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Suspected bandits order residents to vacate estate in Minna

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2024

Shawulu Dan-Mammam,Commissioner of Police, Niger State

Suspected bandits order residents to vacate estate in Minna

Residents of M.I Wushishi Estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State, are living in fear after suspected bandits, believed to be illegal miners, issued an ultimatum demanding that they vacate the estate or face death.

The threats follow a recent attack on the estate during which the bandits vandalized cars and shattered windows of several houses.

A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity on Monday, disclosed that the attack occurred while most of the male residents were away at work.

The incident took place after some residents had reported the activities of the illegal miners to the local police station.

“Hoodlums we suspect are miners in the neighborhood have asked all the residents of M.I Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, the Niger State Capital, to vacate their homes or get killed,” the resident said. “These guys invaded the community in broad daylight, breaking window glasses. Several cars were also damaged.”

The resident further explained that the attack seemed to be a retaliatory response after the illegal miners were reported to the authorities. “These guys told us that they were coming for us, and they came. They came after most men had gone to work. Many top civil servants, including directors and permanent secretaries, live in the estate.

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I know of many people who have moved out of the estate this evening for fear of the attacks,” the resident added.

He also lamented the growing insecurity in the state, noting, “Nowhere is safe in the state. If bandits and terrorists are not chasing people from their homes, it is hoodlums and miners. Where is the government for the sake of Allah?”

When contacted on Tuesday, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident but assured that the situation had been brought under control. He detailed the police response to the distress call, stating, “On 02/09/2024 at about 1400hrs, a distress call was received that suspected illegal miners, miscreants/thugs engaged in a fight and were attacking houses at M.I Wushishi Estate, Minna.”

Abiodun further reported that the police patrol teams, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Maitumbi, responded promptly and dispersed the miscreants.

Unfortunately, one person, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was killed by the hoodlums during the confrontation. The deceased was taken to the general hospital morgue.

“Normalcy has been restored, and an investigation is ongoing to arrest the assailants. Patrol teams have been positioned in the area to prevent a recurrence,” Abiodun concluded.

The attack underscores the growing insecurity in Niger State, where residents continue to grapple with threats from various criminal elements.

Suspected bandits order residents to vacate estate in Minna

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Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash

Published

2 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Ogun State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola

Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed the death of three university students in a single-vehicle accident on the Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye Road.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed that the victims were suspected to be students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.

The incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, involved an Opel car with registration number AAA-126 HE. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Adekunle Adebiyi, a resident of 5 Sunmibare Street, Awa Ijebu.

“The accident was caused by overspeeding, leading to the driver losing control and the vehicle flipping into the bush,” Odutola explained.

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She further disclosed that one male passenger, whose identity is yet to be confirmed but is believed to be an OOU student, died on the spot. His body was taken to the mortuary at General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

“Two female students from Olabisi Onabanjo University — Dada Oluwanifesimi, 18, and Miracle Daniel, 19 — were rushed to Love and Care Hospital but sadly passed away while receiving treatment,” she added.

The vehicle involved in the crash has been recovered and is now in police custody.

Odutola assured the public that further updates on the tragic incident would be provided and advised motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season.

Three Ogun varsity students die auto crash

metro

Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

Published

9 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

Dangote Refinery has announced a partnership with MRS to make Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, available at ₦935 per litre nationwide through MRS retail outlets.

This development follows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) recent move to lower petrol prices below ₦1,000 per litre.

In a statement shared on Saturday via X, the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, praised President Bola Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira-for-crude swap initiative on the Nigerian economy. He noted that the policy had contributed to a reduction in the cost of petroleum products.

“To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

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“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre,” the statement read.

Dangote further revealed that the new pricing had already been implemented in Lagos and would be extended nationwide starting Monday.

He urged other oil marketers, including NNPC Retail, to collaborate to ensure Nigerians benefit from affordable and high-quality petrol.

“The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high-quality petrol at cheaper prices,” Dangote stated.

“Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high-quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.”

The naira-for-crude initiative was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September under President Tinubu’s administration. The policy, which came into effect on October 1, has eased demand for the dollar and helped stabilize the naira, contributing to the reduction in fuel prices.

Dangote, MRS agree to sell petrol at N935/litre nationwide

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How Nigerian, 37, was brutally murdered by four South Africans

Published

23 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Trends Admin

How Nigerian, 37, was brutally murdered by four South Africans

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa has condemned the alleged murder of another Nigerian, 37-year-old Julius Chukwunta, by four South Africans.

The native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024 while driving to his residence.

Chukwunta stayed in Midrand Protea Estate until his death.

NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

According to him, after attempting to pass through, he was met with resistance, prompting him to seek help at the security office.

Onyekwelu said: “At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

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“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu confirmed that the case, reported by Chukwunta’s partner, had been registered at the Midrand Police Station under file number: 262/12/2024.

He said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

He added: “The court proceedings on December 18, 2024 saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail.

“The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu expressed disappointment at the proceedings and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.