Metro News Archives - Page 18 of 21

Yuletide: Over 12,000 Vulnerable People Benefit From OYCSDA Psychosocial Support Programme

December 17, 2024 by admin

Over 12,000 people across Oyo State are to benefit from the 2024 Psychosocial Support Programme, organized by the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA). The programme, which was designed by the World Bank and Oyo State government under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), was another way to give succor to the less privileged like widows, orphans and people with special needs, was flagged off at Alegongo Community Hall, Akobo, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan on Tuesday. In his keynote address, the OYCSDA Chairman, Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga said like the 251 micro-projects that have benefited over 355,000 beneficiaries in healthcare, education, water and sanitation and erosion control sectors, the psychosocial support programme was targeted at over 12,000 inhabitants across the State. He said the programme encapsulated provision of welfare items like foodstuffs, funds and counseling sessions for the wellbeing of indigent and vulnerable people, which would give them the capacity to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life, as well as boosting their confidence and energy to partake in the implementation and sustainability of micro-projects in their communities. “These supports are granted to over 12,000 among the most vulnerable in our communities to enhance their ability to deal with demands and challenges of everyday life as well as boosting their confidence and energy to participate in the implementation of micro-projects in their communities. “It is pertinent to appreciate God and the amiable Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making these efforts become successful through funding and encouragement, under the NG-CARES programme, the Agency has facilitated the implementation of 251 micro-projects in 114 communities across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, while over 355,000 beneficiaries have being recorded for these micro-projects,” he added. The General Manager, OYCSDA, Mr Salau Jelili reiterated the commitment of the agency to care for the ‘poorest of the poor’ category in the State through interventions in critical sectors of life with micro-projects, while the psychosocial support programme was meant to add a welfare fillip to the households, to enhance social, economic, physical and psychological well-being of the vulnerable population. He charged the beneficiaries to continue to give needed support to the Seyi Makinde-led administration, so as to keep benefiting from dividends of democracy. Present at the event was a strong ally of the State Governor, Hon. Babatunde Tijani (Double-T), the Executive Chairman, Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, the State Woman Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaja Wulemot Ibitoye and a member of Oyo State’s Pilgrims’ Board, Alhaja Fatimoh Oluwa, among others.

Oyo Govt Vows To Prosecute Killer Of OYRTMA Officer

December 16, 2024 by admin

The Oyo State Government, on Monday vowed to prosecute a reckless driver found culpable in the death of an officer of the state’s traffic agency, Fabunmi Kehinde, in the Agbowo area. Mr. Fabunmi, a Level 4 officer of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA, was killed on Saturday, by a driver of a Black 4matic Benz with Registration number LSD 862 JS, who disobeyed traffic light and was apprehended by OYRTMA officers. Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd) condemned Mr. Fabunmi’s brutal killing, adding that the victim died while performing his lawful duties of making Agbowo safe for motorists and commuters. He emphasized that OYRTMA officers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property, and that anyone who assaults or disrespects them will face the full wrath of the law. Major Adesagba commended the swift response of the police and OYRTMA officers in apprehending the suspect and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer. He also praised the Oyo State Government for its unwavering support in ensuring the safety and security of the state’s roads. “No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished,’ Adesagba stated, affirming that the suspect will be prosecuted. “The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for the law”, Adekoya said. “The suspect has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, today, but since the court was on a weekday break, the case was adjourned to Thursday. The suspect remains in police custody.” According to an eyewitness, the driver, trying to escape after being apprehended by OYRTMA officers, reversed his vehicle and in an attempt to zoom out, killed Fabunmi Kehinde, who had approached the vehicle at the front. Officer Fabunmi Kehinde sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Orogun, where he received treatment. He was later transferred to another hospital within Ibadan metropolis where he unfortunately passed away. The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by OYRTMA officers and police personnel at the University of Ibadan area. The suspect was subsequently dragged to Sango Police Station.

Newly-wed, 16 Others Injured In Third Mainland Bridge Accident

December 7, 2024 by admin

A newly wedded couple who were returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry alongside 16 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries following a multi-vehicle collision on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State on Saturday. This was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, on Saturday. Taofiq stated that the accident occurred when an LT bus developed brake failure while at speed and collided with a mini truck. The impact of the collision was said to have led to the occupants of both vehicles sustaining varying degrees of injuries including fractured limbs. He identified the vehicles involved as a mini truck with number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF. Taofiq said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in collaboration with emergency response agencies, today orchestrated the successful rescue of 18 individuals involved in a serious vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki. “Among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry. “The accident, which involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was travelling at excessive speed. The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties. “A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the LT bus, 11 women and 5 men, sustained significant injuries and were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical care.” He added that two of the victims suffered severe injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus and “Were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders. These victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.” Reacting to the incident, the LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured victims while urging road users to always exercise caution on the highway. Bakare-Oki who spoke through Taofiq stressed that the ongoing enlightenment by the LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps is aimed at promoting safety on Lagos roads ahead of the festivity. “Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery. He also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies. “Mr Bakare-Oki further highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aim to educate motorists—especially commercial bus operators—on safe driving practices before, during, and beyond the festive season,” Taofiq stated. Emergency responders at the scene of the incident, according to Taofiq, were LASTMA personnel, LASEMA, LASAMBUS and the police.

Two Rivers Doctors Granted N2m Bail Over Alleged Manslaughter

December 4, 2024 by admin

Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted bail of N2m to two doctors in the state standing trial for alleged manslaughter. The doctors, Dr Jude Okpani, a gyneacologist (1st defendant) and Dr Isaiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist (2nd defendant), were arraigned by the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Justice on two counts bordering on manslaughter and negligence. According to the charge, the two doctors are alleged to have on February 2, 2024, at a clinic in Port Harcourt, did cause the death of one Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, an offence contrary to Section 325 of the Criminal Code of Law of Rivers State 1999. The accused are also alleged to have neglected to administer the required dose of local spinal anesthesia to Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, which recklessly ruptured her uterus while carrying out a medical procedure on her leading to her death. When the charges were read to them in court, the doctors pleaded not guilty. Their counsel, C.T. Walter, orally applied for bail which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Christiana Tombari Bodo, a Senior State Council in the Ministry of Justice, but requested stringent conditions from the court on the grounds that the matter is sensitive. The trial judge, Justice Jumbo Stephens, after listening to the defence and prosecution counsels, granted bail to the two accused in the sum N1m each and two sureties who must be the Chairman and Secretary of Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter. Justice Stephens also directed that the sureties must provide two passport photographs and their addresses must be verified by an official of the court and photocopies of either a valid driving licence, passport or voter card must be deposited in court. For the accused persons, Justice Stephens said, “The 1st and 2nd defendants who have just been admitted to bail are also to deposit to the registrar of this court two copies of their passport photographs. These are the bail conditions.” Justice Stephens thereafter adjourned the matter to January 20 and 27, 2025, for ‘definite’ hearing. Our correspondent recalls that Miss Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, (24-year-old at the time), a first class graduate of Microbiology from the Benson Idahosa University, Benin in Edo State was preparing for a trip to the United Kingdom for a Masters degree when the incident occurred.

Fire Razes 17 Shops In Ibadan Market

December 2, 2024 by admin

A devastating fire destroyed goods worth millions of naira on Monday, as it ravaged 17 shops at the Moniya market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. The blaze, which began around 12.30am, is believed to have been triggered by a power surge. It was gathered that the fire caused significant damage, with valuable goods and cash destroyed. The Babaloja of Moniya Garage, Kolawole Balogun, and Chairman of the Garage, Saliu Bello, told PUNCH Online that they were alerted by a security guard about the fire at around 12.30am. Both expressed deep concern over the extent of the losses. Balogun said, “I rushed to the market as soon as I got the call. We lost multimillion-naira goods. The prompt arrival of the fire service prevented even greater devastation. “In addition to the goods, cash in millions of naira was also destroyed. Many traders often store their money in their shops when they leave for the night.” Several victims, including Yetunde Musa, Ajetunmobi Idowu, Olaide Badmus, Balogun Sulaimon, and Ajetunmobi Kolawole, called on the government to provide immediate support for those affected. More details to follow…

Money Laundering: US-Based Nigerian Could Face A 20-year Jail Term

November 29, 2024 by admin

A United States of America-based Nigerian, Samson Omoniyi, who was arrested alongside eight others for alleged money laundering and fraud, may be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment if found guilty by the US authority. This was contained in a press statement signed by the Office of the Public Affairs of the US Department of Justice late Wednesday. The statement noted that Omoniyi, alongside his accomplices, were indicted on Tuesday on allegations bordering conspiracy to engage in money laundering following their arrest across three jurisdictions in the US. It further indicated that the defendants, who remained innocent until proved guilty by the court, operated a money laundering organisation to launder proceeds of fraud running into millions of US dollars, which were allegedly obtained from defrauding several citizens. The statement read, “An indictment was unsealed yesterday (Tuesday) in Nashville, Tennessee. It charges nine members of a multi-state money laundering organisation with laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes. The nine defendants were arrested in a coordinated takedown across three jurisdictions. “According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43, of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36, of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, Missouri; Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering. “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a long-running money laundering organisation operating since approximately November 2016 in and around Tennessee, Texas, and across the country.” The statement further stressed that the defendants used the structured organisation as a guise to launder the proceeds of their fraud and to enrich members of the syndicate. “The conspirators allegedly structured the organisation so that recruiters or ‘herders’ recruited and directed participants or ‘money mules’ to launder money obtained from Internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad. “The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the conspiracy members. The conspiracy allegedly agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds,” it stated. According to the statement, each of the defendants could be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the provision of the US Sentencing Guidelines as a maximum penalty for their offence. “The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” the statement concluded.” On Tuesday,two Nigerians, Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, were sentenced by a US federal jury to 30 years combined jail term for defrauding some US citizens of $3,500,000. According to the US Justice Department, the duo had deceived their victims by telling them that they had received substantial inheritances that required some money to claim. The duo was said to have requested their victims to send some amounts of money with a promise to refund them once the inheritances were claimed. It was also noted that the duo carried out romance scams by establishing romantic relationships with their victims and demanding that they send money after they had built trust in their victims.

Overcrowding Cited As Cause Of Worshippers’ Deaths At Abia Church Feast

November 26, 2024 by admin

The Catholic Diocese of Aba has said that the stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast happened due to overcrowding during the procession. Reports said those who died during the feast held on Sunday included two elderly women. An eyewitness stated that the crowd “was too much that there was little or no breathing space.” However, in a statement dated November 25, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Augustine Echema, the church described the incident as unprecedented. It assured all that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause. The statement read in part, “It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day ended in the most tragic way. Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who joined the Eucharistic procession in a joyful mood, met their death due to overcrowding.” The diocese extended condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathize with those injured in the incident. “We condole with the deceased families and sympathise with those injured, who are still receiving treatment in the hospital. “We pledge our support to the affected families and individuals during this time of grief and emergency,” the statement added. Punch

Herdsmen Killed 67 Of My Subjects And Destroyed My Farmland – Benue Monarch

November 24, 2024 by admin

The paramount ruler of Tyoshin Kingdom in Benue State, HRH Ayua Abomtse, has raised alarm over the persistent attacks by armed herdsmen in his domain. The royal father lamented that the assailants had killed 67 of his subjects since January 2024 and recently destroyed over 20 hectares of his farmland, cultivated with guinea corn and cassava, worth millions of Naira. Speaking in a telephone interview, the Ter Tyoshin disclosed that the armed herdsmen invaded his farm near Mbakpa Forest along the Naka-Agagbe road, wreaking havoc without restraint. He expressed concern over the impunity exhibited by the herders in Gwer West and other parts of the country, where killings and farm destruction occur unchecked. The monarch warned that the country was reaching a critical breaking point if urgent action was not taken to address the activities of the armed herdsmen. “In my domain alone, they have killed about 67 persons from January 2024 to Saturday, November 23. I have been documenting these tragedies, with Nagi village recording the highest casualties,” he revealed. He accused security forces, particularly the military operation “Operation Whirl Stroke,” of turning a blind eye to the killings and destruction, suggesting that their inactivity had rendered them ineffective. HRH Abomtse appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to introduce state policing, arguing that local communities would be better equipped to protect themselves against such threats. “The time has come for the Federal Government to establish state police so that communities can police themselves. It should start at the council ward level to effectively curb the activities of these terrorists masquerading as herdsmen,” he stressed. The royal father urged the Federal Government to proscribe the unlawful activities of the armed herdsmen, labeling them as terrorists. He also called on the Inspector General of Police to establish a police unit in Nagi village to safeguard the lives and property of his people. “My people are living at the mercy of killer herdsmen. The government must act decisively to end this nightmare,” he added. HRH Ayua Abomtse’s plea underscores the dire security challenges faced by communities in Benue State, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to restore safety and peace in the region. Vanguard

Fire Guts Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso

November 23, 2024 by admin

A fire that broke out early Saturday morning at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso has destroyed property worth millions of naira. Sources within the hospital disclosed that the fire affected the Emergency and Accident unit of the hospital. The fire reportedly started around 5 a.m. in a paediatric consultant’s office, allegedly caused by an electrical spark. According to sources, 16 patients were evacuated from the ward to ensure their safety. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Ogunleye, confirmed the incident and noted that normal operations have resumed at the facility. The statement read, “The management of the institution wishes to state that the fire incident that occurred early this morning (Saturday), as carried out by some news media, was put out without any remarkable damage to the hospital. “Noting that no human damage was recorded in the incident, the management wishes to state that investigation is still ongoing with regard to the cause of the incident. “At the moment, light has been restored, and work activities have resumed in the section where the fire incident took place. “The management wishes to thank all staff, the state fire service, and all other well-wishers for their concerns and prompt response. The fire incident raised no cause for alarm. Everyone is advised to go about their normal daily activities without fear.”

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Concealed In Melon Seeds, Yam Flour

November 17, 2024 by admin

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a significant shipment of cocaine destined for the United Kingdom. The contraband, valued at several million naira, was concealed within everyday food items such as granulated pepper, melon seeds, and yam flour. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, disclosed this information via his X account on Sunday, sharing a video of the intercepted contraband. He wrote, “The unimaginable places #ndlea_nigeria officers find illicit drugs these days will make you cringe and be more careful when dealing with humans. “In this video is cocaine worth millions, concealed in granulated pepper, melon seeds, yam flour, and other items, bound for the UK.” Punch