From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and several other soldiers who lost their lives during a recent insurgent attack in Borno State.

The fallen officers and soldiers were laid to rest on Wednesday at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, where they were accorded full military honours in recognition of their service and sacrifice to the nation.

The troops were killed on April 9 following coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on military positions in Benisheikh, a key town in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the Nigerian Army described the burial as a deeply emotional and solemn occasion. It noted that the ceremony reflected both grief and honour as the nation paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

“Their sacrifice highlights the enormous price paid by members of the Armed Forces in defending Nigeria’s peace, unity, and security,” the statement said.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. They praised the deceased as courageous patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.

Prayers were offered for the departed, while military citations outlining their careers and contributions were read in the presence of grieving family members.

The Army also acknowledged the pain of the bereaved families, noting that their loss underscores the human cost of ongoing security operations, even as the bravery of the fallen remains a source of national pride.

From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has congratulated Professor Hafiz Abubakar on his election as a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology.

This was contained in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Sunday.

Prof.

The Governor described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of Prof. Abubakar’s outstanding contributions to food science, research, and innovation at both national and international levels.

Yusuf noted that the achievement has brought pride not only to Kano State but to Nigeria as a whole, highlighting the growing impact of Nigerian scholars on the global stage.

He commended Prof. Abubakar for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of food science and technology.

The Governor expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire young academics and researchers across Kano State to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

He further assured of his administration’s continued support for education, research, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development.

Prof. Abubakar was among 27 distinguished scientists from 15 countries selected by the International Union of Food Science and Technology for the 15th class of the Academy.

He is expected to be formally inducted in October 2026 at the World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Hong Kong.

From Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

Chairman, Northern Christian Association (NCA) Rev. Joseph John Hayab has called on believers across Nigeria to exercise restraint in the face of rising religious provocations on social media, warning that engaging in heated online exchanges does not reflect the teachings of Christ.

The admonition was contained in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, particularly to young people and clergy, to avoid what he described as “vain and unprofitable arguments” capable of breeding division and spiritual decline.

Citing several Bible passages, including Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23 and 1 Timothy 6:4–5, Hayab noted that Scripture consistently warns believers against quarrels that produce strife rather than edification, stressing that online religious debates have become counterproductive, shifting from meaningful dialogue to abusive exchanges that undermine Christian witness.

The cleric further reiterated that Christians are not called to respond to provocation with insults or hostility, even when their faith is mocked or misunderstood as he explained that true Christian maturity is demonstrated through restraint, wisdom and peaceful conduct even as “believers cannot fight for God.”

He said, “The Bible warns Christians against engaging in vain arguments. From a Biblical angle, vain arguments include reckless, unprofitable, and provocative debates. Believers in Christ are, therefore, instructed to avoid vain arguments because they generate strife, ungodliness, and ruin the speakers and the listeners.

“There are applicable Bible verses, such as Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23, and 1 Timothy 6:4-5, which clearly admonish Christians to live by example. Accordingly, as a Christian leader, I do not teach, encourage or instruct church members or any Christian at all to insult the divinity of another faith just because some disgruntled persons say or write awful things about Jesus or Christianity. An honest study of the Bible will help you understand that as an ardent follower of Christ, you cannot “fight for God.”

 “Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can “fight” those who fight Him, as He did with Saul on his way to Damascus. From a Christian biblical viewpoint, the phrase “Who can battle with the Lord?” underscores that no one can battle against the Lord, because God is an omnipotent warrior and defender whose battles are strategic, and He never loses. Therefore, no Christian should be deceived into copying anyone’s religious zeal.

“Besides, the message in the verses against vain arguments is to prevent believers from wasting time on unproductive, divisive conversations that do not foster spiritual growth or love. Such debates are “unprofitable, worthless, and causes of ungodliness.

“Therefore, the Biblical instruction is to “avoid,” “shun,” or “have nothing to do with” them. It is not a show of strength when any Christian uses abusive words with others, thinking that they were “defending the faith.” Rather, such an act derides the Christian faith, makes a mockery of Christ’s spiritual authority and dims the bright light the Christian gospel brings to the world.”