NAN-H-79

Killings

Lagos May 18, 2017 (NAN) The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police Response Team (IRT) to take over investigation into Tuesday’s gruesome murder of a family of six in Odogbolu, Ogun.

In a statement issued by its National Leader, Luqman Abdurraheem, on Thursday, the TMC said that the call became necessary to ensure “a timely and diligent conclusion of the case’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN reports that gunmen attacked the home of one Sheikh Yusuf AbdulSalam Tanimola in Ogun, killing him, his  wife and four children before dawn on Tuesday.

“We totally condemn this cowardly, barbaric and reprehensible act by people who cannot tame their senses to adapt to a society governed by the rule of law.

“This level of wickedness and impunity must not be allowed to pass without apprehending the killers and making them go through the rigours of the wheel of justice.

“This is the only way we can bring justice to the departed souls and also console their family and friends that they did not die in vain,’’ TMC said in the statement.

It urged the Ogun State Government to support the police with more funds and equipment to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their service. (NAN)

NAN-AE -7
Food
By Aledare Akinwale
Lokoja, May 18, 2017 (NAN)‎ Mr Tony Adegbe, the Managing Director of Eldomy AGRO, an agricultural outfit, says his organisation will not relent in its efforts to boost food production in Kogi.

Adegbe, who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday, said that he was sure that the organisation’s food production plans in 2017 would be successful.

He said that his organisation had secured about 10 hectares of land in Ayede Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state for the cultivation of maize, yam, cassava ‎and millet.

Adegbe said that the rationale behind the exercise was to bring food scarcity in the state to an end, adding that the organisation had fulfilled all the conditions that would facilitate the success of the venture.

He said that the organisation would distribute fertiliser and other farm inputs to farmers in the state, as part of its efforts to boost their productivity.

Adegbe said that by the first quarter of 2018, he was optimistic that venture would have yielded the desired fruits and the people would have enough food to eat or sell.

He commended the Federal Government’s strategies to encourage Nigerians to partake in farming, saying that they would revamp the agricultural sector. (NAN)
WAL/ORO/OOK
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Edited by Razak Owolabi and Dayo Komolafe

NAN-AE-3
Tomatoes

By Kudirat Ogunyemi

Abuja, May 18, 2017 (NAN) Some traders in Abuja have appealed to the three tiers of government to address the scarcity of fresh tomatoes in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that buyers and sellers of the product in most markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday attributed the scarcity of fresh tomatoes to disease and acidic rain.

A seller, Mr Yinusa Isa, said that between April and May, most tomato farmers from Kano and Zaria had been complaining of the tuta absoluta pest attacks.

Isa said that the same scarcity of fresh tomatoes occurred within the same period in 2016, and appealed to government intervene to save the situation.

He said that between February and March, a big basket of tomatoes which cost N3,000 to N3,500 now cost N15,000 to N20,000.

“One waste bin basket measure was sold for N500 but it is currently being sold at N2,000,” he said.

Another trader, Garba Ibrahim, told NAN that the reason why tomato farms were dying in the north was because of the acidity in rain water.

“Normally, the tomato plants are watered with water water, but as soon as the rains come, the plants begin to die because of too much acid in the rain water.

“The tomatoes I have now for sale are from Niger Republic, although we have tomatoes available in Jos, but that is the one of the places we currently have good tomatoes in Nigeria,” he said.

Mrs Zainab Dogo, a buyer at Dutse market, who had been buying in the same market for over three decades, said that she had never bought tomatoes for this much until recently.

“I used to buy a basket of tomatoes at N8,500, but now it is being sold for N20, 000 at the popular Dei-Dei market which is one of the cheapest food markets in Abuja.

“The sellers are saying that they do not have enough tomatoes to sell to their customers while some are complaining about rain water being acidic on tomatoes,” she said.

Mrs Adebimpe Odewale, a buyer at Bwari market, said that the price of tomatoes, a key ingredient for most delicacies such as jollof rice, sauce and stew, had increased by 400 per cent.

“People who sell tomatoes now buy a basket for twice the price. Five tomatoes, which used to be N50, are now sold for N200.

“ Me and my household cannot do without fresh tomatoes and I do buy it like that but I pray it will not be like last year, adding that last year was worst tomato scarcity ever.

NAN reports that the scarcity of fresh tomatoes occurred for the first time in Nigeria in 2016 which was attributed to a disease called tuta absoluta pest attacks but Federal Government proffer solution it.

The tuta absoluta ant actually originated from South America in 1912 and is spreading to other parts of the world like Europe and Africa and came to Nigeria in 2016 through Niger Republic. (NAN)

ROK/OFN/MZA

Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-68

Resumption
By Kola Adeyemi
Lokoja, May 17, 2017 ( NAN) Mr Taufiq Isa on Wednesday returned to office as the Administrator of Ijumu Local Government in Kogi, barely 24 hours after being granted bail over his alleged involvement in the April 15 gun attack on Sen. Dino Melaye.

Isa, who also doubles as the Chairman of the state chapter of ALGON, was welcomed to Iyara, headquarters of the local government at about 9:00 a.m. by hundreds of party faithful and civil servants.

His Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Abubakar Hussein, told newsmen that Isa’s resumption of duty, in spite of the ongoing case against him at a Kogi State High Court, was in order.

He said that the embattled politician remains a man of the people as he was given a rousing welcome to the local government, on the same day he was granted bail by the court.

According to Hussein, Isa remains innocent of the charges preferred against him by the police, until the court rules to the contrary.

He said that the local government Administrator will make himself available for trial as earlier stated in the oral application for bail, filed on his behalf by his counsel. (NAN)
KKA/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)

NAN-DS-2
Arrest
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, May 17, 2017 (NAN) The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested two suspected bandits responsible for the killing of Sgt. Helen Sunday, the orderly of Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo.

A statement by the Spokesman of the command, SP Ebere Amaraizu, issued in Enugu on Wednesday, said the arrest was effected by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command.

The orderly was killed by the armed gang on May 9 while she was returning from work.

Amaraizu said that the squad acting on a well-coordinated operation borne out of intelligence information, rounded-up the gang.

“The suspects, Emmanuel Onyeabor and Kanu Oti , were arrested a day after the incident at their various hideouts at Lomalinda axis of Independence Layout and Amorji Nike axis of Abakpa, Enugu, after a gun duel which left the suspects fatally injured,” he said.

He said that the command had launched a manhunt for some members of the gang who escaped with gunshot wounds.

The police spokesman urged members of the public and hospital operators to avail the police with information about anyone seen with bullet wounds.

He said that the suspects who confessed to the crime said that their motive was to rob their victim and not to kill her.

He said that the orderly, who was rushed to a nearby hospital by public-spirited individuals, was confirmed dead by a doctor on duty.

Amaraizu said that the police had recovered the deceased’s Infinix cell phone amongst other items from the suspects’ hideouts. (NAN)
KSN/JPE/AMY

Edited by Joseph Edeh/Abdullahi Yusuf
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NAN-H-90
NSCDC
By Moses Omorogieva

Lagos, May 16, 2017 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, said it had arrested 120  suspected pipelines vandals in the state between January and May 2017.

The State Commandant, Mr Tajundeen Balogun, made this disclosure on Monday, in Lagos, while receiving the Head of Lagos Editorial, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Mike Mbonye, who paid him a visit.

Balogun said that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state, particularly in Ikorodu and Badagry, noting that the suspects had been sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“Ikorodu axis has been very challenging for us due to the type of terrain.

“So sad, that almost all security agencies have lost their men in Ikorodu; we have equally lost five men in the area.

“We have, however, secured the conviction of three persons for three years jail term. We ensure that there are empirical evidences before we embark on prosecution.

“The command is re-strategising with a view to improving on the successes we have recorded within the last five months. NSCDC has done well in Lagos State and we are still doing more.

“We have credibility and integrity as to the information members of the public gives us on trust. The intelligence networks of sister agencies also help.

“As at now, we have 159 armed personnel, manning power stations in Lagos to prevent vandalism. We do stop and search and monitoring the movement of fuel tankers in the state,’’ he said.

Balogun noted that owing to the performances of the command, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development gave him a commendation letter for the arrest of 21 illegal miners in Lagos.

In the letter dated, Jan. 19, 2017, a copy of which was shown to NAN, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Feyemi lauded the commandant for his act of diligence and commitment to duty.

Fayemi said that Balogun had demonstrated a high level of responsibility, dedication and transparency, urging him to continue his efforts for the development of the solid mineral sector.

Balogun, however, praised the Lagos State Government for the logistics and support for the corps, assuring that his officers would ensure that all critical infrastructures are protected.

He also applauded NAN for the effective coverage and accurate reportage of the corps’ activities.

“The media is very important to our operations; it gives information to the public on what we are doing and NAN, particularly with its large networks, will help us to pass information to the public,’’ he said

Earlier, Mbonye told the commandant that he was in his office to seek for more cooperation between the agency and the corps, assuring him of adequate coverage of his command. (NAN)
MIO/ENN/YEMI
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Policemen to serve in communities of origin

NAN-H-27

Security

Lokoja, May 16, 2017 (NAN) The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, said on Tuesday that policemen would soon be deployed to their communities of origin to enhance community policing.

The IGP told a security stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja that the bulk of the 150,000 policemen to be recruited over the next five years would serve in their respective communities.

Idris, who was represented by Shaibu Gambo, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, said that the move was to take the police closer to the people.

He said that the police was faced with shortage of manpower but promised more policemen and equipment for Kogi to further secure the people against rampaging armed robbers and kidnappers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Zone 8 Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Jibril Yakubu and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, were at the meeting.

The state Chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Mr Mohammed Salihu, urged traditional rulers and other stakeholders to show more interest in the security of their communities.

He said that police stations and security equipment in various communities should be safeguarded by residents to enhance community policing.

In its submission, Kogi branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, called on the police to curb the incessant frictions between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the state.

State secretary of the association, Suleiman Muhammed, said that three Fulani herdsmen were killed and 48 cows slaughtered in Omala Local Government Area in the past two months.

NAN reports that the meeting was attended by traditional rulers, Christian Association of Nigeria, Council of Ulamahu, transport unions and community leaders. (NAN)
KKA/WOJ

(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

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NAN-AE-6
Beneficiaries
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, May 16, 2017 (NAN) Beneficiaries of the FADAMA III AF project have applauded the commitment of the Federal Government and the World Bank towards the interests of rural farmers in Bauchi State.

Alhaji Muhammadu Abdulkadir, the District Head of Gadau, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, conveyed the beneficiaries’ commendation in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the dry season rice farming launched in Bauchi State was a welcome development and, therefore, urged the FADAMA III AF project facilitators and farmers to ensure the success of the programme in the state.

Abdulkadir, who is also a beneficiary, said that many farmers in the state were practicing dry season rice farming for the first time because of the rigorous sensitisation campaigns staged by the Bauchi State Office of the FADAMA Programme.

He said that many farmers might not have been able to embark on dry season rice farming without the assistance of the FADAMA III AF project due to its capital intensive nature.

Abdulkadir, however, called for the prompt supply of farm inputs to rice farmers, saying that any delay in the input supplies would sabotage the efforts of the National FADAMA Office and the World Bank.

“Gadau has over 500 hectares of land earmarked for dry season rice farming; I, therefore, call on the FADAMA III AF programme to include Gadau as a benefitting community.

“The rental fees on tractors and other heavy machineries should be subsidised in order to alleviate the sufferings of smallholder farmers,’’ he said.

Speaking, the state Project Coordinator, Dr Ali Garba, said that the state FADAMA Office was aware of the commitment of the Gadau-based rice farmers.

He said that Gadau was one of the best dry season rice farming locations in the state, as it was the only site with three clusters in one location because of its vast lands.

Also speaking, Mr Samuel Alabi, the Team Leader of the Mid-Term Review, said that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state would have a cause to be happy, as the project’s disbursements on Community Action Plans would soon start.

NAN reports that the FADAMA III AF Project in Bauchi State has 45 production clusters and 479 production groups which are currently involved in dry season rice farming across the state. (NAN)
ROK/JEO/OOK
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Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka and Dayo Komolafe

NAN-DS-3
Killing
Lokoja, May 16, 2017 (NAN) Two policemen have been killed by gunmen on Tuesday morning on Magongo-Okene road in Kogi.

The gunmen also made away with the AK47 rifles of the policemen who were on duty during the attack.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing.

Inalegwu, who described the killing as sad, said the fleeing gunmen would be tracked down and prosecuted.

The Administrator of Ogori-Mangogo Local Government Council in whose domain the incident took place, Mr Moses Akande, condemned the killing and described it as unfortunate .

He hoped that the police would arrest the killers and bring them to justice. (NAN)
KKA/AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-AE-1
Safety
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, May 16, 2017 (NAN) Mr Afam Mbanefo, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Export, has urged the Federal Government to promote the health and safety of Nigerian farmers to boost their productivity.

He made the call in a statement issued by Mr Tunde Oladunjoyelo, Media Consultant for World Bank on FADAMA 111 Additional Financing (AF), in Abuja on Monday.
Mbanefo was quoted to have made the call when he declared open the World Bank/Federal Government mid-term review meeting on FADAMA III AF Project in Awka, Anambra.

“To produce good and healthy agricultural produce, the farmers’ good health is paramount; Fadama lll AF and other agricultural projects should also give priority to the health and safety of the farmers,’’ he said.

On the FADAMA III AF project, Mbanefo underscored the need to strengthen community sensitisation efforts, saying that this would have greater impact on the overall project implementation.
In his remarks, the Task Team Leader, Dr Tunji Oredipe, who was represented by Mr Peter Ajibaiye, said that the mid-term review meeting was aimed at examining the project implementation processes, with a view to fine-tuning those aspects which ought to be adjusted.

He said that plans to boost the country’s food security could only be achievable if the farmers’ safety was accorded a priority under  the FADAMA III AF Project, adding, “only the farmers who are alive and healthy can produce food”.
Oredipe pledged that the World Bank “safeguard officials’’ in his team would examine the safety and environmental impact of the activities of farmers.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of newly procured life jackets to FADAMA project facilitators covering riverside areas. (NAN)
ROK/OSA/OOK
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Edited by Shittu Obassa and Dayo Komolafe