Police disperse Abuja protesters with tear gas

Police in Abuja used tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters on Monday. The demonstrators, led by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil groups, were rallying to highlight pressing national issues. These included the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act, rising economic hardship, and what they called a “state of emergency” in Rivers State. The protest, part of a wider nationwide movement, quickly turned chaotic as people fled the scene to escape the gas. The incident has drawn attention to growing public frustration and the government’s handling of dissent in Nigeria. Read more

Athena Commentary

In healthier democracies like Canada, Germany, or Sweden, peaceful protests are generally respected as a vital part of civic life. Police are trained to protect protesters, not attack them. The use of tear gas on unarmed, peaceful citizens in Nigeria reflects a troubling disregard for fundamental rights. Where better governance thrives, protesters voice concerns freely, often under police protection—not threat. Nigeria’s approach, seen in the tear-gassing at Maitama, contrasts sharply with global standards, raising serious questions about the country’s commitment to democracy, justice, and free expression. Citizens deserve safety, not suppression, when seeking accountability from their leaders.

Kalu demands prosecution of Chinese miners, police officer’s killers in Abia

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has condemned the killing of two Chinese nationals and a police officer by gunmen in Isuikwuato, Abia State. The victims were ambushed while heading to a mining site. Kalu urged the Inspector General of Police and the Abia State Government to arrest and prosecute those responsible. He expressed deep concern over the ongoing insecurity and described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, Kalu emphasized the need for stronger action to protect both citizens and expatriates working in the region. Read more

Athena Commentary

In more secure countries, such attacks on foreign workers and security officers are rare due to stronger law enforcement, better intelligence, and effective community policing. Quick response systems, surveillance, and strict prosecution deter such crimes. The tragic incident in Abia State highlights Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, especially in protecting investors and citizens. For Nigeria to attract and retain foreign investment, it must prioritize security reforms, professional policing, and swift justice. Senator Kalu’s call is valid, but real change depends on systemic improvements, not just condemnation after tragedy strikes. Safety must become proactive, not reactive, as seen in more developed nations.

Taraba, NAPTIP rescue eight trafficked children, arrest suspects

The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs, with NAPTIP, rescued eight children trafficked from Minda Village in Lau LGA. The children were deceitfully taken to Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State, with traffickers falsely claiming they were orphans. Commissioner Mary Sinjen confirmed the children were lured from their homes under false pretenses. Investigations proved the children are not orphans. The rescue highlights efforts to combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable children. Authorities continue to investigate the case to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the children’s safe return and rehabilitation. Read more

Athena Commentary

In better-governed countries, systems to protect children are stronger, making such trafficking rare. There are advanced databases, swift child welfare responses, and community awareness that quickly detect and stop such crimes. In contrast, the Taraba case highlights weak local surveillance and poor social systems, where traffickers easily exploit gaps. While the rescue is commendable, it’s reactive rather than preventive. Countries like Sweden or Canada invest heavily in child protection, training, and real-time monitoring. Nigeria must move beyond rescue operations to building systems that prevent trafficking before it starts, ensuring children are never taken in the first place.

Vehicle falls from Otedola Bridge, driver rescued

A car fell off the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway early Monday, causing panic in the area. Reports say four people were in the vehicle and suffered different levels of injury. However, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) only confirmed that the driver was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. The cause of the accident remains unclear, but the scene drew attention from commuters and passersby. Emergency services responded quickly to the incident, and traffic was affected for a while. Authorities are likely continuing their investigation into what led to the accident. Read more

Athena Commentary

In better-run countries, bridges and roads are designed and maintained with strict safety standards—guardrails, regular inspections, and quick emergency response reduce such accidents. In contrast, Nigeria’s roads often lack these safeguards, leading to frequent, avoidable tragedies. The Otedola Bridge crash reflects deeper issues: poor infrastructure, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and slow public emergency systems. In nations like Germany or Japan, such incidents are rare due to proactive governance and technology-backed road safety. Until these standards are adopted, lives will remain at risk, and public trust in safety will continue to erode with each preventable accident.