Nothing But Fact
The former military administrator of Oyo State, Col. Ahmed Usman, is dead in early hours of Tuesday Wednesday 14th April, 2021 in Jos, Plateau State capital.
According to the family brief, the remains of the former Ondo and Oyo State military administrator will be moved to his village, Okura-Lafia, Kogi State, for burial arrangement according to Islamic rites today.
Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested in a forest in the Igbara-Odo area, Ekiti South West local government area of Ekiti State by men of the state Amotekun corps.
The suspects were said to have been arrested after they attacked a woman and disposed her, of her money along Erinjiyan-Igbara-Odo road, on Monday night.
The corps commander of Ekiti Amotekun, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe(retd), said the suspects were arrested following a tip-off by members of the public and manhunt by the operatives.
He gave the names of the suspects as , Abubakar Musa (25) , Yusuff Lawal(20) and Babaginda Usman (30)
He said, “The suspects attacked the woman in the farm with machetes and inflicted wounds on her head. They escaped when they sighted other people entering the bush. The woman has been taken to the hospital where she is receiving medical attention.
“When apprehended and interrogated, they could not state their mission in the area and as well could not provide information on where they stayed. We will hand them over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Speaking further, Komolafe said, “This arrest was as a result of a timely tip-off. A woman was attacked on her farm yesterday and taken to hospital. But this morning, we directed the boys to go and search the bush and mount roadblock to make sure that the attackers did not escape.
“When the suspects learned that Amotekun operatives were on the road, they decided to escape through the bush, it was then our men got hint again on the particular route they were passing. So, the other Amotekun detachment went to lay ambush for them and they were arrested.”
He advised residents to support the corps with relevant information on activities of criminal elements in their communities, saying the success of the Amotekun corps would be largely determined by the cooperation from the people.
“It is our appeal to residents to give timely information to security agencies so that we can swoop on them and arrest them. If you see strange faces, please report, you can be guaranteed secrecy of information. Give us timely information, my men are ready to enter into the bush and secure the state,” he said.
Lagos State Government, on Monday, said that it has taken over the welfare of Mary Daniel, the 26-year-old homeless amputee and single mother, whose tragic story trended on social media platforms over the weekend.
Speaking on the intervention of the State Government, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, stated that the move became necessary in order to protect the physically challenged woman from abuse and risk.
According to the Special Adviser, Daniel, an indigene of Ayingba, Kogi State, who just moved to Lagos two weeks ago, hawked table water in traffic in Oshodi to earn a living, is now in temporary protective custody pending when further plans would be concluded by the government to get her an apartment and also empower her.
Adebowale said, “The case of Mary (Daniel) was brought to my attention by the Managing Director, Lagos State Lotteries Board and two politicians from Oshodi who expressed concern about her safety as some kind-hearted individuals have started sending money to her account to assist her”.
She explained that after her interaction with Daniel, it was agreed that the present administration should take over the case to ensure her personal safety, hence the involvement of the State Government.
Princess Adebowale promised to personally look over her as a guardian and make sure that she is properly settled in Lagos, saying “We will make sure she becomes a responsible citizen in the State”.
The construction of the 8.625km Ikaram-Akunu road in Akoko Northwest local government by the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration has almost reached the completion stage.
Governor Akeredolu flagged off the construction of the road during his 3rd Anniversary in office in February 2020 after many years of neglect.
The road was last constructed 18 years ago during the administration of the late former Governor Adebayo Adefarati.
The Ikaram-Akunu road is the nerve that connects the North and the Southwest, as people coming from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun states and even Ondo State to Lokoja in Kogi state ply the road.
The Commissioner for Lands and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Olayiwola Aminu said the road is being constructed to specification to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles and for it to stand the test of time.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, Engr. Aminu expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, adding that the contractor is still working within the time frame given.
The Lands and Infrastructure Commissioner noted that the concrete work is almost completed, saying there are hydraulic structures of various sizes.
“The base course used is not laterite, it is a crushed stone base. We specifically designed that for this road because of the expected volume of traffic on the road after completion.
“If not the temporary blockage at Ikare axis, articulated vehicles like Dangote trucks and other of that nature would have been passing through the road. But we cannot stop them. That is why we prepared it in such a way it can accommodate such vehicles transversing the road.
“So, it is one of the best roads we can see in this area or the southwest. The road is in three segments. We have the Akunnu-Ikaram axis of about 8.625km. We Akunnu-Ikaram-Oke-Agbe axis which is 7km and we have some sections of the township roads which is 1km. The total kilometres of the project is 18.625km.
“From the explanation given by the contractor, he promised to deliver between one to two months. But we will prefer the two months because of the nature of the outstanding job. We have even rushed the contractor more than necessary. Secondly, we are approaching the rainy season which will slow them down a bit. So, all these factors ought to be put into consideration.
“The road is one of the major roads own by the government. It is the nerve connecting Ondo State and the Northern part of the country. Anybody going to Abuja, Kabba, Okene, Lokoja from any part of the South West, this is the road they always pass through.
“Also, there is a very thick population in this area which is in the northern senatorial district of the state. They deserve the road and that is why Governor Akeredolu gave it to them.“ Engr. Raimi said.
He recalled that when the road was flagged off, many people believed that it was an election gimmick, adding that despite the paucity of fund everywhere, Governor Akeredolu has decided to construct the road.
Earlier, the contractor Engineer, Engr. Edgard Barakat of the CARREGGIATA Nigeria Limited said the project will be delivered between one and two months.
“As regards the quality of the project, engineers from the Ministry of Lands and Infrastructure are always with us to monitor the asphalt laying. They are making sure that the temperature is correct. They are also monitoring the mixing at our quarry which is very close to the site here. We are working within our best to deliver between one or two months but I hope that we will deliver within one month.“ He said.
Similarly, the Project Consultant, Engr Kasali Adebayo Shittu explained that the contractor is currently working on the pavement, adding that the pavement consists of sub-base and stone-base.
He said the contractor is seriously working and has assured that the section of the project will be completed within a month or two.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with Muslims in the state for witnessing the commencement of yet another Ramadan fasting.
The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, urged Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly during the fasting period and specifically ask the Almighty Allah to show mercy on the people.
He said that Muslims must embrace the piety demanded of them during the Ramadan and ask Allah to put an end to novel Covid 19 which is ravaging the whole world.
He also enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for peace of the State and the Country at large.
According to him, sacrifice and increased prayers are important and critical at this time, when the world is fighting a vicious Coronavirous pandemic. According to him: “It was regretabble that Muslims in the state and across the country cannot observe the Ramadan the way they have been used to over the years, the situation should only be seen as part of the sacrifice we all have to make at this time.”
He added : I am aware our Muslim brothers have been told that they would not be able to gather for Tafsir, Iftar and Tarawih prayers during the month-long Ramadan, due to the restrictions brought upon us all by the Covid 19 pandemic.
“I enjoin you all to see this as a reflection of the sober mood the world has been thrown into as a result of the pandemic.
“Please use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make the pandemic a thing of the past.
He also admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet, while also being their brothers’ keepers.
The statement further read: “As our Muslim brothers and sisters are expected to adhere strictly to abstinence from food and other things during the month of Ramadan, I wish to enjoin them to extend their hands of fellowship to other fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Kidnappers struck again, on Monday morning, at Onipe Community, on Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, abducting three women.
The victims are Mrs Okeowo, Mrs Abosede Adebayo and Mrs Bola Ogunrinde.
Mrs Ogunrinde, suspected to be a military officer, was said to have driven a Toyota RAV-4, with registration number AGL 66 FY.
ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that the armed kidnappers jumped on the road from the bush around Onipe Community, at about 8:20 a.m, shooting sporadically, and went away with the victims to an unknown destination.
It was further learnt that when the case was reported at Idi Ayunre police station, the Divisional Police Officer, who led a patrol team, was joined by the Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Kidnapping Unit and his team, operatives of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), local hunters and vigilante group members, and had been combing the bush since the incident occurred, with the aim of rescuing the victims and arresting the kidnappers.
It will be noted that the abductors had recently switched to the road to operate, and had carried out at least two operations.
They had kidnapped three quarry site workers and a female commuter, on April 6, while the police secured their freedom, on April 9.
Also, on March 15, the kidnappers struck at Ibuso Gbooro, close to Dally Junction, by a quarry site, and abducted two bank officials, two commuters and a palm wine tapper.
When contacted, the police spokesman in the state, DSP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the story, saying that the combined teams of AKS, Idi Ayunre Division, other tactical teams, as well as local hunters and vigilante group, had been active on the trail of the gunmen.
Osifeso added that the security agents were making efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects.
Governor of The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sent greetings to Muslim faithful in the State and around the world as they commence the 1442 AH Ramadan fasting, following the sighting of the moon.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan in Osogbo, the State capital, on Monday, Oyetola who described the month of Ramadan as a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Allah, encouraged Muslims to take advantage of the Holy month to strengthen their commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.
He was however quick to remind the people to “take cognisance of the fact that Coronavirus is still here with us”, and appealed to them to continue to observe safety protocols at places of worship and ensure they use their nose masks.
Oyetola further said: “I congratulate Muslim faithful in Osun and around the globe for witnessing yet another blessed month of Ramadan. We thank Allah who has made this possible.
“As we all know, Ramadan is a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Almighty Allah. We must therefore, take advantage of this Holy month to strengthen our commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.
“We must also endeavour to increase our acts of kindness and generosity by showing love and extending hands of support to the poor and the needy, as it was the usual practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“I pray to Allah to accept all our acts of worship in this blessed month and reward us all abundantly.”
The governor also urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to seize the opportunity of the Holy month to intensify prayers for the continued peace, progress and development of
Osun in particular and Nigeria in general.
Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, 7 other countries confirmed the start of Ramadan following an announcement from Saudi Arabia. Ramadan has been announced for 2021 with the first fast to take place on April 13.
Officials said the majority of Muslims follow announcements from Saudi Arabia, UAE, with at least 7 other countries following suite. Others yet to announce are waiting for verified moon sightings from the UK, Morocco, or elsewhere, so Ramadan can vary by a day or so.
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), in Small Heath, Birmingham – the main organiser of the annual Eid celebrations in Birmingham – is among those following the Saudi announcements.
GLMCC said in a statement: “The moon has been sighted which means that Ramadan will commence tomorrow, Tuesday 13th April 2021.
Traditionally, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia observe the holy month on the same dates, while Oman’s religious authority calls Ramadan independently of the rest of the Arabian Gulf.
This difference in dates has been going on for many years but has now come to a point where experts are calling for an end to ‘moon wars’ with the setting up of a UK moon sighting board.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a seven-day quit notice to the owner and occupants of a dilapidated structure used for both commercial and residential purpose at 2, Brown Street, off Bolade Bus-Stop, Oshodi, after several quit and removal notices had been served to the building without compliance.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, in a statement issued by the Agency, said that the quit notice became necessary based on a thorough Structural Integrity/Stability Test (SIT) carried out on the building by a team of LASBCA experts and its sister Agency, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory.
According to him, the report of the SIT indicated that the building is gravely distressed and a disaster waiting to happen, hence, the need for urgent removal of the structure to prevent loss of lives and property.
Oki advised the traders/residents of the structure to vacate the building for their own good before Thursday, 15th April 2021, to allow the Agency remove the building, stressing that the State government has zero tolerance for building collapse in order to ensure the safety of all residents in Lagos.
He maintained that the government will not fold its arms and watch a highly distressed structure of that magnitude collapse, thereby endangering the lives of the occupants and residents in the area without taking necessary action, reiterating that the State government is committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens.
The General Manager further enjoined the people to support the government by reporting any distressed and non-conforming building in their vicinity to any LASBCA district office nearest to them, as this will help reduce the rate of building collapse to the barest minimum in the State.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to look out for the crescent (moon) of Ramadan 1442AH from Monday.
Abubakar gave the directive on Sunday in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
He Noted “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.
The statement read “Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the crescent moon on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan“.
The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.
Junaidu gave telephone numbers that could be used directly to report the sighting of the new moon to the committee.
The numbers are 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08036149757, 08035965322 and 08035945903.
Recall that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.
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