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Gov. Emmanuel extends curfew as #EndSARS protest turns violent
Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has extended the curfew imposed on the state to 7,a.m., tomorrow (Saturday) in order to ensure full return of normalcy.
Emmanuel announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ini Ememobong, and made available to newsmen.
Our correspondents reports that the curfew declared earlier by the governor was to elapse by midday Friday.
The governor said the extension followed the unlawful activities of the #EndSARS protesters, which led to the disruption of economic activities in the state.
“This extension has become necessary because of the overriding interest of the public and the inevitable need to protect lives and property of the citizens,” he said.
Emmanuel directed total cessation of movement during the period, saying, “Only those on essential duties, who must show proper means of identification will be allowed to move.
“All law abiding citizens are to remain at home, security agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this order,” he said.
Reports had it that the #EndSARS protest in Akwa Ibom took a violent twist on Thursday, leading to the disruption of law and order.
October 23, 2020
FG Called Upon To Investigate Ongoing Kano-Daura Road Repairs
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By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

The federal government has been called upon to investigate the scope of ongoing repairs of Kano-Daura road which is being challenged by motorists and other road users, and expressed dismay on how the works on the highway is being neglected despite substandard repairs.
Most of the drivers en route kano- Daura road that had an interaction with our correspondent disclosed that the repairs carried under FERMA is having a very low quality especially on a highway that occupies motorists beyond expectation, where they called on the federal government to urgently investigate how the repairs is ongoing.
Malam Adamu Sale who spent over 30 years driving on kano-Daura road said that” I have never seen this type of road repairs that has no value while the potholes are still being spotted despite filling them by local contractors, where he called for monitoring from the federal ministry of works due to ascertain how the works is ongoing”. He emphasized.
Similarly a long journey commercial bus driver Musa Bala describes the repairs of kano-Daura road as an important project because the road leads to the hometown of Nigeria’s president which must be considered as vital in terms of quality rehabilitation like what is being done at other routes.
Our correspondent gathered that the kano-Daura road repairs is becoming a subject of discussion among the drivers and other road users which needs urgent intervention by the Federal ministry of works due to it’s importance to the people of all categories.
October 23, 2020
#EndSARS: FRSC decries incessant attack on personnel, operational tools
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has decried incessant attacks on its personnel and operational tools by suspected hoodlums under the cover of ENDSARS protest in the country.
The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Friday, that some FRSC commands and personnel in parts of the country had been attacked following the ENDSARS protests.
Kazeem said that the Corps had suffered losses due to the protest as some of its offices and operational vehicles were vandalised in some parts of the country.
He said that the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had directed all formations to be placed on alert to avert further attacks on its personnel due to the ENDSARS protest in the country.
“On Oct 8, 2020, the Nigerian Youth started a nation wide protest against alleged police brutality code named #ENDSARS.
“The protest which enjoyed relative social media campaigns and mobilisation posed both virtual and physical threat to the operations and general activities of FRSC.
“The FRSC experienced both virtual and physical attacks in the course of the civil unrest code name ENDSARS.
“Owing to the nationwide intelligence monitoring exercise of the corps and the tracking of online post by protesters and social media organisation sympathetic to the ENDSARS campaigns, indications deepened on the vulnerability of FRSC formations.
“Some of the placards displayed by the protesters pointed to the corps, among other agencies as likely target in the course of the unrest.
“Those threats through the social media were not taken for granted hence, the scaling down of enforcement and commencement of daily security guide by the Corps Marshal to field commands,” he said.
Kazeem said that upon the escalation of violence in the country, FRSC formations came under physical attacks resulting in the burning down of offices.
This, he said, includes operational and other vehicles, damaging of sundry structures and massive looting of valuables in FRSC formations, including Drivers License Centres (DLCs).The
He, however, said that no life of any personnel had been reported lost, but that a staff sustained injury at Benin toll gate unit command and was currently receiving treatment.
The CPEO said that the states were attacks were reported included Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Imo, Lagos and Enugu, adding that items and properties were stolen, while some were burnt.
“Some of the items stolen and burnt in Aba South DLC were computers, printers, chairs, tables, Air conditioners, laptops, files, fans among others.
“Anambra DLC was completely vandalised and same with Delta State command operations, while in Auchi command, a 70 ton tow truck was burnt.
“Imo, Lagos and Enugu state sector commands were also affected during this protest,” he added.
Kazeem said that the Corps would however continue to respond to road traffic crashes and other emergencies as this was its mandate, and reiterated the commitment to working for maintenance of national peace and security.
“In case of any emergency, do not hesitate to call the FRSC Toll free numbers 122 or the National Traffic Radio on 0805 299 8090,’’he said.
Kazeem urged youths to put an end to the protest, which he noted had been hijacked by hoodlums to engage in inter-rival gang war and looting with impunity.
The CPEO also advised the youths against ventilating their anger by vandalizing government’s critical infrastructure, notwithstanding the provocation, frustrations and incitement.
October 23, 2020
#EndSARS: Affected victims in Abuja will be compensated – FCT Minister
FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello has said that victims of violent End SARS protests in the nation’s capital will be compensated.
Bello spoke on Thursday when he and the Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, led an entourage of political, religious, community and traditional leaders on a tour of affected areas.
At the Kabusa Junction and Apo/Waru areas, Bello commiserated with the traders for their losses.
He said the government would assess the extent of their losses and work towards appropriate compensation.
“For those that have been encountered with destruction of their property, by the grace of God, the FCT Administration will ensure that all that needs to be done to ensure that you get adequately compensated will be done”.
Bello noted that the administration will ensure that peace and harmonious co-existence is maintained in the FCT.
“All of us came here to earn a living, to find what we can do to maintain ourselves and family. I assure you that the FCT Administration will continue to ensure that your lives and properties are protected.”
Bello confirmed that some arrests have been made by the police and urged residents to volunteer information to the relevant authorities.
In her remarks, Aliyu reminded citizens that they were brothers and sisters regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations.
The minister sued for calm in Abuja, noting that protests for the betterment of Nigeria should not have resulted in violence.
At Dutsen Makaranta where a customary court and police outpost were destroyed, she said “We feel your pain. This is a court established to give justice to the people.
“We will be wondering what it has got to do with the protests and properties being vandalized. This goes a long way to tell us that it’s just the work of miscreants or hoodlums targeted at government facilities”.
October 23, 2020
#EndSARS: A’Ibom condemns hijack of protests by hoodlums, extends curfew
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has expressed concern over the hijack of the EndSARS protests by hoodlums to loot public and private properties in Uyo and other parts of the state.
It has also extended the curfew earlier imposed on the state to Saturday due to need arrest “developing situations”
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government, SSG, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem in Uyo yesterday, the state government appealed to the protesters to suspend their action due to infiltration by “negative elements”.
It also called on indigenes and residents to take advantage of the Judicial Panel of Investigation in response to the demands of the protesters.
“We have witnessed scenarios where the protests were clearly hijacked by hoodlums who were attacking public and private property and looting business premises, which confirm the earlier intelligence available to us on the planned hijack of the peaceful demonstrations.
“To this end, we appeal to all genuine protesting groups to please suspend their protest due to the obvious hijack by negative minded elements.
“As the curfew imposed by the Governor subsists, We ask all Akwa Ibom people to be on red alert and report to the police and other security agencies, any suspicious movements and persons. Akwa Ibom is all we have as God’s piece of real estate for us and we must take practical steps to protect our collective heritage.” The statement said.
Meanwhile the state government has extended a 15 hour curfew earlier imposed on the state on Friday night to Saturday morning due to “developing situations being monitored by the state government and security agencies and the inevitable need to protect citizens and property.
“Expectedly, there will be a total cessation of movement, except for those on essential duties, who must show a proper identification. All law abiding citizens are advised to remain at home, as security agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this order.” The statement signed by information commissioner Comrade In Ememobong said.
October 23, 2020
Six police officers dismissed in Kwara for misconduct
Kwara state Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has revealed that six police officers have been dismissed in the State over alleged acts of misconduct.
The police boss revealed this at a stakeholders meeting with leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), hotel owners association, Okada riders association, students’ union leaders, and human rights activists in the state.
Egbetokun who insisted that many police officers had been served various forms of punishment, added that the cases of police extortion had reduced drastically.
The Kwara state Police Commissioner further revealed that they have not witnessed cases of police extra judicial killing, brutality and harassment.
He said;
“Please, talk with your men not to copy what’s happening elsewhere in the country, particularly, as it concerned current spate of insecurity in many parts of the country. You can see that it is no longer#Endsars protest again with the level of destruction and looting going on in some places in the country. It looks like a new agenda by the criminal elements. They loot armoury to get gun in order to commit atrocities after this time. We should discourage that and be careful with kind of information we access on social media. Fake reports that can cause disunity and chaos are being circulated. We have to be careful.”
October 23, 2020
FG and ASUU disagree on payment platform for N30bn allowances
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities have again disagreed on the payment platform which will be used in disbursing the salary arrears and the N30 billion earned allowance of university lecturers.
While the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige offered to pay the salary arrears and the N30 billion Earned Allowances of the university lecturers through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System platform at the meeting which ended in a deadlock on Wednesday October 22, ASUU delegation led by its National President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi reportedly insisted that lecturers would not enrol on the government salary platform.
It is expected that both parties will reconvene on Monday October 26, to decide on the platform for the disbursement of the funds pledged by the FG.
Recall that the federal government had agreed to pay N40 billion, being the pending Earned Academic Allowance of the university teachers overdue since November 2019. N30 billion would be paid on or before November 6, while the remaining N10 billion would be spread equally over two tranches to be paid in May 2021 and February 2022.
October 23, 2020
Hoodlums behead, burnt Police officer to ashes in Anambra
A police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes by suspected hoodlums during the #ENDSARS protest in Anambra State on Thursday, October 22.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed this in a statement while giving update on the attacks by hoodlums on police formations and other government facilities in the state, said three other officers sustained various degrees of injuries.
“On the 22/10/2020 between 3:30am and 5:pm,the hoodlums in large number equally attacked Nnewi Area Command,3-3 Division,Ogbunike/ Isiuwulu, Ozubulu ,Nnobi,and Itchy Divisions as well as peoples club police post, burnt Police vehicles and set the facilities ablaze carting away exhibits kept at the Divisions,” said Mohammed.
“One police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes while three others sustained various degrees of injuries.The injured police officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention and they are responding to treatment,” he added.
The spokesman further disclosed hoodlums disguised as protesters on Wednesday, attacked Nnewi Police Station, set it ablaze and vandalised patrol vehicles and other exhibits.
“On the 21/10/2020 at about 11:30pm hoodlums in large number under the guise of “END SARS”protesters attacked Nnewi Police Station,set it ablaze and vandalized patrol vehicles and other exhibits but were prevented from assessing the armoury to cart away arm due to strong resistance placed by police men on duty.” he stated.
He said police operatives in collaboration with members of the communities comprising of youths,vigilante and Community leaders at Okpoko, CPS Awka, Oraifite,Otolo,Amichi and Oba vehemently resisted attempt by the hoodlums to attack the police Stations.
However, five persons were attacked in Onitsha and taken to the hospital for medical attention where three have been confirmed dead by the medical doctor while two others are receiving treatment.
Other government property burnt or destroyed includes High Court Ogidi,Idemili North LG Secretariat while Zik Statue at DMGS roundabout was vandalized. Arrest was equally made.
While ackowledging the contribution of the state governor, Willie Obiano, youths, community leaders and local vigilante groups for the overall successes recorded by the command, the Commissioner of Police, John Abang urged the public to sustain this level of cooperation with the Police at all times especially during this trying period in order bring lasting peace in Anambra State.
“The public are equally enjoined to report any distress through the Command emergency number 07039194332 for prompt action please.” the statement concludes.
October 23, 2020
BREAKING: #EndSARS: Buhari, Gowon, Obasanjo, other former leaders meet
President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently meeting some former Nigerian leaders.
Although the agenda of the meeting is not made public, issues bothering on the current security situation in the country are believed to top the agenda.
While Buhari is presiding from the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, some former Nigerian leaders are participating virtually.
Those participating virtually include General Yakubu Gowon (retd.); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.); former President Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.); Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olanisakin; Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Director-General, Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; and Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai, among others are attending with the President.
Details later…
October 23, 2020
Tension hits Lagos Resident as Hausa, Yoruba youths clash at Fagba
Residents have expressed panic over a renewed clash between Hausa and Yoruba youths at Fagba, Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State.
Reports had it that many people are injured in the clash.
One of the residents said there are causalities, but that could not be immediately ascertained by our correspondent.
There are also reports that buildings were damaged during the ongoing fight.
Another resident, Aina, told our correspondent that “We have not been able to leave our homes. They started the fight on Tuesday. We thought it was over yesterday until they renewed the fight again today.
“I don’t know the cause of the fight, but Isaw people running helter-skelter some minutes ago.”
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
Details later…
October 23, 2020