Metro
Police Deny Involvement in Deadly Oyo Market Shooting, Blame Sister Agency
No police personnel was involved in the deadly shootings following the fire incident that razed Akesan Market of Oyo Town on Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the police said.
The police blamed a ‘sister security agency’ for the shootings instead
The police also said only one person was killed contrary to the claim by witnesses that three people were killed.
The fire, which started in the early hours of Sunday, destroyed most of Akesan Market, leaving only a few shops and a filling station, witnesses, including two traders who suffered losses, said.
Videos shared on social media by residents show extreme destruction of the ancient market, a walk from the lalace of the Alaafin.
Many indigenes in Oyo, a town of four local government areas and five higher learning institutions, have connections with Akesan Market directly or through family members trading there.
There was no early response as the firefighters stationed just opposite the market failed to stop the fire due to non-functioning equipment. However, at about 6 a.m., a response came from Ogbomoso, 50 kilometres away, with firefighters based in that neighbouring town mobilised to stop the Akesan-Oyo fire.
But residents said the fire had already caused massive damage before the efforts of the external firefighters. Many then went wild, sacking the local fire service station near Akesan by starting a fire just outside the gate.
Hoodlums tried to exploit the situation and loot goods, and the police spokesperson for Oyo State, Olugbenga Fadeyi, said the police mobilised to prevent crimes. Residents corroborated this.
Mr Fadeyi said the police did not kill anybody; rather, a ‘sister agency’ – Operation Burst – fired shots resulting in the death of one person and which injured two more. The police are not part of the Operation Burst, which is an Ajimobi-era special security measure, comprising army and civil defence, and usually accused of extra-judicial approaches.
“There was no single shot fired by the police personnel deployed proactively and professionally to provide security at the scene of the fire incident at Akesan market in Oyo town,” he said. “Instead, the police personnel under the able supervision of DPO Durbar and Area Commander, Oyo Area Command prevented hoodlums and mob from attacking the Oyo State Government Fire Station in the town as well as the Durbar Police Station, Oyo from being set ablaze.”
He added that “More importantly, adequate security measures were provided at the market to deter hoodlums massed at the scene of the fire incident in the early hours of the day (at about 2:30 AM) from capitalizing on the situation to loot shops and properties at the scene.
“But, at about 0700 hrs, a report was received at the Durbar Police Station by the DPO that a sister security agency has arrived at the scene of the incident to assist in the provision of security. Unfortunately, gunshots rang out from their direction skywards.
“But, unfortunately, one Warred Aderoju Akano ‘m’ aged 14 yrs was allegedly hit and died while three others namely, (i) Jimoh Idris ‘m’ age 14 yrs, (ii) Sulu Qudinai ‘m’ 20 yrs, and Wasiu Taiwo ‘m’ age 21 yrs also sustained gunshot injuries and are currently recuperating in a hospital in Oyo town.”
Premium Times
A not for profit organisation, Meluibe Foundation, has partnered Dufil Prima Foods Limited to lend a hand of support to about 350 families in Gbazango community, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, leaving the beneficiaries beaming with smiles.
The collective generosity of the team made it possible for the families to receive essential food supplies during these challenging times.
Speaking on the event, Alhaji Muhammed Jibril, the District Head of Gbazango Village, expressed gratitude to the management of Dufil for their benevolent gesture towards his community. He also commended the Meluibe Foundation for their role in identifying and facilitating the outreach.
In her remarks, Meluibe Foundation’s Executive Director, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, extended appreciation to the community leaders and participants for their collaboration and peaceful conduct throughout the outreach.
“At Meluibe, we are committed to empowering rural communities, particularly
women, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2. Empowering our women and young remains key to tackling some of the underlying challenging affecting our overall development. If we can work together we can help our children grow and thrive.
“As such, Meluibe will keep partnering with well meaning organisations dedicated to enabling women and youths”, she said.
She also thanked the Dufil team for working with them to support Gbazango.
Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager at Dufil Prima Foods, Tope Ashiwaju, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting families, especially women and children, with nutritious meals. He extended appreciation to
the community leaders for their cooperation and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering community well-being.
Similarly, Hajia Hauwa Muhammed, the Gbazango Women Leader, applauded the organizers for prioritising the needs of women and children, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of economic hardships on this demographic.
The outreach event culminated in children delighting in the delicious meals served from the Indomie Food truck, encapsulating the spirit of community support and resilience.
Meluibe Foundation’s community outreach initiatives are integral to its contribution towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, aimed at ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and
promoting sustainable agriculture. These efforts encompass various initiatives, including community outreaches and capacity building on nutrition and climate-smart agriculture.
Real estate giant, Adron Homes, has organised a well orchestrated dynamic Fitness Hangout Event, firmly rooted in the principles of team bonding, safety prioritization, and wellness culture promotion in the workplace, in celebration of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health, Adron Homes
In his opening speech, the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Oyadele, set the tone for the event by articulating the paramount importance of these values.
Mr. Oyadele’s address resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
The event boasted an impressive turnout, with senior directors of Adron Homes, led by the Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo, in attendance.
Mrs. Ajobo’s commendations further underscored the significance of such gatherings in cultivating a positive and supportive work atmosphere. Moreover, the event welcomed esteemed guests from the Omole Phase 1 Community and other organizations, including Dr. Kalu Genevieve, the PRO/Head of Medical at Lasena Water, who enlightened attendees on the importance of alkaline minerals in the body, found abundantly in Lasena water.
Additionally, the presence of a trained Dietician, Rejoice Okudiri, added depth to the event, offering valuable guidance on adopting healthy eating habits for optimal well-being.
As the organizer of this impactful initiative, Mr Emmanuel Oladapo, the Director of the Adron Sport Foundation (ASF), expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and guests for their invaluable contributions. He reaffirmed Adron Homes’ commitment to extending the reach of such initiatives beyond the confines of the workplace, aiming to instill a culture of safety and wellness within the broader community.
With a promise to expand the scope of these endeavors, Adron Homes continues to champion the cause of safety, health, and wellness, paving the way for a healthier and happier society.
Adron Homes: Building Communities and Homes!
Broadcasting company Multichoice has jacked up the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.
The company reviewed prices in its packages across the board. The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.
With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.
The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.
Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.
While the Jolli package was jacked up from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.
It will be recalled that the company implemented an upward review of prices in December 2023, days after announcing a $72m loss in its financial statement for the third quarter of the year.
Checks on the company’s reviewed price list then showed a 20 per cent per cent hike in the company’s packages across the board.
