Notre-Dame Razed!

Notre-Dame burns, as about four hundred fire-fighters battle to save art-works, stored in the Catholic Cathedral. Fire broke out at the Cathedral, on Monday, 15th April, 2019.

The cause of the fire is not certain, authorities believe it could be linked to the on-going renovation works. The spire at the top of the building was captured caving in, but no casualties was yet reported in the inferno that has engulfed the entire building.

Zamfara: Foreigners Ordered To Vacate Gold-Mine Sites, As FG Launches Operation Puff Adder!

Following the recent killing of scores in Zamfara state, north-west Nigeria, the Federal Government has suspended mining activities, and ordered foreign miners to immediately vacate mining sites in the state. This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari announced the deployment of security agents to all affected areas. 

Zamfara Gold Miners

The FG also announced the launch of Operation Puff Adder, a multi-agency operations which comprises of the: Police Force, Military, DSS and others. 

The agency is  focused on ensuring security in Zamfara, Kaduna (Abuja-Kaduna express way), Katsina, Kogi and Nigeria states.

Kolade Johnson's Killing- Trigger Happy SARS Officials Arrested, Lagos CP/ FG Assures That Justice Will Prevail!

SARS officials involved in the killing of late Kolade Johnson, has been arrested. The Police disclosed this in a statement, released on Monday, 1st April, 2019, a day after the tragic incident occurred. 

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, called for calm, assuring that justice will prevail in this case. According to the statement signed by the state's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, the arrested officers are currently under-going interrogation in Police custody, where they will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures.

The Statement reads: 

"POLICE TEAM SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE SHOOTING OF KOLADE JOHNSON IS NOW IN OUR CUSTUDY….. CP LAGOS COMMAND ASSURES JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL

On 31/03/2019 at about 5.05pm, the Command received a distress call that Lagos- Abeokuta Express Way has been blocked by some angry youths who were protesting the shooting of one Kolade Johnson m of No.1 Beco street, Onipetesi, Mangoro Bus Stop by a team of Policemen from Anti Cultism unit. A team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squads and Metro patrol were promptly drafted to the scene. The account of eye witnesses helped in identifying the team which fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Members of the team suspected to be involved in the shooting have since been arrested and are currently in Police custody undergoing interrogation.

They will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, and may be prosecuted in conventional Court if implicated by ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu mni calls for calm, assuring that justice will prevail in this case.

The CP also condoles with the family, friends and well wishers of Kolade Johnson. The CP has promised to initiate far reaching reforms to help in repositioning the Anti Cultism Squad for effective service delivery, particularly in areas of respect for Human Rights & proficiency in the use of firearms. Members of the Public who have complaints on the activities of Anti Cultism Squad or any of our Police teams should call the following numbers 08063299264, 08065154338 and 08060357795, please

DSP Bala Elkana

Police Public Relations Officer

Lagos State."

Following the Police statement, the Nigerian Government sent its condolences to the family of the victim, Kolade Johnson's family and friends.

The government confirmed that the teem suspected of involvement in the shooting have been apprehended, and are undergoing disciplinary procedures.

Man Killed By SARS Stray Bullet In Lagos!

A young man, identified as Kolade Johnson, was killed by stray bullets fired by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at a viewing center located at Olu Aboderin street, Onipetesi junction, on Lagos- Abeokuta road axis, Lagos, Nigeria.

Kolade, being rushed to the Hospital after he was hit by SARS stray bullet

According to eye witness account, officials of the "anti-robbery" squad stormed the viewing center, to arrest a man on dreadlocks, after the arrest, the officials fired shots carelessly into the air and Kolade who happened to be at the center, watching the Liverpool and Tottenham Premier League, was hit by one of the bullets. Efforts to safe him proved abortive, as he was pronounced dead on arrival at the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was rushed to.

Reports has it that the deceased, Kolade, was the only child of his parents, he recently became a father, and was in Nigeria on a visit.

This publication is a voice to #respectforhumanlives #endsars #endpolicebritality #everynigerianlifematters campaign.

Link to previous stories on SARS extra-judicial killing: https://rovinginformant.blogspot.com/2018/07/endsars-while-i-was-busy-fighting-for.html

Photo Speak: Victoria Island, Lagos!

View of Sun Rise, at the Lagoon, from Falomo bridge, link between Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. 

 

Christchurch Mosque Shooter Makes First Court Appearance!

Christchurch Mosques shooter, a 28-year-old man, identified as Brenton Tarrant, who was arrested by the Police about 36 mins after the first attack, made a brief appearance in court on 16th of March. 

Brenton Tarrant in Court

Tarrant gave what appeared to be a "white supremacy" sign, with his hands in Court. No few than 49 persons were killed, and about 20 others seriously injured, after a gun-man attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday prayers, on 16th March, 2019. 

New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, during her address, stated that the gun-man, used five guns obtained from the Police: two of which were semi-automatic; and all legally gotten, with an 'A-class gun license'. 

Among those killed during the attack, was Mohamed Ataa, founder of the Masjid Alnoor, and his son.

Ambode Describes Sanwo-Olu's Victory As: Victory For Continuity In Governance!

Out-going Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, offered his congratulatory message to the newly elected Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. 

Clockwise: Newly Elected Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (left) Out-going Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) Deputy Governor elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (right)

In what he described as victory for continuity in government, Governor Ambode's message read:  "Hearty congratulations to the Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. This is a victory for continuity in governance, victory for the APC and victory for all Lagosians. I wish them a successful term in office".