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.
The post FEATURE… Hardship Protests: How extensive use of teargas impacts health, environment appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
FEATURE… Hardship Protests: How extensive use of teargas impacts health, environment
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.
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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.
Hunger protest: Tinubu’s silence heightening public apprehension
The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised President Bola Tinubu for not addressing the nation amid the nationwide EndBadGovernance protests.
Amid severe economic hardships, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities. In response, youths began protests on Thursday, continuing into Friday, across Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, demanding an end to hunger and poor governance.
In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged Tinubu to break his silence, address the nation immediately, and reassure citizens of the pressing issues affecting them.
The statement read in part, “The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira and ensure speedy provision of food among other critical issues so as to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment and restore stability in the polity.
“Our Party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.
“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.”
The opposition party also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians, allegedly by security operatives.
It continued, “Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items
“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.
“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government and channel funds recovered to programmes that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”
Kaduna Govt House plunged into darkness over N2.9bn electricity debt
A dramatic showdown between the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) has played out in the open, with the latter taking the drastic step of disconnecting power supply to the Government House over an accumulated debt of N2.9 billion.
In a statement released by Head, Corporate Communication, AbdulAzeez Abdullahi, on Friday, KAEDCO explained that despite numerous attempts to engage with state officials to resolve the outstanding payment, the government had defaulted on its electricity bills.
The power company emphasized that the debt had been accruing over a significant period, with a substantial portion of it representing current consumption charges.
The Kaduna Electric’s statement added that the outstanding balance for electricity consumed from January 2024 to July 2024 alone amounted to a staggering One Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-One Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo (N1,166,856,991.87).
READ ALSO:Kaduna gov, Sani, wins at Supreme Court to remain in Govt House
This figure, including the historical debt has left the State Government with a huge debt that currently stands at a total of Two Billion Nine Hundred and Forty -three, Million Sixty Thousand One Hundred and Sixteen Naira Seventy-Seven Kobo (N2,943,060,116.77), according to KAEDCO.
It noted further that despite a recent payment of N256,920,963.88 made on May 9, 2024, for electricity consumed between September 2023 and December 2023, the Kaduna State Government’s debt remains significantly high.
“This payment, though substantial, has not been enough to clear the accumulated arrears,” it said.
The decision to cut power to the seat of government has sent shockwaves through the state, underscoring the deepening financial challenges faced by many state governments across Nigeria.
The move is also likely to exacerbate the already strained relationship between the state and its power distributor, raising questions about the sustainability of electricity supply to other critical government facilities and the public at large.
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Nationwide protest: Tinubu more loved in Southeast – Dele Farotimi
A human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu might be more loved in the Southeast.
Farotimi said the conclusion was based on the evidence of the geographical spread of the ongoing protests.
“On the evidence of the geographical spread of the ongoing protests, it is safe to conclude that Tinubu is much more loved in the land of the rising sun, than in any other part of Nigeria,” he posted on X Friday.
The statement comes after no protest was reported in the five states of Southeast geopolitical zone.
TVN reports that some Nigerians are on a nationwide protest, which commenced on August 1, 2024.
The organisers of the protest have lamented about widespread hunger and inflation in the country.
Nationwide protest: Tinubu more loved in Southeast – Dele Farotimi
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Delta: High Court declares Egrangbene autonomous community
The Delta State High Court sitting in the Bomadi Judicial Division has declared Egrangbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State as an autonomous community, distinct and separate from the Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.
The judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice S.O. Adolor on July 22 in Suit No: HCB/16/202, as reported by TVN.
The judgment included the following declaration: “Following the case, the claimants have succeeded in part. I hereby declare that Egrangbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community, distinct and separate from all other communities in Burutu Local Government Area, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.”
The court also noted that “Reliefs two and three of the claimants are refused, as they have not been proved. Reliefs two and three are therefore struck out.”
As a result of this judgment, the Egrangbene Federated Communities, which include Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene, and Ebeberegbene, are set to establish their own Pere (King) and Kingdom, represented by Henry Ambakaderemo Okrikpa.
High Chief Etare Lucky Yoweibo, Mr. Globemi Allele, Chief Oboye Omonibeke, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Daniel Egberonamene, and Mr. Kofi Kobuyou initiated the case on behalf of the Egrangbene Federated Communities. They were represented in court by lawyers Chinyere C. Ndoala Esq (Mrs.) and Mr. Owen Nanakumoh Esq. The suit was filed on May 23, 2022, with a writ of summons signed by Prof. Osaretin G. Izevbuwa.
The claimants sought the following from the court:
A declaration that Egrangbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community, distinct and separate from all other communities in the area, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.
A declaration that Egrangbene Federated Community, as an autonomous community with its own traditions and customs, is entitled to its own king/traditional ruler.
An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from initiating or continuing the process for the nomination, election, and installation of a new king for Oporomor Kingdom, including the people of Egrangbene Community.
The defendants, including Hon. Felix Okpora, J.O. Seiba, Benjamin Oroso (for Ojobo Community), Otiki Bekekeme, Akeme Afido, Appolos Oroso (for Bubu-Ojobo Community), Felix Gbadiakumor, Francis Mounzimor, Opena Esamasuode (for Akorugbene Community), Yeipegha Onuama, Biri Ebi, and Samuel Tamaraumienyefa (for Ndoro Community), contested the claimants’ case through their counsels, Chief Benjamin Fankoro Yeigagha Esq and Anthony Riasavwe Esq.
The court resolved the matter in favor of the claimants. Hon. Justice Adolor stated, “I agree that the claimants are entitled to have their own king and kingdom, distinct from Oporomor Clan, and I grant relief one. However, I am cautious not to liken Oporomor Clan to a state within Nigeria, but rather acknowledge Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene, and Ebeberegbene as communities with common customs and traditions.”
The judgment has led to jubilation among the Egrangbene Federated Communities, who view the decision as a significant victory. They expressed their satisfaction, stating, “The court has proven that it is indeed the last hope of the common man.”
Delta: High Court declares Egrangbene autonomous community
Israel drone strike kills five in West Bank
An Israeli drone strike killed five people in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian press agency Wafa and Palestinian sources reported, while the Israeli military said it struck a “terrorist cell” in the Tulkarem region.
The director of the Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem said in a statement that “five martyrs” had arrived at the facility after “an Israeli drone strike on a Palestinian vehicle close to the village of Zeita in Tulkarem”.
According to Wafa, an Israeli military drone targeted a vehicle “with two missiles” which caught fire, killing five men.
At the scene of the strike a witness told AFP, “I live less than 50 metres (yards) from here. We came (after) the sound of an explosion and saw a vehicle on fire” on the road towards Zeita, to the north of Tulkarem.
“Next to it, we saw a body lying on the road. Inside the vehicle, there were three charred bodies, from what we were able to see, completely burnt,” added Nasser, who declined to have his last name published.
The Israeli military quickly sealed off the area, Wafa reported.
The military said in a brief statement: “An IDF (military) aircraft struck a
vehicle and terrorist cell operating within the area of Tulkarm”, without providing further details for the moment.
Alongside the Israel-Hamas war that began last October in the Gaza Strip, violence has intensified in the West Bank.
At least 594 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 7, according to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry figures.
At least 17 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed by Palestinian attacks in the West Bank over the same period, according to official Israeli figures.
AFP.
