Category Nigeria News

The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to, on compassionate grounds, assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying a ₦200 million compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was killed during an NDLEA operation in Asaba, Delta State.

This followed a petition submitted on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Neda Imaseun.

The tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA officers reportedly opened fire during a raid, fatally striking the toddler as he returned home from school.

The case had sparked public outrage and demands for justice from civil society groups as well as the victim’s family.

During plenary, the Senate condemned the killing and urged that the NDLEA take full responsibility by bearing the total cost of the compensation being demanded by the family.

Lawmakers stressed that such incidents must not go unaddressed, underscoring the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.

In a mark of respect, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Ivan.

Furthermore, the it directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolution and report back to the chamber within two months.

The family of deceased had sought justice over the death of their son allegedly killed during a raid by the agency in the Okapanam Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ivan’s brother, who was also injured during the incident, was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Narrating the incident, the grieving father of Ivan said his son was looking forward to his graduation ceremony in school before his life was cut short following the unfortunate incident.

He insisted that justice be served on the matter.

The state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, had in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, called on the NDLEA and the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the boy and injury to his brother, with a view to bringing the culprits to book and avoiding a future occurrence.

The NDLEA had also said it would get to the root of the case and take necessary action.

The presidency on Thursday denied claims that President Bola Tinubu stopped the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens.

On Tuesday, the US announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said that no such directive was given and described the claims as misinformation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. This continues in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity,” Onanuga said in a statement issued on Thursday.

He stated that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu directed all federal agencies to uphold Nigeria’s international agreements and maintain reciprocal diplomatic policies.

Onanuga noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously clarified Nigeria’s position following the U.S. government’s recent adjustment of its non-immigrant visa policy towards Nigerians.

READ ALSO: FG Raises Concern Over US Visa Rule, Calls For Reconsideration

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.

“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait. The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.

“Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said ex-attorney-general of the federation (AGF) during his administration, Mohammed Adoke, was hunted globally during the oil prospecting lease (OPL) case. 

Speaking in Abuja during the public presentation of Adoke’s memoir titled ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Block,’ Jonathan said Adoke’s memoir upheld the truth.

He regretted that shortly after his tenure ended in 2015, “the succeeding government launched what many people saw as a manhunt against key officers” of his administration.

“The author of this memoir, Mr. Bello Adoke, was the attorney-general of the federation at that time. He was hunted across the globe,” the former President, who was represented by Pius Anyim, former senate president, said.

“But today, he’s alive, he’s healthy, he’s here to tell his story. Let me, therefore, use this occasion to congratulate Mr. Bello Adoke, my friend and my brother, for his doggedness and to say that I am pleased to join you in celebrating this victory.”

READ ALSO: ‘Deep Sense Of Betrayal,’ Ighodalo Faults Supreme Court Verdict On Edo Election

He urged “all of us” to be conscious of the fact that power belongs to God.

Jonathan said the best anyone who is blessed with the opportunity of holding public office should do is to commit to the assignment and use the opportunity to uphold truth, justice, and fairness.

“I am to state, as always, that it is acknowledged among all civilisations that any society or organisation that does not promote justice and fairness will neither have peace nor make progress,” he said.

“The essence of the author’s effort in documenting his memoir is not only to put the record straight, but to contribute to the cause of truth and justice as the foremost pillars of nation building.”

The former President stated how proud he was of Adoke, and congratulated the former AGF for the “wisdom and the courage to put down his own side of the story in the book we are about to present today”.

OPL 245 was awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas in 1998 by the Sani Abacha administration.

However, the block later became the focus of global corruption investigations, criminal prosecutions, and civil lawsuits after Malabu sold its entire stake to Shell and Eni for $1.1 billion in 2011.

The Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, has successfully repelled a large-scale attack by bandits on Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The assault, which occurred on Wednesday, involved over 400 heavily armed bandits who attempted to overrun the town.

A fierce gun battle ensued, during which many of the attackers were neutralised.

While some managed to retrieve the corpses of their fallen comrades, several bodies were left behind, along with a cache of recovered weapons.

Director of Security in the Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, confirmed the development in Birnin Kebbi, commending the bravery and resilience of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that although the attackers initially posed a serious threat due to their large numbers, the superior combat skills and determination of the troops shifted the momentum in favor of the military.

Zagga also commended the swift intervention of the Nigerian Air Force, whose fighter jet provided critical air support by bombing fleeing bandits and inflicting heavy casualties.

“Though the gunfire caused initial panic and confusion within the community, the situation has since been brought under control and normalcy fully restored,” Zagga said.

He added that the attackers were suspected to be the same group responsible for a recent attack in Niger State.

“They had crossed into Kebbi to launch another assault, which was ultimately foiled, an outcome that underscores the effectiveness of the proactive security measures implemented by Governor Nasir Idris,” he stated.

Foiled Mera Attack

In a separate incident on the same day, troops from Dukku Barracks repelled another attack by Lakurawa bandits in Mera, Augie Local Government Area.

The bandits had attempted to rustle cattle but were met with strong resistance from soldiers, forcing them to retreat.

Governor Idris expressed appreciation for the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in both operations.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the state and pledged continued support for all security formations, especially those operating in frontline areas.

One person has been confirmed dead, with over 100 houses set ablaze by suspected herders in farming communities of Karim Lamido Local Government Area in Taraba State. 

The community, Bandawa Gwenzu, which comprises Gwenzu, Langwanshin and Danzhan, was attacked on Wednesday night.

Speaking to Channels Television via a telephone interview on Thursday, the youth leader of the community, Ishaya Peter, described the attack as unprovoked, barbaric and condemnable. 

According to him, residents were seated and discussing when they suddenly heard gunshots from afar, a situation that made them scamper for safety. 

READ ALSO: Eight Killed As Bandits Ambush Kukawa Village In Plateau

He stated that he heard the voices of herders alongside some of their neighbours who were approaching the village, and all attempts to stop them proved abortive.

Peter said they had issued hours of alarm before the attack to security agencies, but no action was taken to avert the incident. 

“We could not stand the attack because they came with guns and we are peace-loving people without weapons except our bow and arrow, cutlasses, that is all,” he stated.

“One of us who died was due to his inability to swim while crossing the river, as they attacked us.  The villages were deserted, and we are still counting our losses.

“Women and children have been asked to leave the villages because we do not know when or where they will attack.”

The Taraba State Police Command has yet to respond to this latest attack.