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‘It’s political,’ APC faults Edo’s suspension of school resumption over fuel price hike

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‘It’s political,’ APC faults Edo’s suspension of school resumption over fuel price hike

The All Progressives Congress, Edo State chapter, has described as “expensive political gimmickry” the decision of the state government to suspend indefinitely the resumption date for schools in the state over the hike in the price of fuel.

The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe via a memo, announced the postponement of September 9, the earlier scheduled date until further notice.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Peter Uwadiae-Enosorogbe, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the action of the state government was a political gimmick less expected by the public.

Uwadiae-Enosorogbe said he was surprised that the state government could be sacrificing the educational pursuit of the children for politics.

“You cannot sacrifice the education pursuit of the children for fuel scarcity. It is not today we are having a hike in fuel prices. This cannot derail the educational system.

“Nobody is protesting the hike and no parents have complained that they cannot take their children to school for learning. This is not adding up.

“To every reasonable and rational individual, the government has erred again. It is one of the mistakes of the state government.

“It is not in the interest of the children; it is not in the interest of the parents and it is not in the interest of the educational system,” he said.

Uwadiae-Enosorogbe called for the reversal of the decision, saying that state education had suffered a lot under this administration.

According to him, statistics of performance for the recently released results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination ranked Edo 26th as against first and second positions in the past.

“If you now postpone resumption, how are you going to mitigate the time you have made them stay at home deliberately? Meanwhile, the parents are not complaining,” the APC spokesperson said.

He called on the stakeholders to prevail on the government to open the schools, adding that it was illogical for the government to keep at home children whose parents had paid school fees and bought textbooks.

“The children are eager to go back to classes to learn. So the government should not use political gimmickry to checkmate them.

“Edo government should be talked to, because the action is an aberration; the action is uncalled for; the action is not in the interest of anybody,” he said.

NAN

Anenih’s state burial sparked rift with Oshiomhole – Obaseki

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Anenih’s state burial sparked rift with Oshiomhole – Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said that one of the problems his administration has with Adams Oshiomhole was that he organised a state burial for the Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Tony Anenih.

Obaseki disclosed this while presenting the party’s candidates, Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, to the people of Esan North East Local Government area of Edo State.

At the time of the burial, Obaseki was still with the APC, though his relationship with Oshiomhole was strained as both had fallen out over party and governance issues.

Speaking to party supporters at Okpujie Demonstration Primary School, Uromi, Obaseki said the former governor questioned the rationale behind his organising a state burial for the deceased.

He said, “When Chief Tony Anenih died, I gave him a state burial as an APC member and this is one of the things that caused problems between Oshiomhole and I. He said he was not an elected official, why would I give him a State burial? I said the man has done more than many governors so he deserved it.

“Before coming here to campaign we went to his (Anenih’s) village to pray and to thank him for what he did for the Esan land, Edo State and Nigeria.

“I say Edo must be one, united and to achieve this every part of Edo state must produce governor. Edo North and South have produced and it’s time for the Esan people to produce the governor. It is left for you to deliver him.

“APC does not love Esan people as the candidates they plan to impeach the candidates after three months and take over the state to run it the way they like.

“Esan has produced people like the Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, the Late Chief Tony Anenih, and Prof. Osaremen Osunbor and now wants to bring Monday Okpebholo who can’t measure up to these people. It’s an insult to Esan people”.

The governor charged the people to embark on massive campaign after this rally to mobilize and get more people and new voters in readiness for the September 21, governorship election in the State.

“I charge you to mobilise for PDP in this election and ensure that Ighodalo and Ogie win the September 21st governorship election”.

Ighodalo said Uromi is the stronghold of the PDP and capital of Esan land, noting that stronger politicians have emerged from Uromi.

“Obaseki has done so much for Edo people in terms of roads, hospitals, healthcare, and sports. Those he couldn’t finish we will complete them. APC policies have continued to remove money from our pocket and increase our suffering and hardship, but we are coming to bring a better life for Edo people”.

Former chairman of Esan North East local government area, John Yakubu said the council area has verified over 4,000 canvassers that carry the party messages of prospects and growth to our people.

Police arrest Edo train station kidnap suspect

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Police arrest Edo train station kidnap suspect

A suspect, Ehis Jonah, 26, has been arrested in connection with the train station attack and kidnapping in Igueben, Edo Central Senatorial District on January 7, 2023.

Jonah, who was among 12 suspects paraded for different crimes by the Edo State Police Command in Benin, the state capital, on Friday, said he was contacted to provide logistics for the other suspects, using his motorcycle and he made N2m as proceeds from the crime.

In an interview with journalists, he said, “I am a motorcycle rider and I was contacted by Amenvbagbe Ogelegbe to take him and others to the train station for kidnapping.

“He promised to pay me. So, I took them there. After everything, he brought N2m for me and said that was my share of the proceeds.”

The Edo State police spokesman, Moses Yamu, who paraded the suspects, stated that Jonah was apprehended after a police surveillance patrol stopped a motorcycle conveying him and two others on September 1, 2024.

He added, “During interrogation, one Tecno Spark 9 phone in their possession rang. The call was placed hands-free, during which the caller stated that the owner of the phone, Gazali Hassan, went missing on August 31, with his motorcycle.

“On the strength of the revelation, investigation was launched; and findings were that the suspects killed the said Gazali Hassan and took his motorcycle.”

The police spokesman said operatives subsequently mobilised to the scene of the crime along the Idumoza pipeline in Uromi and recovered the corpse.

He added,  “Further investigation led to the arrest of additional seven suspects who have been terrorising Edo Central and have participated in the robbery at Osigholo filling station and the deadly attack/kidnapping at Igueben train station.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.”

Police kill suspected bandit, arrest two others in Kebbi

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Police kill suspected bandit, arrest two others in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has reported that its operatives killed a suspected bandit terrorising a local community and arrested two others.

The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that three AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The statement read, “In its sustained crackdown on banditry and other serious crimes in the state, on June 21, 2024, at approximately 13:30hrs, armed bandits in large numbers on motorcycles invaded Kurgeye village, Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, and kidnapped Malami Danladi and his son, Bello Danladi.

“Upon receiving the report, a team of 36 PMF personnel on special duty, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a pursuit, which led to an exchange of gunfire.

“During the confrontation, one bandit was shot dead, and one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine, as well as a Bajaj motorcycle, were recovered.”

The statement further revealed that on 3rd September 2024, security operatives, in a joint patrol with VGN members along the Ribah-Kanya Road, “intercepted and arrested two individuals: Isiya Alhaji Usman and Yunusa Yusuf, both from Auda village in Danko/Wasagu LGA, suspected to be part of the bandits terrorising the area.

“Upon searching them, a K2 rifle, a fabricated AK-47 rifle with three magazines, and 66 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.”

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, praised the gallant efforts of his officers, urging them to not only maintain but enhance their performance.

The CP also called on all security agencies operating in the region to strengthen their cooperation in order to decisively tackle banditry and other criminal activities, ensuring the socio-economic stability of the state.

As a result, the CP ordered the transfer of the arrested suspects and recovered items to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and prosecution.

EFCC arrests 44 suspected fraudsters in Kwara

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EFCC arrests 44 suspected fraudsters in Kwara

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said it has arrested 44 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This was disclosed in a post via the commission’s official X handle on Friday.

According to the commission, the suspects were arrested on Friday, following credible intelligence over their alleged involvement in internet-related offences.

The statement reads, “Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Forty-four (44) suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ilorin, Kwara State.

“They were arrested on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Sango, Kulende, Taxaco and Harmony Estate, all in Ilorin,  following credible intelligence over their alleged involvement in internet-related offences.

“Items recovered from them include 6 different brands of exotic cars, laptops, smartphones and charms.

“The suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

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PDP hails court judgment on Ighodalo’s candidacy

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PDP hails court judgment on Ighodalo’s candidacy

The Peoples Democratic Party has celebrated a significant judicial victory with the Court of Appeal’s recent decision affirming the eligibility of Dr Asue Ighodalo, its candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election.

PDP, in a Friday statement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, hailed the court’s ruling.

According Online earlier reported on Friday, that the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from Edo State PDP governorship aspirants Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua, who sought to disqualify the party’s candidate, Ighodalo.

The appeal aimed to overturn an April 17, 2024, Federal High Court judgment by Justice James Omotosho, which had dismissed their case as statute-barred.

The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Hamma Barka, upheld the earlier decision, ruling that the suit was filed too late.

It called it a major win for the people of Edo State, reinforcing their collective will and aspirations. It was titled, “Voter’s Card: PDP Celebrates Appeal Court Judgement Affirming Ighodalo’s Eligibility.”

The party described the judgment as a triumph of truth over the alleged misinformation and propaganda from the All Progressives Congress.

It read, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig asserts that today’s judgement of the Court of Appeal, which unanimously affirmed the eligibility of its candidate in the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship election, @Aighodalo Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is another resounding victory for the collective will and aspiration of the people of Edo State.

“The Party describes the Appeal Court judgment, which established the authenticity of Dr Asue Ighodalo’s INEC Voter’s card, as another triumph of truth over APC’s lies, falsehood, and propaganda.”

Also, the PDP criticised the APC’s attempts to disrupt Ighodalo’s candidature through numerous court cases, which it claims were designed to distract from the party’s perceived weaknesses.

The PDP further contended that the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, is inadequately positioned to match Ighodalo’s appeal.

“The pronouncement of the Appeal Court that the litigation against Dr Asue Ighodalo was bereft of merit and based on flawed assumptions further validates the position of the PDP that the several court cases instituted against Dr Asue Ighodalo were contrived, frivolous, and only aimed at distracting our candidate and the people of Edo State.

“It is public knowledge that the @OfficialAPCNg APC was desperate to stop Dr Asue Ighodalo with multiple court cases, knowing that its candidate, Monday Okpebholo @m_akpakomiza who is practically empty, purposeless, and uninspiring, is no match for the PDP candidate at the poll,” it further read.

In response to the Court of Appeal’s decision, the PDP suggested that the APC and its candidate reconsider their position in the race.

The Party commended the Edo State electorate for their continued support and encouraged them to stay vigilant as the election approached.

It concluded, “Today’s judgement of the Court of Appeal has therefore practically brought the APC to its knees and wit’s end. The APC, its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his propaganda machine, led by Adams Oshiomhole, should counsel themselves, as it is not too late for the APC to withdraw from the race.

“Our party commends the people of Edo State for their support for the PDP and Dr. Asue Ighodalo and urges them to remain resolute and vigilant as we collectively coast to victory, come September 21, 2024.”

16-year-old arrested for defiling three sisters in Plateau

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16-year-old arrested for defiling three sisters in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command says it has arrested a teenager for having sexual intercourse with three sisters in the state

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, made this known in Jos on Friday while briefing journalists on the operational breakthroughs recorded by the command in the state capital and other parts of the state

According to the Commissioner, the sixteen-year-old suspect identified as Miracle Igwebuike was arrested in the Tudun Wada community, Jos North Local Government Area, after having carnal knowledge with the victims aged 6, 9, and 12

The Commissioner said, “On 24/08/2024 at about 4:30 pm, one Victoria Livinus and one Kauna Stephen, both female of Tudun Wada Jos, reported at the ‘A’ division Police station that one Miracle Igwbuike male, 16 years of the same address, has been having carnal knowledge of their daughters, one Josephine Livinus, 9 years old, one Jennifer Livinus, 6 years old and one Blessing Stephen, 12 years old, all female of same address.

“Upon receipt of the report, the suspect was immediately arrested by officers attached to the division and brought to the station for interview.

“He confessed to the crime and further stated that one Bongkat Dombin, female, 38 years of the same address, had been seducing and having sexual intercourse with him since he was 13 years old.

The said Bongkat Dombin has also been arrested, and she confessed to the crime.

The commissioner also paraded over 20 other suspects for various offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, extortion, illegal possession of firearms and intimidation, among others.

He said all the suspects would be charged in court after the investigation was concluded

“I want to take this time to appreciate the members of the press for cooperating with the police and for ensuring that you feed the good people of Plateau State with accurate information.

“I also wish to appreciate the government of Plateau State for the overwhelming support given to the command.

“To the good and peace-loving citizens of Plateau State, I want to thank you for collaborating with us and feeding the command with accurate, timely, and useful information that has helped us in our job of securing lives and properties,” the commissioner added.

London introduces direct bus service to protect Jewish communities

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London introduces direct bus service to protect Jewish communities

Transport authorities in London have introduced a new public bus service linking two areas of the capital with large Jewish populations, as anti-Semitic incidents hit record levels.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he had been struck by the fear felt by Jews who told him they had received abuse when changing buses to travel between the two areas.

The new service, which began this week, provides a direct link between Golders Green and Stamford Hill, removing the need for passengers to change buses.

The new service was welcomed by Jewish groups.

“In a period where our community is encountering unprecedented anti-Semitism, any measure that bolsters the confidence of Jewish individuals in using public transport is immensely valued,” said co-chairs of the London Jewish Forum Andrew Gilbert and Adrian Cohen.

Khan said the Jewish community has been campaigning for a direct transport link for 16 years.

The Jewish community was “frightened because of a mass increase in anti-Semitism since October 7 last year” when Hamas attacked southern Israel, he told BBC radio.

“I was told stories by families who, where they changed buses from Stamford Hill to Golders Green at Finsbury Park, were frightened about the abuse they had received,” he said.

Passengers using the service on Friday told AFP they were happy it was now available.

“I feel safer and it’s very convenient,” said one woman with her four-year-old son wearing a kippa.

She said she had “never had a problem myself. But antisemitism is rising for sure.”

“I avoid going out in the evening,” she added.

Another passenger, Jochanan, 70, said he usually took a taxi to visit family in Golders Green because the area where you had to change buses was “known to be violent.”

He said he was very concerned about the current situation in London.

“The old generation says the situation now reminds them of Germany before the war in the 1930s,” he said.

Anti-Semitic incidents in the UK hit record levels in the first half of this year, according to one Jewish charity.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors anti-Semitism in Britain, recorded 1,978 such incidents from January to June, its highest six-month tally since it began its count in 1984.

It said it was the continuation of a surge seen after the October 7 attack.

The number represented a 105-percent increase on the 964 incidents recorded in the same period in 2023, the trust added.

AFP

152 terrorists killed in one week

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152 terrorists killed in one week

The Defence Headquarters on Friday said troops during the week killed a total of 152 terrorists and arrested 109.

The military high command also stated that the strongholds of two notorious terrorist leaders — the Sadiku enclave at Tsora Hill in Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State; and the Yusuf Enclave in Yadi Forest, Giwa LG, Kaduna State, were destroyed.

In a statement by the Director of Media Operations, Edward Buba, the troops’ achievements were an indication that the military was steadily progressing towards the goal of destroying all criminal elements.

He said, “The war against terrorists, insurgents, violent extremists and others perpetrating insecurity in the country rages, and troops are sustaining the momentum to achieve victory. Indeed, the armed forces are steadily progressing towards the goal of destruction of all these elements.

“Given recent events, the military learns every day and makes improvements on ways to better deal with threat situations posed by these terror groups. Troops are moving in against the terrorists and denying them freedom of action.

“During the week, troops carried out surgical operations against two prominent terrorist commanders and decimated their strongholds. Namely, Sadiku enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State and Alhaji Yusuf enclave in Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.”

“Overall, troops operations during the week resulted in 152 terrorists neutralised, 109 arrested and 91 hostages rescued,“ Buba said.

He noted that during the operations against crude oil theft, products worth N795 million were recovered.

He said,” In the South-South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N795,683,395.00 only. Furthermore, troops crippled crude oil theft activities at the following locations through air interdiction: Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, all in Rivers State. Troops also apprehended two female terrorist collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom,” among others.

Buba, however, urged the citizens to support the troops to win the war against insecurity in the country.

Gunmen abduct Babcock varsity worker in Ogun

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Gunmen abduct Babcock varsity worker in Ogun

Some unknown gunmen on Thursday abducted a widow and an assistant Chief Nursing Officer with the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan Remo, Mrs Elizabeth Uruakpa.

Uruakpa, 66, was said to be coming from the evening church service when the gunmen who had laid ambush swooped on her at the entrance of her house behind the new Ilisan market.

The incident reportedly made the neighbourhood panic as many residents and shop owners quickly shut their doors to avoid being unaware.

A resident of the area who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said, “The woman was coming back from the church in the evening around 7 pm when the gunmen abducted her. I know her very well, she’s a senior nursing staff with Babcock University Teaching Hospital and a member of the Winners’ Chapel.

“They dragged her down from her vehicle, put her in their red Toyota car and sped away. It was really like thunder lightning, and such a thing had never happened before in our neighbourhood. It is so strange and scary.”

The university’s Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr Joshua Suleiman, confirmed the worrisome development to our correspondent on Friday.

He said. “I heard about it last night. It is on one of the university’s platforms but I don’t have a comprehensive report about it. Someone is already working on getting more information about this and as soon as it is ready, I will get across to you. ”

Efforts to get the reaction of the spokesperson, Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, were futile as calls put to her mobile number were unreachable and messages sent to her lines were yet to be replied to as of the time of filing this report

Details later…

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