NEWS
JUST IN: Local, State Security Operatives Clash With Herders
Confusion and fear now reign in Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State, following armed clashes involving local and state security operatives and Fulani herders.
Biztellers gathered that many lives were lost on Monday when members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Amotekun, Operation Burst, and Soludero went up in arms against a group of herders in Iwerele.
The clash appeared to have been triggered by a group of herdsmen who invaded a farm in the community with their cattle for grazing, which led to the demise of the owner of the farm for daring to confront them.
Consequently, a combined security operatives of Operation Burst, OPC, Amotekun and Soludero were informed to restore peace in the area but they were allegedly ambushed by herdsmen.
The exact number of human casualties could not be verified yet.
A native of Iwerele informed Biztellers, under condition of anonymity, that people were living in fear with an unusual presence of security operatives.
Both the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Police Command were yet to comment on the development as at press time.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that despite a minor incident at a section of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) earlier today, the plant remains operational and continues to produce on-spec refined petroleum products.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye.
The NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no cause for concern, as all sections of the recently rehabilitated plant are in full operation, Soneye explained.
The House of Representatives has moved to investigate the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer programme following complaints of delayed and unpaid disbursements to beneficiaries.
Leading the motion, Honourable Abass Adigun reminded the House that in August 2024, nominees were informed they would receive N50,000 each for three months.
However, while some beneficiaries received their payments much later than expected, others have not been paid at all.
READ MORE: FG Set To Roll Out Cash Transfers For 20m Vulnerable Nigerians
He noted that the National Cash Transfer Office has not responded to inquiries regarding these outstanding payments.
The programme, which was first introduced during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration under the National Social Investment Programme, was suspended by President Bola Tinubu in January due to allegations of corruption.
However, the government announced its resumption in February, expanding it to cover 12 million more households.
With this probe, lawmakers aim to address the lack of transparency surrounding the disbursement process and ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive their payments.
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja at approximately 3:00 PM, with top government officials present, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Principal Secretary to the President Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Appoints Vice Admiral Ibas As Rivers Administrator
Ibas, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, arrived at the Presidential Villa around 12:48 PM before taking the oath of office.
The swearing-in followed President Tinubu’s Tuesday night announcement declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a national address, Tinubu justified the move, citing governance paralysis caused by political conflict, constitutional violations, and security threats.
The crisis in the state has been fueled by a bitter rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State have failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025, and I so do,” Tinubu declared.
With the state’s elected leadership suspended for an initial six-month period, Vice Admiral Ibas has been tasked with managing state affairs.
Tinubu assured that while the executive and legislative arms are affected by the suspension, the judiciary will continue to operate as usual.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu stated.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”
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