The Embassy of China has said that it has not suspended visa issuance to Nigerians.

The Press Officer, Embassy of China, Sun Saixiong, explained on Tuesday that the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, only advised those who wished to travel to China “not to be in a rush if the trip was not urgent.”

The diplomat said the government had reached out to about 60 Nigerians living in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Giving an update on the epidemic in Abuja on Monday, Pingjian had disclosed that China had found a cure for the epidemic, adding that 475 persons had been discharged from the hospital after recovery.

He also said that the Coronavirus infection had risen to 17,205 from 14,380 confirmed cases while 361 persons had died from the disease which originated from Wuhan in China.

About 21,558 individuals were also suspected of being infected with the virus in the Chinese mainland.

He revealed that Chinese scientists are working to develop a vaccine for the virus which the World Health Organisation had declared as an international public health emergency.

According to him, scientists have assured that the epidemic would lose its momentum in the next two weeks.

The envoy said, “As of 7am Abuja time today (Monday), the total number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection climbed to 17,205 and 21,558 people were suspected of being infected with the virus in the Chinese mainland, according to China’s National Health Commission.”

“A total of 361 people had died, 475 people had been discharged from hospital after recovery. These are not numbers, these are lives, families, communities. This is going to be an unforgettable Spring Festival for the Chinese as families are separated but united to stand together in the face of the disease “he said”

Pingjian stated that the Chinese Premier, Xi Jinping had repeatedly given important instructions on prevention and control work and personally held a meeting on redeployment and remobilization.

The ambassador said China was willing to work with other countries, including Nigeria, to respond to the epidemic effectively.

“We have informed the World Health Organisation, relevant countries and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan about the latest epidemic situation, and have shared information on virus gene sequences with all parties at the first time,” Pingjian pointed out.

He stated that there was no need for restriction of international travel and trade over the disease, adding that under the current circumstances, “solidarity is what the world needs.”

A video which has gone viral on social media captured moment some operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) rescued some kidnap victims.

The kidnap victims (two men and 1 woman) were rescued by the SARS operatives while their abductors were away. The SARS operatives were heard saying they were called into the abandoned building by some concerned citizens.

One of the male kidnap victims whose eyes and hands were tied by the kidnappers, told the security operatives that he was abducted “last night” when questioned. He also said that the kidnappers raped their female victim.

It is however unclear if those behind the sad act have been arrested. Here is the video below;

UPDATE: The Nigeria Police Special Anti- Robbery Squad, SARS, in Abia state killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued 3 victims in Aba.

Confirming the incident to Vanguard in Umuahia, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ene Okon said the hoodlums had last week, abducted three persons in the commercial city, including a lady. The CP said one Michael Maduabuchukwu, 39, was kidnapped at Ariaria Junction by St.

Mary, on Friday while Emeka Emeyeonu, 38, and Mercy Akuka, 30, were both abducted at Asa Umudim near Aba, on Saturday. Okon explained that after the incident, the Command got intelligence that the kidnappers moved the victims to their hideout at Ekeakpara, Osisioma Ngwa council area.

The CP said he detailed SARS Commander in Abia, SP Johnbull Obioguru to fish out the hoodlums and rescue their victims.

In the early hours of yesterday, the SARS commander with his team stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescue their victims. The CP further stated that when the criminals saw the SARS team, they opened fire and the security operatives responded.

In the ensuing gun duel, the CP said two of the kidnappers were shot dead while others fled. The three kidnapped victims were rescued while the guns used by the hoodlums were also recovered.

In his words; “During the rescue operation, the hoodlums exchanged fire with the operatives, as a result, two of the kidnap suspects were gunned down and the guns they used were recovered.”

Okon who said the feat was in line with his resolve to leave Abia better than he met it security-wise, promised that efforts were in progress to arrest the fleeing members of their gang.

Twenty suspects have been arrested by the police in Lagos in the aftermath of the clash between Okada riders and policemen in Ijora, a surburb of Lagos state earlier today.

A statement by Bala Elkana, spokesperson of the state police command says the police received a distress call that some hoodlums armed with cutlasses, suspected to be okada riders and thugs, blocked some major roads around Ijora Oloye, Amusu, Ijora 7up, Ijora under bridge, Sifa junction and Gaskiya gangare area all within Ijora Badia Division.

Bala said the hoodlums caused major obstructions on the roads, burning tyres, looting and stealing from unsuspecting road users.According to the statement, police officers from Ijora Badia, Area B Command and Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, were promptly deployed to the scenes. The situation was brought under control and the obstructions were cleared for free flow of traffic.

Bala added that twenty suspects were arrested and will be charged to court soon.