News
Lagos Police Intercept Kidnap Gang, Neutralize Nine, Recover Weapons
The Lagos State Police have said that its operatives have intercepted a gang of heavily armed kidnappers, who have been terrorizing the state, killing nine in a gun battle that ensued while two escaped with gunshot injuries. The incident reportedly happened at the Ladipo area of the state.
The Command made the revelation while parading the dead bodies of the suspects and items recovered from at the Command’s headquarters during a press briefing which the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) attended.
In his statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, explained that the breakthrough was as a result of intelligence gathering. He said:
“Our intelligence gathering assets yielded very credible and actionable intelligence about a dangerous and very notorious gang of kidnappers planning to kidnap some high net-worth individuals in Lagos.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence about two weeks ago, CP Fayoade directed the Command’s tactical teams to commence work on it. They followed up closely, monitored dutifully and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike yesterday in Ladipo area of Lagos State. With the benefit of this information, we were able to proactively prepare for them and more or less laid an ambush for them.
“The kidnappers who were caught unawares would not give up easily as they engaged the police officers in a shoot-out. They of course bowed to the superior fire power of the police. Nine of them were neutralized while two escaped with gunshot injuries. Four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, one POS machine and a loud speaker were recovered from them. Also recovered are their two operational vehicles: one black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
“It is worthy of note that the Command had been on the trail of this gang for the past eight months for their numerous kidnapping of wealthy individuals in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo and Ladipo areas of Lagos State. We are proud to declare that their reign of terror has effectively come to an end.
“This breakthrough is in addition to several other breakthroughs we have made in recent times in identifying and apprehending gangs of kidnappers and armed robbers while planning their crimes. Many of these were not made public so as to protect the identity of members of the public that made the information available.
“We urge everyone including medical practitioners to be on the lookout for anyone with gunshot injuries and promptly inform the nearest police station or call any of our emergency numbers if they come across any. We also use this medium to call on other well meaning Lagosians not to hesitate in giving us information when they suspect anything amiss around them to enable us act appropriately and swiftly. On our part, we promise to continue to prioritize their safety and security.”
By Eric Elezuo
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has said that its novel Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) is set to commence on Friday, October 25, with a termination date of Friday December 20, 2024. It also noted that the deadline for the registration of the examination has been extended till October 29, 2024.
The information was contained a press statement signed by the Acting Head, Public Affairs Department, Moyosola Adesina, on behalf of the Head, National Office.
The statement noted that “the examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that, the objective or multiple-choice questions would be rendered on-screen and candidates would be required to give their responses on the screen, while the essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates would have to give their responses using the answer booklets provided.”
Read the statement in full:
CONDUCT OF COMPUTER-BASED WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (CB-WASSCE) FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES, 2024-SECOND SERIES: FINAL EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, wishes to announce to candidates, stakeholders, and the general public that it is set to conduct the novel Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB- WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024– Second Series from Friday, October 25 to Friday, December 20, 2024.
The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that, the objective or multiple-choice questions would be rendered on-screen and candidates would be required to give their responses on the screen, while the essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates would have to give their responses using the answer booklets provided. Meanwhile, the examination diet has provided an option for candidates who may wish to use Paper and Pen mode, for the whole examination papers.
On this note, the Council wishes to inform all intending candidates that the registration period has been extended to Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Similarly, the “Walk-in-Candidate” opportunity (for candidates who register 24 hours before the particular paper of their choice is due to be taken) will be open at the end of the registration. Final timetable for the examination is available for download on the WAEC Nigeria website (https://www.waecnigeria.org) .
All intending, as well as registered, candidates are advised to take advantage of the numerous learning resources provided by the Council. These include signing up on the WAEC e-Study platform (via https://estudy.ng), purchasing the WAEC Past Questions and Answers’ books, and joining other candidates (on https:// www.waeckonnect.com ) to interact, on the WAECKonnect platform.
WAEC wishes all candidates for the examination success. The Council will always seek ways of delivering on its mandate by deploying technological innovations to make its services easily accessible to all stakeholders.
Issued by Public Affairs Department.
Technology company, Globacom, has explained that its commitment to culture and tradition is the reason for sponsoring Onitsha Ofala and other leading festivals across the land.
This year’s event, the 23rd since the incumbent Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, ascended the throne, kicked off with Iru Ofala on Friday and ended with Azu Ofala on Saturday.
Globacom’s Divisional Head, South, Mr. Tochukwu Okechukwu, who represented the company at the Ime Obi venue of the event in Onitsha, Anambra State, said Globacom is mindful of the critical role that culture plays in national development and its ability to foster national identity and bring people together around shared values, traditions, and history adding.
According to him, cultural industries, such as festivals, tourism, arts, and crafts, could contribute significantly to the economy, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote local products. “Culture influences education systems and can inspire creativity and innovation. Cultural knowledge can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, a vibrant culture enhances a nation’s soft power, improving its international standing and influence through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange”, he added.
He further noted that communication is the livewire of human coexistence especially in an increasingly interconnected world. “It is through dialogue and connection that we foster understanding and collaboration. Our mission is to empower every voice within our community to be heard through affordable telecom services and digital solutions”, he said.
He also disclosed that technology was evolving at an unprecedented pace, and affirmed that Globacom was dedicated to harnessing its power to benefit society. “We envision a future where innovation does not stand apart from tradition, but instead enhances it. We believe that connectivity can strengthen the bonds within our community, bridging generations and fostering collaboration among all our citizens. Together, we can create an environment where our cultural heritage and technological advancements coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of all. These are the reasons why we will continue to support our cultural festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba.”
The Obi of Onitsha had, in his remarks, thanked Globacom for its support for the festival over the years saying the company’s collaboration had enhanced the profile of the festival. According to him, a request had been made to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy to support ongoing efforts to enlist Ofala on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The festival peaked with the regal emergence of the Obi from his annual seclusion and his traditional majestic dance round the Ime Obi in his full regalia on the two days of the ceremony. His palace chiefs also danced to the “Egwu Ota” in turns after which they paid homage to the traditional ruler. Several age groups also ranging from the newest such as Ifedioranma, Ugoamaka, Oganiru Onicha to the much older groups, also danced round in flamboyant uniforms and paid homage to Igwe Achebe.
A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of the monarch will mark the end of this year’s edition of the festival at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has blamed the most recent national grid collapse on the explosion of a transformer at the Jebba Transmission station.
Several parts of the country were thrown into a blackout in the early hours of the day, the third time in one week.
The NERC said it is concerned by the “escalating incidence of grid disturbances” which is “reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability”.
“Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815hrs and an associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load,” the NERC said in a Saturday statement.
“However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT.”
NERC said it is working to ensure a more “discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure”.
“In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages,” it said.
“The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.”
