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Insecurity unsettles Abuja ahead Independence anniversary

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In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, there is growing concern and unease among the residents due to a significant rise in insecurity, particularly in the city center and its outskirts. This has been marked by frequent and random incidents of robbery and abduction involving both motorists and commuters.

This surge in insecurity has led to a decline in the city’s nightlife, which is occurring as the country prepares to celebrate its 63rd independence anniversary. Many FCT residents have expressed their alarm at the increasing rate of kidnapping and robbery within the city center. They have pointed out that the FCT seems to be suffering from a shortage of policing, with very little visible law enforcement presence.

It’s common for motorists to traverse lengthy roads, such as Ahmadu Bello Way, without encountering a police patrol. The primary agencies on rapid patrol are the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers, but they are not equipped for security enforcement.

To illustrate the gravity of the situation, a journalist was recently abducted by criminals near the NNPC Towers, close to the Conoil petrol station, and taken to an undisclosed location where she was robbed of her belongings.

The security concerns have prompted the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to issue a memo to its staff, advising them about high-risk areas in the city, particularly during nighttime. The memo urges staff to use registered taxis and hail taxi cab services, avoid boarding vehicles on the road, and be cautious when assessing the safety of a taxi before boarding. It also advises against late evening or early morning trips and recommends taking safety measures such as winding up windows and locking doors while driving.

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Notable areas in the FCT where criminals are active include Area 1 – Berger, Area 1 – Area 10, Area 1-Lugbe, Apo Mechanic Village axis, Kubwa Express Way, Jabi axis, City Gate, Areas 1 under bridge, Area 2 Plaza Behind VIO Office area, and Zone 2.

Residents are deeply concerned about the increasing insecurity and have called for swift measures to protect them from these criminals. Some attribute this surge in criminal activity to the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

One resident suggested that security agencies and the FCT Administration need to take immediate action to address the problem. Another resident noted that the influx of jobless individuals from various parts of the country into the capital city has exacerbated the situation. They emphasized the need for robust vigilante services or neighborhood watch programs to complement the efforts of the police.

Efforts should also be made to regulate transport services and streamline them to minimize the threat of “one-chance” criminals. Additionally, there is a call for the revival of the abandoned Close Circuit Camera project in key locations.

Security experts have highlighted the challenges faced by the police, including inadequate manpower and outdated equipment. They stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and synergy among various security services.

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in the FCT, which has resulted in kidnappings, killings, and the disappearance of university students. They called on the authorities to take urgent action to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents.

HURIWA recommended various measures, including enhanced intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, increased visibility of law enforcement personnel, and improved coordination among security agencies. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of criminality through social programs and urged political leaders to prioritize security.

The FCT Police Command has reassured residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, dismissing alarming warnings about insecurity as causing unnecessary panic and apprehension. They have emphasized their commitment to enhancing security in the region and urged residents to report suspicious activities through emergency lines.

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Parents Of Dead Pupil Demand Closure Of Abuja School

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The parents of a four-year-old student at BrickHall Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, named Miguel Ovoke, are demanding the closure of the school after an autopsy suggested that their child died from electrocution rather than choking, as initially reported.

Reports indicate that accompanied by some enraged youths, the parents visited the school premises to express their dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding their child’s death. They were prompted by the autopsy findings, which contradicted the school’s assertion that the child died from choking while eating.

During the protest at the school, security personnel, including the police, intervened to prevent any potential damage or violence. Tear gas was reportedly used to disperse the angry parents and protesters, with allegations that security personnel threatened to shoot them if they did not leave.

The incident occurred in April when the four-year-old pupil passed away during the school’s feeding hours. The parents suspected foul play in their son’s death, leading them to seek legal representation from Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

According to a death certificate issued by Excel Specialist Hospital, Abuja, the child was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state by his teachers, citing choking while feeding at school as the cause. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

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Tinubu tackling ‘bulk’ of Nigeria’s challenges – Omo-Agege

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The former deputy Senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, asserted that President Bola Tinubu has effectively addressed a significant portion of Nigeria’s challenges. Speaking to journalists in Effurun, Delta State, over the weekend, Omo-Agege expressed his confidence in Tinubu’s capacity to improve Nigeria’s current economic situation and urged Nigerians to continue supporting him.

Omo-Agege, who was the 2023 Delta All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, urged patience from Nigerians, acknowledging that the situation might worsen before showing improvement.

He emphasized the need for continued prayers and support for the President, stating that Tinubu has demonstrated his capability to address challenges effectively. Omo-Agege cited Tinubu’s track record as a former Governor of Lagos State as evidence of his leadership abilities.

Regarding the Coastal Highway project, which he described as a crucial infrastructure development for the South-South region, Omo-Agege highlighted Tinubu’s recognition of its importance for economic growth. He defended the project’s cost, noting that its construction using cement rather than asphalt ensures long-term durability and low maintenance costs.

Omo-Agege concluded by expressing confidence that Nigerians would soon acknowledge and appreciate the positive impact of Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing his belief in Tinubu’s ability to steer the country towards progress and development.

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Abia: Get ready to refund Airport Project money, other looted funds – Otti tells Ikpeazu

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the previous administration led by Okezie Ikpeazu to prepare for the restitution of embezzled funds, including allocations earmarked for the airport project. Otti, responding to the findings of a forensic audit of the state’s finances, clarified that his administration’s objective is solely the recovery of misappropriated funds to ensure effective governance.

Addressing supporters and loyalists of Rowland Chinwendu, the legislator representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, during a solidarity visit in Nvosi, Otti emphasized his commitment to the progress and development of Abia State. He asserted that since the airport project had not materialized, the funds allocated for it should be reimbursed.

Expressing disappointment at the media backlash he faced for disclosing the audit findings, Otti underscored the importance of transparency in governance. He viewed Chinwendu’s solidarity visit as a positive gesture.

Otti reiterated the necessity of recovering stolen funds to facilitate developmental projects for the benefit of the state’s residents. He emphasized the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, environmental sanitation, and job creation.

In response, Chinwendu affirmed his obligation to represent his constituents’ interests in the legislature. He expressed solidarity with Governor Otti, highlighting their shared commitment to the development of their locality.

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Chinwendu acknowledged Otti’s efforts, particularly in infrastructure development such as the ongoing reconstruction of the Umuikaa-Umuene road and other projects within his constituency.

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