Hunger protest: Heavy security on final day, Kano goes spiritual  – Newstrends
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Hunger protest: Heavy security on final day, Kano goes spiritual 

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Hunger protest: Heavy security on final day, Kano goes spiritual 

 

Protesters seeking an end to bad governance and hardship in the country wrapped up their 10-day demonstration on Saturday.

In Abuja and other places there was heavy security presence in major public places to forestall any breakout of violence as the organisers of the protest had earlier threatened to stage a one-million man rally to round off the event.

It was however observed that no rallies were held on the final day of the protests.

But a former country Director of ActionAid Ene Obi led a team in a sit-out at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The group said the 10-day protest was a huge success, and hoped the government had learnt its lessons and would see the need to continually engage citizens on the issues raised.

The demonstrations across state capitals in Nigeria was tagged the #EndBadGovernance protests and was meant to call attention to the biting hardship in the country.

After the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the foreign exchange rate unification by President Bola Tinubu administration, the cost of essential commodities has astronomically increased, leading to high cost of living.

Although the government has introduced a number of policies including a student loan and a new minimum wage to cushion the effects of the harsh economic conditions, not much has changed.

The mass protests commenced on August 1 to press home demands for reversal of fuel subsidy withdrawal and better governance across all levels.

The protests initially were largely peaceful but turned violent, especially in some parts of the North.

This led to looting and destruction of property. And some state governments had to impose curfew to control the situation.

President Tinubu out of pressure addressed the nation, saying the protesters’ voices had been heard.

He called for dialogue but insisted there would be no reversal of the fuel subsidy removal.

The protesters returned to the streets after the broadcast and vowed not to back down until their requests were met.

Also on Saturday in Kano, some residents of the city went spiritual seeking divine intervention to the many woes of the country.

They observed special prayers despite pressures to cancel the session.

The prayer was observed in many points including the Isyaku Rabiu Mosque at Goron Dutse area in Dala Local Government of the state.

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Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter

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Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje

Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter

In Adamawa State, 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal has been arrested by the Nigeria Police for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.

The arrest took place on September 11, 2024, according to a statement from the state police command.

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Public Relations Officer Suleiman Nguroje confirmed that Auwal has confessed to the crime.

The police are now preparing to charge him in court. The case has sparked significant concern, highlighting the serious issue of sexual assault within families.

Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter

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NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State

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NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that Operation Whirl Punch eliminated at least 28 terrorists in Niger’s Shiroro area on Wednesday.

This information was released in a statement by Capt. Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, on Thursday in Abuja.

Ali explained that the operation targeted criminal elements terrorizing communities in the area.

The successful air mission was conducted on September 11, following a request for air support from friendly forces.

According to Ali, NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a intense battle.

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“After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.

“The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes.

“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared,” he said.

Ali emphasized that the successful operation highlights NAF’s dedication to protecting Nigeria and supporting other security agencies in combating criminality.

“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.”

“This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity, and security of our great nation,” he said.

NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State

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Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost

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Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost

A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the GSM Village near Kpata Market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was reportedly caused by a power surge.

Eyewitnesses and residents nearby confirmed that the outbreak began due to a high voltage surge that damaged electrical appliances in surrounding homes. Traders were unable to salvage any goods as the inferno quickly spread out of control.

Muhammed Yahaya, one of the affected shop owners, shared his ordeal. “I received a call around 5:30 am, informing me that the market was on fire. By the time I arrived, many shops were already burnt down. Based on what people around the area said, the high voltage is likely what triggered the fire. Fans, lights, and other electrical items in the neighbouring houses were also damaged,” he explained.

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Yahaya added that many shop owners had just restocked their inventory earlier in the week, making the loss even more devastating.

Appealing to the Kogi State Government for assistance, Yahaya expressed hope that authorities would provide financial support and help rebuild the GSM Village.

“We are mostly young, resourceful graduates who created jobs for ourselves. The properties we nurtured for over 15 years were destroyed in an hour. We need the government’s intervention to recover from this tragedy,” he pleaded.

Moses Felix, the Financial Secretary of the Kogi Association of Phones and Accessories Dealers (KAPAD), also spoke about the impact of the inferno.

“I lost everything in my shop, including newly arrived goods. It’s overwhelming. I am a married man with children, and this fire has wiped out my livelihood. I employ three boys who depend on me, and now they too are without jobs,” Felix lamented, visibly distressed.

As of the time of this report, fire service officials were still working to extinguish the fire. A full assessment of the damage is expected once the fire is completely put out.

Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost

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