Metro

Mixed Reactions Trail Demolition Of Roundabouts In Imo

Published

4 years ago

August 18, 2021

Editor

The recent demolition of some major roundabouts in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on the order of the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has been generating much reactions from people in the state.

Some residents have described the move as a welcome development, while others view it as misplaced priority and waste of public funds in the face of dire financial challenges bedevilling the state.

Residents of Owerri on Tuesday woke up to discover that the popular Imo State University (IMSU) junction roundabout situated along Okigwe road area of the state capital he’s been demolished

On August 10, 2021, the government house/Okigwe road by Wetheral roundabout constructed by Rochas Okorocha Rescue Mission administration, was also pulled down by the 3R government of Senator Hope Uzodinma.

First to be affected was the Ware House Roundabout roundabout situated in front of the Imo International Conference Centre IICC, followed by the Emmanuel College roundabout by Wetheral Road.

Other roundabouts destroyed include the Fire Service roundabout situated along Mbaise road, Poly junction by Naze., Aba road among others.

The pulling down of these roundabouts, described as landmark structures by the Rescue Mission Government, has raised some concerns from stakeholders who have questioned the rationale behind the demolition.

A senior Owerri based lawyer and human rights activist, callistus Osueke has taken a swipe at the Imo state governor, senator Hope Uzodinma for demolishing some of former governor Okorocha’s signature projects in a subtle attempt to erase his legacies, thereby inflicting Pain on Imo people who are helplessly watching in disappointment.

He noted that he has been in the state for a long time and witnessed the administrations of James Aneke, Tanko Zubairu, Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Rochas Okorocha and Chief Emeka Ihedioha, but has never seen a government that is as insensitive to the plight of the people, as the self acclaimed Hope Uzodinma shared prosperity government that has not only alienated itself from the people, but takes delight in unleashing pain, hardship, lack and deprivation on them.

Some motorists who spoke to DAILY POST who visited the scene, said, “we support the demolition of the bogus roundabout which occupies a greater part of the road and makes it difficult for vehicles to cross the area, thereby causing traffic gridlock.”

A journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, who also faulted the demolition exercise, said that the governor should have focused on addressing pressing challenges, such as payment of arrears, workers’ salaries.

“Imo is the only state where the government demolished a roundabout and rebuilt it,” he said.

(DAILY POST)

Metro

Gateman Arrested For Allegedly Defiling Four-year-old Pupil In Oyo

Published

12 hours ago

September 5, 2025

Editor

A 26-year-old gateman identified as Josiah Ayomide has been arrested for allegedly defiling a four-year-old pupil in one of the schools in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The suspect was paraded alongside other suspects arrested for offences ranging from theft, banditry, rape, and other crimes at the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Thursday.

In his briefing, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the suspect was nabbed after the victim complained of severe vaginal pains to her parents at home.

Osifeso added that after a thorough investigation and probe, the suspect confessed to the crime.

The police spokesman said the victim later told her mother that her school gateman had unlawfully raped her while she was in the school.

According to the report, “The victim was taken to the Police Medical Clinic, Eleyele-Ibadan, for medical examination and treatment, and the medical report revealed that the hymen was not intact, with tenderness around the vulva and vagina and bruises.”

Osifeso said the suspect would be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.

Metro

Panic As Fire Guts Fuel Station In Ikorodu

Published

14 hours ago

September 5, 2025

Editor

Photo: File Copy

There was pandemonium on Friday when fire gutted A1 Petroleum Filling Station, an independent oil dealer located on Isawo Road, off Agric Bus Stop in Ikorodu, Lagos.

As of 1 p.m., the extent of property destroyed and possible casualties had not been confirmed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by other emergency responders, were at the scene battling to contain the inferno, which reportedly began from a diesel-laden truck within the premises.

Metro

DSS Charges Top Ansaru Leaders Over Terrorism, Kuje Prison Break Roles

Published

14 hours ago

September 5, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought terrorism charges against two senior commanders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked terror group, over their alleged role in violent attacks across Nigeria.

The suspects are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, who is described as the Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Malam Mamuda. They were recently captured during security operations.

According to the DSS, the charges against them include leading a terrorist organisation, funding its activities, recruiting members, and planning violent operations nationwide.

Their arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected soon.

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), said the two men were behind the July 2022 Kuje prison attack, where more than 600 inmates, including Boko Haram suspects, escaped.

Ribadu explained: “Abu Bara was the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism.”

On Mamuda, Ribadu revealed that he trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadists from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in handling weapons and making explosive devices.

The NSA also linked the suspects to the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Musa Uba, Magajin Garin Daura, and the kidnapping of the Emir of Wawa.

Ribadu described their arrest as “a turning point”, noting that the duo maintained strong networks in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.