Home Blog Page 1990

 In Gombe, tricycle rider masterminds his own kidnapping, demands N500,000 to settle debt

0

Hallilu Aliyu, 32, has been arrested by the Gombe State Police Command for masterminding his own kidnapping for a ransom of N500,000.

Aliyu and Ahmed Ladan, 42, were said to have been arrested after police officers from the State Intelligence Bureau in Gombe received a complaint.

Read Also:  Nigerian kidnappers are now targeting dual citizens, US warns Travelers

The case involved criminal conspiracy, intimidation, kidnapping, and extortion, according to a statement obtained by our correspondent through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mary Malum.

“The first suspect, Haliru Aliyu’m’ of Tudun Wada quarters Gombe, was given a tricycle by his sister-in-law after his business collapsed,” Malum said.

Read Also:  Military Pensions Board will soon clear 24 months of arrears – Chairman

“However, without the knowledge of the owner, the said suspect later sold the tricycle for N250,000.”

When the owner demanded the tricycle or money, the suspect did not show up. According to him, on December 30, 2021, the suspect went to his friend’s house, one Ahmed Ladan’m’, where they criminally conspired and faked a kidnap of the said Haliru Aliyu with the intention of extorting the sum of N500,000 from his elder sister, one Zainab Aliyu ‘f’, aged 42yrs of the same address, to enable him to refund the money.”

Military Pensions Board will soon clear 24 months of arrears – Chairman

0

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) promised on Wednesday that once the fiscal year 2022 budget is passed and signed by Mr. President, the 24 months of minimum wage pension arrears will be cleared.
In response to Wednesday morning protests by members of some military veteran groups, the Board stated this.

The MFB, in a press release signed by its Chairman, Commodore S. A. Lawal, urged the pensioners to stop agitating because their demands are being addressed by government agencies.

“Our esteemed military retirees will recall that in May 2021, the MPB notified them through a press release of my discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (FMFBNP) regarding payment of all outstanding entitlements of military retirees as a result of the consequential adjustments on pensions occasioned by the New Minimum Wage Act, 2019,” according to the Chairman.

“In June 2021, my Ministry engagements paid off when funds were released to the Board for the payment of shortfalls in military retiree gratuities who retired/discharged from the Services between 18 April 2019 and 30 April 2021, as well as the implementation of the new pensions pay chart.”

“As a result, as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the shortfall in gratuities to deserving retired/discharged personnel was paid in July 2021, while all active retirees were placed on their new pension pay scale WEF May 2021.”

“It is in this light that I would like to inform our esteemed retirees that the funds for payment of the 24 month minimum wage pension arrears to military pensioners are included in the Board’s year 2022 budget estimates, which are currently being considered by the National Assembly.”

“Furthermore, I am pleased to inform our esteemed retirees that the Board’s budget estimates for the year 2022 have been successfully defended before relevant National Assembly committees.”

“As a result, I’d like to take this opportunity to inform and reassure all of our valued retirees that payments of the outstanding 24 months minimum wage pension arrears will begin once the fiscal year 2022 budget is passed and signed by Mr. President.”

“In light of these developments, the MPB wishes to reassure our valued military retirees, NOKs, and other well-meaning Nigerians that the Board remains committed to paying all entitlements due to military retirees or their NOKs as soon as possible.”

Read also: Stop attacking me, concentrate on governance instead, Saraki Informs Kwara Governor

Our retirees are urged to continue to show greater patience and understanding, and to refrain from participating in any public protests or demonstrations while the issues at hand are being addressed.

“Additionally, in light of the current security situation in the country and the spread of a new variant of the COVID-19 Virus, military pensioners and other stakeholders in the administration of military pensions should discourage gatherings of any kind in the name of protests of any kind.”

Nigerian kidnappers are now targeting dual citizens, US warns Travelers

0

Travelers to Nigeria, particularly US citizens, have been advised to reconsider their plans because kidnappers are increasingly targeting dual nationals.

The US State Department’s Nigeria Travel Advisory, dated January 4, 2022, stated that kidnappers are targeting US citizens with a perceived wealth.

Read Also:  DG of NYSC congratulates members of staff on the success of program

“Violent crime such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, banditry, and rape is common throughout the country,” the advisory stated, adding that “Violent crime such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, banditry, and rape is common throughout the country.”

“Ransom kidnappings are common, and they frequently target dual nationals returning to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with a perceived wealth. On interstate highways, kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims.”

Because “the security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, intercommunal violence, and kidnapping,” the US warned citizens against visiting Borno, Yobe, and Northern Adamawa. Security operations to counter these threats could happen at any time.

“In the Northeast, terrorist groups routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road users.”

Due to roadside banditry and unexpected counter-attacks from security agencies, travel to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states should be reconsidered, according to the report.

“Due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, particularly kidnapping and roadside banditry, the security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable.” The advisory warned that “security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.”

Read Also:  Gunmen kidnap two Chinese nationals, kill three Nigerians in Niger

The US also warned that the threat is not limited to the northern part of the country, recommending that US citizens avoid coastal areas such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt).

“Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, with an increased risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. The advisory went on to say that “violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas.”

NYSC ready for radio broadcast — NBC DG

0

The Director General , National Broadcasting Commission Balarabe Shehu Illelah has expressed deep satisfaction with the adequate provisions made by the NYSC towards the commencement of radio transmission as soon as Broadcasting licence is approved.

The NBC boss commended the present NYSC Management for procuring standard Radio equipment and building a digital studio preparatory to a preliminary inspection which confirmed their commitment to publicising the activities of the Scheme especially through mainstream Broadcast media.

Mr Illela was speaking today while assessing the Studio facilities Installed at the proposed ‘NYSC Radio’ complex located at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters, Maitama- Abuja. He said with the standard facilities he had seen, NYSC is on the right track towards obtaining a broadcast licence after a thorough screening procedure.

While taking the NBC DG round the studio, the NYSC Director General Major General Shu’aibu Ibrahim disclosed that the proposed NYSC Radio was initiated to reach out to the grassroots and make the Scheme more visible in its drive at promoting national integration, self reliance and socio-economic development. He said the Radio will compliment other multimedia channels deployed in informing the public all the invaluable contributions of corps members to national development.

While reacting to the observations made by his Guest, the NYSC Director General, Maj General Shuaibu Ibrahim assured the NBC that all arrangements have been made to start Broadcasting as soon as licence is granted through the commission. He said NYSC has competent personnel to operate optimally considering its multidisciplinary graduate manpower across the federation.

Before leaving NYSC Headquarters, the Director General NBC was taken round the resourceful NYSC Museum where he inspected historical artefacts and documented information on the evolution of the Scheme , its activities, interventions and contributions to national development agenda over the years.

Stop attacking me, concentrate on governance instead, Saraki Informs Kwara Governor

0

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, has advised Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, to focus on how to provide efficient governance to the people of the state.

He also urged the governor to take action.

cure himself of his fixation on his name, especially since he had assumed the position he now holds in the state 18 years ago.

Read Also:  Emefiele: Extensive Structural Reform Required To accelerate economic growth

“Governor Abdulrazaq has continued to display the attitude of a man suffering from inferiority complex and that is why he would always talk about Saraki who left the office of Governor of Kwara State over a decade ago,” Saraki said in a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by its Head, Mr..Yusuph Olaniyonu, and made available to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday.

“The Media Office of Abubakar Bukola Saraki noted the ‘long essay’ written by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Press Secretary to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, which drifted with Saraki’s name from the headline to the last sentence,” the statement said.

“Normally, one would dismiss the piece as yet another diversionary ploy employed by a Governor and a government now infamous for failing to deliver on numerous promises made to the people during election campaigns.”

“However, we believe it is critical to inform the governor and his spin doctors that the public has seen through their deception and that they should now focus their efforts on providing good governance to the good people of Kwara State.”

Read also:  Osun State Gov Gifts Cars to Workers, claims they are brains behind success

“It is critical for Abdulrazaq and his cohorts to be reminded that Saraki can never be governor again,” the statement continued.

“In 2023, he (Saraki) will not be on the ballot for governorship.” So, why does the governor and his administration always bring up Saraki? They should be aware that the year 2023 will determine whether he (the governor) lived up to expectations as a capable and efficient administrator.

“The governor of Kwara State should also be aware that the year 2023 will be a referendum on whether the promises he made to the people were kept.

It won’t matter how many times he abused Saraki or what he did to enrage the Saraki family in this election.

“We also need to remind the Governor that in the next general elections in Kwara State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Saraki belongs, will field a competent, well-educated, experienced, and acceptable gubernatorial candidate who will be ready to debate the current government’s performance in public fora and tell the people what policies, programs, and projects they should expect from him.”

“The Governor and his aides will be suffering from the grandeur of delusion to believe that by 2023, the major issues in Kwara State will be their repeated lies and propaganda or false claims,” the statement said.

“Also, the next elections will not be held on the basis of empty promises.” It will be a serious election with a clear referendum on the incumbent’s performance and how to make Kwara greater.”

Read Also:  Gunmen kidnap two Chinese nationals, kill three Nigerians in Niger

The statement, on the other hand, chastised Abdulrazaq and his aides for believing that the governor could win re-election solely by attacking Saraki and using his name to divert attention away from the administration’s many flaws.

Olaniyonu went on to say that while the government has a responsibility to the people to account for its accomplishments on a regular basis, every government should recognize that the people are more discerning and can sift the truth from empty claims or grandstanding.

Gunmen kidnap two Chinese nationals, kill three Nigerians in Niger

0

Gunmen kidnapped two Chinese nationals working on the Zungeru Hydroelectric dam project in Niger State’s Rafi Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Three Nigerians are said to have been killed and one Chinese is said to have been injured during the gunmen’s raid.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m., when the foreigners and their Nigerian counterparts were working on the installation of electric cables in the nearby Gusase community.

Read Also:  IHU: New vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant was discovered in France, linked to Cameroon

It was learned that a group of 20 gunmen on motorcycles stormed the site where the foreign and Nigerian nationals were working and began shooting indiscriminately.

The three Nigerians and one Chinese were hit by bullets in the ensuing chaos, while the two other Chinese were forced onto two motorcycles and driven into the bush.

The incident was confirmed by the Niger State Police Command in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun.

“On 04/1/2022 at about 1630hrs, suspected armed bandits attacked workers of Sino-Hydro Power Dam,” Abiodun said in the statement. Some Chinese expatriates and local employees were attacked while working on a transmission line tower near Gussase village.

“However, a police tactical team stationed at the facility engaged the hoodlums in a gunfight, rescuing four of the expatriates, with one of them and a local staff member suffering a bullet wound and being taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Read Also:  Ortom re-appoints eight commissioners after dissolving Exco

“Three of the expatriates were currently unaccounted for while fleeing for safety during the gun duel.

“At Zungeru, joint police/military tactical teams are already on the lookout for hoodlums and rescuing missing/abducted expatriates.”

Ortom re-appoints eight commissioners after dissolving Exco

0

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has approved the partial dissolution of the state executive council, which will take effect immediately.

Prof. Anthony Ijohor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), made the announcement in a statement made available to journalists yesterday evening.

Eight commissioners were retained, according to the statement, while eight others were nominated for screening and confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.

Read Also:  DG of NYSC congratulates members of staff on the success of program

Mike Gusa, the state’s attorney general and commissioner for justice; Dr. Joseph Ngbea, the commissioner for health and human services; David Olofu, the commissioner for finance; and Bernard Unenge, the commissioner for lands, survey, and solid minerals, are among those who have been retained.

Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Chief Ekpe Ogbu, who oversees the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism; and Commissioner for Energy, Science and Technology, Dr. Godwin Oyiwona, who oversees the Ministry of Education.

Mrs. Nylazungwe Igirgi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and Ukaha Victor, the Commissioner of Rural Development in charge of the Ministry of Water Resources, were also retained.

Dr. Terna Kester Kyenge, Uungwa Sachia Jude, Agbatar Rodney Wiliams, Michael Umoru Inalegwu, Agber Senjamin Aernan, Dr. Jane Ogoma Aja, Saawuan Tamongo, and Nguher Teryima Levi have all been nominated as commissioners.

According to the statement, the outgoing commissioners will hand over to Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries.

Read also:  DG of NYSC congratulates members of staff on the success of program

“The governor of the state expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the

“We thank the outgoing commissioners for their service to the state and wish them well in their future endeavors,” said the statement.

Australia, Japan set to sign treaty to boost defense on security cooperation

0

At a virtual summit on Thursday, Australia and Japan will sign a treaty to boost defense and security cooperation.

Prime Ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Fumio Kishida of Japan will sign the agreement in a virtual summit, which Morrison claims will pave the way for greater and more complex practical engagement between the Australian Defense Force and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

“Australia and Japan are inseparably linked.

“Our special strategic partnership is stronger than it has ever been,” Morrison said, citing their shared values, commitment to democracy and human rights, and shared interests in a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Read Also:  IHU: New vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant was discovered in France, linked to Cameroon

Australia signed the Aukus trilateral security pact with the US and the UK in September, under which the two countries agreed to assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

The agreement enraged China, which claimed that it jeopardized regional peace and stability, exacerbated the arms race, and jeopardized international non-proliferation efforts.

IHU: New vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant was discovered in France, linked to Cameroon

0

A new strain, IHU, is causing panic in France, just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed optimism that the COVID-19 pandemic would be over by 2022.

Countries, health experts, and institutions are concerned about the “Variant IHU” or B. 1.640.2.

Twelve people have been infected near Marseille and are being treated in a hospital, with fears of more patients going undetected.

Read also:  COVID-19: U-Report Nigeria rated As Reliable Platform For Sharing Virus Information

IHU has 46 mutations and is linked to travel to Nigeria’s neighbor, Cameroon. What’s worse, it’s becoming more resistant to existing vaccines.

However, the strain is not spreading as quickly as others. An investigation by the WHO is expected to begin soon.

According to reports, the variant may have entered the United Kingdom after being discovered by researchers at the Méditerranée Infection University Hospital Institute (IHU) in France.

IHU In December, Professor Philippe Colson, the head of the department that discovered the variant, shared his thoughts.

“In the Marseilles geographical area, we have several cases of this new variant. It was given the name ‘variant IHU’ by us. He wrote, “Two new genomes have just been submitted.”

The index case, according to the paper published in an online medical journal, was a fully vaccinated man who returned from a trip to Cameroon in November.

Read Also:  Visitors to Aso Villa are subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test under the Buhari regime.

Colson said that using qPCR to screen for variants revealed an unusual combination of L452R-negativity, E484K-positivity, and E484Q-negativity in the spike gene.

The result did not match the pattern of the Delta variant, which is found in almost all SARS-CoV-2 infections, according to the expert.

DG of NYSC congratulates members of staff on the success of program

0

Major-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has praised staff members for their significant contributions to his administration’s success thus far, and urged them to keep up the good work.

The Director-General delivered the commendation at the NYSC’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, where members of staff, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, and others, as well as security personnel and Corps members, flocked to greet Major General Ibrahim, who was visiting the office for the first time following his promotion to Major General.

Officers lined up from the entrance gate to the reception lounge of Gowon House for the welcome parade, which included a quarter guard.

Staff members who couldn’t hide their delight at their boss’ promotion to the pinnacle of his profession applauded him for the tremendous accomplishments he had made in his two and a half years as Director-General.

The news of the Director-promotion General’s from Brigadier General to Major General filtered through the air in the third week of December 2021, and was later confirmed with his decoration on Thursday, December 30th, 2021, by the Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), assisted by the Director-wife, General’s Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim.