metro

Insecurity: Concerns in Abuja as schools resume Sept 19

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2021

Ochogwu Sunday

There has been concerns in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja over the activities of bloodthirsty gunmen who have been on the prowl killing and kidnapping unsuspecting residents of the city.

DAILY POST reports that the nation’s capital has not been left out in the menace of deteriorating security situation that has relatively enveloped the entire country, ranging from banditry, activities of the unknown gunmen and the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen at the satellite areas.

In less than 25 days, several communities in Abuja have been attacked by the faceless criminal elements, most of which were underreported.

DAILY POST recalls that unknown gunmen invaded the Pegi community in Kuje, Abuja on Sunday, September 6 and abducted one Mrs Bukola Oladapo, and her two daughters for ransom purpose.

Residents of the community said the attackers armed with AK-47 rifles, scaled the fence of the victims’ house at a resettlement area in the community and forced the doors open. .

Similarly, a father, Abdullahi Benda, and his 23-year-old son, Jibrin Abdullahi Benda, were abducted at Yangoji village in Kwali Area council of Abuja on Friday, August 4 when the criminal elements invaded the community with heavy weapons.

Recall also that gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers on August 17, abducted the village head of Jibi community, Esu Jibi, one Ibrah Dahiru Liman and injured two vigilantes along Dei-dei-Zuba Express way in the nation’s capital.

Also, armed men on August 19 attacked the Dogon-Ruwa community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, kidnapping four residents while others were seriously injured.

The recent surge in security crisis in the FCT may not be unconnected to the increasing rate of banditry currently bedeviling some neighbouring states including Niger, Kaduna and others.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has announced that the first term for the 2021/2022 academic session would commence on September 19, 2021.

A statement by the acting director, Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration, issued last week, revealed that while borders will resume Sunday, September 19, day students shall resume Monday, September 20.

The statement which was signed by Mrs Uzoanya M.E. for the acting education secretary, indicated that the term will end on Friday, December 17, 2021.

DAILY POST reports that secondary schools in the territory were earlier scheduled to resume the new academic session 2021/2022 on Monday, September 6, 2021.

But Mrs Uzoanya O, the Director of Quality Assurance, Education Secretariat who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja, explained that the resumption date was shifted to enable students participating in the 2021 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE to complete the exercise and graduate.

According to her, schools in the territory are just commencing their first term following the shutdown of schools due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, stating that if the resumption was not shifted, those promoted to SS 3 may be stranded as the previous class is still on ground writing their examinations.

“We cannot have two SS 3 classes so we have to wait till those ones that are writing examination have at least covered many subjects and are close to the end of the exercise”, she added.

However, the security situation in the territory has triggered fear amongst some parents and guardians in the city as schools are set for resumption. This follows the story of attacks on schools in many neighbouring states where scores of students have been abducted by bandits.

A trader in Wuse maker, Mrs Mayowa Ademola who spoke with DAILY POST, said she was happy that schools are finally reopening but scared of possible attacks as is the case in some states particularly the Northern part of the country.

She said, “It is a good thing that our children will soon resume to continue their learning but the truth is that there is insecurity everywhere. How are we sure that this criminal elements will not target our children? God forbid!

“I’m begging the security agencies in Abuja to please secure our children from the hand of these evil people”.

Similarly, a civil servant who identified himself as Mr Onome Mathew, called on FCTA to beef up security in schools across the territory particularly the areas facing incessant attacks, else it will be so embarrassing to have any school child kidnapped from a school in Abuja.

But speaking with DAILY POST, Mr Kasim Musa, the Public Relations Officer, FCT Education Secretariat said efforts are on top gear to ensure that students are secured in all schools across the territory.

He assured residents of adequate security in schools, stating that the FCTA is working with all security agencies and relevant stakeholders in the nation’s capital to block access to schools by kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“We are working with security operatives in FCT and local vigilantes to make sure that students and pupils are not attacked in schools. We have been doing this and its working for us. By God’s grace, we have not had any incident in any school here and we will not have,” he added.

Source: dailypost.ng

Related Topics:abuja Featured insecurity resume schools

Up Next

Tragedy as FG director commits suicide after EFCC invitation

Don't Miss

Bandits attack Katsina college, abduct deputy provost’s three sons

metro

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

Stakeholders in Ilorin Emirate have been asked to call to order the Mudirul, Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Agege, Lagos State, Sheikh Habibullahi Adam Al-Ilory, over his persistent attacks on the personality of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Sunday and obtained by Just Event Online TV , the Magaji Onikijipa Compound, Alhaji Abdulrahman Suyuti Onikijipa, on behalf of the family, said there is no distinction between the descendants of Onikijipa as they remain an indivisible entity.

The statement was titled “No Bastard among the Onikijipa: A Rejoinder to Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory”.

It clarified that the statement credited to Habibullahi Al-Ilory that the father of Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa was not a member of Onikijipa was not only false but a lie from the pit of hell.

The statement explained that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory’s unsubstantiated claim was borne out of mischief and a ploy to create a wedge among Onikijipa family, insisting that the family does not harbour a bastard.

It recalled that this was not the first time the Mudirul Markaz would try to rewrite history of Onikijipa even in explicit contradictions to his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”.

The statement noted that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory was out to discredit the good image of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, adding that he has made attacks on anyone as his own trademark.

It described as bogus the claim attributed to Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory that only Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa and maintained that both Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa, the father of the Mufty of Ilorin are brothers and one family.

“We are compelled to release this statement in view of the recent shenanigan being displayed by Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory. We would not have responded to the story he put up in his head for reasons best known to him, but for the important need to set the record straight so that in the future people will not doubt our history as one strong Onikijipa family. This is not the first time this individual has tried to rewrite history even in explicit contradictions to his father’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”. He is the only one who can help us to understand the reasons for doing that. As far as we are concerned, he is just being mischievous.

“On Friday 21st of Ramadan, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory informed his listeners that he wanted to attack the Onikijipa family. During his daily tafsir, he went astray to attack our family in his usual nonsensical manner, an attempt to create disunity among us. But for his information, we are one strong indivisible family.

“There are some points that need to be addressed.

Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory claimed that our illustrious son, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, the grand Mufty of Ilorin, is angry with Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Habibullah’s father, because the sheikh did not mention Sheikh Suleiman Faruq’s father in his book. This is not only laughable but a lie from the pit of hell. Habibullah should inform us the point at which Sheikh Suleiman said this and in what context. We believe this is just another lie to discredit the Mufty’s good image. That is Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory trade mark: he attacks everyone. He recently did the same to the people of Agbogunmati.

“As if that was not enough, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory narrated that Sheikh Suleiman’s father is not a member of Onikijipa. This is another nonsense! His theory is that any house or household in Ilorin that is situated outside the main compound is not part of the family. Such a household, according to his theory, must have been given or gifted to the land. They are not originally part of the family. One begins to wonder if Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory remembers where his own family house is situated in Ilorin. It is there for everyone to see.

“Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, in his desire to create disunity among us, claimed that Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa. If we had not heard this ourselves, we would not have believed it is coming from a man, who is expected to know better. But it is not surprising; that is his way. He attacks without a reason. He comes up with all sorts of theories just prove anything! There are instances out there. But this is our story, Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa are brothers and one family. There is no separation among us. It is even more worrisome that such a respected scholar is using “show me your father’s grave” theory as a proof of originality. Pathetic!

It is really appreciative if this man is called to order by stakeholders from Ilorin Emirate. Using his own words, he should not let people begin to “dig his own dead”. But we the Onikijipa are learned and respectful. We will not become pig”, the statement read partly.

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

metro

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the charges as “false and misleading,” asserting that she maintains her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She chastised individuals disseminating false claims, accusing them of attempting to distort the truth and misinform the public.

The senator, who was suspended following a disagreement with Senate leadership, stated that she is still devoted to defending her constituents’ rights and that some people are attempting to mislead public opinion with false remarks.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications, as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

Natasha also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.

Natasha urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

Following her suspension from the Senate, some have advocated for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

The recall effort came after she was suspended from the Senate following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has subsequently taken her case to local and international media outlets, as well as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

metro

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

A tragic auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway has claimed the lives of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Balogun Area of Ikire, involved a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo. Reports indicate that both vehicles collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties.

In addition to the UNIOSUN students, five other individuals also lost their lives in the horrific accident, bringing the total death toll to ten.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the crash, but emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.

A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.