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No person died during Amotekun recruitment training — Abass

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The Osun Amotekun Corps has debunked claims of fatalities during the recruitment training, affirming that all applicants who experienced health issues were treated and are currently recovering.

The security outfit also refuted allegations of political bias in its recent recruitment exercise, describing the claims as malicious and baseless.

Speaking at a press conference at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, on Friday, the Board Chairman of the Corps, AIG Wale Abass (Rtd), revealed that those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering.

Abass also insisted that the recruitment process was transparent and merit-based, with no consideration for political affiliations.

He further stated that the allegations were the result of certain individuals trying to exploit the situation for political gain.

The security outfit’s response follows the circulation of a video online containing various allegations against it.

In the video, which was viewed by a Ekwutosblog reporter, some individuals claimed that three Amotekun cadets had died and that their names had been replaced with those of cronies, who then chased them out of the recruitment venue at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State.

Abass clarified: “It’s not true that three people died in the camp. Those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering. These false claims are attempts to exploit the situation for political gain.”

He also addressed a widely circulated video featuring a woman arriving at the camp with a breastfeeding infant, describing it as a clear violation of paramilitary training policies.

 

“Paramilitary training does not permit individuals with health conditions or those caring for young children to remain in camp. This is standard practice aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of our operations.

“These unfounded allegations claim that the selection process favored a particular political party. Let me state categorically that the Osun Amotekun Corps has always adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness,” Abass said.

According to him, the recruitment exercise involved a rigorous multi-stage process, beginning with an online application, followed by submission and verification of academic credentials, physical screening, and fitness tests.

“The 1,000 cadets invited to the training camp were those who successfully passed these assessments. It is, therefore, untrue that political considerations influenced the selection,” he added.

Abass also addressed reports that some unqualified individuals had gained access to the camp, clarifying that immediate steps were taken to rectify the situation.

“Some individuals who were not selected for training gained entry to the camp, and some chosen candidates failed to arrive on time. We ensured that those who had not been selected were sent home, and those with health issues were disqualified for their safety and the integrity of the training,” he stated.

Abass expressed concern over what he described as a “deliberate campaign” to damage the Corps’ reputation, driven by individuals who had been disqualified from the programme.

“It is deeply unfortunate that these applicants, who were rightfully discharged due to health concerns, have chosen to spread false information about the Corps,” he said.

He called on the public to disregard the misleading reports and trust in the integrity of the Amotekun Corps, assuring citizens that the organisation remains committed to serving Osun State without bias.

“We remain dedicated to our mission of protecting and serving the people of Osun State. We will not be distracted by the malicious actions of a few individuals seeking to damage our reputation,” Abass added.

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Fuel price reduction: ‘Joy’s coming’ – Manufacturers

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Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, sees the price of fuel coming down to N800.

Ekwutosblog reported recently that Dangote Petroleum Refinery slashed its ex-depot price for Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, to N840 per litre.

The reduction represents a N40 decrease from the previous rate of N880 per litre.

This happened a few days after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, increased the pump price of petrolto N925 per litre in Lagos.

This decrease is also coming a week after Dangote Refinery increased the ex-depot petrol price to N880 per litre

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Ajayi-Kadiri said that it was a welcome development, adding that price of the product would further decrease to N800 with the modalities being put in place by Dangote Refineries.

“You cannot blame anyone for producing and ensuring effective delivery,” he said.

When asked to share his thoughts from a manufacturer’s point of view on what he sees about the long term effect, he added, “So if I may use what the Gen Z is called ‘Joy is coming’, that’s what I see.

“The long term is going to be better. I see the price coming down to 800 and that’s what manufacturers want.

“I just told you now that last year, we spent as much as 1.1 trillion in terms of providing alternatives, apart from the fact that even the quality of the products is not guaranteed.

“So in the near future, I continue to see continued reduction in the price of diesel.

“I also see a situation where other players will be encouraged to come into the field, because that is what it takes. I don’t think that we should use sentiment to dissuade any investor from improving the life and well being of the people.

 

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FCT ground rent: I have no apology for revoking Rochas Okorocha’s land – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he revoked the land of former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha.

Wike warned that the FCT Administration under his leadership will repossess any land where the owners fail to pay their land rent.

He disclosed this during the 60th birthday of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, in Abuja over the weekend.

Anyanwu had celebrated his birthday at the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Minister assured property owners of getting the best services if they pay their ground rent.

He said: “Rochas Okorocha is here, he is my boss, even though I revoked his land because the right thing must be done, he is my man.

“Senators are here, Ikpeazu, my colleagues are here, yes, if you don’t pay, I will take back our property.

“Look at what Julius Berger did here, is it by empty hand? It is not by money?

“Pay and you will get the best services, and you are getting the best services under the leadership of Tinubu. I have no apologies because I’m the one here.”

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Suspected herdsmen kill three policemen, seize rifles in Benue

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Udei community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into panic on Sunday following an attempted attack by suspected herdsmen, which reportedly left three police officers feared dead.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen ambushed the officers during the attack and allegedly made away with their rifles.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command and other relevant authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the attack.

More to come…

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