Tension rise as Benin Republic invades 16 #Nigerian villages bordering #Kwara state

Palpable tension has enveloped the border town of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State over the alleged invasion of 16 villages by the authorities of Benin Republic.

Already, the authorities of the neighbouring country have gone ahead to construct Gerdarmes Office (Police station) in the affected Nigerian communities and also hoist their national flag at the affected Nigeria villages.

The development, according to THISDAY investigations, has disregarded the boundary delimitation of 1914 between Britain and France which the two countries had respected.

The affected Nigerian villages, according to THISDAY checks, include‎ Ogomne, Bwin, Gandasunon, Kpuru and Woru Wuren Kparu.

Others are Ajuba,1, Ajuba 2, Saka Yeruman Kparu,Monta, Dotin Kparu,Halidun Kparu, Yakubun Kparu, Sonsi,Gunosani, Alhaji Kparu,Yodo Mankparu and Simen Kparu.

It was learnt that the development has also led the Okuta Emirate Council to order the people of Yakparu axis to dismantle of the Beninoire flag hoisted at Nigerian villages and the flag is currently at the custody of the emirate council in the town.

President Goodluck Jonathan at 58. Read his famous QUOTES #PetalsPolitics

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan turns 58-years-old today and the Vanguard newspapers has 58 of his most quotable quotes.

Quote 1

The stronger the boat of (democracy), the more it is able to meet the challenges of its voyage and deliver on its promise to citizens.

Quote 2
The air of freedom we breathe today is the result of the sacrifices of thousands of pro-democracy activists, human rights campaigners and others who organised as civil society.

Quote 3
My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Quote 4
No minister will be allowed to go on a mission of endless search for solutions.

Quote 5
In the comfort of our offices, let us not forget that majority of our people live below the poverty line.

Quote 6

Terrorism has no conscience and spares no one.

Quote 7
Any society or country that closes the vital valves of its democratic space cannot develop at a reasonable pace

Quote 8

Where there is no opportunity for one man one vote, there will be no accountability and no responsibility.

Quote 9

Democracy is a journey that every nation mindful of advancing the liberty of its citizens must undertake.

Quote 10

Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Quote 11
Our votes must count! One man, one vote! One woman, one vote! One youth, one vote!

Quote 12
Nobody should rig for me. I am assuring Nigerians that though I am contesting, nobody must manipulate votes in my favour. Our votes must count.

Quote 13
I congratulate the candidates of the other political parties. I regard them not as opponents but as partners.

Quote 14

In presenting myself for service, I make no pretense that I have a magic wand that will solve all of Nigeria’s problems or that I am the most intelligent Nigerian.

Quote 15
I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Quote 16

Democracy calls for sacrifice and tolerance an open ear and a strong voice.

Quote 17
For the PDP family, the contest for party offices does not produce winners and losers.

Quote 18
I believe in the politics of give and take.

Quote 19
Separation of power is not separation of government.

READ THE REST

UPDATE #Mali Forces release 80 of 170 hostages at Radisson Blu Hotel in #Bamako

Malian special forces enter the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, where suspected Islamists are holding dozens of guests and staff hostage. The alleged terrorists are said to be three in number armed with AK47 automatic rifles. The 30 hotel staff and 140 guests have been held hostage since the early hours of Friday and we are now learning that 80 hostages have been freed. Mali TV footage shows special forces during their operation.

The hotel is a popular spot for foreigners, expats and others in the French liberated country. France is also active in Mali  in the war against Al-Qaeda in the region and has special forces present in the country with more on the way. At press time, three people have been killed, two Malians and a French national. Authorities have no specified whether any was a hostage or alleged terrorist. Stay tuned to Petals FM on Twitter @PetalsFM 

#BREAKING Five Banks attacked in #OgunState in a BRAZEN armed robbery #PetalsCrime

There was an armed robbery attack on five banks within Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun state Thursday morning. In a similar style as the FESTAC bank robberies in Lagos a few months ago, we hear the robbers numbering over 20 and dressed in military camouflage were said to have arrived the area around 7.30am.

It was gathered that they strategically stationed themselves at the two entry points into the area long before the banks opened for business.

Those who claimed to have seen them alleged that the robbers actually arrived earlier than 7am.

According to a source, the operation started few minutes after the bank opened their doors for customers.

The robbers allegedly opened fire at some policemen attached to an Armoured Personnel Carrier along the main entrance to the area.

Having been overwhelmed by the superior fire power of the robbers, the policemen allegedly took to their heels, leaving behind the armoured vehicle.

The robbers allegedly blew up the carrier before heading towards a yet to be disclosed bank.

"Some of the robbers stationed themselves in front of most of the Automates Teller Machine (ATM) located at the banks visited.

"They blew them open with Dynamite and carted away cash stacked inside the ATM. Others held staff of the banks hostage at gun point while they made attempt to enter the volt" the witness said.

Though, some policemen from Agbara Division held the robbers in a gun battle, but a source said that the robbers came prepared with heavy ammunition.

It could not be ascertained if there was any casualty.

With files from the Daily Trust

Manhunt for teen explosive expert who built suicide vests in #ParisAttacks

A MANHUNT is under way for the bombmaker who supplied the suicide vests to the Paris attackers amid fears he is plotting a fresh attack.

Mohamed Khoualed, 19, is described by security services as a dangerous explosives expert.

He is one of two suspected bombmakers at large who caused authorities to call off two international football games this week in Belgium and Germany.

Intelligence agencies fear Khoualed has teamed up with runaway terrorist pal Salah Abdeslam.

Khoualed, originally from the French Antilles, is believed to have made the sophisticated vests for all seven Paris suicide bombers.

French police issued an alert with his mugshot yesterday warning that he was very dangerous and an expert in explosives and detonators.

Security sources describe Khoualed, who has a deep scar on the right side of his face, as even more dangerous than Abdeslam. He is from the northern French town of Roubaix close to the Belgian border, but could now be with Abdeslam.

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Coach Samson Siasia's mother KIDNAPPED. Abductors demand N150M ransom #PetalsCrime

THE abductors of the mother of U-23 National team Coach Samson Siasia, Madam Beauty Siasia, has demanded N150 million ransom for her safe return.

Another high profile personality, a board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Prof. Ken Anugweje, was kidnapped yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Aranse assured yesterday that the police was working round the clock to ensure the safe release of Siasia’s mother.

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Tribute day for Mrs #HIDAwolowo in #Ibadan filled with great memories #PetalsMemorial

Petals was at the Tribune house and church service memorial marking the final homeward journey of the matriarch of Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo continued yesterday in Ibadan, as dignitaries, led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi poured encomiums on the deceased.

At the lying-in-state held at the Tribune House in Imalefalafia area of Ibadan, Ajimobi described the late Mrs. Awolowo as an epitome of motherhood and womanhood adding that Mama Awolowo was a detribalized woman.

“Mama had an unlimited, unmatchable, dignifying and great mental capacity and sagacity, disciplined, firm and sturdy disposition. “I will also recommend her ideas and ideals for any brilliant scholar for in-depth research and analysis from which far-reaching solutions can be found to our peculiar socio-political problems,’’ Ajimobi said.

For Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state , V Mama Awolowo was an icon, matriarch and super woman, whose exemplary character and leadership is worth emulation.

“ For any lady to have stood the way Mama did with such enigma is a mark of great honor,” he said.

On his part, Lagos State governor Akinwumi Ambode said: “While a lot have been said of her contributions to the development of Lagos state, Papa Awolowo was the originator of the vision while Mama was the spirit that drove the vision and it is worthy for all of us to carry on with that spirit of vision.

Wife of Minister of Solid Minerals, Bisi Fayemi described the late Hannah Awolowo as “a wonderful and devoted wife.”

With files from the Guardian