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One person died and dozens were injured during a stampede at President Paul Kagame’s campaign rally, Rwanda’s national broadcaster reported, ahead of a vote widely expected to extend the incumbent’s 24-year iron-fisted rule.

Kagame has been Rwanda’s de facto ruler since the end of the 1994 genocide which claimed some 800,000 lives, mostly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus.

President since 2000, the 66-year-old will face the same rivals as he did in 2017: the leader of the opposition Democratic Green Party, Frank Habineza, and former journalist, Philippe Mpayimana, who is running as an independent.

Campaigning kicked off on Saturday, with Kagame addressing rallies in Musanze and Rubavu in northern Rwanda on the weekend.

“One person died and 37 others were injured in a stampede that occurred during the RPF-Inkotanyi campaigns in Rubavu on Sunday,” the state-run Rwanda Broadcasting Agency reported, using the official name for Kagame’s party.

“The Ministry of Local Government asked those participating in the campaign to follow the instructions and regulations aimed at ensuring safety and security,” the broadcaster added.

Rwandan courts rejected appeals from prominent opposition figures Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire to remove previous convictions that effectively barred them from contesting.

The election commission also barred Kagame critic Diane Rwigara, saying she had failed to provide a criminal record statement as required and had not met the threshold of acquiring 600 supporting signatures from citizens.

Elected by parliament in 2000 after the resignation of former president Pasteur Bizimungu, Kagame won three elections, with more than 90 per cent of the ballot in 2003, 2010, and 2017, taking nearly 99 per cent of votes in the most recent poll.

He has been praised for Rwanda’s economic recovery after the genocide but faces criticism over rights abuses and political repression.

Source: Channels

The Nigerian Army has vowed to deal decisively with suspected criminals involved in the vandalisation of crude oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Hassan Dada, stated this shortly after an operation against suspected oil thieves at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

In a statement on Monday, Dada revealed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering, adding that 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels laden with stolen crude oil were confiscated during the operation.

The GOC, accompanied by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Olusola Diya said that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution.

He said that the Army was at the creek in respect of carrying out one of the mandates of Operation Udoka, “which is to make sure that any form of economic sabotage does not happen within its joint operation area.

“We were in Asa since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs that are trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy,” he said.

Dada also said that the operation was based on an intelligence report, adding that the suspects had attempted to start siphoning the crude from the pipeline before they were arrested.

He further said that the suspects had sunk some crude oil-laden boats in the water before the troops got there, adding that, the troops were in the process of recovering others.

The GOC said that all 14 boats were destroyed, in line with the Standing Operating Procedure.

“The person that is involved in this particular location is on the run presently but we will get him, it’s just a matter of time. This is more of a cartel and we believe that a lot of people are involved. The proceeds are being used to finance these acts of terrorism.

“But as a note of warning, this is just the beginning. We will continue with this operation and make sure no stone is left unturned.

“The Nigerian Army will in no way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country,” Dada said.

Source: Punch

No fewer than 600 residents of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have been displaced in a banditry attack in some communities shortly after the Sallah celebration.

Although no person was reported killed or kidnapped, several houses were burnt while cattle were said to have been rustled.

This was made known in a statement on Sunday by the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in which the director of media Habibu Wushishi, said four communities in the LGA were attacked.

 “We received yet another report of the shocking and painful incidences of banditry attacks in Lanta, Tunga, Dnakau and Juweedna communities of Erena in the Shiroro Local Council of the State.

“The communities were attacked Thursday, 20th June 2024, and many cattle and sheep were rustled while houses were burnt

“No case of kidnapping was reported, many houses in Lanta village were burnt down by the attackers while about 600 persons displaced from the villages are presently in Erena and Kuta IDP camps,” the humanitarian ministry said.

“The communities were attacked Thursday, 20th June 2024, and many cattle and sheep were rustled while houses were burnt

“No case of kidnapping was reported, many houses in Lanta village were burnt down by the attackers while about 600 persons displaced from the villages are presently in Erena and Kuta IDP camps,” the humanitarian ministry said.

Residents of several communities in the state have cried out against the persistent bandits attack in which people were killed and others kidnapped for ransom.

The residents who particularly bemoaned their helplessness said there had been no presence of security agents in the local government making it easy for the bandits to operate for hours without resistance.

Abdulmalik Abubakar, a tailor in the state capital, Minna, who spoke with The PUNCH, lamented that the people of his local government Shiroro had suffered at the hands of the bandits and the government did not seem to be doing anything to bring the reign of terror to an end.

“I am very sad. My people are dying every day at the hands of these terrorists. They come into the communities in their hundreds and terrorise the people. This latest attack took place just after the Sallah celebration.

“The people were just recovering from the hard economy witnessed during the Sallah before these bandits came and started ransacking their homes and taking away valuables. They burnt houses and rustled cattle. No security agent was seen during the incident that lasted for several hours,” Abubakar said.

Source: Punch

The Ogun state government has confirmed 25 cases of Cholera in seven local government areas of the state, with one casualty from Ijebu North local government in the Ogun East Senatorial district of the state. 

The state commissioner for health, Dr Tomi Coker, gave the figure in Abeokuta, the state capital during a press briefing held at the Olusegun Osoba press centre in the state capital.

She said free surveillance and emergency treatment have been activated in all 20 local government areas of the state.

She identified Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Obafemi/ Owode, Ijebu North, Ado, Odo/ OTA local government areas as the most hit by the disease.

While assuring the general public of the preparedness of the state government and its development partners, she, however, asked residents to maintain a high level of personal and public hygiene to contain the spread of the disease.

“The Ogun State Government is cognisant of these threats hence we are at all times prepared for outbreaks and other Diseases of public health importance. Our robust preparedness and our resolve to protect the lives and health of all residents have helped minimise the impact of the Cholera Outbreak in the state in comparison to many other states in Nigeria.

“At the inception, we received the alert on June 12th, 2024, about the first 2 cases. Both cases tested positive with a Cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota. The 2 cases had travel history to Lagos state 24hrs before presentation, as of today 24th, June 2024, Ogun state has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in 7 LGAs namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode,  with 9 confirmed case and unfortunately, 1 death.

“Consequent upon these findings, it is imperative to declare an ongoing Cholera Outbreak in Ogun State.

“Before this outbreak, as part of the state preparedness, a robust surveillance system was in place in all 20 local government authorities which ensured prompt detection of cases.

“The initial 8 cases originated from Lagos state the reported epicentre of the Cholera outbreak and a state that shares a border with 4 of our local governments. The 8 cases had travel history to Lagos and 6 of them reported taking tiger nut drink while in Lagos.  Furthermore, we also promptly diagnosed cholera in 5 of the contacts of the patients with a travel history to Lagos State.

To support the state response, she said the state Epidemiology unit is on high alert, adding that all LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs.

“Our private health facilities and citizens have been sensitized to heighten their index of suspicion and report any suspected case immediately to the LGA DSNO, and the State response Team by calling the following phone numbers 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.

“All our 20 LGAs have trained rapid-response teams ready to respond to your call at short notice in collaboration with Ogun State Emergency and Ambulance Service.

“Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of Cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State.

“Ogun State Ministry of Health is coordinating this outbreak response in collaboration with stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Information, and Education, WES at the LGA (water, environment, and sanitation), RUWATSAN (Rural water and sanitation), Water cooperation, Private hospital owners, Emergency services (OGSAES) and partners.

“The Emergency Operations Centre was activated earlier and is now in the response mode, tracking evolving situations and acting accordingly. Each ministry’s Departments and agencies involved in the response are carrying out its statutory responsibilities to curtail and control the outbreak. The Ministry of Environment and LGA Waste and Environmental Sanitation department is carrying out activities to curb open defecation and improve environmental hygiene.”

“Cholera sensitisation materials are being shared via all electronic platforms including social media, Radio, and Television.  The Ministry of Information and the risk communication pillar of the EOC are working hard to engage the public on prevention practices, good hygiene, and sanitation.”

“Medications and essential consumables have been prepositioned at LGAs and other strategic health facilities to provide hitch-free, quality treatment that is free in all government health facilities.

“Some of its LGAs have been identified as high-risk LGAs and hotspots in Ogun state, these are Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Adoodo Ota.

“As a way of warning, the Risk factors for cholera include eating contaminated food and drink, unhygienic sanitary conditions, and poor personal hygiene,” the statement added.

Presentation of  Cholera is diarrhoea with or without vomiting. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea which can kill within hours if left untreated. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms.

The Prevention and Control of Cholera in a multifaceted approach is key with a combination of surveillance, portable water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilisation, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines used.

She however called for a high level of personal and environmental hygiene among residents.

“Our Expectation from the public is Proper personal hygiene ( particularly Hand Hygiene), Washing food/fruits/vegetables properly before eating, Drink only clean water (Boil if the source is not trusted), Discourage Open defaecation, cook food thoroughly, go to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within 8 hours and report any suspected case in your locality. Please call the following phone numbers 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881,” she added.

In a press statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State, Kunle Ashimi, acknowledged the widespread impact of cholera, affecting 30 states across the country, including Ogun.

This is as the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said that the number of recorded fatalities, as a result of the Cholera outbreak in the state, has risen to 24 and 350 suspected cases.

Source: Channels

An employee of a new generation bank in Benin, Edo State, identified as Nosa, has been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be cultists.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Government  Reservation Area of Benin City, in the state capital.

Our correspondent learnt that the deceased while at work, received a call from a yet-to-be-identified person inviting him for a hangout at a joint after the close of work.

The deceased who did not suspect any foul play was said to have decided to join up with his caller at the close of work at the appointed joint.

A source who refused to be identified told our correspondent that while on his way to the place, the banker’s assailants, who apparently had been trailing him, were said to have blocked his vehicle with their car and immediately opened fire on them.

The deceased was said to have been rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The state Police Command spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the incident, described it as very unfortunate.

“Yes, the command confirmed it. It is an unfortunate incident. As I speak with you, the matter is under investigation.

“Further information as we progress in the investigation will be made public by the police. The perpetrators will be brought to book,” he said.

Source: Punch

Security forces in Katsina State have reportedly apprehended a woman, identified as Aisha Abubakar, for allegedly transporting ammunition to terrorists.

The incident was reported on Monday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.

According to Makama, the ammunition was discovered during a routine search of Abubakar’s luggage.

“The authorities discovered the ammunition in her luggage during a routine search,” he stated.

The suspect initially denied any involvement in the illegal activity. However, Makama reported that she later admitted to her role in the operation.

“She initially denied involvement but later confessed to be transporting the ammunition to terrorist group from Nassarawa state,” Makama explained.

Further interrogation revealed more details about the intended destination of the ammunition.

Makama wrote, “During the course of interrogation, the suspect confesses that she was heading to Yan Tumaki in Dan Musa LGA in Katsina state.”

Makama further emphasised the significance of this arrest in the broader context of counter-terrorism efforts.

“The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and the importance of vigilance in preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons,” he said.

Source: Punch

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have apprehended an individual posing as Army recruitment official in Taraba State, who was attempting to scam aspiring military candidates.

This operation followed a visit by the Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, to the recruitment center at 114 Battalion Jimilari to assess the ongoing process and ensure its transparency.

The imposter was arrested on Saturday as he tried to collect money from hopeful recruits, promising them guaranteed entry into the Nigerian Army. The swift action of the troops thwarted his plans, protecting the candidates from falling victim to fraud.

During his visit, Brigadier General Uwa addressed the candidates, assuring them of a fair and transparent recruitment process. “We are committed to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates. Our recruitment will be based solely on merit, and we will not tolerate any fraudulent activities,” he declared.

He emphasized that recruitment is voluntary and free, warning candidates not to give money to anyone promising to help them succeed in the recruitment screening.

Speaking on the arrest of the imposter, General Uwa commended the vigilance of the troops, emphasizing that the integrity of the recruitment process is a top priority for the Army. He added that the arrested suspect would be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Brigade urged all candidates and the public to report any suspicious activities related to the recruitment exercise to the authorities, as this will help ensure that only the most qualified candidates are inducted into the Nigerian Army.

Source: Channels

The Police Command in Lagos State has said it arrested a 35-year-old passenger, who attempted to snatch an airport taxi from its driver.

The spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the case was reported to the Alausa Police Division on June 11 at about 1:40 a.m., by the taxi driver.

He explained that the driver said that at about 1:20 a.m., on June 11, while on driving service at the Chevron area of Ajah, he was stopped by the suspect, pretending to be a passenger.

He quoted the taxi driver as saying that the suspect requested that he take him to the Shrine in Agidigbi, Alausa area of Ikeja, and on conclusion on the fare, they both started the journey to the destination.

“On getting to the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by 7UP Alausa Ikeja, the suspect, who was sitting beside him suddenly brought out a knife from his bag and attacked him in an attempt to snatch his Toyota Camry car.

“In the process, the driver sustained a deep knife cut on his hand while trying to struggle with the suspect.

“He quickly raised an alarm, and some good Nigerians came to his rescue, while the suspect took to his heels.

”However, after a hot chase, he was later arrested by the Anti-Crime team of the Alausa police division,” he said.

Hundeyin said that the suspect was taken to the station with the car as an exhibit, while investigation was ongoing.

He said in another development, a 28-year-old man, who had been parading himself as military personnel with the uniform of his friend serving in Maiduguri, was arrested for impersonation.

Hundeyin said that the fake soldier was arrested last Friday at about 5:45 p.m., by operatives from Ilemba Hausa Division, while on Surveillance patrol at Jinadu Street, Ajangbadi.

He said that the suspect was fully dressed in complete army camouflage uniform and riding a black unregistered motorcycle when he was arrested.

The spokesperson said that on sighting the policemen, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and took to his heels but the officers gave him a chase and arrested him.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is not a soldier and the army camouflage uniform belongs to his friend, who is a military personnel serving in Maiduguri,” he said.

Source: Punch

A 22-year-old newly-wedded bride (name withheld), who had her traditional marriage a week ago, was among those killed during the gunmen attack in Nnobi, Anambra State on Monday, PUNCH Metro gathered.

A family source who spoke to our correspondent who visited the town on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday said the victim, who was the only child of her parents, was waiting for her husband based overseas to return home before she was felled by the stray bullets of the assailants.

PUNCH Metro reports that some yet-to-be-identified assailants on Monday attacked Nnewi town in Nnewi North LGA and Nnobi in Idemili South LGA, killing a yet-to-be-identified number of persons, including some vigilante operatives, while several other persons were injured.

The situation created panic in both towns as traders and residents ran indoors while the assailants, suspected to be enforcers of the Monday sit-at-home shot sporadically into the air. Both Nnewi and Nnobi are neighbouring towns.

The source said, “Among those killed yesterday (Monday) at Nnobi was a relative of mine. She was a newly traditionally married bride of one week old, who was waiting for her husband based abroad to return. She was 22 years old and the only child of her parents.

“It was a heartbreaking incident and a heavy blow on the family yesterday (Monday). Her mum sent her to their farm to bring vegetables for the preparation of their food. On her way back home, she was hit by stray bullets during the gunfire between security officials and those dare-devil criminals.

“The hoodlums invaded the Nnobi community in a black Landcruiser jeep, and opened fire on some vigilante operatives, leaving two of the security operatives seriously injured. It is a serious concern that more than 24 hours after, no arrest has been made. We don’t understand why Igbo land has become a land for shedding of blood with all impunity.”

Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the police command and the vigilante service in the state had begun a hunt to fish out those who carried out the Monday attacks.

While reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Anambra State police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police had ordered an immediate manhunt on the assailants based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam.

Ikenga assured the people that the police would get justice for the heroic act of the murdered vigilante operative and others who were killed in the attack.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt operation on the armed men operating in a red Highlander jeep, who abducted a citizen in Nnewi by 1:30 pm on Monday and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.

“During the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by the bullet, and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.

“The Police Responding Team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital but regrettably, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old lady were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty while two others are currently receiving treatment.

“The commissioner condemned the killing in the strongest possible terms and described the killers as cowards who have murdered sleep.”

Ikenga said the CP also condoled with the families of the deceased and vowed to get justice for the heroic vigilante operative and unsuspecting members at the scene.

He also called on members of the public, especially the eyewitnesses to assist the police with information on the ongoing operation, adding that further development would be communicated.

Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, Nweke Nweke, said the group had vowed to work round the clock alongside other security forces to apprehend all involved in the killing of its commander at Nnewi and make the perpetrators pay with their blood.

Nweke recalled that the deceased AVG officer, who he identified as Eloka Ubajekwe, otherwise known as ‘Tallest’, was gruesomely murdered by the “children of the darkness who claimed they were enforcing a sit-at-home order” in the Nnewi area of the state on Monday.

He said, “The ugly incident happened when the Nnewi North Local Government Area sector of the AVG got wind that the gunmen were about to enter Nnewi through Nnobi in the Idemili South Local Government Area. He decided to confront them at the boundary between the two communities, unfortunately, the Commander, Eloka Ubajekwe, was the victim.”

At Nnewi, our correspondent gathered that one of the victims (name withheld) who sustained injuries during the attack, had died due to the severity of the wound.

However, the victim’s family declined to comment on the incident, as they said they were still in trauma and shock the unexpected development had brought to them.

Source: Punch