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Ogun community protests, seeks Abiodun’s intervention over alleged land grabbing

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Residents of Ilara Remo in the Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State staged a protest on Wednesday against the alleged forceful takeover of over 500 hectares of their farmland.

The community claims that officials from an international company, allegedly backed by the state government, are behind the land grabbing.
Protesters accused the officials of threatening to deploy soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services to intimidate them into submission.

Led by their regent, Chief Olukoya Sodunola, the residents brandished placards with messages such as “Gov Dapo Abiodun, save us from destruction,” “Stay away from our land,” and “Idongan land is not for sale.”

During the protest, Sodunola expressed their frustration, stating, “About six days ago, we woke up to find people entering our farmland with caterpillars, destroying our cassava, maize, and vegetables.

“When we inquired about their identity, they claimed to be from the state government but could not provide any identification or permission. When we insisted they stop, they threatened us with soldiers and DSS operatives.”

He emphasised the community’s historical ties to the land, noting, “We have already given hundreds of hectares for the construction of the international airport and the Technical College. The remaining land is vital for farming and the future development of our community. Our community has existed for over 500 years, and we cannot allow these actions to erase our heritage.”

Another resident, Joseph Oyetola, lamented the situation, saying, “It’s disheartening that after giving up a large portion of our land for the Cargo Airport and Technical College, some outsiders now want to take the little we have left for farming and community development.

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“We believe this is not a government-sanctioned act, which is why we are pleading with Governor Abiodun for intervention.”

Alaba Sotayo, another resident, added that the officials identified themselves as representatives of the Arise Group of Companies.
He stated that although the group previously met with the community, they were told that the remaining land is essential for local farming and development.

“We don’t want them here. Are they trying to force us off our forefathers’ land? How will we feed our families if they take everything from us?” he questioned.

In response to the protest, the Special Adviser to Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, stated that the land in question falls under government acquisition, which was initiated about 20 years ago for public use, including the Agro Cargo Airport, now named Gateway International Airport. This acquisition reportedly spans 10,000 hectares across several communities, including Ilara, Iperu, Illisan, and Irolu.

Akinmade stated, “Compensation for the acquired land was paid during the acquisition period. Recently, there have been stakeholder engagements with relevant communities. The government is also developing the airport through a Public-Private Partnership, with the Arise Group as the private partner.

“The partner is currently working on a Resettlement Action Plan for affected community members, including those from Ilara.”

He also noted that community meetings regarding the Resettlement Action Plan had been ongoing, with another meeting scheduled before the end of the week, aiming to address the concerns of the residents.

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Gunmen k!ll President General of Ogidi community and one other in Anambra.

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Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have k!lled a community leader and one other person in Anambra State.

The President-General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ikwuka Okoye, popularly known as Anumili (pictured above), was k!lled on Friday, Feb. 6.

The attack was alleged to have been carried out by members of a rival cult group in revenge for the de@th of their leader, who was arrested and k!lled by local security operatives.

During the attack, which took place at the School Field, Ogidi, another man whose identity has yet to be ascertained was also gunned down.

The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a press statement on Saturday.

Ikenga said the incident is allegedly linked to the recent capture and k!lling of a known notorious cultist within the community.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command regrets the murd£r of the President-General of the Ogidi community and one other person. The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 6, 2026, at the School Field, Ogidi, is allegedly linked to the recent capture and k!lling of a known notorious cultist within the community.

“Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene of the incident and commenced investigations. The command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all efforts are being intensified to bring those responsible to justice.

“Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”

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Police bust syndicate behind nude photo blackmail in Lagos

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Men of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, have apprehended three suspects who allegedly run a cyber blackmail and extortion scheme in the state.

According to the spokesperson of the unit, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, the suspects get a hold of their victims explicit photos and then threaten to release them if a ransom is not paid.

He said that the suspects, two males and a female, were apprehended after a petition was filed by a complainant who reported being repeatedly threatened by unknown individuals demanding money.

“The complainant received several phone calls in which the callers threatened to release her nude photographs to the public if she failed to pay them. Acting out of fear and emotional distress, she transferred money to the suspects.

The situation escalated when the suspects demanded an additional N10 million, prompting her to formally petition the police,” he said

The police imagemaker state dthat upon receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Mr Kayode Ojapinwa, ordered the immediate deployment of operatives to investigate the matter.

“The investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects. Investigations revealed that one of the suspects gained unlawful access to the complainant’s mobile device and fraudulently transferred her nude photographs to his own device. Further findings indicated that he conspired with the other suspects and other accomplices currently at large to demand and receive money from the complainant in several tranches,” he said

According to him, the suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The image maker said that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and to recover all proceeds of the alleged crime.

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Catholic Priest Collapses And D!es In Front Of Congregation While Walking To Tabernacle To Return Holy Communion

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A Catholic priest has tragically passed away after suddenly collapsing in front of the congregation during Sunday mass.

The tragic incident took place last Sunday, February 1 in Wiesmath in the district of Wiener Neustadt, Austria.

Shortly after administering Holy Communion, 59-year-old priest Raimund Beisteiner was about to return the host to the tabernacle when he “suddenly” collapsed, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Vienna.

“Despite immediate professional assistance, he di£d in the church,” the statement said.

The mayor of Wiesmath, Erich Rasner, had also attended the Mass with many other believers and witnessed the dramatic scenes.

The shock in Wiesmath at the loss of the popular priest is great. Beisteiner had shaped the spiritual life of the parish for almost two decades and was highly regarded far beyond the community.

Rasner praised him as an “extremely conscientious, sensitive priest” and also emphasized the personal loss of a friendship that had grown over many years.

A prayer service was organized at short notice for the late priest. It was attended by numerous priests from the deanery as well as Archbishop Josef Grünwidl.

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