Security

#EndSARS: Ekiti Govt. Imposes 24Hours Curfew

By Web News 617

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. kayode Fayemi has imposed a twenty four hours curfew across the state commencing from ten o clock this evening.

In a statement the Secretary to the state Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji said the curfew was to prevent anarchy by some elements who have hijacked the peaceful protest against Endsars in the state.

Mr. Oyebanji said the hoodlums have capitalised on the ENDSARS protest to engage in robbery, rape and assault on innocent citizens in addition to the wanton destruction of private properties..

He noted that government was concerned that if such was allowed to continue unabated, it would lead to breakdown of law and order thereby threatening the wellbeing of the people of Ekiti State.

Mr. oyebanji said only essential workers and service providers with valid means of identification would be allowed during the period of the curfew.

The Ekiti state government scribe said any person found on the streets without any reason would be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the state.

Tope Bamidele

Security

Hunters join #EndSARS Protest

By Web News 1161

The Hunters Group of Nigeria today joined the #EndSARS protesters at the popular Ola-Iya junction, Osogbo capital of Osun State in solidarity against police brutality and attack by hoodlums. 

The youths had converged at the junction and barricaded all the roads joining the highway. 

The Hunters led by their head, Alhaji Hammed Nureen, marched from Odi-Olowo street in their scores to join the protesters assuring them of safety and prevention from thugs infiltration.

Adenitan Akinola

Education

#EndSARS: Akeredolu halts academic activities

By Web News 550

Ondo State Government has directed that all schools be closed for the meantime from tomorrow 21st October 2020 because of the engulfing nationwide protest and the need to ensure safety of our students and staff.

Parents and the public are to note this directive and all schools are to comply.

Any inconvenience is regretted, while the State Government would ensure resumption of our schools as soon as possible.

Thank you and God bless.

Femi Agagu

Hon.Commissioner for Education

Education

#EndSARS: Ekiti shuts down academic activities

By Web News 713

Ekiti State Government has ordered the closure of all private and public schools in the State for the rest of the week. 

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, D.r Olabimpe Aderiye  gave the order in a statement in Ado Ekiti. 

Dr. Aderiye explained that the directive became necessary to safeguard the lives of pupils, students, teachers and other staff members who are finding it difficult to get to their respective schools.

The Education commissioner expressed the hope that School activities would resume next week Monday.

Bunmi Oluwalana

Security

#EndSars: Gov. Sanwo-Olu declares Curfew in Lagos

By Web News 887

Dear Lagosians, 

I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society. Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella of these protests to unleash mayhem on our State.

 As a government that is alive to its responsibility and has shown a commitment to the movement #ENDSARS, we will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.

I, therefore, hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October,2020.

Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets. 

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

Governor, Lagos State

Education

#EndSARS: Ibadan Residents Call for Closure of Schools

By Web News 808

Some residents of Ibadan have called on Oyo State Government to close schools following the ENDSARS protest which has brought untold hardship on the people.

They made the call in Ibadan while speaking with Radio Nigeria on their bitter experiences as the protest continues.

One of them Mr. Anuoluwa Jacob said to move up and down had been terrible and expected the state government to have ordered closure of schools to ease the plight of parents and students.

Another resident, Mr. Habeeb Onaolapo said his children were indoor as schooling had been put on hold for now stressing that the state government should have been proactive to close schools as done by Lagos state government.

 They emphasized that the protest is no longer genuine as hoodlums had hijacked the struggle.

 Our correspondent reports that many parents turned back due to heavy traffic caused by the protest.

 Ridwan Fasasi   

Economy

#EndSars: Ooni Calls for Calm

By Web News 716

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has appealed to the youths calling for the cancellation of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police to retreat. 

The Monarch made the call while playing host to former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in his Ile Oodua palace in Ile Ife.

Ooni Ogunwusi who described the #EndSARS struggle as Nigerian youth’s clear message to the government, particularly about their ability to get things done in a coordinated manner, urged the youths to allow the government to fully attend to their grievances.

He said the #EndSars protest had shown that the youths have what it require to rule the country, as they had shown leadership, accountability and huge sense of responsibility which is a clear message to the government.

On the attack on Governor, Gboyega Oyetola’s convoy by some suspected political thugs at the venue of an #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, the Ooni who is the permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the incidence as unfortunate and commended the maturity of the Governor in responding to the crisis.

Earlier in his speech, former President Obasanjo explained that the #EndSARS protest was a product of an extensive agitation of the Nigerian youths that needed to be attended to by the government.

Chief Obasanjo pointed out that Over 65 percent of the nation’s population were under the age of 35, looking up to the best in life, struggling for education, some of who did not even get educated while those who were educated get frustrated because of lack of opportunities.

He noted that there were windows of opportunity which the government could explore to show that it cared about the people, especially the youth.

Adenitan Akinola

Economy

#EndSars protest continues in Ibadan

By Web News 1326

EndSars protests have continued across Ibadan metropolis as youths gathered in their number at strategic places to drive home their demands.

At challenges, the roads were barricaded while the youths were seen playing football on the main road,

The situation was similar at Molete, Apata, Okebola , Mobil, Akobo and Eleyele areas of Ibadan as all vehicular movement were stalled.

Similarly, activities along Ojoo/UI/Sango/Mokola Road in Ibadan have been grounded following the ENDSARS protest.

The protesters in their hundreds with various inscriptions calling for good governance barricaded strategic locations along the road.

Three trucks were used to block roads at a side at Ojoo  while only vehicles on essential duties were allowed to pass the other side of the road.

Some hoodlums who joined the protesters were sighted collecting money from motorists at Sango Area to allow them pass.

Our correspondent who chartered a commercial motorcycle reports that over fifteen road blocks were noticed from Ojoo to Dugbe.

Ibomor/Fasasi

News Security

#EndSARS Protest: Yahaya Bello Counsels Youths

By Web News 896

PRESS RELEASE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO OF KOGI STATE ON THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PROTESTERS TOWARDS A RESOLUTION OF EXTANT ISSUES

Dear Nigerian Youth,

The last 10 days of nationwide protests against human rights abuses suffered by Nigerian citizens at the hands of law enforcement, especially the police, have been a learning moment for all Nigerians regardless of age, class or social status.

For the protesting youths who are organising and coordinating at the speed of thought, there is a welcome awakening of their latent power and unity as citizens. The Office of the Citizen is finally woke, and the spectacle is lit.

For older Nigerians, the parents and grandparents of the protesters, there is admiration for those they raised to tiptoe fearfully around Nigeria’s many existential threats who have now risen to confront those challenges head-on with soundness of mind, boldness and patriotism.

For politicians and those in government, there are mixed reactions ranging from support to distress, even denial of what this is and the sheer magnitude of it. Personally, I realised immediately that this is a watershed moment for the future of Nigeria. That is why I lent it my immediate support, being arguably the first sitting Governor to do so publicly.

In addition to everything else, the protesters reminded me of myself about 6 years ago when I dared, just before my 37th birthday, to run for the Office of the Governor of Kogi State. At the time, like many of you today, I had absolutely no prior experience in partisan politics. But that single act of courage (or foolishness as some people called it at the time) became my date with destiny. With a lot of help from God, what started as a strong desire to change the old paradigms in my state is now going into a second term in office as the Governor of Kogi State.

The point here is first to reassure our youth that truly, we are not too young to run, either for an objective or for an office. Apart from constitutional age limit requirements, there is no youth out protesting in this season who cannot seek for any elective positions that become due between now, 2023 and beyond.

Secondly, by sharing my story I hope to highlight the importance of structure to any bid to institute and sustain lasting change in a democracy. As a forerunner, my main takeaway in confronting and overcoming mighty hurdles which any youth aspiring to high political leadership will face is that you need a strong, preferably dominant, structure behind you.

While an overflow of powerful emotions about the sorry state of the nation, or your state, can galvanise you into action like I was, you will need an organisation, that is, a platform prescribed by law, to actualise your vision. Without mincing words, to have any chance of acquiring leadership lawfully in a democratic society, you need to found and grow a political party, or join an existing one.

It is therefore imperative that our youth be well guided in steering the direction of these protests after the ‘successes’ of the last 10 days or so. Calling the protests ‘organic’ or ‘leaderless’ sounds cool alright, but I know you did not start them merely be ‘cool’. As they spread to more and more locations across Nigeria, also bear in mind that you will soon need more than exuberance, or even outrage, to sustain them.

You are at the point where you will need to have the courage of your convictions and be able to stand alone if necessary. That is the starting point of all leadership and a recurring decimal in the art of leading people. I have had cause to show those traits time and again during the course of my leadership.

For instance, during the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, our policy of no lockdowns, target-specific testing, use of rapid test kits and reliance on so-called untested drugs made us to stand alone. Strangely enough, some of those drugs have been in use since the 1940s and nobody has ever deemed them dangerous for the populace until Covid-19 came. Our stand earned us plenty of attacks then. Today, however, practically all of our protocols have become mainstream measures in use by even regulators themselves. Our feeling of vindication when we are now praised for our ‘foresight’ is nothing compared to our gratitude that God helped us to keep our people and their livelihoods safe.

In like manner, the real leaders and spokespersons of these protests must also begin to ‘show face’ now to enable government at all levels know who to interface with. We cannot even appoint people into the various bodies being set up to address your demands without being afraid that opportunists who have no credibility with you are high-jacking it. May I therefore request that the protesters give us people to engage with, especially on the timeliest schedules for calling it a day which accommodates all reasonable demands.

It goes without saying that despite different levels of dissatisfaction with the status quo in our country among the citizenry, it is unwise to think that a change of leadership other than by clear-cut democratic means will be tolerated by citizens. Those interested in Mr. President’s seat must wait for 2023 and when it is finally up for grabs, they must present themselves to the Nigerian electorate, duly nominated as flagbearers for any party of their choice. It is as simple as that. Ditto for any other duly elected seat or office.

As we go into a new week, I have seen several advertisements calling for more protests in Kogi State. As usual, I am all for peaceful protests, but I do caution that all gatherings must maintain empathy for others who may not wish to march with you at this time. In particular, given our unique position as the gateway to the North and South of the country, I must demand respect for the right of road users. People cannot be emerging from months of lockdown, be in the process of trying to rebuild their lives only to be thrown back into extended lockdowns again by barricades set up by protesters on public thoroughfares.

We are making these cautionary statements at this time as a responsible government which is keyed into, and even quite ahead of, the national response to your demands.

We will not relent in putting in early warning systems for detecting, and sustainable safeguards for checkmating, abuses against the human rights of citizens, especially the youths, by law enforcement agencies. At the same time, we are committed to making the work easier for our police by providing them with training in modern policing, professional therapy/counselling and supply of kits at no cost.

Making Nigeria great is a task which belongs to all of us.

‘Those who seek to improve our country through peaceful protest and protected speech, I want you to know that your voice is important. Do not be discouraged by those who use your lawful actions as a cover for their heinous violence. We will continue to safeguard your constitutional rights and to work with you in the difficult mission of building a better nation and a brighter future.’ -Loretta Lynch, 83rd Attorney General of the United States.

Thank you and God bless.

YAHAYA BELLO
Governor of Kogi State

Economy

#EndSARS: protests halt activities in Ekiti

By Web News 1038

The ENDSARS protests in Ekiti state took another dimension today as all roads leading to Ado Ekiti, the state capital from other towns were blocked.

As early as seven o’clock in the morning, the protesters have barricaded all routes within Ado Ekiti metropolis.

The development affected those going to their places of work, shops and students going to different schools.

Also, commercial activities were paralyzed while vehicular movement were restricted in every part of Ado Ekiti.

Many Parents ran to various schools to take their children who had already resumed before the mass protests.

Some of the places barricaded were, Ikere Ekiti- Akure road, Ado-Iworoko route, Ado-AFAO Road and Ado-Ijan Ekiti way among others.

Amos Ogunrinde

Security

#EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates judicial committee

By Web News 697

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today inaugurated a seven-man judicial panel of inquiry into the demands of the ongoing EndSARS protesters.

The demands of the protesters include prosecution of erring officers involved in police brutality, justice and compensation for victims of police irresponsibility and total reform of the police force.

The governor assured protesters across the state that the panel would get to work immediately, as he appealed to Lagosians to put an end to the ongoing protests across the state.

He announced a public helplines and a dedicated email address, [email protected], for citizens to submit petitions to State Judicial Panel on EndSARS matters.

The panel, which has six months to complete its job, is chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi; Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN representing the Civil Society; a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu.

Others are representatives of the Civil Society, Ms Patience Udoh , Human Rights Activist, Mr. Segun Awosanya; Director, Citizens Mediation Center, Mrs. Olutoyin, Odusanya; a representative of the youth-led protest; and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.

Ridwan Fasasi

Economy

#ENDSARS: Activities paralyse at local, International Airports

By Web News 832

Activities at both the local and International airports in Lagos have been brought to a halt by the protesters of #EndSARS.

The protesters have taken over the roads leading in and out of the airport.

Their movement started from the Ikeja under bridge marching into the MMIA.

All the roads have been blocked and no vehicle can access the area. Parents are rushing into the airport area on foot to pick up their children from the various schools in the area. 

Filling stations, police station, eateries, shops and others have been closed.

Gates leading to the Aviation agencies have been shut.

Flight operations have temporarily been suspended as fillers from other states were  similar protest is going on is not favourable.

There is traffic gridlock on all adjoining roads.

Security operatives have taken over the road leading into the local wing of the Lagos Airport to bar any protesters entry into the airport from the Ikeja end.

Nosa Aituamen

Security

#EndSARS:Edo Govt Imposes 24hrs Curfew

By Web News 751

Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state beginning from 4 p.m. today until further notice.

In a statement issued by Secretary to State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie and made available to Radio Nigeria, the curfew became necessary due to disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #ENDSARS protesters.

It emphasised that while Edo State government respects the rights of its citizens to undertake in legitimate protests, it would not sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state.

The statement further directs schools and businesses to shut down activities while those who cannot move safely have been advised to stay put till calm is restored.

FRCN, Abuja

Security

#EndSARS Protests Paralyse Activities in Ibadan Metropolis

By Web News 1026

EndSARS protesters have grounded activities along Ibadan-Abeokuta road.

The protesting youths in their thousands had barricaded strategic locations from Odo-Ona, Oluyole, Apata and NNPC axis while all vehicular movements have also been grounded.

People in need of medical attention were however allowed to pass through the blockade.

The youths carried placards with various inscriptions calling for an end to police brutality.

Also, vehicular movements have been stagnated along Akala expressway, linking Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Orita Challenge.

The intersection has been barricaded by the EndSars protesters.

Motorists including motorcyclists were unable to access the roads.

Meanwhile, Commercial banks, Supermarkets, Filling Stations and many other business outfits are not opened for services.

Some parents were rushing to schools to pick up their children.

Ibadan-Abeokuta express way is the main road linking Ibadan and Abeokuta.

Adelowo/Fawole/Idogbe/Akinola                                                

Security

#ENDSARS: Commuters in Ogun Urge Govt. to Promptly Address Demands

By Web News 728

A cross-section of road users affected by the activities of #ENDSARS protesters in Abeokuta wants the Federal Government to urgently address the grievances of the group. 

The commuters made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria as

ENDSARS protesters in their hundreds again paralyzed social and economic activities in the Ogun State capital when they converged on the popular NNPC axis along the major way linking the city to both the Federal and state workers secretariats and the Governor’s office. 

The demonstrators displayed placards indicating the agitation for total abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad accused of unlawful arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings, rather than rebranding it into the Special Weapons and Tactical Unit, SWAT. 

Many commuters, who were caught up in the traffic gridlock occasioned by the heavy presence the youths on the road, expressed concern that the protest had continued to linger. 

Some of the youths who denied the reports that they were being bankrolled to protest, maintained that they were exercising their rights to demand for an end to police brutality. 

One of the organisers and Nollywood actor, Mr Oyalowo Samuel said the protesters had resolved to continue with the protest until their yearnings were attended to.

Radio Nigeria observed that protesters, including some prominent entertainers, including a popular musician, Kiss Daniel were spreading out to occupy other major streets in the city and disrupting the free flow of traffic in the process. 

Adegoke

Security

#ENDSARS Now Resumes Protest in Osogbo

By Web News 739

The ENDDSARS NOW protest this resumed in Osogbo at the popular Olaiya Roundabout.

The protesters commenced their mobilization from the Government Technical School area, where they moved to the Olaiya Roundabout 

They were joined by others who moved from Ayetoro area of the state capital.

Some leaders of the group including Mr Ebenezer Adaralegbe insisted that they would resist any hoodlum that attempt to hijack the peaceful protest.

Recalled that yesterday, a handful of the protesters were dispersed at Alekuwodo by people suspected to be thugs.

Adenitan Akinola

Security

We did not sponsor thugs to disperse #ENDSARS Protesters – Osun Govt.

By Web News 662

Osun State Government says it did not sponsor thugs to disperse the #ENDSARS Now protesters in Osogbo on Thursday morning.

In a statement in Osogbo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismael Omipidan explained that the government had been engaging with the protesters since the agitation began on Monday.

The statement is a reaction to an earlier release credited to a Socio-Political organisation, the Democratic Socialist Movement, DSM which alleged that the government sponsored attack on the protest.

He stated that the government also invited leaders of the protesters for an interface with the police, saying that they declined claiming that they had no leader.

The government maintained that it was committed to protecting the right of citizens in all forms.

In the DSM statement credited to its Osun State coordinator, Mr Alfred Adegoke and Secretary, Mr Kola Ibrahim, the DSM said the nature of the attack and earlier move of the government suggested that the attack on the peaceful protesters was sponsored by the state government.

Recall, that some people numbering about 10 early on Thursday dispersed about 20 protesters moving from Okefair to Olaiya.

PR/Adenitan

Politics

#EndSARS: I am in full support of ending police brutality – Makinde

By Web News 707

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has commended the protesting youths on the #ENDSARS issue for their peaceful conduct in the bid to changing certain policies of government and ending police brutality.

Governor Makinde stated this while addressing the #EndSARS protesters, who converged on the Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. 

The governor while declaring his full support for those calling for an end to police brutality however sued for peace so that the ongoing protests to achieve the desired result.

Governor Seyi Makinde (with the microphone), OYHA Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, while addressing #EndSARS protesters in Oyo State

He promised to get all protesters who were arrested in the course of the protests released by the police, while also pledging to ensure that no further life is lost to the protests in the state.

Governor Makinde stated that his government would follow the path of constructive engagement to diffuse the tension in the land adding that the state would roll out palliatives for youths within the next one week.

The governor had earlier visited Ogbomoso area of the state to sympathise with the families of Isiaka Jimoh who died during the #ENDSARS protest and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi over the invasion of the palace which led to vandalisation of the property at the place in the wake of the protest.

The governor ordered the release of one hundred million naira to the monarch for renovation of the palace.

Iyabo Adebisi

Security

#EndSARS Protest Leaves Ogbomoso in Disarray

By Web News 723

Angry youths have vandalized the palace of SOUN of Ogbomoso.

This is coming about 24 hours after the police allegedly killed a youth identified as Isiaka Jimoh during the #EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso

The death of Isiaka Jimoh is believed to have prompted the action of the raging youths.

The suspected thugs who engaged men of the Nigeria police force threw stone to the age long palace to show their dissatisfaction on the activities of the special anti robbery squad.

However,normalcy has been restored to the ancient town as soldiers and policemen are currently ensuring that people do their daily business without hindrance..

Meanwhile ,the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, has disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.

Adamu made the announcement in a live broadcast on Sunday, followed by a press release by the Force Public Relations Office, Frank Mba.

The IGP also said operatives of the disbanded unit will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

According to the statement by Mba, the action was taken due to the yearnings of Nigerians.

Groups of Nigerians have been protesting overzealousness of officers of SARS.

The protests had gone through virtually all the states of the federation while the social media have been flooded with #Endsars campaign.

Adedayo Adelowo

Crime

#EndSARS: Gov. Makinde Condemns Killing of Protester in Ogbomoso

By Web News 785

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has condemned the killing of one Jimoh Isiaka during the END SARS protest in Ogbomoso.

Also, at this same protest, Abdulrasaq Olawale, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, and five other persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Governor Makinde through his Facebook page called on the Police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted. 

The governor urged residents of Oyo State to remain calm as investigation had commenced into the matter.

“This situation is highly regrettable. I have contacted the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies, and investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing. I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

“Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.” 

“I will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

#EndSARS Protests: Oyetola Urges Osun State Citizens To Be Calm

By Web News 730

The Osun State governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has appealed to citizens of the state to exercise restraints in the face of the protests against police brutality in the country.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, the governor said government was already responding to the people’s outcry.

He advised citizens not to take laws into their hands considering that Osun is a peaceful state, and that President Muhammadu Buhari had promised reforms in the Police Force and had given directives to the Inspector-General of Police to wade into the situation immediately.

Mr Oyetola appealed for calm and urged citizens to continue to uphold the peaceful profile of the state by not taking laws into their hands to attack public properties and facilities which took the government and taxpayers many years of sacrifice and struggles to build.

The governor reminded the people of Osun State of the patriotism of the vast majority of police officers in the country, men and women who had been committed to protecting the lives and properties of citizens over the years, where a lot of them have died in the course of doing their duties.

Governor Oyetola cautioned against taken anger against a reckless few on the entire force, which is working day and night to ensure the society’s safety.

Adenitan Akinola

News Analysis

Ensuring Justice for Late Remo Stars Footballer, Kazeem Tiamiyu

By Web News 1256

On February 22, 2020, a Nigerian footballer who played for Remo Stars Football Club, Kazeem Tiamiyu also known as Kaka, bade the world farewell in a very controversial manner in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The deceased who was also the assistant captain of Remo Stars was said to be driving in the company of one of his teammates, Sanni Abubakar.

According to the report, he was said to have been stopped by some officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

Report says one of the SARS officers had allegedly labelled Tiamiyu a cyber-fraudster, popularly known as yahoo boy and decided to take him to a police station close by.

Tiamiyu was said to have identified himself as a player of Remo Stars, however, this fell on the deaf ears of the SARS officers.

In a statement by the media officer of Remo Stars FC, one of the SARS officers was alleged to have pushed Tiamiyu out of the vehicle that was conveying him to the station and in the process, he was knocked down by a vehicle.

The young star was subsequently confirmed dead on arrival when he was rushed to a nearby private hospital.

The death of Kazeem Tiamiyu was just few of extrajudicial killings of innocent Nigerians by personnel of both the nation’s security agencies.

In October 2016, a player of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, Joseph Izu was killed by soldiers of Joint Miltary Task Force in Okaki, Ahoada, Rivers State.

It is so cruel that a defenceless player like Tiamiyu who had gone to meet his manager a day before the incident ahead of his football trials coming up in Sweden would just be killed like a fly.

Instead of being remorseful and sympathetic, Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command, issued a statement which generated a public outcry on the situation that led to Kaka’s death which of course contradicted the position of Remo Stars FC.

A protest was staged on the police reaction by some youths in Sagamu where some people were feared dead.

In the light of this, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu disbanded the Zonal Intervention Squad, ZIS, in Ogun State, while the officers involved was been arrested for being on illegal duty, and for failure to obtain clearance from the formation in Sagamu before the operation.

The killing of Tiamiyu should not be swept under the carpet as it was in the case of Joseph Izu where hasty investigation exonerated the person that killed him.

The Inspector General of Police should rise to the calls to reform the Nigeria Police to make them more people-friendly and as well conform to international standard in the discharge of their duties.

No matter the pressure, Nigeria Police must protect the people and not kill them.

The hierarchy of the police must admit its shortcomings and restore sanity into the force, thereby preventing such provocative cases in the future.

Furthermore, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun must live to his words that such ugly incident would not occur again in the state and that the case would be thoroughly investigated.

The governor should equally consider immortalising the footballer by naming a sports institution or facility after him.

The governor, during a visit to the parents of the dead footballer, had promised to use all instruments of government to unearth the circumstances surrounding the death of Tiamiyu.

The management of Remo Stars FC should equally ensure that all entitlements accrued to Kazeem Tiamiyu are paid to his family as soon as possible, while the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, should equally come up with an award in honour of the late assistant captain of Remo Stars FC for his contribution to the development of football in Nigeria.

Nigerians are patiently waiting to see that not only is justice served but also seen that it has been served.

Olaolu Fawole

Crime

One Feared During “Peaceful Protest” over Remo Stars Player’s Death

By Web News 911

One person has been feared dead as scores of residents of Sagamu staged a protest over the death of Remo Stars Football Club player, Tiamiyu Kazeem.

The protesters stormed the Palace of the Akarigbo and the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, demanding justice for the deceased.

The protesters condemned the incessant brutality and indiscriminate arrests by law enforcement agencies in the town and its environs. 

A former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was among dignitaries that addressed the protesters at the palace where he urged them to be law-abiding.

The member, House of Representatives representing Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Mrs. Adewunmi Onanuga, and the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape, were also at the palace to appeal to the protesters.

Meanwhile, armed policemen have been deployed in the town to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

The cause of the death of the protesters is still sketchy as at the time of this report.

Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Police Command, Alhaji Abimbola Oyeyemi has not been successful as his phone line had been continually busy.

Wale Oluokun