NEWS
SOKAPU Questions FG’s inability to fight bandits, while it can easily arrest Kanu Igboho
Precious ADELOLA
ABUJA-The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union has carpeted the Federal Government over the arrest and detention of activists across the country, while it displays a questionable inability to curtail the activities of bandits, killer herdsmen and terrorism.
The umbrella body of the Southern Kaduna people urged the government to deploy the same tactics adopted in the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, in tackling the rampaging bandits in the North.
SOKAPU’s National President, Jonathan Asake, stated this while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Thursday.
The SOKAPU leader also alleged that over 100 natives had so far been killed in communities in the Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of the state recently.
According to him, the government must stop the use of force on mere agitators, while pampering terrorists in the North.
Asake, a former House of Representatives member, said, “Again, this year, with the commencement of another rainy season, the onslaughts have resumed, which coincide with the period when our farming communities need to be on their farms.
“With particular reference are the recent attacks on communities in Zangon Kataf LGA, where no fewer than 100 persons have been massacred within seven days, 12 villages completely decimated and over 90 per cent of Atyap land deserted by inhabitants over fears of frightening uncertainties.
“It is sadly unbelievable that 10 days after these massacres and displacement in our communities from all observable indices, there appears to be a conspiracy of silence or a deliberate attempt by the government to downplay the severity of the atrocities and genocides being perpetrated by these attackers across our communities.”
On attacks and kidnapping in the North, Asake added, “We are convinced beyond doubt that the government has a capacity to combat these daredevil bandits, who have made life unbearable for our communities.
“If the government could lure the Benue militant, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, out of his hideout in September 2020, and later killed him; if they could trace Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya and blindfold him to Nigeria in June 2021; if they could trace Sunday Igboho to Cotonou and arrest him just a few days ago; and if they could smoke out the commander of the Eastern Security Network, Ikonso, and later kill him in April 2021, then, it clearly shows that the government has enough capacity to deal with the situation.
“We find it strange to explain how the government is unwilling to tackle banditry and kidnappings in the North, but at the same time hasty in deploying full intelligence and military force against southern and Middle Belt activists, who are engaged in one form of agitation, criminality or otherwise.
“Even when these bandits brought down an air force jet last Sunday, July 19, at the border between Zamafa and Kaduna states, thereby challenging the sovereignty of our country, the government has not shown enough action to tackle the dangers posed by bandits and insurgents, who have now acquired anti-aircraft launchers and sophisticated weapons.
“The survival, unity and progress of the Nigerian state are more threatened by the untamed atrocities of these northern bandit groups and armed Fulani herdsmen more than the actions of the Kanus, Igbohos and Terwases of the southern and Middle Belt regions.
Numerous individuals sustained injuries following a confrontation between rival groups in the Ile-Epo vicinity of Lagos State.
According to reports, the altercation erupted within the local market on Wednesday night and persisted into Thursday morning.
During the clash, several shops were set ablaze, and merchandise was vandalized. Despite efforts by law enforcement, the intervention was hindered by the aggressors.
This morning, a fire service truck attempting to enter the market was compelled to retreat after being bombarded with stones by unidentified assailants.
See video below:
The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has unveiled stellar Q1 2024 results, signaling a promising trajectory for the company.
Biztellers reports that this is coming shortly after the company’s 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
From the results made available on Thursday, the Group reported an impressive N2 billion in Profit before Tax (PBT), bolstered by robust growth in operating margins and operational efficiencies.
From the results, Profit After Tax (PAT) rose to N1.3 billion, marking a remarkable 332% increase from the N310 million recorded in Q1 2023.
The NGX claims that “This exceptional performance underscores the group’s unwavering commitment to excellence and strategic growth initiatives”.
Recall that at the AGM, the NGX Group announced plans to capitalize on digital distribution for the upcoming recapitalization exercises mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Additionally, the group disclosed a strategic acquisition of a stake in the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, securing a seat on the bourse’s board.
These decisive moves align with the group’s overarching strategy to expand its business operations and solidify its position in the regional market.
In a bid to secure long-term sustainability and drive growth, the NGX Group implemented a strategic optimization initiative. This comprehensive plan encompasses a strategic reduction in workforce size, accompanied by significant salary increases for retained staff.
The initiative aims to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and optimize resources, fostering a more competitive and agile organization.
The exercise follows a thorough review of the group’s operations, which revealed opportunities for optimization and improved competitiveness. The NGX Group remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and building a resilient organization poised for sustainable growth.
The recent approval by shareholders of a N10 billion capital raise underscores investor confidence in the NGX Group’s strategic direction and its unwavering commitment to driving sustainable growth and value creation.
The NGX Group remains dedicated to serving its customers, partners, and stakeholders, confident that these strategic measures will pave the way for future success. The company’s focus remains on innovation, customer satisfaction, and building a resilient organization poised for growth.
The Lagos State government has uncovered an 86-room under bridge apartment in the Ikoyi Area of the state, where tenants pay as much as N250,000 annually as rent, per room.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure in text and video clips on his verified X handle on Wednesday.
He revealed that the apartment is under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, and has 86 partitioned rooms, sized “10×10 and 12×10”.
According to Wahab the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge.
He wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.
“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.”
A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, shed more light on the matter.
He gave kudos to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI for the feat, who cleared up the mess on Tuesday, arresting some of people in the process.
Rotimi-Akodu, who also shared text and video clips of the development, wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).
“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”
He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.
“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added.
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