Metro

Ondo NUJ Decries Deplorable State Of Akure-Ado-Ekiti Highway

Published

3 years ago

April 29, 2022

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has frowned at the continued neglect of the Akure/Ado-Ekiti highway by the Federal Government.

While decrying the attitude of both the Federal Government as well as Ekiti and Ondo state governments towards the reconstruction of the road, which links Ekiti and Ondo state, the NUJ stated that residents have been facing agony on the route.

The state council of the NUJ disclosed this during the congress of the union which was led by the Chairman, Leke Adegbite, at the union’s secretariat, Akure, the state capital.

Following the collapse of the highway, travellers now drive through longer routes of over two hours as against the 30 minutes drive on the Akure-Ado Ekiti highway.

In a communique issued after the congress, the union appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the contractor moves back to the site.

The communique, which was signed by Folashade Oladeinde as Chairman, and Kayode Olorundare, Secretary, read: “the Congress expresses concern over the terrible condition of Akure-Ado Ekiti Highway, calls on the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola to mobilise contractors back to the site.

“The Union also appeals to Governors Kayode Fayemi and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as well as the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alasoadura and the National Assembly Members from Ondo and Ekiti States to mount pressure on the FG to fix the road in the interest of the people who suffer on the road daily.”

During the congress, the Union also expressed displeasure over the alleged abandonment of governance across the board as a result of political activities ahead of the 2023 general elections.

It added that urgent resolution must be taken in respect of the prolonged ASUU strike to prevent University students from engaging in social vices that can destroy their future.

While vowing to take stringent measures against quackery in the media profession and fake journalists in the state, the union condemned the recent fake news over the death rumour of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Metro

Gunmen Abduct Chief Imam In Edo, Demand N30m Ransom

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen.

Muhammad, who is also the
President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, was said to have been kidnapped at the Angle 90 Area of Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, around 2 p.m. on Thursday

Eyewitness accounts revealed that Muhammad had stepped out to buy food for his family near his residence shortly after observing one of the daily prayers when he was forcefully taken away.

Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), while confirming the incident on Sunday to newsmen, condemned the act and called for the immediate release of the Islamic leader.

“I am hearing that they are asking for a very large amount of money, and we don’t have such.

“Even if you have it, if you pay, you are encouraging them,” he said.

The chairman urged the Edo State government to intensify efforts to protect ordinary citizens.

“They are the ones with the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure the Imam is released unconditionally and unharmed.

“Government should also make every effort to ensure that citizens can sleep with their two eyes closed and move freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he added.

A family source disclosed that the suspected kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the victim’s dual role as a revered religious leader and youth development advocate.

Contacted, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the report, saying: “It was reported to us on 10/7/2025. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and track down the culprits.”

Metro

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs In Factory-fitted Lipsticks At Lagos Airport

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment of illicit substances concealed in factory-fitted female lipsticks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The discovery, which marks the second of such in less than a week, was announced by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.

“Ladies beware! It does appear like female lipstick is becoming attractive as an instrument for concealment and trafficking now,” Babafemi warned.

“With yet another consignment of factory-fitted female lipsticks stuffed with illicit substances intercepted at MMIA barely a week after NDLEA officers uncovered a similar cargo at a courier company in Lagos.”

He urged Nigerians, particularly women, to be cautious when purchasing or accepting cosmetic products, especially from unfamiliar or suspicious online sources.

The NDLEA has yet to reveal the identity of the suspect(s) behind the latest smuggling attempt, but investigations are said to be ongoing.

Metro

50-year-old Bandit, Two Informants Arrested

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Zamfara State Police Command has announced the arrest of eight suspected criminals, including a 50-year-old bandit and two informants, as part of ongoing operations to dislodge criminal elements across the state.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed these successes during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Gusau.

Abubakar stated that the arrested individuals include Ibrahim Mohammed, a 50-year-old suspected bandit from Maru Local Government Area of the state, two bandit informants, a gun runner, and five other suspects.

He credited the arrests to credible intelligence received from members of the public.

Items recovered during the operations include assorted rifles, a stolen ATM card, leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and a Toyota Corolla vehicle, among other items.

The arrests are part of the Zamfara State Police Command’s sustained efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the state.