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Tag: ondo

  • BREAKING: Akeredolu signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law

    BREAKING: Akeredolu signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law

    The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimii Akeredolu, on Tuesday, signed into law the Anti-Open Grazing Bill in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum at its last meeting, held in Lagos.

    This came few weeks after the bill has been passed by the State House of Assembly.

    With the development, Ondo has become one of the states in the South that has passed and signed the bill into law, meeting the deadline of the Southern Governors’ Forum.

    In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo said, the governor signed the bill in his office on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “The move ( signing the bill) is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September 1st was set as the deadline for governors in southern Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.

    “This is worthwhile and a very laudable development aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.

    “It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the state irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target.

    “While it is the hope of government that all residents would take an ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of same shall be given the utmost attention. Government shall pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance.

    “In this regard, details of the new law shall be made available to the public for proper information, more depth of understanding on contents as well as other relevant areas,” the statement said

  • “How I use online application to defraud POS operators“ – suspect

    “How I use online application to defraud POS operators“ – suspect

    A 29-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Victor Ukachuckwu, has confessed to using an online application he downloaded from the Internet to defraud Point of Sales (POS) operators in Ondo State.

    Ukachuckwu made the confession while speaking with newsmen after he was paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday in Akure.

    The suspect, who claimed to be a commercial motorcyclist, said that he started engaging in the fraud about a month ago.

    “I saw the application online and I learned how to use it which I tried and it worked, though I used it only five times in this month.

    “ I made N55,000 from the fraud business before I was arrested by NSCDC operatives in Akure,” he said.

    While speaking on the incident, Mr Hammed Abodunrin, State Commandant of NSCDC, explained that the suspect had defrauded many POS operators with his tricks.

    According to him, the suspect is in habit of going to POS operators to withdraw money.

    “After he is done with POS operators, he will access his own bank through a firewall application to inform the bank that he made a transaction which failed.

    “He would tell the bank that he had bought certain things and the goods were not delivered to him so he want the transaction cancelled and the money returned to his account. He would go back later and withdraw the reversed amount.

    “That is what he has been doing, this month alone he had done it three times.

    “One POS operator just noticed that each time he had transaction with the suspect, the transaction will be reversed. The means that the POS guy kept losing money, amounting to about N55,000.

    “The suspect was arrested today, we were about to grant him bail and we just felt we should approach his bank and another money just came back into his account, which means that there are so many that will still come back to his account,” the NSCDC chief explained.

    Abodunrin explained that when the command approached the bank, it (bank) claimed to have sent emails to the affected POS operators.

    He said the bank reversed the transaction and paid back the suspect because it did not receive any response from the POS operators it emailed.

    “I am appealing to banks to find faster and better means of communicating with their clients to prevent future criminal acts, ‘’ he said.

    He urged the public to be more vigilant and observant.

  • [GRAPHIC PHOTO] Robbers open fire on bullion van in Ondo; cart away cash, kill policeman, driver

    [GRAPHIC PHOTO] Robbers open fire on bullion van in Ondo; cart away cash, kill policeman, driver

    Dare-devil armed robbers have attacked another bullion van on the outskirts of Ondo State along the Lagos-Ore expressway.

    The robbers were said to have opened fire on the bullion van at about 1 pm on Wednesday (today), while on its way to Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo from Edo State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident.

    Corpses of the slain policeman and driver of the bullion van

    She stated that the robbers killed two persons – a policeman attached to the van and the driver of the vehicle.

    Odunlami added that two other policemen on the team sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

    She disclosed that the remains of the policeman and the driver killed have been deposited at a mortuary in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson also confirmed that the robbers succeeded in carting away an unspecified amount of cash from the bullion van.

    She said a detachment of policemen has been drafted to the area and the operatives were on the trail of the robbers.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Wednesday’s robbery comes a week after a bullion van was attacked at the Emure-Ile Junction along the Akure-Owo Highway.

    A policeman was also shot during the incident which occurred on Wednesday last week, although the bullion van was not conveying any cash when it was attacked by robbers.

  • Attack on Ondo travellers in Jos ‘mistaken identity’ – Deputy Governor

    Attack on Ondo travellers in Jos ‘mistaken identity’ – Deputy Governor

    The Plateau State government has returned undisclosed number of the surviving victims of the Jos attack to Ondo State on Friday.

    About 28 people were reportedly killed in the attack.

    The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mr Sonni Tiyoden, disclosed this when he accompanied the survivors to the Ondo State government house in Akure.

    He said that 25 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while normalcy has been restored in the area as investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book.

    According to reports, the victims returned to Ondo are Fulanis, born and brought up in Ondo State, who were returning home after attending the annual Zikr (prayer session) in Bauchi to mark the commencement of the new Islamic Year.

    The deputy governor condemned the attacks on innocent citizens and described it as a rude shock to the government of Plateau State because it was an unprovoked attack on the victims.

    He sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured as a result of the unfortunate incident.

    “We pray for forgiveness on behalf of those who did it as arrests have been made, as of now, we have 25 people under arrest, I can assure you, investigation will go on.

    “And I can assure you that due process will be followed, the law will take its course and they will pay for what they have done,” he said.

    Tiyoden assured that the Plateau State government is on top of the situation and admonished Nigerians to live in peace with one another as brothers and sisters, irrespective of their religious beliefs and ethnic differences.

    Responding, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, thanked the government of Plateau State for the response and help in saving the lives of the survivors.

    Aiyedatiwa said the victims were not seen as Hausa/Fulani people but as citizens of the state because most of them were born and raised in the state.

    The deputy governor commended the quick response of the Plateau state government in rescuing the people.

    “The attack was that of mistaken identity, and I want to thank the governor of Plateau State for his quick response.

    “And that response actually brought about these survivals. As we mourn those who passed on during the attack, I also want to thank God for those of you that survived the attack,” he said.

    He described it as an honour and a sign of friendliness that the deputy governor of Plateau came with the survivors.

    Alhaji Mohammed Labar, the Southwest Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), prayed that such an incident would not happen again.

  • Armed robbers attack empty bullion van in Ondo, shoot policeman

    Armed robbers attacked a bullion van along the Akure/Owo Highway in Ondo State on Wednesday, shooting a policeman in the process.

    Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, DCP Funmi Odunlami said the attack occurred close to Emure-Ile junction along the highway.

    The robbers were however unable to cart away any funds as the bullion van was not carrying any cash when they struck, Odunlami added.

    Meanwhile, a team of policemen has been deployed to the area to apprehend the armed robbers and the injured policeman is being treated at a nearby hospital.

  • Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Monday described the death of Adedayo Omolafe, member of the House Representatives, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, as shocking and devastating.

    In a statement issued by Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Akeredolu said that no news of illness was heard about the lawmaker before his sudden death in the wee hours of Sunday.

    “Like every mortal, Omolafe is gone in fulfillment of the mankind’s inescapable debt. It is painful that such a bright star is gone too soon. For our dear state, this is a big blow dealt by the ugly sting of death. It is a devastating tragedy.He was renowned for his generosity, touching lives and making people smile with his act of giving. He was a grassroots politician. His death is a great loss to Akure kingdom and the state in general,” he said.

    Similarly, Mimiko, who is the immediate past governor of Ondo state also described the death of the lawmaker, popularly called ‘Expensive’, as a huge loss to the Akure people and Ondo State in general.

    Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, said the death of the federal lawmaker has left a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill.

    “I am profoundly sad to learn of the passing to the great beyond of one of the most-loved and illustrious sons of Akure, Ifedayo Omolafe, also known as Expensive. “Although, death is inevitable, Omolafe’s exit is a rude shock. His incredible ability to connect with the people, the high and the lowly alike, is one major value he will be leaving behind.

    “Expensive had unquantifiable amount of street credibility and respectability uncommon among the elite.
    He was known and respected by the commoners, who he gave time and energy to court and serve,” the former governor said.

    Mimiko condoled his family, the people of Akure, his constituency and his political associates for the irreparable loss.

    Omolafe also served as an elected Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government in 2004.

  • Strike: Ondo doctors are ready to negotiate – NMA chairman

    Strike: Ondo doctors are ready to negotiate – NMA chairman

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ondo State says it is open to negotiation on its ongoing industrial action over the payment of half salaries to its members by the state government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had informed labour leaders that borrowing to augment payment of salaries was no longer sustainable hence the payment of half salaries to state workers.

    Doctors in the state had rejected the government’s stand, saying they could not survive on 50 per cent salary.

    Dr Stella Adegbehingbe, the NMA Chairman in the state, told NAN on Monday in a telephone interview that doctors in the state-owned health facilities could no longer accommodate the non-payment of their salaries, adding that the last time they received salaries was in February.

    “As of today, Aug. 2, the last time we received salaries was in February. What doctors are demanding is 100 per cent salary payment. That is the position of doctors in Ondo,” she said.

    Asked if there was room for negotiation with the state government, Adegbehingbe said that ‘there is no problem about negotiation. When they call us, we are ready, anytime’’.

     

    Speaking on the strike directive given by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), she said that there might be no major effect in the state since the NMA had been on strike for over a month.

    Also speaking to NAN, Dr Tope Olagbe, the Chairman of NARD in the University of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, stated that doctors were not working on percentage, therefore, they could not entertain half payment of salaries.

    “Currently, all doctors in Ondo State, those on residency training and those working in General Hospitals and Specialist Hospitals have been on strike for over a month now.

    “The state government has been paying percentage of salaries. Doctors are not working on percentage. Even doctors in the state are inadequate, having one doctor in a situation and place that requires 10 doctors.

    “The work load is too much on doctors and despite this the government is offering percentage payment,” he said.

    Dr Tope Olatilu, the Chairman of NARD in the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, noted that the directive given by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association was binding on all its members.

    “We are 100 per cent compliant because the decision was reached by at the NEC level of the association. NEC consists all chapter chairmen, as well as national officers of NARD. It is a unanimous decision. It is not negotiable because it was taken by all of us,” he said.

    He added that there was no consideration given to the management of the FMC in attending to special or serious patients.

    “Our members are not working as expected and there is no consideration to attend to anybody since it is not a local chapter’s decision.

    “Other doctors are still on ground though NARD members constitute about 70 per cent of doctors in the FMC. The other doctors will definitely be at their duty posts,” he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Hospital Management Boar, Dr Niran Ikuomola, when contacted, told NAN to direct its questions to the state Ministry of Health.

    All efforts to speak with Mrs Folukemi Aladenola, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, proved abortive, as she would not pick calls.

  • Akeredolu reacts to Supreme Court verdict upholding his election as Ondo Governor

    Akeredolu reacts to Supreme Court verdict upholding his election as Ondo Governor

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commended the judiciary for upholding his victory in the October 10, 2020 governorship election in the state.

    The Supreme Court affirmed Akeredolu’s victory on Wednesday, striking out the suit filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, for lacking in merit.

    Reacting to the verdict at the Government House in Akure, the Ondo governor said the judiciary stood for the truth and did not yield to any influence.

    “I have every reason to thank God and to appreciate our judiciary for standing by the truth and for not yielding to any influence. I believe that we can still be proud of our judiciary in this country,” he said.

    “I just heard the news of the final decision of the final court on the election petition filed by my brother, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN. The supreme dismissed his appeal on a 4-3 basis and that in essence is that from the Tribunal up to the Supreme Court.

    “The justices have affirmed that the petition was most frivolous. As you know 12 Justices have affirmed in our favour and only three supported that petition, three at the Tribunal, five at the Court of Appeal, and four at the Supreme Court.”

    Akeredolu was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 10, 2020, Governorship election in Ondo State.

    The PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede had earlier approached the appeal court to challenge the candidacy of Akeredolu, insisting that his nomination form was signed by a sitting Governor Mai Buni who doubles as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

    The appeal was based on the constitutional provision which forbids sitting Governors from holding executive positions outside their statutory position as governors.

  • Rival cult clashes claim three in Ondo

    Rival cult clashes claim three in Ondo

    Three persons have been shot dead by gunmen in a reprisal attack by rival cult groups in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The cultists were reported to have stormed the residence of one Seun Akinsiku in the town around 6:00 p.m on Friday and killed him.

    According to an eyewitness, Seun was outside of the house when the gunmen shot and killed him and fled the scene immediately.

    The eyewitness added that as the gunmen were leaving, they killed an officer of Amotekun Corps and another man whose identity is yet unknown.

    However, the Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye debunked the claim that a member of the Corps was killed in the attack.

    He said his men were immediately drafted to the area after being tipped off that there was a clash between rival cult members in the town.

    Adeleye noted that his men are fully on the ground to maintain peace and also apprehend the murderers.

    The Spokesperson of Ondo State Police Command, Tee-Leo Ikoro also confirmed the incident.

    He stressed that the attack was a reprisal resulting from a clash between two rival cult groups in the town.

    Security agents are currently on the trail of the perpetrators of the evil act.

  • [UPDATED]Armed robbers kill journalist, police officer in Ondo bank attack

    [UPDATED]Armed robbers kill journalist, police officer in Ondo bank attack

    A policeman and two others have been shot dead as armed robbers attacked a bank at Ilara Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Three other persons hit by stray bullets have been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

    The robbers reported struck around 3.00pm on Thursday as they shot their way into the bank, escaped with huge sums of money.

    Aside the policeman, a commercial motorcyclist and a journalist, who is also a staff of the Elizade University identified as Olubunmi Afuye were killed.

    Spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, Tee-Leo Ikoro confirmed the attack on the bank.

    He said investigation had begun into the robbery incident, adding that three persons injured during the attack had been taken to the hospital.

    A customer in the bank when the robbers struck said: “I was inside the bank when they (robbers) came, immediately all of us laid down, they started shouting where is the manager! Where is the manager?

    “So they later got the key of the vault and packed the money there but they were not satisfied with what they saw. They also opened the Automated Teller Machine but there was not enough money.

    “That infuriated them and they shouted where is the money? It seems they didn’t get their target. After they took the money they went out angrily shooting to escape the scene.”

    Mr Olubunmi Afuye, the journalist who was killed by the bandits, was recently appointed the Public Relations Officer of Elizade University in the town.

    Afuye had worked with the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) and Orange FM before he resigned recently to join the university.

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has said the death of Afuye has cost the journalism profession a bright and upcoming star.

    “He was particularly close to us; we all admired his candour and carriage, especially his brilliant delivery at functions he compered that we had reasons to grace. His demise is not just painful. It is very pathetic and unbearable”, the Governor was quoted to have said in a statement released by Richard Olatunde, his Chief Press Secretary.

    The Governor expressed his heartfelt condolences to the wife and children, family, the University community as well as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over this loss that he considers a personal one.

    Meanwhile, a specific directive has been given by the Governor that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are apprehended and brought to book in the shortest possible time.