Exclusive .Covid- 19 : Hoodlums  rob ,rape women in Ogun Community.

By Patience Ogbo

 Residents of kugbonmire Street behind Expect God School and environs in Mowe community in Ogun State said armed hoodlums have taken over their community for the past three days.
The residents said they are living in fear  at the time of this report as  hoodlums about 100 in number are laying siege in their streets.
The hoodlums according to residents are allegedly  breaking into houses and  demanding for food,  money and raping women.
They added that residents who are obeying the Stay- at-Home directives of the government have been under attack since on Monday.
A resident Mrs. Ajala Ojo said " We have been under attack since Monday. I could not call to inform anyone because my mobile phone is bad. I just managed to get to my neighbors to use their phone to call my family. These boys are attacking houses and streets with dangerous weapons. They are asking for food and money but when they cannot get anything, they resort to raping women. As I am talking to you now, about 100 of them are on my street at Ikugbonmire where I reside with my children. I am looking for every means to relocate because the attacks are scaring me and my children have been crying. I locked my doors and we are quiet inside our room as if nobody is in the house. Policemen came and threw tear gas but the hoodlums returned fire with guns shots and stones. The policemen left and came back later with more men".
Another resident pastor Kenny said " Attacks have been going on in Mowe. These boys have been attacking residents in Mowe in the last three days. They come out in the afternoon to rob residents  staying at home and their attacks have spread to Ofada. Landlord in Shomeke Obafemi-Owode  are staying up to watch over their community so that these boys will not attack us".
Effort to get the reaction of the Ogun State police spokesperson DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi was not successful.
When contacted, the commissioner of police in the state CP Kenneth Ebrimson said " There is nothing of such happening there. My DPO is on ground and he told me there is nothing happening.Let the person calling you also call me".

Exclusive .Covid- 19 : Hoodlums  rob ,rape women in Ogun Community.

By Patience Ogbo

 Residents of kugbonmire Street behind Expect God School and environs in Mowe community in Ogun State said armed hoodlums have taken over their community for the past three days.
The residents said they are living in fear  at the time of this report as  hoodlums about 100 in number are laying siege in their streets.
The hoodlums according to residents are allegedly  breaking into houses and  demanding for food,  money and raping women.
They added that residents who are obeying the Stay- at-Home directives of the government have been under attack since on Monday.
A resident Mrs. Ajala Ojo said " We have been under attack since Monday. I could not call to inform anyone because my mobile phone is bad. I just managed to get to my neighbors to use their phone to call my family. These boys are attacking houses and streets with dangerous weapons. They are asking for food and money but when they cannot get anything, they resort to raping women. As I am talking to you now, about 100 of them are on my street at Ikugbonmire where I reside with my children. I am looking for every means to relocate because the attacks are scaring me and my children have been crying. I locked my doors and we are quiet inside our room as if nobody is in the house. Policemen came and threw tear gas but the hoodlums returned fire with guns shots and stones. The policemen left and came back later with more men".
Another resident pastor Kenny said " Attacks have been going on in Mowe. These boys have been attacking residents in Mowe in the last three days. They come out in the afternoon to rob residents  staying at home and their attacks have spread to Ofada. Landlord in Shomeke Obafemi-Owode  are staying up to watch over their community so that these boys will not attack us".
Effort to get the reaction of the Ogun State police spokesperson DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi was not successful.
When contacted, the commissioner of police in the state CP Kenneth Ebrimson said " There is nothing of such happening there. My DPO is on ground and he told me there is nothing happening.Let the person calling you also call me".

Covid-19 : NGO urges government to  extend  stimulus package beyond the provision of food

By Patience Ogbo 

A non governmental organization International Center for Human Rights NonViolence and Safety Awareness has called on the government to extend its palliatives  beyond the provision of food.

The NGO stated this in a press release on Friday signed by the Chief Executive Officer  Barr. Ene Unobe.

The statement read 

"As part of our Vision to raise awareness on humanitarian issues where necessary and providing best

professional advice on emerging human rights and safety issues and having carefully monitored and reviewed 

approaches adopted so far by state and federal  Government in containing the spread of

COVID-19 in Nigeria, we wish to appreciate the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian Governments, Federal 

Ministry of Health, Lagos State Government,  NCDC, Individuals,

 Private Sectors community leaders, NGOs and other Stake Holders in curtailing the COVID-19 

pandemic in Nigeria through donation and other types of supports for NCDC" 

 It is no longer news that the world is facing dire health challenges with the pandemic called COVID-19.Weeks have passed and Nigeria, like other countries, has taken steps aimed at halting the spread of the virus.

One of such steps is the forced lockdown of the country's social, economic, and other spheres of interpersonal relationships in order to combat the spread"

The NGO urged government to look at the need to give directives that will affect the lives of the common man on the street. 

" It is obvious that government’s "restriction of movement order" which includes the directive for citizens to stay at home (in order to contain the spread), is in good faith. This lockdown, no doubt, is taking its toll on individual, and families' efforts to meet basic  obligations such as feeding, clothing, shelter, business and other contractual commitments including but not limited to rent, bank loans, health insurance,  etc. it is a notorious fact that, in Nigeria, one gainfully employed individual feeds not less than ten others. 

While some in the formal or organized private sector can still manage to eke out monthly salaries and, maybe, other incentives to their employees, those in the informal medium and small scale businesses are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. There is no gainsaying that petty traders among other poorest of the poor, depends on daily hustling for their "daily bread".  This lockdown means there is nothing to look up to. They therefore cannot but rely on government’s promise of economic relief and palliatives.

Without delving into the adequacy (or lack of it) of the promised incentives, it is my submission that food supply cannot satisfy the direct and indirect losses of this category of Nigerians. Good as this basic necessity is, other disruptions occasioned by this sudden clampdown have to be looked into by government in order to properly manage the lockdown order and the post-COVID 19 socio-economic upheavals that will erupt such as unpaid rents,accumulating bank charges,bank loans, loss of jobs,school fees and other forms of indebtedness or financial obligations.

As a human right activist, our organization has been inundated with communications by distressed Nigerians who have started falling victim of assorted economic problems associated with this unforeseen shutdown. As we write, these pressures and agitations are becoming unbearable and may force otherwise law-abiding citizens into lawlessness thereby causing social disequilibrium"

The NGO stated that for government to impact the lives of Nigerians beyond the provision of food and health care, there is the need for government to

 "Give directives that landlords should observe moratorium on payment of rents for at least three months starting from April 2020.As a consequence, law suits by landlords on recovery of premises at this time should be discouraged for the same period of time.Contractual obligations to banks and other financial institution on loans should be relaxed.

 Government's rates and taxes that directly impact on the poor and private sector should be suspended or reduced to the barest minimal for the time being.

Massive financial support for the organized private sector to enable them pay salaries of their staff and other operational cost.

Protection of workers in the private sector from employers who may take undue advantage of the pandemic and lockdown order to sack workers without compensation.

Give directive to security agents to protect the human rights of every citizen and punish officers who have gone beyond their brief.

Give directive to citizen to avoid any form of domestic and sexual violence especially during this lockdown period.

In this regard we commend the moves by the National Assembly and States House of Assembly to cause a 2-month moratorium on payment of electricity charges by Nigerians.

These suggestions are in no way trail-blazing as some African countries like South Africa and Ghana are already in the tow.

We believe that our aforementioned suggestions will go a very long way in calming frayed and worried nerves of Nigerians as they will be more amenable to government directives that they should stay at home. 

We encourage Nigerians to STAY AT HOME.Engage in regular washing of hands , avoid  touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.Practice social (physical) distancing.Observe other guidelines and precautions by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) and other relevant government agencies.

As Professionals in Humanitarian and safety awareness, we shall continue to follow up 

on humanitarian developments and assist in providing updates on best professional strategies where necessary. 

We salute every Nigerian especially those at the front line  workers making sacrifices to safe lives and contain  this pandemic. 

Together we shall surely overcome." 

Covid-19 : NGO urges government to  extend  stimulus package beyond provision of food

By Patience Ogbo 

A non governmental organization International Center for Human Rights NonViolence and Safety Awareness has called on the government to extend its palliatives  beyond the provision of food.

The NGO stated this in a press release on Friday signed by the Chief Executive Officer  Barr. Ene Unobe.

The statement read 

"As part of our Vision to raise awareness on humanitarian issues where necessary and providing best

professional advice on emerging human rights and safety issues and having carefully monitored and reviewed 

approaches adopted so far by state and federal  Government in containing the spread of

COVID-19 in Nigeria, we wish to appreciate the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian Governments, Federal 

Ministry of Health, Lagos State Government,  NCDC, Individuals,

 Private Sectors community leaders, NGOs and other Stake Holders in curtailing the COVID-19 

pandemic in Nigeria through donation and other types of supports for NCDC" 

 It is no longer news that the world is facing dire health challenges with the pandemic called COVID-19.Weeks have passed and Nigeria, like other countries, has taken steps aimed at halting the spread of the virus.

One of such steps is the forced lockdown of the country's social, economic, and other spheres of interpersonal relationships in order to combat the spread"

The NGO urged government to look at the need to give directives that will affect the lives of the common man on the street. 

" It is obvious that government’s "restriction of movement order" which includes the directive for citizens to stay at home (in order to contain the spread), is in good faith. This lockdown, no doubt, is taking its toll on individual, and families' efforts to meet basic  obligations such as feeding, clothing, shelter, business and other contractual commitments including but not limited to rent, bank loans, health insurance,  etc. it is a notorious fact that, in Nigeria, one gainfully employed individual feeds not less than ten others. 

While some in the formal or organized private sector can still manage to eke out monthly salaries and, maybe, other incentives to their employees, those in the informal medium and small scale businesses are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. There is no gainsaying that petty traders among other poorest of the poor, depends on daily hustling for their "daily bread".  This lockdown means there is nothing to look up to. They therefore cannot but rely on government’s promise of economic relief and palliatives.

Without delving into the adequacy (or lack of it) of the promised incentives, it is my submission that food supply cannot satisfy the direct and indirect losses of this category of Nigerians. Good as this basic necessity is, other disruptions occasioned by this sudden clampdown have to be looked into by government in order to properly manage the lockdown order and the post-COVID 19 socio-economic upheavals that will erupt such as unpaid rents,accumulating bank charges,bank loans, loss of jobs,school fees and other forms of indebtedness or financial obligations.

As a human right activist, our organization has been inundated with communications by distressed Nigerians who have started falling victim of assorted economic problems associated with this unforeseen shutdown. As we write, these pressures and agitations are becoming unbearable and may force otherwise law-abiding citizens into lawlessness thereby causing social disequilibrium"

The NGO stated that for government to impact the lives of Nigerians beyond the provision of food and health care, there is the need for government to

 "Give directives that landlords should observe moratorium on payment of rents for at least three months starting from April 2020.As a consequence, law suits by landlords on recovery of premises at this time should be discouraged for the same period of time.Contractual obligations to banks and other financial institution on loans should be relaxed.

 Government's rates and taxes that directly impact on the poor and private sector should be suspended or reduced to the barest minimal for the time being.

Massive financial support for the organized private sector to enable them pay salaries of their staff and other operational cost.

Protection of workers in the private sector from employers who may take undue advantage of the pandemic and lockdown order to sack workers without compensation.

Give directive to security agents to protect the human rights of every citizen and punish officers who have gone beyond their brief.

Give directive to citizen to avoid any form of domestic and sexual violence especially during this lockdown period.

In this regard we commend the moves by the National Assembly and States House of Assembly to cause a 2-month moratorium on payment of electricity charges by Nigerians.

These suggestions are in no way trail-blazing as some African countries like South Africa and Ghana are already in the tow.

We believe that our aforementioned suggestions will go a very long way in calming frayed and worried nerves of Nigerians as they will be more amenable to government directives that they should stay at home. 

We encourage Nigerians to STAY AT HOME.Engage in regular washing of hands , avoid  touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.Practice social (physical) distancing.Observe other guidelines and precautions by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) and other relevant government agencies.

As Professionals in Humanitarian and safety awareness, we shall continue to follow up 

on humanitarian developments and assist in providing updates on best professional strategies where necessary. 

We salute every Nigerian especially those at the front line  workers making sacrifices to safe lives and contain  this pandemic. 

Together we shall surely overcome." 

COVID-19: U.S. Repatriates 997 Americans Back Home

Lagos––The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has helped 997 Americans return home to reunite with family and friends during this time of unprecedented challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

From April 6-8, three U.S. Consulate-organized chartered flights operated by Delta Air Lines and Ethiopian Airlines repatriated 850 American citizens from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos to the United States. This is in addition to the 147 U.S. citizens who departed Abuja on April 4.

These repatriation flights were made possible by a tremendous effort by the U.S. Consulate team and great cooperation from Nigerian partners, including the Ministry of Aviation, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Lagos State Government.

The State Department’s effort to bring Americans home during the COVID-19 pandemic has required a remarkable diplomatic and logistical effort. As of April 8, 2020, the Department of State has coordinated the repatriation of 50,339 Americans from 94 countries since January 29, 2020. 

United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo noted that in times of emergency, the United States Department of State has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.

“This has been three weeks in the making. We had more than 50 people working on this on a daily basis to make sure that we can find the Americans, get the planes, secure flight clearances for the planes to land here and also ensure safe passage of the Americans traveling to the airport since the city is on lockdown. It was an enormous effort and I am incredibly proud of my team. We appreciate all the help from our Nigerian partners. We couldn’t have done this without them,” Consul General Pierangelo said.

She noted that U.S. Mission remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and the various health authorities to keep everyone healthy and safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The U.S. government has pledged more than $7 million in health and humanitarian funding to Nigeria in response to the pandemic that will go toward risk communication, water and sanitation activities, infection prevention, and coordination. This assistance joins more than $5.2 billion in health assistance and more than $8.1 billion in total assistance for Nigeria over the past 20 years.

The United States is providing nearly $274 million to help dozens of countries to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), furthering America’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and global health.

U.S. citizens who remain in Nigeria seeking COVID-19 information are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov and check the U.S. Mission Nigeria website and social media handles for messages and updates.

POLICE ARREST MAN FOR ALLEDLY STEALING NEW BABY PLACENTA

 

A 43yr old man Joshua Abraham has been arrested by operatives of Ogun State police Command for stealing a new born baby placenta.

          The suspect was arrested following a report made by one Raliha Zakara the grandmother of the baby at Ibafo police station that the suspect who is her close neighbor came to the hospital where her daughter was delivered of the baby and pretended to be the father of the new baby, consequent upon which he demanded for the placenta from the nurse on duty and it was given to him.

          On getting the placenta, he took it away on the pretence that he was going to bury it. But when the grandmother got to the hospital and was informed that the suspect has taken away the placenta, she quickly confronted him, but he told the grandmother that he has buried the placenta. When the grandmother insisted that she should be taken to where he buried it, it was discovered that he has hidden the placenta but buried a dead rat.

          Upon the report, the DPO Ibafo division SP Abiodun Ayinde detailed his detectives to the scene where the suspect was arrested. It was discovered that the suspect has once been arrested for defrauding a police officer and a pastor of huge sum of money under the pretence of procuring Canadian visa for them and the case is been prosecuted in court. He has since taken the detectives to where he hid the placenta and it has been recovered.

          Meanwhile, the Commissioner of police, CP Kenneth Ebrimson has directed that a thorough investigation should be carried out and that the suspect should be charged to court as soon as possible.

COVID-19 –202 joggers charged to Court

Police Officers on enforcement of restriction of movements order arrested 202 suspects for violating the stay at home directives of Government. The suspects were arrested playing football on major streets and having group exercise in large number, which neglect the principles of social distancing.
The suspects were arraigned in Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court on one count charge of violating the social distancing directives of Lagos State Government contrary to Regulation 8(1)( a) &(b) and 17(1)(i) of Lagos State Infectious Disease (Emergency prevention) Regulation 2020. It is an offence punishable under Section 58 Public Health Law Cap P16 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Among the suspects charged, one hundred and eighty nine pleaded guilty to the charge while 13 pleaded not guilty. At the end of the trial, the suspects were found guilty as charged and ordered to pay ten thousand naira each as fines. They are also sentenced to two hours community service, which was supervised by officials of social welfare.
 The suspects were arrested along Iju, Sabo, Ikeja, Itire, Ikotun, Ogudu, Akinpelu, Maroko, Alapere, Anthony, Orile, Owode Onirin and Ilemba Hausa areas. The suspects are within ages 15 and 42.  For information or complaints regarding non compliance call the following numbers