IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted 21 minors suspected to be victims of human trafficking at a checkpoint in Yobe State.  

The children, aged between 7 and 15, were found in a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number 10B-87GM) at the Geidam control point in Dunari, near the border with Niger Republic.  

According to an official NIS statement, the minors were being transported from Labule and Ibeto towns in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic without valid travel documents or identification.  

Yobe State Comptroller, Mr. S.S. Jega, stated that the children had no knowledge of their destination, raising suspicions of human trafficking. He assured that they would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.  

Meanwhile, their guardian, Abubakar Saidu, a 28-year-old Islamic school teacher from Anaba, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, was taken into custody.

The Nigeria Police have apprehended a 27-year-old dispatch rider in Abuja for allegedly transporting canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.  

Authorities suspect the substance was being distributed for recreational use, despite growing concerns over its abuse. The arrest comes as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb the illegal circulation of psychoactive substances in the country.  

Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source and intended destination of the laughing gas. 

A heated dispute over eviction took a violent turn in Enugu as a female tenant allegedly attacked her landlord with a pestle, leaving him with severe head injuries.  

The altercation reportedly began after the landlord asked her to vacate the property. Witnesses say the disagreement escalated, leading the tenant to strike him with the heavy kitchen tool.  

The landlord has been rushed to the hospital for treatment, while authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has said that a driver of a private vehicle “recklessly ran into troops” during its Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State, on Friday.

This resulted in the death of a soldier, with others sustaining various degrees of injuries, according to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni. He said that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said that the 81 Division Military Police and other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. He added that the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

The GOC also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. “The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event.

“Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

Popular retail chain SPAR has announced a ban on the use of nylon bags in its stores as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.  

The move aims to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives. Customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags or opt for available biodegradable packaging options.  

Further details on implementation and customer guidelines are expected soon.

...as NDDC Clocks 25, Niger Delta Sports Commissioners Brainstorm In PH

Gov. Hope Uzodinma Of Imo State, Has Assured The Management Of The Niger Delta Developments Commission, NDDC, And The Organizers Of The Maiden Edition Of The Niger Delta Sports Festival, Of The Full Supports Of His Administration, And The Participation Of Imo Contingents To The Festival.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival Has Been Slated For 1st Through 8th Of April, 2025 In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State As The Host State.

Speaking Through His Commissioner For Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, Uzodinma Lauded The Pilot Initiative Of The Sports Festival In The Region, Thanked The Organizers And The NDDC For The Initiative, Adding That The Festival Would Help The Development Of Sports In The Region, As Well As Discover More Sporting Talents.

This Is Even As Commissioners Of Sports From The Nine (9) States Of The Niger Delta, Friday, Gathered At The NDDC Headquarters In Port Harcourt To Brainstorm On Modalities For The Hosting Of The Festival.

This Maiden Edition Of The Niger Delta Sports Festival Is A Sports Development Initiative Of The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Coming As Part Of Its Events For The 25 Years Anniversary Of The Existence Of The Commission.

Addressing The Participating  Commissioners At The Meeting, Dunamis Icons; The Consultant Said The Event Is Aimed At Re-awakening And Reviving The Region's Sporting Potentials And Dominance In The Country. 

The Consultant Also Unveiled The 'Dolphin' As The Mascot For The Festival, Which Is Also Chosen To Be Addressed As "Bros".

"The Niger Delta Is Largely Influenced By The Sea, And One Of The Biggest Characters In The Sea Is The Dolphin, Which Itself, Has Human Semblances. 

"Dolphin Is A Friend To Human Beings, And Are Always Available To Defend Man When Under  Attack By Sharks As Well As Entertain Us. 

"So, We As Niger Deltans, We Are The Defenders Of This Country. We Are The Oil That Runs The Engine Of Nigeria", Also Explained Mr. Fred Edorah, The Director Of Organization,  And A Partner To Dunamis Icons.

Earlier In His Address, The Chairman Of The Meeting, Hon. Boma Iyaye; The Execuve Director, Finance And Administration (EDFA), NDDC Hinted That The NDDC Is Taking Up A 95% Sponsorship Of The Festival For All The States Participating In The Festival, While The States Take Care Of The Remaining 5%. 

He Directed The Commissioners To Set Up Their State Organizing Committees To Help Work In Synch With The Consultant For The Success Of The Festival.

He Charged Them To Commence Immediate Actions At The State Levels, Using The Next Two Months For The Preparations Of Athletes For The Festival.