The Kaduna State government has provided N100,000 in cash, new smartphones, and additional support to 39 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were recently released from detention.

The government facilitated their reunion with their families on Wednesday, following their release from detention.

The reunion ceremony took place at the Children Homes along Kauru Road in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani offered support to the protesters, promising to assist them in reintegrating into society.

He assured them of opportunities for empowerment, contingent upon their commitment to lawful and responsible conduct.

Speaking to journalists after the release of the protesters, the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, who represented the governor, revealed that Sani had instructed him to gather the credentials of those who have completed their tertiary education.

‘’The governor promised that some of them will be given start-up capital to begin trading, others will be taught skills, and some will be offered employment,’’ he said.

However, the SSG emphasized that the activities and conduct of the released protesters would be monitored to ensure they maintain good behavior, “before these benefits will be extended to them.”

Meyere also noted that the state government had taken the details of the released detainees, including their contact information, telephone numbers, and the names of their Next of Kins, to facilitate tracking and monitoring.

He further explained that the protesters underwent medical evaluations and received psycho-social counseling to encourage them to make positive changes and become productive members of society.

“Both Islamic and Christian religious leaders preached to them to embrace the teachings of their faiths and avoid bad company, so as to benefit from God’s blessings here and in the hereafter,” he said.

Meyere added that the detainees were each given a phone because they had lost theirs during detention, and ‘’the Governor has graciously given each of them N100,000 as a measure of goodwill.”

The state Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, also addressed the protesters during the reunion, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their welfare.

She stated that the 39 protesters, including two minors aged 16 and 17, had received various forms of support from the government.

“We want you to be ambassadors of peace and preach peace within your peer groups, so you won’t be involved in any unlawful protests.

“We want you to return to a more peaceful environment with your families, and then we can invite you back for further training,” she said to the released protesters.

Combined security operatives have reportedly neutralized four gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

A statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office, issued on Wednesday, said the operation occurred in the early hours of the day at Eha Alumona in the Nsukka Local Government Area, where the gunmen were allegedly preparing to launch attacks in the state.

According to the statement, the security operatives—comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and personnel of the State Security Services—also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the gunmen.

“Some of the gunmen fled into the bush with gunshot injuries,” the statement indicated.

The statement further claimed that an ESN commander, who had been operating from neighboring states and was on the wanted list, was apprehended following an intense gunfight.

“The commander led the security operatives to their hideouts, where they found stashed arms, charms, and other dangerous objects.”

“Fortunately, the two security officers who sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire are receiving treatment and are in stable conditions.”

The statement added that the operation is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and hoodlums fueling insecurity in the state.

“The governor has established the Distress Response Squad, invested in the state’s Command and Control Centre, surveillance security system, and modern technology to intercept and eliminate security threats,” the statement read in part.

The Lagos State Government has launched a manhunt for the driver who set a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer on fire in the Mile 2 area of the state on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that LASTMA officers had stopped the driver for violating traffic regulations, but he resisted arrest.

LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that in an attempt to evade arrest, the driver poured petrol on his vehicle and on some of the LASTMA officers who had stopped him, set the bus on fire, and fled the scene.

The officer sustained bodily injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, Adebayo explained that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.

He said, “As of the time he set the officer on fire, what was required of us was safety first. That was why he was taken to the hospital. We were also able to pick the registration number of the vehicle. So, serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the driver and his assistant. The government is working on it and it is not going to relent until justice is done.”

The LASTMA spokesperson further revealed that the officer’s condition worsened after being discharged from the hospital.

“He was discharged after being treated yesterday until he started complaining about severe pains at about 3 am. The pain was so much and he was referred back to the hospital,” Adebayo said.

In recounting the incident on Tuesday, Adebayo stated, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, licence plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“The vehicle was intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.

“In the course of the arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.”

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“The agency strongly urges all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel. LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible.”

He reiterated the agency’s commitment “to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”