Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Terrorists dressed in hijab, also known as abaya, launched an attack on the Runka community in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.  The attack, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday night, resulted in the abduction of 25 individuals, primarily women and children. The Runka community is situated near the infamous Rugu Forest, a notorious hideout for terrorists and bandits.  According to a source from the community, the attackers, armed with guns, invaded the area and began firing shots indiscriminately, causing panic and chaos among residents. “There were no fatalities reported among the community members, except for one person…

In a recent revelation by BudgIT, the federal government has earmarked N732.5 billion for empowerment projects in the 2024 budget, a figure surpassing the N646.5 billion allocated to health projects.  This discovery was made through Tracka, BudgIT’s service delivery promotion platform, which enables citizens to track and provide feedback on public projects in their communities. According to BudgIT, the disparity in allocations comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with severe health challenges.  Despite the country having the second-highest child mortality rate globally in 2023, the 2024 budget does not prioritize health emergencies adequately.  “The government has shown no signs…

A former Deputy National Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the insurgency in Nigeria.  Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Monday, George highlighted the recent multiple suicide bombings in Borno State as a stark indicator of the escalating crisis. The coordinated attacks, which took place in Tashan Mararaba and Gwoza towns, targeted a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral ceremony, resulting in significant casualties.  Vice President Kashim Shettima confirmed that the death toll from the bomb blasts had risen to 32 during his condolence visit to…

A  72-year-old security guard,  David Jackson, has been sentenced  to life imprisonment by Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court Ikeja, Lagos State, for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old daughter. The judge held that the prosecution had proved the three ingredients of defilement against him beyond reasonable doubt. The state prosecution counsel, Ms Abimbola Abolade, called three witnesses during the trial while the convict testified as the sole witness. Abolade said that the convict committed the offence on May 16, 2022, at Oyedele Close, Ojodu, in the Berger area in Lagos State. Soladoye in her…

An unidentified man has  climbed a telecommunications mast on Katampe Hill in Abuja on Monday, declaring his willingness to sacrifice his life for the resolution of Nigeria’s pressing issues.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  man left a suicide note at the base of the mast, detailing his demands for the government.  The note articulated a five-point list of actions he believes are necessary to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.  His primary demand is the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy, a contentious issue that has seen significant debate and public outcry in recent years. The note read, “These are the major…

There was palpable tension within Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday following the escape of a hyena from the Jos Wildlife Park. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  incident, which occurred on Sunday, has left residents of Dong and neighbouring state and Federal Low-Cost estates on edge. The General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok, confirmed the escape .  Pwajok assured residents that efforts were being intensified to recapture the wild animal.  He stated, “I received a report yesterday of a hyena escaping from its enclosure at the Jos Wildlife Park…

The Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, on Monday, issued an ex parte order of interim injunction  barring the Chief Judge of the state, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and the Clerk of the state House of Assembly from recognizing or dealing with the Martins Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly. Justice Jumbo Stephen, who presided over the court, issued the order preventing the Chief Judge and the Clerk from engaging with Amaewhule and 26 other individuals as members of the Assembly. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that this  injunction extends to prohibiting any actions based on resolutions, articles of impeachment, or communications…

Daud Olatunji   The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has  announced a significant success in its anti-smuggling operations between April and June 2024. The Controller of the command, Comptroller James Ojo, disclosed this on Monday,  during a press briefing held  in Abeokuta. Ojo  reported the seizure of contraband goods valued at N770,666,237 and generated a revenue of N92,369,227 during this period. Ojo  said the revenue generated marks an impressive 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622 recorded in the same quarter of 2023. According to him, the command exceeded its monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 by 77.86% in June 2024.…

A devastating thunderstorm on Monday resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals at the bustling Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  incident occurred when trees were uprooted by strong winds during the rainfall, falling on unsuspecting market-goers seeking shelter beneath them. Marvellous Zibiri, the chairman of Etsako West Local Government, confirmed the fatalities during a press briefing at the market site.  Zibiri provided a detailed account of the unfortunate events that led to the loss of lives and injuries among the market’s patrons. “Between 8 am and 9 am…

The De Renaissance Patriots Group has raised concerns over the representation and marginalisation of Lagos State indigenes in federal appointments, particularly within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).  The group, in a press statement, appealed to President Bola  Tinubu to address the issues and ensure fair treatment for Lagos indigenes in his administration. The statement was signed by Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele, President of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, and Mr. Yomi Tokosi, Secretary General of the foundation. In the statement, the group clarified the misconception that President Tinubu has shown nepotism by favouring Lagos State in his appointments.  According to the…