Men of the Nigeria Police on Saturday opened fire on protesters and journalists at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, during the end hunger protest.
TVN gathered that protesters, mostly youths, had gathered in front of the stadium for the day three of the 10-day protest to end bad governance in Nigeria.
The heavily armed men, who arrived the venue around 11:45am, ordered them to leave.
Following their refusal to obey the order, the policemen opened fire on the protesters, including journalists at the venue.
More to come.
Journalists, protesters flee as police open fire on demostrators at MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja
Journalists, protesters flee as police open fire on demostrators at MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja
Security operatives disperse protesters with teargas at Abuja stadium
Security operatives on Saturday dispersed protesters demonstrating in front of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike had on Wednesday secured a court order restricting the protesters to the stadium.
However, the security operatives irked by the disobedience of the protesters to enter the stadium fired teargas at them.
Details later…
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Protesters invite religious leaders for talks
As the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests enter the third day, the protesters in Abuja, gathered at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, on Saturday, invited leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for a “heart-to-heart” talk at the protest venue.
Addressing the protesters, Sydney Usman, who is with the Take It Back Movement, thanked the leaders for their various interventions through the media but asked the leaders to show up at the venue on Monday, August 4, 2024, to discuss with the protesters.
The protester, who described the leaders as their fathers, said they were protesting bad governance in the country, while decrying attacks on the protesters by the police, since the first day of the protests.
They also stated that they would remain at the stadium until the court order restricting them was vacated latest on Monday.
At the moment the protesters are holding a congress to “show the government how it is done.”
More details later…
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Police defuse grenades, as herdsmen chop off farmer’s hands in Borno
The Borno Police Command said it has discovered six projectile grenades allegedly abandoned by terrorists at Ajilari Cross area in Maiduguri.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Yusuf Lawal, who disclosed this on Saturday while providing a situation report to the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri, said the projectiles were discovered on Friday.
Lawal said that the personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Device, Base 13, deployed to the scene to assess the grenades and discovered that they were manufactured with incendiary chemicals.
He said that the affected area was thoroughly screened and the projectiles were recovered intact, rendering the area safe.
“In a separate incident, 20 suspects were arrested for burning tyres and inciting disturbances in Maiduguri.
”They are currently under interrogation and investigation for transparent prosecution,” he said.
Lawal explained that another violent incident occurred on the same day in Bassam Galomari Village, Gubio II Ward, under Gubio Local Government Area.
According to him, Fulani herdsmen, carrying cows, allegedly entered a farm belonging to a resident, leading to a confrontation.
Lawal said, ”The farm owner attempted to remove the herdsmen from his property, but they resisted, and one of the Fulani men attacked the farmer, cutting both his hands.
”The victim was rushed to Gubio Hospital, where he was referred to Maiduguri Hospital for further treatment.”
He added that the security agencies have been mandated to respond to the situation with a view to resolving the crisis.
Lawal said that the security forces have remained on high alert, working to maintain public safety and prevent further incidents.
NAN.
Accident, not shooting, caused Katsina NSCDC officer’s injury
The Police Command in Katsina State said there was no loss of life recorded in the state during the nationwide hunger protests.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, made this known in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday.
“The command wishes to address a misleading viral video circulating on social media platforms of a security agent lying motionless on the ground alleged to have been shot dead by a police officer while trying to disperse protesters.
“The video is manipulated and taken out of context as there was no such shooting incident throughout the command during the protest.
“The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest.
”He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.
He further called on the members of the public to disregard what he described as ‘misinformation’, and always verify information through the official channels.
According to him, the command assures them of the strength of their synergy with sister security agencies in the state as they work together to maintain public safety and order.
“We are also assuring the public of our highest level of professionalism in the discharge of our duties, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and stability in Katsina State,” he assured.
NAN.
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Boko Haram, ISWAP insurgents killed 109 in six months
Public policy think tank, Nextier, has asked the Federal Government to liaise with neighbouring countries and regional bodies to boost joint border surveillance.
The body stated this in a development report titled ‘Nigeria’s Northeast Belt of Insurgency and the Challenge of Refugees’ released by its researchers on Saturday while reacting to the death of 109 persons in the first six months of 2024 in the North East.
The report was authored by an Associate Consultant at Nextier and a Lecturer at the Political Science Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, Dr Chukwuma Okoli, and a Managing Partner at Nextier and an Honorary Fellow at the School of Government at the University of Birmingham, UK, Dr Ndu Nwokolo.
The report reads, “They identified the ‘Northeast Belt of Insurgency’ to consist of about 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) – 10 in Borno State (Bama, Baga, Biu, Chibok, Gwoza, Kukawa, Kaga, Marte, Mongonu, Ngala), five LGAs in Adamawa State (Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha) and three LGAs in Yobe State (Damaturu, Gujba, Geidam); all of which run round Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger and cuts through Borno State’s borders with Yobe and Adamawa states.
“The difficult topography of most of the communities in the Northeast Belt of Insurgency makes access difficult for both the Nigerian military and humanitarian aid agencies. This has become an advantage for the insurgents who hibernate in those communities from where they launch attacks on the military and civilians.
“Data from the NextierViolent Conflict Database show that this Belt of Insurgency recorded 109 deaths arising from 19 violent incidents perpetrated by the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the first half of 2024 alone.
“The Nigerian government should collaborate with its neighbours under the auspices of regional bodies like the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) to enhance border management through joint border patrol and surveillance.”
In the report, Nextier asked the Nigerian government to identify and profile refugees entering the region and recommended the use of local vigilantes and hunters to combat insurgents.
It also urged the government to support security forces by ensuring a regular and adequate supply of required state-of-the-art ammunition.
It added, “The Nigerian government, together with development partners, should enhance the technical capacity of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in the area of identification and profiling of refugees flowing into the Northeast. This will enable proper treatment of refugees in line with relevant international conventions and protocols.
“The government at all levels, in collaboration with development partners, should identify what makes communities in the Northeast Belt of Insurgency resilient. Mechanisms such as local informal businesses such as trading and the use of local vigilantes and hunters to combat insurgents should be strengthened.
“The state security forces should be supported by ensuring a regular and adequate supply of required state-of-the-art ammunition. The morale of the personnel on the war front should also be boosted through improved welfare packages. This will enable the security agencies to cover more ground and decimate the insurgents still hibernating in hard-to-reach areas.
“Set up a subregionalhumanitarian response mechanism involving Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to be coordinated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This will ensure persons in need have fair access to humanitarian aid without crossing national borders.”
FEATURE… Hardship Protests: How extensive use of teargas impacts health, environment
As Nigerians embark on widespread protests against economic hardship a serious issue demands our attention: the danger and pollution resulting from the extensive use of teargas by the police.
In our bid to solve one problem, we must avoid creating new ones!
Beginning August 1, 2024, young people across Nigeria took to the streets to speak truth to power, driven by the high cost of living that has left many struggling to access basic needs like food.
But in an attempt to control the protests and maintain order, the police resorted to deploying large amounts of teargas. This approach is sparking new health concerns and causing environmental harm.
On Thursday, reports emerged of multiple teargas releases in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja against peaceful protesters. Borno, Kaduna, Kano. Some other locations where protests had been hijacked by miscreants, resulting in property damage, also had teargas released.
“As we were protesting yesterday, when we got to Eagles Square, so we were like trying to organise ourselves, the next thing, the police did not even talk to us, they did not even address us, they just started to shoot teargas.
“Instead of shooting teargas up in the sky, they faced it directly against us, as if they are fighting a war. They finished all the teargas and another set of MoPol came from behind to continue,” lamented a protester, Ademola, whose face was badly injured after being hit by a teargas canister.
The extensive use of teargas has raised alarm among environmental and health experts, highlighting an issue that warrants serious attention.
Journalist Mary Adeboye, reporting for News Central Television, was also injured while covering the protests in Abuja. “We were trying to move from where they were shooting the teargas. I wasn’t facing the police, and I wanted to move to the other side. While moving, I saw the policeman who shot the tear gas, and it hit my leg. In fact, it is still painful and I can’t use it to walk right now,” she said.
Beyond Physical Injuries: Teargas and Environmental Damage
Teargas comprises agents used to subdue individuals in a non-lethal manner. The three most commonly used agents are o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), chloroacetophenone (CN), and oleoresin capsicum (OC). These chemicals can cause significant environmental harm. When released, they disperse through the air, soil, and water.
In urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, teargas particles can linger, impacting residents long after the protests have ended. These particles can cause immediate irritation to the eyes, throat, and skin, and can lead to breathing difficulties for those who inhale them.
Read Also: Just In: Police teargas protesters at Eagle Square
While the effects of teargas typically subsides 15-30 minutes after a person exits the exposure area and cleans up, long-term exposure can result in serious health issues, including respiratory problems and skin damage.
Tragically, videos from the protest sites show police officers walking through the fumes without sufficient protective gear, exposing themselves to potential harm.
Sadly, nearby homes will be affected, with children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions being particularly vulnerable.
A Call for Better Solutions
Experts have recently urged the police to explore safer methods of crowd control. “The impact of teargas on our environment and health is serious. We need to find non-toxic methods that don’t harm people,” a medical doctor stated in a recent video.
Here are a few other alternatives that can be used by our Police to ensure the protests remain peaceful:
1. Non-lethal tools such as foam batons, sound cannons, or dye markers can help manage crowds without causing lasting harm.
2. Public address systems can be used to communicate with protesters, reducing misunderstandings and maintaining order.
3. Physical barriers can also be employed to manage the flow of protesters and prevent them from entering restricted areas without resorting to force.
These alternatives are more sustainable than the use of teargas.
As we have found ourselves in these challenging times, it is crucial that we consider the broader effects of environmental pollution by teargas. Solutions that protect both people and the environment must be prioritized.
Addressing one issue should not exacerbate another. If we focus on using teargas to disperse protesters, we risk long-term health and environmental consequences.
It is imperative that both the Nigerian police and protesters understand the broader implications of the current format. Sustainable, health-conscious approaches must be prioritized to ensure the safety of all.
We call on Nigerian leaders to demonstrate strength and wisdom during these times, as their actions are vital in safeguarding the well-being of our people and preserving our environment.
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Actress Regina Daniels gets hard knocks over comments on #EndBadGovernance protests
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has received hard knocks from social media critics over comments she made on the nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest.
Recall that the mother of one in a post shared on her official Instagram page while sharing her thoughts on the protests condemned acts of violence carried out by some protesters.
“Today is August 1, the first day of the national protests in Nigeria. We all know that the masses are suffering and want a better way of living, hence the protest. There is nothing wrong with protesting, but there is everything wrong with violence,” she began.
“Once violence gets involved, it defeats the whole purpose of the protests. I urge everyone to try and make this protest as peaceful as possible.” The thespian wrote on Instagram.
READ ALSO: Actress Regina Daniels welcomes second child for Ned Nwoko in Jordan
The comments made by the actress was met with disdain by some critics on social media who berated her for making such comments knowing fully well that she is married to a billionaire and does not necessarily feel the suffering of the masses.
See selected comments targeted at Regina Daniels by critics on social media;
@bluespet.ng wrote; ‘‘If to say the country good, you for marry your grandpa, anuofia
@empress_official_2: Madam I don’t think you are qualified to give anyone advise now! If Nigeria was better, will you marry your ancestor for survival?!
“Take the video down, you’re too young to advise your elders, if the country was good you wouldn’t marry your grandfather,” said an outraged Instagram user in the comment section.
“You? Advise Nigerians??Omorrr ������No be your fault sha….If no be Ned, you for still Dey do Spider-Man for Asaba,” commented another user.
The post Actress Regina Daniels gets hard knocks over comments on #EndBadGovernance protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Paul Okoye hints at another rift brewing between him and his brother Peter
Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy, one-half of the reunited music group, P Square has hinted that there may be more problems brewing between him and his twin brother Peter aka Mr P.
The sensational singer who opened up in a recent interview with City FM presenter Paul recalled an incident that happened earlier this year involving his brothers.
He said that some months back, he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a petition written against me and my elder brother.
Paul said; “Something happened this year. I was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over a petition written against me and my elder brother.
“When I got there, I asked them what happened. They had already printed out the statement of my (bank) account, and they started an investigation. However, one month ago, they called us and our elder brother, and declared us innocent.
“The only difference was our lifestyle. He took us back to a bank statement of 2007 over a $200,000 credit (I got), though we traced his part of the funds to a vehicle he bought. After the truth came out that I was innocent, he still did not apologise.
READ ALSO: P Square reveals how their reunion helped them manage money better
“I am not speaking up, because I want to bring anybody down. He accused me of selling our (music) catalogue; the same catalogue I wrote 99 per cent of. For now, I just want to continue my thing.”
Paul also traced their feud back to their 2014 collaboration with American rapper TI on the song ‘Ejeajo’, stating that the sound was different from the classic P-Square style fans were used to.
He stated that in order to avoid widening the schism between them or losing ‘the P-Square touch,’ he advised that both of them contribute five songs each to the album.
“All of a sudden, he (Peter) said he wanted to quit, and I asked him if we could make the news public but he refused. The implication was that if I went solo, people would see me as a bad person. That was why I decided to speak.
“Otherwise, I have over 200 songs that I don’t know what to do with them. I feel the fans need to start knowing (these things).” Paul noted.
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95% of Borno protesters underaged – Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has alleged that 95 per cent of the youths who participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Zulum made this known in a broadcast to the people of Borno where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.
Zulum said: “Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.
“A six-year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.
“While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must however have their teachers or guardians looking after them.”
Zulum said that a situation where thousands of children were living in Maiduguri in the name of Almajiri without care from anyone needed to be looked into.
He said that some of the actions of the hoodlums that hijacked the Maiduguri protests included the destruction and looting of public properties including hospitals.
“In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces.
“Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression.
“As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any person that engages in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly,” Zulum said.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to positively transform the state, citing interventions in various sectors, particularly infrastructure, health and education.
Zulum said: “We have distributed rounds of food and non-food items palliatives within Maiduguri and other LGAs, scaled up our support to farmers through sales of fertiliser, and provided seeds and farm inputs to enhance food production.
“We want to also invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development.”
NAN.