COVID-19 updates by NCDC

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, Oct. 23, 2020(NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) has confirmed 77 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The agency made this known via its verified wedsite on Friday.

The NCDC said that the 77 new cases brought the nations confirmed cases to 61,882.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as the country keeps up the fight against COVID-19, the spread of the virus continues to slow down.

According to the agency, the latest update shows that the country recorded 77 new infections with two COVID-19 related deaths in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the last 24 hours in the country.

The public health agency said that the number of recoveries stood at 57,190, as 205 patients were discharged across the nation in the last 24 hours.

The NCDC said that Lagos State recorded the bulk of the new infections with 21 cases, while Kaduna, Rivers and FCT confirmed 20, 19 and four new cases.

Others were; Osun State with three cases of the virus, Ondo, Sokoto, Kwara and Benue confirmed two cases each, while Imo and Ogun reported one case each.

The NCDC said it had conducted 602,239 tests since the first confirmed case relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced.

According to it, as at Oct. 24, 2020, 77 new confirmed cases and two deaths were recorded in the country.

The agency noted that till date, 61,882 cases were confirmed, 57,190 cases discharged and 1,129 deaths recorded in 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

It added that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, had continued to coordinate the national response activities.

Source: NAN News

Dr Ken Ukaoha, NANTS President

By Emmanuella Anokam

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has directed its members to adopt immediate security measures for their protection and ensure markets remained closed in states where curfew has been imposed by governments.

Dr Ken Ukaoha, the President of the association, who gave the directive in a statement onFriday in Abuja, said the association had reviewed and noted with dismay the turn of events in the last few days arising from the EndSARS protests.

According to him, it has realised that the current situation has gone beyond peaceful protests heading to wanton and uncontrollable destruction of lives and property.

He said that the development, if not checked might further result in anarchy.

The president said that the association had also acknowledged that there were plans by hoodlums, cultists and possible sponsored elements to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians, particularly traders.

According to him, the markets in selected states nationwide are equally targeted.

Specifically, there are indications of plans by hoodlums to masquerade in army and mobile police uniforms in the guise of protecting market places, only to unleash mayhem on traders and even set some identified markets on fire.

In view of the foregoing, all state chairmen of NANTS nationwide, all market chairmen and executives of malls and business premises are hereby directed to be vigilant to identify unscrupulous elements, in whatever guise around, targeting the destruction of markets.

They are to also report any strange and funny movements around the markets to security agencies immediately.

They are also expected to take urgent steps to guard and/or provide adequate security to the markets and malls, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Rivers, Delta, Kaduna, among others, where we sense potential actions of unscrupulous elements.

Ensure that no trader is involved in this ongoing needless destruction of lives and property and those identified must be reported to the relevant authorities, Ukaoha advised.

He urged those whose markets and goods were affected in the ongoing attacks to be calm, while urging government to seek ways of providing adequate security, compensation and other forms of succour to the affected traders and markets. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on security situation in the state

By Ismaila Chafe

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on security developments and the activities of illegal miners.

He said that already over 31 foreign illegal miners have so far been repatriated from the state.

Matawalle made this known to State House Correspondents after he met behind closed doors with the president at the State House, Abuja.

The governor said 11 Chinese illegal miners and 20 others from Burkina Faso and Mali were repatriated to their respective countries.

He said: I discussed the issue of illegal mining in my State with the President and he directed the office of the National Security Adviser to form a task force on illegal mining, which can go round the State to fish out these illegal miners.

Most of them are not Nigerians but with the support of the Army, Police and other security agencies in the State, some of these people were apprehended and repatriated back to their countries.

Eleven Chinese were repatriated and over 20 from Burkina Faso and Mali.

And its because we have a porous border particularly between Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina with Niger Republic which people always use to come in.

But measures are being taken by the Nigerian Immigration Service, I know they now use drones in some of these areas.

I have a lot of confidence that will help check such infiltration and henceforth we may not have such foreign nationals coming into our country through the back door.

The governor called on the federal government to take measures that would check the activities of illegal miners so as to harness the untapped mineral resources in States for the benefit both the central and state governments.

On security, the governor again condemned the recent killing of over 20 persons in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the State by bandits.

He stated that he used the opportunity of his meeting with the president to demand for additional presidential intervention in order to address the menace of bandits as well as strengthen security in the State.

After the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, we had some challenges in Zamfara and particularly on Wednesday, about 20 people were killed in Talata Mafara Local Government.

And what I solicited from the President was to see how we can be able to have more security personnel that will secure the territory of the State, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Aminu Garko

The Police Command in Niger has arrested 13 suspects over alleged armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and dealing in Indian hemp in different parts of the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued in Minna.

Abiodun said on Oct. 16, at about 13: 00 hours, 11 notorious armed robbers that had been terrorising Minna metropolis were smashed by the police operatives attached to Area Command, Minna.

He said that the command recorded incidences of armed robbery attacks at Barkin Sale on Oct.20, Bosso Estate on Oct.18, Maitumbi on Oct. 24, Moris on Oct. 8 and Shango on Oct.9 all in Minna metropolis.

He said that during the incidences people were robbed of their valuables and about six different vehicles carted away.

We swung into action and arrested 11 suspects who all confessed to be members of the syndicate who participated in these robberies .

We also recovered 1 Barreta pistol,1brownie pistol, 1locally made pistol,5 plasma television,1 Peugeot 206 with registration No.YAB 719LH,2 live ammunition and 4 cartridges.

Others items recovered from the suspects were,1,iron,1cutlass,1screw,some keys ,1iphone,1 Gionee handset,25 pieces of wrappers 1 butterfly sewing machine , 1 Samsung home threatre with five mini speakers and the sum of N 85,500 from the suspects, the police spokesman said.

He said efforts were ongoing to arrest the receivers and recover other vehicles that were stolen.

Similarly on Oct .17, at about 1500 hours Police Safe Highway patrol team attached to Kagara division along Tegina- Zungeru road intercepted and arrested one Suleiman Abdullahi of Mailamba -Agwa village in possession of a locally fabricated riffle with 14 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition.

The suspect confessed to have bought the rifle at N 70.000 through his late brother Sani Abdullahi.

Also on oct.14, at about 1700 hours information was received that one Godwin Snu was conveying 70 bags of Indian hemp from Abuja to Gwada.

Police Operatives attached to Gwada division swung into action and traced 50 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in a bush near Daza village of Munya Local Government Area.

One Martins Ikwor of Enugu State later surfaced and claimed the ownership of the 50 bags recovered.

Further investigation revealed that the remaining 20 bags are in possession of the said Godwin Snu.

He said that effort to arrest Godwin and recover the remaining bags was ongoing.

Similarly on Oct.9, at about 0430 hours credible information was received that an Indian hemp dealer was conveying some substances believed to be Indian hemp along Mokwa-Jebba road.

Police Operatives attached to Mokwa division were mobilised to trail the suspect.

In the process, police discovered 134 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp abandoned in the bush.

He said that efforts were being made to arrest the suspect. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Henry Oladele

The Nasrul-lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) says it has set up a N10 million relief fund for victims of #ENDSARS protest as it enjoins Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue for a prosperous Nigeria.

The President of the society,Mr Niyi Yusuf, in a statement issuedin Lagos on Saturdayexpressed shock at the reported use of gunshots to disperse peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate.

He condemned all acts of violence, arson and banditry by hoodlums and called for an immediate end of all forms of violence for sustainable peace and security.

We are sad over the loss of lives and livelihood from incidents of arson, riots and looting by hoodlums in several states.

To support affected members, we announce the immediate establishment of a N10m victims restitution relief fund to provide succour to those injured.

This relief fund also goes to those whose businesses and properties may have been vandalised.

Additionally, the society plans to setup a Fellowship Programme for traditional and social media journalists.

This is aimed at recognising, promoting and rewarding reportage that accentuate instances of humane, conscientious and gallant acts of the Nigerian police force that promote good community relationship, he said.

Yusuf said that the society welcomed the directives for an immediate resolution of the crisis and justice to all affected persons from the mayhem in line with the laws and Constitution of Nigeria.

The society commends the governors for their speedy inauguration of judicial panel of inquiry into alleged cases of police brutality at the state level.

The society also commends all our youths who have conducted themselves peacefully.

In the same light, NASFAT calls on the security agencies to always exercise restraint as they restore law and order across the country.

I appeal to all protesters and demonstrators to call off all related street protests and embrace the opportunity for dialogue and peace, he said.

NASFAT requests the government to accelerate genuine dialogue and consultation with civil society organisations, religious leaders, community elders and youth associations.

This dialogue and consultation should be geared toward implementing the announced police reforms, reforming other institutions, job creation and poverty reduction for a more just, united, peaceful and prosperousNigeria, he said.

He prayed that the country would never witness such tragedy again and called on Nigerians to adopt dialogue, embrace peace and obey all lawful directives of the authorities.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ekiti State government, raised an alarm on Saturday that huge quantities of poisonous items, mistaken for food yet to be distributed as Covid-19 palliatives, were looted in warehouses in Ado-Ekiti on Friday

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Akin Omole, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that raising the alarm became expedient to forestall any harm that could befall anyone who consumed the items.

Also reportedly looted was the office of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Ado Ekiti.

Information at our disposal revealed that the Federal Governments silos, the ADP warehouse and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) stores, all in Ado- Ekiti, were attacked by hoodlums under the guise of seeking Covid-19 palliatives.

We insist that Ekiti state currently has no Covid-19 palliative warehouse as all the palliatives had been distributed.

Unfortunately, the items carted away were Single Super Phosphate and NPK fertilisers, which they erroneously thought was Gaari, cassava grains.

The SEMA store too has only emergency supplies for disaster response.

Some people even made away with pre-fermented corns preserved for planting. All these items are poisonous and not fit for consumption.

We, therefore, appeal to our people not to consume these items because they can kill, Omole warned.

In a similar statement, Dr Olabode Adetoyi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, confirmed the looting, warning that most of the items carted away contained chemically-treated seeds meant for planting.

They are not suitable for consumption, he declared.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the looters actually defied a heavy downpour in Ado-Ekiti on Friday night to storm the warehouses.

Many travelled long distances either in their private vehicles or in taxis or on motorcycles to get to the warehouses to loot.

Soldiers drafted to the warehouses were late as most of them were almost empty before they arrived. They deployed minimal force in their attempt to send the looters away, but in spite of this, some of them sustained injuries.

Some residents are of the opinion that the looters were encouraged by similar incidents earlier reported in Lagos and Osun states, where looted many bags of rice, beans, spaghetti and other consumables stored in government warehouses.

Source: NAN News

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has appealed to protesting youths against Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) to sheath their sword and give government opportunity to prevail over their requests.

The National Trustee of the association, Hajia Raliat Sanni, made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with various youth leaders of the association in Ilorin.

She said there is no justification for the unlawful activities displayed by the aggrieved protesters.

Hoodlums have hijacked the protest and absolutely no justification for all the criminal activities to distort the good intention of the #EndSARS protest.

Most of the shops looted by hoodlums are owned by the defenceless low class men and women who live from hand to mouth.

The vehicles burnt belong to low class income groups who live in houses without fence or protection. The government vehicles and offices burnt were procured with tax payers money.

The BRT buses that were set ablazed in Lagos were the ones conveying the low income groups to work.

Sanni explained that the demands of the protesters were genuine and reasonable and they had made it known to government and government heard them loud and clear.

But as mothers, we are concerned about the dimension that the protest is now taking, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.

She, therefore, appealed to youths to give government a chance, saying we want you to convey this appeal to your colleagues males and females, to your brothers and sisters out there to refrain from further participation.

Hajia Halimat Yusuf, one of the leaders of the association and former Commissioner for Education in Kwara, advised Muslims to always fear Allah, and to be honest.

She appealed to government to ensure the employment of competent hands in the various government owned establishments across the country.

Yusuf enjoined FOMWAN youths to always seek for forgiveness from Allah.

Source: NAN News

The Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.

Kebbi Government has confirmed an outbreak of gastroentritis in four local government areas following the contamination of water sources due to recent flooding in the state.

The flood had rendered many people homeless, destroyed farm produce and other property and contaminated potable water sources.

The Director, Community Health in the state Ministry of Health, Muhammad-Abdullahi Bubuce said on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi that 328 people were affected.

According to him, the ministry had taken measures to arrest the situation, in order to curb further spread of the disease.

From the reports we received so far, 328 persons have been infected with the disease but the worse hit areas are; Kalgo, Sakaba, Maiyama and Suru Local Government Areas.

For now, we have enough medicine in stock to take care of patients especially those whose sickness has not deteriorated.

I want to appeal to people to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene and ensure that every house has a toilet for use as against passing out stool in the bush.

Once we do not provide toilets in our houses, our environment will continue to contaminate, hence the need to adhere to this advise, Bubuce said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered some of the victims had died, but the director declined to give figures.

Some of the victims who recovered said they were forced to use the contaminated water for their daily activities because they had no alternative source to clean water.

Source: NAN News

Personnel of NSCDC

By Ramatu Garba

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, says it has recorded over 512 civil and criminal cases from January to date.

ASC Ibrahim Abdullahi, the spokesman of the Command, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Kano.

Abdullahi said that out of the 512 cases; 289 were criminal in nature while 223 others on civil matters.

He said: The criminal cases were related to theft; rape, vandalism, illegal sim cards registration, drug abuse, assault and fraud among others.

Over 62 cases of theft, rape, vandalism and illegal sim cards registration were prosecuted before the court of law.

The remaining criminal cases were at various stages of investigation and would soon be charged to court.

Abdullahi noted that 223 civil matters were treated and resolved under its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit.

According to him, the civil cases are that of misunderstanding; land related matters, indebtedness, conflict and domestic disputes, adding that the Command recovered and handed over N4.2 million to the rightful owners.

The spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Command to fight crimes, protect lives and property in the state.

Source: NAN News

Babajide Sanwo-Olu,Lagos State Governor

Tajudeen Atitebi

The Lagos State Government has eased the 24-hour curfew imposed in Lagos State to allow movement of persons from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Saturday.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, announced this on Friday while inspecting some places that were affected by the destruction during the mayhem in the aftermath of the Lekki Toll Plaza incident on Tuesday night.

He said that there were still pockets of insecurity in the state, adding that the curfew might be reviewed on Saturday after consultations with security agencies.

The governor said that the government would commence cleaning the city from Saturday morning and appealed to motorists to drive with caution.

Sanwo-Olu said that the panel of inquiry into the Lekki Toll Plaza incident would start sitting from Monday and appealed to anyone with petition to send it to the panel. (NAN)

Source: NAN News