TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kuje

  • NUT Strike: Parents beg union, council on speedy resolution

    NUT Strike: Parents beg union, council on speedy resolution

    Some parents in Kuje Area Council of FCT have called on the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Kuje Area Council to reach a workable resolution to enable primary school pupils resume classes in the area.

    The parents, who made the call in separate interviews in Kuje, said the strike was having a negative impact on the pupils and appealed for speedy resolution.

    Recall that the primary school teachers in Kuje had on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike over failure by the area council to meet some demands of the union.

    The union through its Chairman, Mr Audu Lucky, had listed the demands as: the non-payment of salaries to 2018 recruited teachers whose salaries were abruptly stopped by the council chairman in September 2022.

    ”Submission of the agreed template of payment of LEA teacher’s arrears to the JAAC Secretariat and continuation of the payment to concerned teachers.

    ”Payment of salary to 2022 reabsorbed teachers, who have been working through January to December 2022 without salary.”

    However, Mrs Sarah Luka, a parent at Chukuku community, called on both the union and the council chairman to convene and proffer adequate solution and help resolve the lingering teachers strike.

    “Our children in public primary schools are losing their most active and creative time, while children in other Area Councils have resumed school.

    “We make this call in the overriding interest of our children, but more particularly for the huge number of pupils in public schools in Kuje,” she said.

    Another parent at Paseli area, Mr Emmanuel Zaki, said: “Sadly, the children of wealthy people attend private schools or study abroad; they do not feel the distress and torment of the ordinary parents.

    “We also want to call for a law mandating State actors and their nuclear families to attend only public schools while in office.”

    Also, Mr Silas Lagi, a parent at Pegi area, feared that the strike would make children to shift focus to other things that they did not budget for.

    “My only pain is that the people in government are not feeling it because their own children are not in public schools but in private schools,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the statetement affirmed that the union had directed all primary school teachers to stay away from their duty posts while parents are advised to keep their children and wards safe at home.

    The Kuje Area Council is yet to react to the development, but it was gathered that the council would meet with the NUT leadership today (Jan. 13).

  • Investigation concluded into Kuje prison break – FG

    Investigation concluded into Kuje prison break – FG

    The Federal Government has concluded investigations into the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in which 600 inmates escaped.

    Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the fourth edition of the PMB Administration Scorecard 2015-2023 Series, organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

    Aregbesola however said that details of the investigation would not be made public, “as it is still a security document”.

    The minister said some of the escapees had been recaptured and returned to the centre, while efforts were on to arrest other escapees.

    According to him, the greatest legacy of the Buhari administration was the degrading of insurgents and retaking of areas hitherto under their control.

    “In 2015, the insurgents were holding territories in some local governments in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    “But as we speak, they have been dislodged. Yes, there are challenges here and there, but there is no nation without challenges,’’ he added.

    Aregbesola assured that the challenges being encountered in the issuance of passport were being addressed.

    “We don’t have enough processing and data capturing centres across the country. This is the major challenge.

    “For example, we have only three centres in the whole of Lagos, but I can assure you that before this administration leaves by May 29, next year, Lagos will have 20 processing centres.

    “We will open a processing centre in Daura,  Oyo, Zaria, Alimosho,  Defence Headquarters,  Head of Service office, and one in the Ministry of Interior,’’ the minister said.

    On the protection of the nation’s critical assets, he commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for the wonderful job they have been doing.

    Aregbesola said that the NSCDC has performed creditably well in monitoring and deployment of security before, during and after the conduct of every general election in the country.

    “The service has also been involved in the protection of lives and property of Nigerians especially along the major expressways across the country.

    “The NSCDC has also succeeded in establishing and training a special squad, popularly called ‘agro rangers’ whose responsibilities is to monitor and give protection to farmers in their various farms across the country,“ he said.

    Aregbesola said that the Federal Government has established Fire Service Centres in the 36 states as well as zonal offices.

    The minister added that the fire service had organised outreach programmes in the FCT on how to manage fire outbreaks and its impacts on lives and property.

    “The service has succeeded to manage about 10, 659 fire outbreaks across the country that would have ordinarily resulted into serious casualties,’’ Aregbesola added.

    This, feat he said, was achieved through the unflinching support of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the procurement of world class fire equipment and recruitment of firemen.

    The minister assured that the ministry remained committed to tackling any threat to the nation’s internal security.

  • Kogi Govt accuses Uduaghan’s wife of links with Owo church massacre suspect

    Kogi Govt accuses Uduaghan’s wife of links with Owo church massacre suspect

    The Kogi State Government has called for the arrest of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged links with one Safiu claimed to be one of the terror suspects behind the attack on Owo Catholic Church.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Uduaghan, a lawyer, is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.

    The Kogi State Government also disclosed that Safiu has been linked to the dastardly attack on the Kuje Correctional Center as well as military formations within and outside the State.

    The State Government in a statement released by its Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja, alleged that Uduaghan had exhibited enough actions to put the country at risk.

    The statement reads in part: “It is worrisome for the PDP that Natasha represents to come out openly to identify with Safiu, a terror suspect that is linked to the bloody attack on a church in Owo that led to the death of scores of worshippers.

    “It was a thing of relief to the people of Kogi Central that security agencies were able to apprehend their Chief Tormentor. Criminality doesn’t know political party. A criminal is a criminal and should be treated as such.

    “The fact that they (PDP) claimed Safiu was their party member is an admission of strong links to him and his nefarious and deadly activities. As an administration, we are witnessing a surge in criminality in Kogi Central.

    “Available data shows that Kogi Central today accounts for 51.2% of the total crime rate in Kogi State. With the billions of naira we have invested in strengthening our security architecture that has guaranteed peace in the state, we will not accept a revert into the days of bloodbath.

    “We call on security agencies to arrest defenders of terrorists and ask them their levels of involvement. No matter how smart they think they are, they cannot beat our robust security architecture.

    “Do they have a contract with some terrorist groups to distabilize the state? Are they afraid that Safiu and other arrested terrorists will expose their dirty and bloody deals? What do they know about some terror cells in Kogi Central? They need to provide answers.”

    PDP alleges plot to plant guns, others at its candidates’ homes, campaign offices

    Meanwhile, the PDP in Kogi State has raised the alarm over an alleged conspiracy by the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause harm to the lives, reputations and ambitions of its candidates ahead of the 2023 elections.

    In a letter to the police, army and State Security Service, the party said its candidates have faced an undue and unprecedented level of persecution, intimidation and attacks against their persons as well as their close political associates.

    The party added that it had uncovered plans to plant guns, ammunition and other incriminating weapons at the home of Mrs Uduaghan.

  • 2023 elections: LP inaugurates LG, ward executives in Kuje

    2023 elections: LP inaugurates LG, ward executives in Kuje

    The newly-elected executives of Kuje chapter of Labour Party (LP) have been inaugurated at the party secretariat in Kuje Area Council, FCT.

    The inaugurated Chairman of the Kuje Labour Party, Hyginus John, was sworn-in alongside five other members of the party executives in the area.

    Those sworn-in are Mr loveday Uwka-Aju, as Vice Chairman, Mr Fanimi Oluwabusayo, as Auditor, Mr Tony Silas, as Central Ward chairman, Mr Abu Tanko, as Secretary, Mr Godwin Onmonya, as PRO.

    Mr Clement Ojotene, a lawyer, who administered the oath of office on the new executives at Kuje Labour Party secretariat, charged them to carry out the duty assigned to them diligently.

    Mr Hyginus John, the Kuje Labour Party Chairman, in a remark, said that the executives were saddled with the responsibility of uniting the party and ensuring they deliver Kuje come 2023 general elections.

    According to him, Labour Party commands huge number of supporters in the country and is battle -eady to clinch power at the presidential and local government levels come 2023.

    “In order to have effective and successful party, we must have competent field workers who can execute any work assigned to them.

    “I am urging every electorate in Kuje Area Council to remain focused and canvass votes for Labour Party at the presidential and local government level.

    “We should be resolute and remain law abiding for peaceful coexistence; Labour is a united movement in Kuje,” he assured.

    He congratulated other officials and called on the party supporters to continue to be law abiding and be focused toward achieving the desired targets in 2023.

  • NCoS reveals cause of death of inmate in Kuje prison

    NCoS reveals cause of death of inmate in Kuje prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS) FCT Command, has confirmed the death of an inmate of Kuje Custodial Centre, after a protracted illness.

    This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Chukwuedo Humphrey, on Monday in Abuja.

    Humphrey said that the inmate was admitted into Kuje custodial centre in 2019 and upon mandatory medical examination, he was diagnosed of some chronic ailments.

    He said that the inmate was immediately placed on special medical management by a combined team of medical personnel in the facility.

    This, he said, was as well as occasional referrals to the University of Abuja Teaching hospital, Gwagwalada, when necessary.

    “Unfortunately, when the inmate’s health deteriorated over the weekend, all efforts by the medical personnel to resuscitate him failed.

    “A peaceful prayer session is being organised by the staffers and fellow inmates of the deceased for the repose of his soul, ” he said.

    Humphrey quoted the Controller of the command, Ahmed Musa, as expressing his condolences to the family and friends of the late inmate.

    Musa reinstated his commitment to putting the health and general welfare of inmates and staffers as topmost priorities.

    He further advised those on special medical attention to ensure strict adherence to expert instructions to overcome health challenges since drugs were available to them at no cost.

  • Reps begin investigation into Kuje prison attack

    Reps begin investigation into Kuje prison attack

    The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, on Tuesday began investigation into the attack at the Kuje Correctional Centre that led to the escape of 64 inmates.

    The committee’s chairman, Mr Sha’aban Saraba, on Tuesday, in Abuja, said the House resolution to investigate the attack was sequel to a motion moved at plenary.

    He said that the House had on July inaugurated a joint committee on national security in the wake of the attack to investigate and come up with possible recommendation that would forestall a re-occurrence.

    Saraba said that the committee would ascertain the roles played by security and intelligence agencies in the security breach and proffer ways to mitigate against reoccurrence.

    He noted that the concerned security agencies had so many questions to answer as regards the security breach that caused the federal government great embarrassment.

    According to him, this is to ascertain the circumstances under which it was carried out in a bid to address all our national security challenges.

    He urged the intelligence community and security agencies to provide useful information for the success of the national assignment.

  • Insecurity: Senators in close door session with security chiefs

    Insecurity: Senators in close door session with security chiefs

     

    Apparently the security situation in the country has assumed a larger than life posture since the first week of July after terrorists stormed Kuje Correctional facility and casually walked away their detained members.

    To stem the tide, the leadership of the Senate is currently in a meeting with Heads of Security Agencies.

    The meeting started a few minutes past 2.00 pm at the Senate Wing National Assembly Complex on Wednessday.

    Some of the Senators present are the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko; Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, George Sekibo; and the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdullahi DanBaba.

    TheNewsGuru .com, (TNG) recalls that the Opposition lawmakers had given the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd.), a six-week ultimatum to resolve insecurity in the country or face impeachment.

    Also, last week their counterparts in the House of Representatives had a similar meeting with security chiefs.

    Details later…

  • Kuje invasion: Federal agents arrest informants who allegedly leaked information to terrorists

    Kuje invasion: Federal agents arrest informants who allegedly leaked information to terrorists

    Aftermath of the invasion of Kuje Correctional facility, some informants have been arrested for leaking information to terrorists about troops’ locations and movements in and around Abuja.

    The four informants are in the custody of a security agency.

    Their arrest followed investigations into the breach of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, on the night of July 5.

    Also under probe are other recent attacks in Abuja like the ambush of Army personnel including the Presidential Guards Brigade.

    The suspects were caught with walkie-talkies, a revolver, knives, amulets, and old Chinese-made phones that do not use data.

    An intelligence officer said they are being interrogated to ascertain their ties with terrorist groups, bandits, and other elements.

    “While the military has refused to provide updates on the attacks on Kuje Prison and troops at the Bwari and Zuma Rock axis, the joint security task force killed more than 70 armed criminals.”

    The operative confirmed that those killed include “dangerous Kuje prison escapees and terrorists”.

    The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is coordinating the intelligence operation on the attacks on security personnel and formations

  • Court returns ex-Accountant General, Ahmed Idris to Kuje prison

    Court returns ex-Accountant General, Ahmed Idris to Kuje prison

    Justice Jadesola Adeyemi-Ajayi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting at Maitama, today, ordered that the former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris be returned to Kuje prison till July 28.

    The Judge ordered his return to prison pending the delivery of a ruling on whether to admit him and his co-accused persons to bail or not.

    Following their arraignment by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on July 22, the former Accountant General applied that he be admitted to bail by the court to enable him prepare his defence in the 14-count criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

    At the Wednesday proceedings, Justice Adeyemi-Ajayi Ajayi after listening to arguments from both prosecution and defence Counsel announced that she will make her decision known on July 28.

    The former Accountant General, alongside Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited were arraigned by EFCC on July 22 on a 14-count charge of stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109, 485,572,691.9

    At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel to the first defendant, Chief Chris Uche SAN, moved his client’s bail application praying for the order of the court to admit the former Accountant General to bail.

    He argued that the charges are bailable offences adding that they are not capital offences.

    He told the court that his client never abused any court process and has the necessary surety to stand for him, urging the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

    Also, counsel to the second defendant Peter Abalaka prayed the court to grant his client bail pending the trial of the charges.

    He said the counter affidavit of the prosecution dwelled on sentiments and prejudices which do not have a place in the trial, urging the court to consider the bail application adding that his client is obedient and will not disobey court orders.

    The counsel to the third defendant Mohammed Ndayako argued that the entire offence is bailable and urged the court to do the needful and grant his client bail.

    In his arguments, the prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs SAN told the court that, the former Accountant General and others have committed a criminal breach of trust which is a serious offence that should not be granted bail.

    He told the court to consider the nature, gravity and weight of the charges as they are sufficient enough to be refused bail.

    He argued that the charge is a public offence which is equal to terrorism and genocide and should be handled with all seriousness adding that he is ready for the commencement of the trial.

  • IGP orders tight security as fear of terrorists grips Abuja

    IGP orders tight security as fear of terrorists grips Abuja

    The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has ordered a beef up of security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in order to fortify the nation’s capital against terrorists.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP had charged the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to collaborate with residents in order to ward off adversaries.

    He added that the force is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the criminals are brought to their knees.

    ”We are not leaving any stone unturned to fortify the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

    ”The IGP has ordered for additional deployment of assets to Strategic areas of the FCT while the Force Intelligence Bureau has been charged on robust Intelligence gathering and information sharing amongst other agencies.

    ”All residents of the FCT are urged to synergise and be on the same page with the Police and other security agencies in making sure that we forestall any ugly incidences in and around the FCT,” the statement reads.

    Residents of Abuja have been living in fear since the invasion of Kuje Prison by Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) on July 5, 2022.

    Over 800 inmates, including all the Boko Haram suspects in detention, were released during the invasion.

    There have been several leaked memos of intelligence agencies on the plots to attack the nation’s capital.

    The ambush of troops attached to the Presidential Guards Brigade heightened the worry of FCT residents.

    A captain and two soldiers were killed by terrorists in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday night.