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Southern senators revive forum, appoint new leaders

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Southern senators revive forum, appoint new leaders

Senators from the southern part of the country have revived their forum.

They met for the first time on the platform of the Southern Senators Forum to inaugurate the forum nine months after the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

The 51 senators from the 17 southern states, met and elected six executives under the Chairmanship of Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC Lagos East).

Other members of the executives are: Vice Chairman, Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party, Anambra Central), Secretary, Senator Mpigi Barinada ( PDP, Rivers South East), Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ( APC, Cross River North ) and Treasurer, Senator Kenneth Eze ( APC Ebonyi Central).

Addressing the forum at the inaugural meeting, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the forum has been in existence since the 9th Senate and not a newly formed forum.

He said his current position as Leader of the 10th Senate prevented him from providing the required leadership, which has necessitated the change of leadership which took place at the meeting .

The Senate leader said, “What is happening here today is not new as both the Southern and Northern Senators’ fora existed even before this 10th Senate.

“At this meeting of the Southern senators, new executive members will be announced to steer the affairs of the forum.

“The new chairman as unanimously agreed by Southern Senators is Senator Adetokunbo Abiru ( APC Lagos East) , Vice Chairman, Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party , Anambra Central) , Secretary , Senator Mpigi Barinada ( PDP Rivers South East) , Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River North ) and Treasurer , Senator Kenneth Eze ( APC Ebonyi Central).”

Accepting his appointment as the new leader of the forum, Abiru said the forum would serve as a veritable platform for discussing, analysing and dissecting national issues by Southern senators for the purpose of moving Nigeria forward.

He added that they would partner with the Northern Senators Forum to move the country forward.

Abiru said, “This forum, the Southern Senators Forum is to champion the course of Nigeria and Nigerians. We have our Northern brothers with the Northern Senators Forum. We will work together with the Northern Senators Forum to move the country forward.

“We will swing into action and roll out our plans for the betterment of the region and Nigeria. We will map out our plans and work on them for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians generally.”

When asked by our correspondent why it took the forum nine months before its inauguration and if it had anything to do with what transpired in the plenary on Tuesday, Abiru said it had nothing to do with it.

He said, “No, it doesn’t have anything to do with what happened at the plenary yesterday. The last leadership headed by the leader of the Senate is just transferring their powers and responsibilities to us.

“We have been running, it’s not like we haven’t existed, what we just have now is a change of leadership because our former leader is now the leader of the Senate.

“So, what we had today is a change of leadership and we will follow in line with the direction they have given us. It’s continuity and we will all work together.”

Chartered institute of directors inaugurates South West executives

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Chartered institute of directors inaugurates South West executives

The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Abeokuta Southwest zone, has inaugurated its new executive officials.

The swearing-in, conducted by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIoD Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, represented by the Secretary-General, Mr. Bamidele Alimi, was held at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during the institute’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.

The inauguration witnessed the emergence of Chief Olabode Mustapha as the Chairman, Dr. Olubola Aikulola as Vice-Chairman, Olori O.M Aboderin-Olubasi as Secretary, Mr. Ogunseye Oluwaseyi as Treasurer, and Mr. Rotimi Olashore as Public Relations Officer.

Congratulating the new executives, Borodo expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of the zone’s inaugural Chairman, Chief Alaba Lawson, who served from 2017 until her death in October 2023.

He said, “I am honoured to stand before you today at the first Annual General Meeting of the Charter. I feel great to be among esteemed colleagues of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria.

“Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to all esteemed members of the zone for this stride, and I must particularly use this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the inaugural Chairman of the Zone, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, F.IoD, who served from 2017 till her demise in October 2023.

“As we usher in new leadership to champion the affairs of the zone, I offer my congratulations and best wishes while assuring them of the institute’s support and dedication to advancing the zone’s activities and progress,.”

In his remark, the new Chairman, Mustapha, pledged to expand membership and organise events to attract valuable contributors to the Southwest zone.

“I am confident that with the inauguration of an EXCO for the zone, more members will undoubtedly be brought on board, and events will be organised to attract members who could significantly add value to the South West Zone and the whole of the institute, especially now that it has attained its Charter status.

“Let me, however, accord due respect to the former Chairman of the Branch, Late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council CIoD Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, and his Governing Council members for their resounding and tireless effort in ensuring that the Institute’s Chartership portfolio becomes a reality.

“I must also recognise the DG/CEO, Mr. Bamidele Alimi, for his steadfastness and his entire team for their collective efforts in the institute’s stewardship roles,” he added.

He further commended the efforts of Borodo and the Governing Council for their collective roles in the institute.

CIoD Nigeria is a professional institute that promotes directors, develops corporate governance, represents members to the government, enhances the economy for business development, and provides services to its membership.

Zamfara bans tinted glasses, unlabelled bread

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Zamfara bans tinted glasses, unlabelled bread

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of tinted glasses, the sale of unlabelled bread, and the sale of over 50 litres of petrol throughout the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, on Wednesday.

Lawal signed Executive Order No. 02 and Executive Order No. 04, 2024, to address various concerns identified as contributing factors to the security challenges in the state.

The statement read, “Following the recent spate of attacks on some communities across some local government areas of the state, particularly Zurmi, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda and Talata Mafara and the resurgence of activities of banditry, kidnapping in communities and some major federal highways in the state, Governor Lawal has signed Executive Order No. 02 2024, banning the sale of unlabelled and packaged bread in sacks and prohibiting some unwanted activities in the state.

“All bakery production companies and enterprises must label their bread with the full address and particulars of their production factory with immediate effect.

“All petrol filling stations in the state shall not sell more than 50 litres of petrol to vehicles at a time. Petroleum product sales at filling stations are also restricted from 6am to 6pm.

“Transportation/sale of bread is restricted within the capital of every local government.

“For Gusau, the restriction is limited to the following areas: Damba—Zaria road; Gada Biyu—Sokoto road; Command Guest House along Kaura Namoda road; Gusau Garage—Dansadau road.”

The governor also prohibited the use of tinted glasses by all vehicle owners in the state.

“Vehicle owners are prohibited from covering their licenced number plates while driving.

“All vehicle owners must possess their vehicle particulars and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zamfara State Road Traffic Law No. 2, 2015, and other relevant laws,” the statement added.

Benue varsity lecturers suspend strike

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Benue varsity lecturers suspend strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Branch, Makurdi has suspended its strike.

This was contained in the statement issued by the chairman and secretary of the association, Comrades Kwagfan Tarnongo and Terrumun Gajir, respectively and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The BSU ASUU has been on strike since February 1, 2024, to demand implementation and payment of accrued arrears of 2021, 2022, and 2023 promotions

The union said it suspended the strike based on the personal intervention of the visitor to the university, Governor Hyacinth Alia and his appeal and assurances that all the grievances of ASUU-BSU will be resolved as soon as it suspends the strike action.

“The Congress therefore mandated the Branch Executive Committee to enter into the tripartite agreement.

“Thus, the Congress of ASUU-BSU resolved to suspend the strike action in deference to the intervention of the Visitor and Executive Governor of Benue State.

“The Congress of ASUU-BSU firmly believes that the government under Governor Hyacinth Alia shall ensure that the agreement is implemented fully, expeditiously, and satisfactorily.

“In view of the foregoing, and following permission from ASUU National, ASUU-BSU wishes to inform the public that the strike it embarked upon on the 1st February 2024 has been suspended today, Wednesday 13 March 2024,” the statement read in part.

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Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil servants

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Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil servants

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved the adjustment of closing time for civil servants during the Ramadan fasting period.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Overseeing Director, Establishments for Head of Civil Service, Isma’il Ibn Garam, the governor said civil servants are to close at 3 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, while on Fridays, offices are to close at 1 pm with effect from the start to the end of the fasting period.

The statement added that the adjustment is to support Muslim civil servants in observing the sacred practices of Ramadan and to engage fully in worship.

“The government, therefore, encouraged the civil servants to use the holy month to pray for the prosperity and advancement of the state and nation at large,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Sokoto, has approved the payment of half the salary as a Ramadan gift to all civil servants from primary school teachers to local government staff as well as pensioners in the state.

This, according to the governor, formed part of his efforts to ensure that Muslims in the state start this year’s Ramadan fast comfortably.

A statement signed by his media aide, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to newsmen on Sunday read, “The governor in a magnanimous gesture, which is expected to commence tonight, is to assist workers in the state observe this year’s Ramadan fast with relative ease.

“Governor Aliyu, therefore, appealed to the Muslim ummah to use the sacred month to pray for Allah’s intervention in the numerous challenges hindering Nigeria’s development.

“He also called on traders and wealthy individuals in the state to show love and mercy to the have-nots for them to earn Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in this holy month.

“The governor thanked the people of the state for their continued support and fervent prayers to his administration, which he described as key to all the success so far recorded in the state.”

Pensioners threaten protest as FG withholds wage awards 

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Pensioners threaten protest as FG withholds wage awards 

Pensioners who retired from the Federal Civil Service have threatened a nationwide protest over the Federal Government’s failure to pay their wage awards.

The pensioners, under the aegis of Federal Civil Service Pensioners, an affiliate of the National Union of Pensioners, expressed dismay at the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s failure to pay the wage awards despite the untold hardship currently being faced by Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.

Tinubu announced during his October 2023 Independence Day speech that his administration will pay N35,000 to active workers and N25,000 to pensioners pending the completion of negotiations for the new minimum wage.

Though the government commenced the payment of active workers, the scheme was suspended before it took off again in December 2023 after pressure from the Organised Labour.

While addressing selected press members in Abuja on Wednesday, Sunday Omezi, President of the Federal Civil Service Pensioners, said pensioners were experiencing excruciating pain and agony.

“We feel constrained to bring to the knowledge of the world through this medium, the excruciating pains and agony we have been subjected to over the years by the same government we served vigorously and diligently with our youthful energy without blemish only to be abused, dehumanised, marginalised and neglected with reckless abandon, after sapping our energy and leaving us dejected and consigned to rot and death.”

Speaking on the unpaid wage award, Omezi said, “It is pathetic and disappointing to bring to the fore the non-payment of the N25,000 wage award promised to pensioners by the government.

“It is rather distasteful that up to date, no single payment has been made to pensioners. We are hereby demanding immediate payment of the award because it is so embarrassing for such a promise to be left unfulfilled.”

Omezi also noted that pensioners have been profusely crying tears of pain over the years, as evidenced by several official representations to the government.

“Our telling has been deliberately ignored, hence we are left with no option, but to cry out louder to the world to be informed of the pathetic condition we have been made to suffer by the same system that is expected to protest us.”

When asked whether the union would protest, Omezi said, “We are hoping it won’t get to that. That is the major reason we have this press briefing. However, if nothing is done, we may have to embark on a protest.”

Binance says it restricted 281 Nigerian accounts in 2022

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The largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, stated that it restricted 281 accounts belonging to Nigerians in 2022 due to money laundering concerns.

The exchange said it also collaborated with the Federal Government to protect users from illicit activity.

This information was disclosed in a statement published on its website on Wednesday.

A few weeks ago, Binance announced its decision to stop naira-to-dollar exchange services following a fallout with Nigerian authorities, who had accused the platform of manipulating the country’s foreign exchange rate.

The exchange mentioned that its team visited Nigeria twice in the fourth quarter, conducting comprehensive law enforcement training sessions for officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

With over 30 investigators in attendance for each full-day session, Binance said it provided a detailed overview of its operations, training Nigerian law enforcement on the intricacies of exchanges in the digital asset ecosystem.

“During these sessions, various case studies were presented, including those involving suspects from Nigeria. The positive feedback received from Nigerian investigators underscored their strong desire to sustain this cooperative format, the platform noted.

“Binance’s financial crime compliance teams processed 626 information requests related to Nigeria or from local law enforcement agencies between June 2020 and February 2024.

“The Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and INTERPOL Nigeria were among the many organisations that benefited from the information we supplied in their efforts to combat crimes ranging from money laundering, kidnapping, extortion, and scams,” it said.

The exchange also conducted a three-hour online workshop for 70 EFCC officials in August 2023. The workshop’s main objectives were to interpret Binance’s operational responses and determine how best to use our help.

“We worked closely with the authorities to safeguard users from illegal activity in a well-publicised action that occurred in January 2022, restricting 281 accounts that belonged to Nigerian residents because of worries about money laundering,” it added.

The crypto exchange recognises Nigeria’s thriving fintech ecosystem, anticipating that nearly half of all investments in Africa from 2019 to 2023 will be directed to the country.

“Operating alongside established global players like Binance is deemed vital for the cohesive growth of this ecosystem, fostering a supportive environment for dynamic local startups,” the company noted.

Binance explained that collaboration with regulators and law enforcement in Nigeria would accelerate its financial technology adoption.

According to the exchange, the suggestion is to rely on top-tier partners with a proven track record of productive partnerships with both Nigerian and international authorities.

Looking ahead, Binance expressed eagerness to continue positive interactions, aiming to contribute to the prosperity of every Nigerian through ongoing collaboration and support for the nation’s fintech evolution.

Police arrest three for alleged killing of Kwara tricycle operator

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Police arrest three for alleged killing of Kwara tricycle operator

Three suspects have been arrested by the Kwara Police Command over the dismembered corpse of a tricycle operator discovered in a yet-to-be-occupied building in Oko- Olowo area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

The body of the Tricycle operator identified as Musibau Aliu who had been declared missing since last Friday by his family was found in a yet-to-be-completed building on Sunday according to a source.

According Online gathered that Musibau’s head, two wrists, private part and buttocks had been severed from his body when the corpse was discovered on Tuesday after days of search by the family.

The victim, according to a source, plies the Alore/Banni route in Ilọrin West Local Government Area with his tricycle.

“It was the owner of the building where Musbau’s corpse was found that reported the matter at the Nigeria Police station, Oloje in Ilorin West local government area when he came to effect repairs in the building,” the source said.

The chairman of the tricycle park at Alore/Isale- Banni, Ilorin, Mallam Gafari Imam, who confirmed the incident added, “It was on Saturday morning that his family and colleagues came to me that they had not seen him since 6:00 pm on Friday.

“We have held a prayer today (Tuesday) at their family house for Almighty Allah to expose whoever is behind this dastardly act as soon as possible. I have never experienced such before in my life.

“But, the police have detained the owner of the building where he was killed and one of the deceased’s friends,” Gafar stated.

Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

“On March 10th, 2024, at about 13:30hrs, the command received information regarding the discovery of a headless corpse in an uncompleted building along Okolowo Expressway, by Daru-Salam Area. Upon arrival at the scene, a decomposing male corpse was found with the head, part of the buttocks, and both wrists severed. It was later confirmed by Mr. Saliman that the deceased was indeed his missing brother, Mr. Musibau Aliu. The deceased was identified as the Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Idiose Alore, Ilorin.

“Following swift investigation on the incident, Police arrested three suspects who included: Abdullahi Ibrahim of Medina Area, Ilorin, Ismaila Ajirerin, aged 38, from Akata Compound, Alore, Ilorin. and Adeola Adeosun, aged 40, from Omo Compound, Eruda, Ilorin in connection with this heinous crime.

“We are committed to exhaustively pursuing the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing with a view toward ensuring justice,” the police assured.

In a similar incident, the command also arrested another three suspects who allegedly robbed a farmer who went to check his traps in his farm at Oko-Erin area in Ilorin West local government area of the state.

Ejire-Adeyemi said that the victim who went to his farm while attending to his traps was robbed of his Infinix Note 11 mobile phone valued at #150,000:00 at gunpoint by the suspects.

“Thanks to the swift response of our diligent officers the first suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident. Subsequently, the investigation led to the identification and arrest of two other suspects. Additionally, a Cut-to-Size single-barrel gun, believed to have been used during the operation, was recovered from one of the suspects.

“The suspects have been identified as John Ndubusi Nbakogu, Toheeb Suleiman, and Bolakale Quadir, also known as Adaka. Through investigation, it was discovered that these suspects are indeed responsible for the heinous act perpetrated against the complainant.”

She said that the suspects would be arraigned in court to face prosecution for their involvement in the crime.

“We urge members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and relevant information that could assist in the prevention and detection of crime,” she said.

Kwara police arrest three over tricycle operator’s murder

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Kwara police arrest three over tricycle operator's murder

Three suspects have been arrested by the Kwara Police Command over the dismembered corpse of a tricycle operator discovered in a yet-to-be-occupied building in Oko- Olowo area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

The body of the Tricycle operator identified as Musibau Aliu who had been declared missing since last Friday by his family was found in a yet-to-be-completed building on Sunday according to a source.

According Online gathered that Musibau’s head, two wrists, private part and buttocks had been severed from his body when the corpse was discovered on Tuesday after days of search by the family.

The victim, according to a source, plies the Alore/Banni route in Ilọrin West Local Government Area with his tricycle.

“It was the owner of the building where Musbau’s corpse was found that reported the matter at the Nigeria Police station, Oloje in Ilorin West local government area when he came to effect repairs in the building,” the source said.

The chairman of the tricycle park at Alore/Isale- Banni, Ilorin, Mallam Gafari Imam, who confirmed the incident added, “It was on Saturday morning that his family and colleagues came to me that they had not seen him since 6:00 pm on Friday.

“We have held a prayer today (Tuesday) at their family house for Almighty Allah to expose whoever is behind this dastardly act as soon as possible. I have never experienced such before in my life.

“But, the police have detained the owner of the building where he was killed and one of the deceased’s friends,” Gafar stated.

Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

“On March 10th, 2024, at about 13:30hrs, the command received information regarding the discovery of a headless corpse in an uncompleted building along Okolowo Expressway, by Daru-Salam Area. Upon arrival at the scene, a decomposing male corpse was found with the head, part of the buttocks, and both wrists severed. It was later confirmed by Mr. Saliman that the deceased was indeed his missing brother, Mr. Musibau Aliu. The deceased was identified as the Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Idiose Alore, Ilorin.

“Following swift investigation on the incident, Police arrested three suspects who included: Abdullahi Ibrahim of Medina Area, Ilorin, Ismaila Ajirerin, aged 38, from Akata Compound, Alore, Ilorin. and Adeola Adeosun, aged 40, from Omo Compound, Eruda, Ilorin in connection with this heinous crime.

“We are committed to exhaustively pursuing the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing with a view toward ensuring justice,” the police assured.

In a similar incident, the command also arrested another three suspects who allegedly robbed a farmer who went to check his traps in his farm at Oko-Erin area in Ilorin West local government area of the state.

Ejire-Adeyemi said that the victim who went to his farm while attending to his traps was robbed of his Infinix Note 11 mobile phone valued at #150,000:00 at gunpoint by the suspects.

“Thanks to the swift response of our diligent officers the first suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident. Subsequently, the investigation led to the identification and arrest of two other suspects. Additionally, a Cut-to-Size single-barrel gun, believed to have been used during the operation, was recovered from one of the suspects.

“The suspects have been identified as John Ndubusi Nbakogu, Toheeb Suleiman, and Bolakale Quadir, also known as Adaka. Through investigation, it was discovered that these suspects are indeed responsible for the heinous act perpetrated against the complainant.”

She said that the suspects would be arraigned in court to face prosecution for their involvement in the crime.

“We urge members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and relevant information that could assist in the prevention and detection of crime,” she said.

Tinubu rules out ransom payment

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Tinubu rules out ransom payment

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it would not pay “a dime” as ransom for the release of over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School at Kuriga, Kaduna State, kidnaped on March 7.

“Mr. President reiterated his zero tolerance for the payment of ransom…and Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told State House correspondents at the end of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Idris insisted that the security agencies are “working round the clock” to ensure their release, adding that they will be “brought back to safety.”

His remarks come barely 24 hours after Kaduna-based Muslim cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, offered to dialogue with terrorists who abducted at least 280 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

The terrorists reportedly invaded Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna, shooting at their targets before whisking away the pupils and teachers from both schools.

Locals said the secondary section of the school was relocated to the primary school on account of the security threats to the Council.

A day earlier, the United Nations confirmed the abduction of at least 200 internally displaced persons from their camp in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement released on last Wednesday, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the abductees, including women, boys and girls, were captured while fetching firewood.

Although the actual number of IDPs abducted remains unknown, Fall said they may be over 200 persons. Fall added that the terrorists released some older women and children below 10 years.

Gumi advised that to facilitate the release of the abducted schoolchildren, the President should give him the opportunity to negotiate.

The Islamic scholar warned against Tinubu repeating the mistake made by his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.

Conveying the President’s stance on the issue, the minister said, “In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely. This was also mentioned by Mr. President in Clcouncil today.

“So the security agencies are working around the clock. These children and people who have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon.

“The security agencies are working hard in that direction. And Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements.”.

On TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that the FG is receiving support from the United States government for the release of the students, teachers and IDPs.

Asked what specific support the United States is prepared to offer Nigeria in the rescue efforts, Idris replied, “We’re aware that it is not just the US that has offered. Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that the government is still reviewing these offers and the position of government will be made known to you.

“Now, like I said, Mr. President has said this is not an unacceptable situation. The government will not condone abductions or kidnapping or any kind of criminality in that direction…and the government is taking very proactive steps first to mitigate and also to stop the spread of this.

“The government is not taking any excuses. The President has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process to ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom. So it’s important to underscore that the government is not paying anybody any dime.”

The FG said it is “optimistic that these children and other people that are abducted” will be returned to their families in safety.

President Tinubu had on Friday condemned what he called “heinous incidents of abduction,” directing security agencies to ensure their rescue.

Tinubu, who said he had been briefed on both abductions, assured Nigerians of ongoing rescue efforts.

“I have received briefing from security chiefs on the two incidents, and I am confident that the victims will be rescued.

“Nothing else is acceptable to me and the waiting family members of these abducted citizens. Justice will be decisively administered,” a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted him saying.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu condemns Borno, Kaduna abductions; directs immediate rescue of captives.’

The statement read, “The President directs security and intelligence agencies to immediately rescue the victims and ensure that justice is served against the perpetrators of these abominable acts.”

He also sympathised with the families of the victims, assuring them that they would soon be reunited with their loved ones.