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Scavenging Outlawed on Abuja streets, activities restricted to dumpsites
Scavenging Outlawed on Abuja streets, activities restricted to dumpsites
By: Michael Mike
Scavengers activities have been restricted in and around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to dumpsites as they have been warned against moving around either during the day or at night in the city.
The present ban followed the criminal activities of some scavengers popularly known as ‘baba nbolas’ in the area.
They have been alleged to be involved in carting away critical infrastructure especially manholes from the expressways in the city.
Parading 36 scavengers who were arrested with dangerous weapons and vandalized items, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said scavengers who roam the streets of FCT, indiscriminately, perpetrate all forms of criminal activities under the guise of scavenging.
According to him, the move by the FCT Administration was necessitated by the need to nip vandalism of public infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, armoured cables, and so on, in the bud.
Items recovered from the 36 suspects include four daggers, three jack knives, two chisels, three knives, two pinches and 10 bottles of codeine syrup.
Others are 45 wraps of indian hemps, thrash bags, pieces of iron rods and narcotic drugs.
The scavengers, he explained, go about the nooks and crannies of the city and satellite towns; house-to-house, estate-to-estate, scavenging for plastics, scrap metals and irons.
He said: “But from previous arrests, interrogations and investigations, we have realised that their real business is to vandalise and remove our road infrastructure such as: manhole covers, flood drain covers, streetlights, armoured cables, rail sleepers, iron rods for bridge enforcement and the likes, which would fetch them good money.
“The public also needs to know that some ‘Baba Nbolas’ now disguise to rob innocent commuters and bystanders as they go about with dangerous weapons to attack and disposes them of their personal belongings especially at night. Our record shows that many who dared to challenge them in the past had met their untimely deaths while others are maimed in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory” he said.
Many residents of the FCT and environs, Odumosu noted, have experienced sudden disappearances of many of their household items like generators, cooking pots, stoves, pressing iron, air conditioners, compressors, car batteries, security light panels, iron drain covers and so on.
“Scavengers are major suspects to most of such disappearances and they carry out these activities whenever they notice that there is no one in sight, but not without wielding dangerous weapons in case they are busted by the house owners.
“The most vital is that many of them work as informants for armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins, terrorists, bandits a#nd all sorts of criminal gangs. Many families have fallen victims of kidnapping, abduction for ransom, murder, assassination and the likes because they give information about your family, the number of children you have, the types of cars you drive, where you work and by extension, keeping tabs on your movement.
“They (baba nbola) also assess and profile you through the kind of household waste products you dispose which, in most cases, reveal your status and lifestyles.
Unfortunately, and in most cases, many of us perceive these miscreants and criminals as ordinary innocent, poor Nigerians, hustling for their daily bread so they move about unchecked and unquestioned by anyone, some of us even sympathise with them, by extending alms to them, whereas, they are responsible for the various crimes happening around you.
“Owing to these revelation and credible intelligence at our disposal, it is therefore imperative that citizens and residents join hands with the corps and other security agencies to flush out these dangerous elements in the FCT by chasing scavengers away whenever you see them in front of your houses, your streets, neighbourhood or estates.
“The public should note that, although, they appear innocent, armless and vulnerable, most of them are extremely dangerous, their activities are criminal in nature and they constitute threats not only to the safety and security of lives, property and infrastructure in the FCT but to Nigeria’s national security architecture as a whole” he noted.
The commandant used the occasion to advise FCT residents to dispose their refuse properly and stop patronising the Baba Nbolas for the sake of their own safety and that of their family members.
Scavenging Outlawed on Abuja streets, activities restricted to dumpsites
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
By: Our Reporter
The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.
This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.
The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.
Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.
He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.
Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.
He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.
In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.
He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.
The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state
In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.
He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has asked Nigerians to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, represents.
The Minister, in his message to commemorate the festival, said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. As we mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that this sacred period represents.
“Eid is a time of gratitude and reflection, a moment to strengthen our bonds as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to love, kindness, and generosity toward one another. It is also an opportunity to pray for continued progress, stability, and prosperity in our beloved country.
“To our fellow Nigerians living abroad, we recognize your contributions to our nation’s development and appreciate your role in fostering the good image of Nigeria globally. May this Eid bring you renewed hope, joy, and a deeper connection to home.
“As we celebrate, let us also remember those facing hardship and conflict, both within and beyond our borders. In the spirit of Eid, let us extend our prayers and support to those in need, reaffirming our collective resolve for peace and harmony worldwide.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid. May this celebration usher in a period of renewed strength, prosperity, and unity for our great nation.”
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle and three others for allegedly attacking Hisba officials and causing severe injuries during a late-night enforcement operation at Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina.
According to sources from the CPS Katsina, the Operations Officer of the Katsina State Hisba Board, Nafi’u Aliyu Akilu, reported that at about 2:30 a.m. on March 29, Hisba officials were dispatched to stop a group of youths playing football near a mosque where Tahajjud (night prayers) were ongoing.
However, upon arrival, the youths resisted and chased the Hisba officials away. During the confrontation, Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle allegedly fired multiple shots from a locally made cut-to-size gun, injuring five Hisba officials: Aminu Musa Yari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yau Musa Ingawa, Kabir Abdullahi and Mustapha Isa
In addition, a Peugeot 206 (blue) and a Mercedes C180, which were parked at the scene, were severely damaged.
Police later mobilized to the scene, arrested the suspect and three accomplices, and recovered the firearm used in the attack.
The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Katsina and later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina for further treatment.
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
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