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December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 IFMNEWS

Customs Officer, Wife, and Four Children Killed in Midnight Fire in Osun

A devastating fire claimed the lives of a customs officer, Tijani Kabiru, his wife, and four of their children in the early hours of Monday in the Akankan Area of Ede, Osun State. Kabiru, who served with the Oyo/Osun Command, tragically lost his family in the blaze that has left the local community in shock and mourning.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m., prompting neighbors to alert firefighters. One neighbor, Kola, recounted the tragic scene:
“I can’t say when the fire started, but we noticed smoke at about 3 a.m. While the firemen responded quickly, the house was already severely damaged. Sadly, Kabiru, his wife, and four of their children were burnt to death. Only one child managed to escape.”

Firefighters from the Ede Zonal Command and a backup team from the Fire Service Headquarters in Abere worked to extinguish the flames, but the inferno had already consumed much of the residence by the time they arrived.

Osun State Fire Service spokesperson Ibraheem Adekunle confirmed the incident, sharing a statement from the agency’s director, Olaniyi Alimi. The statement provided details about the tragedy:
“The fire was reported at 3:21 a.m. through a distress call. The victims included Mr. Tijani Kabiru, aged in his late 40s, his wife in her early 40s, and four children—three boys and a girl, aged between three and ten. A 13-year-old boy miraculously survived.”

The estimated damage is valued at ₦200 million, though firefighters managed to save property worth ₦500 million. The street where the tragedy occurred is named after the deceased officer, highlighting his standing in the community.

The remains of the victims have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force's A’ Division, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the Akankan area as residents mourn the loss of a family.

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024 IFMNEWS

IGP Orders Investigation into Alleged Police Misconduct During #EndBadGovernance Protests

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed a thorough investigation into allegations of police involvement in the deaths and arrests of protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August 2024.

Amnesty International had recently released a report accusing the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators between August 1 and 10. The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests," claimed at least 24 people, including two children and an elderly individual, were killed in states such as Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. Amnesty alleged that police fired live ammunition at close range, often aiming for the head or torso, while others were injured or suffocated by tear gas.

Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigation into the alleged human rights violations, asserting that the use of deadly force on peaceful protesters demonstrates a disregard for human life.

In response, NPF spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi refuted the claims, describing them as unfounded and inconsistent with reports submitted by police commands. The NPF emphasized that its officers followed established rules of engagement, providing security for peaceful protests and using force only in instances where protests escalated into violent riots.

The police cited alternative explanations for some fatalities during the protests, including attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State and a vehicular incident in another location. They maintained that no live ammunition was fired at protesters and arrests were limited to individuals involved in criminal acts like vandalism, looting, and arson.

IGP Egbetokun has instructed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit comprehensive reports within a week to ensure a transparent review of police conduct. The NPF reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights, adhering to the rule of law, and maintaining operational professionalism.

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Author: IFMNEWS

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