From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman has on behalf of the Niger State Government visited and presented a cheque of a million naira for support to an injured Police officer, Alkali Yohanna attached to 12 mobile Police force Minna, who among others had an encounter with suspected bandits around Shadadi village, Mariga LGA on October 24, 2024.

The gallant officer was shot on the leg and he has been receiving treatment at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna.

In a statement by Wasiu Abiodun said the relief package was provided by Niger State Government.

“Similarly, the same kind gesture is extended to the family of late ASP Nuhu Ibrahim attached to 61pmf Kontagora who unfortunately lost his life on 23rd October, 2024 while on routine patrol with others along Kotonkoro-Bangi road.

“He and his team came under attack by bandits. A cheque of one million, five hundred thousand naira was provided for the family.

The police Command Spokesman said the gesture was not limited to the Police personnel alone, but also to three other vigilante members who were injured or paid the supreme price during service to humanity.

It has been the practice of the Niger State Government, that during any clearance or rescue operations to restore peace in our society, and if any of the personnel is injured or lost his life, such financial gestures and appreciation are provided to support the victims.

The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Umar Bago and the State Executive Council for extending such hands of fellowship to the personnel of the Command, most especially in this period of Yuletide to put a smile on their faces and ameliorate their sufferings.

He asserted that such a gesture will continue to encourage the men to do more for the State, and assured of the continued commitment and dedication of the Police Command to the maintenance of law and Order, and protection of lives and property in Niger State.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, Thursday and Jan.1, 2025 as public holidays.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.

According to Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the public holidays were to enable citizens to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year respectively.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the Minister.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and to strengthen bonds across families and communities.
He assured citizens of the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

He further expressed confidence in the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration for a better and prosperous economy in 2025.

The Minister, on behalf of the federal government sent warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.(NAN)

Some suspected hoodlums on Saturday attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, Chief Emmanuel Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, burning properties within the premises, including a vehicle.

The palace, located on plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, was allegedly attacked by hoodlums at about 1:00 am on Saturday.

The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union were planning to host the 2nd edition of the Nupe Natives end-of-the-year event, tagged “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” on Dec.

The event was, however, aborted due to the unfortunate attack.

Dauda-Shelika said this on Monday in Lokoja that he heard a big bang on my door at around 1 am.

“I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened.

“Then, I suddenly saw wildfire coming out of my car that was set ablaze by attackers.

“I knew it was an attack on the palace, and therefore I could not come out because of fear of being attacked. So, I managed to come out through the back door and scaled the fence to escape for my life.

“Thereafter, I came out to the road and realised that all my neighbours in the community were on the ground trying hard to quench the fire, but unfortunately the car was burnt as well as other properties inside it.”

The traditional ruler appealed to the government and security agencies to investigate the cause of the attack and bring perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.

He admonished Nupe natives in Lokoja to avoid any reprisal attack but continue to remain peaceful and law abiding and allow the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack.

“We are appealing to Gov. Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to please use their good offices to investigate this unfortunate incident and bring to justice whoever is concerned, whether directly or indirectly.

“We also want the government to kindly visit our issues by recognising and grading the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which had been in existence before colonisation,” he said.

He stated that the Lokoja Local Government Area chairman and his security team came for an on-the-spot assessment that Saturday morning, as well as the police and other security outfits.

The National President, Nupe Natives Union Lokoja, Alh. Abubakar Ndashite, said the event scheduled for Saturday was a celebration of Nupe cultural heritage and not any form of coronation as being insinuated from some quarters.

Ndashite, who doubles as the chairman of the planning committee, said the aborted event was to project the Nupe spirit and culture as well as the rich history of the diversely composed Lokoja community and the peaceful and harmonious coexistence among her.

He expressed his displeasure over the aborted cultural event, noting that the union had expended so much on it, and urged the government to bring perpetrators to book. (NAN)