CRIME
COVID-19: Ortom Imposes Curfew in Benue, Closes inter-State Boundaries
Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew with effect from Monday, March 30, 2020 across the state as part of measures to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.
Those on essential services will however, not be affected by the restriction order.
Ortom announced the measures during a live broadcast to people of the state Sunday evening.
He said all routes linking the Food Basket State with other states will be closed on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.Also, he said commercial vehicles coming in and those going out of the state, as well as those moving from one local government to another must produce manifest of their passengers for proper tracking of contacts in case of any incidence.
In addition to the curfew and closure of boundaries, the Governor reiterated the ban on markets with effect from Monday and public gatherings of all sorts, urging the people to cooperate in the interest of all.
Other measures as announced by the Governor include ban on all night clubs, bars and restaurants which would only render takeaway services, conveyance of limited number of people by town service buses and tricycles with the use of hand sanitizers by passengers at all times.
He announced other proactive steps towards preventing the spread of the disease to include social distancing, regular washing of hands with soap and running water, use of hand sanitizers, coughing or sneezing in a bent elbow and wearing of face masks as well as other preventive measures.
While charging people of the state to become information officers in sanitizing the public on preventive measures against the deadly Coronavirus, the Governor also urged those who had contact with the first index case to come out for testing as early detection and treatment could help in saving lives.
He announced emergency help lines to the response team to include the following telephone numbers: 07025031214, 09018602439, 07037449837 and 08033696511 through which the public could call to report suspected cases or seek help from relevant authorities.
Governor Ortom stated that government had already released N76 million naira to the State Action Committee on COVID- 19 and a Hilux vehicle to facilitate its operations, stressing that six ambulances had also been provided to attend to any suspected cases across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The Governor who acknowledged the fact that some of the drastic measures taken by his administration were painful, they were necessary sacrifices meant to prevent loss of lives due to the global pandemic.
He implored Benue people to also seek the face of God through fasting and prayers, saying God works in wonderful ways and would also salvage the situation.
CRIME
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
CRIME
Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
CRIME
Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.