Tinubu names Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as foreign affairs minister, appoints minister of state

The Lagos State Police Command has reopened the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto–Ijanikin axis after a violent clash between youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities disrupted traffic and resulted in one death.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Command confirmed that the expressway, which had been blocked for several hours, was fully cleared and reopened to motorists around 9:00am.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a combined team of police operatives and tactical units to the scene to restore order and ensure the resumption of free movement along the corridor.

The police disclosed that a man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin sustained gunshot injuries during the clash and later died at the hospital. Addressing public speculation, the Command said preliminary findings ruled out police involvement in the shooting, noting that intelligence reports indicated that cultists brought in by both factions had engaged in a gun duel before officers arrived at the scene.

Seven suspects linked to the violence have been arrested from both communities.

Police said those in custody have made voluntary statements admitting their respective roles in the clash.

A locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from one of the suspects.

The Command added that tactical squads and anti-riot personnel have been deployed across the affected areas and nearby bushes to track down other suspects who fled during the disturbance.

Warning against further breaches of public peace, the police said anyone found instigating or sponsoring violence would face the full force of the law.

Parents and guardians were also urged to caution their wards against acts capable of endangering lives and property.

The update followed reports from residents calling for increased security deployment in Ijanikin, Agbara and Oto Awori amid fears of growing gang activity.

In response, the police assured residents that adequate personnel had been mobilised to maintain calm and prevent any resurgence of violence.

The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, as officers remain on the ground to sustain peace and reassure the public.

Lagos: Police reopen Badagry Expressway after deadly Otto–Ijanikin communal clash

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State has called on residents and stakeholders to work together to manage environmental risks and build safer communities.

The State Commandant of the Corps, Mohammed Hassan Agalama, made the call on Thursday while speaking to mark the 2026 International Civil Defence Day.

In his address, the commandant said the day is set aside to recognise the contributions of Civil Defence organisations in protecting lives, property, and critical national assets.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” is important because communities are facing increasing environmental challenges.

According to him, environmental risks such as flooding, desertification, erosion, fire outbreaks, building collapse, and the effects of climate change continue to threaten human security and development.

“These challenges demand proactive measures, strong institutions, and effective collaboration among stakeholders,” he said.

Agalama stated that the NSCDC in Kano remains committed to its role in disaster management, protection of critical national assets, and crisis response.

He said the corps has strengthened its Disaster Management Unit to ensure quick response to emergencies while also increasing public awareness on environmental safety and risk reduction.

“Resilience begins with preparedness. We are enhancing the capacity of our personnel through specialised training, simulation exercises, and strategic partnerships with relevant agencies to effectively manage environmental hazards,” he said.

The commandant also stressed that managing environmental risks should not be left to government agencies alone.

“Environmental risk management is not the sole responsibility of government agencies. It is a collective duty,” he said.

He therefore urged communities to practise safe environmental habits, avoid dumping refuse indiscriminately, stop building on waterways, and report environmental threats to the appropriate authorities.

Agalama also praised the dedication of NSCDC officers who continue to serve the public despite challenges, saying their commitment reflects the true spirit of Civil Defence.

He added that the command will continue to support government policies aimed at environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Kano State.

NSCDC urges Kano residents to collaborate on environmental risk management