News
#ENDSARS PROTESTS: CSOs Insist Army Did not Shoot At Protesters
Two foremost international organisations, Save Nigeria Movement and Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation have exonerated the Nigerian army over allegations of shooting at protesters during the nationwide campaign against police brutality in October 2020, at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos state.
Recall that the federal government had called for setting up of an independent judicial investigation panel to ascertain the authenticity of claims and counter claims about what transpired.
Consequently, the Lagos state government established a judicial panel of inquiry on Human Rights Abuse and Restitution headed by justice Doris Okwuobi Rtd.
The panel has been sitting for the past four months reviewing petitions by various groups and individuals.
However in a twist of development, the Save Nigeria Movement and Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation in their presentations made by Dr Richard Oduma and Rev Solomon Semaka respectively also submitted affidavits in support of their claims before the panel since November 6 last year that the Nigerian Army wan not guilty of the claim of brutality.
“We have on record irrefutable evidence on the contrary that the Nigerian Army did not shoot at protesters at the Lekki toll gate incident”
“Above all, independent forensic reports funded by the Lagos state government has not proved to the contrary”
The two organisations urged the panel to dismiss the allegations against the Army accordingly.
Dr Richard Oduma and Rev Solomon of the Save Nigeria Movement and Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation assured Nigerians of their continued support to ensure human rights and effective civil military relations but urged citizens to show moral support to the military authorities in the interest of the country.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business14 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking10 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign15 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment7 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment7 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business7 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign9 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign9 hours agoExpressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality