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Amazing Facts About Blackbucks, After Salman Khan Reduces Population By One

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Photo Credit: Indian Express

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been convicted of killing a blackbuck, a protected antelope species in India. According to Red List, by 1947 around 80,000 blackbucks in less than 20 years had reduced to 8,000 by 1964.  Luckily, areas such as the Gundy National Park, Tamil Nadu’s Point Calimere and Vellandu Sanctuaries were protected.

Photo Credit: One India

Khan, who is one of India’s most recognizable and bankable actors, was said to have committed the crime while working on a film at North-Western in April in India.

During winter, the blackbucks’ colour fades and turns brown. By April when heat returns. But all the population in the south of India becomes black. Blackbucks in India is very important to the Indians and it is used to cover the entire subcontinent of India, except the western coast.

‘Science Student’: Man, 21, Overdoses On Illicit Drug

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  1. The scourge of drug abuse and consumption of illicit substances claimed another victim last weekend when a 21-year-old man died at a guest house in Ikorodu, Lagos. The man, simply identified as Kenneth, was said to have died following an excess intake of an illicit drug combination called “Gutter Water” in local parlance. The substance is believed to be a combination of Codeine, Refnol, Tramadol, Cannabis and water or juice.

According to eyewitness accounts, Kenneth, who is also known as “Dagba Junior”, went into a fit and was rushed to a nearby government hospital. He died in spite of the best efforts of the doctors to save his life. He purportedly went into a hotel with friends before deciding to experiment on “Gutter Water”.

Example of the omi gutter mixture. Photo Credit: Vanguard

Another eyewitness said Kenneth, who was epileptic, started having seizures moments after ingesting the drugs. he is the latest in a new craze that has gripped a cross-section of Nigerian youth – what has come to be known as the ‘Science Student’ syndrome, characterized by the consumption of all manner of illicit and regular drugs.

 

Photo Credit: pulse

For Alton Sterling, is judgment, no justice

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Its been almost two years since a graphic cell phone video of the shooting, that led to the death of Alton Sterling, a 37 year old African American man, went viral.

Trouble started when two Baton Rouge officers responded to a 911 call stating that a black male was acting threateningly with a gun outside a local convenience store, and a short while later, the man was mowed down in a hail of by police bullet gunfire. 

The current police Chief, Paul Murphy who was appointed in January, said Officer Blane Salamoni, one of the officers involved in the shooting and the main shooter, has been fired, while Officer Howie Lake II, the second officer, has been suspended for three days. Though they are both appealing the decision. 

Paul said: “My decision was not based on politics…It was not based on emotions. It was based on the facts of the case, the testimony provided by our officers and witnesses and the recommendation of our board members during the disciplinary hearing. But I take full responsibility for the decision that I made.”

A report, audio of the 911 call that brought the police, surveillance footage of the convenience store and two body cameras were released by the police department.

Murphy’s decision was made as a result of all of these.

Salamoni was heard in the newly released body cam videos yelling out profanities at the deceased Alton Sterling and threatening to shoot him in the head as they wrestled to pin him against a car. The shooting took place shortly after Officer Salamoni let off six shots, three into the chest of Sterling and three more to the back under the assumption the deceased had reached for a loaded weapon.

According to the report, Officer Lake never fired his weapon and followed standard policing procedure, while Salamoni disobeyed police rules against use of force and temper.

Paul said of his decision would bring both closure and healing. He further hopes that it would signify progress for the police department.

Even though this is a positive step in the delivery of Justice in the Baton Rouge Police department, it still doesn’t change the fact that an innocent life was lost, and the world will forever remember Alton Sterling.

Benue Killings: Police Recover 10 Bodies

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Photo Credit: Daily Post

The bodies of 10 villagers killed by suspected herdsmen have been recovered in the Tse-Audu and Enger communities of Gwer West local government according to Benue state police.

“Eight dead bodies were found in the bush around Tse-Audu and Enger villages in Gwer West local government,” the state command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, said.

“This is in addition to the two bodies that were removed from the same area on the same day,’’ he added.

According to eyewitness accounts, attacks by the suspected herdsmen occurred at about 11 pm on Thursday.

These recent attacks are the latest in a string of bloody conflicts between locals and suspected herdsmen.  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gwer West local government had witnessed several conflicts involving farmers and herders in 2012 and 2014.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, however, attributes the recent attacks to criminal and foreign elements operating with a network of informants within the state.

“We have not witnessed any case of an attack on Gwer-West communities by herdsmen,” he said, adding: “From intelligence report we have, some armed marauders with connections and highly visible in cattle rustling and trans-border criminal activities are operating in the state.”

The worsening security situation in the state has led to an outcry from the  Benue State Caucus in the House of Representatives, who want the federal government to pay more attention to the security situation in the state.  

At a press briefing, held at the National Assembly complex,  spokesperson John Dyegh (APC, Benue) said, “We are very seriously concerned and alarmed at the withdrawal of Personnel of exercise Cat Race from Benue when the herdsmen menace has not been curbed and the reasons for their continued deployment to other states in the region which has left Benue even more vulnerable and has paved the way for the recent despicable and premeditated attacks by the herdsmen in our communities”.

 

Photo Credit: Daily Post

28 Candidates Register For Common Entrance In Zamfara

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nigerian graduates can't read or write

A major shocker came from Zamfara State During the week, when Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, on Wednesday made a rather disturbing disclosure concerning the upcoming 2018 National Common Entrance Examination due to take place April 14.

In a statement released by the spokesperson of the ministry, Mrs Priscillia Ihuoma, in  Abuja, the minister revealed that only 28 pupils in entire Zamfara State had registered for the examination.

This discovery makes Zamfara the state with the lowest number of registered pupils. Following Zamfara is Kebbi, with a total number of registered candidates so far being 50 and Taraba, with 95.

States with the highest number of registered pupils include Lagos with a total of 24,465 students, Abuja 7,699 and Rivers State with 4,810 students. The total number of the registered students as at 31st of March was 71,294 against the 80,421 who registered in 2017.

In line with this development, the minister has pleaded with state governments, interest groups and heads of schools to encourage students to register for the examination.

 He also directed that the Common Entrance portal be left open for registration until April 13.

 

Photo Credit : The Cable

Lagos: Noise, Noise Everywhere

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Polluted air with fumes from faulty car exhausts, generators, industrial processes, illicit burning of refuse and other substances, dreadful traffic, the scorching sun, and the list goes on – Lagosians face all these and still have to deal with noise pollution! Award anyone?

Noise is generally regarded as unpleasant and unwanted sounds. Noise pollution is an environmental hazard and is a serious issue in Lagos. From dawn to dusk, most Lagosians are exposed to various forms of noise pollution: from dense traffic, to car horns, to marketplaces, to workplaces, to religious worship centres, bars, clubs, generator sets, and so on.

It has been inferred regularly to be detrimental to our health. Medically, noise pollution has been linked to a number of health issues such as Hypertension and other cardiovascular issues, sleeping disorders, mild to severe hearing loss, and other health challenges, in the metropolis. It may affect the cardiovascular system causing stress and increase in blood pressure levels.

It’s very sad that most Lagosians feel really helpless in this condition. The question is, what is the state government doing about it, are there regulatory bodies put in place for this?

Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) are in charge of enforcing laws on noise pollution. Reports have shown that several churches, mosques, bars and clubs have been shut down for violating environmental laws and exceeding the maximum allowable sound limits.

According to National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 adapted and as quoted by LASEPA, these are the allowable limits (measured in decibel) by law:

Between the hours of 6AM to 10PM (DAY)

Buildings used as hospitals, convalescence home, home for the aged, sanatorium and institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public library, environmental or recreational sites, have a maximum permissible noise limit of 45Db A. Residential buildings have a maximum permissible noise limit of 50Db A. Mixed Residential (with some commercial and entertainment) have a maximum permissible noise limit of 55Db A. Residential plus industry or small-scale production plus commerce have a maximum permissible noise limit of 60Db A.

Between the hours of 10 PM to 6 AM (NIGHT)

Buildings used as hospitals, convalescence home, home for the aged, sanatorium and institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public library, environmental or recreational sites, have a maximum permissible noise limit of 35Db A. Residential buildings have a maximum permissible noise limit of 35Db A. Mixed Residential (with some commercial and entertainment) have a maximum permissible noise limit of 45Db A. Residential plus industry or small-scale production plus commerce have a maximum permissible noise limit of 50Db A.

That being said, are these laws strictly enforced? Unfortunately, enforcement of these laws are quite lax, in the opinion of many Lagosians. A woman pleading anonymity complained bitterly about the level of noise she had to endure daily from the compound next to hers; the building was leased to a church in a predominantly residential estate. There are still many religious worship centres close to residential areas which do not adhere to the laws by failing to soundproof or reduce sound coming from their large speakers. There needs to be some sort of checks to be done by LASEPA to prevent noise pollution from these centres. Having to tolerate noise not originating from you and/or your household is very upsetting and a major infringement on their secular rights.

We charge the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to work harder to ensure strict adherence to noise pollution laws. Residents can also help the process by reporting all noise disturbances in your areas to LASEPA and also be committed to reducing the amount of noise individually produced.

Remember, we all have a right to live peacefully in a noise-free environment as it can improve our over health as well as life expectancy.

Photo credit: The hearing review

 

Zuma’s Corruption Trial Commences

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Jacob Zuma

The much-awaited arraignment of former South African President, Jacob Zuma, began today, with the deposed president facing 16 corruption charges in a Durban High Court.

The charges are in connection with a multi-million Dollar arms deal transacted in the 1990s. 

Some of the charges include racketeering and money laundering, as 783 questionable payments were allegedly made. Zuma denies the charges.

Support for Zuma, an erstwhile strongman of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has been positive as, there was a mild drama within the vicinity of the court, as thousands showed up for his first hearing. Most of them wore wraps and T-shirts that bore Zuma’s image, having been warned not to wear ANC colours.

Experienced advocate Billy Downer leads the prosecution against Zuma, even as legal experts say the trial could take years if it goes ahead.

Taxpayers are paying the bill as one of South Africa’s topmost legal team’s works on Zuma’s defence.

The court adjourned proceedings, after today’s preliminary hearing, to June 8, 2018.

 

Photo Credit: AFP

PDP Demands Full Disclosure On Buhari’s London Trip

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 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is asking the presidency to make public all issues concerning the private visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United Kingdom.

The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday reminded the All Progressives Congress (APC) that since the funding for President Buhari’s trips accrues from taxpayers’ money, his trips cannot be shrouded in secrecy, especially since President Buhari is not a private citizen.

Ologbondiyan emphasized that although the PDP knows the president is billed to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place between April 16 and 20, the presidency need to explain to Nigerians why he is taking off to an undisclosed destination in London two weeks ahead.

Buhari Denies Showing Religious Partially

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President Muhammadu Buhari has said he has never practised religious bias all through his years in public office.

 Buhari who quashed accusations that he was a religious bigot, emphasized that he has never violated his oath of office throughout his public life as a soldier, politician and administrator.

The President stated this while receiving a delegation of the Arewa Pastors Non-Denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria.

He also charged religious leaders to warm up to the task of preaching peace and avoiding politically motivated sermons in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the President okayed the group’s offer to hold a one-day prayer and fasting meeting for the nation come April 26.

Photo Credit: This Day

Singer Alizee, Daughter Murdered at Banana Island

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Young, vibrant, talented Nigerian singer, popularly known as Alizee, has been found murdered in her home.

Alizee and her 4-year-old daughter, Petra Nielsen were found dead on 5th April 2018 at their Banana Island Lagos home.

The only suspect so far for both murders is her Danish husband who has been confirmed by Lagos State police public relations officer, SP Chike Oti, to be in police custody.

The suspect, Peter Nielsen is also the father of the murdered 4-year-old girl.

Alizee, whose real name is Zainab Ali Nielsen, was signed to Petra Entertainment, an Asian record label in 2017. 

A statement from the management of her label confirmed the incident, encouraged her fans and loved ones to be calm and called for the co-operation of the Nigerian public as investigations are carried out by the police.

Petra Entertainment also used the opportunity to correct some misinformation spreading via social media. The label confirmed that Peter Nielsen who is also the father of the late Petra Nielsen is Danish and not Italian or Asian as has been reported. 

 

As at the time of filing this report, the cause of death and motive remain unknown. Before her death, Alizee, whose career as a singer just began to blossom, was set to perform at Harrysong’s “Kingmaker Concert” expected to hold at the Warri Stadium on Sunday, April 29, 2018. 

 Photo Credit: proudlyoruba