Apongbo-Lagos bridge reopens, illegal traders, squatters get 7-day quit notice - Newstrends
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Apongbo-Lagos bridge reopens, illegal traders, squatters get 7-day quit notice

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Apongbo-Lagos bridge reopens, illegal traders, squatters get 7-day quit noticeĀ 

Traffic has gradually returned to Apogbon end of the Eko Bridge in Lagos, less than 24 hours after the repaired flyover was reopened.

“Today, I am happy to announce that the hard work and collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government has paid off with the opening of the Eko Bridge that was closed 15 months ago in March 2022, after a tragic fire.”

With the above statement, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, announced the reopening of the bridge.

The governor also issued a seven-day ultimatum to all traders and illegal squatters to remove their belongings and vacate the space under the Eko Bridge. He directed the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task force) to clear any illegal structure found under the bridge after the ultimatum.

This came more than 15 months after a fire outbreak destroyed the facility.

The bridge was severely damaged at the Apogbon section during the fire caused by illegal trading under it.

The intensity of the inferno was said to have weakened major components and supporting pillars of the bridge, prompting its closure for extensive repair on the entire stretch.

The bridge’s reopening brought huge relief for motorists and commuters, who had endured months of pain moving in and out of the Lagos Island.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Keisha; and General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Lateef Somide, were present at the reopening of the repaired bridge.

Also present are the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lagos State, Olufemi Daramola.

Sanwo-Olu said the repair at the Apogbon axis had been completed, but disclosed that maintenance work would continue on the infrastructure, which would lead to intermittent closures in the coming months.

He said, ā€œIt is with great delight to announce that we have carried out comprehensive tests with the contractor from the Federal Ministry of Works and we believe that Apogbon section of the Eko Bridge can now be opened for motorists.

“But the maintenance work on the entire bridge has not completed. There are lots of bearings that still need to be reinforced along the entire stretch of the infrastructure.”

 

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Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

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Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid

Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming an ongoing terror attack in Abuja, describing the content as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to incite panic within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said there is no record of any such attack in Abuja, stressing that the claims in the video are completely fabricated and malicious.

The Force explained that preliminary investigations showed the video was constructed using unrelated footage sourced from online platforms and edited to create a false impression of insecurity in the nation’s capital.

According to the police, the aim of the content was to spread fear, disrupt public order, and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.

The statement emphasized that the circulation of such material amounts to misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, which can trigger unnecessary panic and threaten public safety.

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The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and distribution of the viral video.

Authorities said the arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic analysis that traced the origin and spread of the false content to the suspect.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of false information capable of endangering public peace and national security.

It urged members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing and to rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates.

The Force further warned that individuals or groups involved in spreading false security alerts online will be tracked and prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.

Police authorities assured residents that Abuja remains calm and under tight security surveillance, with routine patrols and intelligence operations ongoing across the city.

They added that the security agencies are fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing any attempt to create fear or confusion through digital platforms.

The development comes amid growing concern over the spread of unverified security alerts in Nigeria, which authorities say can cause unnecessary tension and disrupt daily life.

Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

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Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

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8 killed as gunmen raid Plateau community
Governor ofĀ Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang

Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

At least eight people have been killed in a fresh gunmen attack in Plateau State after armed attackers invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area during a late-night raid.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday around 11pm in Plateau State, saw gunmen storm the community and open fire on residents, leaving several others injured and many still missing.

Victims were largely members of the same family, with the deceased identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance.

ā€œThere was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning,ā€ he said.

Mallai added that the attackers moved freely during the operation, firing indiscriminately at residents and escaping before security forces arrived.

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He also alleged a delayed response from security operatives, claiming that residents were left vulnerable despite the proximity of security formations in the area.

According to him, ā€œThe attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.ā€

The development has sparked anger among residents, with reports that some community members were considering protests over what they described as repeated failures to protect rural settlements.

Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as devastating and targeted.

ā€œThe gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. Eight people are confirmed dead, some injured, others still missing,ā€ he said.

Three additional victims were reported injured and are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Plateau State were unsuccessful, while military officials attached to the Joint Task Force said they would provide updates later.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State’s Bokkos and surrounding LGAs, where rural communities have repeatedly come under assault by armed groups.

In recent weeks, neighbouring areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have also recorded deadly attacks, further heightening fears across the state.

Community groups have continued to accuse attackers of targeting farming settlements and rural roads, while calling for stronger security presence and improved surveillance across vulnerable corridors.

Security analysts warn that the recurring violence reflects a deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities face frequent night raids, ambushes, and displacement.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments are expected in the affected area to prevent further escalation.

Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

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Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.

The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.

ā€œI received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,ā€ AbdulRazaq said.

According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.

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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.

Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.

To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.

The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.

The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.

ā€œOur sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,ā€ he added.

Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.

The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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