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Demolition: Lagos Residents Seek Refuge In Churches As Weeping Persists

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The recent demolition in the Oluwaseyi Street of Oworoshoki, Lagos state, has left residents homeless, forcing them to seek shelter in churches and uncompleted buildings. The agents of the Lagos State Government began demolishing houses and burning others in the area last week.

Vanguard gathered that during the demolition, certain task force members, along with some police officers, allegedly received 1000 Naira from the affected Oworoshoki residents to facilitate the evacuation of their properties before the demolition.

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Speaking to one of the affected residents, Esther, who is 28 years old and was born and raised here, says, “Since I’ve been living here, we were never given any notice about this sudden evacuation. It has left us homeless, and now we have to find a place to sleep every night.

“We are already searching for apartments to rent, but the demolition has been tough on us. It has particularly affected my aged mother, and as a pregnant woman, I am finding it challenging to cope with the situation.”

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Stop FG’s Palliative Fraud, Obaseki Backs NLC Protest

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Further investigation, was discovered that residents had to pay varying amounts of money to prevent the Lagos state task force from demolishing buildings and property. According to some victims interviewed by Vanguard, “we paid N2000 and others paid 10,000 Naira to buy time to evacuate our properties. Unfortunately, those who couldn’t afford to pay had their buildings demolished, along with their belongings”

A mother of two, who spoke to Vanguard, revealed that she and her children are currently sleeping in a church while her husband stays at his friend’s place. She expressed her sadness, saying, “We’ve been living here for less than a year. My husband bought the land from Omonile late last year, but it’s devastating that our properties were among those demolished.”

Omotayo Ogunsiji, a septuagenarian and retired civil servant who has lived in the area for 28 years, shared his ordeal with Vanguard.

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He expressed his initial happiness when he heard about the plan to demolish buildings with plank structures that were situated 100 meters away from the water.

READ ALSO: JUST IN : Heavy Security As NLC Commences Protest Over Petrol Subsidy Removal

However, he explained that his own house was a blocked building and located far from the water, so he wasn’t concerned. In 1995, before his retirement, he purchased this half plot from Omonile for N9,000.

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“I have been living here for 28 years since 1995, my house was blocked building, and was very far from the water, so I was not bothered. I bought this half-plot from Omonile in the year 1995 before I retired and it cost me N9,000.

“We didn’t receive any notification beforehand. What happened was they provided a notification indicating that buildings within 100 meters of the water needed to be demolished. They marked the area for demolition from the start, but it was surprising when they suddenly came to my block and demolished it.

“If you don’t remove your properties, they’ll break them and set them ablaze. They approached me, saying they wanted to set fire to my house. I agreed, but I pleaded with them, giving them N1000 to allow me time to evacuate my belongings.”

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READ ALSO: Resident Doctors Seek Gov Makinde’s Intervention On LAUTECH’s Teaching Hospital

Upon contacting the Public Relations officer of the Lagos State Taskforce, Mr Raheem, he says “Notice was given to them ahead of time, the reason for the demolition, was because the area was denizens of criminals who rob commuters of their item at the third mainland bridge.

“Most times these miscreants rob passengers on the ferry and run into the area to avoid police, and the area was not government authorized, very soon, you will see a reduction in traffic robbery on the third mainland bridge because of this demolition”

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Dismissing the claims of residents paying money to task force officials for property evacuation before demolition, Raheem stated, “These are mere fallacies; the Chairman of the task force was present during the demolition, and such incidents couldn’t have occurred.”
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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

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The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”

The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

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Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

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READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

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Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

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Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash

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The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

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“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

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I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.

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