News
Protesters block Kaduna Refinery, demand compensation over toxic chemical spill
Protesters in their hundreds from Kapam community in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State on Friday blocked the entrance to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, KRPC, demanding compensation for damages caused by a toxic chemical discharge from the refinery.
The protesters, mostly women, carried placards, saying that the chemical discharge from the refinery had destroyed their farms, killed their animals, and posed a significant threat to their health.
Some of the placards had inscriptions that read, ‘KRPC has completely destroyed our crops’, ‘KRPC has poisoned us with toxic chemicals’, ‘Kapam Community in danger: KRPC’s actions are devastating us’, ‘KRPC has ruined our lives. We will not tolerate this!’, among others.
One of the protesters explained that the chemical discharge has had devastating impact on the community, saying that their children are suffering because of the negligence of KRPC.
“They (children) inhaled the toxic chemical and now they are lying in the hospital, fighting for their lives. We can’t afford to lose them,” he explained.
“We demand justice and compensation for our suffering. The refinery must take responsibility for their actions and ensure that this never happens again.”
A woman protester pleaded with KRPC to address the community’s plight, lamenting that the residents are worried about their health and have no access to medical care.
She added that their food is contaminated, and they are struggling to survive.
“KRPC needs to step in and provide us with the necessary assistance. We can’t do this alone,” she further lamented.
Other protesters stated that the financial losses caused by the chemical discharge ran into millions of naira.
They also alleged that the refinery has neglected the host community, citing a lack of essential services such as schools, hospitals, electricity and basic healthcare facilities.
The indigenes demanded comprehensive compensation for their losses and immediate action to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of the refinery’s operations.
The management of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company has remained silent on the protesters’ demands, and has yet to address the media or provide a statement regarding the situation as of the time of filing this report.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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