World
27 dead bodies believed to be migrants found dumped in Zambia
Twenty-seven bodies, believed to be of Ethiopians or Somalis, have been found dumped along a road in the Meanwood Khosi Area in Lusaka, Zambia, after apparently suffocating in a container used by human traffickers.
While their nationalities, identities and intended final destination are still to be established, it is believed the victims were in transit through Zambia en route to South Africa where they intended to seek asylum.
The bodies were discovered in the early hours of yesterday morning by security guards and a neighbourhood watch group.
This comes as Zimbabwean authorities are still investigating the four bodies of foreigners, also believed to be Ethiopians or Somalis, found dumped in Mudzi last month.
Zambia’s deputy police spokesperson Danny Mwale was quoted saying one person was found alive and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital.
Mr Mwale told ZNBC News that most of the dead could be from Somalia and Ethiopia.
Zambian police had since launched investigations to ascertain what really happened, but suspected the 27 could have suffocated while in transit. The bodies were taken to a hospital mortuary.
While there are no firm facts, it is suspected that human traffickers wanted to get the group into Zimbabwe as a transit country to South Africa.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were yet to get a report from their Zambian counterparts on the possible destination of the foreigners.
Zimbabwean police are yet to make a breakthrough in their quest to identify of the four foreigners whose bodies were found near Suswe Pass in Mudzi last month.
The cause of their death remains unknown, but they are suspected to have suffocated in a container used by human traffickers before their bodies were dumped at the side of the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.
The bodies were taken to a hospital in Mudzi where police took their fingerprints.
With the help of Interpol and police now hope to identify the bodies which are still at the hospital mortuary.
Investigations revealed that the four were all foreigners since police discovered some foreign contacts and other valuables that the deceased were in possession of when they were found.
Last month, ZRP engaged Interpol to also assist with investigations.
The bodies were discovered in Mudzi near the 174km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.
Recently police arrested more than 171 foreigners who had entered the country illegally on separate occasions.
Most of the foreigners, who had no travel documents, were arrested while being travelling buses in Gweru and Murehwa.
In Murehwa, police intercepted 86 foreigners, while in Gweru, another 82 were arrested. Three others were arrested in Murehwa while they were looking for transport to Nyamapanda Border Post.
Investigations revealed that these foreigners were being transported to South Africa.
They are all still assisting police with investigations awaiting deportation once all the procedures have been followed.
Recently, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said security had been tightened at all border points as Government seeks to end unauthorised crossings of organised criminal gangs likely to be ferrying child victims of human trafficking.
Investigations into several child trafficking cases were also underway to ensure those caught were adequately punished.
Interpol recently started helping law enforcement agents in Zimbabwe to dismantle human trafficking networks by promoting international police co-operation and the use of the organisation’s policing capabilities.
By engaging in these operations, member countries work in close partnership in ongoing criminal investigations, strengthening their controls to identify victims of trafficking in borders and hotspots.
Interpol said human trafficking constituted a modern form of slavery, denying people their dignity and basic rights.
It is a crime that knows no borders, affecting people of all ages and regions throughout the world. In the eyes of organised-crime networks, victims of this crime are a commodity for economic profit, to be exploited and sold.
Such networks make large profits through human trafficking as they subject their victims to mental and physical abuse. Trafficking can take on many forms.
Its constant feature, however, is the exploitation of vulnerabilities. Examples include, among others, cases of labour exploitation in areas like construction, fishing and agriculture; forced criminality, sexual exploitation and organ removal.
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
In other news – Bad leaders making the life of Nigerians miserable – Pastor Giwa
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.