oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | community, government, local news, news, politics
The Erin-Osun Progressive Union (EPU) has lamented the extensive damage resulting from the continuing intercommunity conflict among Ilobu, Ifon-Osun, and Erin-Osun, indicating that assets valued at billions of naira have been destroyed.
On Monday, Chief Kayode Olawale, who serves as the National President of EPU, released a statement from Osogbo expressing deep concern over the destruction caused in contested frontier regions. According to him, numerous houses were set ablaze, and vehicles along with motorbikes faced vandalism, resulting in tens of thousands of inhabitants being forced out of their homes.
“Numerous individuals from our community have become displaced and are fighting for survival. Consequently, we urge the government via NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agencies to promptly provide assistance to our area,” pleaded Olawale.
The EPU additionally called upon the Osun State Government to implement more robust measures to avoid further violence.
“We acknowledge the government’s first steps, but we urgently call for stronger actions to tackle this crisis. The expansionist objectives of those attacking us have left them oblivious to the catastrophic outcomes of their deeds, leading to casualties and property damage in Erin-Osun,” the statement said.
Accusations Targeting Ilobu and Security Forces The labor union alleged that inhabitants of Ilobu and armed insurgents deliberately attacked Erin-Osun on Friday evening, resulting in burnt-down homes and numerous people being displaced.
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Even though our town remained neutral during the resumption of the Ilobu-Ifon conflict, attackers from Ilobu invaded our community, razing houses and damaging property,” Olawale stated. “Security personnel arrived subsequently; however, their response was delayed, permitting further devastation.
He further alleged that soldiers deployed to restore order acted with bias, intimidating Erin-Osun residents while giving Ilobu attackers free rein.
“One of our team members was fired upon up close by a soldier who was meant to safeguard us,” he alleged.
Denials and Counter-Accusations Emerge as Ilobu Rejects Claims, Blames Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun In response, the Ilobu Asake Development Union’s National President, Pastor Olufemi Salako, refuted these claims in a separate statement. He alleged that Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun jointly attacked Ilobu, supported by an influential government figure.
“This marks the eighth occasion where our innocent populace has endured such brutal assaults, even though Ilobu has contributed significantly to maintaining national tranquility. Despite producing the late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja—who met with an unexplained end—rather than safeguarding their fellow townspeople, Ilobu remains vulnerable to these fires,” Salako emphasized.
As tensions escalate and the death toll rises, all parties involved are urgently demanding governmental action to halt additional devastation and establish enduring stability.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, education, higher education, news, politics
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) chapter of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing member benefits and promoting a more conducive academic atmosphere.
On Monday, when addressing reporters in Awka, Professor Chigozie Damian Ezeonyejiaku, who leads the UNIZIK Chapter, mentioned that the recent appearance of CONUA at the institution is designed to provide an environment for scholars working in Nigeria’s public universities to flourish. He stressed that the organization aims to foster academic independence and safeguard the welfare of its members.
As he stated, “The organization began full operations at UNIZIK on March 12, 2025, and I had the good fortune to become the founding coordinator. You are aware that CONUA, similar to other allied associations within the institution, is officially recognized by the federal government to offer a forum for academic staff members in Nigerian universities.”
“The union gives top priority to the well-being of academics, maintaining a stable academic setting, and ensuring intellectual freedom,” he further stated.
Professor Ezeonyejiaku similarly urged the federal government to tackle the ongoing problem of brain drain in universities and emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient funds to the educational sector as a means to secure the country’s future.
He urged potential members to become part of CONUA and benefit from the various opportunities offered by the organization. These benefits extend beyond individual growth to include significant contributions toward enhancing higher education in Nigeria.
UNIZIK Welcomes 125 New Medical Graduates; CONUA Urges Rescue for Four Kidnapped Female Students from Benue State – Continued Discussion on Assault Incident Involving a UNIZIK Student and Lecturer
“Collectively, the academic community can be reinforced to ensure peak performance from all participants within the sector,” Ezeonyi concluded.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | crime, crimes, news, safety, security
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has discovered unauthorized crude oil refining activities in the creek areas of Odagwa community within the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Babawale Afolabi, the Public Relations Officer for NSCDC, disclosed this information in an official statement on Monday in Abuja. He mentioned that the achievement was accomplished by the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad.
He pointed out that the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has declared that during his tenure, the NSCDC will stay committed to combating oil theft, vandalism, and economic sabotage within the oil industry.
Audi reinforced his commitment to launch an unyielding battle against individuals who benefit from the oil-rich areas via illicit transactions involving fuel products.
After completing his mission in the Niger Delta, he addressed his team to uplift their spirits, ensure the security of key oil facilities, and supervise efforts against sabotage in the region’s waters.
Through the National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the Chief of theNSCDC lamented the circumstances in the Odagwa community withinEtche,LagosState,where theCommanderGeneralofSpecialIntelligenceUnithad previously engagedin combatagainstpipelinevandalismand stronglyopposedsuchillegalactivities.He emphasizedthattheorganizationaimstoidentifythesponsorsbehindtheseactionsandprosecutethemandaccordingtothecurrentfederallaws.
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He stated that the Nigerian Navy’s Special Interdiction Squadron (SIS), headed by Commandant AS Dandaura, has achieved significant and indisputable success in tackling crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Recently, more than 65 illicit oil storage sites and illegal refining facilities have been taken down.
“While monitoring oil installations and facilities across the Niger Delta, our men responded swiftly to an intelligence tip-off that there has been an organised operation of illegal refining of crude oil ongoing in the creeks at Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Upon arrival, the CG’s SIS discovered that vandals had manoeuvred through the creeks and accessed the main oil trunk line, connected their installed pipes, and channelled the crude into reservoirs. It was then directed through a cooking process and later packaged and bagged in cellophane nylons and kegs.
“As soon as the suspects spotted our team from a distance, they fled immediately. Meanwhile, the agents discovered an unauthorized fuel refinement operation at the location, where items like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and DPK were scattered around,” he said.
As per the report, items found at the crime scene consist of substantial amounts of pilfered crude oil that has been transferred into plastic wraps and barrels, resources utilized for illicitly processing crude oil, multiple zinc-coated steel tubes, discarded attire along with various individual possessions, metallic pails, and additional objects.
However, the CG urged the public to keep supplying the Corps with reliable information.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | crime, judiciaries, news, politics and government, politics and law
ABUJA – The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) has requested that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) look into allegations regarding an attempted bribery involving 500 million naira from the Benue State government aimed at influencing members of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
A leading civil society group called the CJI, which focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s judiciary, has expressed significant reservations regarding the reported payments and their possible impact on the nation’s judicial integrity.
Earlier this week, when addressing journalists, the Chief Justice of Nigeria insisted that both anti-corruption bodies conduct comprehensive investigations into the allegation. He cautioned that should these claims be substantiated, they could pose a severe risk to the integrity of the Nigerian judicial system. Additionally, the organization has urged for an urgent examination of the conditions related to the suspected transaction to guarantee fairness and maintain the independence of the judiciary against outside pressures.
On Monday, Mr. Solomon Adodo, who leads the Campaign for Judicial Integrity (CJI), spoke to journalists in Abuja and made severe accusations. He alleged that some officials appointed by the Benue State government had misappropriated more than ₦500 million with the intention of influencing the National Judicial Council (NJC) decision concerning the ousting of the state’s Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
Mr. Adodo claims that a substantial part of the supposed funds were channeled through three officials from Benue State. These individuals have allegedly taken multiple journeys to Abuja, seemingly aiming to sway the NJC’s decisions by interacting with prominent judicial personalities.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has condemned the behavior of government officials, cautioning that their conduct highlights a troubling lack of understanding regarding fundamental governance principles, notably the necessity to safeguard entities such as the judicial system from being influenced by politics.
The Chief Justice of India additionally asserted having insider information indicating that some members of the National Judicial Council (NJC) had firmly rejected any monetary inducements offered by government officials. He highlighted that this unwavering commitment to resisting corruption strengthens the NJC’s credibility and reinforces public trust in the judiciary.
The Chief Justice of India further voiced worry that rather than encouraging productive discussions and efficient management, the government headed by Governor Hyacinth Alia apparently permitted the state’s legal framework to languish in inertia.
The Center emphasized that the inability to grasp the crucial function of an impartial judicial system within a democratic framework underscores the leadership’s lack of experience in managing government affairs and serving the public.
The organization urged anti-corruption bodies and pertinent officials to launch a comprehensive and open inquiry into the suspected misuse of ₦500 million, funds allegedly meant to sway matters under consideration at the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Given these circumstances, the Center encouraged the NJC to stay firm in protecting the judiciary from outside influence, guaranteeing that every issue concerning judicial officials is addressed without bias and strictly following constitutional guidelines.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | education, educational systems, incident, news, schools
On Sunday, a blaze ignited by a thunderstorm devastated a school structure at Saint Peter’s Primary School in Igbemo Ekiti, completely destroying five classroom blocks.
During a heavy rainstorm that lasted for more than an hour, the event compelled educators to move students to a neighboring institution, the AUD Pilot Nursery and Primary School, so they could carry on with their studies.
On Monday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, toured the location and guaranteed that the administration would swiftly reconstruct the building.
Oyebanji stated, “The demolished structure will be reconstructed in time so that both students and educators can feel relieved following the fire incident.”
I feel disheartened about this fire that occurred due to an enigmatic lightning strike. Even though the building has been destroyed, we are relieved that nobody was injured since the students and staff were away at their homes.
What caught my attention most was how quickly you transferred the students to a close-by school. This demonstrated the dedication of the State Universal Basic Education Board towards the educational development of these students and highlighted the importance of ensuring they remain competitive with peers from other institutions.
“We are assuring you that the structure shall be rebuilt back to normal shape so that the pupils and teachers can return to their original school in no distant time.”
In the meantime, following complaints from educators regarding unsanitary behaviors, the governor instructed to halt open defecation and waste disposal at the AUD Pilot School grounds.
The Education Secretary of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs Adesola George-Ojo, emphasized the importance of finishing the school’s boundary fence to avoid additional environmental risks.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, immigrants, immigration, migrants, news
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that over 956 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
This accomplishment was made possible by the joint efforts of the International Organization for Migration, Nigeria, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally DisplacedPersons.
A statement released on Monday by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, outlined specifics regarding the evacuation. It revealed that the repatriation occurred through six separate flights from January to March 2025. According to this information, the groups included 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants.
As stated, the evacuation occurred on January 28, February 11, 19, and 25, along with March 4 and 18. The largest group of people returning, totaling 176 individuals, was noted for the expedition on March 18.
The statement read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone.”
“The breakdown shows that 683 of them were females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The returnees were brought back home in six tranches from January to March 2025.”
The six journeys encompassed numbers 152 on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. Additionally, the counts of 144 and 176 were recorded on March 4 and 18.
The statement revealed that more than 15,000 Nigerians have successfully returned home from Libya as part of an ongoing evacuation initiative led collaboratively by the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since the start of this effort.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the commission’s ongoing caution to Nigerians about avoiding illegal migration via dangerous paths such as Libya.
“Given the sensitive political climate in Libya, we repeatedly advise Nigerians to steer clear of using Libya as a route to Europe; this applies not only to Libya but also to other unauthorized pathways,” she cautioned.
She similarly encouraged Nigerians to explore lawful and secure routes for migration, highlighting her worries about the disturbing pattern of certain individuals who have been returned opting to undertake the dangerous trip once more following their rescue.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
She highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation with governmental bodies, NGOs, the press, and various stakeholders to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with illegal immigration.
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