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  • Amotekun begin search as gunmen kidnap 32 persons in Ondo

    Amotekun begin search as gunmen kidnap 32 persons in Ondo

    Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted 32 persons in Ondo State.

    According to reports, the 32 victims were returning from a burial service in Benin City, Edo State over the weekend when the incident happened.

    It was learned that the victims were waylaid by the gunmen while travelling in a Coaster bus.

    Following the development, officers of the Amotekun Corps, immediately commenced searching of the Benin-Ifon to Owo forest for the abducted persons.

    Adetunji Adeleye, Commandant of the corps in the state, confirmed the incident and said that the command would do all possible to rescue the victims.

    In order to release the victims, the Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies, according to Adeleye, had been informed and had since started a search and rescue operation.

  • 23-year-old kills grandmother for complaining about his late night

    23-year-old kills grandmother for complaining about his late night

    An Akure Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 23-year-old man in a correctional centre for allegedly killing his 68-year-old grandmother, Florence Olaoye.

    The accused, Vincent Awonugba, was arrested by the police on August 6, 2022, for allegedlyy murdering the victim on the same date at her residence in Labata Orimolade, Ondo, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area, in Ondo State.

    According to the prosecution, Abdulateef Suliaman, the defendant, stabbed the victim on her neck after a dispute over his late-night movements.

    With the defendant arraigned on one count of murder, he was said to have violated Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

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    Suliaman also requested that the defendant be held in custody pending legal counsel from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    Awonugba, whose plea was not taken, appeared in court without legal representation.

    The defendant, during an interrogation, claimed to be innocent of the crime, as he stressed that neighbours intentionally linked him to his grandmother’s death because they knew they were always at loggerheads.

    The Magistrate, Tope Aladejana, in his ruling remanded the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the DPP, with the case adjourned till September 27, 2022, for mention.

  • Ondo, Edo lead as NCDC announces new Lassa fever cases

    Ondo, Edo lead as NCDC announces new Lassa fever cases

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the states of Ondo and Edo are leading the country’s Lassa fever cases as it announces five additional cases in seven days, from Aug.15 to Aug. 21, 2022.

    The NCDC via its official website on Monday said that the two states accounted for 57 per cent of the disease burden in the country.

    Newsmen reports that Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted by rats.

    It has been known since the 1950s but the virus was not identified until 1969 when two missionary nurses died from it in the town of Lassa in Nigeria.

    Found predominantly in West Africa, it has the potential to cause tens of thousands of deaths. Even after recovery, the virus remains in body fluids, including semen.

    Neighbouring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector for Lassa virus, the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis) is distributed throughout the region.

    The Agency’s epidemiological report showed that from the beginning of 2022, 25 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 101 Local Government Areas across the country.

    The Public Health Institute further stated that cumulatively from week one to week 33, 2022, 168 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.8 per cent.

    This, the public health institute said was lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (23.3 per cent).

    The NCDC, therefore, said that the national Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continued to coordinate the response activities at all levels to curb the spread of the disease.

    It said: “In week 33 (August 15 to 21) the number of new confirmed cases decreased from nine in week 32, 2022 to five cases. These were reported from Ondo and Edo states.

    “Of all confirmed cases, 70 per cent are from Ondo (31 per cent), Edo (26 per cent), and Bauchi (13 per cent).

    “The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (range: 0 to 90 years, median age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

    “The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new Healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 33.”

    Proferring solutions and preventive measures, the public health agency said to reduce the risk of Lassa fever, Nigerians should ensure proper environmental sanitation.

    “This is by keeping your environment clean at all times and block all holes in your house to prevent rats from entry”

    It also advised that Nigerians should cover their dustbins and dispose of refuse properly.

    “Communities should set up dump sites very far from their homes to reduce the chances of having rodents within homes; Store foodstuff like rice, garri, beans and corn/maize in containers that are well covered with tight-fitting lids.

    “Avoid drying foodstuffs outside on the floor, roadside where they will be exposed to contamination; Avoid bush burning which can lead to the displacement of rats from bushes to human dwellings.

    “Eliminate rats in homes and communities by setting rat traps and other means.

    “Practise good personal hygiene by frequent washing of hands with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when appropriate.

    “Visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever as mentioned earlier, and avoid self-medication,” it advised.

    Newsmen also reports that the Lassa virus is transmitted to man by infected multi-mammate rats and humans become infected from direct contact with the urine and faeces of the rat carrying the virus.

    People also contract the disease by touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food or exposure to open cuts or sores.

    Secondary transmission from person to person can also occur as a result of exposure to the virus in the blood, tissue, urine, faeces or other bodily secretions of an infected patient.

  • Immigration: ‘It’s only out of service, not out of the society’ – Retiring Ondo CIS, Oni

    Immigration: ‘It’s only out of service, not out of the society’ – Retiring Ondo CIS, Oni

    The outgoing Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ondo State Command, Dayo Idowu Oni has said there is more to life after retirement.

    Oni, who also celebrated his 60th birthday on the day of his retirement on Monday dedicated his years of service to God.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the Ekiti-born boasted that his 35 years of service in the Nigerian Immigration Service were without blemish.

    ‘I told other service chiefs, that the journey has not been very easy, it’s a long journey but at the end of the day we thank God for making it a success, he said.

    ‘When we talk of someone spending 34 or 35 years in service, you will believe that you will not encounter problems or challenges but by the Grace of God we’re able to overcome the challenges, and here we are today celebrating, thanking God for the service rendered to my nation and to my service’.

    ‘I came into the job in April 1988 and since then I have been doing my work going round the country, almost all the states in the north without any blemish or being issued a single query throughout my service’.

    ‘I’m so happy for the exit and people are happy with me’.

    Speaking with TNG, the retiring CIS spoke about life after retirement:

    ‘There is nothing so spectacular, we all know after working for some time, you have to retire so we are prepared for it and may God help us, we’re not going to live a negative life. It is only out of service, not out of the society’.

  • Afenifere kicks against reintroduction of National Water Resources Bill

    Afenifere kicks against reintroduction of National Water Resources Bill

    The pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural association, Afenifere, Ondo State chapter, has urged the National Assembly to reject the National Water Resources Bill, which was represented on June 29.

    The bill was presented for first reading by the Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli.

    The bill, which was introduced and rejected by the lawmakers during the 8th Assembly following public outcry, was reintroduced in the current 9th National Assembly in 2020 but faced adverse reaction from Nigerians, forcing the National Assembly to step it down.

    Afenifere, in a statement issued at the end of its Caucus meeting on Friday in Akure by Mr Remi Olayiwola, the Publicity Secretary, said the reintroduction of the bill was an insult to Nigerians from all the geopolitical divide.

    The association urged all the traditional rulers and political leaders from the state to work relentlessly against the bill.

    “For the umpteenth time, a bill tagged the National Water Resources Bill, seeking to take over all inter-state rivers, and hydrological territory in all parts of the country has been tabled before the House of Representatives.

    “Here is a Bill that had on two occasions in the 8th and 9th Assemblies failed to stand the test of time.

    “Why should there be the desperation to bring the same Bill back to the House? It is simply another unholy way to enslave the people of this country,” Afenifere stated.

    On the implication of the Water Resources Bill on the people, the association noted that states of the federation stand the risk of losing their identities and rights to the Federal Government.

    According to the association, while majority of the people are requesting for more decentralisation of government, the bill is seeking for more responsibilities for the Federal Government.

    Afenifere noted that the National Water Resources Bill would have negative consequences and was a “cunny actions being cleverly foisted on the nation, which must be resisted by well-meaning Nigerians.”

    It stated that if the Federal Government had embarked on restructuring of the country as being canvassed by the leadership of Afenifere over the years, the re-introduction of Water bill would not have been necessar

  • 9 burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

    9 burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

    Nine persons were burnt to death on Friday in an auto crash which occurred at Omotosho Step Down Bridge, on Ore-Lagos expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Mr Sikiru Alonge, Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ore Unit Command, confirmed the accident in Ore.

    Alonge said the crash which happened early in the morning involved two vehicles, a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number FKJ 095 XE and a Honda Accord Saloon car which the registration number cannot be ascertained.

    “Nine persons were burnt to death in a ghastly accident which happened on Ore-Lagos expressway early this morning.

    “The accident was caused by a tyre burst which cause a head-on collision which later resulted into a fire blast which burnt all occupants of the vehicles beyond recognition,” he said.

    Alonge said the remains of the victims had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital in Ore.

    He advised motorists to always maintain speed limit, concentrate, exercise patience, and obey all traffic rules and regulations while driving in order to save lives and property.

  • Why it is difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate – Akeredolu

    Why it is difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has revealed the factors hindering the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in selecting a substantive running mate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Akeredolu pointed out many factors making it difficult for Tinubu to pick a running mate.

    Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday evening, the Governor explained, “The circumstance Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has found himself now, that’s a major of what I’ll call ground-wetting. For instance, he’ll not pick from the South. So he’s left to make a choice from the North.

    “Because he’s from the South he won’t pick from South-East or South-South, because he’s from the South-West he has to pick from the North.

    “And when you look at the North, a lot of factors will have to come into play. Some will say ‘pick from North West’ But North West, that’s where the President now comes from.

    “Will they have a second bite whether as vice or anything? Some will argue ‘why not pick from the North East?’ That’s a factor to be considered.

    “Others can argue, ‘why not pick from North Central?’ So, another factor to be considered is ‘okay, where do you get votes?’

    “So many factors, but under these circumstances, I think he is probably left with North Central and North East probably because so many factors can come into play.

    “So, in determining who you pick at the end of the day, you have to look at loyalty. Will this person be loyal or will he be there to undermine you? Those are issues you’ll have to consider very seriously.”

  • [Video] Police rescue over 50 kidnapped children from church in Ondo

    The Nigerian Police have reportedly rescued over 50 children from a church’s basement on Friday evening. It was reported that the children were allegedly kidnapped.

    The event occurred in the Valentino Area of Ondo town, Ondo West LGA of Ondo State.

    Several children allegedly kidnapped have been discovered in a church’s basement in the Valentino Area of Ondo town, Ondo West LGA of Ondo State.

    It was discovered that the kids were allegedly victims of a kidnapping syndicate and kept in the underground of the church.

    The pastor of the church and some members of the church have been detained by the police.

    SP Funmilayo Odunlami, the state command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development stating that the victims have been brought to the police headquarters in Akure.

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  • Owo attack: Lagos govt declares three days of mourning

    The Lagos State Government has declared three days of mourning over the killings at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

    Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Monday, that the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the observation of the mourning.

    Omotoso said that flags are flying at half mast in Lagos following Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s directive.

    ”The action is for three days to mourn the victims of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, terrorist attack.

    ”The decision to mourn the victims came at a South-West Governors’ June 10 virtual meeting, which reviewed the security situation in the region.

    ”The communique issued after the meeting was signed by Governors Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Gboyega Oyetola, Osun; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Seyi Makinde, Oyo, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

    ”The governors condemned in very strong terms the horrendous crime perpetrated by terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State and, by extension, the peace-loving people of the South-West,” he said.

    Omotoso said that the governors recommended an increase in the scope of surveillance of the activities of undocumented settlers by security agencies in all the states.

    He said that the governors, as Chief Security Officers, resolved to continue to assist the security agencies in crisis management and intelligence gathering at all times.

    The commissioner said that Gov Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and vigilant, as the government is doing everything to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state.

  • Owo terror attack: Police, Army deny arrest of perpetrators

    Police in Ondo State have denied rumours making the round that the suspected terrorists, who attacked Owo Catholic Church, have been apprehended.

    Rumours filtered into town on Thursday evening that the perpetrators of the terror attack were nabbed by the combined team of the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and other security agents.

    Recall that on June 5, terrorists attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo, during church service.

    Forty of the 127 persons in the church were killed, leaving 87 survivors out of which 61 are currently on admission in different hospitals and 26 already discharged.

    A viral video circulated online indicated that those who perpetrated the terror attack had been arrested.

    It was gathered that residents of Owo town besieged the palace of the Olowo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, to confirm the news of the purported arrest of the suspects on Thursday evening.

    Oba Ogunoye, who addressed the crowd in Owo dialect, said he only heard about the news just the way the residents heard it and asked them to remain calm.

    A source within the palace of Olowo, who didn’t want his name mentioned, said the information was only a rumour.

    “It was only a rumour. Youths besieged the palace in their thousands when the rumour broke out, but it was discovered to be a false alarm.

    “Kabiyesi was only trying to hail their doggedness as he told them that, ‘I heard the rumour like you too’, admonishing them to be patient to authenticate it.

    “But it was later discovered that the story was about a group arrested along Owo/Benin boundary in possession of dangerous weapon,” the source told newsmen.

    While speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ondo State, denied the rumour, saying she could not confirm the arrest of the attackers.

    “I can not confirm anything like that. There is no story like that in the state,” said the PPRO.

    Also, a source from Nigeria Army, 32 Artillery Bridgade, Akure, who didn’t want his name mentioned, said emphatically that the perpetrators of the Owo attack had not been arrested.

    He said security agents only arrested people caught with Indian hemp.

    “It is a rumour, those arrested are those engaged in Indian hemp business. They are about three or so, they were arrested somewhere around Owo forest,” the source said.

    NAN