# ENDSARS : Youth groups plans to de-escalate tension across the nation

 

The apex Yoruba youth group, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide alongside the Coalition of Southern Group (CSG) have expressed support for the proposal by the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) to strengthen national unity by peaceful dialogue.

In a statement signed on Friday, October 23 by the president of Yoruba youths, Aare Oladotun Hassan, said there is a need to urgently and collectively address the escalating tension in the country and find a meeting point for all stakeholders across the divides.

The Yoruba youths have expressed solidarity with the Shettima-led AYCF. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi

Part of the statement read:

“It is high time we work out the best solution approach towards resolving the growing tide of violence and arsons, particularly within southern regions.’’

In a related development, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) has commended the leadership of AYCF and other northern youth groups for the maturity exhibited in the midst of the current crisis across Nigeria.

The OYC also agreed with their northern counterparts on the protection of their people in both regions.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, October 23, the Igbo youths denied allegations of molestation of northerners in the south-east.

Earlier, the leader of AYCF, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, called on Nigerians to disregard various fake news being attributed to him by unknown persons.

Yerima described as false and malicious claim of war and other fabrications in circulation being attributed to him, urging Nigerians and friends of the country all over the world to disregard them in totality.

Lekki shootings: We've received allegations, says ICC

 

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has broken its silence on the alleged use of force and violence on EndSARS protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos on Tuesday, October 20.

The ICC called for calm on the sides of the protesters, the federal government and security agencies.

An ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, tweeted on Thursday, October 22, that the court is closely observing happenings related to the protest as they unfold.

ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said the court has received allegations on Lekki shootings. (Photo: The Times of Israel)

Bensouda said the court has already received allegations of violence in relation to the protests.

Meanwhile. Lagos state governor had on Wednesday, October 20, announced that casualties was recorded but the state still investigating whether it was as a result of the shooting.

Moreover, the government of the United States (US) faulted the alleged use of force by security personnel on unarmed protesters in the Lekki shooting that ensued on Tuesday, October 20.

In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the secretary of state, Michael Pompeo, called for justice on soldiers who brutalised EndSARS protesters during the rally.

Pompeo said that the US will welcome any thorough investigation into the tragic development that reportedly led to the death and injuries of protesters

.

Buhari to address Nigerians by 7 pm over EndSARS protests - Presidency

 

Following the ongoing protests against the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), President Muhammadu Buhari would address Nigerians by 7 pm today, Thursday, October 22.

NTA reports that the president would make a national broadcast after a meeting with the security chiefs on the protests and killings of some protesters across the country.

All television, radio and other electronic media outlets were enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria respectively during the presidential address.

The presidency stated:

President Muhammadu Buhari will address Nigerians on the ongoing EndSARS protests across the country. Credit: Twitter/NTA.

“Following detailed briefing by security chiefs on the current situation in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will make a national broadcast, today, October 22, 2020 at 7pm.

“Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria respectively as the President addresses the Nation later this evening, at 7pm, a presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad, tweeted Thursday evening.

Premium Times had earlier reported that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, said that the president would announce a ‘critical solution’ to the #EndSARS protest

Speaking after the meeting, Monguno told the State House correspondents that the meeting basically dwelt on one subject matter, “the current security situation that has come about as a result of the EndSARS protests.”

The online medium said that the official said the president has directed that the government should do whatever is necessary in order to bring about an agreeable resolution to this crisis.

“It is not Mr. President’s desire to see any unwanted loss of lives and he is determined to ensure that things do not cascade into an unpleasant situations.Munguno had said:

“Therefore, he has directed all the security agencies to operate within the confines of legitimacy, the confines of legality, not to do anything that will aggravate the situation.

“The President himself, I have just left his office, is also going to deal with these issues in a specific manner apart from what has just taken place in council. I believe in the next couple of hours Mr. President will come up with certain solutions that will be agreeable to the entire federation.

Meanwhile, hours after the reported killing of some EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, denied having a hand in the ugly incident.

It was reported that Tinubu was reacting to the attack which saw security forces open fire on #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate area of Lagos state on Tuesday, October 20

Lekki shooting: Sanwo-Olu speaks on removal of CCTV cameras from tollgate

With Lekki shooting still gaining momentum amid floodgates of reactions globally, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lifted the lids on the alleged removal of the CCTV camera prior to the toll gate incident.

Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, October 22, the Lagos state governor stated that "nobody ordered" the removal of the camera and turning off the light contrary to the circulation on the social media.

Sanwo-Olu said there was the security of LCC on the ground and added that what looked like a camera are "necessary installation" removed due to 24-hour curfew imposed on the state over repeated attacks of hoodlums.

He said:

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said no security camera was removed. Credit: Twitter (Gistreel)

"That camera you saw is not a security and CCTV camera. That camera is not a motion camera, It is a nasal camera for vehicles. What the camera removed does is to pick the tag and number plate when you approach in the fast track lane.

"It is not a camera for human beings but an infrared camera. Security cameras are still available. These are some of the footages we are going to use for our own investigation.

"Security cameras are installed on the top of towers and they are there. Nobody can touch the security camera. So, the cameras the pulled off was the decision of the local personnel of LCC in conjunction with total management because of curfew.

"On the light, there was a consensus arrangement by the cooperate organisation in charge to pull off the light because of the curfew put in place."

UK shuts embassies over #EndSARS crisis, Soyinka, Clinton, Saraki, Sanwo-Olu reacts

 

Sequel to the EndSARS protests that rocked every nook and cranny of the country, the United Kingdom has ordered the closure of its embassies in Nigeria over the crisis as a result of #EndSARS protests across the country.

The demonstrations, which began as a peaceful march two weeks ago, have degenerated into crisis in various states, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

Over the past three days, attacks have been launched on government-owned institutions and private businesses, leading to deaths and properties being razed.

On Monday, police stations were set on fire in Edo, while two prisons were broken into, leading to the escape of inmates from custody, and the state government declared a 24-hour curfew.

On Tuesday morning, police stations and other properties were also destroyed in Lagos, and the governor declared a 24-hour curfew which took effect at 9pm.

By Wednesday morning, hoodlums launched attacks on locations across the state, setting fire to buildings and buses.Events, however, took a major turn on Tuesday evening when persons dressed in military uniform opened fire on protesters who were at the Lekki area of Lagos.

According to a statement issued on its website on Wednesday, the UK noted that the closure of its offices is to ensure the safety of staff and visa applicants.

The closure will be maintained for an initial 48 hours, while applicants who have already booked appointments have been advised to reschedule.

“Due to the ongoing protest in Nigeria and for the safety of both staff and applicants, our Nigeria centres will be closed for 48 hours at a minimum,” the statement read.

“For applicants with booked appointments within this period, please you will need to reschedule your appointment for next week, from 26th October 2020" 

Already, former presidential candidate in 

United States Hillary Clinton has warmed President Muhammadu Buhari to stop killing young #End SARS protesters in Nigeria.

Reacting to the attack on the peaceful prote-

sters in Lagos in her Twitter called President Buhari and Nigerian soldiers

to stop killing young Nigerians.

The immediate past Senate President of Nigeria Bukola Saraki condemned the killings of harmless protesters in Nigeria.

t

Saying it is the same as killing future of Nigeria

and decribed the happened at Lekki as 

massacre.

In his reaction. Prof. Wole Soyinka lamented that the tension in the land had become unimaginable, adding that the extra-judicial killing in Lagos state has drenched the Nigerian flag in the blood of innocents.

He said:

The Nobel laureate in literature, Professor Wole Soyinka, observing a court proceeding. Source: Legit.ng

“At that earlier mention Lagos sector, Lekki, where most of the affirmative action gatherings had taken place, soldiers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, killing and wounding a yet undetermined number. One such extra-judicial killing has drenched the Nigerian flag in the blood of innocents – and not symbolically.

“The video has, in accustomed parlance, ‘gone viral’. I have spoken by phone to eye-witnesses. One, a noted public figure has shared his first-hand testimony on television. The government should cease to insult this nation with petulant denials.”

Soyinka said it was absolutely essential to let this government know that the Army had now replaced SARS in the demonic album of the protesters.

The academic giant said his enquiry so far indicated that the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu did not invite in the Army and did not complain of a ‘breakdown in law and order’.

Soyinka added:

“Nevertheless, the Centre had chosen to act in an authoritarian manner and had inflicted a near incurable wound on the community psyche.

“Need I add that, on arrival in Abeokuta, my home town, I again had to negotiate a roadblock? That went smoothly enough. I expected it, and have no doubt that more are being erected as this is being written."

Amid ongoing violence and repeated attacks on facilities in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed to report the Nigeria Army operatives who shot at the peaceful protesters at Lekki toll gate to the military "high command."

Speaking during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, October 21, closely monitored.Governor Sanwo-Olu sued for understanding and peace.

The governor also stated that he would report the security operatives who carried out the attack on unarmed protesters to President Muhammadu Buhari, being the commander-in-chief.

Governor Sanwo-Olu: Credit: Channels TV.

Sanwo-Olu described the incident as unfortunate and tragic, adding that he was never involved in the directives that saw armed operatives open fire on the demonstrators.

American boxer, Patrick Day, dies following brutal knockout

American boxer, Patrick Day, died on Wednesday in Chicago as a result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered during his fight on Saturday, where he was knocked out by Charles Conwell in the 10th round.

Day, 27, had been in a coma for four days following his defeat and, in spite of having emergency brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, doctors were unable to save the junior middleweight.

“Patrick Day passed away today, Oct. 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL,’’ his promoter, Lou DiBella, said in a statement.

“He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer, Joe Higgins.

“On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.’’

Day was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher after Conwell landed a flurry of punches that left him motionless on the canvas.

Before turning professional, Day was a highly decorated amateur, who won two national titles.

He turned pro in 2013 and became a world-rated super welterweight contender, capturing the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019.

In June, he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF.

Day’s death comes after a 23-year-old Argentine super lightweight, Hugo Santillan, died in July from injuries suffered in the ring and 28-year-old Russian, Maxim Dadashev, passed away two days earlier from brain injuries during his fight.

“It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this,’’ DiBella said.

“This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available.

Victor Osimhen: Nigerian star recounts how he sold sachet water as a 6-year-old

Victor Osimhen in his latest interview with BBC revealed how tough it was for him growing up as a child.
The Super Eagles striker who has already scored five goals in Ligue 1 this season for Lille, said he once hawked sachet water on the streets of Lagos when he just seven-years-old.
"I came from a very poor background, seven children and I was the last born. I lost my mom at the age of 6 and it was very difficult for my family because my dad also lost his job around that period. So I was forced to go out and get myself a life.

"In Lagos, they sell water (bottle or sachet) which is the easiest but the hardest because you have to run and give somebody the water and collect money.
"It wasn't easy but I had to do it and that set my path in which I will never give up in life no matter the situation or where I am and that gave me the zeal and momentum no matter what life throws at me."
The Nigerian international also talked about his experience with teammate and Portugal star Jose Fonte who promised taking him to a restaurant if he scored on his debut against Nantes.
"Jose Fonte spoke to me and asked 'How many goals will you give me on your debut?' I said I will score two goals and he told me If I scored two goals he will take you to any restaurant

"It's not about the restaurant, it's about Jose Fonte and I scored two goals."
The 20-year-old also spoke about how Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o inspired him while growing up.
"I grew up watching Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, Rasheedi Yekini and Emmanuel Adebayor, but Drogba is my role model because he motivates me a lot and I watch his videos on YouTube."
Meanwhile, earlier reports that Alex Iwobi's summer move to Everton from Arsenal has been compared by Man United legend Phil Neville as a big 'fish' in small pond.
The Super Eagles midfielder left his boyhood club for a whopping £35million to Goodison Park after playing 148 matches, scoring 15 goals for Gunners.

Nigeria shuts Action Against Hunger aid group 'for feeding militants'

"I fled Boko Haram and had to leave my son behind" - one woman tells the BBC of her ordeal

Nigeria's army has stopped the work of international NGO Action Against Hunger accusing it of supplying a militant Islamist group with food and drugs.

The army said it had warned the NGO against "aiding and abetting" Boko Haram in north-east Nigeria.

Action Against Hunger, which denies the accusations, says its "life-saving assistance" to vulnerable people has now been put "into jeopardy".

Boko Haram's 10-year campaign of terror has left more than 30,000 people dead.

More than two million people have also been displaced.

A network of NGOs is assisting the government in helping those who have been forced from their homes.

This is the first time the military has explicitly named an aid organisation it accuses of sabotaging the army's counter-terrorism operations in the region, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor.

In a statement, Action Against Hunger said it "delivers neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian aid to millions of people in Borno state by providing basic services to the most vulnerable people, especially women and children".

Contains disturbing scenes and flashing images.

Boko Haram’s decade of terror explained

It said it had been told by soldiers without any notice to close its office in the capital of Borno state, Maiduguri.

In July, the Paris-based charity said six of its aid workers had been kidnapped in Nigeria.

The six abductees appeared on a video, with one of them calling on the Nigerian government and international community to intervene. Their whereabouts are still unknown.

No group has said it was behind the kidnapping.

In 2015, Boko Haram seized control of much of Borno state, and spread its activities to neighbouring countries.

A counter-insurgency by the army led to much of that territory being recaptured. But the militants have come to rely more on suicide bombings and kidnappings in recent years.

One of its most notorious attacks was on a school in Chibok, north-east Nigeria, when 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped. Many of them have been freed, but the whereabouts of more than 100 are still unknown.

Since 2013, Boko Haram are thought to have kidnapped more than 1,000 people.