Following the gruesome rape and murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level microbiology student of the University of Benin, a Civil Society Organisation has placed a N500,000 bounty for any person or persons that will provide information that will lead to the arrest of the those involved in the rape. 

Omozuwa was reportedly killed after she was raped inside a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, near Ikpoba Hill in Benin, Edo State, last Wednesday. She was said to be reading in the church when she was attacked. 

The incident sparked off outrage on social media, with many calling for justice for the deceased. In a statement, Frank Mba, police spokesman, said the perpetrators would be found “in the shortest possible time.” 

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, in the statement, condoled with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The statement read: “As part of deliberate and concerted efforts by the Nigeria Police High Command to unravel the circumstances surrounding the brutal attack and unfortunate death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omosuwa in Benin, Edo State on 28th and 30th May 2020 respectively, the Inspector General of Police has deployed additional investigations aids and forensic support to Edo State Police Command to complement and expedite actions in the ongoing investigations into the unfortunate incident.

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“The IGP, while condemning the attack, commiserates with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. He calls for calm and assures that the Force will surely bring the perpetrators of the callous act to book in the shortest possible time.” 

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisation, Tech4Justice also known as Citizen’s Gavel, has placed a N500, 000 bounty for any person or persons that will provide information leading to the arrest of those involved in the rape and murder of the UNIBEN student, Uwaila Omozuwa. 

READ ALSO, Music legend, Majek Fashek Dies at 71

Reacting to the incident on its twitter handle @citizen_gavel, the group while condemning the incident, said it will be giving N500,000 to anyone with useful information that will lead to the arrest of the hoodlums. “Our organisation is raising the sum of N500,000 to pay anyone who has credible evidence that can lead to the arrest of perpetrators of the rape and murder of #JusticeForUwa.” 

On the timeline of the bounty which will elapse after two months, the group said: “In the event that we couldn’t get credible evidence after two months, the funds will be returned to donors. “The person who provides such evidence shall remain anonymous for security reasons. A proper account of funds will be rendered and made public.

Group Places N500,000 Bounty on Killers of Female UNIBEN Student 

Nigerian reggae music icon, Majekodunmi Fasheke has died at the age of 71. The legendary singer who is fondly called the Rainmaker passed away on Monday, June 1st. Fashek, who is best known for his massive 1988 single 'Send Down the Rain' has been plagued by a mysterious illness in recent years.

His longtime manager Umenka Uzoma Day announced the death on his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

"Today been having pressure calls, well it is true that the African No 1 Legendary ICON has gone to be with the LORD his Maker. Let's celebrate him, his achievements, and his family, whatever decisions made by his immediate family will be notified."

Fashek was born in Benin City in 1949 to an Edo mother and a Ijesha father. He started his career in the early 80s with the group Jastix, Majek went solo and released his debut single Prisoner of Conscience in 1988.

The album was released to massive success and had the popular record 'Send Down the Rain'. Several successes followed until heavy drug use and bankruptcy affected his career. 

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The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has slashed the retail pump price of petrol to N121.50 per litre from the present N123.50.

The regulatory agency announced the new retail price band to marketers in a May 31 circular on Monday. June 1st.

According to the memo, marketers are expected to sell petrol between a price band of N121.50 and N123.50.

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“Please recall the recently approved pricing regime which became effective March 19, 2020, and the provision for the establishment of a monthly price band within which petroleum marketers are expected to sell PMS at the retail stations,” the circular read.

“After a review of prevailing market fundamentals in the month of May and considering marketers realistic operating costs as much as practicable, we wish to advise of a new PMS guiding pump price with corresponding ex-depot price for the month of June 2020, as follows; price band N121.50 – N123.50 per litre.

READ ALSO, Gov Bello Orders Two Weeks Total Lockdown in Kabba/Bunu LGA

“Ex-Depot price N102.13 – N104.13 per litre. Ex-Depot for collection N109.78 – N111.78 per litre. All marketers are advised to operate within the indicative prices as advised by the PPPRA.”

The federal government, in March, announced that the retail price of petrol would be adjusted monthly to reflect realities in the global crude oil market.

The pump price was fixed at N125 per litre in March and was reviewed downwards in April to N123.50.

FG Slashes Petrol Price to N121.50 Per Litre

The Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has ordered two weeks total lockdown starting from 12 midnight on Tuesday in Kabba/Bunu local government council over alleged cases of COVID-19.

Governor Bello also directed that the management of the Federal Medical Center Lokoja should isolate doctors and any health officials that participated in moving the infected man and his son to Abuja.

This is coming following an allegation that the Kabba Chief Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu and one of his sons were taken to Abuja by NCDC for a medical test after it was alleged that both of them had contracted the COVID-19 virus.

 Addressing newsmen on Monday at the government house in Lokoja, Governor Yahaya Bello pointed out that they have to lock down the local government so that the COVID-19 committee can conduct samples of the people.

Speaking further Bello noted that in the heat of this, the state woke up one morning to hear that NCDC has recorded two cases of COVID-19 for Kogi State, hence they set out to investigate the claim and came by the following findings;

“NCDC claims a 62-year-old man and his son from Kabba LGA of Kogi State tested positive to COVID-19. According to the son, his father, who is Hypertensive/Diabetic had attended a burial ceremony where he was stung by bees. He then developed facial problems from the sting and was taken to the hospital. The facial swellings subsided but the body weakness persisted where eventually the managing Doctor discovered he had high blood sugar, which the Doctor continued to manage.

“The Doctor confirmed that there was no time the patient presented with fever, cough or difficulty in breathing. The only complaint was that of general body weakness.

“The Doctor had no reason to refer the patient to FMC Lokoja except on the insistence of the patient because they felt he was not getting better.

READ ALSO, Buhari Has Failed Woefully – Bamgbose Tells Nigerians

“On reaching FMC on the 24th of May 2020, FMC claimed the patient was referred to them on account of 1 week history of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing with high suspicion of COVID-19, a claim the referring doctor has vehemently refuted.

“The ideal thing to do, if there is no hidden agenda, is for the state’s COVID-19 management team to be invited to pick up the patient to the state’s holding area for testing and onward management.

“According to the management of FMC Lokoja, the patient declined the intervention of the state case management team and was said to have left for Abuja for further treatment by 6 am the following morning. However, the letter the Kogi State Epidemiologist eventually received from NCDC informing the state of the fictitious claim showed that the patient was referred to Abuja from FMC using FMC’s ambulance.

 “On reaching Abuja, a COVID-19 test was hurriedly conducted and returned positive within 24hours! Ridiculous right?”

He stressed that all effort to see the Chief Imam proved abortive as NCDC did not allow his COVID-19 committee team to see him.

Governor Bello pointed out that in Kogi state as at today, the state is COVID-19 free adding that the state will always take adequate measures to prevent the virus from entering the state.

He called on the people of Kabba/Bunu local government council to exercise cooperate with the committee so that adequate test can be carried out during the two weeks total lockdown.

Gov Bello Orders Two Weeks Total Lockdown in Kabba/Bunu LGA

"Start looking for a suitable replacement."

The National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, CAGG, Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose, Esq., has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s five years in office as a failure.

The Lagos-based legal practitioner also called on Nigerians to start shopping for Buhari’s replacement, adding that his government is marred by lack of ideas and focus.

In a statement he made on Monday, the senior lawyer pointed out Buhari’s age and cabal as the two factors that have heavily contributed to the failure of the government.

According to him, “If the truth must be told, Buhari has not performed creditably well in terms of managing the economy, in his five years as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  I’ll use the SECURE parameters to assess his five years as the number one citizen of Nigeria- S for Security.

“The primary responsibility of any responsible government is Security of lives and properties. President Buhari has not fared well in securing the lives and properties of the citizens. He performed below average in this very sensitive area. The Boko Haram invasion is yet to be defeated, technically or realistically.

“This is really sad. Nigerians five years ago voted for Buhari with the belief that he being a former military leader, will have the capacity to nip in the bud the insurgency, but unfortunately, this was not to be. In this area, Buhari failed. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, Obaseki Orders Investigation of UNIBEN Student, Uwaila’s rape And Murder

"E for Economy. In terms of economy, this government has not met with the yearnings of Nigerians. Poverty and hardship are the order of the day. There is no significant improvement in terms of economic growth. The government lacks what it takes to boost the economy. Unemployment has been on the increase.

“Prices of goods are on the increase. In terms of the economy, Buhari scores below average. C for Corruption. There is no visible sign that the corruption level has abated. The level of corruption is still very high.

“However, Buhari’s government can’t be said to be a total failure as some convictions have been recorded. One will however expect him to do more to tackle this high dreaded monster called corruption. 

"U for unemployment. Buhari’s government has not impacted positively on creating job opportunities for the jobless. This is notwithstanding the N-POWER introduced by the government. The rate of unemployment is still very high for Resources management. The simple truth is that there is no accountability in this government.

“The government has really mismanaged the resources of this nation through ineptitude and corruption. The government has been resulting to borrowing to meet up with its obligations.

“This is a clear sign that the government has failed to manage the resources at its disposal appropriately and judiciously. This is really sad. 

"E for Education. In terms of Education the government has not fared well. The government has not been able to improve the educational standard to an expected level. Conclusively, one can say that Buhari has not really impressed the majority of Nigerians.

READ ALSO, Bandits Kill APC Chairman in Katsina After Failed Abduction

“His government is marred with lack of ideas and focus. I think Nigerians should start shopping for Buhari’s replacement come 2023.

“It’s no doubt that age has heavily contributed to the failure of this government coupled with cabalism. It’s never too early to start checking the most suitable Nigerian to take over from Buhari. His ministers are weak.

“The nation will need to rise up to the occasion. Buhari is not the expected messiah. He has failed Nigeria the second time. However he still has 3 more years to prove the critics wrong.”

 Buhari Has Failed Woefully – Bamgbose Tells Nigerians

Armed bandits have raided some villages in Katsina State and killed the chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

The lawmaker representing Batsari at the Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jabiru Yauyau confirmed the incident.  He said the bandits stormed the residence of the chairman with the intention to kidnap him but ended up shooting him when he resisted the kidnap attempt.

Also killed were 13 people at Unguwar Gizo, Sabon layin Galadima and Mairuwa all in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesman, SP Isah Gambo confirmed the killing of the 13 villagers by the bandits saying, the hoodlums also stole hundreds of animals and other valuables belonging to the villagers.

READ ALSO, Obaseki Orders Investigation of UNIBEN Student, Uwaila’s rape And Murder

However, he lamented that “in Faskari LG the casualty was high because the villagers confronted the bandits.

“We have cautioned the people against confronting the bandits who were in procession of AK47. But they would not listen.”

It will be recalled that the Federal Government had deployed troops to Katsina with the sole aim of ending banditry in the state.

Bandits Kill APC Chairman in Katsina After Failed Abduction

Nigerians Express Outrage, Demand Justice for Uwa

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a 100 level Microbiology student of the University of Benin, Miss Vera Uwaila, who died from injuries sustained after she was gang-raped and hit with a fire extinguisher in her church last Wednesday. 

It was gathered that the 22-years-old undergraduate was attacked and beaten to a pulp at the Ikpoba Hill branch of Redeemed Church God, in Benin, Edo State, where she had gone to read. The assailants, it was further gathered, left her for dead, but she was later rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) where she reportedly died Saturday. 

It was also learnt that on the fateful day, the church security officer had gone to collect keys to the church from its keeper when he was told that there was someone already in the church. He reportedly got to the church only to find the girl in a pool of blood with the blood-stained fire extinguisher near her. 

Uwaila was at first thought to be dead, but after careful observation, it was noticed that she moved her hand. She was thereafter rushed to the hospital where she was said to have faintly explained what happened to her in the course of treating her before she later passed away. 

The management of the University of Benin has confirmed the death through a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of UNIBEN, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, who noted that losing a child at this time compounds the hardship brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. 

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said Governor Obaseki has mandated the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies to fish out the culprits, who perpetrated the dastardly act and bring them to justice. 

“The governor is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa. We have been in consultation with the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and have mandated thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that those who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.” 

He added that the state government would ensure that the full weight of the law run its course and that the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law and other such laws related to rape and sexual abuse are exploited to get justice for the deceased.

Obaseki Orders Investigation of UNIBEN Student, Uwaila’s rape And Murder

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Nigeria, and indeed, Africa as a whole must now pay more attention to manufacturing. He said this in an article published on American magazine, Newsweek.

The President advocated that increased production must top Africa’s post-coronavirus plans. Buhari noted that what the continent needs is the vision of the global community to match Africa’s.

He assured that Africa is positioned to play a critical role in the remolding of a post-coronavirus, and stated that he was convinced things will be different henceforth.

President Buhari said Africa has seen the West transform to a service-based economy, with much of its factory production relocated primarily to Asia.

He noted that this led to the creation of home-grown consumer goods from countries such as South Korea and China that are enjoyed around the globe as widely as are their Western equivalents.

The president added that Africa’s young population is increasingly well-educated and that governance reform is growing in strength in most countries. He pointed out that Nigeria, a major global oil producer, has established its first private oil refinery, one of the largest in the world.

“The Mambilla power plant, finally unlocked for completion after a successful decision by the International Court of Arbitration in Paris earlier this year removed impediments, will electrify the homes of some 10 million of our people.”

Buhari said Nigeria can now move forward with road, rail and power station construction being funded with repatriations from the U.S., U.K. and Switzerland.

READ ALSO, Former NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru Passes Away

The president stated that Nigeria already has, and seeks to further deepen relations with other Commonwealth countries—particularly in the interests of trade.

He expressed confidence that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCTA) will further boost nations’ economies. Buhari also insisted that Africa is an opportunity for all and a threat to no one.

“We do not seek to grow our manufacturing capabilities in order to grant ourselves a seat at the table of some new great geopolitical game—but merely to play our part as partners in development,” he added.

We must now focus on manufacturing – Buhari

The immediate past Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru, is dead. Baru’s death was announced by the current GMD of the corporation, Mele Kyari, on Saturday morning.

The former NNPC boss reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, May 30.

In a tweet via his official Twitter handle, Kyari described his predecessor as a brother, friend and mentor.

He said, “My brother, my friend and my mentor, Dr. Kachalla Baru, immediate past GMD of NNPC died late last night. “He was of exemplary character and disposition. May Allah forgive him and have mercy upon him” Kyari tweeted.

READ ALSO, Midnight Inferno Razes Lagos Market

Baru who left the corporation less than a year ago, died after a brief illness that lasted just about 48 hours, according to a source. 

He reportedly passed on at about 2am on Saturday after suddenly falling ill on Thursday.

The cause of his death is yet to be disclosed, neither has the nature of his ailment. However, there are speculations that he could have died of COVID-19.

Former NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru Passes Away

Tragedy occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, when fire gutted Olaleye Market in Somolu, Bariga area of Lagos State, with property worth billions of naira destroyed. 

Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the raging fire which occurred at about 12.15 am, Saturday, razed the market to rubble. 

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, no fatalities, nor injuries were recorded in the disaster, thanks to the intense efforts of emergency responders to ensure that the fire did not cause further havoc. They also curtailed its spread to proximal buildings. 

He added that properties and goods valued to worth several billions of naira were razed down in the inferno. LASEMA boss explained, “LASEMA Response Team received a distress call from the control room as regards a fire outbreak at the aforementioned location and immediately deployed to the incident scene.

“Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that Olaleye Market located at Shomolu was gutted by fire. “However the investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire. “Lagos State Fire Service, LRU fire and the Federal Fire Service are currently battling the inferno and preventing it from spreading to other residential buildings 

“No life was lost and no injuries sustained, but properties and goods whort several billions of naira is currently being razed down by the inferno”.

” It was gathered that traders and property owners who raced to the scene to salvage some of the items during the raging fire were prevented by emergency response workers to avoid possible loss of life in the process. Meanwhile, the victims were seen lamenting the situation and counting their losses. However, at press time the cause of the inferno could not be ascertained.
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Five people have been killed by gunmen in an attack on a food joint in Miango Community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims were reportedly eating at the canteen in Nzharuvo Miango when the gunmen attacked them, killing all the customers including the shop owner, Miss Asabe Samuel, and a school teacher identified as Mr Gideon Tunku.

Chairman of Miango Youth Development Association, Nuhu Nkali, who confirmed the killings in Jos on Friday said the incident happened on Thursday night.

Nkali said, “We just lost five of our people in a fresh attack. The victims were killed at a food shop in Nzharuvo Miango around  9:50 pm on Thursday. The shop is just along the road about 18 kilometers to Jos.

“The victims just went there to eat when the gunmen came and shot all of them dead, Miss Asabe Samuel, the shop owner, Mr. Gideon Tunku (school teacher) Bala Adi Joro, Audu Amadu Mi, and Shedrack Joshua.”

He said the incident had been reported to security agencies, whom he said were already interrogating 10 persons suspected to have carried out the attack.

He said, “When the attack took place yesterday (Thursday), we informed the security personnel at their duty post not more than one kilometer from the scene of the incident.

“A few hours later, around 1:18 am, a vehicle carrying ten young men was intercepted by the vigilante at Jebu Bassa community. The vehicle made some suspicious turns before it was blocked by vigilantes and when they were interrogated, they claimed to be returning to Kaduna after supplying tomatoes in Shendam. But when one of them was interviewed separately, he said a different thing and claimed to be coming from Faringada Market in Jos.

READ ALSO, Katsina Lifts Ban on Churches, Mosques

“Right now, they are at the police station in Bassa because they are suspected to be the ones who carried out the attacks in our community. ”

A spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, ASP Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the incident and said an investigation into the matter was ongoing at the time of filing this report.

The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari has approved the relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown for religious gatherings in the State.

He instructed that Muslim faithfuls are allowed to observe Friday congregational prayers in the State henceforth. 

Masari also lifted the ban on Church services every Sunday, as well as inter local government travel across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, made this known in a statement in Katsina.

READ ALSO, Buhari Orders Fierce Military Operation Against Bandits

He, however, advised the people to adhere strictly to health and security advice like wearing of facemasks, physical distancing, washing of hands with soap and running water, and use of sanitisers.

The Governor added that the new decision was to enable Muslim and Christian faithful observe their religious activities. 

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.

Group Places N500,000 Bounty on Killers of Female UNIBEN Student

Music legend, Majek Fashek Dies at 71