…As Nation’s Parliament Gets New Serjeant-at-arms Boss

A yet-to-be identified thief entered the National Assembly premises on Wednesday 9th October, 2024 between 8:00am and 8:30 am, and successfully stole the car of a parliamentary staff member, Collins Osenun.

Osenun, who works with the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) in the House of Representatives, told THISDAY on Saturday that all efforts to recover his car since then had been futile.

According to Osenun, the wine coloured Toyota Camry Car with Registration Number ABJ 740 AE and chassis No: 4T1BG22KXYU731374 was stolen at the National Assembly premises despite the full security checks put in place by the various security agencies there.

He explained that he drove into the car park at the National Assembly Arcade around 6:50am on the fateful day and went to his office.

Osenun said, “I went to the office early to clear my table in preparation for a 9am event I had outside the complex.

“It was when my colleagues drew my attention to the fact that I was running late for the event that I hurriedly left the office around 8:30am.

“I was traumatised and shocked when I did not see my car. I raised the alarm immediately.

“I reported the matter to the heads of the Nigeria Police Force, Directorate of State Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Assembly Serjeant-at-arms.

“The police authorities in the National Assembly told me that signals had been sent out.

“The information I got at the DSS office was that the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) camera mounted in the National Assembly revealed that the thief was captured on camera when he entered around 8am, and pretended to be one of the numerous cleaners employed by private firms.

“I was also told that when the thief got to the car park, he attempted to snatch a Sport Utility Vehicle RAV4 but could not open the door.

“The secret police also told me that the camera captured when the man abandoned the RAV4 and went for my car and opened it, obviously with a master key manufactured by him and left.”

Osenun showed THISDAY, a print out of the CCTV camera which revealed the picture identity of the thief.

Investigation by THISDAY on Saturday revealed that the head of Serjeant-at-arms department, the constitutionally recognised outfit meant to provide security at the National Assembly, had retired along with his deputy.

The outfit, whose personnel had yet to be bearing arms had over the years, been relying on the police and other security agencies to protect lives and property in the nation’s apex legislative institution.

It was learnt that the former head of the Serjeant-at-arms department, a retired airforce general, Air Commodore Abdullahi Sanni Zakari (retd) retired from the service of the National Assembly recently.

He was said to have retired along with his deputy, Mr. Adedeji Alabi, a fellow of security studies (fss).

The management of the federal legislature had subsequently, appointed in acting capacity, Mr. Vincent Idike, a fellow of the Security Institute (fsi) and a Knights of Saint Molumba, to head the Serjeant-at-arms department pending the appointment of a substance head.

A petrol tanker exploded at Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, leading to the loss of lives of over 90 people, with 50 others hospitalised.

The explosion occurred around 12:30 AM when the driver of the tanker, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, the disaster was triggered by residents who had rushed to collect spilt petrol after the tanker overturned.

Although Channels Television obtained pictures of the badly burned victims, however, could not share them as they were gory.

“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” DSP Adam explained.

“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.”

DSP Adam disclosed that the authorities have commenced a mass burial for the victims on Wednesday morning, with the entire community mourning the loss.

He described the scene as a “horrific tragedy,” emphasising the need for the public to understand the risks associated with scooping fuel from accident scenes.

Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, AT Abdullahi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire people of Jigawa State.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for us all,” he said. “We share in the pain and sorrow of the families affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved.”

The commissioner called for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of petrol explosions and urged residents to report such incidents to relevant authorities.

“We appeal to the public to notify security agencies or relevant stakeholders when such accidents occur to prevent loss of life. Safety must be our priority,” he added.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as that of chaos and despair, with many struggling to rescue the injured amidst the flames.

A resident, Sani Umar who narrowly escaped the inferno, recounted, “It was terrifying. People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.”

source: CTV

The Nigerian Police Force has said it would ensure that the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State is void of impartiality.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun assured on Tuesday at the Goodluck Ebele International Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, in a meeting convened with AIGs and CPs from all formations, zonal and state commands.

The meeting was aimed at reflecting on accomplishments, delineating future strategies, and reinforcing the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the nation.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi in Abuja, said during the meeting, significant emphasis was placed on the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16th 2024.

Egbetokun said the NPF is fully committed to “impartiality, professionalism, and the highest standards of conduct to safeguard democracy.”

He said rigorous training sessions will be conducted for police personnel to prepare them for their duties, with a focus on conflict resolution and maintaining public order during the elections.

The IGP further announced the senior police officers’ conference and retreat which would take place from November 25th to 28th, 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He stressed the indispensable value of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose within the Force, reiterating the importance of collaborative efforts with relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as community stakeholders, in achieving the nation’s common goals.

“A united front is imperative in tackling the multifaceted security challenges faced by our nation.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency and effective communication with the public and will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and maintain law and order across the country,” he said.

Egbetokun’s commitment to the success of the Ondo poll comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced that collection of the Permanent voters’ cards by registered voters will commence on Thursday.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced this in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, a total of 89,777 new PVCs were printed and delivered to INEC’s state office in Akure.

This includes 58,708 new voters and 31,069 individuals who applied for transfers, updates, or replacements of lost and damaged PVCs.

PVC collection will be available at two levels across 221 centres in the state.