Just in: Ukhun in Esan West LG of Edo under attack by herdsmen(Video)

Published

3 days ago

March 22, 2025

ADMIN

An alarm has been raised by a resident of Ukhun community, Ekpoma in Esan Local Government of Edo State is reportedly under attack by herdsmen.

Apparently, an indigene who gave a narrative via a video clip on his FB page claimed that the attack started at about 10.30am on Saturday.

He also alleged an Ebira was killed in the farm.

Watch clip below:

Reps Displeased With Approach Adopted In Resettling FCT Indegene

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the House of Representatives, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi has expressed displeasure with the handling of the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as they condemned the approach adopted in resettling the people from their ancestral homes to strange locations, and some times no alternative settlement areas are provided.

Reacting to his colleague, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, urged Nigerians to stand up, and speak against all forms of oppression, irrespective of all biases.

The lawmaker made this remarks when the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters met with members of the FCT Traditional Council on Monday in Abuja.

He said: “It is painful how the people are being taken advantage of. The people of the FCT have no other home than the FCT.”

Rep Abiante who recalled multiple resettlement programmes which never ended well in favour of the indigenes, charged the traditional rulers led by Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa to stand firm in defence of their subjects, who they were appointed to protect.

Abainte took advantage of the session to blame the government on how the people of the Niger Delta have been deprived of their good lives, citing the recent proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State as oppressive and against the wishes of the people.

“It has happened in Rivers State and nobody is saying anything. If you don’t speak against injustice today, tomorrow, there would be nobody to speak for you when there is injustice. Today, it has hit you and it is moving until it gets to everybody”, he said.

The lawmaker recalled that the beginning of exploration of crude oil Nigeria was a private initiative by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) which was going well until Nigeria nationalised petroleum as a national asset, setting the stage for the myriads of problems facing the nation today.

News

NCoS mourns officer killed in Kogi jailbreak

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

ADMIN

By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigerian Correctional Service is mourning the death of Senior Correctional Assistant Shuaibu David, who lost his life while attempting to prevent an inmate escape at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, on Monday.

The jailbreak occurred when inmates tampered with padlocks in one section of the facility, enabling twelve prisoners to flee.

So far, the NCoS stated that five inmates have been recaptured

According to a statement signed by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar on Tuesday, late David was reported to have displayed exceptional courage in the line of duty, trying to thwart the escape and protect the integrity of the custodial facility.

His actions serve as a testament to his dedication and commitment to his role within the service and his country’s security.

The statement added that the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the entire NCoS, offering condolences to the deceased officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service regrets to announce the tragic demise of Senior Correctional Assistant Shuaibu King David during the unfortunate escape incident at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, on 24 March, 2025.

“SCA Shuaibu David, in the line of duty, bravely stood his ground in an effort to prevent the escape of inmates and protect the integrity of the custodial centre.

“His courageous sacrifice reflects his unwavering dedication to service and national security. His service and ultimate sacrifice will forever be remembered and honoured,” the statement read.

In response to the escape incident, the NCoS is collaborating with other security agencies and local communities to track down the remaining escaped inmates.

Steps are also being taken to improve security measures in custodial centres nationwide to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service is working closely with relevant security agencies and communities to recapture those still at large and bring them to justice. Additionally, measures are being taken to enhance security in all custodial centres across the country to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The Service remains committed to ensuring the safety of officers and the security of custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement added.

News

Reps Promise To Give 5% FCT Area Councils Deduction Legislative Backing

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, has that it will look into the possibility of giving legislative backing to the five percent deduction from Area Councils funds for the traditional institutions, upgrade of the trade stools and creation of more chiefdoms for effective functions.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi stated these during an interactive session with the traditional council in FCT on Monday in Abuja.

Agbedi said “We recognize and appreciate the critical role traditional rulers play in cultural preservation, security, conflicts resolution and community development in governance.

“Your leadership has been instrumental in fostering peace and stability within the FCT, and your contributions to local development is invaluable.

“I also want to use this avenue to acknowledge sets of your requests regarding the allocation of five percent from the funds designated for the Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, to support traditional institutions. However, the disbursement and allocation of funds within the FCT are governed by provisions of statutory budgetary framework that prioritize various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare.

“While we acknowledge the merit of your request, the current financial framework does not explicitly provide for such an allocation to traditional institutions. Any allocation of such funds will require legislative review and policy amendments to ensure compliance with existing financial regulations.

“Additionally, we wish to inform you that there is currently an Area Councils Administration Establishment Bill that has just gone through the first reading in the House of Representatives. This committee will liaise with all relevant stakeholders to consider all avenues for creating provisions that address the concerns of traditional rulers, including the allocation of funds for traditional institutions. In the interim, we encourage traditional councils to also engage with Area Councils to discuss potential avenues for partnerships and mutually beneficial initiatives that align with existing budgetary provisions.

“We also assure you that we’re open to further discussions on this issue, and will continue to support the recognition of traditional institutions within the broader governance structure. That said, we remain committed to collaborative efforts toward enhancing the welfare of traditional institutions and to explore possible mechanisms though which the role of traditional rulers can be better supported within the bigger and financial framework of the FCT and Area Councils”.

In his remarks, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa (Abaji Chiefdom) informed the committee that the graded chiefs under the council have 17 chiefdoms across the six Area Councils with Ona of Abaji as the only 1st class chief.

“The Council’s operations are faced with myriads of challenges that inhibit its functioning, including inadequate financing of the institution, lack of existing legal/policy framework that will strengthen the financing of traditional institution in the FCT”, he said.

He therefore appealed that the implementation of five percent of local government allocations as being done by some states for traditional rulers will go a long way to addressing those challenges.