Metro

#EndSARS: Group Condemns Violence By Hoodlums In Benin

Published

5 years ago

October 21, 2020

Editor

Group known as South-South Legacy Group has condemned in the strongest term the violence that erupted Benin City, the Edo State capital on Monday in the guise of #EndSARS protest.

Some youths, in the guise of #EndSARS protest, had invaded the Benin and Oko Correctional custodies all in Benin, setting over 1000 inmates free and also razed now few than 4 police stations.

Speaking through its spokespersons, Osagie Aiguobasinwin and Camilus Okosun, the group described the attack as unacceptable, barbaric, lawless, inhumane, and a far cry from the reason, principle and philosophy of the #EndSARS agitation.

While noting that for government to have responded to the initial 5point demands all within five days
was a plus to the organisers, the group declared total support for the genuine #EndSARA protesters.

“The organisers of the ongoing #EndSARS peaceful protest, have our solidarity, support, understanding and endorsement for the protest to correct the many errors in our national body polity, even as some of our members in this group may have been directly or indirectly involved in the organisation and conduct of the #EndSARS peaceful protest.

“For the government to have responded to the initial 5point demands all within five days is actually a plus to the organisers of the protest to have gotten a prompt attention faster than they could have imagined.

“We at this level are saying, unequivocally that the actions of the miscreants who hid under the aeges of #EndSARS protest on Monday in Benin City is unacceptable, barbaric, lawless, inhumane, and a far cry from the reason, principle and philosophy of the #EndSARS agitation,” they said.

The group continues, “The state of the nation, politically and economically does not put smiles on the faces of the people at this point in time which may have justified the upward review of the 5point demands to accommodate issues like light and fuel pump price, corruption, among many others.”

Speaking on the attack on some media organisation by the hoodlums, the group said it will not accept that in Edo State cum any South-South states, just as it called for all to speak up against such act.

The group said, “It is more heart breaking and unacceptable to us as a people for anyone to turn the rein of terror against our people. We will not accept this in Edo, as well as other South-south states. People, both at home and in diaspora should stand up in unison to condemn the criminal invasion, destruction and setting ablaze of seven police stations in Benin, as well as attacks on media houses like the DAAR COMMUNICATIONS’ AIT Benin Center and Vibes FM Radio station, among other institutions.

“We should stand up to condemn the invasion of the two correctional facilities in Benin as well as releasing of inmates into the society. These hoodlums made away with ammunition and other firearms. You will want to ask for what intention would it be put into if not for criminality.”

Photo: file

Metro

Seven Journalists On Their Way To Colleague’s Marriage, FG Reacts

Published

4 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who were confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State on Monday.

The incident occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District. They were said to have traveled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, who was getting married.

According to preliminary information from the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, the crash was fatal.

The Minister described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation, noting that the journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.

“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” he said.

The Minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and especially to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” he added.

“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.

He assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

Metro

VIDEO: Chaos As Last-minute Shoppers Overwhelm Lagos Balogun Market

Published

5 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Large crowds on Tuesday overwhelmed Balogun Market on Lagos Island as residents trooped out in their numbers for last-minute year-end shopping, crippling movement around the commercial hub.

A viral video making the rounds online showed extreme congestion within and around the market, with traders and shoppers barely able to move as they jostled for limited space in one of Lagos’ busiest trading centres.

The footage captured scenes of tightly packed walkways and stalled human traffic, as buyers scrambled to complete end-of-year purchases ranging from clothes and shoes to household items.

The gridlock is largely being blamed on Nigerians’ long-standing culture of last-minute shopping, often described as “panic buying,” where many delay festive purchases until the final days of the year.

Balogun Market, known for its wholesale and retail activities, traditionally experiences a spike in patronage toward the end of the year.

As of the time of reporting, no incidents had been confirmed, though the situation highlights the recurring challenge of overcrowding during peak festive periods in Lagos.

Watch the video below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Credit: X | dammiedammie
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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 30, 2025

Metro

JUST IN: Court Orders Remand Of Ex-AGF Malami, Son, Wife In Kuje Prison

Published

7 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Federal High Court In Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also ordered the remand of his co-dedendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe.

Justice Nwite made the order after taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities running into several billions of naira.

According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The commission further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.