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Nasarawa records 29 suspected cases

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Nasarawa records 29 suspected cases

The Nasarawa State government has announced a total of 29 suspected cases of cholera in the Kokona and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of the state.

It, however, said there was no confirmed case of the disease in the state, as it expressed preparedness to tackle it in the case of an outbreak.

Available data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showed as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cholera cases, 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

The most affected states were Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, speaking on Monday at the opening of a three-day workshop on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, hosted by the Rotary International in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, said in the past few weeks, Kokona LGA and Nasarawa Eggon LGA recorded 19  and 10 suspected cases respectively.

He regretted that one of the suspected patients in the Nasarawa Eggon LGA died during treatment at a healthcare facility in the area.

“We have 19 suspected cases of cholera in Kokona and 10 in Nasarawa Eggon. The one that died in Nasarawa Eggon had diarrhoea and was vomiting, but there was no confirmation that he died of cholera.

“I would want the public to know that cholera has symptoms similar to other ailments. We can only say a person has cholera after some laboratory tests have been done, and it is confirmed,” he said.

The commissioner noted that there was currently no known case of cholera across the state, as he assured of the state government’s preparedness to tackle the disease in case of an outbreak in any part of the state.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr Grace Tsakpa, said the state government was set to distribute cholera commodities to healthcare facilities across the state, to tackle the disease in the case of an outbreak.

Tsakpa narrated that specified healthcare workers across the 13 LGAs had been trained on sample collection and how to administer treatment to cholera patients.

“At the moment, we do not have any case of cholera in Nasarawa State, but I can tell you that we are prepared to tackle it in case there is an outbreak.

“We have sufficient drugs, fluids and antibiotics to manage cholera. But because such cases sometimes can be too much on the available medication we have, we will be happy if partners will support us with more drugs,” she said

Speaking on preparedness for an outbreak, the epidemiologist said, “As I speak now, we are planning how to distribute cholera commodities to the various LGAs to intervene whenever there is an outbreak.

“We have also engaged with relevant stakeholders in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies on how to go about intervention in case we have an outbreak of cholera in the state.”

To avert cholera outbreaks in their states, health authorities in Bauchi, Jigawa and Gombe states have embarked on sensitisation and water chlorination exercises.

The officials of the health agencies told the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi,  Dutse and Gombe that they adopted proactive preventive measures to avert cholera, following the nationwide outbreak of the disease.

The officials, however, said no active case of cholera had been reported in the states.

The Waste Manager of Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Umar Musa, said the agency distributed chlorine to the 11 local government areas of the state.

“In 2023, the distribution targeted only the hot spots. Presently, we have expanded the areas and increased the quantity from six to 10 drums.

“Chlorination is a proactive measure against gastroenteritis and cholera, which is a waterborne disease

“We took the same measure in 2023 and the result was positive because we have not recorded a single case of cholera,” he said.

According to him, the chlorination was done for open wells, stagnant ponds, and reservoirs, adding that “Aqua tabs” were provided to households who sourced water from the river or stream.

In Jigawa, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdullahi Kainuwa, said the state had strengthened disease surveillance and public enlightenment campaigns to avert cholera.

He said the state successfully controlled Cholera, hitherto manifested during the rainy season due to strong commitment by the state government, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and donor partners.

“There is and still no single report of any case of cholera in the state. We embarked on a massive public campaign and awareness on the measures needed to be taken by the communities, especially personal and environmental hygiene,” Kainuwa said.

He, therefore, called on residents to avoid consumption of water from open wells, streams, and obsolete public water facilities.

Similarly; the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency sensitised communities to the dangers and preventive measures of cholera.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, said the state had not recorded any suspected case since the NCDC declared a cholera outbreak in the country.

Mohammed said the agency had engaged stakeholders to create awareness of the disease and developed a preparedness action plan to enhance emergency response.

He also advised the people to maintain a good environment and personal hygiene to improve their health.

In Sokoto State, the government also said there was no cholera case so far in any part of the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad, on Monday, said the ministry had already taken all the necessary measures for prompt response in case of any eventuality.

He, therefore, urged the people to ensure personal and environmental hygiene, especially during the rainy season.

“Let me call on our people in the state to ensure regular consumption of safe drinkable water. This would help in no small measure in preventing cholera,” he said.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Nura Bello Maikwanci, said the permanent secretary also called on the people to promptly report an outbreak of any disease to the ministry or nearest hospital for quick response.

Customs seize N18bn firearms, drugs from Turkey, recover 844 rifles

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Customs seize N18bn firearms, drugs from Turkey, recover 844 rifles

The Nigerian Customs Services has intercepted and seized arms and ammunition worth N18.23bn in a drastic step to curb the smuggling of illicit items into the country through its borders.

It said the 848 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, as well as illicit drugs, were intercepted at the Onne Port in Rivers State in containers originating from Turkey.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said this while displaying the seized items during a news briefing at the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne on Monday.

The CGC said the illegal arms were concealed in other items inside a 1X40 foot container ‘MAEU165396’, while the drugs found in different cartons were in nine containers.

One of our correspondents gathered that the rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.

The displayed exhibits include nine containers: one holding seized arms and ammunition valued at N4.17bn, six containing seized drugs valued at N13.92bn, and two containing used clothes valued at N144m.

He added the service had also arrested three suspects connected with the arms importation, and they are currently in custody after securing a detention warrant from a court.

Adeniyi stated, “Today, we gather to inform you about the recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.

“You may recall that at a press briefing of this nature held recently at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos, I had disclosed attempts by criminal elements seeking to exploit our trade facilitation friendly posture to compromise our processes and procedures.

“With our robust Risk Management System, we have always remained a step ahead of their moves. When these attempts revolve around revenue generation, our automated audit systems at different levels enable us to trace, track and recover the revenue. However, when efforts are geared towards creating actions that will produce irreversible consequences on national security, our alert level is elevated to match the threats posed to us.”

He said the arms were intercepted through credible intelligence monitoring the shipments from their point of departure in collaboration with the local, national and international intelligence communities.

“And so it was the case with this 1X40 foot container MAEU165396, which originated from Turkey, and based on several risk factors, became a subject of interest. We had followed its sail across the continents, as we benefitted immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.

“Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a private bonded terminal.

“Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to a thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents: 844 units of rifles, and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.

“The breakdown is as follows; 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, 10 units of VC Verney Carron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum silver pump-action rifles, 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker double-barrel rifles, 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker single-barrel rifles, exclusive series, Sterling High-Quality live ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).

“The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container is N4.17bn.

“In connection with this, we have three suspects in our custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice. Furthermore, a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

Reacting to this issue, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps condemned the proliferation and illegal possession of firearms across the nation.

Emphasising a firm stance against such activities, the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, in an interview announced that the culprits apprehended would face prosecution by the law.

Afolabi said, “The NSCDC condemns all acts of proliferation and illegal possession of firearms. We also encourage that the borders be strengthened because of porosity. The Corps is always ready to synergise with sister security agencies to strengthen the security architecture of the nation.”

In another development, the controller general said its operative acting on intelligence intercepted eight containers ladened with illicit drugs in transit to a bonded warehouse.

He explained the smugglers trying to evade their officers wrongly declared its contents to evade duty payment and prohibition order.

He said, “Its officers, through synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, intercepted yet another 8×40-foot container in transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. The container numbers are TCKU6879285, CMAU5985012, CMAU7515384, CMAU4297020, SEKU5488437, BMOU4363156, MRKU4616024, and MRSU3068928.

“Upon examination, they were found to contain the following: Six containers laden with 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml), 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg) with a total duty-paid value of N9.6bn. Two containers laden with 720 bales of used clothes with a duty-paid value of N144m.

“The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is ₦13.92bn. In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken concerning these containers. The 40-footer container of evil, bearing 844 units of assorted rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition is hereby seized, alongside the other contents previously highlighted.

“The items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser for diligent investigation, and ultimately rigorous prosecution.

“The suspects arrested would be handed over to the centre for further processing. We will work diligently with other agencies of government to apprehend all other cohorts and death merchants involved in this monkey business. The eight containers whose contents were wrongly declared to evade duty payment and prohibition order are hereby declared seized.

“The licences and permits issued for the operation of all the warehouses and terminals as well as those of their Customs agents involved in these cases are hereby suspended pending the determination of their involvement.”

He also promised to ensure full sanction for officers found complicit in the perpetration of these nefarious acts.

“Customs Officers who are found complicit in the perpetration of these nefarious acts would be heavily sanctioned in a manner that would be approved by the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Officers who kept faith with the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and refused to be bribed into releasing these containers will be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

Abiodun condemns cops killing, restates call for state police

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Abiodun condemns cops killing, restates call for state police

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed his sadness over the killing of two police operatives in Aba, Abia State, on Friday.

The said incident again underlined the need for Nigeria to decentralise policing by establishing the state police.

The governor stated this on Monday in a condolence message he signed to commiserate with the people of Abia State and Governor Alex Otti.

He said those killing security officers who daily put their lives on the line for the safety of other Nigerians, were, no doubt, enemies of the nation and would surely pay for their criminal activities.

He enjoined the people of the state to join hands with Otti to tackle the menace of insecurity by promptly providing credible information in their communities on the activities of criminal elements.

Abiodun also called on the police and other sister security agencies to fish out the assailants to assure residents of the safety of their lives and property.

He further reiterated the call for state police as demanded by the Southern Governors’ Forum, adding that its introduction would help to resolve local crimes in various states of the federation.

“I sincerely commiserate with the government and the people of Abia State over the killing of security operatives in the state. Indeed, the issue of security is too important to be left in the hands of security agents alone.

“I urge the people to continue collaborating with security agencies by providing credible information that will help to nip criminal activities in the bud.

“Obviously, every crime has a local outlook. It is on that note that I call on the Federal Government, once again, to look into the issue of state policing as a way of strengthening our security architecture in the area of local intelligence gathering at the community level,” Abiodun said.

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Oyo, FG partners to distribute grains

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Oyo, FG partners to distribute grains

The Federal Government, in conjunction with the Oyo State government, on Monday, distributed assorted commodities from the Natural Strategic Reserve to vulnerable persons in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who received the foodstuffs at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Secretariat, Ibadan, warned the 33 local government chairmen in the state not to share the commodities among their political class.

Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, reminded them that security operatives, especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, would monitor the distribution.

The deputy governor said, “This distribution would have come before now, you know the project is directly under my office, but I intentionally delayed it by advising His Excellency, Governor Makinde.

“Now that you have been elected, you are now the chairmen of local governments. I want to warn you on behalf of the governor not to share it among yourselves or political class.”

He further explained that the state government also released funds for the project and urged them to distribute it to the appropriate group.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the Zonal Director, South-West, Steven Adewale, recalled that one of President Bola Tinubu’s promises was to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn being experienced in Nigeria.

“Mr President approved the release of 42,000MT of the assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum and garri.

“Based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items due for each local government area should be given to religious organisations (JNI & CAN) and three per cent to be given to the boarding schools in the councils,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, who represented the Olubadan-in-Council, urged both the federal and state governments to find solutions to the issues of insecurity in the state, especially in the Oke-Ogun region, lamenting that kidnapping and killing of farmers were rampant.

“I want to use this occasion to appeal to the Federal Government, through our dear Governor Makinde, to help us find lasting solutions to the insecurity in this state, especially in the Oke-Ogun area. Our people are no longer going to the farms for fear of being killed or kidnapped.

“We need security in this state. Please, it is getting out of hand. We need to go back to farming. We need tractors, let’s go back to mechanised farming.

“We Obas are discussing this issue of insecurity daily. Your Excellency, help us to pass this message to President Tinubu that people are suffering,” he said.

Borno bombing death toll hits 32, 14 survivors discharged

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Borno bombing death toll hits 32, 14 survivors discharged

The death toll in the Saturday suicide bombing attacks in the Gwoza area of Borno State has hit 32.

While 14 of the victims have been discharged, 26 remain in the hospital receiving treatment.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the update on Monday while speaking with journalists after paying a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the suicide bombings.

The attacks, carried out on Saturday by suspected female suicide bombers, struck a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral in Gwoza, a town near the border with Cameroon.

According to the Borno State Police Command spokesman, Nahum Daso, on Sunday, three blasts took place on Saturday in Gwoza.

Shettima described the incident as pathetic, rehashing the words of the late Dele Giwa saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the VP’s visit in a statement titled, ‘VP Shettima in Maiduguri, consoles victims of Gwoza suicide bombings’.

Shettima spoke to journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.

He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.

“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and ICRC for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”

The Vice President, who made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, said the heart of the President was with them.

“The heart of President Bola Tinubu is with the victims and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.

“We are here with the Director General of NEMA, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succor and support to the victims,” VP Shettima stated.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by the Presidency, said his administration would redouble its efforts “to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”

While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.

Also, the Southern Senators Forum, on Monday,  condemned the tragic suicide bombing attacks that took place in Tashan Mararaba, Gwoza town, Borno State.

In a statement on Monday and by its Chairman, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Secretary, Senator Barinada Mpigi,  the forum expressed profound shock and sorrow over the barbaric incident, extending their thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by the  of violence.

The lawmakers said, “These heinous acts of terrorism are a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing our nation.

“The despicable act once again highlights the urgent need for a collective, collaborative, and robust response to terrorism in our country.

“We call upon the Federal Government and all security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. Those responsible for this atrocity must be swiftly brought to justice.”

The forum, however, commended President Tinubu for his prompt condemnation of the attacks and his administration’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Similarly, opposition political parties, under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties,  condemned the Borno bombings.

The CUPP, in a statement by its National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, described the attacks as “evil works of formidable enemies who take advantage of government’s lack of proactive actions to wreak havoc on innocent Nigerians.”

The opposition parties said they received the new of “with a deep sense of grief.”

CUPP claimed that “over the years, it has become clear that the war against terror has been compromised by all those involved in dealing with the menace, with the government having no answers to the challenges posed by the terrorists that have been ravaging many parts of the country.

“The corruption enterprise surrounding the war efforts and absence of creative ideas on the part of government and the consistent failure of intelligence has contributed significantly to strengthening of the various terrorist groups terrorising the country for about two decades now.”

US Supreme Court says Trump enjoys immunity from criminal trial

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US Supreme Court says Trump enjoys immunity from criminal trial

The United States Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Donald Trump had some immunity from prosecution as a former President, a ruling that would likely delay his trial for conspiring to overturn the 2020 elections.

The 6-3 decision split along ideological lines comes four months ahead of the presidential election in which Trump is the Republican candidate to take on Democrat Joe Biden, AFP reports.

The historic case was the last heard during the court’s current term and had far-reaching implications for executive power and the White House race.

Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, in his majority opinion, said a president was “not above the law” but did have “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for official acts taken while in office.

“The president therefore may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers, and he is entitled, at a minimum, to a presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts,” Roberts said.

“As for a President’s unofficial acts, there is no immunity,” the chief justice added, sending the case back to a lower court to determine which of the charges facing the former president involves official or unofficial conduct.

A US District Court will now hold what is expected to be a series of lengthy pre-trial hearings, making a trial before the November election extremely unlikely.

Trump is charged with conspiracy to defraud the US as well as conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of an official proceeding – the January 6, 2021, joint session of Congress held to certify Biden’s victory.

He is also charged with conspiracy to deny Americans the right to vote and to have their votes counted.

The three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor saying she was doing so “with fear for our democracy.”

“Never in the history of our Republic has a President had reason to believe that he would be immune from criminal prosecution if he used the trappings of his office to violate the criminal law,” Sotomayor said. “In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law.”

“Orders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organises a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune,” she said.

AFP reports that the 78-year-old Trump, in a post on Truth Social, welcomed the ruling calling it a “big win for our Constitution and democracy.”

Biden’s reelection campaign team countered that Trump “thinks he’s above the law and is willing to do anything to gain and hold onto power for himself.”

“Donald Trump snapped after he lost the 2020 election and encouraged a mob to overthrow the results,” the Biden campaign said in a reference to the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Trump’s original trial date in the election case had been March 4.

But the Supreme Court – dominated by conservatives, including the three appointed by Trump – agreed in February to hear his argument for absolute presidential immunity, putting the case on hold while they considered the matter in April.

Facing four criminal cases, Trump has been doing everything in his power to delay the trials at least until after the election.

On May 30, a New York jury convicted Trump on felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal in the final stages of the 2016 presidential campaign, making Trump the first former US president ever convicted of a crime.

His sentencing will take place on July 11.

Why flood may worsen cholera outbreak in communities, experts warn

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Why flood may worsen cholera outbreak in communities, experts warn

As Nigeria is gripped by a fast-spreading cholera outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirming the disease in 115 Local Government Areas, across 32 states, physicians and researchers have urged the federal and state governments to provide safe drinking water to communities prone to flooding to curb further transmission of the infection.

The experts also want the FG to holistically address flooding in communities, warning that such a deluge could worsen the outbreak.

Establishing a link between flooding and cholera outbreak, a Medical Researcher, Dr Dan Onwujekwe, said communities affected by perennial flooding in the country may witness an outbreak of acute diarrhoeal diseases if the government fails to provide them with alternative sources of clean and safe water to drink.

Speaking in an interview with According Healthwise, the physician warned that an outbreak of cholera in flood-prone communities and states will fuel the number of casualties recorded so far from the outbreak.

Cholera, according to the experts, is a waterborne disease and the risk of transmission is higher where there is poor sanitation and disruption of potable water supply.

The researcher noted that cholera is always a major threat when the country experiences severe flooding.

Onwujekwe, who is a retired Chief Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba Lagos, recalled such outbreaks happening in the past and urged the government to avoid a repeat of the incident.

Cholera outbreaks, based on records, have been a reoccurring issue in Nigeria.

The World Health Organisation, Africa Region, noted that Nigeria experiences an increase in the number of cholera cases during the rainy season every year.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Surveillance and National Incident Manager, NCDC, Dr Muntari Hassan, recently announced that 54 deaths and 1,579 suspected cases have been documented since the beginning of the year.

The centre in its latest epidemiological report revealed that Nigeria has recorded a case-fatality ratio of 1.9% as of the beginning of June 2024.

Based on this, experts warn that Nigeria is at high risk for increased cholera transmission and impact due to the rainy season.

Further speaking on this, Onwujekwe explained that there was likely to be a surge in the outbreak of acute diarrhoeal diseases in the affected communities as the rains intensified.

“The major dangerous one of which is cholera, we must prepare for it. We are already having cases even before the flooding occurred.

“But it is just going to get worse with flooding. So, we must show preparedness, we must increase our preparedness, and show evidence to tackle it.

“The government should provide flood victims with alternative sources of protected and safe water to drink”, he maintained.

The current cholera outbreak has notably affected Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa states.

However, Bayelsa State is the most impacted, accounting for 50 per cent of all suspected cases.

The primary cause has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation, exacerbated by the onset of the rainy season, which often leads to increased cholera cases due to flooding and compromised water sources.

Continuing, Onwujekwe said there is a need to alert the public and also raise awareness of the inherent dangers of recording cholera outbreaks amid the flooding.

“The outbreak of cholera is what worries me most because sources of water for drinking will be compromised.

“We need to alert people to know that an outbreak of cholera is likely, due to the flooding. We need to be hammering on it so that everybody will know what to do to prevent cholera or what to do when they see such cases.

“There is a need to emphasize this because cholera is very deadly.

“It is a disease that is said to make physicians humble because they can easily get overwhelmed even though they are prepared to tackle it.

“We need to do a lot more now because it is going to happen, it is likely to spread.”

The researcher noted that awareness and preparation must be accorded a priority.

“In all those affected communities, we must do something to make sure that they have sources of water that are reliable. It is not rocket science. It can be done”, he said.

Economic activities grounded as flood washes away Taraba community road

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Economic activities grounded as flood washes away Taraba community road

Peva town, in Taraba State’s Takum Local Government Area, is the economic heartbeat of the region, contributing significantly to local and state revenue through its bustling market.

Adu, a nearby village, thrives economically by being closely connected to Peva’s market and serves as the agricultural hub supplying agricultural products to the market weekly.

However, this critical connection has been devastatingly severed by relentless rains, which have washed away the road linking Adu to Peva, plunging the community into isolation and economic hardship.

Mr. Tertsea Chieve, a resident of Adu, lost his rice farm to the floodwaters that cut off the village from Peva Market.

While reflecting on the sad development, Ugan said, “The rains came swiftly and fiercely, overwhelming Adu with a deluge that local elders describe as unprecedented.”

Arewa According reports that such was the havoc wrecked on the community that the road, which once meandered through rolling fields and past small homesteads, succumbed to the forces of nature.

Torrents of water cascaded from the hills, eroding the soil and undermining the roadbed, eventually causing large sections of the road to wash away.

“This is the worst rain I have seen in my life,” Chieve lamented, adding, “The road has never been in great shape, but it was our only link to the market. Now, it’s completely gone.”

The destruction of the road has far-reaching implications for Adu, a community where agriculture is the mainstay of local livelihoods. Farmers who relied on Peva Market to sell their crops and purchase essential supplies now face the grim reality of economic isolation.

Mr. Terkula Mnguve, a big-time farmer and businessman who equally lamented the development said, “We don’t have any alternative routes available, so we are forced to undertake the arduous and costly journey often through other neighbouring communities, just to reach Peva.

“The cost of transportation has increased tremendously, making it almost impossible for many to sell their goods at a profit,” he bemoaned.

Mr. Tersoo Mela, an economist and lecturer with the Taraba State University, said the impact of the damaged road extends beyond economic losses.

According to him, the road was also a vital conduit for essential services, including healthcare, education, and supplies.

“With its collapse, residents are cut off from these critical services. I was told that one Mr. Samuel Tordoo lost his wife, who was being transported to Peva during a child birth labour. Because of the damaged road, they took a long route, and before they could arrive Peva to access medication, she died on the way due to complications.

“That road and many other rural roads in the state need to be fixed quickly, or many lives will be at risk.

“For many families, the road also serves as their access to education, as children from Adu attend schools in Peva. With the road gone, the daily journey to school has become an insurmountable challenge, threatening to disrupt the education of dozens of children,” Mela pointed out.

Dr. Chiega Mela, Chairman of the Elders’ Forum for the People’s Democratic Party in the area, in a telephone interview with journalists, called for urgent help and determination from the authorities to rebuild the damaged road.

“We are a hardworking community, and all we ask is for the government to help us rebuild this road. It’s our lifeline. Without it, our future is uncertain,” Mela pleaded.

Hon. John Ali, Chairman of Takum Local Government Council, confirmed the devastating and totally collapsed state of the road occasioned by torrential rains.

However, he promised to mobilise resources and personnel to restore access.

“I received the report of the flooded road last night. The road is important to the people, and we can not allow it to remain destroyed. I will mobilise resources and men to the area to ensure there is access for now before taking further steps for proper construction,” Ali assured.

Kaduna NAWOJ addresses challenges of female journalists

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Kaduna NAWOJ addresses challenges of female journalists

A two-day capacity-building workshop that ended in Kaduna State on Friday has identified  alleged discrimination in the workplace and elevation in favour of their male colleagues as some of the challenges that women journalists in Nigeria endure.

In a communique at the end of the programme, the participants observed that women journalists “lack protection from their organisations and often face discrimination such as being passed over for assignments and promotion in favour of their male counterparts.”

Arewa According reports that CLEEN Foundation organised the workshop in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, the Norwegian Embassy, UN Women, and the Kaduna State Government.

Tagged, “Gender Responsive and Conflict Sensitive Actions,” the workshop drew participants from NAWOJ leadership from the North-West states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara as well as women security operatives and representatives of some Non-governmental Organisations.

Our correspondent, who was a participant at the conference, reports that some of the objectives of the workshop were to explore conflict sensitive journalism and mediation, emphasising the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women professionals.

According to the communique, “women journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive areas, frequently encounter harassment, intimidation and even physical threats both online and in the field.

“The demands of journalism such as long hours of duty are difficult for women journalists who also have family responsibilities.’’

“Women journalists have limited access to professional networks and mentorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

“Women journalists face additional barriers in accessing information sources and decision makers, especially male-dominated sectors and conservative communities.”

It added that, “Women journalists lack adequate knowledge on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR1325) which addresses the impacts of war on women and the importance of women’s full and equal participation in conflict resolution, peace building, peace keeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction.”

The communique recommended that, “women journalists should be allowed to carry out their primary functions without hindrance or threat.

“NAWOJ at the State levels should establish a Support Fund to assist the less privileged among them and members undergoing emotional trauma.

“An enhanced women representation in media leadership and other sectors and capacity mentorship training for early career women journalists,” the communique maintained.

Oil companies patronise illegal refineries, Tantita Security alleges

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Oil companies patronise illegal refineries, Tantita Security alleges

Oil companies buy refined Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, from illegal refineries in various host communities in the Niger Delta region, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited allegedly declared on Monday.

It declared this in the presence of international and domestic oil and gas companies at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference holding in Abuja. This was not contested by the oil firms present at the event.

Tantita is a security company headquartered in Warri, Delta State, focusing on the oil and gas sector, and offers security solutions specifically designed for oil and gas assets. The firm currently offers security services to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Speaking as a panellist at the session titled, “Exploring Nigerian Content Solutions to Meet Energy Demand,” the Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh said illegal refineries produce diesel in large volumes and their customers include many downstream operators.

He said the outfits get patronage from not just smugglers, but also from oil companies, stressing that the clampdown of these refineries by Tantita and other security agencies was the reason why diesel prices had been on the increase.

“Why is there no scarcity of diesel while there is scarcity of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol)? The story is simple, most of the diesel you buy is produced by the communities.

“About 90 per cent of the diesel in the fuel stations is produced by the communities. It will also interest you to know that even the oil companies patronise the local communities. Don’t let anybody deceive you, they (oil companies) also patronise the local communities,” he declared.

Enisuoh explained that to provide Nigerian content solutions to meet energy demand, concerning infrastructure, “we might need to focus more on the local communities.”

He insisted that if not for the interventions of security agencies such as his firm, the production of diesel illegally would continue to increase.

“The reason why the price of diesel is high today is because of the works of private security companies like my company Tantita Security Services.

“This is because we have been able to somehow cut down on a lot of the businesses of the illegal refineries. This is why you see the cost of diesel going up,” he stated.

On April 10, 2024, The According reported that NNPC declared that a tugboat conveying suspected illegally refined diesel was apprehended by operatives of Tantita Security Services Limited.

NNPCL had stated that the tugboat was being escorted by a marine police boat in Rivers State before it was arrested by the security outfit, adding that five persons on the boat were currently being interrogated by Tantita.

“On Monday, April 1, 2024, the Tantita Security Services team on patrol pursued and arrested a tugboat – Aya Oba Olori II, which was being escorted by a marine police boat in Rivers State.

“The tugboat was laden with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally refined AGO which was loaded from a barge at Onne dock on March 31. Five persons onboard the tugboat were arrested by Tantita team and are undergoing interrogation,” NNPC had stated.

In another development on the sidelines of the NOG conference, the Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, led Nigeria’s delegation in a meeting with the African Petroleum Regulators Forum.

He said members of the forum, comprising regulators from various countries on the continent, would work together to harness and judiciously utilise the 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves in Africa.

He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards fostering a more collaborative, innovative, and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.

“The establishment of the AFRIPERF signifies our commitment to working together to overcome common challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead so that we can achieve our national aspirations in the development and utilisation of our hydrocarbon resources.

“Currently, Africa holds substantial oil and gas reserves. The continent’s proven oil reserves are estimated to be around 125 billion barrels, representing approximately seven to nine per cent of the world’s total oil reserves, while the proven natural gas reserves are estimated at around 620 trillion cubic feet, which is about seven to eight per cent of the global total (Mondaq),” Komolafe stated.

He noted that aside from hydrocarbon resources, Africa is blessed with potential for green and blue hydrogen, solar, wind, biomass and critical minerals for the development of clean energy technologies as well as a growing population predominated by young people representing a huge economic asset.

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