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Insecurity: DSS aborts protest in Kano, seals off press centre
Department of Security Service (DSS) operatives, police and other security agents on Wednesday frustrated efforts by a group to stage a protest against the handling of the security situation in the country by the Federal Government as they took over the venue of the planned protest.
They also sealed off the Kano Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ (Press Centre) meant for the aborted protest.
The group had earlier disclosed its plan to use the press centre as the venue of a peaceful protest against the deteriorating insecurity in the country.
It was meant to be a follow-up to the protests in Abuja and Katsina on Tuesday.
Daily Trust reports that the organisers of the planned Kano protest made a post on social media to invite the public.
However, the protest did not hold as security vehicles with fully armed personnel were stationed and spread across the street while the gate of the Press Centre was shut.
One of the conveners, Abba Hikima, said, “The essence of this precession is to protest and show our anger on the happenings and the way things are going on in this country security-wise.
“Everyone in this country regardless of where he comes from is aware of the nature and security of Nigeria and people are aware that nobody is sleeping with his two eyes closed right now and nobody is doing anything about it.
“Our leaders don’t seem to care but only concerned about things that are not important – book launch and others.
“That is why we are here to call on this government that we are the electorates that send them over there. They are supposed to be our servants.
“Constitution of Nigeria confers sovereignty on the people of this country. We have it not the leaders. They should wake up to their responsibilities and do what they have to do else, we will come here to protest and protest forever until they do what they have to do.
“We don’t have to write to the police or anybody before we can come out and protest. This is a decision if the court and this is the provision of section 39 in the Constitution of Nigeria.”
Reacting to the development, Kano state chairman of NUJ, Abbas Ibrahim, said they were not aware of the protest, and did not give anybody permission to hold or use the press centre as a ground or starting point for any protest.
“What we know is that a group called Coalition of Northern Groups have informed us of a press briefing which they want to use the Press Centre to hold. But when our attention was drawn to it in the late evening hours of yesterday, we decline the permission and ask them to use another place.”
“We have not granted any permission to anybody to come here and start a protest.”
metro
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.
A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.
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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.
The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
metro
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.
During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.
It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.
In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.
He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.
The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.
He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.
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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.
He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.
“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.
Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.
“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.
“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
metro
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.
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The statement reads:
“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.
“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”
Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
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