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Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers
Abia Govt. receives 3 school children rescued from human traffickers
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia with the three rescued school children
Rescue
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Nvosi(Abia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Government on Saturday received the three rescued school children that were abducted in Amaoba-Ime Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), on May 10.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three children, aged 8, 6 and 4, are biological brothers and were abducted while returning home from school.
Speaking during the event in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA saturday, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia expressed gratitude to God and everyone involved in securing the release of the children.
Otti also expressed delight that the children had been reunited with their parents and loved ones.
The governor charged parents to be vigilant regarding the safety and security of their children.
“I will like to also admonish parents to be more careful because this was avoidable.
“First of all, you should not hand over your children to people you do not know, whether Keke or Okada riders.
“There is nothing you’re doing that is more important than looking after your children.
“That is my word to parents, grandparents and everybody who has something to do with one Abia child or another.
“It is very very important that we take their security, comfort and safety very seriously.
“A lot of lessons have been learnt from this and I believe we shouldn’t let this kind of thing repeat itself,” he said.
He urged the security operatives involved in the rescue operations to continue with their efforts and ensure thorough follow-up investigation of the matter.
Otti said that this would enable them to prosecute everyone involved in the abduction in order to deter others from committing similar acts.
Otti promised that the government would provide the rescued children with the support they needed in the manner it deemed most appropriate.
He also encouraged communities in the state to embrace the positive cultural practice of regarding all children as their own.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to secure Abia and develop its economy, because meaningful development could not take place in the state without adequate security.
Otti said: “One of the promises that we made to our people is that we must secure the State.
“Even if it was not our intention to secure the state, but because it is our intention to develop the state and grow our economy, none of those can happen without security.
“So when you see me working very hard, visiting security agencies and their heads, it is to sit down and be able to map out a security architecture that works for all of us.”
He said that the government had established a robust security architecture in order to create a conducive environment that attracts investors and supports businesses to thrive.
“I had told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away.
“Unfortunately I’m not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God.
“So it’s the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing.
“We are also creating a robust economy that will accommodate everyone that has a genuine intention and genuine job to do,” he said.
In a speech, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Mr Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages and pointed out that he personally led the first operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra.
Nwaka described the rescue as a remarkable triumph and commended the unwavering commitment of the government and security agencies.
In a remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Comdr MacDonald Uba (Rtd), commended the governor for his optimism which motivated everyone involved in the rescue operation and described him as a father.
Also, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Mr Boniface Isienyi, said the rescue operation was not an easy task but it took God’s grace to make it a success.
Isienyi said he would introduce a bill requiring proper registration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to ensuring legal status for operating a motherless babies home.(NAN)(www.nannwws.ng)
INA/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 15, 2024
Coaches are hired, fired, Akanni says
Coaches are hired, fired, Akanni says
Resignation
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Ex-international Waidi Akanni has said that just as coaches are hired and fired by football federations, they can also resign their appointments.
Akanni said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
NAN reports that Finidi George, Head coach of the Super Eagles resigned his appoinment after two world cup qailifying games without a win.
George’s departure followed a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving the Super Eagles without a win in four games
” I think from reliable sources Finidi feels he won’t get the support of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) going forward .
“The truth is coaches are hired and fired or could also resign when things are not going on well with their teams,’he said.
The 53-year-old was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of coach Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in February.
George, a former Enyimba manager took charge of the team as interim coach in the international friendlies against Ghana and Mali.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OAF/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 15, 2024
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: FG withholds payment of some compensations

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: FG withholds payment of some compensations
Compensation
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it is withholding payment of compensation to affected property owners from Kilometer Seven on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, due to alteration on the plan.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, said this when he inspected ongoing works on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other road projects on the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Tax Credit Route and Eleko, among other axis, on Saturday in Lagos.
The minister said that, to resolve most of the compensation issues where a lot of critical infrastructure were affected, the government had reduced the entire corridor from Phase Two, Section Two of the coastal route, to effective pavements of 55km, including the 10 train tracks.
He said that the government had released about N10 billion so far in compensations.
Umahi said, “We are going to withhold compensation payment from Kilometer Seven because we have re-routed some of the sections, like the white sand beach.
“I know the indigenes have been praying very well. I think God has answered their prayers because we have also compressed the corridor to 55 effective pavements with the 10 train tracks.
“We reduced the 10 tracks from 55 to 20, and we are taking it back also towards the beginning of this project.”
The minister said that after review, payment of the compensation would continue.
“For Section Two, we are going to have brand new enumerators so that they will also give us their opinions.
” It is going to be very, very fast,” the minister said.
According to Umahi, many property are going to be saved.
He said, ” We saved all those cables and saved the whole community of Okunaja, by not only re-routing, but re-routing entirely through a swamp.
” I hear that some people are calling to protest that we are re-routing to the swamp, that we should go to the gazetted and then destroy the cables.
“I wonder what kind of people we are dealing with. It is very funny.
” I believe that they will see reasons to be very reasonable.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 15, 2024
Finidi’s resignation will pave way for a better tactician-Ologbese
Finidi’s resignation will pave way for a better tactician, Ologbese says
Resignation
By Segun Giwa
Akure, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Dele Ologbese,immediate past Vice Chairman of Ondo State Football Association has described the resignation of Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Finidi George as a welcome development.
Ologbese said his resignation would pave way for the appointment of a more experienced tactician.
“It will not be good if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 World Cup”
Ologbese told a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Saturday in Akure.
NAN reports that Finidi had faced heavy criticisms after series of poor results in the South Africa and Benin Republic world cup qualification matches.
Finidi led the Super Eagles to play 1-1 against South Africa and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic, with 3 point and sit at the bottom of the group.
NFF had announced its resolve to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the start of 2025 Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifiers in September.
Ologbese said the leadership of the NFF seemed to be toying with Super Eagles’ World cup qualification bid with Finidi’s appointment aibinio.
“His resignation from the important job will pave the way forthe appointment of a better tactician who will pilot the Super Eagles to the next world cup.
“It will not be good for Nigeria’s image as a soccer power in Africa to loose out of the world cup in two consecutive times.
“So, Super Eagles need a high flying gaffer at this time who commands respect of the team to prosecute the remaining six matches in group C.
“With the resignation of the coach the ball is in the court of the apex football body and sports ministry to do the needful,” he said.
According to Ologbese, the country’s failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup means no excuse will be acceptable for not appearing in the next edition.
“The sports ministry and NFF must do everything humanly possible to ensure that Super Eagles win all their outstanding six matches.
” A versatile and highly experienced coach who understands Nigeria’s football terrain should be appointed to handle the Super Eagles,” said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
GSD/KOO/JPE
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joseph Edeh

June 15, 2024
Enemies bent on destroying Kano State, state gov’t alleges
Enemies bent on destroying Kano State, state gov’t alleges
Kano
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Government has alleged that “some enemies of the state” were bent on causing a breakdown of law and order so as to destroy the state.
Mr Haruna Dederi, its Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, made the allegation on Saturday in Kano while briefing the press on recent developments in the north-western state.
Dederi’s text to the press had the caption: “Who is plotting to cause anarchy in Kano?”
He alleged that “agents of destruction and rejected politicians” were “desperately making plans to plunge the state into unnecessary and avoidable anarchy”.
He particularly accused the state Police Command of trying to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor.
“Some people are dishing out instructions to security chiefs in the state so much that the state Commissioner of Police(CP), without any consultation with the State Chief Officer, has issued an order banning Eid-el Kabir festivities in Kano State.”
He expressed surprise that the governor only got to hear of such ban through the social media.
“Who is pushing the CP to usurp the authority of the governor?,” he queried.
Dederi accused the CP of “consistently disobeying the legitimate instructions of the governor as chief security officer”, and wondered who was pushing him into such actions.
Delving into the background of the crisis in Kano State, he recalled that the State House of Assembly, on May 23, passed the Emirates Council repeal bill which the governor assented to.
According to him, the governor gave his nod after consulting with all the relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that with the new law in place, the five Emirates created by former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2019 were dissolved.
The state government, thereafter, merged the five Emirates into one and appointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the 14th Emir, to return as the 16th Emir.
Ganduje had sacked him in March 2020, citing insubordination.
Dederi explained that the move was necessitated by the need to correct the wrongs committed against the people of the state.
He noted a recent ruling by a Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, on the deposition of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
The court had declared that Bayero’s rights were infringed upon as he was placed under house arrest.
It also awarded costs against the state government, in Bayero’s favour.
While declaring the state’s intention to appeal against the ruling, Dederi faulted the court’s claim that Bayero’s fundamental rights were infringed upon.
“In our view, no fundamental rights of Bayero were infringed upon.
“No one forced him into Gidan Nasarawa, belonging to the state government.
“He went in there and stayed on his own volition, accompanied by security guards. No one put him under house arrest.
“The state governor has the constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.
“When Bayero came in, accompanied by hoodlums, he (governor), had a duty to act, that was why he issued an arrest order.
“Even then, the arrest was never effected by the security agencies,” he said.
He said that Bayero was staying in Nasarawa “against the instruction of the state government”.
“So, any claim of the breach of the fundamental human rights of Bayero cannot be made against the government of Kano State,” he said.
Dederi pointed out that Bayero was not the first emir to be deposed in the history of northern Nigeria, asserting that if his rights were being infringed in any way, “it must be by those that smuggled him into the city and kept him in Nasarawa”.
He regretted that “surreptitious and clandestine” moves were being made to undermine the authority of the governor and take over the control of the state.
He called on all democrats in the country to prevail on those concerned to allow the people of Kano to live in peace.
“Any attempt by anybody to cause chaos in Kano is an assault on democracy,” he declared.
Reacting to the accusations, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Ussain Gumel, said he had never disrespected the governor.
He expressed shock and surprise at the statement by the State Attorney General accusing him of disrespecting the executive orders of Governor Abba Yusuf and taking instructions from unknown sources.
Gumel told NAN in a telephone interview that the accusations were unfounded as he had never been disloyal to the governor.
The CP defended his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace, citing his efforts to rid Kano State of criminals.
He expressed confidence that members of the public would vindicate him and justify his position in the Kano Emirate saga.
“I mean well for Kano State and my actions speak louder than words,” he said.
NAN reports that the Police command had banned the traditional Sallah Durbar, usually an integral part the Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.
Gumel, while announcing the measure, said it became necessary to sustain the peace.
He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid Prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.
“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing court order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirship tussle.
“We urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he said.
The CP said that the command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders so as to collectively work toward building a safer and more secure environment.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
AAG/ETS
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June 15, 2024
Finidi resigns after 2 games in charge of Super Eagles
Finidi resigns after 2 games in charge of Super Eagles
Resignation
Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Finidi George has resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles after just two competitive games in charge.
George resigned in controversial circumstance following poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign,and the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to employ a foreign technical adviser.
It will be recalled that the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa at home in George’s first game in charge, followed by a shock 2-1 loss to less fancied Benin Republic in the qualifiers.
A source from NFF who pleaded anonymity confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the coach tendered his resignation letter via email to the Federation.
NAN reports that the Miniser of Sports Development Development, Sen. Joh. Owan Enoh had summoned NFF over the poor outings of the Super Eagles.
The 53-year-old gaffer was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 15, 2024
Eid celebration: Police direct strategic deployment of personnel in Ebonyi
Eid celebration: Police direct strategic deployment of personnel in Ebonyi
Sallah
By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Ebonyi says it has directed strategic deployment of its operational and intelligence assets to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its Spokesman, DSP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to newsmen in Abakiliki on Saturday.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs Augustina Ogbodo, extends the command’s best wishes to all the Muslim faithful.
“On behalf of the officers and men of the command, we felicitate all Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-kabir.
“Consequently, I have directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical/Operational Unit Commanders to deploy operational and intelligence assets to ensure adequate security in their areas of responsibility.
“I enjoin the Muslim faithful in the state to observe the celebration with responsibility and extend compassion to their neighbours,” the statement added.
It further quoted Ogbodo to have appealed to the residents of the state to continue to be law-abiding and quickly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or call the command’s Control Room on 07064515001. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

UVU/JAN/USO
Edited by Joan Nwagwu/Sam Oditah

June 15, 2024
Obi urges Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings
Sallah
By Monday Ajogun
Onitsha (Anambra), June 15, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has urged Muslims to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH).
This is contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Saturday in Onitsha.
Obi in a message of felicitation to Muslims on the celebration of Sallah urged Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
“My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, as we gather to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you all.
“May this Sallah bring us all closer to Allah, to one another, and our true potential as individuals and as a nation.
“Amid challenges and uncertainties, let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. (Peace be upon him.)
“His unwavering trust in Allah, his courage, and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good are objects of inspiration to us all.
“As we celebrate, let us strive to be a source of hope, comfort, and support to those around us.
“May Allah accept our prayers, our fasting, and our charity and May He grant us the wisdom to walk in His path, the courage to stand for what is right, and the grace to be a blessing to our communities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AJOM/CHOM/JNC
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 15, 2024
Police raid kidnappers’ den, arrest 3, neutralise 1 in Abuja
Police raid kidnappers’ den, arrest 3, neutralise 1 in Abuja
Camp
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory said it has raided a kidnappers’ camp in an Abuja border community, arrested three suspects and neutralised one.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
She said the raid was part of the continuous efforts by the command against criminality in FCT.
According to her, police operatives from Utako Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Victor Godfrey stormed an identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Chikara, a border community in Kogi with the FCT.
Adeh said the three suspects were arrested, with one neutralised in a streak of clearance operation between June 8 and 13.
“The sudden appearance of the police operatives in the kidnapper’s camp resulted in a gun duel.
“However, the bandits were overwhelmed by the firepower of the police operative, as one of the gang members got hit during cross-fire and the three suspects, arrested.
“The suspects have confessed to being involved in a series of kidnapping incidents and other heinous crimes in FCT and its environs,” she said.
Adeh said an English pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, cutlasses, knives and items, believed to be charms, were recovered from the suspects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IMC/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 15, 2024
Sallah: LASG urges caution as cholera death toll hits 15
Cholera:
Cholera
By Oluwafunke Ishola
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased to 15, while calling for caution during Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
Abayomi said this in a statement on Saturday.
He disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed cholera sub type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease.
“The pattern of new cases per day varies across Local government areas, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected local government areas due to our interventions and surveillance efforts.
“However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected local government areas, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” he said.
The commissioner said that the state had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, in response to the outbreak.
He said that the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas of the state.
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, public health education campaigns,” he said.
Abayomi said that a high-level team from the state Ministry of Health just concluded a meeting with the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Jide Idris, and his team, and key partners from the World Health Organisation to ensure all interventions are optimised.
Abayomi appealed to residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures and cooperating with health authorities.
He also urged residents to participate in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the transmission of cholera, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
“During this Sallah festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid crowded places.
“Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
“Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of governments standard public health response,” he said.
He restated the state’s commitment in intensifying efforts to control the disease outbreak.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state on June 11 alerted residents to a severe gastroenteritis outbreak in four local government areas leading to 60 hospitalisation, and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
Communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe Local Government Areas of the state were affected in the outbreak. (NAN)
AIO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 15, 2024