Metro

Carnival: Youths Clash In Ondo, Many Feared Killed

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2023

Editor

Social and business activities were halted in Ikare Akoko in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday following the clash among youths in the town.

It was gathered that many people were feared killed, shops and vehicles allegedly vandalised and burnt down by some hoodlums while banks and other organisations did not open for business for fear of being attacked.

A source who spoke with our correspondent said five people lost their lives in the crisis with several others injured.

According to the source, the crisis erupted in the community during a new year carnival organised by the youths on Monday evening as two youth groups engaged in a fight.

The source said, “The crisis started on Monday evening during the new year carnival which was organised by the youths and it later degenerated till this (Wednesday) morning. There were gunshots everywhere. There is tension all over the town as I am speaking with you, nobody could go to the shop or market in Ikare.

“Banks too did not open for their customers for fear of hoodlums. Commercial activities in the central areas like Osele market, Obada Market have been paralysed. Okoja Area, Oloko junction, and Post Office Area up to Lokoja Garage have been deserted while shops and businesses have been closed down. Banks customers particularly those who came to Ikare from outside towns were lamenting the bank closure.”

Another source attributed the crisis to the ongoing cold war between the two traditional rulers in the community- the Olukare of Ikare and Owa Ale of Ikare – saying the two warring groups were alleged loyalists of the two monarchs.

He said, “You know Ikare is divided and Okoja is like a centre between the two. The Owa Ale people wanted to use the place but Olukare youths stopped them.

“When the Olukare wanted to use the place for the carnival on Tuesday, the Owa Ale people stopped them and there was a crisis. The shooting was much that the town became deserted.

“This morning (Wednesday) the youths mobilised for another attack and the shootings continue. Many shops have been closed down but the police have intervened. I saw at least two people shot dead during the fracas and many others injured but I learnt some more people have been killed too.”

When contacted, the state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the development, said policemen and other security agents had been deployed in the town to restore normalcy.

The PPRO said, “The warring parties have been warned to maintain peace. Police and soldiers are now patrolling the town to ensure law and order within the area.”

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

12 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sodomising one of his underage players.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing Hayatu without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecution, the coach, who lives in Sanka area of Kano metropolis, committed the offence twice in different locations. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

To prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the state counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses who testified against the defendant.

In his defense, Hayatu took the witness stand alone.

The prosecution stated that his action violated Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises sodomy.

After reviewing all the evidence and witness statements, Justice Dahuru ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

He sentenced Hayatu to four years in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently — meaning he will serve a total of eight years starting from the day of the judgment.

Metro

Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Published

13 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved a 32-year-old woman who accidentally fell into an uncovered well approximately 60 feet deep at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The incident, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, was described by residents as “nothing short of a miracle.”

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity had not been immediately confirmed, reportedly wandered from a nearby compound and was seated on the edge of the well before losing balance and falling in.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and launched a well-coordinated rescue operation.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the agency, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the woman was pulled out alive after a tense and delicate rescue effort.

“She was immediately stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care,” Adeseye said.

She cautioned residents to ensure all open wells and similar structures are securely covered to prevent avoidable accidents.

Adeseye also praised the professionalism and prompt response of her team, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

Metro

DSS Arrests Two Dismissed Officers Over Impersonation, Fraud

Published

13 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The DSS, in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that both individuals, earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, have been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.

“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the Service said.

This comes after a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.

Recall that the secret police had raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Barry Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.

The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

The DSS urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and to report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the Service.