The Edo State Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) bickered on Thursday over the ownership of looted rice from a truck parked in a warehouse located in the state.
TVN reports that as the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest was ongoing in the state, a viral video of residents looting rice from the truck at the warehouse in Urora Quarters, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, resurfaced on several social media platforms.
In the 40-second viral video, the residents were seen and heard claiming that the warehouse allegedly belonged to the state government.
According to them, “This is our rice, which the government gave us but hid. We have located it; see rice everywhere.”
“This is Urora; see the trailer of rice they gave us. The state government hid it. Everybody, go and get your own rice,” they said.
Most of the residents were seen carrying more than one bag of 10kg rice.
Reacting to the video, the Edo State Government denied ownership of the warehouse.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the state Government does not keep relief materials in its warehouses, adding that the government’s feeding program for vulnerable persons in the state is implemented through religious bodies.
Nehikhare, however, accused the APC state chapter of being behind the viral video.
“The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“The videos making the rounds are said to have originated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location.
“The videos from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, are the handiwork of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a desperate attempt to score cheap political points.
“The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organizations, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and Muslim leaders in the state.
“The state government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels.
“The State Government further accused the APC of misleading the public with the video, adding, “We will not put this tactic past the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is spreading malicious content to score cheap political points.
“This condemnable action is intended to cause chaos in the state, and the APC is discouraged from such ignoble practices,” he said.
In its response, Acting State Chairman of APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, said the viral video allegedly exposed Obaseki’s deliberate plan to deprive Edo people of accessing various palliative measures.
Tenebe, who spoke at a press briefing in Benin City, alleged that there are also reports that a substantial part of the rice is being sold in markets by a prominent PDP market woman leader.
“If Edo people were ever in doubt, the video that emerged on social media today, showing an abandoned trailer load of repackaged Federal Government rice with Edo State Government inscriptions discovered by Urora residents, has exposed Obaseki’s deliberate plan to deprive Edo people of accessing different palliative measures.
“We have intelligence about several warehouses in the state hoarding rice and other grains meant for Edo people. There are also reports that a substantial part of the rice is being sold in markets by a prominent PDP market woman leader,” he stated.
The APC chairman opined that the governor’s actions amounted to economic sabotage, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should take note of.
Protest: Edo Govt, APC in war of words over ownership of looted rice at Benin warehouse
Protest: Edo Govt, APC in war of words over ownership of looted rice at Benin warehouse
EKSU ex-DVC’s security guard masterminded his killing
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, said on Thursday that the police had arrested six prime suspects in connection with the kidnap and killing of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof Olorunfemi Olaofe.
The Police also said that the security guard to the ex-DVC was not really kidnapped alongside the professor as earlier reported but made the operation easier for the kidnappers.
Olaofe was taken away by armed men from his residence at Federal Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti alongside his security guard, on July 9, 2027.
He was discovered dead and buried in a shallow grave in the bush along Airport Road at Afao Ekiti on Wednesday, July 31.
The Police Commissioner, in a statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said the body of the retired university teacher had been exhumed from the shallow grave and deposited in the morgue.
The CP, in the statement, related the situation, saying, “An unknown gang of armed men allegedly stormed the residence of Prof. Femi Olaofe, kidnapped him alongside his security guard, one Abdul Opotu, and took them to an unknown destination with the professor’s Toyota Camry Car.”
He stated that the police, on receipt of the information, deployed Rapid Response Squad operatives to the scene for the possible rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators, noting, “They had already whisked the victims away before the arrival of the operatives. The operatives, however, combed the forest between Ado Ekiti and Afao Ekiti and recovered Olaofe’s Camry car.
The commissioner stated that “a discrete investigation and a painstaking operation for rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators led to the arrest of one Omowaye Ayodele at Bencom Guest House, Akure, Ondo State.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and mentioned one Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga, Nnamani Chukwuka and Ojо a.k.a Ojo Ijan as his accomplices. He confessed further that Abdul Opotu who was the security guard of the victim (Prof. Olaofe) was the one who invited them to kidnap the professor.
The commissioner stated that Ayodele (suspect) said that the security guard was not really kidnapped alongside the professor as earlier reported, but only played along and made the operation easier for them.
Ayodele confessed that the two AK-47 rifles used to kidnap the Professor were in possession of Kenneth who is currently at large.
The police commissioner said, “Further investigation led to the arrest of Amodu Gbenga, who also confessed to the commission of the crime during investigation and further narrated how he used to supply food and water to the gang members in their hideouts located in a bush behind Government College, Off Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti.
“The two suspects led the police operatives to their hideouts for the possible rescue of the victim but was discovered that the gang in custody of the victim had already relocated with the victim to another unknown location.
“Further investigation on Tuesday 30th July led to the discovery of a shallow grave in a bush located at Off Afao Road, behind the new Airport site, Ado Ekiti, where a human being was suspected killed and buried.
“Consequently, Order of Exhumation and Coroner Forms were obtained from the Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti, while the Ministry of Environment was contacted. On Wednesday 31st July, the police led the Ministry of Environment and some medical practitioners to the scene where the corpse was exhumed and later identified as the earlier kidnapped Professor Olaofe.
“The Corpse has been deposited At Ekiti State Teaching Hospital morgue, Ado-Ekiti, for autopsy.
“Effort is ongoing for the possible arrest of the fleeing members of the gangs including the security guard of the kidnapped and murdered professor who masterminded the crime. Meanwhile, six suspects have been arrested so far and are in custody undergoing investigation,” Akinwale stated.
Security officials take over Benue amid nationwide protest
Residents of Benue State, particularly, the youths, on Thursday, shunned the nationwide protest against hardship in the country, as there were no impediments to government and commercial activities in the state.
TVN observed that residents in the state appeared to comply with the admonition of Governor Hyacinth Alia, stakeholders, and youth groups not to participate in the protest against national hardship.
Most offices, including Federal and State Secretariats, remained open and civil servants were seen going about their normal duties.
The streets were deserted in the early hours, but commercial banks were open for business. Commercial town service buses and motorcyclists were seen transporting people to their various destinations without molestation.
Passengers were seen boarding vehicles from various parks in Makurdi to travel to different parts of the country.
Most eateries, newspaper vendors and telecommunications outlets at High Level, Wurukum, Wadata and North Bank areas in Makurdi also opened their shops for business.
Security agencies were observed patrolling the Makurdi metropolis, with their vehicles stationed at strategic points to prevent any breaches of security.
A cross-section of Benue people appealed to the federal government to take measures to mitigate the hardship in the country.
A civil servant, Adakole Agbo, stated that urgent steps must be taken to reduce fuel prices and food costs to help common people survive.
Efforts to get the views of the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, SP Sewuese Anene, were unsuccessful. However, an officer mentioned that there were no reported cases of arrest as they patrolled the streets at the time of filing this report.
Security officials take over Benue amid nationwide protest
Porest: Police arrest five as suspected thugs attack, injure two lawyers in Delta
Suspected thugs have reportedly brutalised and wounded two lawyers, Barristers Omes Ogedegbe and Dafe Avwunufe, during the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance.
The incident occurred at the DSC roundabout in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
TVN gathered that it was the intervention of military personnel that saved the lawyers from being killed.
The lawyers, who are members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Effurun branch, are currently at the Ekpan General Hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained due to the brutalization.
The police have arrested five suspected thugs in connection with the attack and brutalisation of the lawyers.
The suspects are currently detained at the Ekpan Police Station.
The Vice Chairman of the NBA Effurun branch, who confirmed the attack, said, “The Chairman of the Uvwie Local Government Area, on whose behalf the thugs claimed to be acting, came to the police station to release them, promising to cover the medical bills.
According to him, “We resisted that. We will rely on you to get involved with any of our national leaders to ensure that the thugs are not released.”
Porest: Police arrest five as suspected thugs attack, injure two lawyers in Delta
Security arrests five in Lafia as protest turns violent in Nasarawa
The #EndBadGovernance protest in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, saw a surge of activity on August 1, as predominantly youthS and underaged children gathered to voice their frustrations.
The protest, which remained calm throughout the morning, escalated in the afternoon as demonstrators began to converge near the Government House.
Security operatives quickly intervened, dispersing the protesters who were marching towards the state’s seat of government.
The demonstrators, carrying placards with various messages of discontent, were stopped and dispersed by uniformed officers.
Despite the intervention, some protesters moved further into Lafia town, setting tires ablaze and causing minor damage, including the destruction of vehicles at the state APC office.
While the situation remained tense, there were no reported injuries or incidents of looting.
However, five youths were arrested in the state capital for attempting to incite violence.
Security arrests five in Lafia as protest turns violent in Nasarawa
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters make bonfire near Buhari’s Katsina residence
Some protesters taking part in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria in Daura, Katsina State, on Thursday, made bonfire near the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was as hoodlums in their numbers hijacked the hunger protest in some parts of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that some persons were injured and property destroyed in the process.
In Katsina, the state capital, protesters wielding placards with various inscriptions stormed the Government House to register their grievances.
However, before the arrival of the protesters at the Government House, some hoodlums reportedly hijacked the process, looting shops and vandalising property.
In Daura, Buhari’s hometown, protesting residents made bonfires near the former President’s residence.
The protesters were chanting in Hausa, “Hunger wants to kill us,” and “We don’t want”.
Efforts to speak to the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, proved abortive at the time of publication.
Similarly, According Online reports that commercial activities in and around Katsina State metropolitan areas were grounded over the protest.
According Online report has it that banks, markets, filling stations, motor parks and offices were shut while major roads and streets were deserted, unlike the usual vehicular movements and pedestrians.
Earlier, a leader of the protesters, Umar Jibrin, told journalists that they embarked on the protest for the government to tackle hunger, insecurity and restore fuel subsidy.
He said many Nigerians, especially Northerners, were dying as a result of hunger and insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists.
“There are a lot of people who are dying because of hunger and insecurity. We embarked on this protest for the government to address these challenges.
“We are calling on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy and tackle the issue of naira devaluation,” he said.
End hunger protest has united Nigerians across ethnic, religious lines – Accord Party
Accord Party has highlighted the advantages and demerits of the End Bad Governance protest which commence on August 1, 2024.
TVN reports that today marked the commencement of the #EndBadGovernance protest, a movement that reflects the voice and will of the Nigerian people.
Accord noted that the protest is not just a call for change but a powerful testament to our collective desire for a better Nigeria.
The National Chairman of Accord, Barrister Maxwell Mgbedum, in a statement on Thursday, noted that protest has sparked a remarkable level of awareness among Nigerians.
“The protest has united Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and socio-economic lines. It has shown that, despite our differences, we share a common goal: the desire for good governance. This unity is a powerful force that can drive positive change and foster national cohesion,” the statement said.
“The protest has put pressure on government officials and institutions to be more accountable and transparent.
“The demand for better governance has led to increased scrutiny of public offices, encouraging officials to act in the best interest of the people.
“Young Nigerians have been at the forefront of this movement, showcasing their leadership and determination. The protest has empowered the youth, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and influence the future of our nation.
The statement further noted that “there have been disruptions to daily activities and business operations. This has led to economic losses and inconveniences for many citizens. While the cause is just, it is essential to manage these disruptions to minimize their impact on the populace.”
Accord further underlined “some reports of clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to injuries and, in some cases, loss of life. It is imperative that the protest remains peaceful and that security personnel exercise restraint to avoid further violence.
“The protest has highlighted deep-seated divisions within our society. While it has united many, it has also polarized others. It is crucial to address these divisions and work towards a more inclusive dialogue that considers diverse perspectives.
“The prolonged nature of the protest could strain the economy, particularly in sectors already weakened by global challenges. It is vital to balance the fight for justice with the need to sustain economic stability.
“The #EndBadGovernance protest is a watershed moment in our nation’s history. It embodies the spirit of a people who refuse to be silenced and who demand a government that truly serves them. As we navigate the complexities of this movement, let us remember that the ultimate goal is to build a Nigeria that upholds justice, equity, and prosperity for all.
“I call on all stakeholders—government, civil society, and citizens—to engage in constructive dialogue and work together towards a brighter future. Let this protest be a catalyst for meaningful change, and let us ensure that the sacrifices made today lead to a better tomorrow.”
End hunger protest has united Nigerians across ethnic, religious lines – Accord Party
August protest: Boko Haram infiltrates protesters, kills 4, injures many people in Borno
The Borno State Police Command has alleged that Boko Haram terrorists infiltrated protesters along Baga Road in Maiduguri on Thursday amid the ongoing nationwide protest.
According to the police, the terrorists killed four persons, while 34 others people sustained different degrees of injuries.
The State’s Police Commissioner, Yusuf Lawal, made this known while providing a situation report to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.
Lawal explained that the police swiftly deployed the Explosive Ordnance Device(EOD), Base 13, which probed the scene and rendered the area around a filling station safe.
He noted that the injured persons and corpses were evacuated to Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri for treatment and autopsy.
Lawal, who spoke on police declaration of 24 hours curfew, said several minors, mostly almajiris, between the ages of 9-15, took over the Maiduguri-Kano road vandalising public property.
He said that despite police persuasion, the huge crowd turned riotous, forcefully breaking police barriers, pelting stones at officers and advancing towards the city center.
August protest: Boko Haram infiltrates protesters, kills 4, injures many people in Borno
Ohanaeze commends Igbo for boycotting #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest
Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the Igbo people worldwide for their steadfast support and adherence to the decision to abstain from the recent nationwide protests.”
In a statement on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said, “We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.
“The South East region has shown remarkable unity and resilience in standing against external pressures and manipulations aimed at using the Igbo as sacrificial lambs for selfish political agenda.
“The South-East’s total compliance with the directive to abstain from the protests is a testament to the newfound sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to put an end to the systematic manipulation and exploitation by certain unpatriotic elements and privileged elite.”
The organisation said this marks a new chapter in “Igbo perseverance, nerve, and resolve to assert our rights and protect our interests.”
Ohanaeze also acknowledged the infrastructural strides being made in the South-East under the leadership of, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
“The transformation of the Federal Expressway in the region is a clear demonstration of the commitment to development and progress. We also call for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and the creation of an additional state for the South East to address the longstanding marginalisation and neglect of the region.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now realised that the South-East and Ndigbo are not his enemies, and we urge him to reciprocate this gesture by releasing Nnamdi Kanu and initiating more viable projects for the South-East.
“The South-East remains open to dialogue and cooperation with the Federal Government for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.”
Ohanaeze urged Igbo people to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of any pressure.
“Let us continue to stand together in solidarity and work towards a brighter future for our people and our nation,” he added.
Widespread protests, under the banner of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, have swept across Nigeria, with citizens expressing outrage over the nation’s deepening economic crisis.
Although most demonstrations have been peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have occurred in several areas.
Kano joins Borno to impose curfew as violence trails #EndBadGovernance protest
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state after the hoodlums hijacked the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.
Kano became the second state after Borno to declare a curfew after the protest organized by a group of Nigerians to express their displeasure at the current hardship and other socio-economic problems in the country turned violent.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sunusi Tofa, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Kano.
He said the decision was taken at an Emergency State Security Council meeting convened by the governor to address the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged during the protest.
He added that the decision to impose a curfew was unanimously approved at the meeting.
Tofa said: “The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities.
“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.”
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