metro
Lagos: Riot in Ipaja following police killing of Keke rider over N100 bribe
There was violence in Ipaja, Lagos Thursday morning following the reported stabbing to death of a commercial tricycle (“Keke”) rider by a police officer, purportedly over a N100 bribe
The killing triggered a riot, with Keke riders clashing with the police in the area, resulting in the death of three people, including a 16-year-old boy, by the police during the exchange of gunfire that ensued, witnesses said.
The Keke riders threw stones and other weapons at the police patrol team, commandeering the road as they protested the killing of their colleague.
The policemen, who opened fire to scare off the rioting Keke riders, reportedly called for reinforcement from other police formations, who came to their rescue.
A witness who is also a Keke rider told Daily Sun that the violent incident occurred Thursday morning.
‘Our member, CK, was conveying passengers when he was stopped by police officers who asked him for a N100 bribe; but he told them that he just resumed work and had not collected money from his first trip, promising to give them their request when he would come back. But one of the officers picked a quarrel with him. It was in that process that he stabbed CK in the chest with a jackknife, who died a few minutes after the fatal injury,’ the witness said.
‘It was after the killing that some of our members wanted to avenge his death; but the police, after firing some shots, took to their heels and escaped after firing many gunshots. We are tired of police extortion. The police will extort us in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night. After the police, we will settle Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LATSMA), Road Safety, Vehicle Inspection Officers, and motor touts. The government should come to our aide and save us from untimely death and extortion.’
Another witness told Daily Sun that three people died in the riot.
Wasiu (aka Iku), said: ‘Three persons were shot dead by the police. A 16-year-old-boy was among the dead. We won’t take lightly with the police. We are going to march to Alausa to see our governor over police intimidation and extortion.’
Calm was later restored to the area, according to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu. However, commuters who were trapped during the violence were seen walking long distances to their destinations, with motorists, commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders scared of using the axis for fear of being attacked.
The Sun News
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.
READ ALSO:
- 94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
- Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
- Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
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.
READ ALSO:
- Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
- Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
- Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
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.
READ ALSO:
- A’Ibom police saved man from being lynched after son’s corpse found in carton
- Oyo community leader arraigned over land-grabbing allegations
- Reps question NAHCON handling of 2024 Hajj, subsidy disbursement, others
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
-
Auto3 days agoToyota by CFAO surprises customers with free Hilux, motorcycles, all-expense-paid trip to Seychelles
-
International2 days agoBelgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
-
International1 day agoUK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
-
Railway2 days agoNigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
-
Business2 days agoFinally, marketers, Dangote refinery agree on direct fuel supply
-
International2 days agoSaudi crown prince says Israel committing ‘genocide’ in Gaza
-
Business3 days agoCement price surges by 100% to N8,800 in one year
-
Politics3 days agoAfenifere, Council of Obas back Aiyedatiwa for Ondo gov