Windstorm Claims Life, Injures Many, and Destroys Homes in Nasarawa State

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April 4, 2024

A devastating windstorm that struck Agbashi community in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State on Tuesday has resulted in tragic consequences, including the loss of life, injuries, and extensive property damage.

Vice Chairman of Doma LGA, John Bako – Ari, confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday, revealing that the windstorm hit the area around 8 pm, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Bako – Ari disclosed that over 100 residential houses were destroyed, along with the Agbashi Central mosque, part of Pilot Primary School Agbashi, and several other public infrastructure.

“It is true that the windstorm destroyed over 100 houses, including a mosque and Primary school. The incident happened yesterday in the evening,” he stated.

Anthony Oshinyeka, acting Chairman of the Agbashi Development Association (ADA), also expressed sorrow over the unfortunate incident. He revealed that Bassa settlement in Iponu, on the outskirts of Agbashi, was severely affected, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries.

Oshinyeka urgently appealed to the government to intervene and provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of the distressed people of Agbashi community. He specifically called for the immediate release of relief materials and medical aids by the government and well-meaning individuals to support the affected communities during this challenging time.

The windstorm’s aftermath has left a significant impact on the community, highlighting the urgent need for swift and comprehensive relief efforts to aid the recovery and rebuilding process.

FCT Police Commissioner Leads Raid on Suspected Criminal Hideouts

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Roland Edet

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April 4, 2024

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Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Benneth Igweh, has conducted a raid on suspected criminal and kidnappers’ hideouts and routes surrounding Zone A and B of Apo-resettlement and its environs.

According to a statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the raid took place on April 1, 2024, at about 11 am, aimed at implementing security measures in the area perceived to be kidnappers’ routes and criminal hideouts.

While it’s not explicitly stated, the raid may have been prompted by recent incidents, including the killing of two elderly couples in the area.

The operation involved burning of illegal structures and bushes surrounding the hills and proactive deployment of police operatives for surveillance patrol, effectively securing entry and exit routes to the hills.

CP Igweh emphasized that criminals intending to disrupt the peace in the FCT will face decisive action from the police, signaling a shift in approach towards tackling criminal activities.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities using the Police emergency lines.

In a related incident, on April 1 at about 10 pm, the Estate Manager of Zone D 1st gate, Apo Legislative quarters, alerted the Apo Divisional Police Headquarters about the discovery of the bodies of Adebola Ezikiel and Abiodun Ezikiel, with their throats slit.

CP Igweh visited the crime scene and ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to commence a discreet investigation into the matter, promising to communicate the outcome of the investigations in due course.

LASTMA Urges Motorists to Adhere to Speed Limits as 3rd Mainland Bridge Reopens

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Saladin Babagana

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April 4, 2024

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to maintain speed limits while traversing the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge, set to reopen on April 4.

Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits while driving on the extensive stretch of the bridge, linking the mainland to other parts of the state.

Addressing officers of the Agency responsible for traffic control on the bridge, Bakare Oki cautioned that the allure of the comprehensively repaired bridge might tempt motorists to exceed speed limits, leading to potentially hazardous situations.

“The government has installed state-of-the-art facilities that will aid motorists in navigating the entire bridge to their various destinations within a reasonable travel time,” stated Bakare Oki.

He urged motorists to respect traffic signs and other electronic devices installed along the bridge and to adhere strictly to the approved speed limit.

“Motorists must be conscious of time and plan their journey ahead to avoid unnecessary overspeeding while using the bridge and any other link roads across the State,” he added.

To ensure the safety of motorists and provide timely intervention in case of emergencies, Bakare Oki assured the public that LASTMA would deploy more personnel, patrol vehicles, and recovery vehicles on the bridge.

However, he cautioned vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before using the bridge, as the Agency will not tolerate any avoidable obstacles hindering vehicular movements on the flyover.

The Federal Government is set to reopen the Third Mainland Bridge for traffic on April 4, 2024, after comprehensive renovation works.

Wike Unveils Ambitious N1.28 Trillion Budget to Revolutionize Infrastructure

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Toyin Adebayo

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April 2, 2024

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has announced a groundbreaking N1.28 trillion budget for 2024, aimed at revolutionizing infrastructure provision in the nation’s capital.

During a media chat with journalists in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that the budget would not only focus on road networks but also prioritize healthcare, education, and the Abuja metro line, among other vital projects.

“Frankly speaking, it is going to revolutionize infrastructure as far as the FCT is concerned. Not only road networks but also in health and education,” stated Minister Wike.

He revealed that 70 percent of the budget has been allocated to capital expenditure, with 58 percent earmarked for the completion of ongoing projects and 42 percent for new projects.

Among the priority projects are the rehabilitation of 21 schools in deplorable conditions across the six Area Councils and the upgrade of Utako, Gwagwalada, and Gwarimpa General Hospitals.

“I believe by the grace of God that the budget is going to be very impactful to the residents of Abuja,” added Minister Wike.

Addressing concerns about financing such a large budget, the Minister disclosed that the withdrawal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had enabled the Administration to source funds from the financial market using its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He explained that this approach would address delays in project completion and restore contractors’ confidence.

“The funds are there now, and the contractors are happy because these funds have been tied to various specific projects. It is going to create a situation where people will wonder what is going on,” said Minister Wike.

Highlighting ongoing projects slated for completion by May, Minister Wike mentioned the Southern Parkway, Wuye Interchange, Outer Southern Expressway, Arterial Road N20, Guzape District Infrastructure, Abuja Metroline, and various access roads to train stations.

Regarding security, the Minister revealed plans to establish a special response squad comprising a joint team from various security agencies, equipped with drones to enhance surveillance and proactive action against crime.

On land matters, Minister Wike assured efforts to sanitize land administration in the FCT, dismissing allegations of vindictiveness and warning against ethnic colorations in actions taken by the FCTA.

“As far as I’m concerned in this FCT, it is no longer going to be business as usual,” emphasized Minister Wike.

He concluded by expressing his intent to concentrate more on his duties as FCT Minister, setting aside political matters in his home state of Rivers.

FCTA Demolishes Illegal Structures in Gosa District, Collaborates with Law Enforcement

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Toyin Adebayo

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April 2, 2024

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Department of Development Control, executed a demolition exercise on Tuesday to reclaim over 100 hectares of land in Gosa District.

Tlp Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department, highlighted the collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian police to apprehend perpetrators involved in illegal land grabbing activities.

“The importance of eliminating land grabbing cases cannot be overstated, as it prevents unsuspecting Nigerians from purchasing properties acquired through deceitful means,” emphasized Galadima.

He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to addressing such incidents, referencing similar actions taken near the train station last year.

The reclaimed land, initially allocated to a corporate entity for housing estates, was illegally fenced off by encroachers. Galadima assured that all illegal fences would be removed to prevent further encroachment.

He urged prospective land buyers to conduct due diligence by verifying land allocations with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Lands Administration, Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning.

In terms of sustainability plans, Galadima outlined ongoing efforts to monitor the environment regularly, with particular attention to Gosa District’s development designated by Urban and Regional Planning.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of Command and Control at FCTA, condemned land grabbers’ criminal activities, including falsification of documents and violent confrontations with authorities. He affirmed that the eight perpetrators arrested during the operation would face legal consequences.

Hamza Adamu, CEO of Ivory Shelters Nigerian Limited, confirmed the legitimate allocation of the land for mixed-use development, including commercial and residential purposes. Adamu assured ongoing infrastructure development and security measures, emphasizing affordability and client protection.

He denounced illegal occupants as land grabbers and reassured buyers of property within the allocated land’s safety. Adamu projected a five-year completion timeline for the project, aiming to create a low-cost estate accessible to all.

Wike Unveils Ambitious N1.28 Trillion Budget to Revolutionize Infrastructure

By

Toyin Adebayo

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April 2, 2024

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