Report Cites Stigmitisation as Reason Most Rape Cases Go Unreported

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The latest poll results released by NOI Polls Limited, an Abuja-based opinion polling and research organisation, has revealed that most cases of rape go unreported primarily because of Stigmitisation. 

The report also stated that almost three in 10 Nigerians admitted to personally knowing someone who has been a victim of rape.

The poll which sampled over 500 Nigerians across the six geo-political zones of the country, came up with its findings, urging the government to create public awareness against rape. 

The report was geared by the recent rape case in India, which has sparked widespread series of protests against rape across India and further campaigns for women’s rights in several countries, including Nigeria.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: When Police Endorse Crime, Pipeline Vandalism

The scene of the canal where these vandals bunker their ill gotten petroleum products

Chiemelie Ezeobi recently investigated the incessant pipeline vandalism at 7th Avenue, FESTAC Town area of Lagos and reports that accusing fingers have been pointed at the security bodies especially the police as accessories to the illegality

"I was a fisherman but I had to take up the job of a canoe paddler when the source of my livelihood; fishing was aborted by the pollution of the water by oil spillage." Those were the words of father of four; Mr. Francis Adokun whose current job as a canoe peddler fetches him just N200 a day.

Effectively Equipping the Navy for Security Operations

In its quest to effectively patrol the nation's maritime domain, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the Nigerian Navy (NN) recently took possession of five patrol fast boats; the Ocea and Shaldag boats acquired from France and Isreal respectively.

However efficient one is, a workman without his tools is deemed useless, thereby enforcing the ideology that an efficient workman also needs efficient work tools to function. A strong believer in this ideology, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said platform acquisitions would help the force deliver her statutory responsibilities. 

Recently,  the Nigerian Navy (NN) commissioned five newly acquired Ocea and Shaldag boats at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Apapa, Lagos. The boats which were acquired from France and Israel, is expected to stem the rising surge in piracy and crude oil theft especially in the nation's maritime domain.

Gunmen Kill Deputy Controller of Prisons in Sokoto

Nigerian Prisons

The Deputy Controller of Sokoto State Central Prisons, Usman Zaki Gwandu, was yesterday killed in Sokoto metropolis by unidentified gunmen. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sani Salisu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the incident said the prison boss was shot by the assailants and eventually died on the spot. Salisu, however, stated that the police had commenced investigation into the incident with a view to unravelling those behind Gwandu’s death.

"We have commenced investigation on the matter in order to trace the assailants who perpetrated this dastardly act," Salisu said.

Pensioners Entitlements: NLC Declares One-day Strike in Lagos, Abuja

NLC President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar

Business activities would be paralysed in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, respectively, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in the affected states to observe a work-free day on April 10 in solidarity with the Nigerian pensioners.

The directive was issued by the NLC through a circular to its affiliates directing that national rallies be held in the state and Abuja simultaneously on the said date in support of the struggles of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

North Korea Tells Embassies to Evacuate Employees

North Korean leader,  Kim Jong-un

North Korea Friday told foreign embassies in its capital, Pyongyang that it could not guarantee their safety in the event of conflict, and to consider evacuating their employees. The North's move comes amid threats to attack the United States and South Korean targets.

South Korea has reportedly deployed two warships with missile defence systems after the North was said to have moved a missile to its east coast. Military officials told South Korean media that the two warships would be deployed on the east and west coasts.

Pastor Warren's Son Commits Suicide

The youngest son of Pastor Rick Warren has committed suicide, according to a family statement released Saturday.

Matthew Warren, 27, took his life following a lifelong battle with mental illness, Warren and his wife, Kay, said in the statement.

"No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now," the statement said.

In the statement, Rick Warren said his son struggled from birth with mental illness, "dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts."

DELE MOMODU: Where Lies The Solution?

By Dele Momodu 

Fellow Nigerians, this must be a most trying and harrowing period for most patriotic citizens of our dear country. Nigeria is under siege no doubt. The word “siege” was appropriately used to describe the horrendous situation by no less a personage than the embattled Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Nothing could be truer. His ruling party is the root cause of the pestilence that has taken over the soul of Nigeria. When a political party jettisons its primary and traditional role of formulating good policies and producing competent, selfless and visionary leadership, everything must fall apart. Thus it is no surprise to normal and reasonable Nigerians that we’ve found ourselves in a cul de sac.

I sincerely sympathise with our President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, on whose shoulders the entire burden rests. What he’s carrying on his head must be heavier than an elephant. His critics will see him as incompetent while his supporters will see his enemies as working hard to make the country ungovernable. But we are tempted to ask why it is so difficult for him to win this battle of wits and war of attrition. Did he not envisage and prepare for the deep division amongst Nigerians after so many years of each ethnic group fighting for its own share of the proverbial National Cake?

Two miners killed in Jigawa mine collapse

Two clay mine workers were on Saturday killed at a burrow pit in Yayarin-Tukur village of Buji local government area of Jigawa, a local official said. The Chairman of the local area council, Isa Bello, said a third worker, who was injured in the accident, had been referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin-Kudu.

Residents say the accident occurred on Saturday as dozens of villagers were extracting gravel and clay at the pit, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Three mourners killed in auto crash in Akwa Ibom

Three people returning from a funeral event died in a motor crash along Eket-Etinan road, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday, the federal road safety said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an 18 seater Nissan bus with registration number Enugu XA 107-ENU, coming from Eket and going to Etinan, rammed into a stationary truck with registration number Abia SSM-66XA.

A NAN correspondent who visited the scene of the crash at Ikot Etobo Itreto, Nsit Ubium LGA, reports that the bus was badly destroyed with blood stains all over the vehicle.

An eye witness, Udoh Marcus, said that the occupants of the bus were returning from a burial ceremony in Ibeno LGA on Friday.

Ekiti Dept Gov, Mrs Funmi Olayinka Passes On

Late Deputy Governor of  Ekiti State, Funmilayo Olayinka

Tragedy befell the people of Ado community Saturday with the death of their illustrious daughter and the deputy-governor of Ekiti, Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduni Olayinka, who eventually succumbed to the cruel hands of death after a protracted illness.

Her death was announced Saturday night by the state government in a statement issued by the state commissioner for Information, Mr Tayo Ekundayo.