Category: PM News

Gov. Hope Uzodimma strong push for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was evident during recent three-day Renewed Hope Ambassadors/Presidential Communications Team National Media inspection of landmark federal and state governments’ projects in Imo State.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s position as the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum places him in a unique position of primus inter pares (first among his equals) among his governor colleagues in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. For one, the position puts on his shoulders the responsibility of mobilizing support for the programmes and initiatives of the ruling party as well laid out in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

As recently noted by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication to President Tinubu, one of the indications that Governor Uzodimma has lived up to these responsibilities was the increase in the numbers of governors who have bought into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President by joining the APC to over 30.

Dare spoke at a state dinner held at Government House, Owerri to mark the end of a three-day Renewed Hope Ambassadors/Presidential Communications Team National Media inspection of landmark federal and state governments’ projects in Imo State. The National Media tour, with over 40 senior editors and journalists in the delegation is itself an initiative of Uzodimma led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in conjunction with the Presidential Communications Team.

Seeing Is Believing’ Media Tour

The ‘seeing is believing’ media tour was initiated with the aim of providing Nigerians with firsthand information about projects and other initiatives being delivered across the country under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while highlighting the impact of such interventions on citizens’ lives as as the nation prepares for the 2027 general election.

The tour began in the Northwest where the Tinubu administration’s milestone achievements in form of completed and ongoing projects in roads, rail, education, health, agriculture, environment among others were showcased to dispel the claim of neglect of the region by the administration. The situation was not different in the Southeast states of Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi as journalists inspected federal and state projects. Contrary to some claims, leaders of the region, including lawmakers and governors told journalists that the Southeast has been a major beneficiary of ongoing massive investments in infrastructure development by President Tinubu.

Significantly, governors and state government officials had also told journalists during the tour that the strides they have recorded in terms of their ability to undertake massive projects, regular payment of salaries and long neglected pension was because of the more funds they are receiving from the federal purse, courtesy of the reforms, especially, the courageous decision of President Tinubu to stop the corruption laden subsidy on petrol on assumption of office.

The situation was not different in Imo as journalists discovered in the course of three days’ tour of state and federal projects which began on Wednesday, July 15. Led by Declan Emelumba, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, media team began with the inspection of the ongoing projects at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. With determination to deliver the first cargo airport in the Southeast as a legacy project, Uzodimma has embarked on the expansion of the runway, construction of eight modern warehouses for storage and cargo and other facilities that will position the facility as a major logistics and export hub.

The media team also inspected the 36-kilometre Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road, the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri now upgraded to Federal University of Technology as well as the Federal Medical Centre Owerri upgraded to a Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital Owerri. The two institutions were upgraded by federal government. Emelumba told journalists that the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri to Federal University of Education by President Bola Tinubu was answer to prayers of the people of Imo for many years.

‘This place used to be Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri. This is one of the oldest Federal Government Colleges of Education in Nigeria. I think they said there were about six in the country. Almost all of them had been converted to Federal University of Education. So, every government in Imo struggled to get it converted but couldn’t realize it until the coming of Governor Hope Uzodimma. And this was realized less than a year ago,’ he said. The Commissioner said the upgrade of the upgrade had generated significant employment opportunities for Imo people and had also attracted projects by TETFUND for the institution.

The team also inspected the Imo Digital City, the ongoing construction of 2,000-bed Infectious Disease Centre, the Heart Transplant Centre at the Imo State University, Orlu, the University of Innovation, Science and Technology at Omuma, the ongoing expansion of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri as well as the ongoing construction of Orlu-Akokwa-Uga Border road among others in the course of three day visit to Imo.

Commitment To Renewed Hope Agenda

What became very clear during the tour was the commitment of Governor Uzodimma to the actualization of Renewed Hope Agenda for the benefit of the people of the state. Hence, he has no reservations in taking up major federal projects. One of such projects is the 36-kilometre Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road, a federal road which was taken over and constructed by the Imo governor after being in a state of disrepair for many years. ‘This is a road that links quite a number of communities, more than four or five local governments. It was horrible. There were so many potholes, and it defied all previous administrations. But as you can see, we passed through it. It’s very smooth, no pothole, with solar-powered streetlights. So, this is the product of the renewed hope government and the government of Imo State, which we are proud to present to you,’ Emelumba told journalists at a section of the road.

Tunde Rahman, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties told journalists that Uzodimma agreed to take up federal projects in support of the Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. ‘Some of the interventions that you have seen, the Okigwe International Cargo Airport, and this road that we just passed, is being done by Imo State government under the Renew Hope Agenda to support the government. The governor said clearly we should let you know it’s not a question of, ‘I’m going to be reimbursed.’ ‘It is being done in conjunction with the government in order to support the government under the Renew Hope agenda,’ Rahman who is also Director, Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassadors said. But the road that extended from Okigwe to Owerri as double carriageway with drains and streetlights is not the only major project that the Imo State Governor has fixed or is fixing through the collaboration from the federal government.

Journalists on the tour was also at a section of the ongoing reconstruction of the 31 Kilometers’ Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga Road, a major link between Anambra and Imo which has been rendered impassable for many years as a result of massive gully erosion. The media team saw newly completed gigantic concrete bridge and ongoing efforts to tackle the erosion challenge to restore the link between the two states. ‘There’s no way you could have been here about two years ago because the road was cut into two by the gully erosion for more than eight years at this particular place. It takes a lot of courage, vision and determination for anybody, any government to attempt to fix it like the governor of the state is doing,’ said the Commissioner.

‘The road is along Akokwa-Uga. Uga is in Anambra. So, it links the two states. This is a very commercial hub of the state. By constructing this road, commerce will flow, and goods and services will flow easily,’ Emelumba said. ‘This place, I’m sure if the contractors will tell you, has gulped a lot of money, a lot of money. But the governor said he was determined, even though it’s a federal road, he is an APC governor and an APC compliant governor for that matter,’ he added. Even then, it was also acknowledged that Uzodimma and his colleagues are being empowered to undertake such gigantic projects because of the increase in the money going from the federal purse into the coffers of sub national governments as a result of the bold reforms of the President.

Enabled By Tinubu’s Reforms

Uzodimma acknowledged this during the state dinner at Government House, Owerri. ‘Everything we are doing in Imo today is made possible because of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are pursuing sustainable development, investing in infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology because the reforms have created the enabling environment for development,’ the Governor said while likening the reforms being undertaken by the President to those that propelled Singapore to the apex in terms of development indices under the late Lee Kuan Yew.

He noted that the President came into office on May 29, 2023, with determination to tackle Nigeria’s age long challenges with the aim of bringing the nation into a new realm of development. ‘President Tinubu knew exactly what he came to do. He started implementing the reforms immediately because he understood the task before him,’ he said. Thus, he said the President started campaigning for his second term when he assumed office as he started rolling out policies and reform policies that have now crystallized into benefits for people across the country.

The Governor recalled that when he was sworn in on 15 January 2020, his Accountant General came back from a FAAC meeting with funds that was barely enough to pay salaries, just like for many other states then. But he noted that the situation changed dramatically when President Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, 2023. After FAAC, I saw over N10 billion. I said, ‘what?’ So, when people were trying to oppose removal of subsidy, I have to put on my belt and my jeans. I came out and said, ‘subsidy must be removed’. Uzodimma said his administration has been able to deploy the increased resources from the centre to undertake visible programmes and projects that the people of the state are very, very happy for and have therefore decided to vote for the President in 2027.

He noted that with increased FAAC allocation and increase in Internally generated revenue of the state from less than N400m to close to N6 billion a month now, his administration has been able to reduce the debt profile of Imo State from about N280 billion in 2020 to less than N90 billion.

‘So, day by day, we are reducing the debt profile so that the state can become very solvent. In 2020, movement from one end of Imo State to another takes an average of two to three hours. As I speak, it is only 45 minutes,’ said the Governor.

He also revealed that his administration had taken advantage of the new electricity law of President Tinubu’s administration to tackle the challenge of power in the state. Thus, he said the administration has been able to end the regime of the people of the state paying for power they did not consume. As I speak, we generate, we transmit, and we distribute electricity. In Owerri, capital, including this government house, we are using ‘homemade’ electricity’, he said while assuring that the locally generated power will be extended to some of the state’s local government areas by the end of the year.

Tinubu In Strong Position For Overwhelming Victory

Uzodimma said the performance of his administration with the support of President Tinubu as well as ongoing federal interventions across the state have placed the ruling party in a strong position for overwhelming victory in the state and in the nation in the 2027 election. ‘You have come to Imo, not to campaign for our people. You have come to Imo to see what we have been able to achieve. Our people have already decided that they want President Bola Tinubu back as the president. Because without him and his policies and programmes, this environment we are enjoying today would have been very impossible to achieve,’ Uzodimma said while assuring that many governors of APC in Nigeria are also working hard, deploying the additional revenue accruing to them from the centre for the benefit of their people.

While assuring that his projection that Tinubu will record a landslide victory in the 2027 election was not based on fantasies, Uzodimma said: The population of APC, verifiable with name, is in excess of 13 million. Look at the number of people benefiting from the school loan. Look at the number of people benefiting from various social interventions. Imo State is a one-party state. I can say that authoritatively. Ambassadors of Renewed Hope Agenda are present in every polling unit, minimum of 50 people. So, if members of our party vote for our presidential candidate, he has already won the election.’

The Lagos State Government has warned motorists to prepare for traffic delays and slower movement on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as repair work on the Kara Bridge begins on Tuesday, July 28.

According to the state government, the Federal Ministry of Works will commence the replacement of the bridge’s expansion joint as part of efforts to improve the condition of the busy highway. The maintenance work is expected to last for two weeks.

To allow the repairs to take place safely, the four-lane carriageway will be reduced to two lanes along a 1.5-kilometre section of the bridge.

This temporary restriction is expected to affect the smooth flow of traffic, especially during peak travel periods when thousands of commuters use the route daily.

The government also warned that motorists could experience heavy congestion around the Fatgbems Turn as some drivers may attempt to make U-turns or use alternative routes to avoid the affected section of the expressway.

However, traffic moving towards Ibadan beyond the Fatgbems Turn is expected to flow with minimal disruption despite the ongoing construction work.

The Lagos State Government urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time and allow extra travel time to avoid unnecessary delays. Drivers were also advised to use alternative routes where possible, obey all traffic signs, and cooperate with officials who will be deployed to manage traffic throughout the repair period.

The government assured residents that traffic management personnel would be on the ground to ease congestion and ensure the safety of both motorists and construction workers.

It explained that the rehabilitation project is part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, enhance the safety of road users, and extend the lifespan of the Kara Bridge.

The government appealed to the public for understanding, patience, and cooperation while the work is being carried out, noting that the temporary inconvenience will result in a safer and more durable bridge for all road users.

Three students have been pulled alive from the rubble of a three-storey hostel that collapsed near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The rescued students were taken to St. Michael Hospital, Oko, where they are receiving medical attention.

Elite Five Star Lodge, located in Amokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, collapsed on Sunday night with an unknown number of occupants inside.

The private lodge was occupied mainly by students of the polytechnic.

Police operatives, firefighters, officials of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and other responders continued searching the debris for occupants still feared trapped.

Footage circulating on social media showed emergency workers, students and residents gathered around the ruins as the rescue operation progressed.

Officials had yet to establish how many people were inside the building when it collapsed or confirm the total number of casualties.

The cause of the collapse also remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Rescue operations are ongoing.

Prof Wole Alamu has revealed that kidnappers left a cutlass beside his abducted wife, Rachael Alamu, apparently expecting the Oyo State school principal to take her own life.

Alamu made the revelation during a thanksgiving service held after his wife regained freedom following more than 50 days in captivity.

Rachael, principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area, was abducted alongside pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

Her husband said the incident with the cutlass occurred after he blocked the kidnappers’ telephone numbers and stopped negotiating with them.

According to him, the gunmen confronted his wife after discovering that they could no longer reach him.

‘They went to her and said, ‘Madam, your husband has blocked us. We are going to kill you,” he recalled.

Rachael reportedly responded: ‘You will not kill me in Jesus’ name.’

Alamu said the kidnappers later left a cutlass beside his wife.

‘They left one cutlass beside the Madam Principal,’ he said.

‘When they came back, they were blaming one another, saying, ‘You left a cutlass beside the Madam Principal so she could kill herself.”

Rachael refused to touch the weapon and confronted her captors.

‘I will not kill myself and you too will not kill me,’ she reportedly told them.

Alamu explained that he blocked the kidnappers after three weeks of direct communication because their threats were destroying his health.

He said every message from the abductors left him emotionally destabilised and repeatedly caused his blood pressure to rise.

‘There was a day I went for a medical check-up. They sent me a text message and I became destabilised.

‘By the time I got to the clinic, I could not even do the check-up because my blood pressure had already increased,’ he said.

The professor said he eventually decided that remaining in contact with the kidnappers could cost him his own life.

‘That day, I decided I would block these people.

‘You cannot kill me here and kill her there. Choose one. If you want to take her, she is going to be with Christ.

‘You cannot kill the two of us at the same time,’ he said.

Rachael and the other abducted victims were eventually freed following a rescue operation announced by the Federal Government.

Her husband described the kidnapping as the greatest trial his family had faced but said the experience strengthened their faith.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has repositioned the party for victory in the 2027 general elections, his aide, Mallam Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi has said.

Dingyadi who is Yilwatda’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.

The statement was issued to mark Yilwatda’s first anniversary as national chairman of the ruling party.

He said the APC had recorded renewed unity, expanding nationwide support and stronger internal cohesion under Yilwatda’s leadership.

‘APC has evolved into a more disciplined, inclusive and people-centred political platform,’ Dingyadi said.

He said Yilwatda assumed office at a critical period in the party’s history and focused on strengthening internal democracy and reconciling stakeholders.

According to him, the national chairman also prioritised repositioning the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The party’s National Secretariat has become more professional, with greater emphasis on accountability, innovation and efficient administration,’ Dingyadi said.

He said Yilwatda’s leadership style, characterised by consultation, humility and administrative discipline, had improved cooperation among stakeholders.

Dingyadi said the approach had strengthened collaboration within the National Working Committee, among party elders and across other stakeholder groups.

He added that one of the administration’s major achievements was reconciling aggrieved members and promoting consensus-building among different tendencies within the APC.

The aide said the party had also expanded engagement with youths, women, persons with disabilities and other groups.

He added that the APC had strengthened its structures across wards, local governments and states.

Dingyadi linked the party’s growing acceptance to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms.

He said Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of the reforms through infrastructure projects and government interventions nationwide.

While acknowledging that the reforms had caused temporary hardships, Dingyadi said the APC considered them necessary to stabilise the economy.

He said the measures were also aimed at averting what he described as a deeper national crisis.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dingyadi expressed confidence that the APC would retain power.

He said the foundation laid under Yilwatda’s leadership had positioned the party for another electoral victory.

Dingyadi urged Nigerians to sustain their support for the APC, describing the party as committed to democratic values and national development.

He said the party remained open to new members and would continue strengthening its internal structures.

The aide also pledged that the APC would work toward delivering what he described as greater dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

As dark clouds gather over Kaduna and heavy rains pound the city, most residents seek shelter, but commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators face another demanding day earning a living outdoors.

While many commuters dread the rains because of flooded roads and traffic congestion, commercial riders, popularly known as okada and keke operators, say the season presents a mix of opportunities and risks that shape their daily earnings and survival.

ýA News Agency of Nigeria survey across Kawo, Sabon Tasha, Kakuri, Barnawa and the Central Market areas of the city showed that although demand for commercial transport often rises during rainfall, operators contend with slippery roads, hidden potholes, frequent breakdowns and increased risk of accidents.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, a motorcycle operator at Kawo, said every rainy day begins with uncertainty because the weather determines whether he returns home with enough money to provide for his family.

‘When it rains heavily, many people do not want to walk, so more passengers look for motorcycles. Sometimes we make more money than on dry days because demand increases.

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‘But the danger is always there like potholes covered by water can throw you off your motorcycle before you even realise it is there. Once you fall, the money you made can end up being spent on treatment and repairs,’ he said.

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Mr Peter John, who operates a tricycle in Barnawa, described the rainy season as a period of mixed fortunes.

According to him, although passenger traffic increases during showers, frequent repairs resulting from waterlogged roads consume a significant portion of his income.

‘Every week, mechanics replace brake pads, wheel bearings or other parts damaged by bad roads, so what we gain from increased patronage is often spent on maintenance. Sometimes we stay off the road for hours waiting for the rain to stop, which also affects our income,’ he said.

ýAt Sabon Tasha, Mrs Grace Yakubu, a trader, said commercial riders remained the most dependable means of transportation whenever rainfall made movement difficult.

‘When taxis refuse to enter flooded streets or charge very high fares, motorcycles and tricycles are usually the only option and they help many of us reach our businesses and return home,’ she said.

Some passengers, however, expressed concern over reckless riding during rainy weather, urging operators to prioritise safety over the rush to maximise earnings.

ýMr Emmanuel Joseph, a civil servant, said some riders sped through flooded roads despite poor visibility, thereby exposing themselves and passengers to avoidable danger.

‘Most riders are responsible, but a few become careless because they want to carry more passengers before another rainfall begins and that is dangerous for everyone,’ he said.

A motorcycle mechanic in Kakuri, Malam Sani Abdullahi, said the rainy season always increased the number of motorcycles and tricycles brought to his workshop for repairs.

ý’Water affects brakes, chains, wheel bearings and electrical components as such, many operators delay maintenance until small faults become major problems that cost more money to fix,’ he said.

Officials of transport unions urged operators to reduce speed during rainfall, avoid flooded roads where possible and ensure their motorcycles and tricycles remained roadworthy throughout the season.

ýThey also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to rehabilitate damaged roads and improve drainage infrastructure to reduce accidents and protect the livelihoods of thousands of commercial transport operators.

For many riders, however, staying away from work is not an option so, whether under scorching sunshine or heavy rain, they continue to navigate Kaduna’s roads daily, driven by the need to feed their families and provide an essential transport service to residents.

As the rainy season continues, both operators and commuters hope that improved road infrastructure, better drainage systems where they are bad, and greater adherence to traffic regulations will make travelling safer while protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on commercial transportation.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has unveiled the Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub, describing it as a strategic platform designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, mentorship, entrepreneurial support and digital opportunities needed to succeed in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

Aregbe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the initiative was conceived to translate the ideals of youth empowerment into tangible opportunities, stressing that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains its youthful, creative and innovative population.

Speaking with journalists on the inspiration behind the project, Aregbe said the Hub was established to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing young people with the skills required to compete and excel in the 21st-century economy.

‘There are defining moments in the life of every nation-moments when vision meets action, when hope becomes opportunity and when young people are equipped with the tools to unlock their full potential,’ he said.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements the Lagos State Government’s youth development and economic empowerment programmes.

Aregbe commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for consistently creating opportunities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive development among young people. He also praised Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for his commitment to good governance and youth advancement.

Announcing the readiness of the Hub, Aregbe said it would serve as a centre where talent is discovered, nurtured and transformed into sustainable economic value through structured training, mentorship and innovation.

‘This Hub is built for the young and the ambitious-for dreamers, innovators and doers. Talent is abundant, but opportunities must be intentionally created. Our goal is to provide the platform that enables young people to turn their ideas into reality,’ he said.

He explained that participants would receive training in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, creative enterprise and leadership development, while gaining access to experienced mentors, industry leaders, investors and policymakers.

According to him, the vision of the Hub goes beyond skills acquisition.

‘We want to raise a generation of self-reliant young Nigerians who can build sustainable businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Lagos State and the nation.’

Aregbe said the initiative would focus on developing future-ready talents, supporting innovative startups, expanding employment opportunities and promoting collaboration across the creative, technology and business sectors.

He added that the Hub would also encourage leadership development, civic participation and networking among young professionals and APC members committed to national development.

Describing the project as a long-term investment in human capital, Aregbe said the Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub is not merely a training centre but a platform for producing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and transformational leaders.

‘This is more than a hub; it is a movement to inspire excellence, nurture innovation and build the leaders who will shape the future of Lagos and Nigeria. We are investing in people because they are the country’s greatest asset.’

He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity offered by the initiative, assuring them that the Hub would provide the support, resources and environment needed for creativity, innovation and leadership to flourish.

‘To every young person waiting for an opportunity, this is your moment. The Renewed Hope Creative and Innovative Hub is your platform to learn, grow, innovate and succeed. Together, we will build not only successful careers but also a stronger Lagos and a greater Nigeria.’

African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu has claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidential election instead of Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu said information from sources within the political circle indicated that Atiku was no longer Obasanjo’s preferred candidate.

He made the claim during an appearance on News Central TV on Monday.

‘From what I have read and heard from impeccable sources, it’s obvious that Obasanjo might be supporting former governor Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket,’ he said.

Momodu also cited a claim by former Labour Party campaign official Akin Osuntokun that Obasanjo was the main sponsor of the proposed ticket.

‘I read somewhere yesterday where my friend, Osuntokun, said Obasanjo is the main sponsor of that ticket,’ he added.

Despite the former president’s alleged preference, Momodu insisted that Atiku could still emerge as Nigeria’s president if it was his destiny.

‘If Atiku is destined to be President of Nigeria, no force will be able to stop it,’ he said.

The veteran journalist expressed surprise over the renewed hostility between Obasanjo and Atiku, recalling that the former president endorsed his former deputy during the 2019 presidential election.

‘It’s obvious that Atiku is not Obasanjo’s favourite candidate. I thought the issue had been laid to rest in 2019 because there is a video in circulation where Obasanjo described Atiku as the president to be.

‘So, I don’t know what resurrected that bitter feud between both of them,’ Momodu said.

He added that the 2027 presidential election would be decided largely by Nigerians’ assessment of the performance of the All Progressives Congress administration rather than disagreements within the opposition.

Armed hoodlums have attacked officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The police announced the incident, the latest in a series of violence that have characterised the run up to the August 15 Osun governorship election in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement issued in Osogbo by the spokesperson Osun command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspected thugs, numbering about 10, attacked INEC officials who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.

Ojelabi said the hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air to scare the INEC officials away before carting away the three packs of PVCs.

Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and has directed a comprehensive investigation, with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.

‘Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,’ Ojelabi said.

He reiterates the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The command’s spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of peace.

Ojelabi appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

He warned that anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Ojelabi also said operatives of Osun command had restored peace in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs, that gathered around the Mayfair Garage area, became unruly, resulting in a temporary disruption of public peace and order.

He assured residents of the police unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as maintaining peace, law and order.

Emergency responders were on Monday racing to rescue students trapped beneath the rubble of a three-storey hostel near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed at about 11pm on Sunday in the Amokpala area of Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The privately operated lodge was reportedly occupied mainly by students of the polytechnic.

Some students reportedly escaped shortly before the building came down, while rescuers pulled out several injured occupants and rushed them to a hospital in Oko.

Others were still believed to be trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations continued on Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed the collapsed structure surrounded by residents, students, security personnel and emergency workers searching through the rubble.

An eyewitness said residents rushed to the scene after hearing a loud noise from the building.

‘The occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell,’ the witness said.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying a police-led joint security team had secured the area and was coordinating rescue operations.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency agencies were also at the scene.

No death had been confirmed as of the time of filing this report, while authorities had yet to establish the number of people inside the hostel when it collapsed.

The polytechnic was reportedly not in full academic session at the time of the incident.

The cause of the collapse was also not immediately known.

Police urged residents to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency workers to carry out rescue operations without obstruction.

More details later.