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Eid-el-fitr: Police uncover plot to cause trouble in Kano

Police in Kano have uncovered plots by some disgruntled religious and political groups to cause trouble in the state during the Eid-el-fitr celebrations.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel, disclosed this on Monday, during an interactive meeting with the Kano state Police Strategic Managers, Tactical and Operational Commanders, alongside the five Emirates Durbar Committees, representatives of the state Traditional Council and some identified Islamic clerics, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Miller Road.

CP Gumel, however, assured that the situation have been brought under control as the plotters and their sponsored have already been identified, warning that those who wish to make themselves available as tools for trouble and violence should withdraw their evil intention or be ready to face the full wrath of the law as the police and sister-security agencies have put all machineries in motion to arrest and prosecute law-breakers before, during and after the Sallah festivities.

The Kano police boss urged residents and tourists who wish to enjoy the beautiful Durbar display during the Sallah celebrations to feel free and at home during the festivities as adequate security has been put in place to ensure their peace and safety.

According to him, “I wish to announce that the Kano State Police Command is aware of evil plans by some already identified religious and political pressure groups to disregard the ongoing judicial processes such as the matter before the Court on Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara and the pressure to speak on issues related to the status of the Emirates and Emir-Ship in the State.

“These plans which have been uncovered shows that “there are some enemies of the State that aimed to disrupt the Sallah activities, the entire existing peace in the state and to cause embarrassment to the State Government.

“As remedial action, we have heavily strengthened security with increased surveillance around the flash locations where these insecurity elements are clustering; in particular are Kofar Nassarawa, Kofar Mata, Kofar Wambai and Kofar Kudu. We are aware of all these, and we are fully ready to decisively deal with this ill-fated decision unless the planners change for better.

“Also be aware that the sponsors of this plan are in our close watch, they are advised to stop forthwith, as security agencies are following up and trailing the event and the planners would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the Law.”

He further stated that: “For the law-abiding residents and tourists please note that the following security advisories are for ensuring that the Sallah festivities period go hitch-free:
Worshippers going to Eid Praying Grounds are advised to avoid carrying offensive objects that may trigger suspicions or apprehension.

“People are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest Police Station; parents/guardians should prevail on their underaged children and unlicensed persons from operating or racing with Motor Vehicles, Tricycles, and Motorcycles while going to Eid praying grounds and places of visit.

‘Road users are advised to observe traffic rules and regulations and are warned to desist from reckless driving, car-racing, over-loading and dangerous driving; parents/Guardians should always accompany their children with adults while going to Eid Praying grounds to checkmate cases of missing children, accidents, or any unsolicited dealings.

“Any group or individual under whatever guise is warned to desist from any act or conduct that will cause a breach of peace and breakdown of Law and Order. Whoever is caught engaging in such activities will face the full wrath of the law; display of political parties’ symbols such as billboards, posters are instruments of misinterpretations and ultimate breakdown of law and order. Politicians are advised to prevail on their supporters to see Sallah as a celebration of unity and tradition.”

CP Gumel added that: “Already, all the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical and Operational Commanders have been directed to contain any form of security threat in their Areas of Responsibilities (AORs).

“The Operational Order adopted have sufficient personnel detailed and adequately mobilized to provide security at all the praying grounds and festival locations across the State.”

He said: “Our coming together today is to discuss among ourselves, cross fertilize better ideas with the Durbar Emirate Council Committee representatives of the five Emirates that made up the State Traditional Council, and the clerics from Qadiriyya, Tijjaniyya and Izalah during interactive session with all the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from the 44 Local Government Areas, 11 Police Area Commands, two Squadron Commands and other Tactical Unit Commands.

“This is by way of talking frankly to ourselves, fashioning and coming up with the best strategy for seamless Sallah Celebrations. It is also a testament to the Police Command desire for designing the necessary proactive security measures for ensuring that the needs of all critical stakeholders are factored and the capacity of the Police has been strengthened for ensuring the arrest and prosecution of all those found involved in criminal activities during and after the Sallah festivities.

“On the foregoing, it is a promise that the Police would keep collaborating with all security partners and critical stakeholders for the employment of the necessary security measures that will see to the arrest and prosecution of all identified society deviants and miscreants.

” I therefore call on the people of the State not to panic as their safety would be guaranteed. Going forward, we are appealing to members of the public to cooperate and offer useful actionable intelligence reports to our officers deployed in various parts of our areas of supervision for the success of the operation.

“In addition to physical security, we have deployed plain clothes security personnel in the State across the five Emirates capitals of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye and including other identified areas to work with the communities in identifying spoilers and the enemies of the society with a view to apprehending them for the overall community safety.

” In this regard, we are further soliciting for the support of traditional rulers and clerics and appeal to them to be doing more by sensitizing the people to realize the need for offering information on movement of dubious characters for prompt action and stressing that such information would enable the Police Officers and men of the command to adequately implement the fashioned out security arrangements contained in the detailed Police Operation Order covering the entire period of the festivities.

“On the final note, members of the public should note that Kano State Police Command acknowledges the individual, private corporate organizations and State Government supports in the clampdown on thuggery and related violent crimes. On this note, the Command encourages continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively build a safer and more secure environment for everyone and urges everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest Police Station or through the following Kano State Police Command emergency contact numbers:- 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or log-in to the NPF Rescue Me Application available in the Play Store, or through the following Online Media Platforms:
Facebook: Kano State Police Command
Twitter: Kano State Police Command (@KanoPoliceNG)
Instagram: Kano State Police Command
Tiktok: Kano State Police Command.”

News

Anambra bans public almsgiving, street begging, loitering

The Anambra State Government has banned the distribution of food items and other gifts to street beggars in public spaces, particularly under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital, and other locations.

The state government also banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath the bridges in Awka, insisting that the move became necessary to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which is the face of the state.

In a statement on Thursday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the state Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr. Ossy Onuko said that the directive is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the capital city and maintain public order.

He said that anyone found violating this new directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

He, however, cautioned content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces, particularly.

While acknowledging that some of the ‘charitable acts’ were for good intentions, he expressed concerns that they are inadvertently contributing to the continued loitering and congregation of destitute individuals in dangerous locations.

Onuko said: ‘The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.

‘Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk. These children are exposed to potential harm, such as being knocked down by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

‘Such actions are illegal and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action’.

He also advised that all charitable activities be conducted through accredited institutions, such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations, where support can be provided in a more structured and secure manner.

Onuko further urged the general public to work with the state government to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which represents the face of Anambra State.

‘Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.

‘Alternatively, donations can be made to private homes and spaces that do not create public nuisances’, he added.

News

Final year student of Michael Okpara University slumps and dies

The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, has announced the de@th of Nwachukwu Omiko, a final year student of Mechanical Engineering.

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 15, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ubadire Agua, said the incident occurred while Omiko was playing football at the campus.

“Information available to the university authority has it that Omiko slumped in the pitch and his co-players tried to resuscitate him before alerting the University Health Services.

He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia in the University’s oxygen-equipped ambulance in a neck-breaking speed,” the statement said

The school authority mentioned that despite the efforts to keep the Omiko alive, it lost him to the cold hands of death.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, extends deep regrets and condolences of the university to the parents and family of Omiko as well as his colleagues in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology,” the statement said.

The management also appealed to the students to check their health status with the services upon arrival on the campus, and avoid strenuous exercises if they have underlying health challenges

News

Oyebanji Seeks Deployment of More Police Personnel to Ekiti

….Wants State Borders Fortified

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on the Nigeria Police Force to deploy additional personnel to the state to further enhance security and address criminal activities particularly at the border towns.

Governor Oyebanji, who made the call on Thursday when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 17 (comprising Ondo and Ekiti States), Ajani Musubau Omolabi in his Office in Ado-Ekiti. He also urged the Police force to intensify efforts at enhancing security as the state would soon enter election season.

While saying that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country, the Governor also noted what he described as inadequate security coverage in many the rural areas of the state, leaving residents vulnerable to criminal activities which undermine public safety.

The Governor appealed to the AIG not to deplete the current strength of the force in the state, stressing that any reduction would further weaken the already strained security apparatus.

While commending the leadership of the force in the state for displaying a high sense of professionalism in securing lives and property, the Governor said the activities of police force had helped reduce the spate of criminality in the state, as well as creating a conducive environment for investors.

Governor Oyebanji assured the Police authorities that his administration will continue to support the force to assure adequate security of lives and property across the state, adding that his administration is committed to ensuring that the state remains one of the safest in the country and that his government would continue to invest in resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to strengthen security measures in the state.

“ You said you are here to work, we are also ready to work with you and we will continue to partner and support the police force because they have added value to us, we are lucky in the state that the rate of kidnapping, banditry, and criminality has gone down tremendously and that speaks to the hard work and the cooperation we enjoy together and I must thank the Commissioner of Police for that.

“I will just plead with the AIG to also help us, I know that the police force is stretched in respect to manpower, but I have to say this since you are here, we are underserved, a lot of communities have no police formation and I have discussed with the Inspector General of Police himself and he told me the problem but even if you cannot add to our numbers do not deplete us”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, AIG Ajani Musbau, said the purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself with the Governor and express his gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support of the police force which had significantly improved the effectiveness of security operations in the state.

While commending Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated the smooth functioning of the police in the state, the AIG assured the Governor of his commitment to working tirelessly to sustain the peace and security, emphasizing that it has ensured the safety of residents and maintaining public order would remain a top priority under his leadership.

Also at the meeting were, the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo among others.