society

Delta bloodbath: Villagers shun Reps hearing

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2024

Delta bloodbath: Villagers shun Reps hearing

MEMBERS of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence were in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, for the scheduled investigative hearing into the killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The investigative hearing was in line with the resolution of the House during its sitting on March 19 to investigate the remote causes of the incident.

The PUNCH reports that 17 military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors and a Captain, were ambushed and killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen while they were in Okuama on a peacekeeping mission.

Following the incident, military personnel, in what was considered to be a reprisal, demolished and razed houses in the Okuama riverine community, with residents taking refuge in the neighbouring bushes of Ewu Kingdom.

The House committee members, led by Babajimi Benson, arrived at the sitting venue at the Government House Annex, Edjeba, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state, at about 10.45 a.m. but waited endlessly for indigenes of the troubled Okuama community to make their presentations.

However, while the waiting lasted, sources said the villagers failed to show up for “fear of arrest or intimidation by the military.”

However, the committee chairman, while addressing journalists, said the committee had received useful memoranda on the incident from some stakeholders.

However, while the waiting lasted, sources said the villagers failed to show up for “fear of arrest or intimidation by the military.”

However, the committee chairman, while addressing journalists, said the committee had received useful memoranda on the incident from some stakeholders.

Benson also disabused the minds of Okuama indigenes who might be worried about their safety, assuring them that “there would be no witch-hunt whatsoever.”

He advised members of the public who are willing to submit a memorandum to do so in 10 copies and submit the same to the committee within one week.

He said they could submit such memoranda to the clerk of the committee, Musa Aliyu at the National Assembly, Abuja, or at the public investigative hearing.

He said, “The House of Representatives Committee on Defence looks forward to a robust engagement and meaningful contributions from all stakeholders.

“We came in yesterday (Tuesday). We met Governor Oborevwori and we told him our mission. We’re here today (Wednesday) to see members of the community on camera and by way of memoranda.

“We’ve received a lot of memoranda from them but they’ve not turned out physically. The window is extended for a week. So we’re still expecting a lot more memorandum from the people of Okuama community.

“We’ve assured the governor and the people that we have the full backing of the House of Representatives to ensure that this matter is reviewed from both sides and followed to a logical conclusion.”

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

21 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

23 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

society

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.