Crime
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
By Bodunrin Kayode
Violent anti-government protests has erupted in some parts of the West African state of Sierra Leone leading to a high level of casualties.
The violence which started on Wednesday this reporter learnt was as a result of what some of the residents regard as very harsh policies of President Julius Mada-Bio who has been midwifing the nation since 2028.
Since the country came out of the covid 19 scourge which ravaged Freetown and all the provinces, they alleged that the government did not insert enough palliatives to enable young people get out of the economic crisis the scourge brought on them.
” As a matter of fact, it’s been one problem or the other since President Mada-Bio took charge as commander in Chief but he has been trying his best to insert stability onto the polity because he is in charge of the armed forces and not the chair of the police who were the main target of these demonstrators” said a source who wished to remain anonymous in the Sierra Leone High CommissionA it in Nigeria
Vice President Mohammed Jalloh confirmed in a nation wide broadcast today that there were gruesome casualties on both sides but was unable to be specific while announcing the curfew which started 3pm Freetown time yesterday.
Eye witnesses however told this reporter through phone that the anti-government protesters and police clash started mostly in the Eastern part of the capital and resulted in the death of at least two policemen who were
murdered by the opposition mob as at Wednesday evening.
” The rioters clashed with police in the streets of the East end of the capital due to tensions over the rising cost of living especially food and fuel. It was when the vice president who is the chair of the police gave the directive for the curfew to be effective that the tension heightened.
“But the West end area up to st John and beyond were mostly peaceful as most residents were seen gathered outside their homes discussing the unfolding development before the Government slammed the curfew starting from 3pm to stop the rioters who had started destroying Government properties worth millions of Leones including buses, cars and police stations in the provincial areas.
In his national broadcast on Wednesday, Vice President Mohamed Jalloh confirmed that lives have been lost on both sides of the fracas and that it was the business of Government to keep the peace of the state.
No comment was heard from President Julius Mada-Bio even as most of the protesters on Wednesday were calling for his resignation even before the anticipated general election in ten months time.
Incidentally, Mada Bio was elected President in 2018 and has about 10 months for his first term to end.
He however has already said that registration of new voters will commence on the 3rd of September so that the program for the next general elections can be rolled out accordingly.
Eye witnesses said that the demonstrators chanted “Bio must go” as they made their way from the hinterlands through the capital, Freetown.
The people of Sierra Leone have gone through a litany of lingering woes which includes a decade long war caused mostly by tribalism, outbreak of Ebola which engulfed the entire country resulting in very high casualties and the recent outbreak of corona which resulted in the death of hundreds in the war torn country still rising from the ruins of a civil war that ended in 2002.
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested two suspected impostors dressed in military camouflage in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were found wearing military uniforms, raising suspicion among security personnel on patrol.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the camouflage uniforms allegedly belonged to a serving soldier who is currently on pass.
They added that the suspects are in custody for further investigation to determine their motives and possible involvement in criminal activities.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in a forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, targeting suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN members.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:30 a.m. on May 1 by troops comprising personnel of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion, supported by air components, police operatives and forest guards.
The sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports on suspected activities of IPOB/ESN elements around the Ajali Forest.
According to the sources, troops located and searched a cave believed to have been used by the group as a holding facility for kidnapped victims.
They, however, noted that nothing of significant value was recovered during the search.
The sources added that security operations are ongoing in the area to sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities within the forest.
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has said that a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for investigation over alleged subversive activities.
In a statement issued on Friday by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said the action followed ongoing investigations into interactions between the blogger and some soldiers.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the blogger engaged the soldiers on a range of issues, including discussions that allegedly bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the system.
“The matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public,” the Army said.
It added that concerns were raised after complaints by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare issues were circulated on social media.
The Army noted that while the affected soldiers are currently in military custody, the blogger has been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
It stressed that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline poses serious implications for national security.
The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies in addressing the matter.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty within the ambit of the law,” it said.
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
