TWO suspected highway robbers were killed by officers of the Ogun State Police Command on Saturday around Area J4 on the Sagamu- Ore-Benin Expressway.
This was contained in a statement made available to the NigerianTribune by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in Abeokuta on Monday.
Adejobi said policemen attached to Ogbere division of the command were on highway patrol when the armed bandits engaged them in a gun duel that lasted for twenty minutes.
The bandits were said to have earlier hijacked a bus marked DELTA XC 291 EFR and held the passengers hostage before dispossessing them of their valuables.
The passengers, according to the statement were freed unhurt by the police after combing the area.
Adejobi said two of the robbers were found unconscious in the bush with bullet wounds. They were said to have given up the ghost on the way to the hospital.
In a related development, the anti robbery policemen attached to the state CID, Eleweran, Abeokuta on Sunday night intercepteda robbery gang of five armed men at Papalanto along Ewekoro area of Ogun State.
Two of the suspects were arrested with four cartridges, a gun and a motorcycle with registration number FKJ 596 QA while other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.
The command appealed to the general public, particularly medical practitioners, to hand over any person with bullet woundsto the police.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Why second term is sure for Mimiko - Akinmade
THE ability of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the governor of Ondo State, to handle his mandate with the fear of God has been given as oneof the reasons he would be re-elected to rule the state for another four years.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, while speaking in Akure, on Monday, said nothing would stop the re-election of Mimiko because he had been able to handle the mandate given to him with the fear of God and hence been able to earn the people's confidence and trust.
Akinmade said Mimiko ensured that he fulfilled his electoral promises which had earned him the confidence of the people of the state.
He said: "That Governor Mimiko will triumph at the October 20th gubernatorial election is not in doubt because he has handled themandate given to him by the people with the fear of God.
"It is obvious that the state has never had it this good under any previous government in the state. He told the people he was going to work for them and even the blind can see the enormous work he has done.
"That is why we are confident that the people would not betray him because he did not betray them."
Akinmade said the government had been able to touch every family in the state one way or the other, especially in the area ofhealth, education, tourism, and the provision of employment.
"This is the only government that has done something for the people of the state in the area of provision of shelter in the last 28years.
"The rate of unemployment of the youths has reduced drastically with the creation of Ore Agricultural Farm Village which has takena good number of our unemployed youths off the street.
"The government's Abiye programme has fetched the state a place on the world scene with the World Bank making its health initiative a benchmark for Africa"
The commissioner, who said Ondo State is the most peaceful in the country, further informed that for the first time in the history of the state, school pupils and secondary school students went to school and returned home at no cost.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, while speaking in Akure, on Monday, said nothing would stop the re-election of Mimiko because he had been able to handle the mandate given to him with the fear of God and hence been able to earn the people's confidence and trust.
Akinmade said Mimiko ensured that he fulfilled his electoral promises which had earned him the confidence of the people of the state.
He said: "That Governor Mimiko will triumph at the October 20th gubernatorial election is not in doubt because he has handled themandate given to him by the people with the fear of God.
"It is obvious that the state has never had it this good under any previous government in the state. He told the people he was going to work for them and even the blind can see the enormous work he has done.
"That is why we are confident that the people would not betray him because he did not betray them."
Akinmade said the government had been able to touch every family in the state one way or the other, especially in the area ofhealth, education, tourism, and the provision of employment.
"This is the only government that has done something for the people of the state in the area of provision of shelter in the last 28years.
"The rate of unemployment of the youths has reduced drastically with the creation of Ore Agricultural Farm Village which has takena good number of our unemployed youths off the street.
"The government's Abiye programme has fetched the state a place on the world scene with the World Bank making its health initiative a benchmark for Africa"
The commissioner, who said Ondo State is the most peaceful in the country, further informed that for the first time in the history of the state, school pupils and secondary school students went to school and returned home at no cost.
FG to partner Brazilian company on infrastructure, transportation
The Federal Government has declared its interest to partner a Brazilian company, West African Constructora Queiro Galvao, in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, agriculture and housing.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, made this known while receiving the Managing Director of West African Constructora Queiro Galvao, on Monday, in Abuja.
The minister said that the Federal Government invited six companies to invest in Nigeria in the areas of infrastructure and housing. He further said that two out of the six companies had arrived and were ready to start investment soon. He also said thatthe remaining companies would arrive in two weeks time.
He also added that the government had made all necessary arrangement to ensure that the companies operate well, adding that West African Constructora Queiro Galvao Company had already invested in Ghana.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of West African Constructora Queiro Galvao Company, Mr Marcos Alexandre, said that the company had talked with the government over the areas in which they could invest.
He further said that the company had experts on infrastructure, housing and transportation.
He said that the company intended to create jobs for Nigerians. He stressed that they intended to develop the South-South cooporation between Nigeria and Brazil by investing in Nigeria.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, made this known while receiving the Managing Director of West African Constructora Queiro Galvao, on Monday, in Abuja.
The minister said that the Federal Government invited six companies to invest in Nigeria in the areas of infrastructure and housing. He further said that two out of the six companies had arrived and were ready to start investment soon. He also said thatthe remaining companies would arrive in two weeks time.
He also added that the government had made all necessary arrangement to ensure that the companies operate well, adding that West African Constructora Queiro Galvao Company had already invested in Ghana.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of West African Constructora Queiro Galvao Company, Mr Marcos Alexandre, said that the company had talked with the government over the areas in which they could invest.
He further said that the company had experts on infrastructure, housing and transportation.
He said that the company intended to create jobs for Nigerians. He stressed that they intended to develop the South-South cooporation between Nigeria and Brazil by investing in Nigeria.
RCCG ordains 7,000 deacons, deaconesses
THE 60th convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) started on Monday with the ordination of 7,000 deacons and deaconesses.
The convention is being held at the church headquarters at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway with the theme: "Come Up Higher."
In his welcome address, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the church, acknowledged the goodness of God on the mission.
He said the convention was at the invitation of God to members of the church to behold Him, His power and His greatness.
"He is asking us to come up higher through the highway of holiness, increased faith, purity and enlarged vision unto glorious expectations," he said.
Adeboye, therefore, urged worshippers to seek God by availing themselves of the various seminars and plenary sessions slated for the convention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that there was a heavy presence of men of the Federal Road Safety Corps and other workers of the church around the venue to control the traffic.
NAN also reported that additional car parks were created at the venue to ease traffic congestion on the expressway.
Meanwhile cost of transportation from various garages in the state rose by about a 100 per cent.
For instance, transportation cost from the popular Kuto garage, which was N400, now goes for N800.
The convention is being held at the church headquarters at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway with the theme: "Come Up Higher."
In his welcome address, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the church, acknowledged the goodness of God on the mission.
He said the convention was at the invitation of God to members of the church to behold Him, His power and His greatness.
"He is asking us to come up higher through the highway of holiness, increased faith, purity and enlarged vision unto glorious expectations," he said.
Adeboye, therefore, urged worshippers to seek God by availing themselves of the various seminars and plenary sessions slated for the convention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that there was a heavy presence of men of the Federal Road Safety Corps and other workers of the church around the venue to control the traffic.
NAN also reported that additional car parks were created at the venue to ease traffic congestion on the expressway.
Meanwhile cost of transportation from various garages in the state rose by about a 100 per cent.
For instance, transportation cost from the popular Kuto garage, which was N400, now goes for N800.
JTF alerts public to car-snatching plan by terrorists
The Joint Task Force in Borno State has called on the general public to be on the alert following security reports that terrorists were making desperate moves to snatch vehicles for suicide bombings.
A statement from the JTF, which was signed by Colonel Victor Ehbaleme and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, called on those whose vehicles had been stolen to immediately report suchincidents to the police or to the JTF.
According to the statement, failure to do so will result to owners of such vehicles being treated as collaborators when intercepted.
A statement from the JTF, which was signed by Colonel Victor Ehbaleme and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, called on those whose vehicles had been stolen to immediately report suchincidents to the police or to the JTF.
According to the statement, failure to do so will result to owners of such vehicles being treated as collaborators when intercepted.
Falling price of crude oil ’ll affect economy —Odu’a boss
Chairman, Board of Directors, Oodu'a Investment Company Limited, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has warned that if the current falling price of crude oil in the international market goes down by another $30, the Federal Government may find it difficult to implement greater percentage of the 2012 budget.
He said that if the situation persisted without any solution, the government might found it difficult, if not impossible, to pay civil servants' salaries.
Speaking with newsmen after he was turbanned as the Giwa Adeen of Yemetu and environs Muslim community, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, he said Nigerians should watch out for a more shocking revelation in the implementation of this year's appropriation act notwithstanding the recent crisis between the executive arm and the National Assembly over the unimpressive level of the funding of the budget by the executive.
He cautioned that the Federal Government might find it difficult to pay its workforce in the next six to eight months should the price of oil dropped by the estimated $30.
The Oodu'a boss regretted that the falling price of crude oil was already having its toll on the governance at states and across the 774 local government areas of the federation, because allocations were being delayed monthly, because allocation sharing is based mainly on earnings from the sales of crude oil.
With the nation's economy, Alli stressed that it was high time thegovernment diversified and developed a better and home-growneconomy in such a way that the nation would be less dependent on oil for survival.
"If the price of oil falls by about 30 dollars and continues for aboutsix to eight months, we will have serious problem in Nigeria, because the Federal Government will find it difficult to pay salary of its workers."
He said that if the situation persisted without any solution, the government might found it difficult, if not impossible, to pay civil servants' salaries.
Speaking with newsmen after he was turbanned as the Giwa Adeen of Yemetu and environs Muslim community, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, he said Nigerians should watch out for a more shocking revelation in the implementation of this year's appropriation act notwithstanding the recent crisis between the executive arm and the National Assembly over the unimpressive level of the funding of the budget by the executive.
He cautioned that the Federal Government might find it difficult to pay its workforce in the next six to eight months should the price of oil dropped by the estimated $30.
The Oodu'a boss regretted that the falling price of crude oil was already having its toll on the governance at states and across the 774 local government areas of the federation, because allocations were being delayed monthly, because allocation sharing is based mainly on earnings from the sales of crude oil.
With the nation's economy, Alli stressed that it was high time thegovernment diversified and developed a better and home-growneconomy in such a way that the nation would be less dependent on oil for survival.
"If the price of oil falls by about 30 dollars and continues for aboutsix to eight months, we will have serious problem in Nigeria, because the Federal Government will find it difficult to pay salary of its workers."
Mark laments killing of soldiers, police in Damaturu
SENATE President, David Mark, on Monday, lamented the killing ofsix soldiers and two police officers, who were members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Damaturu, Yobe State, describing their death as shocking.
Mark, who said the action was "barbaric and inhuman," added that their death was a painful loss, as they died in active defence of their fatherland.
"They died in active defence of the people, as well as their fatherland. They will not die in vain because their acts of valour shall be etched on the conscience of our nation," he further said.
Commiserating with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejerika and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji M. D. Abubakar, Mark urged them not to relent in their fightagainst Boko Haram and other forms of terrorism in the country, adding that the rank and file must also keep their obligation to the nation.
The Senate president also reiterated his call on the leaders and members of the Islamic sect to accept the dialogue option offered by the Federal Government, in order to halt the spate of senseless killing in the country, especially in the North.
Mark, who said the action was "barbaric and inhuman," added that their death was a painful loss, as they died in active defence of their fatherland.
"They died in active defence of the people, as well as their fatherland. They will not die in vain because their acts of valour shall be etched on the conscience of our nation," he further said.
Commiserating with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejerika and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji M. D. Abubakar, Mark urged them not to relent in their fightagainst Boko Haram and other forms of terrorism in the country, adding that the rank and file must also keep their obligation to the nation.
The Senate president also reiterated his call on the leaders and members of the Islamic sect to accept the dialogue option offered by the Federal Government, in order to halt the spate of senseless killing in the country, especially in the North.
FG to increase oil production by 1 million bpd
THE Federal Government has announced it is making efforts to boost oil production by one million barrels per day (bpd) in the near future.
Nigeria currently produces 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day and has a total reserve of about 36 billion barrels.
Following the speculations that the Federal Government was having financial challenges, there may be the need for the government to increase oil production, as it was the main source of revenue to the nation.
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, represented by the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu, at the 36th annual conference and exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos, on Monday, said the Nigerian deep water and shallow water had the capacity to increase crude oil production to almost one million barrels per day in the next few years, and increase total reserve to about 40 billion barrels by 2020.
She highlighted the reform embarked by the government to reposition the oil and gas industry and the new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
According to her, "critically, the Nigerian crude oil reserve is over 36 billion barrels and a current production capacity of about 2.5 billion per day, which has made Nigeria the highest supplier of crude oil in the continent."
Nigeria currently produces 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day and has a total reserve of about 36 billion barrels.
Following the speculations that the Federal Government was having financial challenges, there may be the need for the government to increase oil production, as it was the main source of revenue to the nation.
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, represented by the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu, at the 36th annual conference and exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos, on Monday, said the Nigerian deep water and shallow water had the capacity to increase crude oil production to almost one million barrels per day in the next few years, and increase total reserve to about 40 billion barrels by 2020.
She highlighted the reform embarked by the government to reposition the oil and gas industry and the new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
According to her, "critically, the Nigerian crude oil reserve is over 36 billion barrels and a current production capacity of about 2.5 billion per day, which has made Nigeria the highest supplier of crude oil in the continent."
How Senate stopped members from aviation road show
FURTHER insights into the decision of the senators not to participate in the aviation road show has revealed that only one senator mistakenly took the basic travel allowance (BTA) meant for the trip.
Investigations in the National Assembly confirmed that Senate Committee on Aviation, headed by Senator Hope Uzordin-ma, had decided not to participate in the three-nation road show, even before the story broke.
It was, however, confirmed that a senator mistakenly collected$7,000 meant as BTA for the trip.
It was learnt that the senator, a former office holder in a state, didnot confer with the committee chairman before receiving the money.
As a non-ranking senator, it was leant he did not know that he hadto confirm from his leadership before receiving any assistance forsuch a trip.
A source said when the Senate leadership got wind of the trip, it got in touch with Senator Uzordinma, who confirmed that none of his members was involved.
It was later discovered that a member had been approached by ministry officials, who had collected the BTA.
The chairman was immediately told to reach the senator in question, so that he could return the money.
Investigation further confirmed that the senator in question confirmed the receipt of the money, saying that he would return iton Monday.
On Sunday, Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, had said the Senate was not involved in the road show, contrary to a report in a Lagos-based newspaper.
Investigations in the National Assembly confirmed that Senate Committee on Aviation, headed by Senator Hope Uzordin-ma, had decided not to participate in the three-nation road show, even before the story broke.
It was, however, confirmed that a senator mistakenly collected$7,000 meant as BTA for the trip.
It was learnt that the senator, a former office holder in a state, didnot confer with the committee chairman before receiving the money.
As a non-ranking senator, it was leant he did not know that he hadto confirm from his leadership before receiving any assistance forsuch a trip.
A source said when the Senate leadership got wind of the trip, it got in touch with Senator Uzordinma, who confirmed that none of his members was involved.
It was later discovered that a member had been approached by ministry officials, who had collected the BTA.
The chairman was immediately told to reach the senator in question, so that he could return the money.
Investigation further confirmed that the senator in question confirmed the receipt of the money, saying that he would return iton Monday.
On Sunday, Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, had said the Senate was not involved in the road show, contrary to a report in a Lagos-based newspaper.
Gun men kill 15 in church in Kogi
GUN men numbering over 10 on Monday night stormed the Deeper Life Bible Church, at Otite in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State killing 15 worshipers.
According to an eye witness account, members of the church were at a night service when the incident occured.
The source added that passersby and motorists had to take coverto avoid the rampaging gun men.
The gun men were said to have arrived the church in a Toyota Hiace bus and immediately started shooting sporadically.
The worshipers were caught napping as the gun men were said to have blocked the entrance of the church.
Some lucky worshipers were able to escape. The incident was said to have lasted for about twenty minutes.
When the Nigerian Tribune called at the Police Public Relation unit in the state, an officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasomi, confirmed the incident but said the police was still awaiting official report from the Divisional Police Officer in Okene.
According to an eye witness account, members of the church were at a night service when the incident occured.
The source added that passersby and motorists had to take coverto avoid the rampaging gun men.
The gun men were said to have arrived the church in a Toyota Hiace bus and immediately started shooting sporadically.
The worshipers were caught napping as the gun men were said to have blocked the entrance of the church.
Some lucky worshipers were able to escape. The incident was said to have lasted for about twenty minutes.
When the Nigerian Tribune called at the Police Public Relation unit in the state, an officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasomi, confirmed the incident but said the police was still awaiting official report from the Divisional Police Officer in Okene.
Suspense over who becomes Osun CJ
MEMBERS of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, on Monday, met behind closed door, to discuss, among other issues, who becomes the next chief judge in the state between Justice Olubunmi Oyewole from Lagos High Court and Justice Adepele Bola Ojo, as the incumbent chief judge retires in November.
The commission is expected to forward two names to the NationalJudicial Council (NJC) and whoever is picked will take over from Justice Olaniyi Ojo.
Speaking after the meeting, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Afolabi, denied that issue of who becomes the next chief judge was ever discussed, stating that it was not on the agenda.
But a reliable source said the issue of who becomes the next chief judge was being deliberately kept secret, adding that the council wanted it to remain secret until the name was announced.
According to the source, the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, was disposed to having Justice Oyewole, an indigene of Ila-Orangun in the state, but who works in Lagos High Court as thenext chief judge.
The decision to appoint Justice Oyewole was said to have irked some senior judges in the service of the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement issued by its head of legal services, Chief Sunday Williams, said Justice Oyewole was made a judge on May 24, 2001 during the tenure of Senator Bola Tinubu as Lagos State governor, adding that it was currently on number 33 in Lagos High Court, while he had not served in the Osun State judiciary.
Also, a group, Osun Justice Forum, in a statement issued by its coordinator, Lawal Atanda, said it was surprised to read in some newspapers that some senior lawyers in the state were in support of the move to appoint Justice Oyewole as Osun chief judge.
The forum said it would resist any attempt to import chief judge from Lagos, stressing that it was aware of a campaign group set up by some politicians to garner support for Oyewole.
The commission is expected to forward two names to the NationalJudicial Council (NJC) and whoever is picked will take over from Justice Olaniyi Ojo.
Speaking after the meeting, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Afolabi, denied that issue of who becomes the next chief judge was ever discussed, stating that it was not on the agenda.
But a reliable source said the issue of who becomes the next chief judge was being deliberately kept secret, adding that the council wanted it to remain secret until the name was announced.
According to the source, the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, was disposed to having Justice Oyewole, an indigene of Ila-Orangun in the state, but who works in Lagos High Court as thenext chief judge.
The decision to appoint Justice Oyewole was said to have irked some senior judges in the service of the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement issued by its head of legal services, Chief Sunday Williams, said Justice Oyewole was made a judge on May 24, 2001 during the tenure of Senator Bola Tinubu as Lagos State governor, adding that it was currently on number 33 in Lagos High Court, while he had not served in the Osun State judiciary.
Also, a group, Osun Justice Forum, in a statement issued by its coordinator, Lawal Atanda, said it was surprised to read in some newspapers that some senior lawyers in the state were in support of the move to appoint Justice Oyewole as Osun chief judge.
The forum said it would resist any attempt to import chief judge from Lagos, stressing that it was aware of a campaign group set up by some politicians to garner support for Oyewole.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Man dies after soldiers’ brutality
Soldiers attached to the Flag House, Force Road, Lagos, have been accused of killing a 61-year-old man, Adewale Olupitan-Hazzan.
It was learnt that the soldiers who were driving in a military convoy on Ikorodu Road on July 15 went on the rampage and brutalised Adewale, a road user, for allegedly breaking the side mirror of one of the vehicles in their convoy.
It was gathered that Adewale was bundled out of his Toyota Camry and thoroughly beaten by the soldiers at the Obanikoro end of Ikorodu Road.
Adewale's younger brother, Adedotun, said his brother even up till the time of his death, insisted that he did not do anything wrong to warrant such brutality.
He said, "He said when he heard the sound of the siren, he slowed down and adjusted to pave the way for them but was taken aback when the last car in the convoy, a Peugeot 407, marked NA 01AO, parked beside him.
"He said before he knew it, the soldiers bundled him out of his car beat him up and hit him repeatedly with the butts of their guns."
Adedotun said a military officer identified simply as Capt. Peter, who was just passing by was moved by his predicament and urged the rampaging soldiers to release him.
Adedotun said, "But unfortunately Peter's intervention could not secure his release, they insisted that he must follow them to theirbase to see one of their superiors. They also took his car with them.
"However, Peter followed them to the Flag Staff House and eventually secured his release on the condition that he replaced the side mirror."
Adedotun said though Adewale, who retired as an assistant director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in 2006, did not break the side mirror of the vehicle, he replaced it to allow peace to reign and later got his car released on July 16.
He said when his brother got home, he complained about nagging headache and later had a swollen head.
He said, "He received treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, before he was moved to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and later referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
"A brain surgery was carried out on him on July 29 after X-ray examinations revealed that he had a head trauma. He died some few hours after the operation."
A death certificate issued by LUTH dated July 29, indicated Adewale suffered from subdural hematoma following a head trauma.
The certificate signed by Dr. Alagbe, stated the primary cause of Adewale's death was "Subacute Subdural Hematoma," the secondary cause was "Cardiopulmonary failure." It added that "the disease had continued till his death."
A doctor, who craved anonymity, said the death certificate showed that there was "bleeding into the space between the dura (covering of the brain) and the brain itself."
The deceased first son, Omololu, whose wedding ceremony billed for October 20 has been suspended, said his father could not have argued with the soldiers because he had always warnedthem not to argue with armed men.
He said, "The brutality meted out to my father which eventually led to his death was unwarranted. I wonder why they threw caution to the wind and pounced on an unarmed civilian in such a manner.
"He always says 'try and avoid them, because they are troublesome and dangerous. They can go to any length to get what they want. Whenever they stop you, give to them whatever they demand for."
The deceased's elder brother, Ademola, said Adewale was an easy-going man.
He said, "He was a pillar of support for many members of the family. It's very unfortunate that his life was cut short abruptly in such a wicked manner. He was not a trouble maker."
Adewale's wife, Adedoyinsola, who spoke with our correspondent, said the soldiers had taken away her joy.
She said, "My husband's death is a big blow. He toiled day and night and now that he should be eating the fruits of his long years of labour, the soldiers took away his life for no just cause.
"This is an irreparable loss. The Nigerian Army authorities must not cover up the perpetrators of this wicked act. They should be fished out and they should allow justice to prevail."
However, the deceased's driver, Aduragbemi Soneye, said he could identify the soldier who led the attack.
He said, "My boss, myself and two of the soldiers that led the onslaught against him (Adewale) went to replace the mirror of the vehicle on July 16. My boss pointed the ring leader to me. I can identify him and one other if they are brought before me."
In a petition written by Adedotun on behalf of the family and addressed to the Special Investigation Bureau of the Nigerian Army, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, the family demanded thatthe army authorities should investigate the incident.
The petition dated August 2 and titled, 'Death of Adewale Olupitan-Hazzan' reads in part, "From the result of the X-ray examinations and death certificate as well as the chain of events, it is obvious that the deceased who had no history of a terminal ailment died from the beating of the soldiers.
"In this circumstance, we, the family members of the deceased, are crying out for justice. We demand that the matter be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to book."
When contacted on the phone, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, said he was not aware of the incident.
"I am not aware of it. I would have to contact the Special Investigation Bureau of the Nigerian Army to get the details of the incident," he said.
It was learnt that the soldiers who were driving in a military convoy on Ikorodu Road on July 15 went on the rampage and brutalised Adewale, a road user, for allegedly breaking the side mirror of one of the vehicles in their convoy.
It was gathered that Adewale was bundled out of his Toyota Camry and thoroughly beaten by the soldiers at the Obanikoro end of Ikorodu Road.
Adewale's younger brother, Adedotun, said his brother even up till the time of his death, insisted that he did not do anything wrong to warrant such brutality.
He said, "He said when he heard the sound of the siren, he slowed down and adjusted to pave the way for them but was taken aback when the last car in the convoy, a Peugeot 407, marked NA 01AO, parked beside him.
"He said before he knew it, the soldiers bundled him out of his car beat him up and hit him repeatedly with the butts of their guns."
Adedotun said a military officer identified simply as Capt. Peter, who was just passing by was moved by his predicament and urged the rampaging soldiers to release him.
Adedotun said, "But unfortunately Peter's intervention could not secure his release, they insisted that he must follow them to theirbase to see one of their superiors. They also took his car with them.
"However, Peter followed them to the Flag Staff House and eventually secured his release on the condition that he replaced the side mirror."
Adedotun said though Adewale, who retired as an assistant director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in 2006, did not break the side mirror of the vehicle, he replaced it to allow peace to reign and later got his car released on July 16.
He said when his brother got home, he complained about nagging headache and later had a swollen head.
He said, "He received treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, before he was moved to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and later referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
"A brain surgery was carried out on him on July 29 after X-ray examinations revealed that he had a head trauma. He died some few hours after the operation."
A death certificate issued by LUTH dated July 29, indicated Adewale suffered from subdural hematoma following a head trauma.
The certificate signed by Dr. Alagbe, stated the primary cause of Adewale's death was "Subacute Subdural Hematoma," the secondary cause was "Cardiopulmonary failure." It added that "the disease had continued till his death."
A doctor, who craved anonymity, said the death certificate showed that there was "bleeding into the space between the dura (covering of the brain) and the brain itself."
The deceased first son, Omololu, whose wedding ceremony billed for October 20 has been suspended, said his father could not have argued with the soldiers because he had always warnedthem not to argue with armed men.
He said, "The brutality meted out to my father which eventually led to his death was unwarranted. I wonder why they threw caution to the wind and pounced on an unarmed civilian in such a manner.
"He always says 'try and avoid them, because they are troublesome and dangerous. They can go to any length to get what they want. Whenever they stop you, give to them whatever they demand for."
The deceased's elder brother, Ademola, said Adewale was an easy-going man.
He said, "He was a pillar of support for many members of the family. It's very unfortunate that his life was cut short abruptly in such a wicked manner. He was not a trouble maker."
Adewale's wife, Adedoyinsola, who spoke with our correspondent, said the soldiers had taken away her joy.
She said, "My husband's death is a big blow. He toiled day and night and now that he should be eating the fruits of his long years of labour, the soldiers took away his life for no just cause.
"This is an irreparable loss. The Nigerian Army authorities must not cover up the perpetrators of this wicked act. They should be fished out and they should allow justice to prevail."
However, the deceased's driver, Aduragbemi Soneye, said he could identify the soldier who led the attack.
He said, "My boss, myself and two of the soldiers that led the onslaught against him (Adewale) went to replace the mirror of the vehicle on July 16. My boss pointed the ring leader to me. I can identify him and one other if they are brought before me."
In a petition written by Adedotun on behalf of the family and addressed to the Special Investigation Bureau of the Nigerian Army, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, the family demanded thatthe army authorities should investigate the incident.
The petition dated August 2 and titled, 'Death of Adewale Olupitan-Hazzan' reads in part, "From the result of the X-ray examinations and death certificate as well as the chain of events, it is obvious that the deceased who had no history of a terminal ailment died from the beating of the soldiers.
"In this circumstance, we, the family members of the deceased, are crying out for justice. We demand that the matter be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to book."
When contacted on the phone, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, said he was not aware of the incident.
"I am not aware of it. I would have to contact the Special Investigation Bureau of the Nigerian Army to get the details of the incident," he said.
Usain Bolt wins 100m gold at London Olympics
Usain Bolt of Jamaica has retained his Olympic 100m
title in a hotly contested race which saw seven men
finished the race in less than 10 secs.
Bolt, though has a poor reaction to the gun set an
Olympic record of 9.63 sec at the London Olympic to
win the highly anticipated race.
"I was slightly worried about my start. I didn't want to
false start again, so I sat in the blocks a little bit…It
wasn't the best reaction in the world but I executed it
and that was the key. My coach said 'stop worryingabout the start because the best part of your race is
the end'. It worked." Bolt said after the race.
His country's man Yohann Blake who beat Bolt in the
Jamaica's Olympic trials came second with 9.75secs,
his personal best, while American's Justin Gatlin ran
9.79 secs to settle for the bronze medal.
Similarly Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica won
the 100m gold in 10.75 in the women race to become
the third woman to win 100-meter gold in consecutive
Olympics.
Congratulations to Usain and Fraser-Pryce for
defending their Olympic gold medals.
title in a hotly contested race which saw seven men
finished the race in less than 10 secs.
Bolt, though has a poor reaction to the gun set an
Olympic record of 9.63 sec at the London Olympic to
win the highly anticipated race.
"I was slightly worried about my start. I didn't want to
false start again, so I sat in the blocks a little bit…It
wasn't the best reaction in the world but I executed it
and that was the key. My coach said 'stop worryingabout the start because the best part of your race is
the end'. It worked." Bolt said after the race.
His country's man Yohann Blake who beat Bolt in the
Jamaica's Olympic trials came second with 9.75secs,
his personal best, while American's Justin Gatlin ran
9.79 secs to settle for the bronze medal.
Similarly Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica won
the 100m gold in 10.75 in the women race to become
the third woman to win 100-meter gold in consecutive
Olympics.
Congratulations to Usain and Fraser-Pryce for
defending their Olympic gold medals.
MOSOP Tackles Amaechi on Ogoni’s Self-Autonomy
KINSMEN of Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Ogoni environmentalist who was executed by a military
dictatorship in Nigeria, have taken on the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, for
describing the Ogoni quest for autonomy as a ''treasonable felony''.
President of the Ogoni mass organisation,
Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
(MOSOP), Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, says the
governor of one of the richest oil and gas
producing states in Southern Nigeria, does not
appear to be properly informed on what the
Ogoni people are doing.
Governor Amaechi was quoted by a Lagos-
based newspaper as intimidating Diigbo by
suggesting that he was committing
"treasonable felony", which is punishable by
hanging in the same way Saro-Wiwa was
murdered.
''On Ogoni autonomy, I wish them well. Ogoni
autonomy is not achievable. The man (Diigbo)
who declared Ogoni autonomy will run into the
bush tomorrow morning. What Diigbo is doing
is treasonable felony. You do not declare
autonomy on the pages of newspapers and
magazines or on radio and television'', said
Amaechi.
But Diigbo is insisting that Article 20 (1) of the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples is very clear. The Article
however, states: ''Indigenous peoples have the
right to maintain and develop their political,
economic and social systems or institutions, to
be secure in the enjoyment of their own means
of subsistence and development, and to
engage freely in all their traditional and other
economic activities''.
The MOSOP spokesman also pointed out that in Article 34, ''indigenous peoples have the
right to promote, develop and maintain their institutional structures and their distinctive
customs, spirituality, traditions, procedures, practices and, in the cases where they exist,
juridical systems or customs, in accordance with international human rights standards''.
The Ogoni people explained that by implication, ''issues pertaining to indigenous rights
cannot be dabbled into by local or regional authorities that may be in conflict with
indigenous rights, but rests with consultation with a nation state as Nigeria. We think
Amaechi is ill-informed and trying to create security problems where they do not exist. It is
this type of politician that account for the violent bloodshed and lack of effective
governance in Nigeria''.
Continuing, ''we think Amaechi needs proper advice on international matters. It is also
because of international instruments that citizens who want to livein organized society are
able to aspire to self-government, freedom and to organize and subordinate their rights.
You cannot pick and chose certain aspects of civilization and corruptly opt for primitivity as
you deem fit''.
A nd added that ''to improve the quality of political leadership in Nigeria, will require well
informed political elites and actors, and not those who rule with their entire trust rested on
the misuse of security forces''.
In the meantime, the President of Ogoni Council of Churches, Sir Mike Ibira, has said that
Sunday, is a holy day and that the Ogoni people do not want to run into the bush, as they
prefer to go to church as Christians, not to the bush.
dictatorship in Nigeria, have taken on the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, for
describing the Ogoni quest for autonomy as a ''treasonable felony''.
President of the Ogoni mass organisation,
Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
(MOSOP), Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, says the
governor of one of the richest oil and gas
producing states in Southern Nigeria, does not
appear to be properly informed on what the
Ogoni people are doing.
Governor Amaechi was quoted by a Lagos-
based newspaper as intimidating Diigbo by
suggesting that he was committing
"treasonable felony", which is punishable by
hanging in the same way Saro-Wiwa was
murdered.
''On Ogoni autonomy, I wish them well. Ogoni
autonomy is not achievable. The man (Diigbo)
who declared Ogoni autonomy will run into the
bush tomorrow morning. What Diigbo is doing
is treasonable felony. You do not declare
autonomy on the pages of newspapers and
magazines or on radio and television'', said
Amaechi.
But Diigbo is insisting that Article 20 (1) of the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples is very clear. The Article
however, states: ''Indigenous peoples have the
right to maintain and develop their political,
economic and social systems or institutions, to
be secure in the enjoyment of their own means
of subsistence and development, and to
engage freely in all their traditional and other
economic activities''.
The MOSOP spokesman also pointed out that in Article 34, ''indigenous peoples have the
right to promote, develop and maintain their institutional structures and their distinctive
customs, spirituality, traditions, procedures, practices and, in the cases where they exist,
juridical systems or customs, in accordance with international human rights standards''.
The Ogoni people explained that by implication, ''issues pertaining to indigenous rights
cannot be dabbled into by local or regional authorities that may be in conflict with
indigenous rights, but rests with consultation with a nation state as Nigeria. We think
Amaechi is ill-informed and trying to create security problems where they do not exist. It is
this type of politician that account for the violent bloodshed and lack of effective
governance in Nigeria''.
Continuing, ''we think Amaechi needs proper advice on international matters. It is also
because of international instruments that citizens who want to livein organized society are
able to aspire to self-government, freedom and to organize and subordinate their rights.
You cannot pick and chose certain aspects of civilization and corruptly opt for primitivity as
you deem fit''.
A nd added that ''to improve the quality of political leadership in Nigeria, will require well
informed political elites and actors, and not those who rule with their entire trust rested on
the misuse of security forces''.
In the meantime, the President of Ogoni Council of Churches, Sir Mike Ibira, has said that
Sunday, is a holy day and that the Ogoni people do not want to run into the bush, as they
prefer to go to church as Christians, not to the bush.
Embrace Islam or resign, Boko Haram tells Jonathan •Your demand laughable - President|
ISLAMIC sect, Boko Haram, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to embrace Islam or resign from office. However, the president, on Sunday, dismissed the demand as laughable and a blackmail.
The call was contained in a Youtube video released on Saturday, showing the leader of the sect, Mallam Abubakar Shekau, also criticising President Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) over the classification of the sect leaders as terrorists, which could lead to the seizure of his assets in the US.
"I call on you President Goodluck Jonathan, you should abandon this ungodly power, you should repent and forsake Christianity, including Obama, who said I have business interests in the United States," Shekau said in the Hausa language video.
In a reaction to the position, the president, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja, on Sunday, said the demand amounted to blackmail whichhe would never succumb to.
President Jonathan, according to his media aide, would not resign, based on the mandate given to him by Nigerians in the 2011 presidential poll.
He observed that it was, therefore, laughable for any group in thecountry to make such demand, moreso as the president, a Christian, was elected by both Muslims and Christians.
Abati added that "as president, Dr Jonathan is the leader of both Muslims and Christians, in fact, he is the leader of persons of all faiths.
"So, it amounts to sheer blackmail for any individual or group to ask the president of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria to convert to Islam. The president cannot be intimidated by any group or individual. The president will never resign. He has the mandate of Nigerians to serve his fatherland and nobody should imagine that he will succumb to blackmail."
The call was contained in a Youtube video released on Saturday, showing the leader of the sect, Mallam Abubakar Shekau, also criticising President Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) over the classification of the sect leaders as terrorists, which could lead to the seizure of his assets in the US.
"I call on you President Goodluck Jonathan, you should abandon this ungodly power, you should repent and forsake Christianity, including Obama, who said I have business interests in the United States," Shekau said in the Hausa language video.
In a reaction to the position, the president, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, in Abuja, on Sunday, said the demand amounted to blackmail whichhe would never succumb to.
President Jonathan, according to his media aide, would not resign, based on the mandate given to him by Nigerians in the 2011 presidential poll.
He observed that it was, therefore, laughable for any group in thecountry to make such demand, moreso as the president, a Christian, was elected by both Muslims and Christians.
Abati added that "as president, Dr Jonathan is the leader of both Muslims and Christians, in fact, he is the leader of persons of all faiths.
"So, it amounts to sheer blackmail for any individual or group to ask the president of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria to convert to Islam. The president cannot be intimidated by any group or individual. The president will never resign. He has the mandate of Nigerians to serve his fatherland and nobody should imagine that he will succumb to blackmail."
Woman kills in-law’s son in Lagos
There was real tension around Ijegun, a a suburb of Lagos, on Sunday, as a woman beat her son-in-law to death.
The incident happened around 3p.m. at 8, Amosun Street, Ashafa area of Ijegun, Ikotun area of the state. The woman, identified simply as Iya Anu, beat the son of his late brother-in-law to death. She had reportedly accused the deceased's son of misplacing one thousand naira.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incident created serious pandemonium, as some angry residents attempted to lynch the woman killing the boy, identified simply as Sebo. A resident of thearea, who identified himself as Kazeem, said that "the woman had, in the past, been maltreating the boy."
He also added that the woman had attempted to cover up the murder, when she tried to deposit him at Mercyland Hospital in the area.
The incident has been reported at Isheri Oshun police station. A police officer who pleaded anonymity while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, confirmed the incident, but stated that "they just brought in the case."
The incident happened around 3p.m. at 8, Amosun Street, Ashafa area of Ijegun, Ikotun area of the state. The woman, identified simply as Iya Anu, beat the son of his late brother-in-law to death. She had reportedly accused the deceased's son of misplacing one thousand naira.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incident created serious pandemonium, as some angry residents attempted to lynch the woman killing the boy, identified simply as Sebo. A resident of thearea, who identified himself as Kazeem, said that "the woman had, in the past, been maltreating the boy."
He also added that the woman had attempted to cover up the murder, when she tried to deposit him at Mercyland Hospital in the area.
The incident has been reported at Isheri Oshun police station. A police officer who pleaded anonymity while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, confirmed the incident, but stated that "they just brought in the case."
Couple, 2 others arrested with Indian hemp worth N1.7m in Ibadan
Men of the Oyo State police command have arrested a couple and two others with dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp worth N1.7 million in Ibadan.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clement Adoda, while addressingnewsmen at the police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Friday, said that the suspects were arrested at Ojoo motor park while trying to move the illicit drug to the north.
He gave the names of the suspects as Idowu Domic, Senab Umoru, Adebowale Morounfoye and Ajoke Oyebola.
The suspects were said to have kept the substances in a shop at the motor park, while making efforts for transportation.
He said that it was when they were doing this that policemen, acting on information, rounded them up at the park.
He added that some of them had escaped when the policemen arrived at the park.
Adoda said that 17 bags were impounded from the suspects.
One of the suspects told the Nigerian Tribune that the market value of each bag was about N100,000.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clement Adoda, while addressingnewsmen at the police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Friday, said that the suspects were arrested at Ojoo motor park while trying to move the illicit drug to the north.
He gave the names of the suspects as Idowu Domic, Senab Umoru, Adebowale Morounfoye and Ajoke Oyebola.
The suspects were said to have kept the substances in a shop at the motor park, while making efforts for transportation.
He said that it was when they were doing this that policemen, acting on information, rounded them up at the park.
He added that some of them had escaped when the policemen arrived at the park.
Adoda said that 17 bags were impounded from the suspects.
One of the suspects told the Nigerian Tribune that the market value of each bag was about N100,000.
Lagos airport not blacklisted by US - NCAA
Following the recent purported posting by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT)describing the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as a blacklisted airport, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, on Sunday, debunked the report, describing the allegation as a malicious falsehood.
This is coming following the denial of the allegation by a top source from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the USA, which denied any knowledge of the report.
While the faceless author of the allegation, which was posted on the internet, alleged that the report originated from the USA Secretary of Transportation, TSA, on the contrary, categorically stated that it had no idea where the report originated from.
The TSA confirmed that the last security assessment it conducted found Murtala Mohammed International Airport to be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) security requirements.
The TSA also said that a similar scam was posted in Venezuela two months ago, reflecting the blacklisting of its airport.
The current purported posting on Murtala Mohammed International Airport was believed to be a replica of a belated onein 1992-2000 by the Department of Transportation, USA.
NCAA, in a statement issued on the development, declared: "We wish to inform the general public to disregard the posting. Nigeria has since become a Category One nation and TSA security certification compliant, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigerian Regulatory requirements."
This is coming following the denial of the allegation by a top source from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the USA, which denied any knowledge of the report.
While the faceless author of the allegation, which was posted on the internet, alleged that the report originated from the USA Secretary of Transportation, TSA, on the contrary, categorically stated that it had no idea where the report originated from.
The TSA confirmed that the last security assessment it conducted found Murtala Mohammed International Airport to be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) security requirements.
The TSA also said that a similar scam was posted in Venezuela two months ago, reflecting the blacklisting of its airport.
The current purported posting on Murtala Mohammed International Airport was believed to be a replica of a belated onein 1992-2000 by the Department of Transportation, USA.
NCAA, in a statement issued on the development, declared: "We wish to inform the general public to disregard the posting. Nigeria has since become a Category One nation and TSA security certification compliant, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigerian Regulatory requirements."
NIPOST workers set to embark on indefinite strike
The nation may witness a disruption in postal services as from next week if the workers of the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) make good their threat to embark on industrial action to protest non-payment of salaries of over 3,000 workers of the organisation.
Dropping this hint in Lagos at the weekend, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Communication Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC), NIPOST branch, Mr Daniel Apeh, stated that the association had intimated the management of the organisation and other relevant authorities of its decision to go on strike as from this week to vent its frustration about the new payment system, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Staff (IPPIS) system, which had left about 3,000 of the organisation's workers without salaries since it became operational in May.
According to him, the impending strike had become imperative, since it was obvious that the management and the consultants handling the system had not demonstrated enough commitment to solving the problem despite several pleas from the association and the untold hardship the new system had brought on the workers.
'The morale at the moment within the organisation is very low, because whatever affects one affects all."
Dropping this hint in Lagos at the weekend, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Communication Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC), NIPOST branch, Mr Daniel Apeh, stated that the association had intimated the management of the organisation and other relevant authorities of its decision to go on strike as from this week to vent its frustration about the new payment system, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Staff (IPPIS) system, which had left about 3,000 of the organisation's workers without salaries since it became operational in May.
According to him, the impending strike had become imperative, since it was obvious that the management and the consultants handling the system had not demonstrated enough commitment to solving the problem despite several pleas from the association and the untold hardship the new system had brought on the workers.
'The morale at the moment within the organisation is very low, because whatever affects one affects all."
146 suspects convicted, 90 cases in court - NAPTIP
THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic In Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has said that about 146 suspects have been convicted and over 90 cases are currently in court.
The Director of Intelligence and International Cooperation, Mr Tsumba Terna, stated this in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
According to him, the agency was winning the war gradually, as he advised parents to stop sending their wards into child labour.
He said they were vulnerable to many dangers, while the girls were also exposed to sexual abuse.
He called for better synergy between the agency and the securityagencies in a bid to curb child abuse and human trafficking in thecountry.
Also speaking, Director, Investigation and Monitoring of NAPTIP, Ezekiel Kura, stated that war against child and human trafficking was a collective responsibility of all security agencies.
Kura explained that he and Mr Terna were in the state following the report of the arrest of 268 victims and the human traffickers in Kogi State by the JTF operatives on the Itobe-Ajaokuta-Okene road last Saturday.
He stated that before their arrival in the state, the Kogi State police command was said to have released the victims and the human traffickers without the consent of the agency.
He stated that child labour and human trafficking were big problems which should not be left for the agency alone, adding that it was the responsibility of all the traditional rulers, chiefs, village heads and parents who always volunteered their children for child labour.
The NAPTIP boss said that the agency was established primarily tocurb or possibly eradicate the child labour and human trafficking in the country.
The Director of Intelligence and International Cooperation, Mr Tsumba Terna, stated this in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
According to him, the agency was winning the war gradually, as he advised parents to stop sending their wards into child labour.
He said they were vulnerable to many dangers, while the girls were also exposed to sexual abuse.
He called for better synergy between the agency and the securityagencies in a bid to curb child abuse and human trafficking in thecountry.
Also speaking, Director, Investigation and Monitoring of NAPTIP, Ezekiel Kura, stated that war against child and human trafficking was a collective responsibility of all security agencies.
Kura explained that he and Mr Terna were in the state following the report of the arrest of 268 victims and the human traffickers in Kogi State by the JTF operatives on the Itobe-Ajaokuta-Okene road last Saturday.
He stated that before their arrival in the state, the Kogi State police command was said to have released the victims and the human traffickers without the consent of the agency.
He stated that child labour and human trafficking were big problems which should not be left for the agency alone, adding that it was the responsibility of all the traditional rulers, chiefs, village heads and parents who always volunteered their children for child labour.
The NAPTIP boss said that the agency was established primarily tocurb or possibly eradicate the child labour and human trafficking in the country.
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