Friday, August 9, 2024

61 Persons Confirmed Dead After Plane Crashes Into Residential Area In Brazil


https://ift.tt/7CYe1m0 61 Persons Confirmed Dead After Plane Crashes Into Residential Area In Brazil ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Brazil #Cascavel #PlaneCrash #SaoPaulo #Voepass

All 61 persons including 57 passengers and 4 crew members onboard Voepass airline plane that crashed into residential area in Brazil on Friday have been confirmed dead.

Video recordings posted online by eyewitnesses saw the plane lost the ability to continue to fly  and fell directly to the ground with thick smoke billowing immediately.

Voepass airline in a new statement few minutes ago said that 61 people have died.

The death toll was amended to 57 passengers and four crew members. 

Voepass had initially in a statement said the flight was carrying 58 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash.

“The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site.

“At this time, Voepass is prioritizing provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims’ families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident”, the airline, Voepass said.

The Brazilian Air Force team will investigate the cause of Friday’s deadly plane crash, the Vinhedo City Hall said in a statement.

Vinhedo City Hall said it has been on the site of the crash offering support to other emergency responders. It said in the statement that it is waiting for the Air Force team to arrive, which will be responsible for the investigation, according to CNN.

“The fire outbreaks and major risks have already been controlled; the main objective, from the beginning, was to guarantee the safety of everyone on site and care for possible victims, with Santa Casa de Vinhedo, Santa Casa de Valinhos and Hospital Galileo prepared to offer full support,” the statement added. 

Vinhedo City Hall said the bodies of the plane crash victims will be taken to the Legal Medical Institute in Campinas.

Vinhedo City Hall also declared a three-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the crash.

It was gathered that the Brazilian authorities have found the black box at the crash site in Brazil, according to the Security Secretary from São Paulo, Guilherme Derrite.

The Security Secretary said a medical team is onsite and working to identify the victims. Adding that many of the victims’ remains are too badly burned for visual identification. 

Officials are in the process of contacting family members of the passengers, according to Derrite. Authorities will release the names of the passengers soon, he said.

We learnt that the Voepass Airlines flight, en route from to São Paulo, went down shortly before reaching its destination.

Firefighters, military police and the civil defense authority have dispatched teams to the crash site in Vinhedo. Authorities have sealed off the entrance to the residential area where the plane went down, as journalists outside watched as official vehicles including ambulances drove in and waited for updates.

“I thought it was going to fall in our yard. It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though”, a resident told reporters at the crash site.

Video obtained by The Associated Press from a bystander and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage. Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane drifting downward vertically, spiraling as it fell.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Cross Dresser, Area Mama Found Dead In Abuja


https://ift.tt/r6v4ZzL Cross Dresser, Area Mama Found Dead In Abuja ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #AbujaAreaMama #CrossDresser

Reports from Abuja, Nigeria capital city indicated that a cross dresser known as Abuja Area Mama may have been beaten to death.

Nigeria Police Force in a statement said a dead body of a man who dressed like a woman was found dead on Thursday morning after members of the public called the attention of the police to the incident.

Some of the eyewitnesses who saw the lifeless body of the cross dresser said he could have been beaten to death.

The cross dresser, Abuja Area Mama in a recent media interview, said, he does prostitution at night and alot of men patronize his business.

He said he does not sleep with a man till day break, saying, he was always want to go home and rest till next day. Adding that, he always do short time.

There are suggestions that he was killed after he went out at night to for his prostitution business.

Police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benneth Igweh, has ordered an immediate investigation into the death of the cross dresser, the police described as an unidentified person.

It was gathered that the cross dresser’s corpse was found along Katampe-Mabushi Expressway, Abuja in the early hours of Thursday.

The FCT police Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said, “A distress call was received by the Command Control Room on August 8, 2024, at about 07:40am, that an unidentified lady was seen lying motionless along Katampe-Mabushi Expressway, and a team of Detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene.”

The statement added that preliminary investigations revealed that the individual was a man fully dressed in female clothing with no means of identification on him.

“He was immediately taken to Maitama District Hospital where Doctors on duty confirmed him dead.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth Igweh has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.”

Nigerian Born Chidinma Quits Miss SA Pageant After Mother Identity Theft Allegation


https://ift.tt/f2hTEte Nigerian Born Chidinma Quits Miss SA Pageant After Mother Identity Theft Allegation ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Adetshina #Chidinma #Cyril #Mozambique #news #Omkri #Onwe #Pretoria #Ramaphosa #Reno #SouthAfrica #SunBet #Vanessa

Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, born by a Nigerian father and a Mozambique mother who was a strong contender in the Miss SouthAfrica beauty pageant, slated to be held on Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, has withdrawn from the competition after the country police, the Home Affairs Department issued a statement that her mother allegedly committed identity theft in 2001 after series of South Africa citizens took to  social media platforms to question the true nationality of the beauty pageant contestant.

The 23-year-old had emerged as a central figure of discussion on national identity issue after advancing to the Top 30 and becoming a finalist in the Miss South Africa  competition.

She gave in on Thursday morning, weeks after South Africans called for her disqualification over issues related to her nationality and the business integrity of her Nigerian father.

Home Affairs Department in a voice recorded news release said that its investigations revealed that Chidinma citizenship may have involved fraud and identity theft.

Some residents in South Africa had called for her disqualification from the Miss South Africa pageant, alleging she was not a legitimate South African citizen.

The Home Affairs Deptament said the pageant organizers formally requested the Department to verify Adetshina’s citizenship, accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.

Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest potential fraud and identity theft linked to the individual recorded as Adetshina’s mother in Home Affairs records, according to the South Africa Home Affairs police.

However, the Department noted that Adetshina, being a minor at the time of the alleged actions in 2001, was not involved in the fraudulent activities.

Adding that, the investigation further uncovered that a South African woman, whose identity may have been stolen in the process, has suffered significant consequences, including the inability to register her own child.

The Department said it had broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials implicated in the scheme and is currently seeking legal advice on the ramifications for Adetshina’s citizenship status. Saying, criminal charges are anticipated upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Home Affairs said and in quote: ‘‘Information we have uncovered thus far, the Department of Home Affairs can indicate that prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother,’’

The department, which commenced investigations on Tuesday, alleged that Ms Adetshina’s mother stole a South African woman’s identity to register her birth 23 years ago.

Chidinma in a statement on Thursday morning said: “I would like to start by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m grateful for all the love and support I have been shown. Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me.

‘‘With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”

Reno Omokri, former presidential spokesperson in Nigeria while reacting to her withdrawal, said: “Even if her mother committed offences when Chidinma was born in South Africa, as alleged by some in South Africa’s governmental agencies, South African authorities should have tackled the mother, not the daughter.

Why did they suddenly remember this when Chidinma contested for the Miss South Africa crown? This looks like victimisation.

Nigerians spend $10 million daily on South African companies, like MTN, DSTV, and other firms. How come none of them could speak up for Chidinma?

MTN has never spoken up for Nigeria, whether it is during the xenophobic attacks or the DSTV shutdown of Nigeria’s penalties during AFCON2023 when we played South Africa, and now this. What is their purpose in Nigeria other than to suck money from our economy and repatriate it to South Africa?

Chidinma has never known any other home other than South Africa. What the South African authorities have done to her is to use state apostates to terrorise and traumatise her into submission. She can’t help it if she is beautiful.

Would the South African authorities like it if the United States singled out Trevor Noah for victimisation in future if he decides to maybe contest an election there?

I really hope the South African government has given enough thought to how this action could harm pan-African relationships in this day and age of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

If we, as Sub-Saharan Black Africans, would do this to each other, then what moral authority do we have to fight against racism?

I hope the South African authorities revisit this incident and remove the pressure that made Chidinma withdraw from the pageant.

Perhaps President Cyril Ramaphosa can intervene. Mr Ramaphosa is much beloved in Nigeria. Maybe he can also show love to Chidinma”.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

President Tinubu Did Not Fly Russia Flag During His Nationwide Broadcast – Reno Omokri


https://ift.tt/eb65RIz President Tinubu Did Not Fly Russia Flag During His Nationwide Broadcast - Reno Omokri ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Adeolu #Bauchi #Bola #CDS #Christopher #Egbetokun #Igp #Kaduna #Kano #Katsina #Kayode #Mustapha #NPF #Omokri #Putin #Reno #Russia #Tinubu #Vladimir

EndBadGovernance protest ongoing in Nigeria took a new twist on Monday after President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday addressed the protesters in a nationwide broadcast that appeared to have infuriated a larger numbers of the protesters.

Some of the protesters mostly the ones in the northern part of the country could be seen hoisting Russian flags and calling on President Vladimir Putin of Russia to come to their aid.

The Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff issued a statement shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday and said the president warned against flying foreign flags in Nigeria, adding, those who have hoisted foreign flags in Nigeria have committed treason.

Shortly after issuing the statement, some persons claimed the President himself used Russia flag during the Nationwide broadcast, describing the second flag beside President Bola Tinubu during the broadcast as Russia flag.

Former Presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri in a statement on Tuesday, said, the second flag beside the president was Nigeria Armed Forces flag and it was never Russia flag.

Nigeria Police Force few hours ago issued a stern warning  against any protester displaying foreign flags in the country. Adding, over 90 persons have been arrested in connection with the display of foreign flags in Nigeria including the tailors and their sponsors.

Reno Omokri in his words said: “for the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not fly a Russian flag yesterday during his broadcast to the nation. The flag you see to his left, which enemies of the country purport to be a Russian flag, actually represents the combined colours of the Nigerian armed forces.

The colours Red, Navy Blue and light Sky Blue represent the different forces: the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

The Russian flag is similar to our armed forces flag. However, it is almost the reverse of our flag in that whereas our Armed Forces Flag is Red, Navy Blue and light Sky Blue, the flag of the Russian Federation begins with a White colour, then a Blue and ends with a Red.

Another difference between the Nigerian Armed Forces flag and the Russian flag is that whereas the third colour of the Nigerian Armed Forces flag is light sky blue, the first colour on the Russian Federation flag is white.

Please note the difference, and do not let anyone gaslight you into hoisting and waving Russian flags on the mistaken belief that it is the same flag flown by our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces during his speech yesterday”.

Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Mustapha had on Monday declared that individuals flying Russian flags in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.

The Defense Chief made the declaration while speaking to newsmen after an emergency security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock.

He vowed that the law would catch up with such persons.

Mustapha said the actions of those calling for a coup, adding that the military has embraced democracy and would never allow regime change.

He said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started all the security agencies you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.

“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation, all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend”.

The Nigeria Police Force in a statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson few hours ago, said, the Force has issued “a stern warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and calls for a military takeover, categorizing such actions as treasonable felonies under Nigerian law. This follows a wave of violent protests, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States, where protesters brandished foreign flags.

Ongoing investigations reveal that protest organizers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in these unpatriotic and criminal acts.

Over ninety suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors. Efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.

The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitutes a clear treasonable offense, revealing the motives of protest organizers to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic government. This aligns with actionable intelligence on the tactics of fifth columnists and non-state actors exploiting economic hardship protests to further their nefarious goals.

Tensions from the ongoing protests have eased following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on August 4, 2024.

However, some groups persist in subversive campaigns in the form of violent and unlawful protests, characterized by the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, looting, display of foreign flags, and calls for a military takeover. These individuals and groups will be treated as subversive agents and charged accordingly.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma, and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in the states within the two geo-political zones where subversive campaigns are ongoing under the guise of protests. They are tasked with stabilizing the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offense under Nigerian law.

The Police cautions Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilize the country.

Evidence shows that these sponsors have paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests, brainwashing and misleading innocent children into aiding this campaign against the government.

The Nigeria Police Force salutes Nigerians who have refused to participate in and indeed spoke out against the ill-timed protest out of sheer patriotism and belief in the government’s genuine efforts to put the country on the path of economic recovery and growth.

We also acknowledge the patriotism of those who peacefully participated in the protests but withdrew when they turned violent, and those who heeded the President’s call to embrace dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.

The NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria”.

NDLEA Arrests Suspects Behind Illicit Drugs Conceal In Baby Food Onward To USA, UK


https://ift.tt/KRY6Psx NDLEA Arrests Suspects Behind Illicit Drugs Conceal In Baby Food Onward To USA, UK ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Kogi #Abiola #Akobo #Bello #DOGI #edo #Elewuro #Folu #Ibadan #Lagos #MMIA #Mofoluwasho #Motunrayo #news #Ondo #Oyo #SAHCOL #Salaudeen #Suliat #Tincan

Nigeria anti illicit drugs police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has arrested two suspects in connection with illicit drugs concealed in baby food with the intention to export the illicit drugs to the United States of America, USA and United Kingdom, UK.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson in a news statement on Sunday, said the principal suspect was arrested at her Ibadan home in Oyo State after the freight agent who presented the goods for export to UK and USA had been detained.

Details of the report reads in quote below: “Multiple consignments of illicit drugs concealed in tins of Cerelac baby food and cloths going to the United States and United Kingdom have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, and a courier firm in Lagos.

No less than 36 parcels of a strong strain of cannabis concealed in six cartons of tins of branded Nestle Cerelac baby food, with six containers in each package were recovered at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos airport on Wednesday 31st July 2024. The psychotropic substance has a total weight of 18.50 kilograms.

A freight agent, Salaudeen Suliat Abiola who presented the consignment for export to the UK was promptly arrested while a follow up operation to Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday 3rd August led to the arrest of the sender of the cargo, Bello Motunrayo Folu at her Number 20 Mofoluwasho Estate, Elewuro, Akobo area of the Oyo state capital.

The Cerelac tins were all factory-sealed at the top while they tampered with the bottom through which they put the substances covered with loose quantities of the infant cereal meal to prevent discovery, an effort that ended in futility as vigilant NDLEA officers were able to foil the attempt.

In the same vein, five different shipments of opioids and other psychoactive substances, such as promethazine, pentazocine, diazepam, tramadol, and morphine concealed in cloths and other items meant for export to the US and UK were equally interrupted by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

While one of the shipments containing 820 grams of promethazine and pentazocine injections was going to the United States, the remaining four parcels consisting of over two kilograms of opioids such as tramadol 225mg, molly and NPS were heading to the United Kingdom. They were all intercepted on Monday 29th July at a logistics company in Lagos.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Tincan port in Lagos on Friday 2nd August recovered 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis from the body compartments of four vehicles: Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Sienna imported from Canada during a joint examination of some containers with men of the Customs Service and other stakeholders.

The seized consignments have a total weight of 38.5 kilograms while two suspects: Salami Abiodun Sunday, 34 and Lekan Atoyebi, 33, assigned to clear the shipments have been taken into custody.

While Isiagu Sunday was arrested in Mushin Ojuoye, Lagos on Thursday 1st August with 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 174 litres and 1,070 tablets of Molly weighing 600 grams, no less than 50 bags of cannabis with a gross weight of 520kg were recovered in the bush at Isuada, Owo council area of Ondo state just as five suspects were arrested at Itaogbolu forest, Akure North Local Government area of the state.

The suspects nabbed in connection with the seizure of 42kg of same psychoactive substance include: Jimoh Omotosho, 63; Donald Obi, 62; Emmanuel Patrick, 21; Kayode Oluwaseun, 39; and John Nsikan, 34.

In Edo state, twenty-two and a half bags of cannabis weighing 220kg were recovered from Egbeta community, Ovia North East area of Edo state on Tuesday 30th July while a suspect, Osayede Aghoma was arrested.

Another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 55, was on Wednesday 31st July nabbed with 40 blocks of same substance weighing 19.200kg along Okene-Lokoja highway in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.

With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Khuddam College of Health Technology, Kofar Kaura, Katsina state; staff of Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta state; youths of St Gabriel Catholic Church, Okpuno Awka, Anambra state and WADA advocacy visit to the Lisa of Ifon and community leaders, Ondo state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Tincan, Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo”.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Unconfirmed Reports Indicate 15 Protesters Killed In Kano As Police Shoot At Low Level…Atiku Reacts


https://ift.tt/748CmdF Unconfirmed Reports Indicate 15 Protesters Killed In Kano As Police Shoot At Low Level...Atiku Reacts ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Abubakar #Atiku #Bola #Kano #Kurna #Police #Tinubu

Yet to be confirmed reports from Kano State today indicated that not less than 15 protesters including children were killed when men of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly shot into the crowd of protesters at a very low level on the Day 3 of the EndBadGovernance protest in the country.

Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue statement over the incident as Videos recorded by eyewitnesses showed some policemen lying down to shoot at a direction believed the protesters gathered.

Some residents said 15 people were allegedly killed while 47 others got serious injuries on Saturday at Kurna area of Kano state.

One of the videos posted online by the residents showed the crowd of protesters singing and moving towards anti-riot police officers who were seen moving backward until a police armored vehicle started firing at the crowd and thereafter, alot of policemen were seen in the video chasing and beaten the protesters with objects that looked like sticks and other harmful weapons.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00am, according to the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

“The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day”, Ajuri Ngelale said.

In a swift reaction, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar condemned the act of policemen using live bullets to shoot at protesters in Kano State and Abuja.

Atiku who was the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the last general elections in Nigeria, said and in quote thus: “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.

It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.

When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.

I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.

I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.

Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law. By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest.

President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people. -AA”

Police Refutes Amnesty Int’l Protesters Death Claims, Says Policeman Killed Miraculously Woke Up, Mum On Killings In Kano, Kaduna, Niger


https://ift.tt/uSkx3jO Police Refutes Amnesty Int'l Protesters Death Claims, Says Policeman Killed Miraculously Woke Up, Mum On Killings In Kano, Kaduna, Niger ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Abuja #Adenola #Adeolu #Amnesty #Baga #Bauchi #Bola #Bolori #Borno #Damilare #Egbetokun #Gombe #Igp #Ikeja #Jigawa #Kaduna #Kano #Kayode #Niger #Tinubu

Nigeria Police Force has disagreed with Amnesty International on the claim of 13 protesters killed in the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria, only attributing the killing of protesters to accident and Iswap terrorists attack which it put the total death figure at 7 as at Day 2 of the Nationwide protest while keeping mum on the reported killings of protesters in Kano State, Kaduna State and Niger State.

Nigeria Police Force in a press statement issued few minutes ago, indicated that the policeman that was allegedly murdered by protesters as earlier reported by the Inspector General of Police, IGP during press briefing on Thursday had miraculously woken up but in a critical condition at the hospital.

The Nigeria Police Force in the statement issued on Saturday indicated that two protesters were killed by hit and run driver. The statement therefore indicated that the total deaths that may have occurred since the EndBadGovernance protest began in Nigeria on Thursday is now 21 as at Friday, the Day 2 of the protest, with the exclusion of the policeman which the police said had woken up. All 21 persons are civilians.

The statement stated further that the total arrests as at Friday, the Day 2 of the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria is 681 persons, saying, some suspects were arrested alongside with AK-47 rifles.

The statement as signed and made available by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reads below in quotes:

“The Nigeria Police Force finds it necessary to refute a recent report publicized by Amnesty International, which claims that thirteen (13) individuals have lost their lives due to the protests in Nigeria that began on 1st August 2024.

Amnesty International further alleges that security personnel deliberately employed tactics designed to kill while managing gatherings and used firearms as a tactical tool for protest management.

The Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide an accurate account of incidents from the first two (2) days of the nationwide protests.

In Borno State, four (4) individuals lost their lives and thirty-four (34) were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/Iswap elements who infiltrated the crowd of protesters and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Additionally, an incident occurred involving an unregistered Honda Prelude car that ran into the protesters, resulting in the deaths of two (2) civilians. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Although the vehicle was vandalized after the incident, it has been recovered and is currently in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace the driver and bring him to justice.

There was another incident reported in Yauri, in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State where a group of individuals mobilized to loot a shop. In the process, a local vigilante man shot and killed one of the looters. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kebbi State is currently investigating the incident. This brings the total number of deaths recorded during the protests to seven (7).

It is important to state that there were no other recorded fatalities during the protests apart from those mentioned above.

However, incidences of armed robbery, arson, mischief, looting of public institutions and private businesses, destructions of both public and private property were recorded during the protest. Arrests were made with respect to these criminal incidences and a number of recoveries made from the suspects while the protest was going on.

The Nigeria Police personnel deployed to manage the protests have acted professionally, refraining from using lethal weapons. In instances where protesters became riotous, the police employed teargas to disperse them. Even when our officers on lawful duty were attacked and injured, the police effected arrests using only teargas, demonstrating utmost restraint.

In an effort to combat the trend of crimes and criminality, the police have arrested a total of six hundred and eighty-one (681) individuals who committed various criminal offenses such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destructions of both public and private property.

Dangerous weapons, including two (2) AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were recovered from the so-called protesters. Additionally, stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructures worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons.

Contrary to circulating news, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested. Those in police custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities.

Furthermore, nine (9) police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition.

The ongoing protest has obviously turned violent. We therefore advise law abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it. This advice becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterized the protest in the last 2 days. It is reasonably expected that Peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent.

The Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.

It is essential to recognize that the strategic deployment by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, and the decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities, has been highly effective in quelling tension and curbing the violence and anarchy witnessed on the first day of the protests.

During this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country.

The Nigeria Police urges all citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests”.

We had earlier reported on Friday that over 20 persons including 19 protesters and one policeman were on Thursday killed in some states as the Nationwide EndBadGovernance Protest began in Nigeria.

Most of the dead victims were killed by security operatives as more than 200 protesters were arrested across the country with billion of naira worth of goods and properties destroyed by the aggrieved Nigerians who took to the street following what many called Hunger in the land due to the high cost living biting more hard in the country since President Bola Tinubu came into power on May 29, 2023.

Since Tinubu came into power, prices of foodstuffs have continued to be on the increased side apparently due to some political decisions the President took to address the economic situation in the country right from the day he was sworn into power.

Videos and official statements from various states in the country on Thursday indicated that, three protesters were killed in Kano State, six killed in Niger State, three killed in Kaduna State, one killed in Abuja, two killed in Jigawa state and four protesters were killed allegedly by bomb explosion in Borno State.

Some Nigerians on social media believed the four persons in Borno state were killed by security operatives but the Inspector General of Police, IGP at a press briefing on Thursday evening, said the protesters were killed by bomb explosion.

The four protesters were killed at Bolori Junction along Baga Road in Borno State.

The IGP said one police officer was murdered with several others injured by some protesters he described as Hoodlums.

It was gathered that no fewer than 50 persons in Katsina State suspected to be responsible for the hijack of the protest in the state which led to violence have been arrested by the state police command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, told journalists on Thursday that the state is relatively calm as the protest has been contained.

Nigeria Police Force confirms it had arrested over 157 persons in Kano State.

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of protesters allegedly by security personnel across Nigeria, describing the incident as “unjustified and unacceptable”.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun during the press briefing said in quote thus: “It is with grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening.

You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.

While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.

On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.

This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.

While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.

Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.

Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.

Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property.

The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.

In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.

We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).

Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.

We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.

Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.

The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.

We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country. Thank you”, the IGP stated.

The Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the protest would continue until President Bola Tinubu acceded to their demands.

The protesters said they are demanding the reversal of petrol pump price to ₦100 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closing of IDP camps and electoral reform, among other things.

Adenola said, “The various orders of court restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration. Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long. Today, we have risen.

“We are saying that unless President Bola Tinubu acceded to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the President on the streets. During the protest, he was on the streets.”

One of the organisers of the protest, Michael Lenin, said it would continue on Friday (today) regardless of the intimidation by the security agencies.

He told reporters that, “The protest will continue. We are not intimidated by what the security agencies do. This government does not appear like one ready to listen to the citizens with the way protesters were attacked today. We are resolute; until he meets our demands, we will remain on the streets”.

Nigerian Army Reacts To Viral Video Of Soldiers With Looted Items In Kano


https://ift.tt/8GDJlAM Nigerian Army Reacts To Viral Video Of Soldiers With Looted Items In Kano ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #army #Barakat #Kano #news

Nigerian Army authority has said no soldier participated in the looting spree that occurred on Thursday in Kano State when the residents began EndBadGovernance protest.

Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu in a news statement on Friday, said, the soldiers in the viral video where some residents were seen to have re-looted items in the military vehicle, were responding to distress call over attempt by some people he described as hoodlums made to attack the Government House in Kano state after the team of soldiers had responded to earlier distress call at Barakat Stores and recovered looted items from the protesting invaders.

The Nigerian Army in the press statement attached a copy of letter of appreciation sent to him by Barakat Stores indicating  the team of soldiers after recovering the looted items from the protesting invaders, handed over the items to the owner, Barakat Stores.

The military statement reads in full below: “the Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a viral video circulating in the social media, insinuating that troops participated in the looting spree by some unscrupulous persons who took advantage of the protest to perpetrate the looting that occurred on Thursday, 1 August 2024 in Kano.

The NA by this statement wishes to set the record straight and correct this misinformation.

Contrary to the misconception portrayed in the purported video, soldiers of 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call of hoodlums’ attack on Barakat Stores in the metropolis, the swift intervention of the soldiers however prevented the hoodlums from having a filled day.

The troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the Store, when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received.

Considering the urgency of the imminent attack, the troops immediately diverted to respond to the distress call in order to protect the Government House from the hoodlums’ attack.

It was in the course of the response to distress call about possible attack on Kano Government House, that the video was shot.

The fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video were not overly bothered when some hoodlums even stole from the troops’ truck while in motion. At that juncture, preventing the attack on the Government House was more expedient.

Troops have since moved the recovered gallons of cooking oil and other items back to the store, where they were safely handed-over to the rightful owner.

The management of Barakat stores has acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the troops and their professional conduct in a letter conveyed by the organization’s General Manager.

The NA commends the troops for their swift effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and prevention of wanton looting by the hoodlums. These actions demonstrate the NA’s commitment and resolve to protect lives and property of the citizenry.

We urge the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions. We appreciate the cooperation and support of law-abiding members of the public in ensuring peace and safety at this critical moment”.

Friday, August 2, 2024

19 Protesters, 1 Police Killed, Scores Injured, Arrested, Properties Worth Billions Destroyed On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest


https://ift.tt/cqh80MV 19 Protesters, 1 Police Killed, Scores Injured, Arrested, Properties Worth Billions Destroyed On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Abuja #Adenola #Adeolu #Baga #Bauchi #Bola #Bolori #Borno #Damilare #Egbetokun #Gombe #Igp #Ikeja #Jigawa #Kaduna #Kano #Kayode #Niger #Tinubu #Yobe

Over 20 persons including 19 protesters and one policeman were on Thursday killed in some states as the Nationwide EndBadGovernance Protest began in Nigeria.

Most of the dead victims were killed by security operatives as more than 200 protesters were arrested across the country with billion of naira worth of goods and properties destroyed by the aggrieved Nigerians who took to the street following what many called Hunger in the land due to the high cost living biting more hard in the country since President Bola Tinubu came into power on May 29, 2023.

Since Tinubu came into power, prices of foodstuffs have continued to be on the increased side apparently due to some political decisions the President took to address the economic situation in the country right from the day he was sworn into power.

Videos and official statements from various states in the country on Thursday indicated that, three protesters were killed in Kano State, six killed in Niger State, three killed in Kaduna State, one killed in Abuja, two killed in Jigawa state and four protesters were killed allegedly by bomb explosion in Borno State.

Some Nigerians on social media believed the four persons in Borno state were killed by security operatives but the Inspector General of Police, IGP at a press briefing on Thursday evening, said the protesters were killed by bomb explosion.

The four protesters were killed at Bolori Junction along Baga Road in Borno State.

The IGP said one police officer was murdered with several others injured by some protesters he described as Hoodlums.

It was gathered that no fewer than 50 persons in Katsina State suspected to be responsible for the hijack of the protest in the state which led to violence have been arrested by the state police command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, told journalists on Thursday that the state is relatively calm as the protest has been contained.

Nigeria Police Force confirms it had arrested over 157 persons in Kano State.

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of protesters allegedly by security personnel across Nigeria, describing the incident as “unjustified and unacceptable”.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun during the press briefing said in quote thus: “It is with grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening.

You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.

While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.

On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.

This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.

While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.

Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.

Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.

Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property.

The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.

In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.

We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).

Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.

We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.

Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.

The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.

We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country. Thank you”, the IGP stated.

The Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the protest would continue until President Bola Tinubu acceded to their demands.

The protesters said they are demanding the reversal of petrol pump price to ₦100 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closing of IDP camps and electoral reform, among other things.

Adenola said, “The various orders of court restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration. Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long. Today, we have risen.

“We are saying that unless President Bola Tinubu acceded to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the President on the streets. During the protest, he was on the streets.”

One of the organisers of the protest, Michael Lenin, said it would continue on Friday (today) regardless of the intimidation by the security agencies.

He told reporters that, “The protest will continue. We are not intimidated by what the security agencies do. This government does not appear like one ready to listen to the citizens with the way protesters were attacked today. We are resolute; until he meets our demands, we will remain on the streets”.

3 Killed, 157 Arrested As Kano Residents Invade Govt House, Shops, Offices On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest


https://ift.tt/v0MFWzw 3 Killed, 157 Arrested As Kano Residents Invade Govt House, Shops, Offices On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Audu #Bako #Bola #Kano #Nassarawa #NCC #Omoyele #Sowore #Tinubu

Over three persons were killed on Thursday in Kano State when the residents invaded the State Government House, broke into shops and offices, taking away valuable items and destroying properties on Day One of the EndBanGovernance in Nigeria Protest.

Two of the protesters were seen in a video posted online shot dead at the Kano State Government House entrance  as large numbers of the protesting residents tried to enter the Government House compound.

Another man was reportedly killed as filling station and NCC complex were burnt down in Kano state on Thursday.

H and K Pharmacy worth millions of naira was reportedly destroyed by the protesting residents in Kano state.

Office of the Inspector General of Police, IGP described the residents who invaded the Government House and other properties in the state as Hoodlums.

Omoyele Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporter news network in a tweet while reacting to the photos of arrested protesting residents in Kano State, said: “The Bola Tinubu regime already planned how to blackball Nigerians into submission even before this non-violent social change action(s) started; this was posted by the Kano State Police PPRO on Facebook today. 

He was caught pants down because the same office had posted the same photos in 2011 on facebook. The reason you must understand their game plan and stay focused. EndBadGovernaceInNigeria. DaysOfRage. RevolutionNow”.

In a swift reaction, the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police Force refuted Omoyele Sowore claims and tweeted thus: “This blackmail will not affect the Police Image in Kano. The picture was snapped today 01/08/2024 by the PPRO. In 2011 the Kano Police PRO is yet to join the Force. Update from Kano”

Headquarters of the nigeria Police Force in Abuja in a social media post said in quote thus: “At approximately 10:00am today, groups of hoodlums, under the guise of participating in the nationwide protest, launched attacks on several establishments in Kano State.

These incidents have disrupted public order and safety, necessitating immediate action by the Kano State Police Command.

The following incidents were reported: Attacks on Supermarkets: Several supermarkets at Nassarawa Quarters were attacked, resulting in significant property damage and theft.

Arson at NCC Office: Multiple motor vehicles at the NCC office, Audu Bako Secretariat, along Government House Kano, were set ablaze. The fire has since been brought under control through swift intervention.

Arrests and Recoveries: A total of 157 suspects have been arrested in connection with these criminal activities.

An exhibit AK-47 rifle was recovered at the High Court.

A large quantity of looted properties has also been recovered from the suspects.

In response to these disturbances, the Kano State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew to restore order and ensure the safety of residents.

The situation is being closely monitored, and the Kano State Police Command is committed to maintaining peace and security in the state”.

Edo Residents Help Selves With Govt Bags Of Rice, CAN Says Cost ₦2b On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest


https://ift.tt/GE8N4Yg Edo Residents Help Selves With Govt Bags Of Rice, CAN Says Cost ₦2b On Day 1 EndBadGovernance Protest ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #APC #CAN #edo #Irekpono #Omoike #Urora

Edo State residents at Urora community in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state on Thursday invaded a residential warehouse and commercial truck where bags of rice funded by Nigeria government were stored, took away the yet to be distributed government palliatives on Day One of the ongoing Nationwide EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest.

Edo State Government in a press statement on Thursday said that the bags of rice taken away by some residents in the state were meant for selected people he described as vulnerable persons in the state and was funded to be distributed through Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Edo State Chapter.

All Progressives Progress, APC members in the state had accused the state government of hoarding the bags of rice given to him by Federal Government for onward distribution to the Edo people as part of measures to address the hunger biting hard on people in the state which is the root cause of the EndBadGovernance protest that started across the country on Thursday.

CAN in a video press statement said that the first batch of the bags of rice palliatives started earlier this year in the month of May with one billion naira funding from the Edo State Government and the second batch of the palliatives were funded with another one billion naira by the state government.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Edo State Chapter, Apostle Irekpono Omoike said the invaded residence where bags of rice were looted by hoodlums in Urora, in Ikoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State is owned by a vendor contracted by the Edo State CAN Implementation Committee for the Christian Feeding Programme.

He stated that the Christian Feeding Programme which is in its second phase of distributing relief materials to vulnerable Christian Group was funded by the Edo State Government with 2 billion naira.

According to him, “there is a very important issue to correct a wrong notion that is circulating that the rice being distributed by the State Government is rice supplied by the Federal Government and re-bagged. This is misinformation. It is a very wrong notion that needs to be corrected”.

Meanwhile, the state government in a press release signed by the Commissioner of Informationa and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said: “the Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the EndBadGovernance protests.

The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and government does not have a warehouse in that location.

The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organisations particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Edo State Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board.

The State government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels.

We will not put this tactic past the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is spreading malicious content to score cheap political points. This condemnable action is intended to cause chaos in the state and the APC is discouraged from such ignoble practice.

The public is enjoined to disregard the malicious message that these people are trying to send with the video.

We want to once again urge protesters not to attack or destroy the property of others as they go about their demonstration in a peaceful and orderly manner”.