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September 4, 2023

September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 IFMNEWS

Rivers State Authorities Close AIT And Raypower FM Broadcast Stations

Surprisingly, the Rivers State Government has decided to shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt.

This unexpected move has left the management and employees of DAAR Communications PLC in a state of shock, as they received no prior notice from the government regarding the shutdown.

The shutdown occurred under unusual circumstances, with contractors disconnecting the wave guard from the mast's antenna while riggers dismantled the mast. To further compound the situation, bulldozers were deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

DAAR Communications PLC expressed surprise and concern over the sudden turn of events. The management had been actively working towards an amicable resolution of issues with the State Government, making the abrupt shutdown even more perplexing.

It was revealed that some officials of the telecommunications contractor claimed they were acting on directives from higher authorities to commence demolition on a Sunday, despite unfavourable weather conditions, such as heavy rains, and against a previously agreed-upon timeline.

The contentious issue at the heart of this shutdown is the land on which the AIT/RayPower transmission station is situated, disputed between the state government and Daar Communications, Plc. In March, during the tenure of former governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the state government issued a quit notice to Daar Communications, ordering them to vacate the land. The notice cited the imminent commencement of the GRA Phase 5 project and the need to clear structures obstructing the Right of Way.

This unanticipated shutdown raises questions about the legal and procedural aspects of such actions and leaves many pondering the fate of the affected media organisations and their employees.

September 4, 2023

September 4, 2023 IFMNEWS

Anambra Police Apprehend Two Suspected Robbers On The Second Niger Bridge

In a recent development, the Anambra State Police Command has successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of engaging in armed robbery activities, particularly targeting victims on the Second Niger Bridge.

The arrest was carried out by dedicated police officers from the Harbor Division, who were conducting a surveillance patrol on the bridge, and it took place on a Sunday.

According to a statement released by the state police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the surveillance patrol team was initially stationed on the bridge to prevent the theft of expansion joints, a vital component of the bridge's infrastructure. However, they swiftly transitioned into action when alerted to a criminal gang's suspicious activities near the bridge's Obosi end.

Executing a well-coordinated operation, the covert police team monitored the gang's movements and promptly apprehended two suspects while the others managed to escape. While searching for the arrested individuals, the police recovered two daggers and five SIM cards, presumably removed from previously stolen mobile phones. The suspects, aged between 20 and 22 years, were identified as originating from Enugu State and Ebonyi State.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, expressed his commendation for the vigilance and courage displayed by the patrol team in confronting the criminal gang. In light of these developments, CP Adeoye has issued a directive to locate the owners of the recovered SIM cards. This action aims to assemble crucial evidence that will contribute to prosecuting the arrested suspects.

This successful operation is a testament to the Anambra State Police Command's commitment to maintaining law and order within the state, ensuring the safety of its residents, and upholding the integrity of critical infrastructure such as the Second Niger Bridge.

August 31, 2023

August 31, 2023 IFMNEWS

Ogun State Pastor Sets Lady On Fire During Special Prayer

In a shocking incident, a 21-year-old woman named Sukura Owodunni was reportedly severely burned in an incident involving a pastor named Taiwo Odebiyi. The unfortunate incident occurred during a special prayer session at the pastor's Cherubim and Seraphim Maberu Parish in Offin, located in the Sagamu area of Ogun State.

Owodunni had been invited to the church by Pastor Odebiyi for what was meant to be a deliverance session. As part of the prayer ritual, the pastor instructed the young woman to procure items for the session, including Amazing Grace perfume, local eggs, and a candle.

During the prayer session, Pastor Odebiyi allegedly poured perfume on Owodunni's body and lit the candle. Tragically, a fire broke out as the candle was lit, engulfing Owodunni in flames. She suffered serious burns to her chest, shoulder, and legs.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported the incident to the authorities, leading to the swift intervention of the Divisional Police Officer in Adigbe, CSP Abdulfattah Ogunsanya, and his team. They immediately apprehended the pastor on the premises.

State Police Public Relations Officer SP Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident, noting that an investigation had been initiated to uncover the tragic event's circumstances. The young victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, as she had been left without support to cover her medical expenses following the incident.

"Our men have arrested the suspect. The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after perfecting the preliminary investigation," Odutola stated.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and accountability in such cases. The young woman's painful ordeal underscores the importance of ensuring safety and responsible practices in all religious and spiritual settings.

August 29, 2023

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 IFMNEWS

No Government Can Provide Food To Every Resident – Gov Zulum Babagana

Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, Acknowledges the Limitations of Government in Universal Food Provision.

Governor Zulum emphasised the inherent limitations in a government's ability to provide food to entire communities. This sentiment was expressed during his oversight of the food distribution to 18,000 households in Damboa Local Government Area on Monday.

In his address, Zulum highlighted his administration's approach to identifying and supporting the most vulnerable citizens as recipients of subsidy removal palliatives. The intention is to mitigate the impact of the prevailing hardships across the state.

Zulum said, "I want you to understand that it's practically unfeasible for any level of government – federal, state, or local – to cater to the food needs of entire communities. Consequently, we have meticulously identified the most vulnerable individuals across all local governments to alleviate their hardships."

He emphasised that certain regions within the state were more acutely affected by food shortages. "Gwoza and Damboa in the southern part of Borno have been significantly impacted by scarcity. Nearly all the LGAs are grappling with food shortages in the northern areas, except for Kaga, Magumeri, and Gubio. Meanwhile, in the central region, MMC and Jere are less severely affected," the governor explained.

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