COVER
Nigeria under Siege, APC Admits
… Banditry: Residents Deserts 50 Niger Villages
…Abductors Kill Two More Greenfield Varsity Students
…Gbajabiamila Meets Buhari
…Army Records Seven Casualties, Kill Several Insurgents
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday broke its silence over the rising spate of insecurity across the country with an admittance that the country is under siege.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, National Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen.
John Akpanudoedehe also appealed to Nigerians to eschew partisanship and unite to rescue the nation.Akpanudoedehe said the issue of insecurity in the country has found expression in terrorist and criminal activities of Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, rustlers and recently the highly condemnable attacks on security formations in some states, saying such are current realities that face the country today.
He said the party is well focused on identifying and bringing to book the perpetrators and sponsors of the insecurity, adding that it is only in an atmosphere of tranquility that development will thrive.
“These are current realities and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not play politics with matters of life and our collective wellbeing as a nation.
“As a progressive party in government, we are fully-focused on identifying and bringing to book the perpetrators and sponsors of this hydra-headed insecurity monster and consolidating on our visible development strides. While the party sympathizes with all affected by the security incidents, we call on all to unite against insecurity and criminality, however expressed.
“Only in safety can we enjoy the current agriculture revolution which has seen Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in rice and other staple food items. Only in safety can we enjoy the current infrastructure revolution that has witnessed the rehabilitation, construction and reconstruction of over 13,000 kilometers of critical federal roads, construction of thousands of affordable and acceptable housing.”
The APC scribe added that the security services are doing their best to contain the situation and appealed to the people to show understanding and support them.
“We must shun the antics and activities of unpatriotic and sectarian opportunists fanning divisive embers, promote peaceful coexistence, eschew bitterness and unite against insecurity and crime, for the development of the country.
“Despite our natural differences in culture, religion and ethnicities, we are more patriotic, alike and united than bigots, sectarian opportunists and unpatriotic partisans try to make us believe. We have a collective stake in our country’s security and ensuring that Nigeria works for all,” Akpanudoedehe added.
… Banditry: Residents Deserts 50 Niger Villages
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, yesterday said no fewer than 50 villages across five local government areas of the state have been disserted as a result of banditry, causing humanitarian crisis in the state.
Governor Bello stated this when he declared opened a two day workshop on strategies for enhancing Internally Generated Revenue of Local Government Councils in Minna.
Bello, who acknowledged that the workshop is apt, stressing the need for local government Councils to look inwards and strengthen Internally Generated Revenue by expanding the tax net so as to meet the increasing demands in their Local Government Areas in particular and the State in general.
He noted that the present IGR cannot sustain the developmental aspirations of the State particularly with the security challenges that have bedeviled some parts of the State, stressing that while Government is making efforts to boost its revenue, “It must block leakages, cut down cost, adding that it will not hesitate to do away with Local Government Staff that are not adding value.
“As we speak we have not less than 50 villages deserted across 5 local governments now where do we get the resources to take care of them if 80% of our resources go to those that do not add value to the system?
“Now we have to deal with humanitarian problems and security problems all these require resources that we do not have. So the only way we can survive is to increase our IGR.
“At the moment we have over 3,000 IDPs in Minna, apart from other local governments, he said.
The Governor urged participants to be attentive, actively participate and make meaningful contributions that will give them more insight into strategies of enhancing IGR for socioeconomic development at the local government levels.
Chairman, Local Government Service Commission Muhammad Ahmed Dabban and the Permanent Secretary of the Commission Nuhu Garba Ngaski in their separate remarks explained that the workshop was organized for Local Government Directors of Administration and Finance, Revenue officers as well as heads of finance of development areas in Niger State.
They both said that the workshop is primarily to ensure proper and accurate implementation of financial memoranda, have internal control system for enhancing revenue collection by the councils, enhance capacity as well as improve the quality of participants in their respective duties among others at the local government levels.
The Resource Person Malam Haruna Yahaya, who gave the synopsis of the workshop said the objectives of the workshop was to ascertain full understanding of revenue profile , develop comprehensive strategies to ensure enhanced revenue based of each local government and to promote transparency as well as accountability towards proper accounting for the revenue.
Abductors Kill Two More Greenfield Varsity Students
Kaduna state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr.Samuel Aruwan, has confirmed the killing of two more students of Greenfield University Kaduna.
He said on Monday, that the Government will update the citizenry on further developments. “On a sad note, security agencies have just reported to the Kaduna State Government the recovery of two more dead bodies of Greenfield University students, killed by armed bandits today, Monday 26th April 2021.
“The retrieved corpses have been evacuated to a mortuary, and the university has been notified of the development. ” “The Government of Kaduna State under the leadership of Malam Nasir El-Rufai is saddened by this evil perpetrated against innocent students abducted while pursuing their education for a glorious future. ” “The Government sends its deep empathy to their families and the university management and prays for the repose of their souls. ” “The Government will update the citizenry on further developments,” he said. This now brings the number of students to 5 who were killed by the kidnappers, while demanding N800 million ransom from the parents.
Gbajabiamila Meets Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari met behind closed doors yesterday with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over the spate of insecurity in the country.
.The meeting was part of the ongoing strategic engagements of the president with relevant stakeholders aimed at finding solutions to the nation’s security and socio-economic challenges.
Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting with the president, Gbajabiamila reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to continue to assist President Buhari as “he works hard to find a lasting solution to the present security challenges confronting the nation.’’
He explained that his discussion with the president centred on security and other matters related to the development of the country.
He said: “We always speak about the state of security because that is number one; we spoke about the economy; we spoke about the politics of it all. At least he has a listening ear.
“We proffer ideas and he tells us his own views and we come to some consensus one way or the other.
“Some of these things, you cannot be privy to them for now. We are still working on a way out and all I will always say is, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”
According to the speaker, the president is very passionate about finding a solution to the problem.
“The President is dealing with a very difficult situation and he is as passionate as anybody else, to bring it to a closure and we are here to help him achieve that,” he added.
He revealed that the House of Representatives had since set up a special committee that would offer solution to the nation’s security challenges.
“You are aware that the House of Representatives sometimes passed a resolution where we set up a special ad-hoc committee, which involves all Principal Officers and 30 other members of the House.
“We are going to start that process by looking at different solutions and we would be bringing the report to the President.
“He is fully aware of it and he is open to any and everything that would help us in coming to a resolution in this security matter,” he said.
Army Records Seven Casualties, Kills Several Insurgents
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army foiled multiple attacks lunched by Boko-Haram terrorists and those of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Mainok town of Borno State
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima on Monday, explained that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Mainok, Borno State, on Sunday came under multi-directional attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mounted on unconfirmed number of Gun Trucks as well as foot soldiers with possible intent of establishing a phantom caliphate in the town.
According to Yerima, the terrorists were held by the gallant troops of 156 Task Force Battalion until the arrival of reinforcement teams from 7 Division, Special Army Super Camp Ngamdu and Army Super Camp 4, Benesheik.
He said during the fire fight which lasted several hours, the gallant troops tactically lured a number of the terrorists into a killing zone within their camp where the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled Alpha jets and helicopter gunboats which took turns in decimating the already trapped terrorists.
“In the aftermath of the encounter, scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized with their body part littering the area and a number of their gun trucks destroyed.
” Regrettably, one gallant Officer and six soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while 5 other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries”,he said
He said the wounded soldiers have already been evacuated to the military medical facility for treatment.
As he said troops have taken full control of Mainok and environ as exploitation for fleeing terrorists is ongoing.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru has applauded troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their resilience, commitment and doggedness and further reassured Nigerians of the Army’s unalloyed commitment to defeating Boko Haram/SWAP terrorists while urging citizens to always avail the troops with accurate and timely information for prompt action”.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
As part of efforts to reposition the newspaper for optimum corporate performance, the management of Asset Newspapers Limited, Publishers of DAILY ASSET, has announced the appointment of David Torough as the Editor of the Abuja-based national daily.
A statement by the management said the appointments were part of the company’s new strategy to further penetrate the various states in the country and raise its readership and patronage.
“DAILY ASSET is widely acceptable across the country and to maintain our leadership position, we need to increase management presence, hence the need to create new Bureau offices in some locations outside Abuja and Lagos,” the statement quoted the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, Dr Cletus Akwaya to have said.
In a statement yesterday, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the fast-growing daily, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said the appointment was part of the new strategy to properly situate the paper for better productivity.
“DAILY ASSET has a commitment with the Nigerian people. We are determined to weather the storm and give Nigerian readers a Newspaper that satisfies their yearnings and reading pleasure and we can only do that with the right set of professionals,” the statement said.
Akwaya, a former Commissioner of Information from Benue State said the difficult times being faced by Nigerians posed a great challenge to the media as the people deserved credible information with which to make choices.
“We have a bond with the people, to offer credible information at all times in the best tradition of the Nigerian Press and on this scale of objectivity, truth and fairness, we pledge to remain steadfast no matter the challenges,” Akwaya was quoted to have said.
He said the newspaper will maiantin its daily print run and circulation to all states of the federation and urged advertisers to take advantage of the deep penetration of the Daily Asset brand to send their messages.
Torough, the new Editor has had a steady rise in the Newspaper in the last five years.
A graduate of Mass communication of the Benue State University, Makurdi, Torough joined the company in 2022 as Benue State Correspondent. He was spotted for his brilliance and redeployed to Abuja the following year and promoted to Deputy News Editor. He was subswuently named Deputy Editor of the paper, a position he held until the recent appointment.
Torough has attended several journalistic workshops and trainings to properly equip himself for the task ahead.
The statement also said the Management named Eze Okechukwu as Deputy Editor.
Before his elevation as Deputy Editor, Eze has been Deputy Politics Editor and DAILY ASSET Newspaper correspondent covering the Senate, having joined the organization in 2021.
Born on March 10, 1975, Eze holds a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Eze began his journalism career with Daily Star, Enugu and later worked with Daily Trust Newspaper, Abuja as sports reporter.
Aside from his journalistic excellence, he has a great deal of passion for sports.
From Ngutor Dekera, Kaduna and Aliyu Askira, Kano
Northern governors and traditional rulers yesterday called for the suspension of mining activities across the region for six months, blaming illegal mining for worsening insecurity in many states.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The meeting, chaired by the Gombe State Governor and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils.The Forum expressed concern over the escalating violence in parts of the North, including the killings and abductions recently recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and good people of the affected states,” the communiqué said, noting that the attacks on schoolchildren and other citizens had become “unacceptable tragedies” that required urgent collective action.It commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as the Federal Government’s “firm response” to recent abductions and insurgency threats, especially the rescue of some abducted pupils.The governors also saluted security agencies for their sacrifices on the frontlines.“We resolved to renew our support for every step taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves in order to end the criminality,” the Forum stated.A major highlight of the meeting was the North’s renewed push for the establishment of state police, with governors and traditional rulers insisting that decentralised policing had become inevitable.“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué added, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to “expedite action for its actualisation.”On illegal mining, the governors said criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups.As a corrective measure, they asked Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to impose a six-month suspension of mining activities in order to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining,” it said.To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund.Under the proposed arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute ₦1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.They said the fund would help provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated security responses across the region.At the end of the meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to unity and collective responsibility.“Only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us,” it declared.The Forum agreed to reconvene on a date to be announced.Meanwhile, Nigeria’s worsening security crisis took a grim turn on Monday as bandits launched fresh attacks in Kano State, abducting 25 villagers, even as the Federal Government raced to secure the release of more than 300 Catholic school children kidnapped in Niger State.In the early hours of Monday, armed bandits invaded Unguwar Tsamiya—popularly called Dabawa—in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, whisking away nine men and two women after shooting into the air and assaulting residents. The attackers also rustled two cows.A resident lamented the community’s helplessness: “We cannot do otherwise; most of us cannot leave because we have nowhere to go. This is our place, our land and everything is here.”The assault came less than 24 hours after a similar attack on Yan Kamaye in Tsanyawa LGA, a community along the volatile Katsina border.In Niger State, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured distraught families of St. Mary’s Co-Education School, Kontagora that the more than 300 students and staff abducted on November 21 will return home “soon.” Ribadu, who led a high-level federal delegation to the school on Monday, said the abductees are safe, though he offered no specifics on their location or the status of rescue operations.According to Daniel Atori, spokesman for the Catholic bishop overseeing the school, the NSA reassured officials: “The children are where they are and will come back safely.”The St. Mary’s attack is part of a worrying resurgence of mass kidnappings reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Security analysts warn that banditry has evolved into a “structured, profit-seeking industry,” with hundreds of Nigerians abducted in November alone.The Kontagora school abduction occurred the same week 25 girls were kidnapped in Kebbi State—victims who authorities say have since been rescued through “non-kinetic” means. About 50 of the St. Mary’s hostages have also managed to escape.Ribadu’s delegation, which included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the freedom of all abducted citizens.As communities from Kano to Niger continue to bear the brunt of these violent incursions, the escalating spate of kidnappings underscores the urgent national demand for a more decisive and coordinated security response.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, will face a team of interrogators at its office daily throughout December.
A credible source in the EFCC said on Monday that the daily appearance was part of an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of an alleged 490 million dollars Abacha loot secured through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request. The source said that Malami, who was summoned for interrogation by the EFCC on Saturday, was barred from leaving Nigeria for the next one month.According to the source, one of the conditions for his release on Saturday was that he should report daily to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation.The source said Malami would have to appear daily at the anti-graft office due to the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him.”We seized his passport, it is the normal routine during investigation, but he has to report at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for the next month.”He will be reporting for further investigation throughout December.”He will be reporting every day, starting from Dec. 1st to Dec. 31st.He will appear before the team of investigators for the entire month of December.”He will be reporting to EFCC for investigation for the period because of the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges against him,” the source added.According to the source, a fact sheet on the former minister revealed that Malami had several issues to clarify with the EFCC within the coming weeks.“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT.“We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators.”The commission cited the large volume of documents he must review and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for seizing his passport.The source said EFCC would not engage in a war of words but would release its findings after a thorough investigation.Malami, in a statement by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, on Monday in Abuja, however, described the EFCC investigation as a political witch‑hunt.He confirmed he honored an EFCC invitation on Nov. 28, describing the engagement as fruitful and expressing confidence that the probe would vindicate him.Malami described the EFCC’s allegations as baseless, illogical and devoid of substance, insisting they collapse under factual scrutiny.
Chimaroke Nnamani: Progenitor of Ebeano, Misunderstood Leader, Vindicated at 66.
ShareBy Paul Mumeh Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor of Enugu State, stands tall as one of the most intriguing, visionary,...
Governor Fintiri Marks Sevenrh Anniversary, Attributes Achievements to God, Financial Discipline
ShareFrom Yagana Ali, Yola Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has credited the remarkable achievements of his administration...
Benue Correspondents Chapel Counters NUJ, Passes Confidence Vote on Alia’s CPS
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, has passed a...
Three Years of Purposeful, Intentional and Transformative Leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia
ShareBy Solomon Iorpev When Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia took the oath of office on May 29, 2023, as...
Eid-el-Kabir: Customs CG Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Unity, Patriotism
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called on Nigerians to...
Police Detain Six Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Arms in Nasarawa
ShareThe Police Command in Nasarawa State said it has detained six suspected armed robbers and cultists and recovered dangerous weapons from the suspects. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ramhan Nansel,...
Chelsea Place £120m Price Tag on Star Midfielder
ShareEnzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea after they failed to qualify for Europe, but the club will ask for £120m for the...
Highway Crash Kills 13 in Central China
ShareAt least 13 people were killed after a minibus crashed into a truck on a highway in central China, traffic police said on Thursday. The...
Ebonyi NUJ Lauds Umahi, Nwifuru for Massive Support to Journalists
ShareNigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi Chapter, has praised Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi and Gov. Francis Nwifuru for consistently supporting journalists and strengthening collaboration between government institutions and...
Five Die in Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway Crash
ShareThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun Command, said that five persons died in a lone accident at Oyama Egbado, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Thursday. It said that 10...