News
‘Why insecurity is escalating’
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, Oluyemi Joshua, has attributed the rising wave of insecurity in the Southwest to the evolution of crime, with kidnapping for ransom replacing armed robbery as the region’s most pressing security threat.
Joshua said that while no society is completely free of crime, security challenges continue to change with time.
According to him, crimes such as armed robbery, once the dominant security concern in Nigeria, have declined significantly, while kidnapping has emerged as a more widespread and lucrative criminal enterprise.
“Crime evolves just like innovation,” he said.
The NSCDC commandant explained that the country’s kidnapping crisis has its roots in the farmers-herders conflicts that initially revolved around disputes over grazing routes and farmlands.
“What started as clashes between farmers and herders gradually metamorphosed into organised criminal activities centred on kidnapping for ransom,” he said.
According to Joshua, many criminal elements abandoned cattle rearing after discovering that abduction for ransom offered greater financial rewards.
“They now target vulnerable communities, abduct innocent citizens and demand huge ransom payments from families. From a security perspective, every crime thrives on opportunity, and criminals exploit existing vulnerabilities,” he added.
He stressed the need for stronger community vigilance, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies to curb the growing menace of kidnapping across the Southwest.
Obaloluwa Darasimi
The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, His Royal Majesty Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has congratulated the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Ogun State, His Royal Majesty Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Olúyálọ̀ Ọ̀tílẹ́ta VII, on the occasion of his coronation anniversary.
In a congratulatory message, Oba Oyelude described the celebration as a testament to God’s grace and the remarkable leadership that has characterised the reign of the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta since his ascension to the throne.
The revered monarch commended Oba Matemilola for his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development in Owu Abeokuta, noting that his reign has continued to attract admiration and respect across Nigeria and beyond.
Oba Oyelude prayed that Almighty God would grant the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta many more years in good health, divine wisdom and renewed strength to continue providing purposeful leadership for the people of Owu Abeokuta and contributing meaningfully to national development.
He wished the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta a joyous coronation celebration. He reaffirmed the enduring bond of brotherhood among traditional rulers committed to preserving the rich Yoruba cultural heritage, fostering peaceful coexistence and advancing the development of their respective communities.
The Olowu of Kuta further expressed confidence that the reign of the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta would continue to usher in greater peace, progress and prosperity for Owu Abeokuta, while inspiring future generations through exemplary traditional leadership.
*No fatalities recorded as LASEMA, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, others ensure safety, restore traffic flow
Obaloluwa Darasimi
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in collaboration with other emergency stakeholders, successfully responded to and cleared three separate road incidents that occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Olupese Bus Stop, Aswani Bus Stop, and Oba Ogunji Road.
Explaining the incidents in a press statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, LASEMA, Afolabi Olawale, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the three incidents were successfully managed.
On the Oshodi incident, LASEMA explained that the rear tyre of a truck conveying granite got stuck in a pothole. This obstructed vehicular movement inward Oshodi.
LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team was deployed to the scene to remedy the incident, with the response team diverting traffic.
According to LASEMA, “The Agency’s heavy-duty equipment, Super Metro, was deployed to recover the truck. Preliminary investigation revealed that the poor state of the road contributed to the incident. No loss of life or injury was recorded.”
Recovery operations were ongoing as at press time, with traffic management sustained to minimise disruption.
Explaining the incident at Aswani Bus Stop, inward Iyana Isolo, a Sienna car with registration number ABJ-515DQ was said to have collided with an oncoming truck of unknown registration at Aswani Bus Stop. The impact caused the truck to swerve and get stuck on a culvert, leading to obstruction.
Though no fatalities were recorded, three persons — two adult females and one adult male — sustained injuries.
“LASEMA’s LRT, in conjunction with LRU Medics, LASAMBUS, Nigeria Police, and LASTMA, provided immediate medical attention. The injured were stabilised and transported to hospital for further treatment. Traffic was diverted, and a private tow truck was engaged for vehicle recovery,” the statement stated further.
On Oba Ogunji Road, LASEMA disclosed that a concrete mixer truck belonging to the Ministry of Environment and a green Volkswagen bus with registration number FKJ 424KA were involved in a collision.
“ Preliminary findings attributed the cause to overspeeding by the Volkswagen bus. No fatality or injury was recorded.
“LASEMA’s LRT secured the scene, carried out on-site mechanical repairs on the mixer truck, and subsequently moved both vehicles off the roadway using the Agency’s tow truck. The Volkswagen was handed over to the owner at the scene. The roadway was cleared and fully reopened to traffic. Operation concluded,” the statement stated further.
Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu commended the professionalism and promptness of all responders.
He also urged motorists to drive responsibly, avoid overspeeding, and report road defects to relevant authorities.
“The Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to zero tolerance for loss of life on Lagos roads. The synergy between LASEMA, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, Police, and other stakeholders ensured that these incidents were managed with minimal impact. We will continue to invest in equipment, training, and rapid response to safeguard Lagosians,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
*Forum backs Hamzat for Lagos governorship
The second- term of the Nigerian president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, got a boost as another Lagos group declared its support for him.
The group, the Lagos State Prominent Indigenes Forum (LSPIF), at a political summit held in Surulere, Lagos, also endorsed the current Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, as its preferred candidate for the office of Lagos State Governor in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In a motion moved by Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, Convener, and seconded by Dr Lanre Tawry- Coker (PhD), at the occasion, the Forum emphasised that Hamzat had served Lagos with distinction, demonstrated competence, integrity and dedication to public service, and possesses the vision and experience required to build on the achievements of previous administrations, while advancing the interests of all Lagosians.
Towry-Coker said, “Hamzat has the experience, character and capacity to provide purposeful leadership for Lagos State. I, therefore, wholeheartedly second the motion and urge this distinguished gathering to adopt it unanimously.” The motion was thereafter put to the House and was unanimously adopted by acclamation.
Onitiri, addressing members of the Forum, drawn from five Divisions of Lagos State, said, “Today is not just another political rally. It is a gathering of history, a gathering of destiny, ready to move Lagos and Nigeria forward.
“Today is a gathering of proud sons and daughters of Lagos State who have come together with one purpose, to reaffirm our unity, strengthen our resolve, and prepare for victory in 2027.
“For the first time, an indigene of Lagos State, President Bola Tinubu, is leading our great nation. This is a moment we must cherish, protect, and strengthen—not for personal gain, but for the continued progress, stability, and development of Nigeria.
“This election is more than politics. It is about continuity, experience, leadership, and our collective vision for a stronger nation.”
He stressed the Forum was to unite indigenous Lagosians and encourage greater participation in the democratic process while continuing to contribute to the growth of the State and the nation.
Onitiri pleaded passionately that every indigene of Lagos State should take active interest in politics and never again regard politics as something dirty or meant for a select few.
“Politics is the instrument through which societies allocate opportunities, make decisions, and share resources. If we choose to stand on the sidelines, we leave our future, our interests, and the destiny of generations yet unborn in the exclusive hands of others.
“We must therefore participate not only by voting, but by organising, leading, contesting, supporting worthy candidates, and contributing positively to the democratic process.
“The future of Lagos belongs to those who are willing to help shape it.” No election is won at a rally. Elections are won through organisation, mobilisation, voter participation, and commitment at the grassroots, Onitiri added.
He stressed the need for continued advocacy for the inclusion and meaningful participation of indigenous Lagosians in governance and public service.
As we support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we equally reaffirm our belief that Lagos State should continue to benefit from the talents, experience, and contributions of its indigenous citizens, he concluded.
Among dignitaries at the Summit are: the Director-General, Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat Campaign Organisation, Musiliu Obanikoro; Mrs Wonu Folami, Alhaja Fehintola Okunola, Alhaji Olagbaiye, former Permsec; Chief Jaji; former deputy governors of the state, Princess Adefulire Orelope and Mrs Sarkah Sosan; Sen Ashafa; H E Bode Oyedele, among others.
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