Air force dismisses Boko Haram’s claim of downing missing fighter jet

Two personnel on the missing Nigeria Air Force Alpha jet were feared dead following reports that the aircraft had crashed at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The NAF identified the two men as Flt Lts. John Abolarinwa and Ebiakpo Chapele.

The Air Force dismissed claims by terror group, Boko Haram, that it gunned down the missing Alpha jet, which disappeared from the radar on Wednesday.

It said there was no confirmation of the claims, noting that the clips posted online by the group might be that of a previous incident.

Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft in a viral video on Friday.

The Abubakar Shekau-led faction of the Boko Haram sect released the footage of a crashed jet with one of its fighters standing on the wreckage. A body was also seen in the wreckage of the aircraft.

The NAF spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft which lost radar contact on Wednesday around 5pm was providing support for ground troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East region when it disappeared.

Gabkwet in a statement on Friday added, “Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31, 2021, might have crashed. The cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the two pilots remain unknown.

“The pilots are Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele. Extensive search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground. At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.”

Gabkwet in his reaction to Boko Haram’s claims insisted that the video was fraught with inconsistencies that established it as fake, adding that the lush vegetation in one of the videos suggested it was not in the North-East.

He said, “We have seen some videos but there is nothing that has proven that the aircraft in those clips belongs to us, or have you seen a Nigerian Air Force aircraft number or the body of Air Force pilot or have you seen any Air Force uniform? Until we get all these details, we are not going to go into speculation.

“That video could have been shot somewhere. I have seen four videos so far; one of them has lush vegetation in the background, and I wonder where they have such vegetation in the Northeast. Unless they did something and they are releasing the clips bit by bit, we are waiting.

“Except we have evidence, because like I said, these persons have families and you cannot go to their wives, parents or wards, without concrete evidence. There must be something to show”.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/air-force-dismisses-boko-harams-claim.html

Herdsmen return to Igangan, cut retired principal’s hands

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have launched a fresh attack on Igangan in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.

Punch correspondent gathered that some herdsmen on Friday afternoon attacked a retired school principal, Ojedokun Ogunmodede.

The reason why his assailant attacked him was not clear but sources close to the victim said there was no confrontation between him and the herdsmen who inflicted machete injuries which almost chopped off his two hands.

The Secretary of Ibarapa Farmers Union, Mr Taiwo Adeagbo, who is popularly known as Akowe Agbe, told punch correspondent on the telephone that the retired principal is his relative.

Adeagbo, who is fighting for the rights of farmers in Ibarapa, said herdsmen had not stopped destroying farms and attacking farmers in the area despite the public outcry against their criminal activities.

He said, “The victim is my relative. He is a retired principal and he should be around 62 years old. I was called to see what happened to him. I immediately called the Commissioner of Police (Ngozi Onadeko). She said I should report to the police officially and I called the DPO in Ayete. He came with two officers and two vans loaded with armed policemen.

“The DPO could not look at the pictures of the victim. They were gory. Strands of flesh are preventing the two hands from falling off after the attack. The two hands are almost off. They have ruined his life.”

When contacted on the telephone, Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi, said he had not been briefed about the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi, when contacted said the attack was a reprisal by a herder to an earlier attack against three Fulani by some youths in Igangan.

He said, “Information from DPO Ayete revealed that a Fulani herdsman attacked and macheted a man in his farm by causing injury to his hands.

“The attack was a reprisal by some youths in Igangan, three Fulani herdsmen were attacked and they sustained injuries while they were rushed to an hospital in Igboora for treatment.

“The DPO Ayete and his police personnel including Pmf were drafted to the scene to prevent further attack. The aggrieved youths were dispersed and normalcy restored.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/herdsmen-return-to-igangan-cut-retired.html

Dad’s friend r.a.p.e.d me, filmed the act – Victim

A suspected r.a.p.i.s.t, Mr Onuoha Odih, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly raping a 25-year-old lady, Blessing (pseudonym).

The victim told City Round that the suspect was his father’s friend and colleague when they both worked as security guards at a popular church based in the Ijesa area of Lagos State. She said despite her pleas, he raped her and boasted that nothing would happen to him because he would bribe the police and be freed.

“I tried to resist him but he brought out a knife and threatened to kill me,” she added.

Blessing stated that after her father lost his sight and left the employ of the church about five years ago, things became difficult for them and Odih offered to help the family from time to time.

The victim, who works as a point of sale terminal attendant in the Ijesa area of the state, said, “He and my dad used to work with the church as security guards before he began working for the church as an informant. My father lost his sight about five years ago, so he stopped working and had to be staying at home, so things became tough. He used to send money to my dad occasionally.”

On the day the incident happened, Faith said she had returned from work around 9pm when her father asked her to go and collect the money the suspect, also known as ‘king of boys,’ promised him.

She said, “When I got there, he transferred N10,000 to me. He said I should give N5,000 to my dad and keep the remaining N5,000. I thanked him and as I was about leaving, he said I would have to appreciate him in kind. He wanted me to ‘sleep’ (have s.e.x) with him and I said no.

“I asked if it was because of the N5,000 he gave me that he was making such a demand, and I told him to give me his account number. He did and I transferred his money back to him immediately. I have the evidence.”

“Immediately after he received the money, he brought out a knife, locked the gate and asked me to undress.”

According to her, the incident took place on a vacant land on Alakoso Road, Ijesa. She said the premises had high walls as perimeter fencing and a big gate which he said was locked with a padlock and that even when she screamed no one came to her rescue.

“I ran towards the gate of the vacant land, hoping I could force it open, but he ran after me and dragged me back. The fence was high, so there was no way I could escape. I was shouting and calling for help but he said no one would answer me. He lived in a small security house on the premises.

“I refused to remove my clothes and tried to run back to the gate but he charged at me, threatening to stab me. His eyes were red and I didn’t want to lose my life. When he was done, I asked him to open the gate but he refused. He said he would do another round. I was alarmed and kept screaming but no one responded.

“Then, he brought out his knife again and I was forced to endure the trauma the second time. I screamed but no one answered. He said he would kill and bury me there and nobody would know. He boasted that he would even give me money to go to FESTAC police station to report but that nothing would happen to him because he knew how he would bribe the policemen.”

She said after a while Odih slept off, she managed to retrieve the key and escape around 3am.

Unknown to Faith, he recorded the act with his phone with the aid of the flash, which she thought was an ordinary torch.

She told City Round that she cried all night and could only tell her brother. “I didn’t tell my dad until two days after because I knew it would break him and it really did.”

Confused on what to do, she said she reported the case at the Ago Police Station and notified the founder of Jashabel Touch-A-Heart Foundation, a human rights organisation, Mrs Favour Benson, who had been monitoring the case.

Blessing said police arrested Odih, checked his phone and saw about 20 videos of him having s.e.x with different women, including her.

She said the matter had since been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation.

She said, “I want justice. I have been receiving calls from unknown persons telling me to drop the case and they have been making threats.”

She said the result of the test she undertook at the Mirabel Centre in Ikeja was already with the police in Panti, hoping that justice would be served. “I have not been able to erase the incident from my mind,” she added.

Speaking on the status of the matter, the lawyer assigned by a non-governmental organisation, Project Alert, to handle the case on Blessing’s behalf, Samuel Apologun, told punch correspondent that he was on the matter.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the story, adding, “the suspect has been arraigned on Wednesday.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/dads-friend-raped-me-filmed-act-victim.html

Those who looked down on me now regret it – Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele-Bello has advised the public not to look down on themselves for any reason.

Funke Akindele has taken to her page to reflect on her past life before she entered into stardom. According to her, some people looked down on her because they didn’t have hope in her future brightness. She used her issue as a case study to advise the public never to look down on themselves.

“To those being looked down on, keep doing your thing! Keep working like no one is watching! One day you will get a BIG YES that will take you to the next big level. Never give up. Ignore Naysayers! Believe in your dreams &go for them. Embrace constructive criticism& use it to ur advantage”.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/those-who-looked-down-on-me-now-regret.html

Homeless young man who sleeps under Ikeja bridge is about to put Nigeria on world map [photos]

Yes, yes, we are rooting for him.

Oh my! The pose, the confidence and the skin tone. To think they only approached him hours earlier and he got all these confidence? We are rooting for ALI.

A creative director has shared photos he shot with a homeless man he met under Ikeja bridge.

He says while waiting for the model they had an appointment photoshoot with, he say Ali under the bridge and decided to give him few shots. 

Above is the amazing outcome. How the creative director reports it below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/homeless-young-man-who-sleeps-under.html

New loved-up photo of Mercy Johnson and her husband

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson has shared a new loved up photo of herself and her husband, Prince Odi Okojie on her Instagram page. 

She used the opportunity to wish her fans and followers a happy Good Friday.

“Good Friday…wishing you all the best of Gods blessings…..🤩😍 @princeodiokojie”, she wrote.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/new-loved-up-photo-of-mercy-johnson-and.html

16 cultists on revenge mission arrested, paraded in Kwara

A crack team of police detectives from the Kwara State Police Command has arrested 16 persons suspected to be members of the Eiye and Aiye confraternities in the Oloje/Okoolowo area of Ilorin, the state capital.

Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Ilorin, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Bagega, said the suspects, consisting of 12 males and four females, were arrested while on a revenge mission in the area.

“We immediately dispatched the newly created anti-cultists team, in collaboration with the vigilantes, to storm the area before they struck.

“The effort paid off as 16 suspected cultists, males and females, wielding weapons, including guns, machetes, axes, charms, wraps of weed suspected to be Indian hemp, and other items to be used in the foiled attack, were arrested,” he added.

Bagega claimed that the suspects, in their statements, confessed to be members of the two cults.

He said, “If not for our effort, they would have unleashed unmitigated terror on residents and we all know their trademark, death.”

However, one of the suspects, Asake Azeez, denied being a cult member, saying he only sold Indian hemp at Mandala village, a suburb of Ilorin.

He said, “I don’t belong to either Aiye or Eiye. I learnt barbing, but when I did not have anybody to set up a barber’s shop for me, I started selling Indian hemp at Mandala village. I use what I realise from the sale to feed my wife, three children and my brothers, who are living with me. I don’t know these boys and girls arrested by the police.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/16-cultists-on-revenge-mission-arrested.html

Beautiful Ghanaian makeup artist & final year varsity student dies

A Ghanaian makeup artist and final year student at the University of Cape Coast called Vida Ekumah has died.

The demise of the CEO of Vivi’s Glossy Makeover was announced via Facebook public group Tell it All.

Reports suggested that Ekumah was sick and rushed to the hospital, however she died at her hostel soon after she was discharged.

May God rest her soul.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/beautiful-ghanaian-makeup-artist-final.html

Train crash kills 48 in Taiwan's deadliest rail tragedy

A Taiwan express train with almost 500 aboard derailed in a tunnel on Friday, killing at least 48 passengers and injuring 66 in the island's worst rail disaster in almost four decades.

Images from the scene showed carriages in the tunnel ripped apart by the impact, with others crumpled, hindering rescuers in their efforts to reach passengers, although by mid-afternoon no one was still trapped.

"People just fell all over each other, on top of one another," a woman who survived the crash told domestic television. "It was terrifying. There were whole families there."

The crash, north of the eastern city of Hualien, killed the driver of the train carrying many tourists and people heading home at the start of a long weekend traditional holiday to tend to family graves.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/train-crash-kills-48-in-taiwans.html

Mercy Aigbe sparks fresh marriage rumours with engagement ring

Will Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe be walking down the aisle for the third time, anytime soon?

The 43 year-old beautiful actress triggered excitement among her over 9.4million fans on Instagram, when she displayed the photo of an engagement ring bearing hand yesterday, well the April Fools Day.

She captioned the photo: Finally I said Yes to ‘D’ Owner 😍 Thank you God of many chances 🙏”

The single mother of two did not say who her new man is.

We say big congrats to her if it's true.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/mercy-aigbe-sparks-fresh-marriage.html

Actress Uche Jombo shows off her hour glass figure

Dripping hot!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/actress-uche-jombo-shows-off-her-hour.html

No going back on call for Yoruba nation — Gani Adams

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said he is totally behind Yoruba activists calling for secession and establishment of Oduduwa Republic.

Gani Adams, in an interview with BBC Yoruba, also said the Oduduwa Republic is not negotiable because he also wants its creation.

“Whatever they want is what I also want. But we are supposed to ask where our kings, leaders and politicians are going because I also want the Oduduwa nation,” Gani Adams said.

“There are many activists around the world who say they want the Oduduwa Republic. Never will I be the enemy of the Yorubas, and we do our virtual meetings and it is obvious that our people want the independence of the Oduduwa nation.”

Gani Adams also addressed the security threats bedevilling the South-West region, describing such as unfortunate.

“It is the fault of security chiefs who have failed in their responsibilities to protect citizens, that is why people are agitating for the creation of Oduduwa nation but if the security forces join hands together with the citizens, we will be assured of strong security.”

He said although insecurity problems affect all the states in the country, it has been worse in some regions in the past six months.

Gani Adams said he has started working together with different groups and there are plans to protect the people of the South-West region against kidnappers and bandits.

According to him, the meeting has started yielding good results.

“We have written letters to all the Obas in Yorubaland, and I signed the letters alongside members of the Oodua Peoples Congress and security guards to report any issue of insecurity,” he said.

He said the security threat in Nigeria is very pronounced for all to see, adding that security operatives in Nigeria should be asked if they are ready to protect Nigerians.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/no-going-back-on-call-for-yoruba-nation.html

FG extends NIN-SIM linkage by one month as database exceeds 51m

The Federal Government has extended the National Identity Number, NIN-Sim linkage by one month.

The Government also revealed that National Identity Number database has exceeded 51 million records.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs​​​, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission.

According to the statement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Task Force on the NIN-SIM data linkage on Thursday where the decision was reached.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the EVC/CEO of NCC, DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), among other stakeholders of the ministry and telecom industry.

The approval was given to extend the period of the NIN-SIM linkage to the 6th of May, 2021 after request for extension was endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Based on the updates of the NIN-registration process, over 51 million people have been assigned NINs. There are many people, who have enrolled and are in the process of being assigned NINs. With each individual having an average of 3 to 4 SIMs, the total number of SIMs tied to NINs would be close to the total number of registered SIMs in the country.

“The current number of monthly enrolments has increased significantly to about 2.6 million registrations. There has also been a remarkable increase in the number of enrolment centres across the country with about 3,800 centres available for enrolments. There are also many more new centres in the pipeline,” the statement disclosed.

The Minister thanked Nigerians for being patienct and for complying with the government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

Pantami said that the government was committed to taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of Nigerians with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/fg-extends-nin-sim-linkage-by-one-month.html

Easter: 3,372 police personnel deployed in Edo

The Police Command in Edo on Thursday said no fewer than 3,372 of its personnel had been deployed for special operations during the Easter celebration.

A statement by SP Kontongs Bello, the command’s Public Relations Officer, in Benin, said the deployed personnel comprised the conventional police, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), and State Traffic Division.

It added that the personnel were to be complemented by other sister agencies in the state to be on standby at religious centres and recreation/event centres across the state to ensure peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration.

The deployment, the statement noted, would forestall the activities of armed robbers, kidnappers, jobless/dissident youths, as well as, street urchins.

The deployment, the statement added, was in line with its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order, and also ensure a hitch-free Easter celebration in the state.

The command’s image maker further said the Commissioner of Police in Edo, CP Phillip Ogbadu, wished all Christians in the state a happy Easter celebration and encouraged them to be COVID-19 compliant.

He also said in the light of the celebration, the command had put in place adequate security measures in ensuring the security of lives and property of all in the state.

“Police command in Edo wishes to felicitate with our Christian faithful in the state during this period of Easter, a feast commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which commences on Friday, April 2 to Monday, April 5.

The command also advised members of the public to call control room numbers: 08077773721 and 08037646272 in case of any emergency.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/easter-3372-police-personnel-deployed.html

How my father’s death broke me – Omotola Jalade reveals

Nigerian veteran actress, singer, and philanthropist, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, in an emotional recollection has revealed how losing her father at the age of 12 broke her in ways that probably still affect her.

Speaking on her relationship with her father up till his last moments with the founder of Joy, Inc., Chude Jideonwo, the actress and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, shared some of their fondest memories.

Omotola also discussed a period that changed the nature of their father-daughter relationship and caused a strain to their bond.

“When I was about nine years old, I was shipped to Command Secondary School in Kaduna. By that time, they had just given birth to my younger brother. I was a child and I did not take it well at all. I even remember when he was leaving and we both were crying. It really affected me – I thought the reason was because he now had other kids, and I was no longer important to him.”

While in school at Kaduna, her world was shattered by the news of her father’s death, at a time when she was beginning to anticipate returning home to spend more time with him.

“I think everything I have been, positively or negatively, was solely because of my father’s death. It affected me so much; I did not even know how much at the time. I did not even mourn my dad.

At the age of 12, I was becoming a little lady, and I was excited to spend time with my father. That was when I got called out of school because I needed to be home. I knew someone had died because of how everyone in school was tiptoeing around me.

The only thing I kept saying at the airport was, ‘I just hope it is not my dad’,” she added.

“For some callous reason, I was okay with it being anyone but him. When I got home, I was greeted by a crowd. As I walked into the house, I was thinking about which of my family members had died. I saw my brothers, then I saw my mum, and, at that moment, I froze because I knew it was my dad that had died.

“I’m not sure if it was the guilt of wishing death on someone else, and not him, or because I was too young to process it or because I was still angry with him for shipping me off, but I was numb and emotionless, and it has affected me to this day.

“It was like something died in me,” she concluded.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/how-my-fathers-death-broke-me-omotola.html

Singer Dotman and his girlfriend welcome baby boy [photos]

Nigerian singer Dotman and his girlfriend have welcomed a baby boy in the U.

Dotman shared a photo of his girlfriend and son on social media to announce the good news.

Big congrats to them!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/singer-dotman-and-his-girlfriend.html

“Finally getting married to my best friend” - Iyabo Ojo’s 20-year-old daughter, Priscilla announces her engagement

Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo is about to be married.

She made the announcement on her instagram page while announcing her engagement.

Though she didn't reveal her man, she showed off her ring writing;

“Finally getting married to my best friend.”

Engagement photo below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/finally-getting-married-to-my-best.html

I find myself always praying for Chioma - Wizkid's first babymama Shola Ogudu says

Wizkid's first babymama, Shola Ogudu has said she usually finds herself unconsciously praying for Davido's Chioma.

She made the revelation on her twitter page yesterday evening saying it's weird, but she loves her.

She also used the opportunity to openly pray for her.

Full tweet below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/i-find-myself-always-praying-for-chioma.html

U.S. report inaccurate, soldiers killed at least 10 protesters in Lekki - Amnesty Int’l

Global rights body Amnesty International on Thursday said the United States “could have taken more time to evaluate” all available evidence before publishing its controversial report that appeared to downplay the role of Nigeria’s brutal military in using lethal force to quell the historic #EndSARS demonstration last October.

The U.S., in its ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ said Amnesty International’s report on the shooting at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, where soldiers reportedly opened live rounds on protesters, was uncorroborated, a statement that effectively knocking the rights group’s position that at least 10 civilians were shot dead by Nigerian troops deployed against protesters in the upscale Lagos neighbourhood on October 20, 2020.

The U.S. report also stated that soldiers were only sent to the protest ground to enforce a curfew and they shot into the air, a position that pro-government commentators said discredited widespread reports, including a live stream of the attack on Instagram, of how soldiers opened live rounds and left a trail of deaths and injuries.

“On October 20, members of the security forces enforced curfew by firing shots into the air to disperse protesters, who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to protest abusive practices by the Nigerian Police Force’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS),” the U.S. report said. “Accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year’s end. Amnesty International reported 10 persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s report, and no other organisation was able to verify the claim.”

The report has since generated controversy, with pro-government agents gleefully parroting it to puncture the heap of evidence that suggests soldiers’ deadly force.

Many sources, including those from security sources, told Peoples Gazette that casualties were recorded on the night of the attack after soldiers fired at protesters who were sitting on the ground, singing the national anthem and waving the Nigerian flag.

A Nigerian celebrity, DJ Switch, also recorded a live Instagram session during the melee, showing gory scenes and saying seven persons had died before her device went off.

She later asserted that casualty figures rose to 15 in a later update on the incident.

 Amnesty International’s Nigeria maintains that the testimonies of witnesses at the Lekki Toll Gate affirmed that soldiers fired live rounds at demonstrators as against claims of firing blank bullets in the air.

Amnesty Nigeria chief Osai Ojigho told Peoples Gazette on Thursday that “Amnesty International stands by its initial findings that in October we released based on the information that we’re able to independently verify as at that time and we’ve continued to encourage the state government and the federal government to do justice by the people.

“Amnesty International had asked for independent and transparent investigations into what really happened at the Lekki Toll Gate and we still haven’t seen that and that is what is really worrisome especially because a lot of people will not be able to move on until justice is served.”

Contrary to U.S.’ claims that no other organisation confirmed Amnesty’s findings, Ms Ojigho said her organisation carried out its investigation after the incident while also considering other credible reports.

“Amnesty International stands by its initial findings that in October we released based on the information that we’re able to independently verify as at that time and we’ve continued to encourage the state government and the federal government to do justice by the people.

“There have been other reports by other organisations and also shared on social media attesting to the fact that different people who were located at the Lekki Toll Gate at the time of the incident were reportedly killed.

“CNN carried the report about a young man that died and when the younger brother called the phone number and people picked the call and they claimed that ‘this is not your brother, your brother is dead,” Ms Ojigho said.

Speaking further, she said “there are still a lot of unclaimed bodies in many of the Lagos state hospitals and it raised the question ‘who are those people?’ ‘Would they be allowed to be investigated?’

 “Check whether these are people who suffered gunshots for example how long they have been there in order to rightly pinpoint the time they were in.

“If you look at the Amnesty report, we were able to use satellite imagery and information which were picked through verified accounts to show the movement of officers to the Lekki Toll Gate,” she said while adding that “the issue now really is not about government just giving a blatant denial but about how they need to carry out investigation without any fear.

Ms Ojigho said until justice is served in the Lekki killings, Nigerian authorities will continue to carry out grievous human rights abuses.

She noted that although the issues on #EndSARS are ongoing, the U.S. report “is meant to show an unbiased assessment of the current state of affairs with the country.”

The rights advocate expressed confidence that the truth will soon be uncovered as Nigeria moves closer to the six months’ anniversary of the shooting.

“Right now, people are still careful to be publicly identified and this is what has been used by many that they haven’t seen anyone come forward on what really happened,” she said.

Mrs Ojigho, however, said that the U.S. “could have taken more time before evaluating the situation,” even though she was not in a position to determine the activities of the country’s diplomatic officials.

Ms Ojigho said Amnesty will wait also for additional facts from the Lagos judicial panel and the medical facilities where the wounded were taken.

 “We’ll retain our call that everything must be open, transparent, and families have the right to know the truth,” she said. “The system needs to work for the people and not only for the government of those who are in the office.”

Source

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/us-report-inaccurate-soldiers-killed-at.html

Bodija traders cry to Makinde, says Customs stole our money, carted away rice in six trucks

Traders at the Bodija market in Ibadan on Thursday protested the seizure of rice worth millions of naira by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Hundreds of traders took to the streets to protest against what they called the Customs’ invasion of their shops.

The traders accused the agency’s operatives of breaking into their shops at midnight to seize bags of rice. The NCS, it was gathered, raided the market around 1.00 a.m., breaking into shops and warehouses, carting away bags of rice in six trucks.

The placards-carrying rice traders called on the NCS to return the rice and money forcibly taken from their shops as they marched from the market to the state secretariat.

One of the affected traders, Olayemi Oladunni, of Block 1, shop 406, said 100 bags of rice and N2 million cash were taken from her shop.

Also, R O Mosope and E A Iyadunni, with shops were situated at Alao-Akala Shopping Complex, described the NCS operatives’ action as unacceptable.

Addressing the protesters in front of the secretariat at Agodi, Sunday Odukoya, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, urged the traders to be patient, saying efforts were ongoing to speak with the NCS.

Mr Odukoya appealed to the protesters to desist from taking the law into their own hands.

 The protest led to traffic congestion for hours as vehicular and human movements were affected.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/bodija-traders-cry-to-makinde-says.html