Nigeria’s inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu, has said the training for operatives of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) unit will commence on Monday.
In a statement released on Sunday, Police PPRO, Frank Mba, quoted the IGP as saying that newly-created SWAT will operate within “high professional and ethical standards
Read below ;
“The IGP reiterates that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member the new Tactical Team. He notes that the officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven (7) years working experience with clean service records – no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms – and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations.”
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has said operatives of the new Police Tactical Team will operate within very high professional and ethical standards.
Adamu said that the team will uphold the rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices.
The SWAT force will commerce training on Monday, October 19. The IGP promised that the defunct SARS members will not be in the new team.
According to DCP Frank Mba in a statement, said;
“In pursuant of the above objectives, the NPF is partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other development partners for the training of the Tactical Team which commences Monday, October 19, at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Ila Oragun, Osun State, and the PMF Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.
“The IGP reiterates that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member the new Tactical Team.
“He notes that the officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven years working experience with clean service records— no pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms— and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations.
“The ICRC, an independent International human rights and humanitarian support organisation with over 71 years experience in humanitarian services and institutional support and development, will provide resource persons and materials to handle the human rights components of the training programme.
“The training modules will be handled by other carefully selected development partners, security experts as well as veterans from the civil society and human rights community.
“The IGP charges the training coordinators to ensure a diligent and timely delivery of the Tactical Team.
“The IGP, therefore, seeks the cooperation of the citizens in the ongoing development drive for a new and reformed Nigeria Police Force.
“He enjoins them to be patient and to believe in the reform processes which are all directed at ensuring the security, safety and rights of all.”
NPF NEW TACTICAL TEAM COMMENCES TRAINING MONDAY OCT 19
– as Police partner ICRC, others for Qualitative Training
The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has reaffirmed that the new Police Tactical Team will operate within very high professional and ethical
As Nigerians continue to demand for an end to police brutality and total reform of the Nigerian Police Force, a Nigerian man simply identified as Kingsley has shared the sad story of how he lost his leg after he was allegedly shot at by a police officer.
While speaking with EndSARS protesters, Kingsley alleged he was shot at by a police officer two months after his wedding. The gunshot wound resulted in his left leg being amputated. He did not give a date or place where this incident happened.
Watch the emotional video of him recounting his story below;
Video Player
Media error: Format(s) not supported or source(s) not found
The EndSars Protest in major part of the country has lingered on for days and it is beginning to really affect some highly placed individuals.
A video trending on social media showed the moment the Executive Governor of Kwara State reportedly resorted to the use of a bike locally known as ‘Okada’ to transport himself because his convoy couldn’t move due to the fact that the route was blocked by protesters.
Watch the clip below ;
Video Player
Media error: Format(s) not supported or source(s) not found
Youths calling for a total reform of the Nigerian Police Force, have launched an online radio “soro soke”, to aid effective communication.
The recently launched radio station, is expected to give updates and all round information on protest across the country.
The Twitter handle of the station, @Sorosoke247, reads, “24/7 update on all things protest. We are for a better nation powered by value for life and good governance.”
“Soro soke” is a yoruba phrase, that means speak up.
However, the launch of the online radio has received applauds from majority of Nigerians.
A Twitter user @Krysty_Ann, commended the youth for their outstanding innovation, using minimum resources.
In her words,
“So proud to be a Nigerian AT LAST… Soro soke radio has been launched, no fuss, no grammar … Yet, someone needs millions to revamp NTA…Anyways, tune in to Soro Soke radio”.
@Alexander_d_Don tweeted, “#EndSARS Launches Online radio station. Soro soke radio station. Look at my generation making things happen at ease. I Love this New Nigeria”.
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has opined that the ongoing nationwide #Endsars protest will give ladies husbands this year more than popular church program, Shiloh.
According to Mercy, she witnessed a young guy walk up to her and asked how she was. The thespian said she had to remove her glasses and mask and he recognized her.
In her words ;
“Two days back at the protest in Alausa, one young guy walked up to me and said fine girl how are you? Na so I remove my mask/glasses and he screamed ‘ ha Mercy ‘ ?”.
Popular Nigerian Singer, Paul Okoye has taken to his social media page to apologize on behalf of his colleagues to Nigerians for not having the nerve to speak up about the ills going on in the country.
The Singer tweeted;
On behalf of all the celebrities…… I apologise to all Nigerians, I swear we for don start dis thing since, but never to late, we move.
On behalf of all the celebrities…… I apologise to all Nigerians ?? aswear we for don start dis thing since ??? but never to late ??? we move ???
Below are some comments that trailed Paul’s post ;
Godson wrote ;
Time is the greatest, if you feel this should had be done a long time ago while y’all were still soliciting for government funded gigs and personal favors from the upper echelons of government I sincerely believe it wouldn’t marinate, the PEOPLE started this the PEOPLE will end it
Adetoye wrote ;
No time is too late to start something good. “all we are asking for is humanity, to live like normal human beings in our own country”
@yarteck wrote ;
Many for don start am but na that same thing wey hold una hold them so forget the apologies. Selfishness na general disease. Na just few people escaped the something. But for now make we
Youths in Benin, Edo State, blocked a highway to cook Jollof rice as they gathered for another day of demanding Police reform.
The protesters made a fire with firewood and placed a large pot popularly known in Bini as ‘Ege’ on it. Other protesters who weren’t cooking carried on with the protest. Some stayed on the overhead bridge, waiting for the food to get done.
See reactions below ;
Alhaji Roys wrote ;
Edo people blocked the busy roads in benin to cook party jollof
The Nigerian Army is set to commence operation “Crocodile Smile” aimed at sustaining peace and security within the Nation.
This was contained in a statement released on Saturday, October 17, by the spokesperson of the Nigerian army, Musa Sagir. The operation will begin on Tuesday, October 20 to the 31st of December 2020.
The Operation Smile operation is intended to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace.
The statement reads,
“This year’s Exercise CROCODILE SMILE V1 is scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31st of December 2020.
“The Exercise is deliberately intended to be all encompassing to include cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace.
“This is the first ever Cyberwarfare exercise to be conducted in the history of the African Armed Forces. Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations especially in the Northeast, North Central and North Western parts of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army, once again, reassures all well meaning Nigerians of its commitment to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria and urges members of the public for their support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise.”
This is coming amid the ongoing nationwide protest against the extra-judicial killings, harassment and extortion by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Big Brother Naija star, and model, Nengi has finally joined other Nigerians in the cry against police brutality, and extra-judicial killings.
Nengi who just got back from her South Africa trip, did not hesitate to join other Nigerians to campaign against the misdoings of the Nigerian police force, as well as a call for total reform of the system.
Recall that, Nengi recently traveled to South Africa for her first movie role.
The Bayelsa born model bagged a role in the re-make of Nollywood classic, “Nneka The Pretty Serpent”, and is said to be playing a leading character, that would give her more screen time to market herself and also show off her abilities.
However, Nengi who had joined the #EndSARS protest, took to social media to share photos from the event, and an angry fan took to the comment section to remind the reality star of the purpose of the protest.
according to the fan identified as @nneka_gy, Nengi was overdressed for the event.
In her words, “It is a Protest and not fashion show”.
Founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo has finally lent his voice to the ongoing nationwide #EndSARS protest, thus joining the likes of Pst. Adeboye, Pst. Sam Adeyemi, etc.
The clergyman while speaking to his congregation today, October 18 spoke in support of the fight against police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
According to him, the youths have the right to express their displeasure and pains with the system that has little value for human life.
He also addressed the attacks on peaceful protesters, stating that it would be a sacrilege to shoot protesters who are neither looting, nor violent.
In his words,
“The most gruesome season in the history of the nation is the last 5 years where lives have no value, wanton killings here and there.
“Now they have faced the youth and because they don’t know who is next, they have the right to say ‘enough is enough’. Any system that has no value for human lives is irrelevant. If they were killed when they were youths, would they be where they are today?
“It would be a sacrilege to shoot the protesters who are not looting, who are not ravaging.”
The last five years have been the most gruesome in this history of this Nation??.
An #EndSARS protester identified as Anthony Onome Unuode, who was reportedly stabbed by hoodlums in Kubwa, Abuja, on Saturday October 17 has died today.
According to his friend, he had been actively involved in the protest since it started last week.
The Abuja protesters were attacked by thugs in Kubwa yesterday and Onome was stabbed. He was already receiving treatment before his unfortunate demise.
The friend of his with twitter handle, @ree_vigilus wrote,
“This is my friend Anthony Onome Unuode! He has been very active with this protest #EndSARS for a week now! He was stabbed by thugs yesterday at Kubwa Abuja, during the protest! He died today!”
Popular Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, is of the opinion that many single ladies will meet prospective suitors at the various #EndSARS protest venues, in the country.
According to the actress, many ladies will meet their future partners at the protest grounds, as it’s an avenue for young people to meet and relate with each other.
In her words, “Protest will give ladies husband this year more than Shiloh. If you like continue staying in your house.”
Meanwhile, there have been stories of protesters who have started relationships with people they met at the #EndSARS protest grounds.
In other news, Reality TV star and actress, Bisola has warned Nigerian youths against turning the ongoing #EndSARS protest into carnivals.
In an Instagram post on Friday, October 16th, the mother of one urged Nigerians to not “party away the future”.
According to her, turning the protests into a carnival will only trivialize the frustrations that had led to the protests.
Bisola Aiyeola, went further to thank every citizen donating and lending their voices to the cause.
In her words,
My people, My people. If we turn these protests to carnivals, we are loosing focus oo and trivializing our frustration. Not everything is party party. Remember those who have died and those whose source of income has been halted.
I know Nigerians love to party and have a good time but please these protests are not Faaji Time. We never reach anywhere o, let’s not party away our future. What we want is for our Home (Nigeria) to be good for us and our generations to come. To everyone donating and contributing one way or the other, THANK YOU.
Popular Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has taken to social media to flaunt a luxury car and a 24 million Naira wrist watch gift, from her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko.
The billionaire wife, sharing a video of herself in the luxury car, showered praises on her husband, noting that he would do anything to ensure she’s happy.
In her words,
“Meet my four wheel plane…. Also a birthday present from hubby along side my 24million Naira watch….. love you baby u are so extra @princenednwoko. Ps: I need to show off. it’s mine !”
Recall that, the mother-of one who celebrated her birthday last weekend, shared a video of herself unboxing the watch present from her lover.
The billionaire husband, and politician gifted his wife an expensive Rolex wrist watch.
The excited wife who was all smiles as she unboxed the birthday present, revealed that her previous Rolex was stolen, and her husband decided to replace it with a better one.
She wrote, “My Rolex was stolen so hubby decided to replace with a better one. Thank you baby”
Munir’s mum also thanked Ned for surprising her with the beautiful gift, in celebration of her birthday.
Nigerians in less than four hours have raised over three million naira, to get prosthetic legs for a lady identified as Jane Obiene, who had joined #EndSARS protest despite her disability.
Jane Obiene won the hearts of many, after she joined the #EndSARS protest yesterday, despite having one leg and needs the support of crutches to be able to move.
Netizens described Jane as a hero, as they claimed she walked all through the protest.
A Twitter user @odobajnr wrote, “My hero for today was this lady. She walked all through the protest #Endsars”.
It was learnt that, Jane had been unemployed since 2013 due to her disability, but joined several other Nigerian youths to lend her voice to the call against police brutality, extra judicial killings, among other vices.
A popular Twitter user, @aproko_doctor, created a donate link for Jane with a 30 day period in mind for N500k, to get prosthetic legs for her.
In his words,
“This is Jane, She’s been unemployed since 2013 partly because of her disability, she came out in the #EndSARS protests and we need to help”.
However, Nigerians in less than four hours raised over N3.7million for her.
Sharing the news @aproko_doctor tweeted,
“I created the donate link for Jane with a 30 day period in mind for 500,000. I thought Nigerians were stretched thin from giving for the #EndSARS protests, Said a little prayer then posted the link, In less than 4 hours, we raised 3.2 Million naira and counting. A new Nigeria!”
The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly dismissed and demoted some officers of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Popular police officers, Dolapo Badmus and Abayomi Shogunle were also affected by the decision of the force.
Dolapo Badmus, who is a former Police Public Relations Officer, and Abayomi a former Head of the Police Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, were recommended for demotion.
However, the news of their demotion has stirred reactions on social media, as netizens have taken to the micro-blogging platform, Twitter to drag them to pieces.
@SodiqTade tweeted, “Yomi Shogunle would confidently come here to mock Nigerians because they are suffering from the police brutality. Good to know he has been dismissed with the Dolapo Badmus lady”.
@Tundeeleniyan wrote, “Do you know how shit, stupid and annoying you have to be for Nigerians to be celebrating your bad times, this is to tell you how bad Dolapo badmus and Yomi Shogunle are? Wether it’s dismissing or demotion I’m happy that those bastards are getting it hard right now”.
@Bimbocash wrote, “Dolapo Badmus ? It was long overdue . I’m not surprised . Heard lots of nasty stuff about her #EndSARS”
Singer, Davido took to Twitter to point out that the Nigerian president has only addressed citizens once since the #EndSARS protests began.
The singer tweeted:
“Our president has only addressed us once in the past 10 days … despite everything that is going on.”
He added: “This is the problem. They don’t feel like they owe us enough. That they owe us explanations enough. That our unhappiness shouldn’t cost them their sleep!!! It all goes back to our votes and the fact they feel we ate not responsible for them being in these positions !! (sic).
“We need #ElectoralReform for these leaders to truly understand this accountability we are asking for is our right!!!”
Recall that the President addressed the Nation after so many outcry and protests by Nigerian youths over the activities of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS and the entire Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The President promised to extensively reform the Force. He revealed this delivering a speech at the launch of the presidential youth empowerment scheme at the State House in Abuja.
He declared that the disbanding of SARS is the first step to extensive police reforms by his administration.
“I will like to use this opportunity to say a word on the recent genuine concerns and agitations by Nigerians about the excessive use of force and in some cases extra-judicial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force.
“The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people,” President Buhari said.
Nigerian singer Falz, has called former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, after he twitted in support of the #EndSARS protest happening across the country.
Dino, advised the federal government to work with the people or face revolution. He also revealed that government has no power to ban protest as stated in the constitution.
The former senator, said that the government should realized that the people have woken up from their slumber, as agitation for the end of police brutality and extrajudicial killing gains momentum across the country.
Dino said;
“Government have no power in our extant laws to ban protest. So Government must realise that the people have woken up from their slumber. Work with the people or welcome a REVOLUTION. SDM “
However, Falz who is one among the activists in support for the EndSARS protest, blasted Dino, says the Nigerian youths will soon face them.
“Oga no dey form like say you dey with us! We go soon face una matter “
Nigerian musician, Wizkid, has revealed that he turned down collaborations while recording his highly anticipated Made In Lagos album.
He made the revelation while speaking in an interview with D boy Dayo and Marsour Bellow of The Beat London 106.3 fm.
When asked about the album, Wizkid said:
“Made in Lagos’ has been 3 years coming and I’m just excited that I’m putting this out cause it’s like… The title of the album is self-explanatory, I’m made in Lagos, that’s where I’m from, that’s what I represent, it runs in my blood and I never run away from that. I live, breathe that place mehn because I love that place, that place made me who I’m today.
“I just really wanted to tell a dope story, that Yo! this is where I’m from, this is where I represent, that no matter the success, no matter how far we go, this is what it is. We make amazing music, we make amazing art and so with this album, I want to make amazing music. Just really music, I wasn’t trying to make anything for radio or for like the clubs or anything. I’m just making real music, just showing my strength.
“As human beings, we grow and evolve in life, this album is another step for me, taking another step in my music career like this is what I can do and this is where we taking it too. So it was very important telling that story. I worked with a lot of creatives from Nigeria, for my videos, my photoshoots like to everything. Like there’s so much talent there though the government is sh*t yeah but there’s still so much magic that comes out of that place, so I’m just trying to tell that story to the best way that I can.”
When asked how he treated the collaborations on the album and how he was able to turndown some collaborations for this album. The Fever singer said:
“I feel bad, I kinda broke a lot of relationships with this album, you know, guys, it is love forever, it’s nothing personal, we just making music. They know that every artiste I ever worked with like, before I even work with any artiste, we are on a wave, we are on an understanding, I work with normal people.
“I hate hype artiste, I like it normal. So when we work and I’m like yo, this is a dope record but its not going to be on this album but on the next one, like we get it, we keep it real at all times. I wasn’t the one picking, I was making music and whatever feels great, we put it on the body of the work.”
Actress, Mosunmola Filani-Oduoye has taken to her social media page to narrate how her brother was killed by the police in the year 2010.
According to the Yoruba born actress, he was 25 years old at the time and the Police almost frustrated the family’s effort in locating his corpse.
She took to her verified Instagram page and wrote:
“Nigeria failed u in 2010 my sweet brother. U were 25years old then. Officers from eleweran/obantoko abeokuta killed u on Friday evening, but we were notified on Sunday morning.”
“We don’t have the full details of what happened or how it happened till date. We went to both station, but we were treated like criminals, and chased away. I was able to locate ur corpse thru the help of a big area brother back then….”
“We went to all the mortuarys in abeokuta one after the other tipping them to let me search thru their abandoned corpses by police. When I found u at ijaiye state hospital u were naked and dead but ur hand was still on ur stomach where u were shot and I could see the bullet hole. I shouted, rolled on the muddy floor, I sat amongst the many corpse and held u, my handsome brother, before I was dragged away.”
“They never wanted us to locate ur corpse at all. But today We Nigerians are saying NO MORE!!! RIP OLATUBOSUN OLUWATOSIN FILANI. POLICE KILLED U IN 2010.”
Reality star, Natacha Akide, has taken to her social media page to lambaste some youths at Lekki Toll Gate who are turning a serious protest to a carnival.
Tacha, while praising the effort of young Nigerians who have been calling for reforms via the means of peaceful protest, said a plan is needed to achieve better results. She also reprimanded those who are derailing from the main cause.
In her words;
I never thought a day like this will come when Nigerians will be this united. Whether you are out there on the street or online, we are doing great, we are doing very well but guys, we need a plan. Is 5FOR5 being met in all the 36 states.
We need a plan. A panel is being set up, we need youths in that panel, not the same old recycled leaders, you can’t relate to my pain, you done starve before. We need a Plan, smart young Nigerians that understand this movement.
On Lekki protesters, Tacha felt some of them are derailing from the objective as some resorted to smoking shisha, drinking and playing snooker.
Nollywood actress and reality TV star, Lilan Afegbai has reacted to the allegation leveled against her mother, Carol Afegbai.
It was alleged that the Nollywood actress’ mother, now retired, was the officer that she killed a UNIBEN student Ibrahim Momodu in 2013, during her years in service.
Taking to her Instagram page to clear the air, the actress wrote that her mother was absolved of the crime and the officer that was involved, one Amadin Idahosa was sentenced to life in prison.
She wrote:
My spirit will not be dampened by the death threats and cyber bullying.
I am a Nigerian youth and we deserve a better Nigeria and I will continually fight until it is fixed.
As per my mother being dragged for murder, to the best of my knowledge my mother who is now retired did not kill anyone. The police officer (AMADIN IDAHOSA) that was attached to my mother’s station who killed the suspect was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh of the High Court of Justice, Edo State in Charge No: B/CD/24C/2014.
He is currently serving his jail term at the Oko Prison, Benin, although he has appealed the matter up to the Supreme Court.
My spirit will never be broken. I will fight for justice and against the system that have put all of us into this mess.
#endsars #endpolicebrutality
Nigerians on social media have opened the book of remembrance for Lilian Afegbai’s police mother, Carol Afegbai who allegedly murdered a student in Benin, the Edo state capital.
This is coming a moment after Lilian bashed people kicking against youths partying and smoking during protests.
Some celebrities had also reminded protesters of their purpose for protesting while asking them not to lose focus.
According to some reports on social media, Nigerians are calling for the arrest of the actress’ mother Carol Afegbai who was accused of killing of Momodu Ibrahim, UNIBEN student in 2013, while she served as the DPO of Ogida Police station in Edo state.
After she released the video, Nigerians on Twitter dug up her mother’s past and started demanding that she brought to justice.
Apparently online protesters are the one losing focus because we asked them to stop drinking at the protest ground #EndSARSpic.twitter.com/IiTzOSVJpY
Second runner-up of the fifth edition of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, Nengi has revealed why she didn’t sleep on any man’s bed during her time on the show.
In a chat with PunchNG, the ex-beauty queen, who hails from Bayelsa State, stated that she decided to create boundaries from the beginning of the competition.
Nengi said,
“The housemates felt I wanted every guy and that is crazy. How could I want every guy and still not be with anybody in the house? I never slept on any man’s bed. Even as close as me and Ozo were, I still tried to set a boundary. I could play with people but for me, there would always be boundaries and nobody can cross them.
However, people took it the wrong way. They felt since I played with the guys, I must have wanted them. That was the biggest misconception people had about me. As a matter of fact, that was one of the reasons I went for Big Brother in the first place. I wanted to correct the misconception that I was just a fine face. And I feel I corrected that notion.”
Sharing a bit about her childhood, the pretty reality TV star stated that she grew up with her mother and her father was ‘never really there’.
“My dad was never really there. I can count the number of times I saw him. So, I grew up with my mum and she was the only one I knew. She
struggled to take care of me but the love between us is deep. Even if we didn’t have anything, I was always happy. We would be in our house and manage our lives. However, she died when things were becoming good. She added.
On her chemistry with Ozo, Nengi said,
“We are from two totally different backgrounds and that was it for me. I also knew he would always accept me for who I am. He knows who I am and does not judge me based on mistakes I have made.”
Popular TV anchor, Frank Edoho, has stated that Nigerian youths are better suited to run government that the old.
He made the declaration on Friday, in reaction to the level of coordination and orderliness witnessed in the nationwide protests against police brutality in the country.
According to the media personality, what he learnt in the course of the ongoing #EndSARS protests is that based on the level-headedness, thoughtfulness and organization of the youths, they can run government better than old leaders.
He tweeted;
“The major lesson I have learned throughout these #EndSARS protests is based on the organisation, orderliness, level-headedness, resilience, thoughtfulness, decorum and altruism of the protesters. THE NIGERIAN YOUTH CAN RUN GOVERNMENT BETTER THAN THE OLD!!!”
See below:
The major lesson I have learned throughout these #EndSARS protests is based on the organisation, orderliness, level-headedness, resilience, thoughtfulness, decorum and altruism of the protesters. THE NIGERIAN YOUTH CAN RUN GOVERNMENT BETTER THAN THE OLD!!!
It’s been reported that in the wee hours of Saturday, 17th of October, 2020, there was a fuel tanker explosion on the Otedola link bridge in Lagos.
Social media users who shared the videos online, reveal that the explosion occurred around 02:00am, Saturday morning… Reports as to whether or not there were casualties are yet to suffice.
Here’s some videos below,
Video Player
Media error: Format(s) not supported or source(s) not found
It should be recalled that there was an Otedola Bridge fire accident that occurred on the Otedola Bridge at the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway where a tanker lorry fully loaded with petroleum product fell, leaked and exploded on 27 June 2018.
The massive fire at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway broke out after the explosion of a petroleum filled tanker lorry leading to the transfer of flames to other vehicles approaching the lorry on the busy road.
The Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps announced on their Twitter account on the night of June 28, 2018, that “A total of nine persons have been confirmed dead as a result of the incident.” [7] The Lagos State Government reported the number had risen to 12 on July 2, 2018.
The Federal Road Safety Corps also announced that at least 54 vehicles were burnt with the tanker. Nevertheless, a number of eyewitnesses, nearby residents and public believe that the reports on the economic loss and casualties are distorted by government and media.
The Vice-President of Nigeria, Yemi Osibanjo has apologized to Nigerians over the situation going on in the country in the past few days.
According to the VP, the anger is justified because the Government could have moved faster and for that, they are sorry.
We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.
Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.
I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough.
These feelings of frustration are justified.
There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.
Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.
The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.
With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.
I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.
We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.
We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.
On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.
We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust.
Nigerian singing sensation, Flavour alongside rapper, Phyno, Zoro, Kcee, and Yul Edochie all led a peaceful protest against police brutality as they marched to the head office of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra state.
The celebrities and the protesters converged in Awka on Friday afternoon and marched to Awkuzu SARS, known as one of the notorious units in the country.
Video Player
Media error: Format(s) not supported or source(s) not found
The protest comes a day after Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano relieved former Awkuzu SARS Commander, James Nwafor of his political appointment.
The governor also shared that he will be prosecuted, along with other SARS officials that abused their offices while addressing the #ENDSARS protesters at the Government House, Awka.
Nwafor, who served as commander of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu, Anambra State has been accused of atrocious acts, extra-judicial killings, and human rights violations.
#EndSARS protesters in Lekki have provided free solar-powered phone charging spot at the protest ground, to keep their phones powered during the demonstration.
The spots all have chargers already fixed, to prevent protesters from moving about with their phone chargers.
In photos that were shared online, protesters were seen already using the “new asset” which many tagged as “innovative”.
#EndSARS is a social movement in Nigeria that started on Twitter calling for banning of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian police force.
However, the relentless effort of the protesters led to the disbandment of SARS by the Inspector General of Police on Sunday, but Nigerians have continued the EndSARS protest in different parts of the country, despite the announced disbandment.
Meanwhile, the IGP, Mohammed Adamu, has set up a new Police outfit to take over from the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force.
The new unit will be known as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.
The new police unit has again stirred controversy, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate dissolution.
??? but never to late 
