News Agency of Nigeria
Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states

Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states

Arrest

By Desmond Ejibas

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have apprehended 43 suspected oil thieves during a coordinated raid on illegal artisanal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

Spokesman for the division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday, noting that 14 artisanal refineries were also dismantled during the operations.

Danjuma also revealed that troops seized 14 boats and confiscated about 254,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products between March 31 and April 6.

Providing details of the operations, he explained that soldiers in Delta raided the Old Ogorode community in the Sapele area, where they recovered 90,000 litres of petroleum products loaded into a bus.

“Furthermore, troops confiscated 74,107 drums filled with 16,600 litres of petroleum products and 1,600 litres of illegally refined engine oil.

“Other items recovered include a tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products, an empty tank  with a capacity of 5,000 litres, eight pumping machines, two generators.

“Two suspects were arrested at the crime scene,” he stated.

In a separate operation in Amukpe, Sapele, Danjuma said that soldiers intercepted a truck carrying 56 drums containing 13,400 litres of stolen crude oil.

He confirmed the arrest of three suspects connected to the incident.

“In Rivers, troops dismantled illegal sites, seized about 83,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Andoni, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru, and Degema Local Government Areas.

“The petroleum products were found stored in more than 80 cooking pots and ovens, as well as in sacks, metal receivers, iron pipes, and a reservoir pit,” Danjuma stated.

In Bayelsa, the army spokesman reported the seizure of 13,500 litres of stolen crude following the destruction of four illegal refineries in Yenagoa and Ekeremor LGAs.

During the raids, Danjuma revealed that troops also dismantled over nine cooking drums and receivers, 11 ovens, four drums, and a dug-out reservoir.

According to him, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their successful operations and urged stakeholders to support the fight against illegal oil bunkering.

“The GOC assured Nigerians that these ongoing operations form part of broader efforts to boost oil and gas production and enhance the nation’s economy,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

FRSC Corps Marshal bemoans death of rescue operative, 16 others

FRSC Corps Marshal bemoans death of rescue operative, 16 others

Death
By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has bemoaned the tragic death of 17 persons in a road crash, including one of its emergency rescue operatives.

Mohammed expressed his condolences in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide.

The FRSC boss, however, added that the personnel who lost his life was deployed to carry out rescue operation at the scene of the crash.

He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to make vehicle maintenance a priority and adhere to speed limits.

This, he said, would also help to prevent reoccurrence of such tragedies in the future.

Mohammed recalled that the fatal multiple crash occurred as a result of excessive speed and break failure at exactly 1600hrs in Gbara area of Ogun State.

He said that the crash involved 7 vehicles in the category of a white DAF truck with registration number T14007LA, Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number AGL752YC.

A Honda saloon car bearing the registration number HET680, and a Nissan Pick up Van with registration number STF10204, were also involved in the accident.

“Others are; a Nissan Pick up Van with the following registration details STF10204 belonging to Nigeria Police Force,.

” 2 Bajaj motorcycles with the registration numbers AGG448Q and PKA214WS, as well as a white DAF truck with no evidence of registration.

“The multiple crash also involved 18 victims (12 male adults, 5 female adults and 1 female child).

“Out of the number, 17 victims were killed comprising of ( 11 male adults, 5 female adults,1 female child). Only 1 victim was rescued with injury,”he said.

The FRSC corps marshal emphasised that the Corps was committed to ensuring the safety of all road users.

Mohammed, however, said that the alarming rate of speed-related crashes on the roads was a pressing concern.

He urged all motorists to take responsibility for their actions and respect speed limits.

He lamented that the consequences of speeding were devastating, and FRSC could not afford to lose more lives on Nigerian roads.

While bemoaning the death of the marshal who was killed in active service along 16 other innocent Nigerians, the corps marshal vowed that the driver responsible for the carnage would definitely be prosecuted.

“There is ongoing efforts of the Corps to ensure that all drivers involved in fatal crash face the wrath of the law.

“FRSC will continue to work tirelessly to promote road safety awareness and enforce traffic laws and the Corps will not relent in its efforts to make our roads safer for all users.

“We appeal to all stakeholders, including motorists, pedestrians and the general public to join FRSC in the crusade against speed limit violations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Kevin Okunzuwa

Police to probe Lagos explosion incident

Police to probe Lagos explosion incident

Explosion

By Deborah Akpede

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has begun an investigation into the explosion that claimed the life of a scrap metal dealer in the Mushin area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos.

He said that the incident occurred on Thursday at No 40, Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba in Mushin.

“The unfortunate explosion that occurred sadly claimed the life of one individual and left three others injured.

“The injured victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

“Investigations revealed that the explosion occurred when the victim attempted to cut a metal object into smaller pieces which might be unknown to him, was a military-grade grenade, resulting in an explosion that led to his death,” he said.

Hundeyin said that upon receiving the report, police explosives ordnance experts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the command arrived at the scene

The image maker said that the remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.

He said that the area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN unit.

“The cordon of the scene and the adjoining areas is emplaced to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and take immediate further necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured, a speedy recovery.

The spokesperson said that CP Jimoh urged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and go about their businesses and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The CP urges residents to be peaceful and assures them of their safety as the scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been rendered safe and declared secure,” Hundeyin said.

He said the command’s EOD-CBRN unit had been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device.

The commissioner ensured that all necessary actions were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

He advised members of the public to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Maureen Atuonwu

FG to commence construction of collapsed Namnai bridge in Taraba

FG to commence construction of collapsed Namnai bridge in Taraba

Bridge

By Martins Abochol

Alhaji Uba Maigari, Minister for State Regional Development has announced the commencement of construction work on the collapsed Namnai bridge along Wukari Jalingo high way in Taraba by the Federal Government.

Maigari made the declaration on Thursday during an assessment visit to the collapsed Namnai bridge.

He recalled that engineers and surveyors from the North East Development Commission (NEDC), had already carried out technical assessment of the bridge in the last six weeks with the view to  reconstructing it.

He said that the situation of the bridge was a concern to the Federal Government, justifying why he had cut short his holiday for the visit to the site.

He expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to work on Namnai, Mayo Kham, Bantaje and Suntai bridges all in the state.

He said that his visit was a testament that the Federal Government was worried over the plight of the people, who ply the road that linked the Southern Nigeria and the North Eastern part of the country.

“As a responsible and responsive government, it is our responsibility to fix the collapse brigade as soon as possible.

“We are in a holiday but we have cut it short to give attention to the situation.

“Gov Agbu Kefas of Taraba had visited us in the past six weeks and we discussed on emergency intervention on Namnai, Mayo Kham, Bantaje and Suntai bridges.

“With this situation, which is a natural disaster, we are still going to commence work on Namnai bridge in the next one week,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Namnai bridge along Wukari Jalingo high way which is linking Calabar to Maiduguri collapsed in 2024 due to flood. (NAN) (www nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Police, stakeholders caution against jungle justice

Police, stakeholders caution against jungle justice

Police

By Christian Ogbonna

Some Stakeholders in Ebonyi including the Police have expressed concern over the spate of jungle justice across states of the federation, urging citizens to desist from the act.

They gave the advice on Thursday in Abakaliki at a Town hall meeting with relevant stakeholders in commemorations of the National Police day scheduled for April 7.

The theme of the meeting is tagged: “Police and the community: strengthening cooperation for improved service delivery.”

The stakeholders, who spoke at the event condemned the act of jungle justice, police extortions, police molestation and harassment, extra judicial killings among others.

CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, Commissioner of Police in the state explained that the meeting was to harness issues towards achieving maximum security of lives and security for citizens.

Uche-Anya noted that it was unlawful to take a life of fellow citizens.

According to her, nobody has the right to take the law into his or her hands.

“Citizen must follow due process in the efforts to ensure security,” the Commissioner said.

On police extortion, she said the Police Force had zero tolerance for such act and warned officers to disengage from the nefarious act.

Uche-Anya noted that the police had no right to check another person’s phone at the checkpoint except, if such a person was under investigation.

Earlier speaking, Nwanneka David, Ex-Officio, National Association of Nigeria Student (NANS), Ebonyi chapter, decried police harassments  of students in the state.

“We are not happy the way police have been harassing students, to the extent of tagging most of them, “Yahoo Boys”.

“We need the Commissioner to intervene. The police have gone the extra mile checking people’s phone,” David stated.

Mr Chidi Igboji, the state’s Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also condemned the unprofessionalism among the police personnel.

Igboji, therefore, suggested regular training for the police force in the efforts to harness and promote security.

Mr Sunday Oketa, Traditional Ruler, Nkaliki-Echara Unuhu Autonomous Community, in Ebonyi Local Government Area, called for more stakeholders collaboration for improved security.

Oketa hailed community policing in the state and urged the officers to keep the flag flying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

 Ex-Police officer allegedly kills 2 family members over land dispute in Badagry

 Ex-Police officer allegedly kills 2 family members over land dispute in Badagry

Death

By Raji Rasak

The Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, was thrown into mourning on Tuesday morning when an ex-police officer, allegedly shot and killed two family members and one other person over a land dispute.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that Mr Richard Atideka, Mrs Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan community,  and Mr Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community, were killed by the ex-police officer and his accomplice.

A survivour of the attack, Mr David Atideka, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the incident occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in the Atideka compound.

“I was inside my room discussing with my wife when I stepped out to urinate. As I did, I saw two armed men entering the compound. I quickly hid nearby.

“They entered my room, asked for me, and immediately shot my wife in the head. Out of fear, I ran to inform my elder brother, but when I arrived, I found his lifeless body—he had been shot too,” David narrated.

He further alleged that he saw his elder brother, the suspect, the ex-police officer, along with another armed person, leaving the compound after killing his wife and brother.

“The person I saw was my brother, the police officer. I recognised him clearly,” he said.

NAN learnt that the alleged suspected killer had been in a long-standing dispute with his brothers over land ownership.

A reliable source disclosed that the suspect had been attempting to seize land from David and Richard Atideka.

“They had taken the matter to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. They were due for a final court judgment this Thursday,” the source revealed.

Meanwhile, Mr Yusuf Onilude, the son of slain Muji Onilude, said his father had just left his room moments before he was murdered.

“My father came to my room at about 2:10 a.m. We spoke for a few minutes before he left.

“Less than five minutes later, I heard gunshots outside. I rushed out and saw a man running away. I chased him, but he fired shots in the air and escaped.

“When I returned, I found my father in a pool of blood. He had been shot dead,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, community representative Mr James Yovoyan urged the police to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.

Chief Lorence Atideka, the family head, lamented the tragedy, calling on the government to arrest and prosecute everyone involved.

However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged killer, denied the accusations, claiming that unknown gunmen carried out the attack.

“My father was not around when the incident happened, and he has been invited by the police.

“Although the family had some disagreements, it was not about land but a conspiracy, which we planned to resolve this Thursday,” he said.

Henry expressed optimism that the police would uncover the truth and punish the culprits.

However, a senior police officer who wished to remain anonymous confirmed that the police had taken the corpses to the General Hospital in Badagry and had launched an investigation into the killings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

No community invaded, under siege in Enugu—Police

No community invaded, under siege in Enugu—Police

Community

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Police Command in Enugu State says no part of the state or community including Eha-Amufu has been invaded, under siege or its residents displaced recently.

The Spokesman of the Command, SP. Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in a statement in Enugu, said that the Command was aware of a spurious online report alleging that herdsmen had taken over homes and schools in Eha-Amufu community.

Ndukwe said that after a diligent review, the Command declared the report as “baseless, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and instill fear.”

According to him, the farm settlements allegedly overrun by herdsmen are temporary dwellings used by farmers who periodically return to their permanent residences in their villages.

Ndukwe noted that available records indicated that farmers were temporarily displaced from these farm settlements during farmer-herder clashes sometimes in 2021 and 2022.

He said that peace and order had since been restored to Eha-Amufu through joint security operations contrary to the misleading report.

“The Police Command particularly acknowledges the intentional and intensive interventions of the Government of Enugu State to enhance security, especially in Eha-Amufu community and its adjoining communities under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah.

“These efforts include deploying 150 military personnel and well-equipped Special Forces, establishing security agency barracks, and constructing the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete access road leading to some farm settlements in the community.

“Regrettably, the medium that published the report ignored these facts and timelines, using unrelated pictures to support its sensational claims.

“After diligent forensic and digital fact-checking, it was discovered that the images were taken from old reports on incidents in neighboring states and other locations, then mischievously repurposed to mislead the public,” he said.

According to him, pictures of burnt houses posted by Amnesty International in condemnation of the Feb. 4, attack on the Nkalaeha community in a neighboring state have been falsely misrepresented in the report as a recent occurrence in Eha-Amufu farm settlements.

The spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had urged the public to disregard the unfounded report.

He said that the commissioner reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to maintaining law, order, and security across the state.

“The command calls on citizens, particularly those in the allegedly affected communities of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any genuine security concerns through official channels.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NSE lauds Tinubu on appointment of seasoned professionals at NNPC Ltd

NSE lauds Tinubu on appointment of seasoned professionals at NNPC Ltd

Appointment

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing seasoned professionals to lead the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

NSEs’ President, Margaret Oguntala, stated this in a statement on Wednesday, in Abuja, describing the move as “putting the right peg in the right hole.”

Oguntala praised Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical and leadership experience would manage affairs in the NNPC Ltd.

She emphasised that the new leadership would usher in a transformative era for NNPC Ltd, fostering efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

“NSE extends heartfelt congratulations to President Tinubu, on the appointment of Bashir Bayo Ojulari, as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.

“Ahmadu Musa Kida, as Non-Executive Chairman of NNPC Ltd and other board members.

“This significant decision underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising NNPC Ltd and enhances the energy security of Nigeria through the oil and gas sector.

“I commend President Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical, and leadership experience are at the helm of NNPC Ltd,’’ she said.

She said that the move aligned with global best practices in energy governance.

Oguntala said that the strategic appointment was pivotal to achieving sustainable energy security, infrastructural growth, and economic development.

She further expressed optimism that the new leadership would usher in a transformative era for NNPC Ltd, fostering efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

She said that NSE remained committed to supporting the administration’s drive toward national development and energy sustainability.

According to her, NSE looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with NNPC Ltd under its new leadership.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kevin Okunzuwa

Okpebholo pledges compensation for Uromi 16 victims

Okpebholo pledges compensation for Uromi 16 victims

Compensation

By Aminu Garko

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has pledged to compensate the families of the 16 slain hunters allegedly murdered by a vigilante group at Uromi, Edo while on their way to Kano.

He made the pledge when, in the company of his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, paid a condolence visit to the families of the late hunters at Torankawa in Kano State.

”We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the victims affected by this incident”, he said.

Okpebholo commended the people of Kano State for remaining calm in spite of the situation.

”I also commend the good people of Kano State and the entire north for not taking the law into their own hands  and carrying out reprisal attacks,” he said.

He prayed  for the repose of the souls  of the late hunters.

” We are here to commiserate with the  families of the dead.

“We assure you that the perpetrators  will be brought to justice.

” May Almighty God forgive the souls of the victims and reward them with paradise,” he said

The Edo governor said that already arrests had been made.

“About 14 suspects have been arrested already; we will pursue the case until its logical conclusion.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the families affected by this incident”, he said.

Earlier, Yusuf, while praying for the souls of the victims, said that all hands were on the deck to ensure that justice prevailed.

” We are working closely with  my counterpart, Gov. Okpebholo to ensure that all those arrested are prosecuted.

” We will also ensure full compensation for all the affected victims”, he said.

” I  pledged cash and food items to the families of victims,” he said .

He  also promised that compensation would be paid to the victims’ families, adding that the government would not relent in pursuing justice for the victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola  Adetoye/Uche Anunne

NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Tuesday 

NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Tuesday 

Weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday predicted sunny skies on Tuesday with few cloud patches over the northern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba States later in the day.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with patches of cloud are anticipated over the North Central region with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States during the morning hours.

“Later in the afternoon or evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kwara States.

“In the South, there are chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States,” it said.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with few clouds are anticipated over northern region on Wednesday with prospects of isolated thunderstorms with or without rains over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Kaduna States later in the day.

It anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North Central region in the morning hours.

” Progressing into the afternoon/evening period, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau States.

“In the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated
with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta States,” it said.

The agency envisaged sunny skies on Thursday with few patches of clouds over the northern region in the morning hours with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba in the afternoon and evening period.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Benue, Kwara and Kogi States.

“In the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and River States,” it said.

NiMet urged people to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, stay in well-ventilated and cool spaces as temperatures are high over most parts of the country, putting people at risk of heat stress.

It advised the public to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoid overcrowding in small spaces, use a nose mask to reduce chances of infection and avoid close
contact with those affected.

“Avoid peak sun hours (noon to  3pm) and protect yourselves from undue exposure to direct sunlight. Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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