TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kogi State

  • 2023 population census will be conducted electronically – NPC

    2023 population census will be conducted electronically – NPC

    In a news conference in Lokoja, the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission in charge of Kogi State, Isah Habibat Jimoh, disclosed that the 2023 population census will be conducted electronically and not manually which would make it impossible for anyone to manipulate as was done in the past.

    He said, “The era of manipulation is gone, where politicians and other interested groups manipulate the exercise thereby giving wrong results”.

    He pointed out that the 2023 census will be different as the commission is going to conduct a digital census stating, “Once you are captured by their machine, it goes directly to the central server at the headquarters where it would be difficult if not impossible for the figures to be changed or tampered with”.

    He said, “The Commission is determined to successfully conduct the trial Census in their quest to deliver a credible, reliable, acceptable and verifiable census to the nation.

    To this end, he said that the Commission has introduced new technologies such as Census PAD and CSP to ensure that the upcoming trial census serves as a good rehearsal that will make the 2023 population and Housing Census credible, reliable and acceptable.

    “To ensure that the trial Census does not lose focus in view of predetermined objectives and processes, monitoring and evaluation instruments have been developed to assess the extent to which objectives are being met or not and whether the processes are being adhered to or not,” he said.

    He stressed that all loopholes in the previous census have been blocked by the Commission and as such the coming population and housing census will be different.

    He said staff have been motivated very well by the Commission in order to avoid people, the community and even politicians, from corrupting them.

    He promised that the commission will conduct a credible and transparent population and housing census in 2023.

  • Insecurity: Oil magnate, Jamiu Idris abducted in Kogi state

    Insecurity: Oil magnate, Jamiu Idris abducted in Kogi state

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Always Petroleum, Alhaji Muhammed Jamiu Idris has been abducted by unknown gunmen on Saturday.

    Jamiu was abducted in the early hours of Saturday at his residence in Idare, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity told pressmen that the gunmen stormed Alhaji Jamiu’s residence and forcefully took him away.

    The source further explained that Alhaji Jamiu was beaten and tied before being whisked away to an unknown destination.

    Apart from being the CEO of Always Petroleum, Alhaji Jamiu also doubles as the chairman of the North Central Table Tennis Association.

    As of the time of filing this report, the inductors are yet to make a demand or make contact with the family members of Alhaji Jamiu.

    Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, SP William Ovye Aya is yet to respond to the abduction of Alhaji Jamiu.

     

     

     

     

  • 17 escaped death in Kogi road accident

    17 escaped death in Kogi road accident

    No fewer than 17 passengers escaped death in Kogi on Friday night when a bus rammed into a parked articulated vehicle, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state has said.

    Mr Stephen Dawulung, the Kogi Sector Commander of the corps confirmed this on Saturday in Lokoja.

    Dawulung said that two persons died while a person out of the 17 persons was seriously injured and rushed to Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja for medical attention while the bodies were also deposited in the mortuary.

    The sector commander said that the accident occurred at Apamaru village, before Gada Biu on Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road.

    “The cause of the accident was high speed and poor visibility since it was already night.

    “This is part of reasons we keep preaching to motorists to avoid night journey not to endanger their lives and those of their passengers at risk.

    “That incident would have been avoided if the driver had not embarked in that journey knowing that his bus had poor lighting system.

    “But we give God the glory that 17 out of the 19 person’s involved in the accident survived it.

    “While I sympathise with families of the deceased, I wish to advise drivers to avoid night travel because visibility is normally poor at night.

    “Beside that, drivers are also most likely to be under fatigue and sleepy at night and yet drive on top speed because the roads are relatively freer of traffic at night,” he said.

    Dawulung said that drivers must therefore adhere to stipulated speed limits and observe minimum of 30 minutes rest after every four hours drive to avoid fatigue and sleep while driving.

    He said that passengers should also understand that night journey could expose them to higher risks of being involved in a crash and should try and avoid it.

  • Hunters kills suspected kidnappers, rescue victims in Kogi State

    Member of the Professional Hunters and Local Hunters in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State have shot dead two suspected kidnappers while two victims were rescued.

    Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Okehi Local Government Chairman, King Habeeb, stated this in a statement.

    The statement noted that the operation took place at Upogoro hill as a result of credible intelligence from men of Okehi LG Joint Taskforce.

    The gang, the statement recorded, has been terrorising Okene-Lokoja and Okene-Auchi roads of the state before being nabbed.

    “In the process of the operation, one of the kidnappers was shot dead during exchange of gunshots while one of them was apprehended, but he too, later gave up before arriving hospital,” the statement said.

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    “The hunters also rescued two victims from the the kidnapers namely Mallam Sanni Uwaiti and Ramatu Tukur, both of toll gate area along Okene and Ajoakuta area.”

    Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Local Government, Ohiare said his administration would continue to take the fight to criminals wherever they are hiding within the council.

    The Chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for choosing security of life and properties of Kogi citizen as his top notch priority.

    The operation followed an earlier directive by the state governor, to the Chairman to make the area safe following the attack on divisional police headquarter last week, where an inspector on duty was killed.

  • Kogi Speaker says impeachment saga a “mere rumour”

    The Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly, Mr Prince Matthew Kolawole, on Sunday described as “mere rumour” his alleged impeachment as leader of the parliament.

    “My rumoured removal or impeachment going the round is but concocted lies and handiwork of some idle and frustrated legislators, ” Kolawale said in a statement issued in Lokoja.

    A statement had earlier been issued on Friday, claiming that 19 members of the confluence state had impeached the speaker for alleged financial misappropriation and money laundering.

    But the speaker described it “sheer handiwork of some frustrated lawmakers as he queried where and when the purported impeachment took place beside only appearing in a press statement.

    “Ordinarily I wouldn’t have reacted to the lies but l think it’s necessary l put the records straight for the general public to know. ” The embattled speaker said.

    Kolawole explained that the House, which went on recess on April 6, held an emergency sitting on June 17, when four Principal Officers of the Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Ahmed, were impeached and three others suspended.

    “Unfortunately the very people, whom the mischievous statement claimed impeached me, were the same legislators with me in the House on Friday, June 17 that appended their signatures and affirmed the impeachment of the principal officers through vote voice.

    “I believe their signatures were forged. It was because of similar offence that the principal officers were impeached and suspended for gross misconduct, including blackmailing members of the House on social media against the rules and ethics of the Assembly.

    “The fact is that impeachment of any legislator can’t be done outside the House so where did they sit to carry out my impeachment?

    “The question now is, how and when did it take place? Who has the power to open the House when the House is on recess or break?

    “According to the house rules, only the Speaker has the power to convene a sitting once the house is in recess.

    “We had the Sallah break, combined with election break for all of us to handle our elections during party primaries, so how, where and when did they impeach me ?”

  • APC Presidential Primaries fallout: Gov Bello weeds out ‘Judases’ in Kogi cabinet reshuffle

    All is not well with political office holders in Kogi State as Governor Yahaya Bello is set to weed out those perceived to be the ones used to subvert his seeming hold on the state delegates as played out in the APC presidential primaries.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the State APC went to the primaries with 63 delegates, and the Governor scored 47, leaving many to question where the rest went and how co – contenders for the ticket were able to get the rest from Bello’s grasp.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Arike Ayoade, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Idris Asiru are among the rumoured seeming untouchables to be weeded out.

    Also Read: Abducted NLC Vice Chairman’s brother found dead in Kogi

    If this happens, many people in the state are already salivating for what the fallout would be from such a bold step by Governor Bello.

    There is an overwhelming belief among the people, especially within APC supporters that many who ‘betrayed’ the Governor are those from the Western Senatorial District, especially those from the Yoruba – Okun speaking part.

    Member of the National Assembly representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon James Abiodun Faleke originally hails from there.

    Hon Faleke is seen to be eyeing the governorship of the state, having been the running mate to the Late former Governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu whose death threw up the incumbent who came second during APC primaries in 2014.

    The cabinet reshuffle, Hon David Omachoko, a political commentator in the state said, is to enable Governor Bello make efforts to regain control of the state politics, especially within the ruling APC.

    “I expected the Governor to have reshuffle his cabinet long ago. There are too many unimportant and unnecessary appointments in his administration and it is draining the state of the resources it doesn’t have.

    “This reshuffle is very important. It is also about Governor Bello’s political future. If Bola Tinubu is elected president, I am certain he would want someone he has trusted and gave political mentorship, like Faleke, to take over as the next Governor. This is an absolute certainty.

    “So, continuing to allow people who subverted his directives to continue to be in office is so slighting and politically naive.”

    TheNewsGuru.com has learnt exclusively that many commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Board Members and directors would be relived of their appointments.

    A few of those who are removed from their positions would however be returned, with many losing it, especially Local Government Chairmen who are rumoured to have connived with some of the delegates.

    It is still unclear whether Governor Yahaya Bello would continue with his rumoured ambition to install his current Chief of Staff, Abdulkareem Asuku as a successor and betray the rumoured arrangement he had with his Deputy, Edward Onoja as successor.

    Speaking on the issue, a source close to government told our reporter that everything has been concluded and all documentations done to rejig the cabinet.

  • Abducted NLC Vice Chairman’s brother found dead in Kogi

    Opaluwa Okpanachi the brother of Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) in Kogi state who was kidnapped by gunmen in Kogi state few days ago  has been found dead.

    Okpanachi, who is the brother to Kogi NLC Vice Chairman, Simeon Opaluwa was kidnapped on Wednesday evening along Ejule-Aloma road while returning from an official assignment in Ugwolawo.

    His remains was found along Ejule Aloma road Thursday morning by the police in Kogi state, a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the news to newsmen.

    Findings show that Opaluwa was shot as bullet wounds were found on his thighs.

    While he was in the captivity of the kidnappers, a family source said no ransom was demanded, only for his lifeless body to be found.

    The source also confirmed that his corpse has been deposited at the morgue in Kogi state.

    Also, confirming the incident, the Vice Chairman of Kogi NLC, Simeon Opaluwa said the family was really saddened and devastated over the unfortunate incident.

    Late Opaluwa, until his death, was the officer attached to the Primary Health Centre in Ochikala, Aloma.

  • Insecurity: Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Kogi state

    A Catholic priest Rev. Fr Christopher Onotu has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Kogi state, the state police command has confirmed.

    The priest was kidnapped on Saturday evening by unknown gunmen from his Church in Obangede, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Kogi state commissioner of police Edward Egbuka has deployed a high power intelligent team to rescue the Priest unhurt.

    It was gathered that the gunmen reportedly made their way into the Church’s vicarage at about 9pm, burgled the window through which they entered the priest’s room and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

    Many members of the church got wind of the information on Sunday morning when they came for sunday service.

    One member of the church who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the abductors also made away with the priest’s car

    In his words “They dropped his two phones but went with the Sim cards.”

    The abduction of Onutu  is one of the many Christian’s clerics happenings  in recent times in the country.

  • Explosion rocks another beer parlour in Kabba in Kogi state

    Explosion rocks another beer parlour in Kabba in Kogi state

    The Police Command in Kogi on Sunday confirmed another explosion in Kabba Town of Kabbah-Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye-Aya who confirmed the incident in Lokoja, said there was no casualty.

    The police spokesperson explained that the explosion happened at one Omofemi Bar at Okepadi Quarters, Kabba, around 9.15pm of Sunday.

    “As it is now, there is no casualty, but only chairs and tables and the building is affected by the yet to be determined nature of explosion.

    “Already the Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward Egbuka, has directed our DC Investigations and the Bomb detective Squad to move to the scene to ascertain the very nature of the explosion.

    “The police is on top of the situation as our officers and men drafted to the area have cordoned the place until investigation reveals the real cause of the explosion.

    “It’s very unfortunate that criminal elements are out to disrupt the prevailing peace we are enjoying in Kogi.

    “We shall not rest untill we bring to book such elements and let them see the need for maintenance of peace in our society,” he warned.

    Ovye-Aya called on the people of Okepadi and Kabba to be calm and go about their normal duties without any fear as the police were on top of the situation.

    The first explosion which generated controversies as to whether it was a bomb or Gas cylinder, occured on May 11 at a beer parlour around Lewu Junction in Kabba Town.

    While lives were lost out of the 16 persons affected, this time around, no person was affected beside property.

  • FG closes Obajana junction for repairs

    The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on Friday announced the closure of Obajana junction on Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road for repair.

    The ministry said that the closure would last for seven days to facilitate the reconstruction of the road and culverts washed away by floods sometimes in 2021.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Kogi, Mr Jimoh Kajogbola, Kogi, announced this to newsmen in Lokoja on Friday.

    “Obajana-Kabba road will also be closed from Friday to Aug. 15 when it will be reopened,” he said.

    Kajogbola described as “embarrassing and unfortunate” the unending gridlocks and accidents being witnessed at the Obajana junction and the entire Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road.

    “Inview of this closure, traffic from the Kabba junction-Obajana-Kabba road is now being diverted to Kabba junction-Okene-Kabba to give room for easy construction work.

    “Therefore, motorists from north-central and south-western parts of the country plying the Obajana-Kabba highway in Kogi should use the alternative Lokoja-Okene-Kabba road

    “The Lokoja-Okene-Kabba road is also free and should be the route to take since Lokoja (Obajana junction) to Okene is under dualisation, though almost completed.

    “Again, the Okene township road has been repaired just like Okene-Kabba road that can be used as well.

    “So, Nigerians should bear it with us. It is for our collective good. We cannot leave this section of this road like this for people to be dying. We need to repair it.

    “We are pleading with road users to use Obajana junction-Okene-Kabba road instead of using Obajana-Kabba road directly; adequate directional road signs have been provided to guide the motorists,” he said.

    The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi , Mr Steven Dawulung, pledged the readiness of his officers’and men to assist at ensuring flow of traffic and orderliness at the diversion points, commendeding the federal government for responding to calls for repairs of the junction.