Category: News

The Nigerian Police

The Police on Sunday said it has arrested two suspects for allegedly defrauding a German Company of 14.7 million Euros in pretext to procure COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba,  disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the suspects were arrested by the Cybercrime Unit of the Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja.

Mba said one of the suspects, 50, was a Master Degree holder in Cell Biology, while the second suspect, 41, is the Managing Director of Musterpoint Investment Nig. Ltd.

He said the duo were members of a sophisticated transnational criminal network that cloned the corporate website of ILBN Holdings BV, Holland to defraud one Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn.

The FPRO said Hahn is a representative of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

READ ALSO: FCT police arrests car thief who stole FRSC patrol van

He said the arrest of the suspects was a sequel to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) received by the Bureau from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Mba said the MLAT was a request from the German Government for investigations into a fraudulent transaction on the procurement of COVID-19 PPE linked to a Nigerian based bank account.

“Discrete investigations by INTERPOL Nigeria revealed that the suspects and their Holland-based cohorts, specialized in identity theft, cyber-stalking, cloning of corporate websites amongst other cyber mischiefs to defraud unsuspecting members of the public across the world.

“In this instance, the suspects fraudulently obtained from the victim, the sum of 1.5m Euro and another 880,000 Euro as advanced payment for the supply of COVID-19 PPEs valued at 14.7million Euros.

“Disturbed by the non-arrival of the PPEs, the victim visited the corporate office of ILBN Holdings BV in Holland to inquire reasons for the delay in supplying the items.

“That was when we found out that the company never did business with him and that the transaction was a scam,” he said.

Mba said the fraudsters merely cloned the company’s website and falsely presented themselves as representatives of the company before executing the fraudulent transaction.

He said it was on this ground that the victim reported to the Police in Holland and this led to the arrest of two suspects in Holland and investigations extended to Nigeria.

According to him, an investigation by INTERPOL Nigeria further revealed that one of the suspects received 498,000 Euro from the suspects arrested in Holland through his Citibank London account.

He said the same was transferred to an account number domiciled with a Lagos branch of a leading commercial bank in Nigeria belonging to Musterpoint Investment Nig. Ltd.

Mba said the Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu,  commended the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Mr Garba Umar, and operatives of INTERPOL Nigeria, Cybercrime Unit for a job well done.

He said the I-G pledged the commitment of the Police to tackle cybercrimes and other transnational crimes, adding that there would be no hiding place for internet fraudsters in the country.

Mba said the suspects would be arraigned before a competent court of law upon completion of investigations.

Vanguard

Vice-President of the CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of the People) Colonel Malick Diaw (C) takes a seat with other military leaders during the opening of two days of talks aimed at validating the terms of reference for a transitional government in Mali, on September 5, 2020, in Bamako. – Mali’s military junta began talks with opposition groups on September 5 on its promised transition to civilian rule after mounting pressure from neighbours to yield power in the weeks since it overthrew the nation’s leader. The West African country has long been plagued by chronic instability, a simmering jihadist revolt, ethnic violence and endemic corruption, prompting a clique of rebel colonels to detain the president last month. (Photo by MICHELE CATTANI / AFP)

Mali’s military junta began talks with opposition groups on Saturday on its promise to hand power back to civilians, after mounting pressure from neighbouring countries in the weeks since it overthrew the nation’s leader.

The West African country has long been plagued by instability, a simmering jihadist revolt, ethnic violence and endemic corruption, prompting a clique of rebel soldiers to detain president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last month.

They pledged to step down after a transition period, but the putsch has prompted Mali’s neighbours and former colonial ruler France to demand a swift transfer of power to civilian rule, with fears the crisis could impact neighbouring states.

The talks in Bamako are being held under junta chief Assimi Goita but he was not present Saturday, a military source said.

“Since August 18, we are charting a new history for our country,” junta number two Malick Diaw told the opening session.

The summit was originally planned for last weekend but was called off at the last minute after a quarrel between the military and the June 5 Movement, which spearheaded the protests that led to the toppling of president Keita.

The opposition coalition of civil and religious leaders has demanded that the military rulers give it a role in the transition to civilian rule, but was not invited for the transition talks last Saturday.

It was then included for the rescheduled talks, along with political parties, former rebels, unions, civil society organisations and media representatives.

However, a mostly Tuareg coalition of armed rebel groups known as the Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA) was not present on Saturday.

The National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), as the junta is known, said parallel talks were taking place in regional capitals, led by regional governors.

ALSO READ: Ousted Malian president hospitalised after mini-stroke

But in Kidal, a city controlled by the CMA, “consultations were postponed for lack of compromise between the CNSP and the CMA,” an administrative official told AFP on Saturday.

The CMA, which signed a peace accord with Keita’s government in 2015, said in a statement that it expected “the implementation of the agreement resulting from the Algiers process with the previous government to remain in force”.

The 2015 peace deal was meant to disarm rebel groups and integrate them into the national army, but its implementation has dragged on for years despite international pressure.

– Closed borders –


The CNSP said members of the Malian diaspora would also have their say in this weekend’s talks.

One of the key issues will be the length of the transition to civilian rule.

Originally the junta proposed a three-year transition, before bringing that down to two years.

The June 5 Movement has said it wants a transition period of 18 to 24 months.

The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc, which has imposed sanctions and closed borders to Mali as part of efforts to press the junta into handing over power quickly, has called for elections within 12 months.

West African leaders will meet via videoconference on Monday with the Mali situation at the top of their agenda.

Keita, who is under house arrest in Bamako, is preparing to leave Mali after being treated at a hospital this week for a mini-stroke, sources told AFP.

Keita may now head to the United Arab Emirates for further treatment, they said.

VANGUARD

Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

…says many projects awarded by immediate-past govt, not in favour of people

By Adeola Badru

THE administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was said, would not leave any inherited project undone, just because his immediate predecessor, late Abiola Ajimobi overlooked many projects initiated by former Governor Alao Akala because of hatred.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, stated this while featuring on a radio interview programme in Ibadan on Saturday, saying the present administration would rather complete the projects to impact positively on the people of the state.

Also read: Absence of Boko Haram in Gombe, another gain of Buhari’s administration – Goje

The commissioner was reacting to insinuations in some quarters that Governor Makinde has been completing projects started by the Ajimobi’s administration without initiating new ones.

He said road projects and school construction projects, as well as healthcare facility projects that were entered into by the immediate-past administration, were either hastily done without recourse to the quality or enduring capacity of the facilities, with the state being at the receiving end.

He said: “Imagine the agreement entered into with the contractor handling the Moniya-Iseyin road and the quality of work done then, had this administration not terminated that contract and given it to another contractor, would that road not have collapsed totally today? Go there and see the quality of the job done there by the new contractor.”

“Many of the contracts awarded by the Ajimobi administration did not favour the people. Governor Makinde had to sit down with the contractors to renegotiate, based on the quality of projects and amount, so they have no basis to say he is not doing new projects.”

“If late Ajimobi had completed the state health facility projects at Ogbomoso and Oyo township started by former Governor Alao Akala, would the present administration still have to use the state fund to do that?”

“He deliberately ignored those projects due to his hatred for his predecessor, the eight years of Ajimobi left the state health facility at Oyo town without attention, the whole roof and other fittings were carted away by hoodlums.”

“Governor Makinde is not doing that, he has entered into an agreement with the people of the state to improve their wellbeing in education, healthcare, urbanization and other sectors of human life, he has no axe to grind with anybody.”

He expressed the state government’s resolve to spend the loan obtained for infrastructural development on recurrent expenditure like payment of salary, pension and gratuity of retired civil servants.

Meanwhile, Dr Olatubosun hinted that officers of the state Vehicle Inspection Department (VIO) that were accused of extorting motorists and hindering the free flow of traffic would henceforth be punished as the government has a mandate for the officers to enforce and not for them to become a terror on the road.

He said the directorate under which the Vehicle Inspection Officers work would be briefed and necessary monitoring would be done to get to the root of the allegation, so as to single out the erring officers that wanted to tarnish the name of the inspectorate.

The commissioner added that despite the cancellation of curfew in the state, safety protocols against COVID-19 in public places like churches and mosques were still in place.

“There is still the regulation of churches not to allow more than 25% of the total capacity of the congregation at every service, the same goes for mosques, we still use this opportunity to appeal to our market women and traders to let us take personal responsibility and stay safe.”

“Okada riders have been told not to take more than one passengers, public vehicle drivers should not overload their passengers to avoid passing the virus from those that already have it to others,” the Commissioner said

Vanguard News

Bandits

Security operatives comprising of military and the police personnel, on Friday, successfully repelled armed bandit who opened fire on motorists plying the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

Reports have it that the incident occurred near Olam Feeds Company, but no arrest has been made.

Also read: Emeka Offor’s donation: Support like this boosts morale of personnel for better service – IGP

The Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, told newsmen at the scene of the incident that those injured, were first treated at Olam Feeds Clinic and later referred to a specialist hospital for comprehensive medical attention.

According to him, security forces both ground and air personnel are presently pursuing remnants of the armed bandit in the adjoining forest.

Aruwan, said Gov. Malam Nasir El-Rufai, had been briefed on the development.

He said the governor commended the security personnel for their courage and bravery in repelling the armed men.

According to him,  the governor who wished the injured personnel and motorists, speedy recovery, also commended the medical personnel at the Olam Clinic for stabilising the injured.

He said the governor had pledged government’s continued partnership with security agencies in the battle against criminals in the state.

He added that security agencies will give a comprehensive briefing after the clearance operation in the general area.

Vanguard News

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, has warned against the reopening of schools without provisions for schools to meet COVID-19 precautionary guidelines.

Its chairman, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, stated this in a release he made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday.

Akinwole stated that the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools could be enormous if responsibility was not taken to ensure safety.

He warned that no pecuniary gains would be more than the lives of lecturers and their students.

Akinwole noted that before COVID-19 pandemic, public varsities were overcrowded with students and hostel facilities took more than its capacity.

He then warned parents not to jubilate at the news of a possible reopening of schools.

However, they should ask the government to put measures in place so as not to have a surge in COVID-19 that might happen as a result of ill-thought-out reopening, he said.

“What we are simply saying is that the Federal Government should adhere to their own set guidelines.

“Our position, as a responsible union in all these, is that; throwing schools open in the midst of all these, is an open invitation to the tragic explosion of the COVID-19 scourge on a scale never witnessed anywhere since its outbreak.”

He said that the union was aware that there had been agitations from some quarters for the government to reopen schools.

He said that those leading the campaign are the proprietors of private universities.

He said, “ASUU is not in any way opposed to this call.

READ ALSO: UNICEF partners Ministry of Defence on schools’ safety, security

“However, Nigerians should honestly interrogate this position. Has the Nigerian government met the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) criteria on COVID – 19 protocols in our institutions?

“COVID-19 pandemic is still very much with us. It is in recognition of this fact that the government itself has rolled out certain conditions to be met before schools are reopened.”

According to the ASUU chairman, How many of our public institutions can confidently vouch for the safety of our children given the available facilities such as: provision of running water for handwashing; social distancing among students.

He listed others to include: the use of recommended face masks and shields, which are key components of NCDC protocols?

Vanguard News Nigeria

…urges Nigerians to be appreciative

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye

By Olayinka Latona

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has reassured Christians all over the world of victory over the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.

Addressing participants during the church‘s monthly thanksgiving service at the church national headquarters in Ebute Meta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye said Nigerians have every reason to thank God for His grace on the nation.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Ebenezer’, Adeboye said that God has been gracious to us as a nation, stressing that several advanced countries with necessary medicare facilities were seriously ravaged by the pandemic but God showed Nigeria mercy despite the state of our health sector.

In his words: “It is enough to have God by your side. Look at Nigeria, we have no help but God. When I see nations of the world with all resources and all kinds of facilities yet the coronavirus was ravaging them.

“In spite that we have nothing and far less than what other countries have, God saw us through. The mighty God has helped us this far. I say Lord we thank you.

ALSO READ: Check your salvation if you are still afraid of death at 70 – Adeboye

“If you have God as your helper that is enough for you to praise God forever. The support of God is enough. The One Who says to the devil this is how far you can go, you can’t go beyond this,” he analysed, stressing that the real lesson mankind must learn from the current pandemic, is that the wisest wisdom of man is still foolishness before God.

Narrating his childhood experience, the revered minister of God stated that he would continue to appreciate God and thank Him, recalling how God took him through thick and thin to become what he is today.

According to him: “If nobody thanks God, I will. I began wearing shoes at 18. If I look back from where I am coming from I cannot but thank God for His mercies. If I recall those who grew up together with me and see how God has shown me mercy, I can’t but thank Him.

“Some of the people I grew up with are not even where I started from. I grew up among witches and wizards and they never used to hide it.

“My mother used to tell me not to eat from people. We grew up among thorns and it pleases the Almighty God to make us a rose. We grew up among enemies that pretended to be friends.

Continuing, Adeboye said he is always amazed at the mercy of God. “The mighty God has helped us this far. He has saved our souls. If nobody else is praising the Lord let the redeemed of the Lord praise him.”

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

By Chioma Onuegbu

OPERATIVE of the Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested three suspected land scammers and an Internet fraudster in Akwa Ibom State.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC spokesman in Abuja, Wale Oyewale and obtained yesterday in Uyo said the suspects were arrested on September 3, 2020, through intelligence report.

The statement noted that the suspected land scammers operate under the guise of providing their unsuspecting victims’ real estate services using the name of Royal Dream Estate.

It stressed that the suspects operate by advertising serveral land for sale, using their Facebook page (Royal Dream Estate) which they are allegedly using to lure People to buy at choice areas.

The statement reads, “The Uyo zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on September 3, 2020, arrested three suspected land scammers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The suspects are, Ubah Victor Gozie (25) an indigene of Abia State; Sunday Justice (24)and Okon Mark Uduak(female) 27years, both from Akwa-Ibom state.

“They were arrested at their office, located on Oron road, directly Opposite the Akwa-Ibom state Water


Board. Their arrest was based on intelligence report, gathered by operatives of the Commission on how the suspects have been going about within the state, defrauding innocent indigenes of Akwa Ibom state, under the guise of providing them with real estate services, using the name, Royal Dream Estate.

“Their modus operandi includes, advertising several lands for sale on their Facebook page (Royal Dream


Estate), and lure people to buy the lands often located at choice areas, at very cheap rates of not less


than N600, 000 (Six hundred thousand naira), and they proceed further to sell same land at same rates


to other buyers”.

“Further investigations into the activities of the trio revealed that they have defrauded several persons


within the state, up to the tune of N9m (Nine million Naira)”

READ ALSO: Return NASC vehicles now, EFCC charges ex-NASC commissioners

The statement noted that several incriminating documents, including copies of fake Deed of Conveyance, two desktops, one Lexus ES 300 (Silver colour) with registration number, KLF 810 and many other fraudulent documents printed from their desktops were recovered from the suspects.

It added that a 33- years- old suspected internet fraudster, identified as Omos Michael, who hails from Delta State was arrested at his residence located at Ikot Akpan-Abia, behind the Police Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“During questioning, Michael confessed that he is an Internet fraudster and that his area of specialisation was love scam, as he voluntarily confessed that he has made over N3m (Three million naira) through the illicit business”, the statement said.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…Says suspended EFCC chair deserves commendation

Ibrahim Magu

By Dirisu Yakubu

The United Kingdom, UK’s court ruling granting Nigeria’s application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions in a $9.6 billion arbitration case with Process and Industrious Development, P&ID is a pointer to the good job done by suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, his lawyer, Wahab Shittu has said.

Vanguard recalls that the UK court in its ruling last week observed that “Nigeria has established a strong prima facie case that the Gas Supply and Process, GSPA, was procured by bribes paid to insiders as part of a larger scheme to defraud Nigeria.

“There is also a strong prima face case that P & ID main witness in the arbitration, Mr. Quinn, gave a perjured evidence to the tribunal and that contrary to that evidence, P&ID was not in the position to perform the contract.”

Reacting to the verdict, Shittu in a statement made available to Vanguard premised the development to the leadership style his client, Ibrahim Magu brought to bear over his investigation of the scam.

“The judgment has indeed greatly relieved the country from the impending and disastrous effect the execution of the $9.6b judgment plus interest would have had on our fragile economy. The decision once more shows that rather than punish Mr. Magu over his handling of the investigation, he should be given a heroic commendation for saving the country in a huge way.

“Magu should be celebrated rather than be vilified. It is rather unfortunate that the handling of P&ID investigation forms part of the allegations against him, which led to his suspension. There is no gainsaying that the evidence relied on in arriving at the decision came from the EFCC under Mr. Magu,” the statement read in part.

According to the defence counsel, “the English Judge was very satisfied with the way and manner the EFCC carried out its investigation when he held at paragraphs 253 and 254 of the judgment: “what occurred might have been the EFCC proceeding at its normal pace in the light of the resources allocated to it, the other inquiries it was conducting and conditions in Nigeria.

“By comparison, the position after August 2019 might be exceptional and prompted by the serious position Nigeria faced in the light of Butchers J’s decision on the enforcement application. At this point, it is impossible to say.

“However, I cannot accept Mr. Mill’s (P&ID’s counsel) submission that there was no proper diligent investigation. The basic point is that there was no specific information such that Nigeria ought to have become aware of the building blocks of fraud now alleged.”

He further quoted the Judge in Paragraph 251 as saying that “in my view, Mr. Mill underplayed the work which was undertaken over the June 2018- August 2019 period. In particular, there was the successful prosecution of P&ID and P&ID Nigeria on 19 September 2019 based on the groundwork undertaken during this fifteen-month period.

READ ALSO: Kogi: Supreme Court ruling an endorsement of electoral violence, power-grabbing – TKP

“Still underscoring the commendable work by the EFCC, the Judge concluded at page 260 that: ‘…the fraud is complex in character and continuing. Even on my preliminary examination, it comprises a number of quite different strands. What occurred, in this case, was deliberately concealed.

“Especially with international advisers it engaged, P&ID wore the cloak of legitimacy. In the circumstances which Nigeria has prima facie established, it acted reasonably in its investigations…”

Shittu also singled out the suspended EFCC boss for his work ethic, saying, “the public does not know that while this investigation was ongoing, the investigators and prosecutors including Magu used to close from work at 1 AM- 2AM and resume by 8AM including Saturdays and Sundays.

“Unfortunately, some of these men are currently on suspension without pay or transferred out of EFCC for doing nothing but working assiduously to save this country. They were not given any allegation or issued query.

“Contrariwise, the investigation against Mr. Magu and the EFCC would have caused the country to lose the judgment. This is because P&ID used the petition by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, against Mr. Magu to strengthen their case with Nigeria. Luckily, we have an upright English Judge who prudently appreciated the excellent and patriotic effort of the EFCC under Magu and the ineffectiveness of the AGF’s complaint.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

Muhammad Musa Bello

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has urged Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to address traffic congestion that occurred regularly at the Lugbe axis along the Airport Road especially in the evenings.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the minister in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said Bello made the pledge when he received a delegation from the FRSC, led by the new Zone 7 Area Commander, Assistant Corp Marshal, Jonas Agwu.

The minister noted that the Airport Road was the gateway into the City and should at all times reflect orderliness.

He assured that the FCTA would support and partner with the FRSC for the effective use of  Mobile Court system to correct traffic offenders.

The minister stressed the need for the corps to deploy more men and equipment to ensure enforcement of road safety laws on the roads.

“Particular attention should be placed on the traffic congestion that occurs regularly at the Lugbe axis along the Airport Road,  especially in the evenings, where unauthorised trading takes place usually under the pedestrian bridges,” he said.

The minister also emphasised the need for enforcement of traffic and road safety laws,  adding that enforcement was key to the success of FRSC operations.

READ ALSO: Youths urge FCT Minister to scale up revenue generation, attract investors

Bello, who said that the laws establishing the FRSC were explicit and very strong, called on the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC to put the laws to good use.

Earlier, Agwu commended the minister for his openness and support for the FRSC, which had contributed to the successes achieved by the corps in the nation’s capital.

He also appreciated the good working relationship among the various relevant agencies in the FCT involved in the 9management of traffic and curbing insecurity in the territory.

Agwu pledged to build on the existing structures available in the FCT to meet the effective road safety and traffic management objectives of the FCTA.

He said that the creation of more designated bus stops and deployment of more high capacity buses would further aid traffic flow in the city.

Vanguard

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq

By Joseph Erunke

PARTNERS of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development have adopted a 12-point agenda to improve Civil Security Cooperation in Humanitarian Interventions in the North East.

At a meeting convened by the Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq in Maiduguri on Sunday, challenges of humanitarian workers in the North East were put on the front burner while partners resolved to urgently strengthen coordination between the civil authority, military, security actors and the humanitarian actors currently operating in the North East, a statement by the minister’s. special Assistant on Media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze said.

In her opening remarks, the Minister identified poor access to beneficiaries in certain local governments of Borno state, security and safety of humanitarian workers as issues militating against the seamless conduct of relief delivery to beneficiaries.

The statement quoted the minister as saying: “The Technical Working Group is to develop a framework that we all have to key into as humanitarian actors as well as security operatives so that we have a seamless working relationship. Our work is augmentative because we all need each other to carry out this mandate effectively.

“The federal government has directed that we come in with food and non-food items support to be taken to these inaccessible locations when identified. The areas that can be reached by road will have the military support us while those inaccessible locations will have air drop-offs by the Air Force. So we all have to work together with the states, the federal, the military, UN, INGOs, NEMA, SEMA and others to ensure safe delivery of this humanitarian aid to beneficiaries.”

READ ALSO: Sadiya Umar Farouq calls for strong laws against rape offenders

“To this end, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is to establish a fora at National and State levels to coordinate humanitarian activities in the North East while liaising with appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the conduct of seamless humanitarian activities,” it read.

The statement said,”The ministry will also serve as a one-stop-shop that addresses operational needs of various stakeholders, conduct periodic field visits to the North East and receive monthly reports of humanitarian activities through the Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).”

“In his response, the Deputy Governor of Borno state Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur promised that the state will work together with NEMA and all partners to ensure that the relief items get safely to the end users.

“We will ensure that all food items donated by the federal government reach the persons they are meant for and also work towards tidying up all these grey areas raised during the meeting. I will visit the affected areas alongside international organizations, NEMA and SEMA to personally supervise the distribution.

“We shouldn’t have an issue on security as the Commandant has assured us that they will provide adequate security for all the teams and will be part of the distribution team”.

“The security sector however resolved to continue to safeguard the seamless delivery of humanitarian aid as well as guarantee the safety and security of humanitarian actors in line with the agreements reached at the CiSEC Workshop,” it read further.

Vanguard News Nigeria

Attackers with knives killed a Tunisian National Guard officer and wounded another Sunday before three assailants were shot dead in a firefight, the security force said, labelling it a “terrorist” act.

The attack took place in the tourist district of the coastal city of Sousse, the site of the worst of several jihadist attacks in recent years, where 38 people, most of them Britons, were killed in a 2015 beachside shooting rampage.

“A patrol of two National Guard officers was attacked with a knife in the centre of Sousse,” 140 kilometres (80 miles) south of the capital Tunis, said National Guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli.

ALSO READ: Israelis rejoice in weed from heaven

“One died as a martyr and the other was wounded and is hospitalised,” he said, adding that “this was a terrorist attack”.

The attackers had first rammed the officers of the national gendarmerie with a vehicle, said the interior ministry in a statement. After the knife attack, security forces pursued the assailants, who had taken the officers’ guns and vehicle, through the Akouda district of the city’s tourist area of El-Kantaoui, said Jebabli.

“In a firefight three terrorists were killed,” he said, adding that security forces “managed to recover” the car and two pistols the assailants had stolen.

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British ambassador to Tunisia Louise de Sousa tweeted she was “appalled to hear of the attack on a National Guard patrol in #Sousse this morning.

“My sincere condolences to the family of the murdered officer & I wish a swift recovery to the injured. #UKsupportTunisia”

Africa News

Vanguard

—Says history will judge Buhari better than critics expect

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

THE Presidency last night came to the defence of President Muhammadu Buhari over the removal of petroleum subsidy, that led to the increase in the petroleum pump price, saying that though it had long been seen as the right thing to do, previous administrations lacked the courage to take the action.

The Presidency said President, Buhari had to take the difficult decisions, both popular and unpopular, stressing that as a leader, he was demonstrating the right courage to take such decisions as they become necessary in view of present circumstances

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja.

The statement noted that subsidy removal had long been seen as a game-changer by successive administrations but the courage to implement the reforms was lacking.

It said more than the expectations of critics, history will be kind to Buhari for eliminating the evil of corruption embedded in subsidies.

The Presidency noted the argument of critics as to the timing of the subsidy removal and admonished that what the President needed now was the support of all including the opposition.

According to the statement: “The All Progressives Congress, APC came to power in 2015 defeating an incumbent administration amidst very high expectations from President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Five years on, the administration has worked hard to meet many expectations, but still, there are certain tough decisions which had to be taken to put back the country on the path of sustainable development.

“To stop the mismanagement of taxpayer money, eliminate corruption associated with subsidies on petroleum products, power, fertilizer among others, the administration took the decision to implement long-delayed reforms, withdraw and allow the market to determine their prices.

“Over the last few days, one claim acquiring a potent resonance with the online community, sections of the labour movement and the opposition is that the actions are ill-timed and ill-advised.

“There is nothing new in the fact that the country is today fighting multiple challenges along with COVID-19, including low earnings, near-collapse of the oil market, floods, threats of terrorism and banditry but the challenges notwithstanding, a good government must take decisions for the people’s good.

READ ALSO: Igbo leaders to Nwobodo: South-East governors are weak, stop defending them

“As President, Muhammadu Buhari takes these difficult decisions, both popular and unpopular and as a leader because he is demonstrating the right courage to take such decisions as they become necessary in view of present circumstances.

“History will be kind to President Buhari because in addition to his amazing ability to command votes, he will be remembered as the President who made real contributions to economic and overall national development by eliminating the evils of corruption embedded in subsidies.

“In any democracy, the most important certificate in governance is acceptance by the people and, with the support of ordinary Nigerians, President Buhari has shown a rare determination to carry out the bold initiatives as these ones driven by nothing other than the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

“In carrying out the reforms, the President needs the support and understanding of all citizens-inclusive of the opposition parties, the labour movement and civil society groups.

“In these challenging times, the President is pushing development goals, not politics and history will judge him in favourable terms rather than his critics in the new media and the opposition.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

By Anayo Okoli, Chimobi Nwaiwu, Ugochukwu Alaribe & Chinonso Alozie

FORMER governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo has come under attack by some Igbo leaders for defending South-East Governors.

Nwobodo has said that  South-East Governors should not be not be branded weak for not acting swiftly over the attack by security operatives on IPOB members in Emene, Enugu state recently.

Leading Igbo elder and Nigeria statesman, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Chief Ozo Anaekwe and rights activist, Emeka Umeagbalasi disagreed with Nwobodo, saying that the South East governors acted cowardly.

“What I am saying is that the South East Governors are not acting with enough boldness in the matter.

“I was in a joint meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South East Governors, at Enugu. I was personally in the Government House where we agreed on a thing and it was never implemented, then they went and formed the one they had with the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

“The man told them they were going to form joint security outfit, and I keep asking, how they would form a joint police outfit that will be supervised by the same IGP, who has allowed the Fulani people to carry guns and kill Igbo’s in their places.

“How do they expect the same IGP to head their own vigilante, how can it work, they are acting without wisdom in that respect and without enough Igbo courage, they should be courageous enough to have their vigilante without external control, if they cannot do it collectively because they have now taken Imo State, individually take into Igbo interest into consideration.

“They are killing your people every day and they are not doing anything and somebody is talking about acting with caution, I did not say they are coward, I said they acted cowardly, they acted without enough courage, they are acting like jelly fish that is what I said and I stand by that”,  Amaechi lamented.

For Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi: “I totally disagree agree with him. The Southeast Governors are weak and uncoordinated. They act as if they are agents of the ruling Islamic oligarchy.

“Exposing the lives and liberties of their own people and endangering the territorial security and safety of Igbo land is not the best they should do.

“The truth of the matter is that the Southeast Governors must sit up otherwise they will be attracting the wrath of their own people. On Emene massacre, they, especially the Enugu Gov, acted cowardly”.

Chief Ozo Anaekwem the former President General of Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, took exceptions on the manner the governors handle security issues in the zone.

READ ALSO: I’ll support South East presidency if region select their best ― Na’Abba

“The Governors have no answer to the security lapses in the Southeast that has led to the killings by the herdsmen and security agents in the South East, they are not using the security vote given to them to protect the people they are meant to protect.

“They are collecting security votes; they are not utilizing them to provide security for the people, rather to impress the powers in Aso Rock and for lining their pockets.

“That security vote is money given and collected by Governors to protect lives and property’s of the people, it is supposed to be used for prevention of crime to protect lives and property’s, the Governors are supposed to take proactive measures before crimes are committed and that is the essence of having security reports.

“Unless they are telling us they are using their security votes for things other than security, Chief Jim Nwobodo should remember that he was the former Governor if Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States put together as then old Anambra State.

“Now we have three Governors for the states yet they cannot protect their people, but Nwobodo as only Governor for old Anambra State, now three states was able to give the people security, how can three Governors wait until a crime has been committed, they will now act”, Anaekwe said.

Also the Igbo National Council, INC, has criticized the governors over the handling of the Emene incident, and called on the people of the Southeast to begin a ballot revolution against the political leaders in their zone. INC President, Chilos Godsent, accused the Southeast governors of paying more attention to the authorities in the North more than their own people.

“They are being very cowardice. They are more of a puppet to the caliphate and the northern oligarchy. The people should be able to determine who governor should be and not allow them be imposed by the Northern caliphate.

However, a chieftain of the pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Richard Ozobu, aligned with Senator Nwobodo, saying the governors should not take hasty decision without being briefed with the facts of any situation. “I read Chief Jim Nwobodo’s statement on this matter, he was right”.

Vanguard

Buhari presidential campaign

By  Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah – Gusau

Zamfara state residents have lamented the increase in foodstuff prices saying; “this is not our agreement with Buhari before we voted him into power in 2015”.

The rate at which prices of foodstuffs continue to escalate in the country is now attracting serious attention, while also noting that the federal government has failed to establish a well-coordinated price control agency to regulate prices of foodstuffs in the country.

An intensive investigation by Vanguard correspondent revealed that a bag of foreign rice in Zamfara state is now being sold at the price of N29,000 while the same bag is being sold at the price of N30,000 in Sokoto state.

According to a trader operating at Tudu Wada market, the market behaviour has totally changed considering the increase of foodstuffs in Zamfara state.

“It is very obvious that Zamfara state is a rural state where almost everybody in the state depends entirely on the state government for survival,” she said.

Tudun Wada market, Zamfara State

Many people interviewed by this reporter explained that the federal government should be blamed for what they described as lack of care for the people that voted President Muhammadu Buhari to power.

“It is clear that we are living in a decaying system where the poor get poorer and the rich get richer even when the federal government continue to make noise about the war against corruption in the country”

According to one trader, Alhaji Ibrahim Dangata, who operates a big shop in Gusau, the situation has become so unbearable for the common man to live in his or her own country.

ALSO READ: Miners in Zamfara react over Matawalle’s claim on exchanging gold for ammunitions

“We are therefore calling on the federal government to as a matter of necessity address the ugly development before all the citizens of this country would all die of hunger and starvation”

“This is not our agreement with President Buhari before we voted him into power in 2015”

According to him, no responsible government can stay and watch its citizens perish due to hunger and starvation, saying that Buhari’s administration has failed Nigerians woefully.

He explained that if our founding fathers who have been buried since would germinate from the grave and see the position of Nigeria they left behind, they would be full of surprises and disappointed with what is happening in the country they unitedly fought for.

Vanguard correspondent further surveyed tomato, yam, onions market where it was discovered that no one could buy them with N100, saying that the prices range from N300 before one could get these ingredients that can make a pot of soup.

Vanguard correspondent can authoritatively report that many traders have packed up their businesses due to lack of buyers, stressing that many civil servants are mostly affected by the foodstuffs price hike.

According to one civil servant, Abubakar  Gusau, we have not yet enjoyed the N30,000 minimum wage in the state, saying that the state government has been making noises about the minimum wage but no action on ground.

“We need to get it right, a committee that was constituted over a year for the salary implementation and has submitted its report to the State government then what is delaying the implementation of the report” he asked.

He noted that everyone in the state including the so-called NGOs depends on the government and when the state government is not forthcoming then there is bound to be problems in the system.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Tudun Wada market, Zamfara State

By  Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah – Gusau

The rate at which prices of foodstuffs continue to escalate in the country is now attracting serious attention, while also noting that the federal government has failed to establish a well-coordinated price control agency to regulate prices of foodstuffs in the country.

An intensive investigation by Vanguard correspondent revealed that a bag of foreign rice in Zamfara state is now being sold at the price of N29,000 while the same bag is being sold at the price of N30,000 in Sokoto state.

According to a trader operating at Tudu Wada market, the market behaviour has totally changed considering the increase of foodstuffs in Zamfara state.

“It is very obvious that Zamfara state is a rural state where almost everybody in the state depends entirely on the state government for survival,” she said.

Many people interviewed by this reporter explained that the federal government should be blamed for what they described as lack of care for the people that voted President Muhammadu Buhari to power.

“It is clear that we are living in a decaying system where the poor get poorer and the rich get richer even when the federal government continue to make noise about the war against corruption in the country”

According to one trader, Alhaji Ibrahim Dangata, who operates a big shop in Gusau, the situation has become so unbearable for the common man to live in his or her own country.

ALSO READ: Miners in Zamfara react over Matawalle’s claim on exchanging gold for ammunitions

“We are therefore calling on the federal government to as a matter of necessity address the ugly development before all the citizens of this country would all die of hunger and starvation”

“This is not our agreement with President  Buhari before we voted him into power in 2015”

According to him, no responsible government can stay and watch its citizens perish due to hunger and starvation, saying that Buhari’s administration has failed Nigerians woefully.

He explained that if our founding fathers who have been buried since would germinate from the grave and see the position of Nigeria they left behind, they would be full of surprises and disappointed with what is happening in the country they unitedly fought for.

Vanguard correspondent further surveyed tomato, yam, onions market where it was discovered that no one could buy them with N100, saying that the prices range from N300 before one could get these ingredients that can make a pot of soup.

Vanguard correspondent can authoritatively report that many traders have packed up their businesses due to lack of buyers, stressing that many civil servants are mostly affected by the foodstuffs price hike.

According to one civil servant, Abubakar  Gusau, we have not yet enjoyed the N30,000 minimum wage in the state, saying that the state government has been making noises about the minimum wage but no action on ground.

“We need to get it right, a committee that was constituted over a year for the salary implementation and has submitted its report to the State government then what is delaying the implementation of the report” he asked.

He noted that everyone in the state including the so-called NGOs depends on the government and when the state government is not forthcoming then there is bound to be problems in the system.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Nigerian soldiers

The Defence Headquarters has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and adjoining states that the military and other security agencies had been on red alert to ensure their safety.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, gave the assurence in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the armed forces had intensified effective surveillance of the FCT and other states to checkmate activities of the criminals.

He said the assurance was “imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT”.

“The Armed Forces in conjunction with other security and response agencies particularly the core intelligence agencies hereby assure the public that preventive and preemptive intelligence are ongoing.

READ ALSO: US suspends military aid to Mali after coup

“The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.

“Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to assure the general public that the offensives against the common enemies of this Nation will not cease until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.

“Hence, the public is equally enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the military had recently raided identified camps of the DarulSalam/Boko Haram terrorist group in parts of Kogi and Nasarawa States.

It neutralised scores of the terrorists and rescued over 700 of their family members and abductees in the raid following verified intelligence reports on the locations. (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

By Joseph Erunke

AS Nigerians continue to kick against recent increment in electricity tariff and petroleum products, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, hinted Sunday, that it has begun mobilisation of members for a possible showdown with the federal government.

The action, according to the students’ body, was aimed at forcing the government to rescind its decision on the increment.

NANS said it had begun mobilisation of its members, saying a high-level consultation with relevant pro-people organisations and bodies for a major showdown with the government was ongoing.

While insisting that government must reverse its decision on the many increments introduced recently on essential services, NANS regretted the action of government was already causing pains and untold hardship on the people.

NANS’ Vice-President, Comrade Ojo Raymond, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, said the association received with shock the news of another increment in the pump price of premium motor spirit from N145 to N161.

According to him, the newly announced pump price was not only ridiculous but also harsh, provocative and anti-people.

He said the Nigerian students unequivocally reject the increment as it would no doubt worsen the economic life, business growth and social balance of individuals and families.

“Unfortunately, in the last one week, Nigerians had noticed the emerging provocative socio-economic policies of the PMB led administration which increased cost of virtually all essential services.

“Nigerians are particularly not happy over increment in electricity tariff, cable subscription and the latest pump price, “he said.

He noted that, “Again, interest on savings in banks has been satanically reduced to 1.25 per cent from 3.75 per cent while.”

“Inflation is rising above bearable level due to the free fall of the Naira, our local currency against the dollar,” he added.

He said the Nigerian students unequivocally reject the increment as it would no doubt worsen the economic life, business growth and social balance of individuals and families.

The statement read further:“Unemployment has become a bane in our nation as there are no longer opportunities for productive youths to get engaged in order to revitalise the economy.

“Considering the effect of the lockdown brought about by the global coronavirus pandemic, it is unthinkable that the Nigerian government instead of stimulating the economy and supporting citizens with policies and programmes that ameliorates their dwindling means of livelihood will now aggravate peoples hardship through harsh economic policies. This is totally unacceptable.

“Granted that the PMB led administration is focused on removing subsidy on petroleum, the right time to effect such is outrightly not now when families are yet to recover from months of inactivity and businesses badly affected.

“Nigerians are suffering already and do not deserve any further hardship from a government they so believe will alleviate their suffering.

“As an organization, we have sound economists who can help shift government attention to areas where the economy of our nation can be sustainable.

“We wish to remind the APC government that they met the pump price of petrol at N87 and advise that the government should reverse to N100 per litre to enable citizens to cope with daily obligations. Prices of food items should, in particular, be regulated to avoid high criminality due to hunger.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students has commenced high-level consultation with relevant pro-people organisations and bodies with a view to forcing the government to rescind her decision on the many increments introduced recently on essential services.

“Our constituency is hereby put on a red alert for a clarion call to end all forms of anti-people policies.”

Vanguard

By Anayo Okoli, Chimobi Nwaiwu, Ugochukwu Alaribe & Chinonso Alozie

FORMER governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo has come under attack by some Igbo leaders for defending South-East Governors.

Nwobodo has said that  South-East Governors should not be not be branded weak for not acting swiftly over the attack by security operatives on IPOB members in Emene, Enugu state recently.

Leading Igbo elder and Nigeria statesman, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Chief Ozo Anaekwe and rights activist, Emeka Umeagbalasi disagreed with Nwobodo, saying that the South East governors acted cowardly.

“What I am saying is that the South East Governors are not acting with enough boldness in the matter.

“I was in a joint meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South East Governors, at Enugu. I was personally in the Government House where we agreed on a thing and it was never implemented, then they went and formed the one they had with the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

“The man told them they were going to form joint security outfit, and I keep asking, how they would form a joint police outfit that will be supervised by the same IGP, who has allowed the Fulani people to carry guns and kill Igbo’s in their places.

“How do they expect the same IGP to head their own vigilante, how can it work, they are acting without wisdom in that respect and without enough Igbo courage, they should be courageous enough to have their vigilante without external control, if they cannot do it collectively because they have now taken Imo State, individually take into Igbo interest into consideration.

“They are killing your people every day and they are not doing anything and somebody is talking about acting with caution, I did not say they are coward, I said they acted cowardly, they acted without enough courage, they are acting like jelly fish that is what I said and I stand by that”,  Amaechi lamented.

For Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi: “I totally disagree agree with him. The Southeast Governors are weak and uncoordinated. They act as if they are agents of the ruling Islamic oligarchy.

“Exposing the lives and liberties of their own people and endangering the territorial security and safety of Igbo land is not the best they should do.

“The truth of the matter is that the Southeast Governors must sit up otherwise they will be attracting the wrath of their own people. On Emene massacre, they, especially the Enugu Gov, acted cowardly”.

Chief Ozo Anaekwem the former President General of Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, took exceptions on the manner the governors handle security issues in the zone.

READ ALSO: I’ll support South East presidency if region select their best ― Na’Abba

“The Governors have no answer to the security lapses in the Southeast that has led to the killings by the herdsmen and security agents in the South East, they are not using the security vote given to them to protect the people they are meant to protect.

“They are collecting security votes; they are not utilizing them to provide security for the people, rather to impress the powers in Aso Rock and for lining their pockets.

“That security vote is money given and collected by Governors to protect lives and property’s of the people, it is supposed to be used for prevention of crime to protect lives and property’s, the Governors are supposed to take proactive measures before crimes are committed and that is the essence of having security reports.

“Unless they are telling us they are using their security votes for things other than security, Chief Jim Nwobodo should remember that he was the former Governor if Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States put together as then old Anambra State.

“Now we have three Governors for the states yet they cannot protect their people, but Nwobodo as only Governor for old Anambra State, now three states was able to give the people security, how can three Governors wait until a crime has been committed, they will now act”, Anaekwe said.

Also the Igbo National Council, INC, has criticized the governors over the handling of the Emene incident, and called on the people of the Southeast to begin a ballot revolution against the political leaders in their zone. INC President, Chilos Godsent, accused the Southeast governors of paying more attention to the authorities in the North more than their own people.

“They are being very cowardice. They are more of a puppet to the caliphate and the northern oligarchy. The people should be able to determine who governor should be and not allow them be imposed by the Northern caliphate.

However, a chieftain of the pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Richard Ozobu, aligned with Senator Nwobodo, saying the governors should not take hasty decision without being briefed with the facts of any situation. “I read Chief Jim Nwobodo’s statement on this matter, he was right”.

Vanguard

Cross section of the suspects paraded.

Criminals

The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau has arrested one James Dogo, for falsely parading himself as a military personnel.

Dogo was arrested alongside one Dotun Shomoye, who specialises in printing  identity cards for fake security personnel.

Other 20 suspected criminals, who are between the ages of 20 and 25, were arrested for armed robbery, drug abuse, snatching of phones, and other criminal activities.

The Commander of the task force, Maj.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, on Sunday in Jos, said the suspects were arrested in different locations within Jos metropolis.

Okonkwo said that the raid was aimed at ensuring sanity and ending petty crimes as well as other criminal activities within Jos and environs.

READ ALSO: Truckers threaten to withdraw services

“In our efforts to weed out bad elements across our area of joint operation, we have arrested some criminal elements terrorising the peace loving people of Jos and environs.

“Among them is a fake soldier and printer who produces identity cards for fake security personnel.

“Similarly,  20 other suspected criminals were arrested as part of our operation, launched to bring sanity to Jos metropolis,” he said

The commander, who said over 60 suspects were arrested in the past days, added that they would be handed over to the Police for prosecution.

Okonkwo assured Jos and Plateau residents in general of his commitment to ridding the area of criminal elements and ending all forms of insecurity in the state.

He, however, urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and criminal activities around their vicinities to security agnecies for prompt action.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items recovered from the suspects include: Indian hemps, machetes and swords and various types of dagger and knives.

Items recovered from the printer of fake identity cards include: two Dell desk top computers, three CPU, two Canon printers, among others. (NAN)

Vanguard

By Shina Abubakar

There was anxiety in Iloba Village via Erin-Osun in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State as land dispute led to arson and murder in the village.

It was gathered that some hoodlums invaded the village while the local government surveyor, in the company of other officials, was working on disputed land in the area.

The hoodlums, led by me Saheed Tanfeani were said to have invaded the village located along Egbedi road and shot Tairu Badmus, 50 while working on the land.

The hoodlums according to sources also set many buildings on fire to send signal to others who might want to return to the disputed land.

The disputed land, a community source, disclosed was proposed site for a housing scheme planned by Erin-Osun community.

The State’s Police Command Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident saying a suspect, Ibrahim Olaniran had been arrested while a manhunt has been launched against the fleeing others.

She said the deceased body has been deposited at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital Osogbo.

She said, “one Saheed was shot dead while he was working on disputed land with a Surveyor. The police have visited the scene and five expended cartridges were recovered from the scene. Our men arrested one Ibraheem Olaniran while an intensive manhunt is ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects.

The corpse of Saheed have been deposited in Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo for post mortem. We have beefed up security in those areas to prevent retaliation attacks”, she added.

READ ALSO: Herdsman cries for justice as hoodlums cart away 28 cows in Kogi

When contacted, the monarch of Iloba, Oba Gbadamonsi Ajibola alleged that Erin-Osun community mobilised to his community to perpetuate the evil crime.

He the action was borne out of envy as the Osun state government had concluded plans to elevate his stool as a part two monarch, contrary to their expectations.

He urged the state government to investigate the incident and bring culprit to justice to avoid bloodshed in the communities.

He, however, disclosed that he does not know those that attack surveyor and his team along Erin/Egbedi road.


Subsequently, Counsel to the Erin Community, Chief Abdulfatia Abdulsalam, refuted the claim that residents of Erin-Osun community razed houses in Iloba Community.

According to him, “we did not raze any house in Iloba village neither do we destroy any farmland. Those that were attacked were working on the land of Erin where we wanted to build Erin Housing Scheme. We did not encroach on any land”.

Vanguard News Nigeria