TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • Ebonyi to sanction politicians over abduction of 5 villagers

    Ebonyi to sanction politicians over abduction of 5 villagers

    Ebonyi State Government has condemned the abduction of five villagers over the boundary crisis between the people of Oso Edda community, in Eda Local Government Area, and their neighbours, Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of the state.

    The State Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila who disclosed this at the weekend at a peace meeting at the Afikpo local government secretariat warned that the government would sanction any political office holder in the area if those abducted last week were not immediately released.

    The peace meeting was attended by the chairmen of Afikpo LGA, Nwachi Timothy, and his Edda counterpart,  Chima Ekumankama with their traditional rulers and stakeholders, where the Deputy Governor stated that the government would not encourage lawlessness by any community.

    She wondered why the issue of land should create disagreements with brothers to the extent of killing their kith and kin.

    She assured the commitment of the state government towards restoring peace in such communities.

    The chairman Afikpo local government, Nwachi Timothy in a remark condemned the action of the Oso community in abducting 5 persons made up of three from Amasiri and two from Cross River State and warned against the excesses of  the youth in the community and asked for their unconditional release.

    He enjoined the community not to thwart the efforts of the government at a peaceful resolution of the crisis between them and their Amasiri brothers.

    The chairman of Edda, Hon Chima Ekumankama in his response condemned the attack from the Idima community in Oso and pledged to get into the roots of the matter.

    The two development council coordinators from the affected communities, Hon Baron Ogbonnia and Mrs Nkama Nkama Ude restated their commitments to restoring normalcy in the area.

  • Explosion kills four, injures several at Niger mining site

    Explosion kills four, injures several at Niger mining site

    An explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, has claimed the lives of four people and left several others injured.

    The incident occurred on Sunday morning as miners resumed work at the site. While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, residents have suggested that poor handling of explosive devices by mining companies might be responsible.

    Community sources confirmed that four bodies had been recovered, though the total number of casualties is yet to be determined. Authorities fear more fatalities, with investigations underway to ascertain the cause of the blast.

    According to a local resident, Aminu, the explosion caused widespread panic. “The explosion was so loud that many thought it came from the hydroelectricity dam nearby. Everyone ran into the bush for safety,” he said.

    Another resident pointed out that mining companies in the area often use explosives during their operations, which may have led to the incident. The individual dismissed links to terrorist activities, stating,

    “Serious mining activities have been ongoing in the area for a long time, and this appears to be an operational issue.”

    Neither the state government nor security agencies have issued an official statement as of the time of reporting. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

  • Customs calls for interagency synergy to fight smuggling

    Customs calls for interagency synergy to fight smuggling

    The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for increased collaboration among security agencies to effectively address smuggling and its detrimental effects on Nigeria’s economy.

    Delivering a lecture to Course 33 participants at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Thursday, 23 January 2025, the Customs boss stressed the importance of synergy and mutual understanding among security agencies in tackling illicit trade and ensuring economic security.

    “No single agency can effectively combat the complexities of smuggling without the support and cooperation of others,” Adeniyi said. “Collaborating with other security agencies is essential for effective anti-smuggling operations. It is only through synergy that we can reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and foster economic growth in Nigeria.”

    The lecture, held at the NDC Auditorium, provided a platform for the Comptroller-General to discuss strategies for addressing smuggling and its economic implications. The National Defence College, Nigeria’s premier institution for military and strategic studies, brings together participants from various sectors, including the armed forces, paramilitary organisations, and the civil service

    Adeniyi’s presentation highlighted the need for a collective approach to safeguard the nation’s economic interests and underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

    The event was attended by senior officers, faculty members, and participants from across the country, who described the lecture as an insightful contribution to understanding the dynamics of security and economic protection.

  • Gen Agwai, Odinkalu, others urge government to nab sponsors of terrorism

    Gen Agwai, Odinkalu, others urge government to nab sponsors of terrorism

    Kaduna – To effectively combat terrorism in Nigeria, participants at an annual summit involving retired military generals and legal experts have called on the government to target the financiers of insecurity in the country.

    They also emphasized the need to protect civilian informants assisting security agencies, to completely dismantle terrorist activities in Nigeria.

    Prominent attendees at the summit included General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Professor Chris Kwaja, Honorable Sarah Reng Ochekpe, Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (Rtd), Dr. Mike Omeri, Mr. Chima Christian, Barrister Audu Adamu Maikori, Barrister Jibrin Samuel Okutepa (SAN), and Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, represented by ACP Badamasi Musa.

    This call was part of a communiqué issued after the recently concluded House of Justice Annual Summit and Golden Ball Banquet, themed “Security, Justice, and National Orientation,” held in Kaduna.

    The communiqué stated that intelligence reports have identified some individuals sponsoring terrorism, yet there has been insufficient effort to cut off the financial lifelines fueling insecurity.

    Signed by Barrister Gloria Ballason, Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, and Luka Ashafa Odita, a criminology and security studies lecturer at Kaduna State University, the communiqué highlighted the importance of collaboration between Nigeria and neighboring countries to address insecurity strategically.

    It also stressed the need for transparency and merit in the recruitment of security personnel, asserting that the absence of justice for victims has pushed some to become combatants. Additionally, it criticized the government’s rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration programs for offenders, pointing out that victims in

    internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are often neglected and left vulnerable to reattacks by terrorists.

    On electoral matters, the communiqué lamented Nigeria’s repeated failure to hold electoral offenders accountable. It noted that electoral crimes are rarely punished, leading to unresolved disputes and portraying Nigeria’s electoral system as a failing model for other African nations.

    The communiqué further addressed issues within the judiciary, calling for justice delivery reforms, improved accountability, and court efficiency. It criticized the perception that justice in Nigeria, particularly during elections, is transactional, citing instances where this perception has been validated by users of electoral courts.

    It raised concerns about the diminishing authority of the judiciary due to the influence of family dynasties, the politicization of judicial appointments, and corruption allegations. It called for the National Judicial Council and Nigerian citizens to hold the judiciary accountable and ensure that judicial appointments are apolitical and based on merit, free from family or filial ties.

    Lastly, the communiqué tasked the National Orientation Agency and the Ministry of Information with promoting a positive national outlook. It urged these agencies to ensure children are not exposed to negative narratives, shaping a more constructive perspective of the country’s future.

  • Colombia president says will not accept US deportation flights

    Colombia president says will not accept US deportation flights

    Colombia’s left-wing President Gustavo Petro said Sunday he would not allow US migrant deportation flights access to his country’s airspace.

    “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants,” Petro wrote on X, adding they would only be accepted once Washington had created a protocol ensuring the “dignified treatment” of the migrants.

    Petro added in a later post that he had “turned back US military planes that were coming with Colombian migrants,” without giving further details.

    AFP could not immediately receive confirmation from the United States that Colombian-bound deportation flights had been blocked.

    Petro’s remarks come a day after Brazil’s government similarly expressed outrage at the administration of new US president Donald Trump over the treatment of dozens of Brazilians deported from the United States.

    The migrants were handcuffed on the flight in what Brazil called a “flagrant disregard” for their basic rights.

    Petro said he would allow in civilian US flights carrying deported migrants as long as they were not treated “like criminals.”

  • Ex-RCCG pastor Iluyomade’s ministry secures permanent site at Eko Atlantic

    Ex-RCCG pastor Iluyomade’s ministry secures permanent site at Eko Atlantic

    Former pastor of the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has announced that his newly established ministry, The Family Fellowship, has acquired a permanent site at Eko Atlantic.

    Speaking during the church’s second service at Civic Centre, Pastor Iluyomade revealed that the land was donated by a member of the church. He used the occasion to encourage Christians to embrace the act of giving, both to their fellow humans and to support God’s work. According to him, many believers struggle with the principle of giving, which he described as a sacrificial act that brings God’s blessings.

    In his sermon, titled “Giving,” Pastor Iluyomade emphasized the importance of understanding biblical principles on offerings and tithes. He said:

    “As believers, you have to be very careful because there are all kinds of doctrines flying around today. I want us to reason together because there have been many teachings concerning giving. If you are not careful, you will miss it in this area, and that is the gospel truth.”

    He continued: “Your giving begins with your offering. Tithe belongs to God—10 percent of your income belongs to Him. And God knows mathematics. Many people avoid reading Malachi 3, where God complains about people robbing Him in tithes and offerings.”

    “We need to repent. If God calls us robbers, we should ask ourselves: will any robber enter heaven? And how much is this 10 percent that God is asking for? If I were God, maybe I would ask for more, but He only asks for 10 percent to bless the remaining. Let’s reflect on that.”

    Pastor Iluyomade also urged worshippers not to adopt a lackadaisical attitude towards paying their tithes.

    However, he stressed the equal importance of helping the poor and needy, particularly in challenging times.

    “Ministry costs money—that’s why God said we should bring tithes so the needs of His house are met. Concerning offerings, God said everyone should give according to how He has blessed them. Naturally, the rich should give more than those with less. We must give in proportion to our prosperity,” he added.

    The cleric further encouraged Christians to live holy and righteous lives, warning against neglecting these foundational aspects of faith.

    During the service, two members of the church contributed ₦4 million to Bethesda Home & School for the Blind, demonstrating the spirit of generosity Pastor Iluyomade highlighted in his sermon.

  • Politicians, parental failure fuelling cult clashes in Owo – Group

    Politicians, parental failure fuelling cult clashes in Owo – Group

    The Owo Concerned Group in Ondo State has attributed the rising cult clashes in the Owo area to political sponsorship and parental neglect.

    Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend, the group urged politicians to desist from sponsoring violence and fueling crises in the town.

    It will be recalled that recent cult clashes claimed five lives, including a politician, a woman, and her child. In response, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, imposed a curfew in Owo to curb the violence stemming from supremacy battles among cult groups.

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arraigned eight suspects before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court in connection with the killings. The suspects include Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo, alias “Popo” (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20). They face a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.

    In a communiqué issued after the summit, signed by Comrades Odunayo Folahanmi, Hussein Taye Aliyu, and Damilare Aina, the group identified political patronage and parental failure as major contributors to the violence in Owo.

    Political Patronage: The group noted that politicians enabling and supporting cultists have significantly fueled lawlessness in Owo Local Government.

    Parental Neglect: A lack of proper parental oversight and responsibility has exacerbated hooliganism and cult-related activities.

    Traditional Leadership: The communiqué urged traditional rulers to foster unity and collaboration to safeguard the peace and progress of Owo Kingdom.

    The summit proposed several actionable resolutions to address the crisis: Politicians must immediately stop enabling and supporting cultists and criminal elements in Owo Kingdom.

    Religious and Spiritual Leaders are encouraged to promote forgiveness and reconciliation as pillars for community development.

    Security Measures: Prohibit the use of cross-body bags, identified as mobile armories for cultists.

    Ban informal street gatherings, known as “junction-by-junction assemblies,” to curb delinquency.

    Youth Engagement: Consolidate existing youth groups into a unified body to represent the youth constituency in Owo Kingdom.

    Parental Responsibility: Parents must proactively monitor and guide their wards, emphasizing the dangers of cultism and criminality.

    Biannual Security Engagements: Institutionalize stakeholders’ security summits as a regular event to assess and improve the security situation in Owo.

    Community Recognition: Establish mechanisms to celebrate individuals who bring honor and prestige to Owo Kingdom.

    Anti-Cultism Awareness:

    Organize a public walk advocating zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, and other social vices.

    The summit also called on the police to desist from unwarranted arrests and extortion of innocent residents.

    The stakeholders emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing Owo’s security challenges. The communiqué stated:

    “The resolutions articulated herein aim to galvanize all stakeholders towards restoring peace, security, and socio-economic progress in Owo Local Government.”

    The summit was attended by: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olaide Adelami, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kolawole.

    Traditional rulers from communities within Owo Local Government.

    Spiritual and religious leaders, youth leaders, student union representatives, trade association leaders, and members of the general public.

    The group expressed optimism that the resolutions would chart a sustainable path to ending the menace and fostering a harmonious, secure, and prosperous Owo Kingdom.

  • Gunmen kidnap Kano businessman’s daughter after collecting N8m

    Gunmen kidnap Kano businessman’s daughter after collecting N8m

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly invaded a Kano businessman residence in Garo town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, abducting his daughter, Zainab after collecting ₦8 million from the family.

    It was gathered that the ugly incident occurred when the gunmen, numbering about 10, stormed the residence of the well-known businessman, Alhaji Auwal in the wee hours of Sunday.

    An anonymous source who spoke to Vanguard said the suspects invaded the house after forcefully breaking a door to the house.

    According to the source, “Three of them were armed with guns, while the remaining seven carried other weapons.

    “They gathered the entire family in one place, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.

    “The head of the family pleaded with them to spare his family, offering to meet their demands in exchange for their safety. The gunmen demanded money, and were handed over ₦8 million.

    “Despite receiving the money, the assailants abducted the family’s eldest daughter, a secondary school graduate, before fleeing the scene,” the source said.

    The whereabouts of the abducted lady is unknown as the kidnappers were yet to communicate with the family.

    The incident happened about 48 hours after a former Gombe State Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Atiku Mu’azu was abducted and killed by unknown gunmen at his Janbulo resident in Kano and after collecting N10m.

    The developments have left residents in shockwave and palpable fear.

    However, when contacted, the spokesperson of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna could not be reached as he did not respond to call put to his phone number.

  • Diana Ross arrives in Nigeria for Thisday Awards

    Diana Ross arrives in Nigeria for Thisday Awards

    Legendary music icon Diana Ross has arrived in Nigeria ahead of the prestigious Thisday Awards, scheduled to take place on Monday.

    The globally celebrated singer was seen at the VIP lounge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where she was warmly received by her entourage and fans eager to welcome her to the country.

    The Thisday Awards celebrates resilience and excellence, honouring individuals and institutions dedicated to rebuilding Nigeria and strengthening its democracy.

    Among the key categories are the ‘Titans of the Year’ award, which recognises visionary men and women whose courage and leadership have left a lasting impact on the nation.

    President Bola Tinubu has been named ‘Man of the Year’ for his significant influence on major events that shaped 2024, while Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has clinched the ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her remarkable contributions in Nigeria and globally.

    Diana Ross’s presence adds star power to an event already set to highlight some of Nigeria’s most pivotal achievements and outstanding individuals.

  • How two Nollywood actresses dumped Nigeria to join US Army

    How two Nollywood actresses dumped Nigeria to join US Army

    Two Nollywood actresses, Princess Chineke and Mayowa Dosu are no longer singing the Nigerian national anthem but that of Uncle Sam’s as the duo has joined the. United States of America’s Army.

    The two actresses made their new nationality known via their Instagram accounts recently at different times.

    Princess Chineke who has featured in many Nollywood movies like “To Love A Sister, “Stormy Hearts’, “Masters At War” amongst others made hers public with ecstatic words about becoming an American soldier.

    She writes, ” I’m an American soldier, I’m a member of a team, we are the Army and proud of our name. I answered the call of service to my country, to serve the people of United States of America. This I will defend, so help me God. God bless America.”

    And she adds, obviously with glee, “What God cannot do does not exist.”

    Mayowa Dosu wasn’t as superfluous as Princess Chineke in her announcement but her joy was just as incandescent. Her own news was a bit of a shock because she produced a movie only last year. She’s both an actress and producer with many projects to her credit.