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UNICEF Decries Killing of Children in Borno

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United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has condemned the deaths of three children in Borno State, who were reportedly killed by unexploded remnants of war.

In a Statement issued by UNICEF and made available to journalists in Abuja, said

the avoidable deaths of the children – as young as 12 years – who were playing on Mblu Bridge in Ngala, is yet another sad reminder that children remain direct and indirect targets of the protracted conflict wracking north-east Nigeria.

“While three children have sadly lost their lives, three others are in critical conditions while two other children sustained mild injuries.

“In 12 years of protracted conflict in the north-east, thousands of children in the region have been killed, maimed, abducted, displaced, and experienced multiple violations of their human rights.

UNICEF is deeply worried that conflict-affected children continue to be casualties of war.

“First of all, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the children killed. No family should have to go through this – and no child should fall victim to unexploded remnants of war while playing.

“Children are at particular risk from unexploded ordnance, which are small enough to pick up or kick around, and which children can mistake for toys or objects of value. Such weapons account for over half of those killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war globally.

“These deaths are unacceptable. All sides to the ongoing conflict must protect children and prioritise their wellbeing at all times. Playing fields, schoolyards and communities must be safe and habitable for children,” said Peter Hawkins.

“Children’s lives should not be at stake in a conflict they didn’t start. We must address the shrinking safe spaces for children and ensure that children – especially those already affected by conflict – are protected and have a chance to survive and fulfill their potential,” UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Peter Hawkins, said in the statement.

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IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin 

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The Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death of a man reportedly tortured to death by the police.

Report says that 35-year-old Jimoh Abdulquadri was said to have been tortured to death by some policemen at the Kwara Command late Friday.

The deceased, who was of Balogun Fulani community at Erubu in Ilorin, reportedly died in police custody in questionable circumstances.

During a condolence visit to the deceased’s community, Egbetokun pleaded with the entire members of the community, especially the youths, not to take the law into their hands.

He disclosed that he had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abdulquadri.

The IG assured that the matter would not be swept under the carpet, saying “justice will be served”.

Expressing his regrets about the incident, Egbetokun recalled how Ilorin indigenes received him as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in 2020.

He added however that it was saddening that he had to visit the state in a sour mood.

“I am always very excited to visit Ilorin because when I was posted here in 2020, I was warmly received by the people who often prayed for me.

“Your prayers then still go with me, and it is not an exaggeration that I claim Ilorin indigeneship.

“I am very sad to be here today (Sunday) on a condolence visit over the death of Jimoh, of which circumstances surrounding his death are very worrisome.

“But justice must be served. I have already directed investigation, and I have given necessary directives to the CP here. We will get to the root of this case,” the IG told his audience.

He however cautioned the community against rushing into conclusion but to await the findings of the investigative committee which would be made public.

“Let us not jump into conclusions. I have visited the State Command and I have directed a thorough investigation.”

Egbetokun assured that the Police would support the family of the deceased.

“We know that no amount of support will ease their pains, but we’re sure that our efforts will go a long way.

“I pray that no sad story will bring me to Kwara again,” he said.

Various speakers at the occasion, including the Balogun Fulani, youths and the Ilorin Decendants Union representative, demanded justice regarding the death of Abdulquadri.

Report says that the deceased was arrested by police operatives on Thursday for allegedly owing one Peter, a fellow colleague at Olam Farms in Offa, the sum of N220,000.

He reportedly died in custody late Friday.(NAN)

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2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says

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Gov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go through turbulent times in the year 2024.

“2024 had been really turbulent, but God has given us the strength to keep pushing,” he said in his remarks at the 2024 Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the state government.

Makinde recalled the Jan.

16 explosion which occured at Bodija area of Ibadan and claimed several lives and destroyed property amounting to billions of Naira.

The governor also pointed at the recent stampede at Islamic High School at Basorun in Ibadan which took the lives of not less than 35 innocent children.

He then reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Oyo State, saying the state’s development had been his priority since 2019 when he assumed office.

The governor thanked the state House of Assembly’ Speaker and all members of the Assembly for the timely passage of the 2025 state budget, which he would sign into law on Monday.

He also commended the judiciary for working together with the two other arms of government “for us to have harmony in the running of government in the state”.

Makinde equally thanked religious leaders and the people of the state for their support, noting that the cooperation of the people made it possible for his administration to achieve success.

“I use this opportunity also to thank traditional rulers for maintaining peace in their various domains,” he said.

In his exhortation, the Presiding Bishop, Christ Life Church, Wale Oke, implored Nigerians to embrace light and abstain from darkness.

“Corruption, inequity, partiality, idolatry, among others, are agents of darkness,” he said.

Report says that the governor read the ninth lesson of the service while his wife Tamunominini read the eighth lesson.

The event, which was held at the Remembrance Arcade at Government House in Ibadan, involved prayers for government functionaries, political leaders and the entire people of the state.(NAN)

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Ododo Mourns Passing of Veteran Kogi Born Journalist, Rafatu Salami

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has mourned the passing of a veteran journalist and National Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) Hajia Rafatu Salami who died in Abuja.

Ododo condoled with members of her immediate family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and the management of Voice of Nigeria (VON) where she worked as an Assistant Director, Digital Media until her death.

“As we mourn the passing of our sister and one of the outstanding female journalists in Nigeria, we are comforted by her legacy of remarkable achievements as a courageous professional and a caring mother as well as her compassion for humanity, unwavering integrity and dedication to public service”, Ododo said.

The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for God to grant her family the fortitude to cope with the pain of the loss.

The late Hajia Rafatu Salami who hails from Ihima in Okehi local government area of Kogi State died at the age of 55 and has been buried at the Gudu cemetery in Abuja according to Islamic rites.

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