No fewer than 20 women were on adopted by bandits at Gidan Bido village of Dandume local government area of Katsina State during a naming ceremony over the weekend.
In the same vein, bandits had stormed Unguwar Bawa village in the same Dandume local government area and kidnapped 5 men in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Newsfocusng gathered that the bandits stormed the venue of the naming ceremony around 1 pm and kidnapped the 20 women.
Narrating the incident , a source remarked that the bandits came to the venue holding sophisticated weapons and asked the women to queue up and whisked them on motorcycles.
Similarly, a resident of Unguwar Bawa, Rabiu Bawa remarked that bandits have in the wee hours of Saturday morning stormed Unguwar Bawa the home town of Haruna Goma, representing Dandume constituency in the state House of Assembly, and kidnapped 5 men.
He said the people of Dandume are living in fear as a result of incessant attacks by the bandits.
“Almost all the surrounding communities have one story to tell about the activities of these hoodlums,” he disclosed.
He said, the villages are surrounded by thick forests and some of these villages shared a border with Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
As at the time of filing the report, the Police image-maker, Isa Gambo could not confirm the incident.
Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, was interrogated in respect of the invasion of the Olu Palace in Warri, Delta State by the Zone ‘5’ Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
Newsfocusng gathered that Chief Emami took the police by surprise as he stormed the station three days earlier than expected.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr Polycarp Dibia, who led the interrogation, told him so,” a source at ZCID that, “The Ologbotsere arrived here on Friday (yesterday) and we were not expecting him.
“He got here (police headquarters) at about 1100hr today (yesterday) and he was with us for about three hours,” the source added.
Chief Emami was summoned to appear for interrogation in a letter marked CR:3000/ZN.5/X/AV/VOL.83/141 and dated 21st April, 2021.
The letter stated that the invitation was over a case of “burglary, stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace”.
It was, however, gathered that Chief Emami’s decision to honour the invitation earlier was to avoid possible embarrassment and detention on Monday, which coincides with his 46th birthday anniversary.
“We know the plan of those behind the petition. It is simply to embarrass the Ologbotsere and drag his name to the mud. It is also not beyond them to try to ensure that he is detained on his birthday because they want to score a cheap point,” an associate told our reporter.
Details of the meeting between the Itsekiri chief and ZCID officials revealed that the Ologbotsere denied involvement in the invasion of the Olu’s palace.
“He said he knows nothing about the invasion and that he was out of the state when the incident occurred.
“He said, ‘I left the palace and everything there intact with the son of the late Olu of Warri, Prince Oyowoli.’”
Our source further revealed that Emami fingered a very high ranking chief in the kingdom, who he said was ambitious and desirous of being made the Ologbotsere, for the invasion.
The Ologbotsere confirmed his visit to the Police Zonal Headquarters in a telephone chat with our reporter yesterday afternoon.
He said: “Like I said before, no Nigerian is above the law, and we show good leadership by honouring police invitation. I have told them what I know and that is that I have nothing to do with the invasion.
“Nevertheless, I appealed to the police to carry out thorough investigations on the matter to unravel those behind it and to ensure that they are also interrogated and made to face the law if found guilty.”
It will be recalled that the invasion of the Olu’s palace in Warri last month coincided with the removal of two very precious pair of crowns from the palace.
“The whereabouts of the priceless crowns remained unknown nearly one month after.
The incident has thrown the kingdom into confusion as the coronation of the Omoba Tsola Emiko as 21st Olu of Warri draws nearer.
No fewer than seventeen people have been killed by suspected herdsmen in separate attacks on Guma local government area of Benue State.
The attack, Newsfocusng gathered started almost a week ago was said to have been severed between Friday and yesterday leading to the death of 17 persons.
Meanwhile, the former Speaker of Benue State Assembly, Hon. Dave Iorhemba disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday.
Ioremba listed some communities that were attacked in Guma council area to include; Ajimaka, Ayeri and Tse-Gboigyo communities, all in Mbaye/Yandev council ward.
The former speaker specifically mentioned a primary school teacher, Hycint Ajum at Isherev in the local government that was butchered last Wednesday.
The former speaker said, “In the last couple of weeks, there has been series of attacks in some particular areas like Tse – Ukor where scores were killed and at Tse – Gborigyo where seven people were killed and several others injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to him, “What is most disturbing was the recent attack that happened at Tse – Uhembe in which a Fulani herdsman butchered a farmer in several places and the said farmer also countered by cutting him and both of them were brought to a military checkpoint.
“Just on Wednesday I was at Tyoha village to see those killed and injured and one of the victims was a teacher at the NKST Primary School Isherev, Mr. Hycinth Ajun who had his throat and back of his neck slit. I wonder what that kind of heinous crime meant
When asked to be specific of number of casualties recorded between Friday and today (Saturday), the former speaker said “Now the number of persons we have counted between yesterday and today is up to 17 and some are badly injured and are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Ioremba who commended troops of OPWS however called on the military authority to ensure the troops are constantly redeployed.
“They (troops) should be moved because when they continue to stay in one place they become conversant and used to the people and they certainly cannot act in the way and manner they should, so I would suggest that the federal government should redeploy them; take them to other points.
He also commended the State Governor, Samuel Ortom who he said had assisted in the payment of the medical bills of those who were injured.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Benue State Police Command were not successful as the spokesperson, DSP, Catherine Anene did not pick her phone when our correspondent put a call to her cellphone.
A regimental Sergeant Major declared missing by the Army after bandits attacked a military camp in Zagzaga community in Munya local government of Niger state on Wednesday has been found dead.
It was gathered that, his bloated body was found in a bush close to the military camp on Friday afternoon by a search team.
The army and community youth volunteers had been searching for him since the attack on Wednesday.
Bandits said to be numbering about 60 on Wednesday morning had invaded a military camp in Zagzaga.
The bandits engaged the soldiers in a gun battle for about two hours which led to many injuries on the part of the bandits and as at that time no soldier was said to have been killed but the RSM was declared missing.
The Youths of the area alerted the Artillery Brigade in Minna when the body was discovered.
The Artillery Brigade has evacuated the body.
The Army is yet to make any statement about the attack on the camp.
Meanwhile, the Army authority had shut down the camp following the attack while majority of the army are currently in Sarkin Pawa which is the headquarters of Munya local government area.
… As State Government Picks Medical Bills of 7 Patients
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has disclosed his administration’s decision to establish Hemoprodite Centre for those with intersex complications.
This, he said will be made possible by partnering with the TETFund Centre of Excellence, at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
He made the disclosure while receiving 7 people, from the Centre, who were sponsored by the state government and underwent successful surgical operations, at a special session with all members of the state Executive Council, held at Africa House, Government House, Kano, Wednesday.
“Kano state government was worried when we got information that there was one person with that intersex problem. We also learned that the person needed assistance for surgical operation. We quickly intervened and took the patient to Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto,” he hinted.
He explained that, “We then ordered for search for other similar cases in the state. We got other 6 cases, whom we also sent to UDUS, Centre of Excellence. Alhamdulillah all of them were successfully operated.”
He further revealed that, the state ordered for the search of more similar cases in the state, assuring that, the state would sponsor their operations in the same Centre, Sokoto.
He added that, “All the seven people were operated free of charge. The state paid all the bills. So anybody with similar case should please come forward and get our attention. We have already ordered for more search, as stated earlier.”
Governor Ganduje disclosed that, “We are now starting to establish similar Centre in Kano, in partnership with the Centre of Excellence, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. We are institutionalising the process and intervention. Our concern is always the health and happiness of our people.”
He argued that “…Kano state as the most populated state in the country, there is every tendency that, we have more of such people. That is part of the reason why we must institutionalize the process and our determined intervention.”
During his presentation remarks, Professor Nasiru Yawuri, Deputy Vice Chancellor, of the university, commended the state government and the foresight of the governor for sponsoring 7 people for that surgical operation.
He said “On behalf of the University and the Centre of Excellence, we are very much grateful for the people-oriented leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for making it necessary by the state government to support these people.”
“Your Excellency, this act really changed their life for good. They can now live a very comfortable life. May Allah reward this and similar efforts. We are pleased to understand that the state government will partner with us in this area. This is a welcome development,” he appreciated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said they grieve over the 384,000 preventable malaria deaths in the WHO African Region in 2020.
This is as the UN Agency join the rest of the world to commemorate 2021 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria” because every malaria case is preventable, and every malaria death is unacceptable.
According to her, “In 2019, the WHO African Region accounted for 94% of both the 229 million malaria cases and 409,000 malaria deaths reported globally. This is despite the great progress made in malaria response in the Region.
“Between 2000 and 2019, malaria incidence declined by 29% and deaths by 60%. More than 1.2 billion cases and 7.1 million deaths were averted in the Region. Cabo Verde has maintained zero malaria status since 2018, Algeria was certified malaria free in 2019, and Botswana, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa achieved the 2020 milestones of reducing malaria incidence and deaths by 40% compared to 2015.
“However, 36 of the 44 malaria-endemic countries in the Region did not achieve these milestones. Overall, the Region was off track by 37% and 25% for the incidence and deaths milestones respectively. While malaria incidence in the Region dropped by 9% to 10% every five years between 2000 and 2015, in the last five years, this has slowed to less than 2%.
She continued; “Every year that we let malaria spread, health and development suffers. Malaria is responsible for an average annual reduction of 1.3% in Africa’s economic growth. Malaria-related absenteeism and productivity losses cost Nigeria, for example, an estimated US$ 1.1 billion every year. In 2003, malaria cost Uganda an estimated gross domestic product equivalent to US$ 11 million. In Kenya, approximately 170 million working days and 11% of primary school days are lost to malaria each year.
“To change this situation, more needs to be done to help at-risk populations. In 2019, one in three at-risk households did not have an insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) and 48% of children under-five did not sleep under an ITN. Among children who sought care for a fever in a health facility, 31% did not get tested for malaria, contrary to the WHO recommendation of testing every fever case in endemic areas.
“Two out of three pregnant women did not receive three or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment. Without this protection, there were11.6 million malaria cases among pregnant women and 822,000 infants with low birth weight reported across 33 countries”,she stressed.
Moeti added that, there are also new challenges on the horizon, such as increasing vector insecticide resistance in the Region. This could compromise the effectiveness of interventions like ITNs and indoor-residual spraying. The resistance of malaria parasites to some medicines could also make this disease very difficult to treat.
“Genetic mutations of the malaria parasite (pfhrp2/3 gene deletions) were recently detected in the Horn of Africa and these could potentially increase false-negative malaria tests. The Anopheles stephensi mosquito, an urban malaria vector, has invaded the Horn of Africa in recent years, with the potential to cause devastating outbreaks in cities and towns. Urgent action is therefore needed to stop the scourge of this disease and to get on track towards the global malaria goals of a 90% reduction in cases and deaths by 2030. This includes investment to expand access to malaria interventions for groups that have been left behind, such as children and pregnant women. Smart deployment is also important to protect the effectiveness of malaria tools, along with innovations to proactively address anticipated challenges.
“We are excited by the emerging results from the pilot implementation of RTS,S malaria vaccine. In 18 months, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi were able to deliver more than 1.7 million doses, reaching about the same levels of population coverage as other vaccines. This is a promising additional tool in malaria prevention”.
She said WHO, is working with countries to look strategically at the stagnated progress in the past five years. We are asking stakeholders in each endemic country to come together and answer the questions: “what is working? what is not working? and what can be done differently to attain the 2030 targets?”
She further stated that, together, we need to move from the perception of malaria as a health problem, to understanding this disease as a threat to socio-economic development that requires a multisectoral response.
With an all-of-society response to draw the line against malaria, together, we can ensure African societies, economies and individuals, prosper.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leaders of a conspiratorial silence in the face of the worrisome revelation on the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has been accused of affiliation with terrorist groups.
The PDP asserted that this silence by the APC and its Leaders is a direct confirmation of APC’s support and sympathy for acts of terrorism, including kidnappings, banditry and killings, which have overtaken the nation under its watch.
The PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan said, “we find it unthinkable that the APC as a party, and some of its leaders, who are going about grandstanding on their aspiration to further lead our nation, can be silent on the face of a major threat to our national security as well as our foundation as a nation.
“Our party had always drawn the attention of Nigerians to the manifest relationship and camaraderie between terrorist elements and APC leaders, including those angling to be President.
“Nigerians could recall that our party had always urged the APC and its leaders to free our nation by returning the political mercenaries and thugs they imported to help them rig the 2019 elections.
“Instead, the APC has allowed their political mercenaries to continue to maraud our country.”
The PDP, has, however, challenged the APC and its leaders to speak out by calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve Isa Pantami of his office without further delay, clean up whatever compromises he may have made in the system and take further steps to protect the nation from terrorist activities.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state has sought for special military intervention to safeguard Geidam and other communities bordering Borno state to the North, following Boko Haram attack on Geidam Town, one of the commercial hub of Yobe State.
This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Director General Press Affairs and Media, Mammam Mohammed.
The statement stated that, “The governor who commiserated with the people of Geidam over the sad incident of Boko Haram attack on the town, said efforts were being intensified to curb the incessant attacks”.
The Governor had since yesterday been liaising with security authorities to find a lasting solution to the resurgence of attacks on the community.
He assured to work closely and to support the security agencies to find a new approach to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizenry.
The State Chief Executive urged people of the state to use the holy month of Ramadan to continue to pray for Allah’s mercy for the state and country to have a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA has been directed to provide the people with relief materials.
The Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) has cleared its Chairman and former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswil Akpabio of any wrong doing.
The Commission also denied a news media report alleging that Akpabio was clamped down on, arrested and detained for two hours by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for attempting to bribe the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.
The NDDC said the report which alleged that Akpabio offered $350,000 to Bawa was untrue as the Minister had no reason to do so.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Anietie Ekong reads “on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio through a telephone call sought audience with the new Chairman of the EFCC to discuss the transfer of funds belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in respect of the 3% statutory remittances from Oil and Gas Companies in the custody of the EFCC.
President Muhammadu Buhari had since December 2020 approved the transfer of monies earlier paid by International Oil Companies into the CBN/EFCC account now to be transferred to the CBN/NDDC account.”
NDDC also explained that besides granting the minister’s request, the anti-graft Czar also update Akpabio on the ongoing forensic audit of the NDDC.
According to the statement, “there was no issue of detention and Senator Akpabio could not have carried $350,000 into the office of the Chairman of the EFCC as he went there without a bag or a container.”
While adding that, “the EFCC Chairman gave useful and intelligent advice on the methodology of achieving success in the ongoing forensic audit of the NDDC, the presser disclosed that the Minister solicited the EFCC’S cooperation to recover 3% levies owed the NDDC by Oil and Gas Companies operating in the Niger Delta.
It further debunked allegation that Akpabio paid $5 million in bribe to the Attorney General of the Federation to elevate Effiong Akwa as Interim Administrator of NDDC.
In the statement, Akong narrated that “Mr. Effiong Akwa was duly made by Mr. President in obedience to an exparte order of court in suit number ABJ/CS/616/2020, before the Federal High Court, Abuja which restrained named Members of the Interim Management of the NDDC from carrying out their duties until the application for an order of Mandamus was argued and disposed off.
In that suit, the Court had ordered that the headship of the NDDC should be handed over to the most Senior Director pending the conclusion of the suit.
The most Senior Director at that time happened to be Mr. Effiong Akwa, who, months earlier had replaced the late Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Bassey Etang who passed on in May 2020 after a brief illness, and the originators of the suit did not replace the late Chief Etang with Mr. Akwa as a party in the suit hence his emergence as the Interim Administrator.”
The statement also called on the public to disregard the allegation, adding that it is “falsehood peddled by the authors of the false and malicious publications.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has backed the motion by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (PDP Delta), demanding the resignation or sack of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
The party, which said that the motion was validly laid before the House, added that it reflects the position of majority of Nigerians across board.
This was contained in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, berated the statement credited to the APC leadership in the House of Representatives, in which it attempted to create a parliamentary cover for the indicted minister, despite his being exposed as an apologist of terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Taliban.
The party asserted that the manifest desperation in the statement, particularly in resorting to personal attacks on the Minority Leader as well as the spokesman of the Minority Caucus, Hon. Francis Agbo, further exposes a huge conspiracy by certain individuals working in tandem with terrorism apologists to frustrate genuine efforts to curb acts of terrorism in our country.
“Our party alerts Nigerians of a scheme by the APC leadership in the House of Representatives to create unnecessary controversies, ostensibly with a view to divert public attention from the pertinent issues at hand and by so doing, provide official cover for a confessed terrorism apologist in the Federal Executive Council,” the party said.
The PDP commended the Minority Leader, Hon. Elumelu and the minority caucus in the House of Representatives for their patriotism and courage in standing on the side of Nigerians at this critical moment, in line with the already established position of the PDP.
The party therefore urged the minority caucus to remain focused and not to be distracted by the activities of forces sympathetic to terrorist groups.
In addition , the party noted that the provisions of Order 6 (Privileges), under which the Minority Leader presented the minds of Nigerians, are clear in the pursuit of national interest.
“Anybody seeking to frustrate the import of the motion does not have the interest, security and wellbeing of the nation at heart,” the party said.
The PDP urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reassure the nation by heeding the voice of Nigerians, as contained in the statement by the Minority Leader, and relieve Isa Pantami of his position as his continued stay in office poses a grave threat to the national security.
