on parallel tracks, with work to repair the line and clear the twisted metal debris of the carriages expected to finish later Tuesday.

Many of the carriages have since been cleared from the lines, pushed onto the grassy verge.

As trains passed them on Tuesday morning, passengers stared out at the wreckage.

India has one of the world’s largest rail networks and has seen several disasters over the years, the worst in 1981 when a train derailed while crossing a bridge in Bihar state, killing an estimated 800 people.

In June last year, a three-train collision killed nearly 300 people in Odisha state.

In that crash, a packed passenger train was mistakenly diverted onto a loop line and slammed into a stationary goods train loaded with iron ore.

Three railway employees were later charged with culpable homicide and destruction of evidence.

In October, at least 14 people died when two passenger trains collided after one overshot a signal in Andhra Pradesh state.

The railways ministry said that drivers had been distracted because they were watching cricket on a phone, as hosts India played England during the one-day World Cup.

But in recent years, India has been investing huge sums of money to upgrade its network with modern stations and electronic signalling systems.

AFP

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