Connect with us

COVER

Inter-faith Forum Knocks FG, Kaduna Govt Over Killings

Published

on

Share

By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) yesterday accused the Federal and Kaduna state governments of being insensitive to the killings in Kaduna state.

The group said none of the governments had shown genuine interest to mitigate the killings by being proactive and increase intelligence framework.

IDEP said protection should include efficient and early response mechanisms in partnership with the local communities like the vigilante groups.

Co-chairman of the Forum, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, said while briefing the press in Abuja that effective monitoring mechanism “will create a safe space for the citizens in the affected communities and in the entire Kaduna State”.

Onuoha said they were not happy with the waves of “violent conflicts in Kaduna state, most especially in Kajuru, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Birnin Gwari, Chikun among other local government areas affected by wanton killings and destruction of property worth billions of naira.

“In recent times the state is witnessing another wave of violence; coupled with the extent of insecurity of the lives of the citizens, which has taken a diverse shape, as in hate speeches, banditry activities, kidnappings, crop and livestock farmers conflicts, with a dimension of violent extremism in the nature of killings meted on the people; most especially in the rural areas.

“The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) sees the violence in the southern and other parts of the State as a factor associated with the extent of insecurity, which affected all aspects of human survival.

“We seek and plead with the Federal government, Kaduna State government and all stakeholders to ensure that they do the needful to protect the lives of people; seeing the inhuman treatment by fellow human-beings to humanity and lack of open justice, that had greatly affected lives in all its ramifications,” Onuoha said.

IDFP lamented that the killings had resulted in a shortage of food productions due to the level of insecurity on the farms/homes and an increase in the rate of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

 “This has further affected job opportunities, coupled with health-related challenges affecting the vulnerable young girls and women, whose fates are determined by the reality on the ground, thereby exposing them to rape, domestic violence, and lack of access to education. All these have compounded the situation and hence endangering their lives and that of their children.

“We are using this medium to plead on all the people affected by the violence, to ensure fairness and openness in resolving the immediate challenges within communities. Furthermore, we are calling on all the affected communities and family members to give a level of compromise, allowing peace to reign, and to shun all manner of hatred, by embracing the culture of true love and friendship.

“Security agencies should be professional in the discharge of their duty when it comes to saving lives while calling on communities to support them in their task to protect the citizens and bring normalcy. We are aware that there are communities where women and children are abandoned without any support.

“We recommend an urgent and immediate attention of the state government, by proving them with food, shelter, and medical assistance”, he added.

COVER

Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Chair of Dangote Sugar

Published

on

Share

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, marking the end of a two-decade leadership that transformed the company into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry.According to a corporate disclosure on Wednesday by the company’s Secretary, Temitope Hassan, Dangote’s retirement from the sugar company’s board takes effect from June 16, 2025Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, marking the end of a two-decade leadership that transformed the company into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry.

Dangote has chaired the board since 2005, overseeing its significant growth and transformation, including major expansion projects and implementing best practices in corporate governance.
“In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, effective June 16, 2025,” the statement said.Under his leadership, the company launched key Backward Integration Projects (BIP) in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States to boost local sugar production and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.Following a “rigorous selection and transition process,” the Board has appointed Mr. Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director and former Group CEO of Ecobank, as the new chairman.We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025,” the statement added.Ekpe brings decades of experience in banking and corporate governance, with a strong track record in leading multinational institutions across Africa.The Board thanked Dangote for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the company’s vision.“We welcome Mr. Ekpe to his new role and look forward to the next chapter in our company’s journey under his leadership. We also express our deep appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his years of outstanding service,” the statement stated. (NAN)

Continue Reading

COVER

Police Arrests 42 Armed Bandits, Remands 10 Herders over Benue Killings

Published

on

Share

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command said it has arrested 42 local armed bandits and herders across some communities in the state.The Commissioner of Police in the State, Ifeanyi Emenari, who disclosed this during his maiden media briefing held at the police officer mess Makurdi explained that those arrested were suspected to have been involved in the incessant killings going on in the state.

He pointed out that the armed Fulani herdsmen and bandits will face full trial.
According to Police Commissioner Emenari, most of the suspects were arrested upon his assumption of duty in the last one month.He maintained that the command had taken the fight to those responsible for the attacks and killings in Benue communities, stressing that tactical teams have already been drafted to flashpoints across communities in the state.
”I was posted to Benue State on the 24/04/2025 and assumed duty on the 26 April 2025. Upon assumption of duty, I step up strategic plans to tackle insecurity in the state.”I visited crisis areas such as Ankpali in Apa, Naka in Gwer West, Ayilamo in Logo, Amafu in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Agatu, Udei, Yogbo in Guma Local Government Areas, and many others. I had discovered that farmlands have no farmers. Therefore, we have deployed our tactical teams to the areas and are now combing the communities in search of the killers.”We have a mandate to ensure that these communities are safe for the people to go back to their homes and engage in farming activities.”And in the last one month we have arrested 42 armed herdsmen and local bandits from these communities. Most of them have been charged to court.”We also have about 10 herdsmen who have been remanded by the courts in the course of their trial.”Apart from those already charged to court, there are others who are still being investigated and they would be charged to court at the end of investigations.””The command also recovered two AK47 rifles and 21 locally made firearms from the suspects. We had taken the fight to cult gangs in the state “that is why we have not witnessed or recorded cult related attacks in the state in the last one month since I assumed office.The kidnap incidents that happen regularly along Makurdi – Lafia federal highway have reduced drastically as we have arrested those perpetrating the acts and are currently in jail.”We have designed a plan to respond to any distress call within 30mns depending on the locations within the state”, Emenari added.The CP assured that the command would ensure that peace and security is restored to every nook and cranny of the state.He appealed to Benue people particularly in the rural communities and urban centres to cooperate with the police in its task of ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his support to the Command, maintaining that his desire to ensure peace and security in the state would be achieved.”The entire governor wanted to make sure farmers go back to their farms and people are provided with adequate security to enable them to go on with their lawful business. We are ready to achieve that with the governor support”, he saidSimilarly, the Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia has reiterated that some politicians and “Religious bandits” are responsible for the needless crisis and aiding the killings of innocent people in the State.The Governor stated this while addressing the Pro-Tinibu group who staged a rally at the Government House Roundabout Makurdi, the state capital as part of the activities marking this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration.According to the Governor, “The Religious Bandits are the ones fuelling the insecurity situation being experiencing in the state.”They are doing this through their consistent rhetoric of unverified comments and distortion of facts.”There are some religious leaders I call ‘religious bandits’ who are fueling the bad situation we are experiencing here. And how do they support that, by their rhetoric. If you do not have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up. Don’t just say something because you have the holy altar and oil to speak. Speak what you know and what can be verified.”There are some leaders who are fanning the embers of discord that peace should not return to the State.”We are still faced with insecurity as our people are killed unprovoked. We will take out this total menace and carnage of killings. We will not rest on our oars to ensure that total peace returns to Benue especially in the 6 LGAs that are in the frontline of insecurity.”Am confident that with the support of the President, we are going to get rid of insecurity completely in the State. Some traditional and religious leaders are also marching and fighting with us for peace to return to the State. Our people are suffering a lot and for some of us we have taken an oath to defend them and bring back peace”.”The day calls for sober reflection of how far the state and nation has journeyed in 26 years of uninterrupted democratic government, adding “We must pay tribute to the heroes who fought for democracy and sacrificed their lives for the unity of the country”Those heroes some are with us, others have gone to be with the Lord. They went through a lot including imprisonment, sacrificing for the unity of our country. It is not yet over for us. As we celebrate this day, people of conscience should note that what unites us is greater than what divides us. So, we must think positively for the State and the nation. We should have faith and hope for the nation.”Let us have a change of attitude and a different way of thinking. Let us sacrifice for the state and nation some more. Bring solutions to us and stop putting kerosene on fire. Let us know that Nigeria is our country and we can’t have another one.”Let us be our brother’s keeper. To the youths, a new Benue is possible and you are the new Benue. Let us do our best to ensure that Benue State is for prosperity and is secured. I am with the masses because they are with the people”, he stated.

Continue Reading

COVER

CBEX Remains Banned in Nigeria, SEC Warns Investors

Published

on

Share

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is insisting that CBEX (Crypto Bridge Exchange), operating under the corporate identity of ST Technologies International Ltd, also known as Smart Treasure/Super Technology, remains banned in Nigeria as it has not been registered by the Commission.

SEC in a statement yesterday advised the public to refrain from patronising or transacting any investment related business with the CBEX.
The notice read: “The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been drawn to media reports indicating that CBEX (Crypto Bridge Exchange), operating under the corporate identity of ST Technologies International Ltd, also known as Smart Treasure/Super Technology, has resumed operations across Nigeria.
“According to the reports, CBEX promoters are demanding $200 from their subscribers with balances above $1,000, and $100 from those with less than $1000 balances before withdrawals can be processed”.The Commission stated “unequivocally that neither CBEX nor ST Technologies International Ltd (or Smart Treasure/Super Technology) is registered with the Commission or authorized to offer investment related services to the Nigerian public.“As a matter of fact, enforcement action has already been initiated against CBEX and its promoters following its previous unauthorized investment activities and the Commission is collaborating with relevant Law Enforcement Agencies to properly investigate CBEX/ST Technologies International Ltd and will take appropriate actions in line with the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act 2025.“The Nigerian public is accordingly advised to refrain from patronising or transacting with CBEX /ST Technologies International Ltd (Smart Treasure or Super Technology) as they risk losing their funds”.The SEC advised investors to verify the registration status of Investment platforms via the Commission’s dedicated portal: www.sec.gov.ng/cmos before transacting, adding that it remains committed to protecting investors and maintaining market integrity.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS1 hour ago

Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

ShareThe Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister...

NEWS1 hour ago

Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

ShareThe Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the...

NEWS1 hour ago

Cross River Communities Resume Hostility with More Casualties

ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar There is another round of hostility arising from communal skirmishes between two brotherly communities of Etono...

NEWS1 hour ago

Entrepreneurship University Matriculates 4000 Students in Cross River

ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar The Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship held its maiden matriculation ceremony yesterday, welcoming...

NEWS1 hour ago

Ombugadu Declares 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Bid

ShareFrom Abel zwanke, Lafia Former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu...

NEWS1 hour ago

Otu Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Principles

Share From Ene Asuquo, Calabar In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Otu has reaffirmed...

NEWS1 hour ago

Nigerians Are Dying of Hunger, Human Right Activists Tells Tinubu

ShareFrom Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan Human Right Activists on Thursday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State lambasted President Bola Tinubu...

NEWS1 hour ago

Ibadan Indigenes to Meet, Brainstorm on Development

ShareFrom Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan The President of Ibadan Foundation, Alhaji Tunji Afunlehin has said prominent successful Nigerians particularly Ibadan Indigenes...

NEWS1 hour ago

Dennis Otuaro Launches 2027 Campaign for Tinubu in Warri

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa A Political Movement code named Dennis Otuaro (Door 2 Door) 4 Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 have...

NEWS1 hour ago

Oborevwori Tours IIICF Exhibition, Backs Waste-to-Energy Innovation

ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday toured the exhibition hall at the ongoing 16th International...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc