Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Thursday 9th December 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 09/12/21
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E2%80%99ll-no-longer-mediate-bandits%E2%80%94-sheikh-gumi I’ll No Longer Mediate For Bandits— Sheikh Gumi
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, says he has quit mediating for armed bandits following their declaration as terrorists by the court.
Gumi had visited bandits in the forests in Zamfara and Niger states, taken medical services to them and has been urging the Nigerian government to grant them a general amnesty as was done for militants in the Niger Delta.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Before he started his campaign, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, and his counterparts in Katsina, Aminu Masari, had engaged bandits in their state in dialogue.
But after the approach failed to end the menace, the governors endorsed military actions against the bandits.Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani, have consistently opposed negotiating with the outlaws.
Gumi had said his efforts in that campaign were for the sake of peace and economic prosperity of Nigeria, but lamented that the efforts have been sabotaged.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had declared the activities of bandits’ groups as acts of terrorism.
The verdict strengthened the call on the Nigerian government to declare bandits ravaging the North-western and the North-central regions as terrorists.
Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation, had filed an ex-parte application seeking to proscribe the grisly activities of ‘bandits’ who have been waging a relentless war against ordinary Nigerians in the North-west and North-central States.
The bandits have been vicious in kidnapping and killing their captives across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Benue and Sokoto states.
And now with the declaration of the bandits as terrorists, Gumi said it will be dangerous for him to continue to engage the bandits, PREMIUM TIMES reports.
He said, “Since the federal government has declared them terrorists, I don’t have anything to do with them anymore.“I will not like to expose myself to danger again and to put a spotlight on myself unnecessarily.
“I have tried all I could do to admonish the nation on the best way to do it, but it seems my advice has fell (fallen) on deaf ears.”
The cleric had in previous media interviews advised the Nigerian government to grant amnesty to the bandits, and to establish a ‘federal ministry of nomadic affairs’ which will address the grievances and complaints of Fulani cattle herders.
But from now, Gumi said he would be a “spectator in the crisis”.
“I have endangered my life for peace by going to the forest and engaged the bandits. Among them there are rock bandits, they are dangerous, armed ready to fire.
“It is dangerous, still we risked our lives to see that we bring peace to this nation. Because somebody has to take that risk and we took it and thanked God we came out safely and knowledgeable, knowing how to come about this issue.
“Maybe in the future when the political situation changes for better, we can do it again so that there will be peace, harmony and tranquility in the country.”
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Justice On Trial: Systematic Incarceration Of Omoyele Sowore By Buhari’s Tyrannical Regime
A short documentary on systematic incarceration of Nigerian human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Muhammadu Buhari tyrannical regime.
Sowore was illegally abducted by Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) on August 3rd, 2019, for planning #RevolutionNow, a series of protests to demand an end to corruption and better living conditions for all citizens.
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ATTACK ON LIBERTY: Tracking Nigeria Police, DSS’ Continued Attacks On Sowore On Court Premises
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Dowen College Parents’ Forum Holds Candlelight Procession In Memory Of 12-year-old Student, Sylvester Oromoni
The Parents’ Forum of Dowen College, Lagos State is currently holding a candlelight procession in honour of the late student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr).
The parents who wore black T-shirts reading, ‘Dowen Parents Mourn’, raised lit candles as they offered prayers for the parents of Sylvester Oromoni.
They also displayed placards with photographs of the late 12-year-old student as they sang solemn songs.
PHOTONEWS: Parents Forum Holds Candle light Procession For Late Dowen College Student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. | Sahara Reporters pic.twitter.com/vett1TsM5w— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 8, 2021
Before the candlelight procession, the parents said in a statement issued on Tuesday, “The lighting of candles is to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ and keeping the light burning signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright.
“The Candlelight no doubt shall promote reflection and signifies remembrance of a life cut short in his infancy.
“We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period.”
SaharaReporters had earlier reported how some protesters on Wednesday barricaded the entrance to the college in protest against the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni at the school.
The late student was allegedly attacked by some of his senior colleagues for refusing to join a cult group.
His cousin – Perrison Oromoni – had gone on social media to narrate how he died and also called out the names of his cousin’s alleged killers.
Perrison said the school called the deceased’s father, telling him that his son sustained injuries while playing football at the school.
Meanwhile, over 100,000 persons have signed a petition domiciled on the Change.org platform seeking the arrest of those identified to be involved in Sylvester’s death and their swift prosecution.
In a video uploaded by BBC Pidgin on Wednesday, some protesters were seen in front of Dowen College demanding that the school authorities be held accountable for failing to protect the deceased.
They also urged security agencies to wade into the issue promptly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, sources said police operatives who were spotted in large numbers threatened to arrest the protesters if they failed to stop.
SaharaReporters had on Tuesday reported that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also finally reacted to the death of Oromoni.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the governor described the incident as disturbing and heartbreaking.
He also assured the bereaved’s family of his administration’s commitment to ensure justice is served in the case.
“I commiserate deeply with the family of late Sylvester (Jnr) Oromoni, the 12-year old pupil of Dowen College, Lagos,” he wrote.
“As a parent, I share the grief Sylvester’s demise has brought upon his parents and the entire household. The incident is not only sad but disturbing and heartbreaking.
“Consequently, I have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. But while that is going on, I would like to give Sylvester’s parents and the entire citizenry of Lagos, the assurance of my full support at this trying time.
“I share their pains and sense of loss. Indeed, words are inadequate to describe my feelings, but I pray that God Almighty will soothe their pains, and grant Sylvester Jnr eternal rest.”
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Lagos Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA Confirms SaharaReporters’ Story, To Close Major Roads For Buhari’s Thursday Visit
File photo used to illustrate story.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced the closure of some major roads ahead of the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos on Thursday.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported on Monday that the President would be visiting Lagos on Thursday.
File photo used to illustrate story.
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BREAKING: Buhari To Visit Lagos To Inaugurate Projects On Thursday
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The newspaper had also reported that moves were already underway to provide heavy security in some parts of the commercial city ahead of the President’s visit.
Such presidential visits are accompanied by heavy traffic congestion across Lagos, SaharaReporters had also noted in the report.
“The President is going to commission projects in Lagos on Thursday,” a source had told SaharaReporters on Monday.
LASTMA in a statement on Wednesday titled, “Traffic advisory for Thursday, December 9, 2021,? announced the closure of roads and suggested alternative routes for motorists.
The agency said, “Ahmadu Bello Way, from Adeola Odeku Intersection to Adetokunbo Ademola by Eko Hotels Roundabout will be temporarily closed to traffic and traffic diverted to Adeola Odeku, Akin Adesola to connect desired destination.
“Akin Adesola connecting Ahmadu Bello Way by IMB will be temporarily closed to traffic and traffic will be diverted to Oyin Jolayemi, Oko Awo and Sanusi Fafunwa to connect desired destinations.
“From Ozumba Mbadiwe (Civic Centre) to Adetokunbo Ademola to Eko Hotels Roundabout traffic will be temporarily diverted after Eko Hotels Roundabout toi) Ajose Adeogun,ii) Sanusi Fafunwa oriii) back to Civic Centre to connect destination.
“All adjoining streets/feeder roads leading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Adeola Odeku Intersection, as well as those leading to Eko Hotels, from Adetokunbo Ademola Roundabout (Eko Hotels Roundabout) will be temporarily closed to traffic from early hours of the day on Thursday 9th December, 2021.
“All alternative routes shall be effectively managed by Security and LawEnforcement personnel to reduce unnecessary delays.
“We sincerely apologise for all inconveniences and delays but enjoin all road users to cooperate with traffic management personnel so as have a better traffic flow.”
SaharaReporters had last Wednesday reported how junketing Buhari departed the country to attend Expo 2020 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Shortly after hosting and meeting South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Buhari left the nation’s capital, Abuja for the UAE capitalMeanwhile, Buhari’s last visit to Lagos was in June 2021 to inaugurate Ebute Meta Terminal of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, among other things.
He was also in Lagos for the opening of the Lagos-Ibadan rail project for commercial operations.
Meanwhile, Tunde Rahman, media aide to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said in a statement that Buhari would be attending the presentation of ‘My Participations’, an autobiography of a former National Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande.
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Lagos Government Shuts Grammar School After Death Of Pupils In Truck Accident
The Lagos State government has ordered the immediate closure of Ojodu Grammar School, following the accident which claimed some lives and left many of the students injured.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Sanwo-Olu, who commiserated with the family of the affected students, said he was devastated by the news of the death of the innocent children.
The statement reads, “I commiserate with the parents, management, staff and students of Ojodu Grammar school over this tragic and unfortunate death of our students, whose lives were cut short by a truck driver yesterday.
“The sad incident has left me devastated since yesterday. It is terrible to hear about the death of innocent children, especially in an avoidable circumstance such as what happened yesterday.
“As a parent, words cannot express how shattered I am about the incident. No one’s life, including those vibrant students, who were returning from where they had gone to learn for a better future, deserves to be terminated in that manner.
“My deepest sympathies go out to their parents and families. I pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“Our prayers are also with the survivors, who are receiving treatment at the hospital. We are monitoring the situation and will provide the necessary support to ensure their quick recovery.
“We have immediately ordered that the affected school be shut down till January, while investigations are ongoing. The erring driver has also been apprehended and arrested.
“May God comfort the families of our departed children and grant them eternal rest.”
The accident occurred at the Grammar School Bus Stop, Ogunnusi Road, along Ogba-Ojodu/Berger axis on Tuesday.
According to reports, the pupils were going home after closing from school and wanted to cross the road when the truck ran over them.
The truck driver was said to have been trying to evade arrest by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and men of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) from Berger Division, Ikeja when he rammed into the pupils.
He further attempted to escape after the incident but was chased to the Ogba area where he was arrested.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said two pupils died while 12 others were injured in the truck accident.
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US Government, Others Train Nigerian Policemen, Civil Defence Operatives To Counter Gender-based Violence
The U.S. Consulate General on Wednesday concluded a three-day capacity building programme for 100 police officers and civil defence operatives as part of efforts to counter gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Supported by the U.S. Consulate General, the workshop was organised in partnership with the U.S.-based International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), an anti-sexual violence organisations in Nigeria.
Temitayo Famutimi, Information Specialist in the Public Affairs Section (PAS), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
“The law enforcement training programme covered several topics including ways of overcoming complexities of gender-based violence, trauma-informed first response, and investigative strategies to improve law enforcement response to gender-based violence,” the statement read.
At the closing ceremony of the training in Lagos, the U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo was said to have highlighted the American government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that break the cycle of sexual and gender-based violence.
She noted that a more open, inclusive and democratic society that respects the diversity and rights of women is critical to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
“We count on you all as you lead the improvement in the management of gender-based cases at your stations,” Consul General Pierangelo was quoted to have told the participating men and women of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
“Gender based violence has life threatening consequences for women and girls and will have a profound impact on their opportunities and life trajectory. No woman or girl child should live in fear of violence. Every girl should grow up knowing she is safe and free to follow her dreams and live her best life.”
The law enforcement training is part of a variety of programmes organised by the U.S. Consulate and its partners to promote zero tolerance against gender-based violence, a priority for the U.S. all over the world.
The statement further said, “On December 4, U.S. Consulate staff and members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), joined WARIF for its third annual advocacy march to call attention to combatting gender-based violence. In addition, Consul General Pierangelo participated in a December 1 dialogue with civil society representatives working to end the scourge of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
“Each year, the world marks ’16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence’ starting on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), and ending on December 10 (Human Rights Day). This campaign is used to call for global actions to increase awareness and take action for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.”
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E2%80%94wife-frsc-official-killed-gunmen-ondo “They Took His Phone And Ran Away”—Wife Of FRSC Official Killed By Gunmen In Ondo
Sunday Omiwoye
An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attached to Ondo town, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo state, Omiwoye Sunday has been shot dead by some suspected assailants.
Sunday was killed while trying to mediate and prevent the suspected assailants from attacking some people who were traced to his house.
Sunday Omiwoye
Vanguard Newspaper
It was gathered that the hoodlums trailed some people to Agbala area, behind Saint Monica’s Girl Grammar School, in Ondo, while the deceased who was trying to park his motorcycle met the hoodlums beating some people.
The late road safety official was said to have challenged the gunmen, who opened fire on him.
He died instantly leaving his remains in the pool of blood, Tribune reports.
The wife of the deceased, Bunmi Sunday, said, “My husband and I went to see one of his friends that stays on the same street with us. Suddenly, some men ran towards us at the gate. My husband was trying to park his motorcycle then. So, two gunmen came with bikes and started beating the boys that ran to us.
“My husband challenged the hoodlums, but they told him to stay back and ordered him to go into his house. I went in immediately, but my husband was still outside standing by his motorcycle.
“Later, I heard a gunshot. So, I ran out of the gate only to see my husband in the pool of his blood. The gunmen ran away with his phone and motorcycle key.”
The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ondo.
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Mob Sets Two POS Robbers Ablaze In Akwa Ibom
File photo used to illustrate story.
Youths in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Wednesday, lynched two hoodlums who allegedly specialized in robbing Point of Sale (POS) operators and other soft targets in the state capital.
The suspected thieves were caught and set ablaze by the youths after they were overpowered.
File photo used to illustrate story.
Vanguard reports the incident occurred at about 10:30 am when the two robbers tried to overpower a PoS attendant while dispensing cash to customers at Ikot Oku Ikono, near the newly inaugurated fly-over on the outskirt of Uyo, the state capital.
An eyewitness, Nyenime Effiong, told journalists that the suspects ran out of luck when the alarm raised by the PoS attendant attracted angry youths, who pounced on them and set fire on them before the arrival of police.
“They thought their operation would be swift, but it turned to be the end of the road for them. They arrived on a motorcycle. One of them suddenly accosted the PoS operator with a gun and demanded cash.
“She immediately screamed at the sight of the gun, but in a swift reaction, some commercial minibus and tricycle drivers with other angry youths trooped to the scene and chased the thieves to where they were overpowered.
The criminals, who perpetrate their nefarious activities using motorcycles, according to some vigilant youths, “are also in the habits of targeting pump attendants at filling stations and supermarkets on the metropolis”.
Worried by the new wave of crimes hitting some soft targets as the Yuletide approaches, the youths, according to Effiong Bassey, have mobilized some vigilante groups in some crime-prone streets on the capital, including Ibiam, Atiku Abubakar, Ikpa Road, Urua Ekpa, Ikot Oku Ubo, and other adjoining streets.
A spokesperson for the police in the state, Odiko Macdon, condemned the act saying that jungle justice has no place in criminal justice administration.
He said, “They should have been apprehended and handed over to the police. But they took the law into their own hands. An innocent person might be killed, lynched, or wounded. So the best thing is to hand the person to the police.
“You cannot be the complainant, the police, the prosecutor, the judge in a matter of such nature. It’s becoming rampant and unacceptable. The Commissioner of Police is miffed by such development and he has said that henceforth, such an act will not be tolerated.”
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BREAKING Identities of Lagos School Pupils Crushed By Truck Revealed
The Ojodu Local Council Development Association in Lagos State has revealed the identities of some secondary school students who were killed and injured by a truck in the Ojodu area of the state on Tuesday.The students were going home after closing from school around 2pm when the truck ran over them.
According to the police, two died while about 12 were injured and rushed to the hospital.In a statement titled “Events of fatal motor/pedestrian accident at Ojodu involving students”, the Executive Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Odunmbaku Segun, claimed that two students died while 12 others were injured.“Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, two students were confirmed dead on the spot. The identity of the deceased revealed below: 1. Adedoyin Adebayo; 2. Akpolebi Israel. Asides from the two deceased, seven females and five males totaling 12 victims also sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said.According to Punch, his full statement reads, “Yesterday, December 7, 2021, at about 02:15 pm, a DAF truck with Registration No. APP 438 YA driven by one ‘Bolaji Kabiru’ rammed into some pedestrians at Grammar School Bus Stop along Ogunnusi Road later identified as students of Bab Fafunwa Millennium School, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Omole Junior High School. “Corpses of the dead students have been evacuated with the support of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and were deposited at the Morgue of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy.“As of now, we can confirm that all the injured students are in stable conditions and are receiving medical attention at the following Hospitals,• God’s Apple City Hospital, Ojodu Berger• Royan Hospital, Aina Street Ojodu• St. Michael Hospital, Ojodu• Lagos State Emergency Hospital, Toll Gate, Ojota.“The erring driver has been apprehended and is in police custody. However, the angry students who were later joined by hoodlums set the accidented vehicle ablaze, vandalised the Ojodu Police Station, operational vehicles of the men of Nigeria Police Force, the Vehicle Inspection Service, and some private articulated vehicles along Ogunnusi road.“My heart is broken for the families and friends of students who lost their lives in this horrible accident. This is a devastating tragedy, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the horrible accident.“My heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, May God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.“While I give assurances that justice will be done, we have also commenced proper examination and analysis of the survivors.“I implore us all to maintain the peace and remain calm, rather than take to wanton destruction of properties and facilities let us remember the bereaved families in prayer, allow the police to carry out a thorough investigation, and avoid seeking self help.“I appeal that we respect the family’s privacy. There’s a need for calm at this trying time.”
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BREAKING: Saudi Arabia Suspends Flights To Nigeria Over Omicron Virus, Cancels Hajj Visits
Amid the increasing cases of the new Coronavirus variant, Omicron, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has suspended flights from Nigeria.The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia confirmed the flight suspension in a circular to all airlines operating in the Kingdom.
On Wednesday, there were unconfirmed reports that there were preparations for repatriating Nigerians in the Kingdom over Omicron.An official at the Kano, Airport confirmed to Daily Trust that already a circular had been issued that lesser Hajj trips should be cancelled, due to the development.“Yes it is true because a circular was issued that all Lesser Hajj flights should be cancelled and there will be no more flights from Nigeria until further notice.“I think they are following suit the decision of other countries like UK to prevent against having the virus in the kingdom,” the source told the newspaper.On Tuesday, SaharaReporters had reported that three additional cases of the Omicron Variant of COVID-19 were detected in Nigeria bringing the total number of cases to 6.This was confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday.According to a statement by Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC director-general, the new cases were detected in individuals with recent travel history to South Africa.Meanwhile, the British High Commission had also on Sunday said it would pause making decisions on visitor visa applications from all red list countries including Nigeria.The Federal Government had rejected the ban imposed on Nigeria by UK and Canada over Omicron.
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