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31 killed in P’Harcourt church free-food stampede
Thirty-one persons have been confirmed dead in Port Harcourt, Rivers capital, following a stampede at the venue of a church programme.
The programme — ‘Shop for Free’ — organised by The King’s Assembly was reportedly scheduled to begin at 9am on Saturday.
However, there was a crowd at the venue of the event, which was expected to offer free food items to attendees.
The movement of the crowd, which resulted in a stampede, led to the death of scored of persons.
Spokesperson for the Rivers police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirming the development, said, “There was a stampede in the said church and 31 persons were confirmed dead at the military hospital,” she said.
“Everywhere is calm for now and there is peace. Investigation is ongoing.”
It was learnt that it was not the first edition of the church programme, which is held annually.
It is, however, not clear if there were arrangements for crowd control or for medical emergencies.
According to a message announcing the programme on the church’s website, household items, furniture, shoes, among others, would also be available for attendees.
“For many, it is tough to get through each day. The economy and the state of the nation has kept many out of job and left others with little or nothing to cater for themselves or their loved ones. Hope seems like a fluke and living a struggle,” the message read.
“It is to this end that we host our annual event – ‘Shop for Free’, where we put God’s love into action and reach out to those in our immediate community with encouragement to keep hope alive.
“From food stuff to household items, furniture and supplies, clothes, shoes and sundry items for adults and kids, there is no limit to the gift items that are given out during this event .
“You can be a part of this by dropping your gift items at any of our locations on Service days or use the button below to either get gift basket(s) for a home or make a cash gift to keep someone’s hope alive.
metro
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.
Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.
Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.
Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”
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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”
The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
metro
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.
Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.
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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”
Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.
He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
metro
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
The Supreme Court in Abuja has affirmed Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye’s removal from the throne, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Apex court’s decision affirmed an earlier order of the Appeal Court asking Kalejaiye to stop parading himself as the Nloku of Iraye.
In the Supreme Court ruling delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Aba Aji, the Apex Court granted the application to strike out Kalejaiye’s appeal for lack of diligent prosecution, as prayed.
“Appeal number SC/CV11112022 is at this moment struck out for lack of diligent prosecution,”’ the Supreme Court ruled to end the embattled monarch’s troubled reign as Nloku of Iraye.
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The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State had in September 2022, halted the reign of the deposed Nloku of Iraye, Oba Kalejaiye, while ruling on the case (Appeal No: CA/1B/255/2015 Suit No: HCS/65/2019, an appeal filed by Kalejaiye against his deposition in 2015 by a State High Court sitting in Sagamu.
The Justices of the Appeal Court, led by Hon. Justice Moore A. A. Adumein, ruled that “the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of Hon. Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora is hereby affirmed.”
Speaking on the Supreme Court judgment, Pa Olu Salau, head of the Sugbada royal family appreciated the Justices for doing justice to the matter brought before them in a brilliant, comprehensive, and incisive manner. He urged all parties in the dispute to accept the judgment as the will of God and the wishes of the good people of Iraye.
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
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