Some university lecturers have said the practice of releasing and returning arrested bandits back to the communities is undermining the fight against banditry in the country.
The lecturers also tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to charge his service chiefs to deepen the use of non-kinetic methods to reduce banditry in the country.
The university lecturers made the assertions in a statement issued at the end of a research they conducted in some parts of the country, including the Northwest, Northcentral, Southeast and Southwest zones.
The research was conducted by Professor Olajide Akanji (principal investigator), Professor Rasidi Okunola, Professor Bentina Mathias, Professor Bukola Adesina, Dr Nathaniel Danjibo, Professor Adebimpe Adenugba and Professor Oludayo Tade.
The researchers advised the federal government and affected states to ensure that adequate support for long-term rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of banditry is made.
The researchers identified lapses in government responses to bandit attacks in communities and maintained that the practice of releasing and returning arrested bandits back to communities is undermining the war against banditry.
They called for increased collaboration among traditional institutions, security agencies, and community leaders to nip activities in the bud, adding that there is a need for regular deployment, monitoring and surveillance of communities prone to bandit attacks.
They also revealed that data have shown that bandits attack communities very early or late in the night while others attack communities on market days with a view to hijacking food, kidnapping and displacing communities.
The researchers said, “While banditry has led to displacement, unemployment and poverty in some of the affected communities, the affected people want the government to also adopt non-kinetic alongside with kinetic approach by building community resilience through the provision of communication gadgets to community members for the purpose of gathering intelligence and reporting incidences.
“Participants argued that the absence of such gadgets has hindered evidence gathering, reportage, and investigation of perpetrators in communities. They also wanted the government to empower communities and individuals to be able to defend themselves rather than feel helpless when attacked. The research participants also called for the creation of community policing to promptly attend to bandit attacks in local communities more effectively.
“More importantly, communities prone to bandit attacks need regular security awareness and sensitisation training. Participants called for strict penalties such as the death penalty for bandits and their informants within the community to serve as a deterrent to others. Apart from this, the study found lapses in government responses to the fight against banditry to include
“The researchers identified lapses in government responses to bandit attacks in communities to include the practice of releasing and returning arrested bandits back to communities which have undermined trust in the legal and security frameworks, deterring individuals from reporting suspicious activities due to fear of reprisal.
“Lack of implementation of decisions reached during investigations, leading to a disconnect between government promises and actionable results. Poor/lack of evaluation and adaptation of governments’ responses to evolving banditry threats. Delays in aid delivery to victims. Inadequate support for long-term rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of banditry. “
Releasing arrested bandits to communities undermining war against banditry – University Dons warn
Releasing arrested bandits to communities undermining war against banditry – University Dons warn
Ondo monarch bags three years imprisonment for court contempt
An Ondo State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Igbokoda has sentenced the Baale of Ebute Ipare Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, Francis Ogundeji, to three years’ imprisonment for disobedience to a court order.
The judgement was delivered on Monday by Senior Magistrate E.A Manuwa, but a copy of the ruling was made available to our correspondent on Thursday.
According to the judgement, Ogundeji and one Ikuejamoye Thomas were charged with selling land in the community in November 2022, against a court order.
It was gathered that the state High Court sitting in Okitipupa and a magistrates’ court in Igbokoda had restrained people from selling the land.
However, the traditional ruler, in collaboration with Thomas, defied the court order and sold the land.
The convicts were also charged with falsehood, as they backdated the receipt of the land sale. They faced four counts, including contempt of court and falsehood.
During the proceedings, the charges were read to the defendants in English and interpreted into Yoruba to the satisfaction of the court.
The charge sheet read: “That you, Francis Ogundeji ‘M’, a farmer, and (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas ‘M’, a pensioner, and others at large, on a date in November 2022 at about 12 p.m. at Ebute Ipare Community in the Igbokoda Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit an offence, to wit, contempt of court, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Francis Ogundeji ‘M’, a farmer, and (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas ‘M’, a pensioner, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did disrespect the order of the court delivered on the 10th of April 2019 in Suit No: HOK/51/2018 by selling Ebute Ipare Ogunowo descendant land and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 133 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Francis Ogundeji ‘M’, a farmer, and (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas ‘M’, a pensioner, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did forge the land receipt of Ebute Ipare Community Ogunowo descendant land by backdating the receipt of sale to read November 2022 instead of 16th April 2017, knowing it to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Francis Ogundeji ‘M’, a farmer, and (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas ‘M’, a pensioner, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did disrespect the court order delivered on the 11th of September 2018 in Suit No: MKD/3M/2018, which was presided over by His Worship E.A Manuwa, Magistrate Grade I at the time, over the tussle of the land committee of Ebute Ipare Community, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 133 (1 & 9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The magistrate found Ogundeji and Thomas guilty of the offence in count three and sentenced them to three years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N150,000 each.
However, the court discharged and acquitted Thomas on counts one, two, and four.
The magistrate ruled: “The first defendant, Ogundeji Francis, is hereby sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on count one or to pay the sum of N30,000 to the state government as a fine.
“The first defendant, Ogundeji Francis, is also sentenced to three months’ imprisonment or to pay the sum of N30,000. The second defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted of the offence in count two.
“In count three, both the first and second defendants are sentenced to three years’ imprisonment each or to pay a fine of N150,000 each to the state government.
“The first defendant, Ogundeji Francis, is also sentenced to one month’s imprisonment or to pay the sum of N30,000 to the state government. The second defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted of the offence in count four.”
However, the court ruled that the terms of imprisonment for the first defendant would run consecutively.
Lagos govt cracks down on illegal shrine construction
In a bid to maintain environmental order and sanitation, the Lagos State government has taken decisive action against the construction of an unauthorized shrine near a main road in the Iyana Ipaja area.
According to Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab on Thursday, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps collaborated to remove the shrine.
Read Also: Amnesty International denounces raid on NLC headquarters
The removal was carried out after repeated stop-work notices were served and personnel from the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency faced physical assaults.
Wahab warned the public via his X handle, stating, “The Lagos State government is again warning everyone to desist from constituting any form of environmental nuisance on state parks and gardens, as this will be met with prosecution.”
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We are all protesting, Buhari’s 8 years wasted Nigeria – Rep Omirin
A lawmaker at the House of Representatives for Ilesa East and West constituency, Omirin Omirin has described the two terms of President Buhari as a waste for the country.
Omirin made this statement while addressing newsmen at the Bojah World grand opening in Lagos.
He said, “The mess left behind, whoever, even if Jesus Christ becomes the President of Nigeria, especially at this crucial time, people will continue to complain.
“We have not started implementing the 2024 budget. This is to tell you the situation at present.
“By next month, we are supposed to start preparing for the 2025 budget. Fortunately, I am a member of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives. So, I know what is happening in the system as of today,” he said.
While reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast in response to protesting youths, Honorable Omirin said that the President means well for Nigeria.
“What I know for sure, is that the President means well for Nigeria. But he may be incapacitated. If you are not there, you will not know it is a hot seat.
“I am a PDP member. This is not a party issue. This is a matter of national concern. We need to pray, encourage him, and give necessary legislative support that can help the system,” added.
He appealed to the protesters to give the president a chance, stating everyone was protesting.
He said, “However, in a situation where hoodlums will hijack the protest, damage people’s properties; it will adversely affect the citizens. We are all protesting. “There is a problem globally. Economic issues, and challenges, throughout the world. The problem is that we did not save for the rainy day. That is exactly what is happening. But I still believe that Nigeria is a good place to live.
“Nigeria should be patient and give the present administration the benefit of the doubt. Our protest will be on the day of elections, let us allow the President to spend his four years so that he will not have an excuse. The next election is coming, if he does not perform to our expectations, vote him out.
“Two elections are coming soon in Edo and Ondo, they can only protest and let them tell the President that their party is not doing well with their votes so they will sit tight. But in the situation where our people vote for APC in Edo or Ondo, it is an indication that they are doing well.”
We are all protesting, Buhari’s 8 years wasted Nigeria – Rep Omirin
Makinde reinstates traditional ruler after six months suspension
The Oyo State Government has lifted the suspension of a traditional ruler, the Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Babalola, (Gbadewolu I), six months after he was suspended.
The Executive Council Chairman of Ido Local Government Area, Sheriff Adeojo, made the announcement, on Thursday, while presenting the reinstatement letter to the traditional ruler.
The According reported that the Oyo State government had suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), as the Onido of Ido in Ido LG of the state, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola.
The letter indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.
While congratulating the Onido of Ido, the council chairman said the state government, under the leadership of Makinde, would continue to regard traditional institutions as a stabilising force in communities and the state as a whole.
Speaking further on the development, Adeojo commended Makinde for his support and belief in the traditional institution as the backbone of any government, being closer to the people at the grassroots.
According to Adeojo, Makinde believes that the roles of traditional rulers exist in collaboration with the other tiers of government for good governance and security of communities within their domains.
He thereafter urged Oba Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) to continue to use his kingship to promote peace in the Ido Local Government Area.
In his reaction, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade said, “On February 2 this year after exhaustive investigations that involved the Onido of Ido himself, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde was satisfied that fairness and justice will be served if the hard decision to suspend the Onido was taken and he did.
“The promised six months has now been served and the Governor needed no further persuasion to let the Onido back to his duties without further ado.
“It is the hallmark of good leadership to be at once tough and fair when the need arises.”
Top 10 pocket-friendly Nigerian meals
In Nigeria, where the cost of living can vary widely, finding nutritious and affordable meals is essential.
Whether you’re cooking at home or opting to purchase ready-made dishes, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
With N750 to N1500, you can purchase a variety of hearty Nigerian meals, from staples like Jollof rice to quick fixes like Indomie noodles with vegetables and a little more to prepare by yourself.
These meals not only provide the necessary nourishment but are also accessible, ensuring that eating well on a budget is within reach for many.
“Pocket friendly” is an informal term used to describe something affordable or reasonably priced.
It implies that the cost of the item or service won’t put a strain on your budget, making it easy to purchase without financial difficulty.
According Online in a Thursday chat with a Kwara State-based food entrepreneur, Mrs Lateefat Alli-Oluwafuyi, said that health is wealth and good food translates into good health.
She stressed that one should rather try to feed well and stay healthy than get sick these days with the increase in drug prices and get effective treatment.
“The phrase “health is wealth” underscores the idea that good health is one of the most valuable assets a person can have. The absence of good health can significantly compromise all other aspects of life. A healthy body and mind are the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life.
“When we say good food translates into good health, we’re emphasising the critical role that nutrition plays in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The food we consume directly affects our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.”
With a cross-sectional survey done across the six zones, here are ten economic-friendly meal ideas in Nigeria that are both nutritious and easy on the pocket:
1. Jollof Rice
Ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, onions, pepper, oil, seasoning cubes.
Why: A staple in many Nigerian homes, Jollof rice is affordable and can be prepared with or without protein, making it adaptable to various budgets.
2. Beans and Plantain
Ingredients: Beans, ripe or unripe plantains, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Beans are an excellent source of protein and are quite affordable. Paired with plantains, it makes a filling meal.
3. Eba and Egusi Soup
Ingredients: Garri (for Eba), melon seeds, palm oil, vegetables, milk curds (wara), stockfish, or meat (optional).
Why: Egusi soup is rich and can be made with or without meat, depending on your budget. Eba (made from Garri) is inexpensive and filling.
4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
Ingredients: Yam, palm oil, pepper, onions, spinach or other leafy greens, seasoning.
Why: Yam porridge is a hearty and economical dish, especially when yams are in season.
5. Okra Soup and Fufu
Ingredients: Okra, palm oil, crayfish, pepper, seasoning, milk curds (wara), cassava flour (for Fufu).
Why: Okra is affordable and nutritious. Paired with Fufu, it creates a satisfying meal.
6. Beans and Corn Porridge (Adalu)
Ingredients: Beans, corn, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Combining beans and corn creates a protein-rich meal that’s both filling and affordable.
7. Indomie Noodles with Vegetables
Ingredients: Instant noodles, carrots, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, eggs (optional).
Why: Noodles are quick and cheap. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value without significantly increasing cost.
8. Acha (Fonio) Porridge
Ingredients: Acha grains, vegetables, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Acha is a lesser-known grain but is highly nutritious and can be cooked into a light porridge with minimal ingredients.
9. Moi Moi
Ingredients: Beans, pepper, onions, oil, seasoning.
Why: Moi Moi is a versatile and protein-rich dish that can be eaten alone or as a side.
10. Fried Yam and Akara
Ingredients: Yam, beans (for Akara), oil, pepper, and onions.
Why: A popular street food combination that is inexpensive and can serve as a breakfast or light dinner.
These meals are not only cost-effective but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you can eat well on a budget.
Good food plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The nutrients we consume through a balanced diet—such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats—support our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.
Proper nutrition not only provides the energy needed for daily activities but also helps prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Additionally, a healthy diet positively impacts mental health, improves mood, and reduces stress.
By making nutritious food choices, we invest in our health, ensuring a longer, healthier life and the ability to handle life’s challenges with resilience.
NNPC reassures public as fuel station explodes in Lagos
A Mobil fuel station located near the Airport Hotel on Obaferni Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos exploded in the Ikeja area of Lagos State on Thursday, causing panic among residents.
While details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, many have speculated that it must have occurred from a gas filling point.
However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said the inferno has nothing to do with the compressed natural gas station recently unveiled by the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited and NIPCO.
“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the reported explosion at a filling station in Ikeja, Lagos, has nothing to do with the recently commissioned NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML)/NIPCO Compressed Natural Gas Stations, which are currently functioning and running safely without any incident,” a statement by the NNPC spokesman, Olufemi Soneye said.
He added that the CNG station was not affected by the explosion.
“The NNPC Ltd also wishes to add that the NGML was not affected by the explosion; it is not involved in the activities of the affected station and all NGML facilities in Lagos, including pipelines, metering stations, above-ground installation and CNG facilities are in safe operating condition,” he noted.
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Contact: [email protected]
Police release 10 minors detained in Nasarawa
The Police Command in Nasarawa State has announced the release of 10 minors detained during the nationwide protest in the state.
DSP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lafia.
NAN reports that the police had arrested 50 protesters in four different Local Government Areas on August 1, the first day of the protest, for allegedly attacking their personnel and looting.
It also reports that of those detained, 25 were arrested in Lafia, 16 in Karu, six in Keffi, and three in Mararaba Udege of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Nansel stated that “10 minors out of the 50 protesters were released to their parents and guardians.”
He, however, mentioned that “the remaining 40 have been charged in court.”
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.
According Online reports that a major protest erupted on Thursday, August 1, across Nigeria, driven by public dissatisfaction with current economic and social conditions.
Demonstrators voiced their frustrations nationwide, calling for reforms and greater accountability.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu appealed for patience with his policies and urged citizens not to allow hoodlums to exploit the unrest.
The protest underscored the nation’s desire for change while highlighting the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue.
(NAN)
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Contact: [email protected]
Manchester United v Manchester City: Choose your FA Community Shield favorite!
Reliable bookmaker 1xBet tells about the Manchester derby for the first English trophy in the 2024/2025 season, which will be heldon August 10. We are sure that thanks to our announcement, you will find the correct answer to the question How can I make a profit in betting? Don’t forget about responsible playing, and place your bets at the link!
Hungry United
The Red Devils start another season of hope after finishing 8th in the Premier League. The club has not won the title since 2013 and currently does not look like a trophy contender. To make any significant progress, they need to strengthen their squad, And United is trying to do that.
Unfortunately, promising newcomer LenyYoro has already been seriously injured – the 18-year-old center-back will not return until the end of October. The main center forward, Rasmus Højlund, will also miss the match against Manchester City. Another rookie, Joshua Zirkzee, could replace the Danish Player, but the Dutchman rested after Euro 2024, missed pre-season training, and is not in the best shape. The place of the central striker could be taken by Marcus Rashford, the returning Jadon Sancho, or even Bruno Fernandes.
Problems in attack, defense, and organization do not mean Manchester United has no chance of winning the derby. Erik ten Hag has not yet lost his job at Old Trafford, thanks to his ability to set up the team for particular games. The Dutch coach has already won two times at Wembley – in 2023, the Red Devils beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, and in May this year, they defeated Man City in the FA Cup final. Can ten Hag complete a trophy hat-trick?
Well-fed City
Pep Guardiola has lost three Community Shields in a row, so apparently, it does not top the priorities list for a club that has won four consecutive Premier League titles and is almost unrivalled in Europe.
Manchester City expects to get into shape in the long run and is prepared for a toughseason’s start. Only several key players, Erling Haaland, Ederson, Jack Grealish, JoskoGvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic, have been involved in pre-season training. Still, PepGuardiola has an interesting plan for each game. Haaland, who has scored 5 goals in 4 friendly matches, has not lost his shooting talent after the vacation and is ready to punish the opponent for any mistake. Chelsea checked it, having conceded four times from the Citizens last week.
Odds: W1 – 5.26, X – 4.65, W2 – 1.588
How can I make a profit in betting? 1xBet offers the biggest odds for the FA Community Shield! Bet on the Manchester derby, and don’t forget about responsible playing! The best bookmaker in Africa is confident our announcement will help you make the most accurate predictions.
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Gas development will lower cost of living — Minister
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said that the surest path to national prosperity is the utilisation of Nigeria’s gas resources by the Federal Government.
Ekpo made this statement on Wednesday during his visit to the board and facilities of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Yenagoa.
Ekpo, co-chair of the governing council, noted that Nigeria is endowed with vast natural gas resources, with approximately 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.
He stressed the need to harness these resources effectively to drive economic development.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the gas sector, with initiatives extending to the entire value chain, including gas development, distribution, and penetration. According to Ekpo, these initiatives are aimed at lowering the cost of living and transportation, and positively impacting every part of the country.
Ekpo outlined key initiatives his ministry is pursuing, including “investments in critical gas infrastructure to support the transportation and distribution of natural gas across the country, promotion of domestic gas utilisation for power generation, industrial applications, and transportation, as well as strengthening the capacity of NCDMB to build capacity and enforce local content policies.”
“Other notable initiatives include encouraging and supporting gas-to-power projects to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity, expanding Nigeria’s capacity to export liquefied natural gas to international markets to generate revenue and position Nigeria as a key player in the global gas market, and strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks governing the sector to create an enabling environment for investment and innovation,” he stated.
Ekpo also mentioned that since 60% of NCDMB’s investments are gas-based, he advised that new projects by the agency should focus on Compressed Natural Gas due to its direct impact on transportation and the cost of living.
He commended NCDMB for its remarkable progress in promoting local content and for constructing the impressive 17-storey headquarters building, which signifies the growth and depth of local capacity.