society

Mohammed Lawal Bagega, Traditional Rulers Strengthen Ties Against Herdsmen

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2021

Sequel to the alleged influx of Fulani herdsmen in Kwara State, the Police Command has assured residents of the state of adequate security of lives and properties.

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi and made available to newsmen, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Lawal Bagega psc, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in ensuring adequate security of lives and properties of all and sundry irrespective of ethnic differences.
The statement reads, “As part of the efforts to allay the fear and anxiety of the good people of Kwara State concerning the reports of alleged influx of strange people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen driven from neighbouring states to Kwara and its attendant security threat, the Commissioner of Police Kwara State, Cp Mohammed Lawal Bagega psc, held a crucial stakeholders security meeting at the police headquarters.

“In attendance were traditional rulers, Magajis, Alangwas, Ardos, Jowuro, Bororos, and others cutting across the length and breadth of Kwara state where issues bothering on security and efforts of the police Command was sufficiently discussed.”
The statement disclosed that the Cp in his address thanked the stakeholders which comprised of highly placed traditional rulers and other important dignitaries in the state for their support and cooperation at all times especially during the community policing sensitization program in the state.
This medium reports that the Cp confirmed information on the alleged influx of Fulani herdsmen into the state and the step the command was taking to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.
He spoke frankly on the need for all hands to be on deck, collaboration among all stakeholders in the communities including resident Fulanis, so as to be able to fish out the defiantly inclined Fulanis in their midst.
While also admonishing the stakeholders of the presence of peddlers of fake news in society, hence the need to verify any news before acting on the bases of such news.
He spoke of the need for residents of the state to make information of movement of strange people around them available to the police, the people should also embrace the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in settling issues while consultation among the people including the resident Fulanis should be encouraged. He reiterated his determination to dispense his duty with fear of God and to uphold justice at all times.
On clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers he advised that roundtable settlement among the affected people will go a long way in resolving whatever the issues are.
He advised the traditional rulers not to abdicate their responsibility as the leaders of their communities to the youths as such, the youths should be put on check at all times for peace to reign in our communities.
HRM Prof, Billy Olajide, the Ololla of Olla, spoke extensively on the need for government to provide an enabling environment by way of taking a precise decision on the issues of Fulanis herders and the anxiety caused by their activities. He solicited for more logistics to be given to the police to enable them perform optimally.
In his own contribution, the Alangwas of Lanwa, Jebba and Sadu area spoke on his efforts at making the Fulani in their area to conform with all the peaceful engagements with their hosts, he promised to ensure that no breakdown of peace will happen in their area.
The seriki Fulani Ajase also promise on behalf of his fellow Fulani to be lawful and join hands with the host communities to fish out the defiantly inclined Fulanis among them.
Other traditional rulers made different suggestions on how the situation could be tackled.
In conclusion the Cp admonished the stakeholders to put the collective interest above personal interest for the purpose of peaceful co-existence among the different people in the state.

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society

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

33 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.