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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.

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.

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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Tension as security operatives take over INEC office in Lokoja

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In response to the reported plot by suspected arsonists to set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, security forces have assumed control of the office premises. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies were observed with their armored personnel carriers to prevent any potential invasion of the INEC office.

According to sources, the usually bustling post office, known for its daily business activities, was deserted, and vehicular movement was restricted. Motorists were compelled to take alternative routes, particularly those heading towards Abuja, Nataco, and the Felele axis.

It is worth noting that a political party had previously accused another party of allegedly sponsoring thugs to vandalize election materials at the INEC office.

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Local refinery: Meet your December deadline – Afenifere charges Tinubu

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Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba social-political group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Port Harcourt Refinery commences operations as promised in December. The Federal Government had assured Nigerians that the local refinery would start production by the end of the year, a commitment reiterated by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), during an inspection of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited plant.

Expressing concern about the current economic situation in the country, Afenifere issued a communique at the conclusion of its caucus meeting in Akure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the government’s promise. The group believes that if the local refineries are operational, it will lead to a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The communique stated, “The meeting also took note of the assurances being given in regard to the commencement of production of petroleum products by some Refineries in the country very soon. It then urged the government to ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to. For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met. This is with a view to bringing the cost of petroleum products down as high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country.”

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A reported fire emergency at the new Accident and Emergency, A&E Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital caused panic among patients and staff on Thursday morning.

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An alleged fire emergency at the recently established Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital triggered panic among both patients and staff on Thursday morning.

An anonymous source reported that patients were observed hastily exiting the unit in response to the apparent fire. The source conveyed, “I can confirm to you that there is a fire emergency at the new Accident and Emergency unit of UNIOSUNTH this morning. I could see patients scampering for safety and running out of the A&E Unit to avoid the fire. We don’t know how the fire started but suddenly, we saw patients running for safety with blood and bandages on their body.”

In response to the incident, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Peter Olaitan, refuted claims of a fire outbreak. He clarified that it was a circuit breaker that had exploded. Prof. Olaitan assured that the patients were safe and located in the ward, while the hospital’s engineers were actively addressing the issue. He stated, “It is not true. There was a circuit breaker that exploded and that was all. The patients are ok and in the ward. Our engineers are already working to fix it immediately.”

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