Category: News

Two people have been reportedly taken away to an unknown destination by a team of kidnappers who stormed Itesiwaju Local Government of Oyo State at early hours of Saturday.

According to a resident and leader in the community, Mr. Johnson Kehinde who hinted the newsmen. He said the whereabouts of the kidnapped victims is yet to be ascertained while families have not been communicated by hydra-headed evils.

“As we navigate this challenging period, awaiting prompt action from our security forces, we earnestly pray for the safe return of the kidnapped and the comprehensive protection of all.

“Your support is appreciated, and please keep Otu, the headquarters of Itesiwaju Local Government Area in Oyo State, in your thoughts and prayers. May God bring healing to our land”.

“The said the incident happened in the night when gunmen approached the house of injured man. He said they shot at his entrance gate several times in order to gain access to the compound when they perceived light from the residence.

“He said the man got injured from the bullets while his wife was abducted since he has been injured. FreshPage sources disclosed that another person was kidnapped from another house in the community”, said an eyewitness.

The incident happened barely days after Iwere-Ile youths in Iwajowa LG staged a peaceful protest to demand for beefing up of security following incessant kidnapping, killing and robbery in the LG.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects Akeem Alabi (30), Toba Bolu (20), Abah Abdullahi (35), Sulaiman Mohammed (32), and Yusuf Alabi (30) for robbery.

The Lagos Police Command disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Friday.

Sharing a photo of the suspects the command said, “Yesterday, around 10:30 p.m. operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), acting on credible intelligence arrested five robbery suspects at Agege Under bridge for harassing and dispossessing passersby of their valuables.

“The suspects are: Akeem Alabi (30), Toba Bolu (20), Abah Abdullahi (35), Sulaiman Mohammed (32) and Yusuf Alabi (30). Commander RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi has stated that there would be more sting operations in the area to reduce robbery.

“The Commander, acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed that the suspect be charged to court immediately.”

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, asserts that unidentified miscreants vandalized the school bus, stealing gowns intended for graduates participating in the 54th convocation ceremony scheduled for January 16, 2024.

Graduates, having paid N15,000 for gown collection, were informed of the suspension due to the vandalism.

“We regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the university’s email to one of the graduates said.

A lawyer, Malachy Odo, also said he received the same notice from the school via test messages after he had paid the levy meant for the collection of the gown.

“I paid 15k for convocation gown yesterday and this is what UNILAG just sent me. This country is not a real place,” he wrote on X.

In 2023 agitations that trailed the increment of tuition fees by the university management.

For Instance, personnel of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force arrested Giwa Yisa while protesting with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students against fees increment by the school authorities.

The family of Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, a Nigerian Airforce officer and his wife, Dr. Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola, a practicing medical doctor and Abdulmugniy Folaranmi, a 16year old 100 level student of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, have pleaded to President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to come to the rescue of the victims.

Nurudeen Popoola hails from Ile Iyalosa, Ebu Ikolaba, Ekunle Iseyin while his wife, Dr. Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola is from Ile Idi-Ape, Ijemba, Iseyin and the undergraduate Folaranmi who is from Oke-Oja, Iseyin.

They were snatched by 1am at their residence at the National Eyes Center Quaters, Mando, Kaduna on the 27th December, 2023 and have been with their abductors till the present moment, while an ultimatum of Thursday 18th January has been given to pay the #100milliom ransom to avoid killing of the victims.

A cousin of the Airforce officer, Alhaji Olatunde Rafiu (Isola), who spoke with journalists at Ibadan on Wednesday morning said the family members have made frantic efforts to reach out to the State governor through e-mail, as they could not meet with him physically.

He stated that the e-mail sent to the governor for appeal dated 8th January, 2023 but there has not been any response till date, begging governor Makinde to reach out to the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani to immediately look for a way out so that the lives of the victims will not be lost.

“Since our brother and his wife with our young brother have been kidnapped in the middle of the night of the 27th of December, 2023, we have made all efforts to gather the money requested by the kidnappers, which is a hundred million naira but all we could get till this moment is just #30million, for two weeks the abductors did not call us till they did on Monday, telling us that they gave us till Thursday to come up with the money.

“We have made public appeal and called on people of means in the society to please help secure the lives of our loved ones in captivity, friends, extended family members have reached out, but we are still far to the figure demanded, which is hundred million naira and we have only today left.

“We are renewing our appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to please help us do something within the little time left of the ultimatum given, God Almighty will protect you, your children and your loved ones,” Folaranmi begged.

Oyo State Government has commiserated with those who affected by the explosion that rocked Ibadan yesterday which led to the dead of two people leaving over 72 people injured.

Governor Makinde made this disclosure today via a statement made available to newsmen as read in part:

“We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations.

A very loud explosion has been heard in the city of Ibadan and the surrounding area, causing damage at multiple locations, according to local residents. The causes of the sound was not yet known

The incident happened at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a very large “blast” or “explosion” was heard in and near the city. Thousands of residents reported hearing and feeling it on social media.

It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion or where it originated. Windows were blown out at multiple locations, including at homes, and part of the ceiling collapsed at Ace Mall, Bodija.

As at the time of filing this report, it has been confirmed to ODUDUWA NEWS that several people injured.

More details with pictures very shortly….

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has sent a request to the Oyo State House of Assembly to access a loan of one hundred and fifty billion naira to finance the ongoing Sen. Rashidi Ladoja circular road in Ibadan and other infrastructure.

The Governor made the request in a letter forwarded to the State Legislature which was read on Tuesday by the Speaker, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin.

The Governor in the letter said, the request became necessary to enable the State Government to complete the 104km road project and others like it in Oyo State.

The House while deliberating on the loan request directed its committees on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning as well as that of Works to investigate the loan request.

It urged the two joint committees to come up with a comprehensive report on the loan request and the mode of payment.

The Speaker in his submission stressed the need for the committees to get all necessary briefs on the request and report to the House in one week.

” Having one #150,000 billion for Ibadan Circular Road and other infrastructure is a good idea but we have to consider the payback mechanism. I meant the payment procedure. We also want the two committees to get all necessary details about the proposed loan. We need a wholistic report on the request, the economic impacts of the road and other infrastructure when completed among other details.” Oyo Speaker said

As Nigerians celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, assured serving officers that the country will continue to appreciate their gallant works even while they are alive or when they pass on.

He said the event, which is a yearly routine, was an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of fallen heroes and members of the Armed Forces who had served Nigeria in one form or the other, stating that the government would continue to appreciate their gallant works.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony held at The Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; members of the State Executive Council, state government officials, Commanding Officers, religious and traditional leaders, serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and families of the fallen heroes, among other dignitaries.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the occasion was significant as it had become a national day to pray for the departed souls, the incapacitated security personnel and serving military officers, their families and Nigeria.

He said: “We thank God that we can also celebrate another Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is a yearly routine and it is an occasion where we all come together to recognise and acknowledge our fallen heroes and gallant soldiers who have served the country in one form or the other for decades. It has become a significant day that everybody wants to honour them, appreciate them and continue to encourage them.

“It is a day to remember them; their families and the loved ones they left behind. We will continue to pray for the repose of the fallen heroes. We commit their families to God’s hands. The country will continue to appreciate the gallant works of our serving officers even while they are alive or when they pass on.”

During the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu released the white pigeons.

The Governor, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Commanding Officers, among others, also laid the wreath at The Remembrance Arcade to celebrate the fallen heroes.

A minute silence, gun salute and prayers were also observed in honour of fallen heroes.

The Old Students body of Iseyin District Grammar School, (IDGS) Iseyin has revealed the activities lined up for the 60years anniversary of the school.

In a Press Release made available to newsmen on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of Publicity Committee, Mr Tunji Lalude, there will be opening ceremony with rally and endurance trek from the Government Technical School, Oluwole to IDGS through the Aseyin Palace, with a walk-through of the School premises on Wednesday 24th January 2024.

The programme will continue on Thursday with Panel discussion on ‘Career Development and Building a Prosperous Future’ and a public lecture on “Building A Prosperous Future, Your Background Notwithstanding” from Dr. T.Y Raheem, Past President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria and activities of the day will be concluded with a Novelty Match between IDGS Staff and Old Students of the school.

Lalude stated further that “on Friday, the proramme continues with the second Anniversary lecture entitled “IDGS at 60: Keeping Tab on Public Schools and Infrastructural Challenges in Nigeria” by Chief Adeniyi Falade, former National President of the All Nigerian Congress of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS).

“There will be General Assembly and election of new executive members for both National and Zonal Chapters of the Association; the launching of an updated school directory and newsletter, Jumat Service at the Olona Central Mosque, award presentation and special dinner.

“The School’s Cultural group is billed to thrill the attendees, which will culminate into a 100 million naira (₦100 m) fund-raising event, foundation laying of the school gate and 0.5 km school road projects and reception programme on Saturday 27th January, 2024.

“The ceremony will close on Sunday with a Church service at the Anglican Church, Okutapemo, Iseyin to appreciate God for a successful outing. We therefore use this medium to call on all Old Students of IDGS at home and in Diaspora to take active parts in this celebration,” he said.

Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS) was established in 1964 and was recognized as a district school, as students were at a period attending the school from Tede, now Atisbo local government, Otu, Itesiwaju local government, Okeho, Kajola local government among other district communities in the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State.

E-Signed:

Tunji Lalude,

Chairman,

Publicity Committee,

IDGS 60th Anniversary,

Iseyin.

Tuesday 16th January, 2024.

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State pledged on Monday to provide more support to the families of fallen heroes.

Makinde gave the pledge during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

said that his administration would ensure that the families of fallen heroes lived a bearable life.

The governor expressed appreciation to service commanders as well as officers and men of all the security agencies operating in the state for their dedication to securing the state.

He implored the people of the state to always cooperate with the security operatives by feeding them with information when necessary.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Julius Ogunkojo, stressed the need to boost the morale of soldiers through the payment of necessary benefits and living wages.

Ogunkojo called on the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to the aid of the ex-servicemen to improve their living standards.

The chairman noted that the number of personnel serving in the armed forces was low when compared to developed countries like the U.S.A. and China.

He urged the federal government to recruit more personnel to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Arm