The North East Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has called upon the military to take decisive action against insurgents who refuse to surrender during the ongoing mass surrender by terrorists in the sub-region.
Governor Zulum made this appeal during the 8th meeting of the forum held in Maiduguri.
In his address, Governor Zulum commended the military for their efforts in restoring relative peace to the sub-region, which has enabled the return of normalcy to many areas affected by insurgency.
He acknowledged the military’s unwavering determination and significant progress in the fight against terrorism.
However, he stressed the need to eliminate those insurgents who persist in hiding and refuse to lay down their arms.
Governor Zulum stated, “I want to call on the Nigerian military to reach into the enclaves of the insurgents who are not ready to lay down their arms. We must pursue them to their hideouts in the remote nook and cranny and neutralize those who refuse to surrender.”
He underscored the negative socioeconomic impact of insurgency on the sub-region and emphasised that lasting improvements could only occur once the threat of terrorism was fully subdued.
Additionally, Governor Zulum addressed challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns and recent floods, calling for federal government intervention.
He urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise support for irrigation farming to mitigate the effects of reduced rainfall on crop cultivation.
The issue of Kalare boys has found a bed in Gombe state, and the state’s government is aloof. What has Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s government, which was enthroned to solve the yearnings of the poor masses in the land, done?
This issue of Kalare is becoming worse in the state, and yet there has been no measure taken by the state government to curtail the menace.
Many of these devastating stories of Kalare boys have reached our eardrums as sympathetic to the victims. Still, the state government seems lackadaisical towards curtailing the menace of Kalare by our youths. Only recently did those Kalare devils enter the house of Shiek Albani Kuri and kill him. This is so dehumanising, unacceptable, and sympathetic.
Gombe state government needs to take urgent action to bring those engaged in this heinous action of Kalare to book to serve as a deterrent to people who engage in this illicit activity of Kalare in the state.
This heinous activity by Kalare boys in Gombe State has caused unbearable pain to the people of the State.
Gombe State, a home that was nursed to save lives, is now gradually metamorphosing, etching itself with smithereens so that the people of the land may find it arduous to excavate. Gombe is a land where peace has been our utmost priority, but these Kalare boys have made the state a magnet for visitors.
To curtail this Kalare boys menace in the state, I urge the state government to take some decisive actions by providing more employment to the youths of the state, and by doing so, in my opinion, the menace of Kalare boys will be a thing of the past in Gombe state.
May Allah guide those Kalare Boys to the straight path and bless Gombe State and Nigeria. Amin.
In an unfortunate incident that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, suspected kidnappers targeted the prominent El-Rufai Estate in the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area of Bwari Local Council, Abuja.
The assailants abducted a resident identified as Chinedu, marking the fifth kidnapping case to rock the area in recent months, leaving residents gripped by fear and insecurity.
According to reports from Daily Trust, the victim, Chinedu, was forcibly taken from his home within the secure confines of the estate.
The daring criminals, armed to the teeth, breached the estate’s defences by breaking through the perimeter fence.
To further instill terror, they fired shots into the air, sending panic waves through the victim’s family and neighbours, before abducting Chinedu. Chinedu’s wife, who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, recounted the horrifying encounter with the kidnappers.
“They shot sporadically in the air to scare our family members and neighbours before taking my husband away,” she said.
As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family, leaving them in agonising uncertainty. Mai Baba Bego, the chairman of the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area, expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of kidnappings in the region.
“We now live in fear as nobody knows who the next victim would be,” Mr. Bego lamented, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security measures in the area.
In light of this distressing situation, Mr. Bego called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area.
This plea aims to mitigate the risk of further incidents and restore a sense of safety to the traumatised residents of El-Rufai Estate and its surroundings.
The Wusasa neighbourhood of Kaduna State’s Zaria Local Government Area saw a gang of suspected bandits ambush and kidnap a health worker and his brother.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday night.
Engineer Isiyaku Ibrahim, the village chief of Wusasa, confirmed the incident.
He bemoaned that the kidnappers have so often made their area the target of their attacks, abducting many of the people in the neighbourhood.
Mr. Isiyaku added that Wusasa village, which is outside of the historic city of Zazzau, has seen a number of attacks recently.
Recall that a recent attack left an army officer and a vigilante member dead.
On the unfortunate evening of August 24, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., a horrifying incident of police brutality unfolded in the peaceful neighborhood of Dabar Makaho, around Famfon Shanu, Azare Bauchi State of Nigeria. This incident serves as a shocking reminder of the abuse of power and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
It all began when a group of police officers, whose duty is to protect and serve the community, unlawfully used excessive force on an accused person. The officers, instead of conducting a proper arrest, resorted to violence, misusing their firearms, and hitting the accused with sticks.
Tragically, in the midst of this brutal act, an innocent young boy passing by became an unintended victim. The excessive force used by the police officers resulted in the boy suffering a severe eye injury, nearly causing the loss of his eye. This incident has undoubtedly left a traumatizing impact on the young boy’s life.
What is even more distressing is the apathy shown by the police officers involved. Instead of rushing the injured boy to the hospital for urgent medical attention, they callously neglected his wellbeing. This blatant disregard for human life is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the values and principles these officers are supposed to uphold.
In a further display of aggression, when a concerned Good Samaritan attempted to intervene and bring attention to the officers’ wrongdoing and the critical condition of the young boy, they responded with further violence. It is shocking to witness those entrusted with maintaining law and order resorting to further brutality and attempting to silence those who speak out against injustice.
The victim, Usman Sa’idu, who is 13 years old.
The incident that occurred on August 24, 2023, is not an isolated event. Instances of police brutality have become all too common, leaving a trail of suffering and shattered lives in their wake. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust reforms within law enforcement agencies. Comprehensive training programs focused on human rights, ethics, and de-escalation techniques must be developed and implemented to ensure that officers understand the importance of safeguarding the public and upholding the law.
Equally important is the establishment of effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing cases of police misconduct. It is essential for individuals who witness or experience such brutality to feel safe and confident in reporting these acts, knowing that appropriate action will be taken. Proper investigation and accountability measures must be in place to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
As a society, we cannot stand idle and allow the abuse of power to continue. It is the collective responsibility of citizens, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address these grave issues. This means fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within our police forces. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Furthermore, it is the duty of the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by enacting legislation that protects individuals from the atrocities of police brutality. This legislation should provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of force, ensure effective oversight mechanisms, and ensure that justice is served for victims of police misconduct.
The incident that took place on August 24, 2023, serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of age, gender, or social status, can feel safe and protected by those sworn to uphold the law.
Let us unite as a community to demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims of police brutality. Only then can we create a society where every person can live without fear of harm and where those in positions of authority carry out their duties with integrity and respect for human life.
Yakubu Ammar Sani wrote from Azare, Bauchi State and can be reached via -ammaryakubusani@gmail.com.
Overtime, Nigerians have experienced hike in basically all goods and services required to live and run their day to day activities. This goes without saying has been aggravated by proclamation of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, some three months ago.
It becomes imperative to understand the factors responsible for high cost of living as it leads to higher expenditure for individuals and households. Some of the factors leading to this unwanted development include inflation or an increase in the general level of prices.
Nigeria has experienced persistent inflation over the years, with prices of goods and services continuously rising. This reduces the purchasing power of individuals, making it more challenging to afford basic necessities. Also, depreciation of the country’s currency.
The naira, has faced fluctuations and depreciation in value against major foreign currencies like the US dollar. This has led to higher import costs, making imported goods more expensive for consumer. Furthermore, dependence on imports for various products, including food, fuel, clothings, building materials and other consumer goods, has the tendency to result in higher prices due to transportation cost, tariffs, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Again, infrastructural challenges is another force to reckon with. Inadequate infrastructure, such as power shortages and poor transportation networks can increase the cost of goods and services. Businesses often have to bear the burden of additional expenses since they are not provided by the authority and they eventually pass these expenses to consumers so as to make profit and keep their trade afloat.
Income quality as a factor. Nigeria has a significant income disparity, with a large portion of the population living in what is termed multidimensionalpoverty due to the disparity. This poverty limits access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and housing, further exacerbating the cost of living for many individuals. Government policies such as removal or reduction of subsidies, can lead to price hikes for essential commodities also.
To address this worrisome situation, it is firstly important for citizens to understand that the high cost of living in Nigeria is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as those aforementioned. Efforts to address this challenge should involve measure to tackle inflation, improve infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and promoting policies that support income equality and affordability for citizens.
Strategies to employ in improving infrastructure are; investing in infrastructural development, such as transportation power, road network, water supply among other can help reduce cost associated with transportation and other expenses passed down to consumers.
Enhancing agricultural productivity. Promoting and supporting the agricultural sector can reduce food prices and enhance food security. Improving farming techniques, access to quality irrigation systems are all strategies through which dependency can be reduced on imported goods.
Encouraging competition could be a tactics. Promoting competition in key sector such as telecommunications, banking, and energy to prevent monopolies and encourage market efficiency can help lower price for consumers.Control of inflation, implementation of effective monetary policies and fiscal measures to control inflation, increased wages and ensuring that wages and salaries keep pace with inflation can help improve people’s purchasing power and reduce the burden of high costs.
Developing effective social welfare programmes can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, reducing the impact of high cost of living on those with limited financial resources.
In conclusion these are just comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspect of the economy and society and if adopted by the government and relevant agencies, Nigerians can be saved from the bondage of high cost of living, the time this now!.
Hauwa’u is a 200-Level Student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and can be reached via: hauwaat@yahoo.com
Suspected gunmen launched a daring attack on an Army patrol van in Edo State, resulting in the tragic death of a soldier and the successful theft of cash-laden sacks.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the military vehicle was en route to Ikpoba Hill.
At about 2:10 p.m., the assailants ambushed the patrol unit at a traffic light along Akpakpava Road by First Junction.
The attackers executed their plan with precision, employing an unmarked Toyota Camry to confront the military vehicle head-on.
Two of the four occupants of the Camry disembarked and unleashed a hail of gunfire upon the soldiers, causing them to flee their patrol vehicle and the sacks they were transporting.
Witnesses on the scene recounted the soldiers’ hasty retreat and shared that the gunmen brazenly seized the bags from the abandoned van.
A witness who owns a nearby shop described a poignant moment, revealing that one of the soldiers had been wounded in the chaos while his colleagues were unable to provide assistance.
The injured soldier’s condition prevented him from standing up, and his companions were left helpless.
Authorities were alerted to the situation, prompting inquiries from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command.
Captain Yusuf Sokoya, the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters in Benin City, initially responded that he would investigate the matter.
However, he failed to follow up on his commitment at the time of the press’s inquiries.
In contrast, the state police public relations officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the distressing occurrence.
He stated that a soldier lost his life during the attack in Benin City. Nwabuzor further explained that a vigilant citizen promptly reported the incident to the local police station, which serves the affected neighbourhood.
The attackers managed to escape with bags believed to contain substantial sums of cash stored inside the targeted Army van.
The incident highlights the audacity of the gunmen and the risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command.
There was growing tension among the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members when bandits attacked them on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State, killing eleven persons among them.
The bandits also kidnapped no fewer than eight corps members to an unknown destination and reportedly demanded a ransom of over 4 million naira.
Our reporters learned that the corps members were travelling in Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the bandits.
It was also gathered that their driver, who was among the persons abducted, almost lost his life during the atrocious killing by the bandits.
However, three of the corps members were reported to have escaped during the terrorist attack.
Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo were among the young graduates that were kidnapped by the terrorists.
A source, who noted to be privy to the situation, revealed that the terrorists had contacted the family of one of the victims and demanded a ransom of N4 million.
He said, “Sad to hear that young graduates going for their National Service year in Sokoto have been kidnapped by bandits.
“Both the Federal Government and various State governments should do everything possible to rescue the eight NYSC members.
“Nothing must happen to them oh!!!Some of them included Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of [sic] Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate of [sic] Mass Communication from University of Uyo.
“At the moment, one of the families, it was learnt have been contacted to pay N4m. Please, this is [a] Federal government matter not the family and should be taking [sic] seriously to save these children from been [sic] tormented further by the wicked kidnappers.
“This is another challenge to the federal government to review deployment of NYSC [members] to nearby states where they schooled due to insecurity rather than posting them across the country.
“May the Almighty God rescue them and let those wicked kidnappers be arrested and brought to book. Their crimes must not go unpunished.”
Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, raised alarm and demanded justice over the alleged atrocious killing of his senior aide, Adeniyi Oluwatosin Sanni, by the Nigerian Army on Saturday.
Senator Adeola alleged that the soldiers operating at checkpoints around Ikeja axis of Lagos State robbed and killed Mr. Sanni in the early hours of Saturday.
In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Adeola stated that information available to him on the circumstances indicates that Mr. Sanni was stopped at a checking point around Ojodu- Berger Area of Lagos on his way to his home at Isheri by ‘security agents’ who asked him to provide the documents of the car he was driving, which he did through a call to his wife who sent all the documents to his phone WhatsApp.
He added, ”It was gathered that the wife called a while later and the late Mr. Sanni told him that soldiers are still checking the vehicle’s paper. That was the last she heard from her husband and the body of Mr. Sanni, ridden with bullets, was later discovered at Toyota Bus Stop area of Oshodi, close to a military barrack.
“In an update about the investigation of the murder and armed robbery by the Nigerian Police Force, through a statement issued in Abuja, Senator Adeola stated that he is of the firm believe, based on available facts at the disposal of the Police, that his aide was killed by a syndicate of soldiers operating under the newly deployed Commander of 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Nsikan John Edet, through mounting of checkpoints and robbing of lone occupants of cars.”
Senator Adeola called on the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, to direct the fishing out of the killers of his aide for further investigation, prosecution and justice for the deceased as a pattern of killings and armed robbery has been established against soldiers mounting late night checkpoints around Ikeja with similar unreported incidences in recent times.
“Till date, the black Toyota Camry of Mr. Sanni, his phones and other valuables are yet to be recovered,” he added.
The Nigerian Army said Monday that it had rescued Mary Nkeki, a 27-year-old Chibok girl, in the Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.
Recall that insurgents of Boko Haram kidnapped Nkeki and more than 200 other students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in 2014.
The Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, made this statement on Monday in Maiduguri upon the delivery of the girl to the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs.
He noted that on August 14 in Dikwa, soldiers from the 81 Task Force Battalion freed Nkeki, who had serial number 55 on the list of the kidnapped Chibok girls.
“While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist fighter.
“Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility.
“Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and would be handed over to Borno State Government for further administration,” he said.
Chibuisi reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining security in the region’s north and east while bringing about sustainable peace.
Nkeki described her experience since being kidnapped in 2014 to reporters as being filled with pain, recounting that she and her husband managed to flee throughout the night and were found by a military patrol squad. She said she had left behind two other Chibok girls.
