NEWS
NGO Task FG to Release Leah Sharibu after Seven Years in Boko Haram Captivity

From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Leah Foundation, in collaboration with Advocates for Human Rights and Religious Freedom has called for justice and freedom to Leah Sharibu as she clocked seven years in the hands of her captors.The President of Leah Foundation Dr. Gloria Samdi Puldu on Tuesday while marking the 7th years of captivity by the young girl in Jos the Plateau State capital said the “Leah Sharibu: Seven Years Captive” is dedicated to raising awareness and demand for urgent action towards her release from Boko Haram captivity since February 19, 2018.
According to her, “This solemn gathering is live-streamed on YouTube and features messages from government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They reflect on Leah’s courage, shed light on the ongoing persecution of anyone based on their religion, and call on the Nigerian government and the international community to intensify efforts for her release.”Leah was among the 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State. While her classmates were later released, Leah was held back because of her refusal to renounce her Christian faith. Seven years later, Leah remains in captivity, reportedly married off to a Boko Haram terrorist including ISWAP commander with three children from the different men and daily subjected to inhumane treatment.” He recalledDr. Puldu speaking for the immediate family of Leah Sharibu, calls on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill the promises that the past Administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari made severally to the Nigerian people and the family will secure Leah’s release as it did the other girls who were abducted with her.”We demand justice for Leah who is the face of those who are denied education, freedom of their religion violated and women and girls in any form of captivity.”I call on religious leaders, human rights organizations to amplify Leah’s case as a symbol of the broader struggle for religious freedom, the protection of vulnerable populations and specifically the international community to pressure authorities and deploy diplomatic channels to ensure her freedom.” She pleadedPuldu reiterated that Leah’s captivity is a grave violation of fundamental human rights and religious freedom adding that every day that she remains in captivity is a stain on their collective conscience.”We therefore cannot remain silent, and continue to invite the media, policymakers, faith-based groups, and all concerned citizens to keep standing in solidarity with Leah Sharibu and other victims of captivity. Together, we must keep the call for her release alive and ensure that Leah’s story remains a catalyst for action.” The President noted.NEWS
21 Terrorists Neutralised in Damboa Again — Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a deadly attack by ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Borno, neutralising 21 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, confirmed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday.
Report saya that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, targeted troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade.
Daily Asset, however, reports that the soldiers, with the support of the Air Component of OPHK, engaged the terrorists in a fierce and prolonged firefight that lasted over two hours.
Kovangiya said the troops displayed gallantry and tactical superiority during the confrontation, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray, leaving behind more than 21 of their fighters who were neutralised during the engagement.
“The gallant troops, supported by Close Air Support, stood their ground and repelled the attack despite the ferocity of the enemy.
“The insurgents suffered devastating losses and were forced to flee,” he said.
The spokesman said that during the exchange of fire, an ammunition storage facility within the military formation was hit by a blast, but the situation was quickly brought under control.
He also confirmed that the troops recorded minor casualties.
“Following the mop-up and exploitation operation, the following weapons and ammunition were recovered:
“Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, one pump-action rifle, nine AK-47 rifles, three belts of PKT rounds, eight AK-47 magazines, seven RPG bombs, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99mm ammunition, one and a half box of PKT rounds and 20 pieces of 36 hand grenades,” Kovangiya said.
The spokesman said that the success of the operation was a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of joint land and air efforts in counterterrorism operations which further reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s resolve to restore peace in the North-east.
“The bravery and sacrifice of the troops remain a symbol of national pride.
“Their unwavering commitment to defeating insurgency and restoring peace in the region is commendable,” he said.(NAN)
NEWS
Enugu Govt Sets up Human Development Council

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Human Development Council at the Government House. He stressed that human capital remains the true wealth of any nation and a core priority of his administration. The Council is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, and includes State Executive Council members and heads of MDAs.
Also represented are the legislature, local governments, traditional rulers, church leaders, and civil society organisations. Mbah explained the Council aligns with his government’s emphasis on human development and social investment. He urged the members to take the task seriously and work towards tangible outcomes. “One of our top priorities is eradicating poverty and reducing the poverty headcount to zero,” Mbah noted. He added that the government’s philosophy prioritises human capital over natural resources. “Our last two budgets allocated over 50 per cent to social services,” the governor stated. In his response, Ossai assured the governor of members’ commitment to the Council’s goals. He emphasised that all government initiatives — from schools to roads — are people-focused. “All our projects aim to improve lives, and the Council will help us track and measure progress,” Ossai said. (NAN)NEWS
ASUU Demands Action, Threatens Nationwide Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017. He mentioned withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction. In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled. He highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University. According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale. On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples. Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable. He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity. To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. “Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said. He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle. “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. “We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said. (NAN