The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made the disclosure during an inspection of the bridge on Tuesday.

“We directed that this bridge be closed. That was about two weeks back, but our caring President Bola Tinubu is very much concerned about the closure of this Eko Bridge.

“He has asked me to come back here and take a second look at that decision so that we don’t induce much hardship on Nigerians,” he said.

The minister said that his team re-assessed the strength of the bridge on Monday and confirmed that the closure could be suspended at the moment.

“We have done our technical evaluation in line with the president’s directive.

“Putting safety over and above every decision, we have seen that, for now, we are safe, but we won’t get to any situation that any Nigerian on this bridge will not be safe.

“We have agreed on three procedures.”

According to Umahi, the first procedure is not to close the bridge now but monitor the progression or otherwise of the crack.

He said that the crack was not progressing either arithmetically or geometrically at the moment.

“No progression so far. We are comfortable, but crack can occur anytime. I will return here to reassess it.”

The minister also said that there would be remedial work on the bridge.

“We have agreed on remedial work that could be carried out within four months by Buildwell, and that is by doing additional piling and pie cap and joining it to the cracked one to bypass the section that is cracked.

“That can lead us to open the entire bridge and when that is done, we will wait for the entire design whereby the entire slab within that section will be lifted and then we demolish what was cracked.”

Umahi thanked Tinubu for efforts to advance Nigeria.

“I can assure you that the president means well, and we owe him prayers and support, and God will take us there.”

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Retirement summit for informal sector workers holds tomorrow

Lagos 2027: Badagry division endorses Hamzat for governor

UNIPORT, UNIBEN win NCDMB-sponsored engineering regional Olympiad

Man remanded over alleged murder of farmer in Ekiti

Fugitive ex-minister sentenced to 75 years in prison arrested

Oyo kidnapping: No terrorist base in South West -DHQ

Illicit affair: Hisbah arrests man hiding in ‘Ghana Must-Go’ bag

Equities open week bearish, shed N81bn

Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

The post FG suspends planned closure of Eko Bridge, gives reason appeared first on Frontpageng.

The police had, through a Form K application, sought the remand of the defendant pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant allegedly murdered one Adeniyi Oladunjoye on May 10 in Ijero-Ekiti.

Oriyomi alleged that the defendant entered the deceased’s farm and cut several bunches of plantain.

He alleged that when the deceased challenged the defendant for trespassing on the farmland, the defendant beat him to death.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

He urged the court to remand the defendant pending legal advice from the DPP.

The plea of the defendant was not taken.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, ordered the remand of the defendant in a correctional centre pending issuance of legal advice.

Adeosun adjourned the case until June 15 for mention.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Fugitive ex-minister sentenced to 75 years in prison arrested

Oyo kidnapping: No terrorist base in South West -DHQ

Illicit affair: Hisbah arrests man hiding in ‘Ghana Must-Go’ bag

Equities open week bearish, shed N81bn

Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

The post Man remanded over alleged murder of farmer in Ekiti appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State as well as families of victims affected by the recent attack on some schools in Oriire local government area.

He described the abduction of innocent children and staff as reprehensible, assuring that the Armed Forces were deploying all necessary resources to ensure their safe and unconditional rescue.

“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he said.

Onoja urged Nigerians to remain calm, united and continue to support security agencies with credible information.

He said the military had earlier conducted a comprehensive clearance operation in the Old Oyo National Park, neutralising criminal elements operating within the area.

According to him, current intelligence does not support claims of any established or structured terrorist base in the South-West region.

“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region.

“The Armed Forces caution against narratives capable of creating unnecessary panic or emboldening criminal elements,” he said.

The defence spokesman disclosed that troops had already made contact with the perpetrators and were sustaining pursuit operations across forest corridors.

He added that joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilantes were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy.

He emphasised that community cooperation remained critical, noting that human intelligence from residents would aid ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Illicit affair: Hisbah arrests man hiding in ‘Ghana Must-Go’ bag

Equities open week bearish, shed N81bn

Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

The post Oyo kidnapping: No terrorist base in South West -DHQ appeared first on Frontpageng.

Director of Sharia at the board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

According to Kamba, residents of the area alerted Hisbah around 12:15a.m. on Monday, May 18, after noticing a man entering the woman’s house.

“The residents suspected an illicit affair contrary to Islamic teachings, hence their decision to formally notify the authority.

“Upon receiving the report, the Kebbi Hisbah Board swiftly deployed officers to investigate.

“When officers arrived, they requested permission to search the house but the woman initially denied that no one was inside,” he narrated.

The director, however said, the woman later obliged and allowed for a thorough search, which led to the discovery of the suspect concealed inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag.

He added that further investigation revealed an alleged romantic relationship between the man and the married woman.

Kamba said upon interrogation both lovers admitted to the allegation, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court to face legal proceedings under the Islamic law.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Equities open week bearish, shed N81bn

Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

The post Illicit affair: Hisbah arrests man hiding in ‘Ghana Must-Go’ bag appeared first on Frontpageng.

The bearish sentiment persisted.

Selloffs in NCR Nigeria, Zichis Agro Allied Industries, Industrial and Medical Gases, Sovereign Trust Insurance and Daar Communications plus 31 equities dragged market into negative territory.

Market capitalisation declined by 0.05 per cent, or N81 billion, from N160.443 trillion to N160.362 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index fell from 250,330.92 to 250,204.83, shedding 126.09 points or 0.05 per cent.

Year-to-Date return decreased to 60.79 per cent while market breadth closed negative with 36 losers and 33 gainers.

NCR Nigeria and Zichis Agro Allied Industries led the losers’ chart by 9.99 per cent each, settling at N161.20 and N26.49 per share, respectively.

Industrial and Medical Gases declined 9.93 per cent to N38.10, while Sovereign Trust Insurance dipped 9.86 per cent to N2.65.

Daar Communications shed 9.78 per cent, settling at N2.03 per share.

Oando and University Press led gainers chart by 10 per cent each, closing at N51.70 and N5.50 per share, respectively.

Deap Capital Management gained 9.96 per cent, May and Baker rose 9.94 per cent, Trans-Nationwide Express up 9.92 per cent, finishing at N5.96, N52, N7.76.

Market activity declined at close of trading, with total volume traded dropping 26.16 per cent to 800.46 million shares valued at N37.05 billion across 87,096 deals.

United Bank for Africa recorded highest trading volume with 64.97 million shares, accounting for 8.12 per cent of day’s total volume.

Aradel Holdings posted highest trade value at N6.15 billion, representing 16.60 per cent of total value traded for the day.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

The post Equities open week bearish, shed N81bn appeared first on Frontpageng.

The announcement is contained in an operational report made available on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the report, the arrests and recoveries were recorded within the last 24 hours under ongoing operations, including Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation MESA, Operation Enduring Peace and Operation Udo Ka.

The report revealed that in the North-West, troops of 8 Division Garrison, under Operation Fansan Yamma raided a suspected terrorist logistics base in Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State.

It added that troops recovered a fabricated pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and seized hard drugs, while 11 suspects were apprehended from identified hideouts during the operation.

“Similarly, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team, responded swiftly to a distress call in Maru local government area of Zamfara, providing immediate intervention and medical evacuation for victims, thereby preventing further escalation.

“In Kebbi, troops of 8 Division Strike Force, while on patrol, successfully located and recovered the remains of a missing soldier, ensuring proper evacuation,” the report said.

It also revealed that troops in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local security groups conducted coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Owan East local government area of Edo.

According to the report, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects and recovery of weapons including machetes, a spear and a mobile phone used for criminal activities.

The report also said that the troops of 20 Model Battalion working with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives arrested one suspected gunrunner in Gassol local government area of Taraba.

According to the report the suspect was linked to the supply of 23 AK-47 rifles to a rogue vigilante leader in what officials described as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb illegal arms proliferation.

“Further successes were recorded in Plateau under Operation Enduring Peace, where troops foiled a cattle rustling attempt in a border community between Bassa and Jos South local government areas, forcing the armed group to abandon their mission.

“In the South-South, troops of 245 Battalion under Operation UDO KA intercepted one suspected criminal during a stop-and-search operation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.

“The suspect was found in possession of two locally made pistols. He has provided useful intelligence, with follow-up operations ongoing,” it added.

It was noted that the sustained successes underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration and proactive deployment of troops across critical locations.

It added that efforts would be sustained to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the country.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

Alleged security breach: DSS witness testifies against El-Rufai

Why consumption of spoilt tomatoes dangerous -Lagos govt

Famadewa and the insecurity quagmire, By Kazeem Akintunde

IMPI backs Tinubu’s borrowings, gives reason

WHO declares DRC Ebola outbreak of international concern

Gbenga Daniel supporters threaten to boycott Ogun APC primaries

Policeman dies in Third Mainland Bridge crash

The post Terrorism: Troops apprehend 16 suspects, recover arms appeared first on Frontpageng.

UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, made the call on Monday in New York while briefing journalists on the update of Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.

According to Dujarric, the World Health Organisation, WHO, says the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

He added that it highlighted the high risk of further spread and the likelihood that the outbreak might be larger than currently detected.

“Without immediate action, life-saving assistance will not reach those most in need and critical humanitarian gains risk being reversed.

“The 1.4 billion dollars Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC is currently 34 per cent funded with 478 million dollars received,” he said.

Dujarric said UN peacekeeping colleagues on the ground reaffirmed their support to the authorities of the DRC, WHO and all partners involved in the response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak.

The UN Mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, is closely following the guidance of the Ministry of Health and WHO and continues to adapt its prevention measures accordingly.

MONUSCO Medical Services have already reinforced screening procedures at the entrance to Mission clinics and the systematic use of personal protective equipment for medical personnel in contact with patients.

The mission also underscored the importance of reliable and verified information and encourages everyone to refer to official communications from competent health authorities.

The Mission remains mobilised, within its mandate and in coordination with the Congolese authorities and relevant partners, to support an effective response aimed at protecting populations and contributing to health security in affected areas.

Dujarric further said the outbreak involved the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics.

“The outbreak is centred in the province of Ituri, where more than 482 suspected cases have been reported since April, including eight confirmed cases and around 116 deaths among suspected cases across several health zones.

“Testing of suspected cases is ongoing. A case was also confirmed on Sunday in Goma, in the province of North Kivu, raising concerns about potential spread in a densely populated urban area.

“We, alongside humanitarian partners, are supporting the Government-led Ebola response,” he said.

WHO is supporting national efforts through, among other things, the deployment of technical expertise and rapid response teams.

“More than five tons of WHO medical supplies, along with experts, were airlifted to Ituri by the World Food Programme to reinforce response efforts on Sunday

“Needless to say, additional resources and sustained humanitarian access will be critical to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

“We and our humanitarian partners warn that insecurity, population movements and displacement are significantly complicating surveillance, contact tracing and response efforts, in a context already marked by violence, food insecurity and severe needs.

“Nearly 9 million people across the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu are facing crisis or worse levels of hunger, further straining fragile health systems, while only 30 per cent of required health funding has been mobilised,’’ he said.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

Alleged security breach: DSS witness testifies against El-Rufai

Why consumption of spoilt tomatoes dangerous -Lagos govt

Famadewa and the insecurity quagmire, By Kazeem Akintunde

IMPI backs Tinubu’s borrowings, gives reason

WHO declares DRC Ebola outbreak of international concern

Gbenga Daniel supporters threaten to boycott Ogun APC primaries

Policeman dies in Third Mainland Bridge crash

The post Ebola outbreak: UN urges international community to scale up support for DRC appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, disclosed this on Monday in a statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

Umar-Fage said detectives arrested the suspect, Surajo Isyaku, 45, on May 15 after acting on credible intelligence gathered by operatives.

He said the suspect allegedly participated in the April 5 attack on Sayaya Village, during which several houses were burnt by armed assailants.

The commissioner added that a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed during the violent attack on the community.

According to Umar-Fage, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping operations, cattle rustling and collaboration with armed bandits terrorising communities in the area.

“The suspect is believed to have been involved in several kidnapping operations, cattle rustling activities and acts of collaboration with armed bandits,” he said.

Umar-Fage disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Isyaku was introduced in 2024 to a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello.

He explained that another suspect, Babaye, who remains at large, allegedly introduced Isyaku to the wanted bandit leader.

The police commissioner said Isyaku admitted participating in two kidnapping operations carried out in Sayaya Village alongside other gang members.

He said victims abducted during the operations reportedly paid a combined ransom of N7 million before regaining their freedom.

According to Umar-Fage, the suspect allegedly received N900,000 as his share from the ransom proceeds realised from the kidnappings.

“The suspect further confessed to inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions,” the commissioner stated.

He added that the attacks on Dukawa Village allegedly resulted in the rustling of 14 cows by the armed gang.

Umar-Fage said the suspect confessed to receiving N40,000 from proceeds generated through the sale of the stolen cattle.

The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing gang members, including Bello, Babaye and other accomplices linked to the criminal network.

He commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.

Umar-Fage urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing security operations.

He assured the public that investigations into the case were continuing and the suspect would be charged to court after investigations conclude.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

Alleged security breach: DSS witness testifies against El-Rufai

Why consumption of spoilt tomatoes dangerous -Lagos govt

Famadewa and the insecurity quagmire, By Kazeem Akintunde

IMPI backs Tinubu’s borrowings, gives reason

WHO declares DRC Ebola outbreak of international concern

Gbenga Daniel supporters threaten to boycott Ogun APC primaries

Policeman dies in Third Mainland Bridge crash

UK, Australia-bound cocaine, opioid consignments intercepted

Lagos police nab six suspected ‘one chance’ robbers

FirstBank, Visa launch Naira Visa debit card to accelerate Nigeria’s cashless payments

The post Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after lawyers to the plaintiff and the defendants adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the case.

Jideobi, the plaintiff, had sued Jonathan, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Monday, all the defendants except INEC was not represented in court.

When it was confirmed that the electoral umpire had been duly served with all the court documents and failed to appear, Justice Lifu foreclosed its defence in the matter.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, then informed the court of their motion on notice seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, citing alleged bias.

Ukpai said the motion, dated May 11, was filed same date.

The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs.

Responding, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, who appeared for the ex-president, vehemently opposed Jideobi’s motion.

The senior lawyer described the application as “frivolous, baseless and founded on gross misrepresentation.”

“In opposition, we filed a counter affidavit of five paragraphs on May 12.

“We want my lord to rely on the record of this honourable court which has entirely dismissed the plaintiff’s entire claims as false and perjury,” he said.

Uche, who urged the court to discountenance the application as constituting a gross abuse of the court process, prayed the court to dismiss same with substantial cost and proceed with the case.

In the same vein, the AGF, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented in court by Mrs Maimuna Lami-Shiru, the Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, Federal Ministry of Justice, also prayed the judge to dismiss the motion.

Lami-Shiru submitted that a judge may recuse himself from a case if he feels that his involvement will affect the impartiality of the suit.

“This court can only recuse itself from a suit where the facts and events may affect the impartiality and ability to do justice in the case,” she said.

She said that the guiding principles are drawn from the constitution and the rules of the court.

The lawyer, however, argued that the instant motion was an abuse of court process.

She urged the court to dismiss the plaintiiff’s motion as being baseless, unmeritorious and unfounded on proper provisions of the law.

According to her, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

Lami-Shiru, who urged the court to dismiss the motion with substantial cost, sought N2 million cost in favour of the ministry.

On the main suit, Ukpai said the originating summon was dated October 3, 2025, but filed on October, 2025.

The plaintiff lawyer, who said the reliefs sought were contained on the face of the documents, prayed the court to grant their prayers.

He said they were in receipt of a counter affidavit from the AGF, the 3rd defendant, and sought 14 days to respond, saying they were still within time to file their response.

Justice Lifu, however, gave Ukpai the leave or permission to address the court orally, since an accelerated hearing of the case had earlier been granted.

After Ukpai’s submission, Uche equally opposed the originating summon.

He said their defence by way of a counter affidavit was filed on May 7.

He said attached to the application were two important documents listed as Exhibits A and B.

Uche said while Exhibit A is the judgement of the Federal High Court which had earlier decided the case, Exhibit B is the judgement of the Court of Appeal in another similar case.

“We urge your lordship to dismiss this case for being misconceived, speculative, hypothetical and grossly lacking in merit,” he said.

The lawyer submitted that the relevance of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution  (as amended), which came into effect in 2018, could not have effect retroactively in 2015.

“This does not affect the 1st defendant (Jonathan),” he said.

According to him, this suit is merely an academic exercise.

He said the constitution guarantees every Nigerian, including Jonathan, the rights to participate in political activities.

“We urge my lord to hold that this case is completely unmeritorious and that the plaintiff has no locus standi and no cause of action has crytalised,” he said.

The ex-predident’s lawyer, who urged the court to dismiss the suit with substantial cost, sought N50 million cost.

Also arguing, Lami-Shiru, said the AGF filed a six-paragraph counter affidavit dated and filed on May 18.

She prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety, especially against the 3rd defendant (AGF).

Uche also moved his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

He prayed the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.

According to the lawyer, the suit is purely speculative, founded on conjecture, premature and predicated on media speculation, as there was no nomination, no election and no cause of action.

“The court lacks jurisdiction to entertain hypothetical constitutional questions.

“The suit constitutes a gross abuse of court process, aimed at obtaining a pre-emptive political judgment.

“Cosmetic joinder of 2nd and 3rd

defendants is a mere jurisdictional artifice,” he said.

He submitted that the issues raised had already been judicially settled by a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa.

The former president, therefore, sought an order striking out the suit for want of jurisdiction and as constituting a gross abuse of court process.

Lami-Shiru did not oppose the preliminary objection filed on behalf of the former president.

After the judge heard the plaintiff’s opposition to the preliminary objection, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 26 for composite judgement.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Service quality assurance, customers and sales growth

Tinubu’s ongoing reforms will lead to prosperity tomorrow -Yilwatda

Oyo kidnapping: Tinubu assures on rescue of  victims

We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde

Alleged security breach: DSS witness testifies against El-Rufai

Why consumption of spoilt tomatoes dangerous -Lagos govt

Famadewa and the insecurity quagmire, By Kazeem Akintunde

IMPI backs Tinubu’s borrowings, gives reason

WHO declares DRC Ebola outbreak of international concern

Gbenga Daniel supporters threaten to boycott Ogun APC primaries

Policeman dies in Third Mainland Bridge crash

UK, Australia-bound cocaine, opioid consignments intercepted

Lagos police nab six suspected ‘one chance’ robbers

FirstBank, Visa launch Naira Visa debit card to accelerate Nigeria’s cashless payments

The post Court adjourns for judgment as Jonathan, Fagbemi pray court to dismiss eligibility suit appeared first on Frontpageng.

‎Makinde stated that on Monday while addressing journalists at his private residence in Kolapo Ishola Estate, Ibadan, on the kidnapping incident that occurred in Ahoro Esinele Community in Oriire local government area.

‎‎He, however, said that the state would never surrender to terrorism, assuring that all efforts were being intensified to ensure the victims returned home unharmed.

“We have now conclusively confirmed that at the Community Secondary School, seven students were abducted, while at the First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, 18 children were abducted alongside seven teachers. Unfortunately, as I reported yesterday, one of them was killed.”

‎‎Makinde described the situation as “fluid and difficult,” noting that security operatives were still carrying out rescue operations in the area.

“The operation is still ongoing. It remains a very fluid and difficult situation for our troops on the ground.

“I will therefore appeal for responsible reporting because this is not about sensationalism; it involves human lives,” he said.

‎The governor disclosed that the state government had established an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters to coordinate rescue efforts and provide verified information to the public.

“We have set up an operational centre at the police headquarters here. The Commissioner of Police will coordinate the situation room and provide the required information,” he added.

‎‎Speaking on security reinforcement, Makinde confirmed that the surveillance aircraft procured by the state government had arrived in Nigeria and were currently being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos.

“The manufacturers from China arrived about three days ago and will require roughly two weeks to complete the process.

“I can say conclusively that the surveillance aircraft will become operational on or before the end of June,” the governor stated.

‎He explained that the aircraft were procured proactively to monitor border communities between Oyo and neighbouring states, as well as the international border with the Republic of Benin.

“We were proactive because we wanted to cover the borderline between Oyo and Kwara states, as well as the international border between our state and the Republic of Benin, although we did not anticipate this particular incident,” he said.

‎‎Makinde appealed to the abductors to release the victims promptly, insisting that the government was willing to engage them to save lives.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that our children and their teachers return safely. These are not foreigners; they are our people.

“Whatever their demands may be, we are ready to listen and address the ones we can as a state government.

“The children and their teachers must be released without delay,” he said.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Alleged security breach: DSS witness testifies against El-Rufai

Why consumption of spoilt tomatoes dangerous -Lagos govt

Famadewa and the insecurity quagmire, By Kazeem Akintunde

IMPI backs Tinubu’s borrowings, gives reason

WHO declares DRC Ebola outbreak of international concern

Gbenga Daniel supporters threaten to boycott Ogun APC primaries

Policeman dies in Third Mainland Bridge crash

UK, Australia-bound cocaine, opioid consignments intercepted

Lagos police nab six suspected ‘one chance’ robbers

FirstBank, Visa launch Naira Visa debit card to accelerate Nigeria’s cashless payments

Governor Makinde and his 2027 gamble, By Tunde Rahman

EXTRA: The idiotification of Journalism, By Bamidele Johnson

FMC Owo: Hope fulfilled or hope betrayed?

Many angles to the zenophobic attacks in South Africa…

From Abuja to the world: The insecurity triad and rise of the independent African scholar

The post We’re ready to engage kidnappers for safe release of the abducted —Makinde appeared first on Frontpageng.