COVER
#EndSARS: Bloodshed Nationwide as Protesters,Hoodlums, Military Clash
By Orkula Shaagee and John Onah, Abuja
The peaceful protest embarked upon by #EndSARS protesters all over the country, got messier yesterday as pockets Bof violence, killing and destruction of property evolved in most parts of the country.
In the wake of this, the Senate called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation in a bid to douse tension as the protest took different dimensions occasioned by killing and rape.
The Senate resolution for President Buhari to speak out, was sequel to a motion moved by Senator Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South) and co-sponsored by all Senators on the ongoing nationwide protests.
This is even as the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, vowed not to “sign the 2021 budget without adequate provision for compensation of victims of police brutality and demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)”.
The Senate, which also appealed to the protesters to stay action to enable the Federal Government, commence action in meeting their demands, called on the Police to protect the protesters from attacks, rather shooting at them.
In his contribution Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) while seconding the motion, urged the Federal Government to dialogue with the #EndSARS protesters to stop the protests.
I won’t Sign-off 2021 Budget Gbajabiamila
Gbajabiamila described protesting youths across the country as midwives of national rebirth, saying their agitation has brought about a historical moment in the country.
Addressing his colleagues at the plenary, the Speaker said: “You (protesting youths) have moved a nation to action, and now you must join in doing the hard work of making real the vision of a more just, more prosperous, and more resilient nation.
“We see your true cause. Please do not allow your righteous cause to be hijacked by those with based motives, who see in this moment an opportunity to pursue vendettas, to spread division, exploit the many existing fissures that exist in our society and bring our nation to its knees.
“You have raised your voices and marched to demand a better Nigeria. From Abuja to Washington, to Calgary and London, your voices have been heard.
” Do not allow anybody to convince you that to withdraw from the streets now is to concede defeat.
“This is the time to move your agitation from the chaos of the streets to the painstaking deliberations and strategic partnerships that birth policy and produce legislation.
“It is time to mobilise your voices in support of specific policy interventions that will deliver on our shared objectives of national renewal and a country that reflects the best of us. I thank you, your country thanks you, and history will be kind to you.”
One Feared Dead in FCT
Gunshots were heard in Dutse Makaranta area of Bwari Area Council, while one person was reportedly killed and many others injured Waru settlement, of Apo District in the Federal Capital Territory as youths protesting police brutality and those against the protest clashed.
DAILY ASSET gathered that three vehicles and Dutse Makaranta Police station were burnt down by the angry protesters.
Our reporter also gathered that trouble started when the police threw teargas canisters at the #EndSARS protesters, who were holding their rally for the second day at the Police Signboard Bus Stop.
No policeman was available for comment when our reporter visited the police station that was still burning at the time of filling this report.
Also, several attempts and text messages to get reaction from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), was unsuccessful.
Many others were injured and property worth millions of naira was also destroyed in the civil disturbance that began at about 8:00 am.
Some residents said trouble started as #EndSARS protesters were resuming their daily demonstrations against police brutality within the district.
However, a combined team of soldiers and the police have moved to Waru, where a thick pillar of smoke billowed at about 11:15 am, to arrest the violence and restore peace in the area.
The security agents barricaded some roads leading the epicentre of the attacks, while an eyewitness who preferred not to be named, said the man who died was warned against proceeding to Waru settlement because hoodlums had reportedly laid an ambush for #EndSARS protesters in the area.
Five Fear Killed in Lagos
As violence continued to spread in parts of the state, the Lagos State Police Command said security operatives have been deployed to quell any likelihood of insurrection.
It said the deployment also came on the heels of the 24-hour curfew declared by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Reports have it that about five persons were killed in Ketu and Orile areas of the state at a violent clashes between thugs and policemen.
There were also reports of violence at Meiran, Ajegunle and Apapa areas of the state with residents blaming the police for instigating the situations.
It was gathered that police stations in Ajegunle were attacked as a spill-over of the Orile fracas, while unconfirmed reports indicated that a trigger-happy cop opened fire indiscriminately and shot an ‘Area Boy’ as well as a young man, a development that forced hoodlums to set fire on the Orile Police Station, killing one of the officers.
The incident soon escalated to Ijora, Ajegunle and Apapa with thugs attacking police stations and those on sight.
In Ketu, it was gathered that three persons were killed following a clash between suspected cultists and market boys.
In a statement by Police spokesman for the command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said “no protests, gatherings or procession under any guise was allowed anymore in the state.
“Due to the new development of violent attacks on police officers and men and formations including innocent Nigerians in Lagos State, and the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government with effect from 4pm today October 20; the Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public that henceforth no protest or gathering or possession, under whatever guise, is permitted within Lagos State.
“In the light of the above, all security agencies have deployed adequate personnel to take charge and enforce the curfew across the state.
“The command regrets to confirm the setting ablaze of Orile Police State today at about 10am, where some of our policemen were critically injured and unconfirmed reports state that one of them is dead.
Ondo Shuts Schools over Protests
The Ondo State Government has directed all pupils and students alike in public and private schools to stay at home following the tension generated by the #EndSARS protests in the state.
State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, speaking through his official Twitter handle, said: “I have directed that all schools that resumed on Monday October 19th, 2020 are closed for the meantime from tomorrow (today) October21st, 2020 because of the engulfing nationwide protest and the need to ensure safety of our students and staff.”
“Parents and the public are to note this directive and all schools are to comply and any inconvenience is regretted, while the State Government would ensure resumption of our schools as soon as possible.”
Two Killed as Hoodlums Hijack Protest in Jos
That started like #EndSARS/SWAT peaceful protest turned violent at Jos Terminus with reports of hoodlums hijacking the protest burning and smashing cars around the areas.
According to reports, hundreds of the protesters had converged at Jos Terminus and Ahmadu Bello way to continue with their peaceful protest of blocking entry points and streets.
Unfortunately, it was learnt that hoodlums suddenly took over and started attacking people, burning and smashing the windscreens of cars parked around and looting.
Unconfirmed reports have it that two persons were feared dead and some injured.
At the old Bukuru Park, hundreds of the protesters also barricaded the area causing apprehension, while several calls made to Police spokesman, ASP Gabriel Ubah was not responded to.
Ondo Varsity Closed
The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo state has been shut down following fears arising from the increasing #EndSARS nationwide protest.
A circular signed by one Ezekiel Adeniran on behalf of the Registrar on Tuesday stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Adesegun Fatusi, had directed the institution’s closure.
“Following the ongoing nationwide protest, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi on behalf of the University Senate, has directed that the university should be closed with immediate effect,” the circular dated October 20, 2020, stated.
“The above information is for the strict compliance of all students as they are requests to vacate the university premises immediately for their safety and protection.”
#EndSARS protesters had poured out into the streets of Akure and Ondo City , barricading major roads and creating difficulty for vehicular and human traffic.
There were reports of an attack on a staff of the institution during the protest, necessitating the action by the vice-chancellor.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has set up a judicial panel of inquiry on police brutality, urging the protesters to take advantage of the opportunity to submit memorandum on police violations of their rights. The judicial panel would be inaugurated later on Tuesday.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, the panel is headed by retired judge, Salisu Adesola Sidiq, and would look into all complaints by members of the public on alleged illegal activities of officers of Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State.
Three #EndSARS Protesters Raped in Ekiti — Police
The police in Ekiti State have said the EndSARS protest in the state had been hijacked by hoodlums, turning the protest into an avenue for criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said three female protesters were gang-raped on Sunday night by hoodlums during the ongoing protest in Ado Ekiti.
He said the incident took place around the Fajuyi Park area where the protesters were mainly situated.
He also said three trucks were set on fire by the hoodlums during the protest.
The report was said to have spurred the state government to order the closure of all public and private schools in the state.
The state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, said the closure would ensure the safety of the children.
Abutu said the hoodlums’ hijack of the protests portrayed danger for the country.
“Every Nigerian or group has the legitimate right to protest but the moment you start destroying property, then it becomes another thing,” the police spokesman said.
“We appeal to the youths to refrain from wanting destruction of lives and property under the guise of protest”, he said.
Four killed, Two Police Stations Burnt in Ibadan
No fewer than four people died during a clash between suspected hoodlums and police in Ojoo area, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.
Two police stations in Moniya, Ojoo area of the state were also burnt.
This is as the state government ordered the closure of all schools in the state for the rest of the week.
Additionally, the government directed the men of the Joint Security Anti-Crime Task Force Team code-named ‘Operation Burst’ to troubled part of the metropolis.
Unconfirmed sources said crisis erupted when police officers at Ojoo Police station opened fire at hundreds of youth during #EndSARS protest after suspecting that they were going to launch an attack on them.
The suspected hoodlums were said to have launched the attack on a police station in Ojoo, Ibadan after the police fired the shots.
Vehicles parked inside the station were also burnt along with the station.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police command, Fadeyi Olugbenga, said: “Disgruntled elements and miscreants attacked Ojoo Police station in the name of protest.”
In a state-wide broadcast the state governor said although no cases of disruptions of protest grounds was recorded in the state since it started, thugs and hoodlums have taken advantage of the situation to perpetrate uncivil acts and harass citizens who are going about their day-to-day activities.
“I address you at this time to talk about some of the issues that have been thrown up by the #EndSARS protests in Oyo State. I have always said that peaceful protests are an important part of our democratic process, and no one should be harassed or brutalised for protesting.
“For this reason, we deployed members of Operation Burst to protect protesters. And we are happy to report that there have been no cases of disruptions of protest grounds in Oyo State since they started work.
“However, the past two days have seen a new dimension to the ongoing protests. Thugs and hoodlums have taken advantage of the situation to perpetrate uncivil acts and harass citizens who are going about their day-to-day activities.
“Some thugs are going as far as forcing people who have businesses open to close shop and join in the protests. We know these are criminal elements. And so, as a state, we must act to protect the citizenry.
“Therefore, we are deploying members of Operation Burst to various hotspots in Ibadan to arrest the situation and restore normalcy. The members of the team will continue to protect genuine protesters and their right to protest. But we cannot allow persons with ulterior motives to hijack the protests.
“We remain committed to the process of meeting the demands of these protests. Already, as promised, the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Oyo State, has withdrawn cases against #EndSARS protesters, and those in custody have been released.
“Also, the Oyo State Government has set up platforms for reporting past and present incidents of police brutality and injustice. This will naturally pave the way for the next steps in our quest to get justice for the victims. I urge the good people of Oyo State to trust the process that we have set up and rest assured that every case will be pursued to a logical conclusion.
“I have directed that all schools in Ibadan, should be closed from tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21 2020 for the rest of this week. The situation will be reviewed on Friday, October 23 2020, and then further directives will be given.
“Please call 615 should anyone attempt to disrupt your legitimate business activities.
“We will continue to seek ways to engage with peaceful protesters. Our plan is that in the shortest possible time, we can finally say the days of large-scale and wanton police brutality and injustice is a thing of the past. Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional in the discharge of their duties as they will be held responsible for their actions.”
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
As part of efforts to reposition the newspaper for optimum corporate performance, the management of Asset Newspapers Limited, Publishers of DAILY ASSET, has announced the appointment of David Torough as the Editor of the Abuja-based national daily.
A statement by the management said the appointments were part of the company’s new strategy to further penetrate the various states in the country and raise its readership and patronage.
“DAILY ASSET is widely acceptable across the country and to maintain our leadership position, we need to increase management presence, hence the need to create new Bureau offices in some locations outside Abuja and Lagos,” the statement quoted the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, Dr Cletus Akwaya to have said.
In a statement yesterday, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the fast-growing daily, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said the appointment was part of the new strategy to properly situate the paper for better productivity.
“DAILY ASSET has a commitment with the Nigerian people. We are determined to weather the storm and give Nigerian readers a Newspaper that satisfies their yearnings and reading pleasure and we can only do that with the right set of professionals,” the statement said.
Akwaya, a former Commissioner of Information from Benue State said the difficult times being faced by Nigerians posed a great challenge to the media as the people deserved credible information with which to make choices.
“We have a bond with the people, to offer credible information at all times in the best tradition of the Nigerian Press and on this scale of objectivity, truth and fairness, we pledge to remain steadfast no matter the challenges,” Akwaya was quoted to have said.
He said the newspaper will maiantin its daily print run and circulation to all states of the federation and urged advertisers to take advantage of the deep penetration of the Daily Asset brand to send their messages.
Torough, the new Editor has had a steady rise in the Newspaper in the last five years.
A graduate of Mass communication of the Benue State University, Makurdi, Torough joined the company in 2022 as Benue State Correspondent. He was spotted for his brilliance and redeployed to Abuja the following year and promoted to Deputy News Editor. He was subswuently named Deputy Editor of the paper, a position he held until the recent appointment.
Torough has attended several journalistic workshops and trainings to properly equip himself for the task ahead.
The statement also said the Management named Eze Okechukwu as Deputy Editor.
Before his elevation as Deputy Editor, Eze has been Deputy Politics Editor and DAILY ASSET Newspaper correspondent covering the Senate, having joined the organization in 2021.
Born on March 10, 1975, Eze holds a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Eze began his journalism career with Daily Star, Enugu and later worked with Daily Trust Newspaper, Abuja as sports reporter.
Aside from his journalistic excellence, he has a great deal of passion for sports.
From Ngutor Dekera, Kaduna and Aliyu Askira, Kano
Northern governors and traditional rulers yesterday called for the suspension of mining activities across the region for six months, blaming illegal mining for worsening insecurity in many states.The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The meeting, chaired by the Gombe State Governor and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils. The Forum expressed concern over the escalating violence in parts of the North, including the killings and abductions recently recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and good people of the affected states,” the communiqué said, noting that the attacks on schoolchildren and other citizens had become “unacceptable tragedies” that required urgent collective action.It commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as the Federal Government’s “firm response” to recent abductions and insurgency threats, especially the rescue of some abducted pupils.The governors also saluted security agencies for their sacrifices on the frontlines.“We resolved to renew our support for every step taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves in order to end the criminality,” the Forum stated.A major highlight of the meeting was the North’s renewed push for the establishment of state police, with governors and traditional rulers insisting that decentralised policing had become inevitable.“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué added, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to “expedite action for its actualisation.”On illegal mining, the governors said criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups.As a corrective measure, they asked Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to impose a six-month suspension of mining activities in order to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining,” it said.To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund.Under the proposed arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute ₦1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.They said the fund would help provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated security responses across the region.At the end of the meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to unity and collective responsibility.“Only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us,” it declared.The Forum agreed to reconvene on a date to be announced.Meanwhile, Nigeria’s worsening security crisis took a grim turn on Monday as bandits launched fresh attacks in Kano State, abducting 25 villagers, even as the Federal Government raced to secure the release of more than 300 Catholic school children kidnapped in Niger State.In the early hours of Monday, armed bandits invaded Unguwar Tsamiya—popularly called Dabawa—in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, whisking away nine men and two women after shooting into the air and assaulting residents. The attackers also rustled two cows.A resident lamented the community’s helplessness: “We cannot do otherwise; most of us cannot leave because we have nowhere to go. This is our place, our land and everything is here.”The assault came less than 24 hours after a similar attack on Yan Kamaye in Tsanyawa LGA, a community along the volatile Katsina border.In Niger State, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured distraught families of St. Mary’s Co-Education School, Kontagora that the more than 300 students and staff abducted on November 21 will return home “soon.” Ribadu, who led a high-level federal delegation to the school on Monday, said the abductees are safe, though he offered no specifics on their location or the status of rescue operations.According to Daniel Atori, spokesman for the Catholic bishop overseeing the school, the NSA reassured officials: “The children are where they are and will come back safely.”The St. Mary’s attack is part of a worrying resurgence of mass kidnappings reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Security analysts warn that banditry has evolved into a “structured, profit-seeking industry,” with hundreds of Nigerians abducted in November alone.The Kontagora school abduction occurred the same week 25 girls were kidnapped in Kebbi State—victims who authorities say have since been rescued through “non-kinetic” means. About 50 of the St. Mary’s hostages have also managed to escape.Ribadu’s delegation, which included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the freedom of all abducted citizens.As communities from Kano to Niger continue to bear the brunt of these violent incursions, the escalating spate of kidnappings underscores the urgent national demand for a more decisive and coordinated security response.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, will face a team of interrogators at its office daily throughout December.A credible source in the EFCC said on Monday that the daily appearance was part of an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of an alleged 490 million dollars Abacha loot secured through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request.
The source said that Malami, who was summoned for interrogation by the EFCC on Saturday, was barred from leaving Nigeria for the next one month.According to the source, one of the conditions for his release on Saturday was that he should report daily to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation.The source said Malami would have to appear daily at the anti-graft office due to the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him.”We seized his passport, it is the normal routine during investigation, but he has to report at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for the next month.”He will be reporting for further investigation throughout December.”He will be reporting every day, starting from Dec. 1st to Dec. 31st.He will appear before the team of investigators for the entire month of December.”He will be reporting to EFCC for investigation for the period because of the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him,” the source added.According to the source, a fact sheet on the former minister revealed that Malami had several issues to clarify with the EFCC within the coming weeks.“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT.“We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators.”The commission cited the large volume of documents he must review and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for seizing his passport.The source said EFCC would not engage in a war of words but would release its findings after a thorough investigation.Malami, in a statement by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, on Monday in Abuja, however, described the EFCC investigation as a political witch‑hunt.He confirmed he honored an EFCC invitation on Nov. 28, describing the engagement as fruitful and expressing confidence that the probe would vindicate him.Malami described the EFCC’s allegations as baseless, illogical and devoid of substance, insisting they collapse under factual scrutiny.
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