Nation
29 Drowned Firewood Hawkers Buried In Sokoto
Twenty-nine bodies of young firewood hawkers have been buried in Gidan Magana Village in the Shagari Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
The hawkers died on Wednesday when their boat capsized in Shagari River on their way to fetch firewood in Ela bush.
The funeral prayer was led by Iman Musa Shagari and was attended by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manniru Dan’iya.
Others included the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Sa’idum, and the member representing Shagari Local Government in the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Maidawa Kajiji, among others.
Shortly after they were buried, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, arrived in the village from Abuja to commiserate with the bereaved families.
In his address, Tamabuwal condoled with them and confirmed that 29 people died while six survived the unfortunate incident.
The Village Head, Alhaji Auwalu Magaji, told the gathering that the 23 females, mostly young girls and six men, were on their way to fetch firewood they would sell.
Magaji said fetching firewood was a major business engaged by the youth in the area and they used canoe to cross the Shagari River in their search for the fuel.
He said the victims were among the second batch of firewood hawkers who left the village to the bush around 10 a.m. on Wednesday after first batch had been crossed and dropped off in Ela bush.
Malam Ali Muhammad, father of one of the deceased, 12-year-old Rufaida, confirmed that she left in the morning to the Ela bush.
“I searched for her corpse and saw it among others.
‘’Rufaida has not been attending formal school as there is no primary school in the village. However, she was attending religious study classes, along with other children in the evening,” the father said.
A resident, Mr Muhammad Danmaimota, described the incident as unfortunate and attributed it to the poverty that ravaged the area.
Danmaimota said the village lacked functional school, clinic, electricity and potable water, a situation that forced residents to engage in firewood business.
According to him, young girls before marriage mostly engage in hawking firewood for subsistence and commercial purposes.
He said that boys also joined in the business because of the absence of schools.
Danmaimota said Gidan Magana Village roads inaccessible, especially when it rained, and residents faced hardships due to the lack of social amenities.
He said that residents paid a fare of N50 to cross the river in a boat.
Danmaimota said though the firewood fetching business was dangerous, the people had no other option.
Newsmen who was in village, reports that the incident threw the residents into deep mourning.
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.