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Ortom narrowly escapes death following herdsmen attack

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Ortom narrowly escapes death following herdsmen attack

By Sylvanus Okpe

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has said revealed that he narrowly escaped death when suspected armed herdsmen shot at him in his farm at Adeke along Makurdi-Naka road.

This is just as suspected armed herdsmen reportedly abducted and killed a member of the state’s Livestock Guard in Ado Local Government Area, LGA.

Ortom, Monday in a live radio programme monitored in Makurdi said he had gone to his farm in the outskirts of Makurdi town few days ago when armed herdsmen besieged the vicinity and opened fire.

According to him, “just last week I was on my farm that is situated in the outskirts of Makurdi town when armed herdsmen came there and shot at me.

“They also shot at the vehicle of our Livestock Guards who came there and shattered it. We had to call the joint military security team, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, who came and saved the situation,” he added.

The Governor lamented that in the influx of armed herdsmen into the state had become a source of concern and worry and needed to be checked urgently.

He said “We are doing everything possible to arrest the situation. These people are deliberately coming into the state. And I have always maintained that armed herdsmen, ISWA, ISIS and Boko Haram are the same thing and they are out to prosecute the same agenda.

“There are no two ways about that. Even when we went for the North Central Security meeting. l told them the same thing. Miyetti Allah leadership should also be arrested because majority of all the kidnappings you see around are carried out by armed herdsmen.

“They are creating a lot of insecurity and hardship for the people, the federal government must ensure they are arrested and prosecuted just like we are arresting those involved in open grazing in Benue.

“The situation has become a big challenge because the farmers in Benue state are not allowed to have cutlasses but herdsmen are allowed to carry AK47. It is not correct, we cannot allow them to get into Benue and continue to create problems for us.

“I don’t have control of the coercive force, but the military Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, has done well by returning relative peace but we want them to do it more.

“Our Livestock Guards do not have guns to confront the armed herdsmen which is a big challenge. But we have been working with the Civil Defence and the trained Agro Rangers who are armed and we will collaborate with them to also help us ensure that herdsmen occupying our communities are moved out to allow the displaced persons return home to a secured environment.

NDDC: Allegation against Nunieh, another falsehood to derail ongoing recovery of looted funds – Coalition

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NDDC: Allegation against Nunieh, another falsehood to derail ongoing recovery of looted funds – Coalition

The Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance and Change Initiative (CCSGGC) believes there is a deliberate attempt to frustrate the ongoing recovery of looted funds by Acting Managing Director, Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joi Nunieh.

This utter desperation, the group revealed, prompted some disgruntled elements in the guise of civil society groups to blackmail Dr. Nunieh, accusing her of parading fake NYSC certificate.

The coalition made this known at a press conference on Monday tagged “NDDC: Nunieh and her defiant fight for the soul of Nigeria”, to address the “ infantile attempts by nebulously dubious characters to drag the MD’s personage and reputation”.

In his statement, Convener, Comrade Ogenyi Okpokwu described the accusation as “sickening mendacity and hearsay even in its most sophisticated scrutiny”.

According to Mr Okpokwu, Dr. Nunieh is a respected woman of virtue and such conclusion is based on no empirical or verifiable evidence.

The coalition was particularly irked by the fact that the “traducers and antagonists could not grab a copy of Nunieh’s alleged fake NYSC discharge certificate to convince the doubting public”.

The Acting MD’s persecution isn’t surprising, Mr Okpokwo added, especially after President Muhammadu Buhari handed the acting MD the uphill task of sanitizing the agency by ordering a forensic audit of the NDDC.

So far so good, the coalition believes Dr. Nunieh has so far altered the status quo by diligently and boldly flushing the rot in the system, which hasn’t quite gone too well with many.

It is on this ground, however, that CCSGGC warned these disgruntled persons or groups to steer clear the acting MD’s case or get ready to be disgraced by Nigerians.

Read full statement below:

We want to profoundly welcome and thank all of you for the prompt response to our invitation for a press conference. May God Almighty continue to bless the fruits of your labour for a better and prosperous Nigeria.

The Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance and Change Initiative (CCSGGI) is baffled at the eagerness some Nigerians housed under Nigeria’s reigning modern camps for idlers parading as CSOs/activists. They easily render themselves as personality attack dogs and weapons of blackmail for equally dubious characters for peanuts.

They flaunt the emblem of disgusting, unscrupulous and unconscionable characters. Outside their overt partisan proclivities is the tendency of unbated exhibition of unrestrained hatred against the anti-corruption campaigns of President Muhammadu Buhari and any of his appointee who toes this path.

It struck us with extreme consternation news from apparently odious emergency activists and worthless hirelings, which fertilely attempted to blackmail/degrade the Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (MD-NDDC), Dr. Mrs. Joi Nunieh over an infantile accusation of lack of an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate. But the allegation insistently bowed to sickening mendacity and hearsay even in its most sophisticated scrutiny.

Its illogical, incoherent, patently inchoate, and offending to understand an assemblage of matured men could anchor such a fluid allegation on a respected woman of virtue and leader. They based their conclusions on no empirical or verifiable evidence.

Rather, the accusers of Dr. Nunieh relied on a disjointed and hazy narrative of faint circumstantial shadows about its possibility. It belittles the senses of supposedly sound minds and the self-worth of these pawns contracted for the hatchet job in irremediable ludicrousness.

In a public statement, the CSO, with an irritatingly queer nomenclature, goofed. It claimed when Dr. Nunieh as nominee for the NDDC Interim Management Committee appeared at the FIB Headquarters in Abuja for vetting of her credentials, she pleaded to be permitted to rush home to bring her documents; together with the NYSC discharge certificate inclusive for vetting, but never turned up.

CCSGGI wonders whether members of the CSO were also part of the FIB vetting panel. In any case, they recoiled from presenting a concrete evidence to the public to support their claims.

Quite annoyingly, the CSO strangely moderated its earlier tone of vexation, and rather patronizingly flinched by effeminately pleading with her to present her discharge or exemption certificate of the NYSC, to the general public, if she is not parading a ‘fake and forged’ certificate.”

Whatever was the intendment of the hirelings, this strategy fell flat on every nuance of wisdom and sensibleness. In the syndicated public statement, one of the media houses was persuaded to add or insinuate that; “investigation has revealed that she has been parading a fake/forged NYSC discharge certificate over the years and is now afraid of providing the document now for scrutiny.” This is certainly exaggerated foolery in public nudity.

What motivations on earth, propel some Nigerians to conscript into the clan of demeaning blackmailers and cheap slayers? Dr. Nunieh has worked and held several public offices, including serving at the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, (HYPREP).

But her traducers and antagonists could not grab a copy of her “fake” NYSC discharge certificate to convince the doubting public. He who alleges, proves his allegations. Let the accusers prove the claim.

The CSO was more interested in pointing accusing fingers to some imaginary “powerful collaborators within the presidency,” aligning “to sweep this NYSC forged certificate saga of Joy Nunieh under the carpet. “

Therefore, having staged a bad outing, the group consoled itself by boasting of nationwide protests to press for her sack, if Mr. President fails to direct the Inspector General of Police, Director -General, Department of State Services, the ICPC to commence investigation and prosecution of Dr. Nunieh for alleged forgery.

The CSO didn’t even know that someone must be reasonably and evidentially suspected of committing an offence before he/she is prosecuted. But they lumped the two together, an indication of acting a prepared script, with predetermined results. But the famished urchins failed to realize that neither the Presidency nor the other top government officials it invited into their dilemma do not accord dignity to vague allegations.

But let truth be told. We are all aware that the NDDC, an agency created by the FGN to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region has become a cesspool of corruption for decades. And President Buhari’s action to sanitize the agency by ordering a forensic audit of the NDDC, the main mandate of the Dr. Nunieh-led NDDC Interim Management Committee attracted eulogies to the President.

It commendable that the NDDC boss has her eyes fixated on sanitizing and repositioning the NDDC for optimal performance beneficial to the region. So, any attempt to distract her focus will not be condoned or tolerated.

As a bona fide son of the Niger region who knows exactly what transpired in the commission before now and fully aware of Dr. Nunieh’s courageous efforts, I felt it imperative to mobilize my colleagues to stand up in defence of an apostle of a great Nigeria.

Dr. Nunieh’ has already empaneled the Dr. Cairo Ojougboh-led 50-member Verification Committee to audit and document projects /contracts awarded in the nine Niger Delta states to ascertain the authenticity of the quantum of suspicious Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) claims by contractors which have piled a debt burden of N3 trillion on the commission. It’s a potent nightmare to these fraudulent contractors.

And Verification Committee is designed to clean the Augean stable for the proper forensic audit of the commission as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. The committee has a two-week duration to submit its report.

But news filtering from the commission is unpleasant with startling revelations of mega frauds in the commission. We still remember the popular case of a serving Senator. He was single-handedly awarded about 300 contracts by the NDDC; out of which 120 of the contracts have been fully paid, but none executed. The hired CSOs failed to stage a protest on the matter.

It is incontestable that the so -called or non-existing CSO peddling the hogwash against Dr, Nunieh is the typical expression of “madness.” It is instigated by those who mindlessly looted the resources of the Niger Delta region.

It is unfortunate that these very enemies of the people are out to ruin the integrity and reputation of a woman whose only sin is accepting Mr. President’s charge to rid the NDDC of corruption and mal-administration. We have no doubt that the NDDC boss has maintained a firm level of integrity anywhere she is assigned to perform a national duty.

And their failure to corruptly influence her to bow to dubious deals or soft pedal has raised a clan of enemies angling for her removal from office. It explains why months after she was screened and assumed office, no one raised the fake NYSC discharge certificate until she inaugurated a Verification Committee.

These infantile antics are familiar and cannot constitute a stumbling block to her determination to restore sanity in the commission. They have barked at the wrong person. Dr. Nunieh is woman has no skeletons in the cupboard and the enemies should think of another plot to frustrate her administration.

Let us put it in clear terms to the leeches that the NDDC boss is carrying out a very tasking job and, inevitably, she must trample on lions and lionesses that once defaced humanity at the NDDC. These are the veiled angry contractors and their collaborators who are out against a woman ever ready to catch the fraudulent contractors in their tracks.

Those chasing her shadows to stab should ask their conscience what the NDDC boss has done apart from preferring to serve her country in the patriotic posturing, which President Buhari has continued to govern the country in the last few years? The allegations against her are not just unfounded, but totally baseless and should be discountenanced by all Nigerians as the handiwork of Nigeria’s desperate “Esaus.”

The CCSGGI recognizes the laudable and manifest initiatives, reforms/ innovations Dr. Nunieh has impinged on the administration of NDDC now. Those scared have genuine reasons to be afraid. We encourage you to remain courageous and undaunted in the discharge of your duties bearing in mind that patriotic service to your nation elevates and etches your name on marbles colored with gold.

Finally, may we warn the detractors to change their style of business or be ready to be disgraced by Nigerians, as any attempt to tarnish the image of the interim management committee Chairman at NDDC will be rejected. It will be stiffly resisted by the Nigerian people on whose behalf Dr. Nunieh is working hard day and night to make life more meaningful for Niger Deltans in particular and all Nigerians in general.

Thank you for your patience and audience.

Boko Haram/ISWAP: CAN, opposition leaders helping insurgents achieve aim of destabilising Nigeria – Christian elders

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Boko Haram/ISWAP: CAN, opposition leaders helping insurgents achieve aim of destabilising Nigeria – Christian elders

The United Christian Forum of Nigeria (UCFN), has accused opposition leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria of helping insurgents achieve the aim of creating unrest in the country.

The forum made the claim following the recent insurgence attacks and killing of Nigerians in north east and reactions from the leadership of CAN and the opposition parties.

Addressing newsmen on Monday in Lagos, the forum said it was worried over the direction, wording and choice of language used by CAN and opposition leaders in the country.

Rev. Oyekanmi Rafael, Secretary-General of UCFN, who spoke on behalf of the forum, warned both bodies to stop making statements that would rather serve as a boost to the insurgents.

The group further warned leadership of CAN to stop playing the religious card to sow the seed of discord, disunity and inflame passions of hate and violence in Nigeria.

Full text of his speech below.

I wish to welcome all of you on behalf of the United Christian Forum of Nigeria (UCFN) to this press conference. I extend same felicitations to the church in Nigeria, Christian leaders, brothers and sisters in the Lord and indeed, to every Nigerian in the New Year. May the good Lord we worship unbundle His abundant blessings and protection on us.

May I also seize this special privilege to appreciate our political and community leaders in Nigeria, particularly, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Similarly, I pray Almighty God to continue to imbue them with Solomonic wisdom, strength and good health to sustain the progressive leadership of Nigeria.

The UCFN has decided to interface with Nigerians on what we have branded the “State of the Nation” engagement. Our standpoint is gingered by the rejuvenation of insecurity threats in some parts of the country.

We can attest to the revived and troubling incidents of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorism; kidnappings, abductions, armed robberies, armed banditry, herdsmen/ farmers clashes and other communal skirmishes assailing our land.

We proclaim that these ugly, sad, condemnable and unacceptable flashes of armed criminalities in our nation are assuming dimensions of polarizing us along ethnic and religious lines, based on reckless sentiments applied to their interpretations.

UCFN is most astounded with the recent reaction of the national secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the umbrella body of all Christians in Nigeria in a public statement over the unfortunate abduction and murder of the CAN chairman of Michika LGA in Adamawa State, Pastor Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram/ISWAP; the cold-blooded killing of a Lutheran clergy, Pastor Denis Bagauri by unknown assassins and the December 2019 abduction and beheading of 11 Christians captured in Northern Nigeria by terrorists.

These tragic incidents are regrettable and places our once peaceful country on the precipice of implosion. We commiserate with Mr. President, the families of all Christian martyrs, Muslims and Nigerians over the irreparable losses. May Almighty God grant them peaceful rest in his bosom and eternal damnation to the devil-incensed killers.

But as much as these incidents are painful and near inconsolable especially to the families, there is cause for us as leaders at whatever level or as individuals to observe restraint in the sentimental interpretations we colour the killings or the resurrected acts of insecurity. This is the time our leaders and the nation need our supportive prayers and perpetually, as against vilification.

This is the time we need to handover the tribulations in our land to the omnipotent God. The evil forces which have besieged us and feasting on our blood cannot overpower the invincible God, whose armors are greater than any other weapon manufactured by man.

It is completely inexcusable for us to abandon the divine path in this circumstance, and rather resort to hurling tantrums at ourselves and leaders. It is only capable of escalating the tensions and railroading us into a deeper mess by our utterances.

We all can confess that issues of religion are quite delicate and explosive matters in Nigeria, where the population of the dominant religions, Christianity and Islam peg neck to neck. Sponsors and funders of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists tormenting us are not targeting Christians or Muslims alone. Everybody prone to their presence when they come on such satanic missions becomes a victim.

To this end, UCFN finds the latest statement by CAN, which its Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Kwamkur Samuel Vondip signed on behalf of CAN National President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle and indeed, previous such public statements on the menace of insecurity in Nigeria, very nauseating, inciting and illogical in the strictest terms of it.

In the reported CAN statement, the leadership gave an undisguised and sentimentally religious interpretations to the terrorists actions, imputing President Buhari’s consent to the religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria by insurgents and herdsmen mercenaries. This is unquestionably a faulty assumption that deserves an apology to the FGN from the apex Christian’ body.

We found it extremely unreasonable and repulsive for CAN to have manifested its partisan toga by freely canvasing for the sack of Service and Security Chief. This odd crusading was laced in the pedestrian argument that its composition is steeped in ethnic and religious lopsidedness. It is shameful to argue issues of insecurity in this manner as postulated by the CAN leadership.

It sadly lands us to the unconcealed politicization and partisanship of CAN, which UCFN believes is not a healthy or progressive disposition. Why would CAN seek to vacate the prerogative of Mr. President in appointing or retaining Security Chiefs of his choice? Has CAN mutated into an opposition political party?

Such drab from the CAN’s statement is damp incitement of members of rival faiths through partisan weapons which should be avoided.

However, is CAN honest in making such a generalized and inciting statements. It lacks plausibility and betrays the deadly motives of this assemblage of Christian leaders.

Perhaps, CAN is not aware that a Christian/Pastor, Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). By the demands of his office, the CDS supervises other Security Chiefs. There is also the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe-Ibas also a Christian. Could they have possibly conspired with Security Chiefs of rival religious sects to kill their brethren, without raising a voice?

And to our knowledge, most of the Commanders’ of the Operation Lafiya Dole headquartered in Maiduguri co-ordinating the prosecution of the counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast against Boko Haram/ISWAP elements have been Christians, including the incumbent Commander, Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi. Are Nigerians to believe they are part of the agenda to persecute Christians?

In the North Central, Operation Whirl Stroke (OWS) fighting the herdsmen/farmers clashes and the Jukun/ Tiv internecine is also headed by a Christian, Maj.Gen. Adeyemi Yekini. Has CAN any concrete evidence that troops deployed to the frontlines to battle insurgencies and insurrections comprise only Muslims, without Christians?

The CAN campaign is very destructive against the Presidency and Nigerians. And it is only serving the purpose of goading incitement and provocation of both Christians and Muslims to take up arms against themselves; entrenching tensions in the polity to cause an explosion in total breakdown of public law and order.

And nobody is prosecuting the agenda of persecution of Nigerian Christians’ as frequently stated or inferred by CAN. It’s a figment of a fluid imagination. And let us recount some experiences with terrorism to put CAN’s position on the test scale to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

UCFN wishes to precisely state that the tenor of these abductions and killings have no semblance of anyone specifically targeting Christians for persecution in Nigeria. There are documentary evidences that Muslims have also suffered the devilry and atrocities of Boko Haram terrorists’ who indiscriminately unleash mayhem on any community within their reach.

Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Boko Haram festered more ferociously with attacks on churches than we are experiencing under the Buhari Presidency. So, was it convenient to claim, Dr. Jonathan, a Nigerian leader of Christian extraction at the time was sponsoring the mass extermination of Christians in a country he led and had absolute powers?

Of course, such religious sentiments were not promoted under the Jonathan Presidency. So, its misguided thoughts and sheer wickedness to flaunt and promote such narratives today. Let us draw your attention to a one or two incidents of Boko Haram onslaughts on churches under the Jonathan era.

On December 25, 2011 Boko Haram terrorists bombed St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madala, a satellite town near Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Boko Haram car-bomb explosion in the premises of the catholic church during Holy Mass murdered at least 44 people. In fact, barely hours apart, terrorists bomb blasts were reported at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in the central, ethnic and religiously mixed town of Jos on same day.

And on February 19, 2012, at least five people were wounded when terrorists attacked Christ Embassy Church also in Suleja. In all instances, lives were lost and properties destroyed. We could have been dishonest to say a Christian President was sponsoring terrorists’ attacks on the Nigerian church intent on persecution of Christians.

Nothing underscored the indiscriminate disposition of terrorists than the Islamic State’s released video on December 26, 2019 of the execution of the 11 Christian hostages Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted in Northern Nigeria. ISWAP) explained the “beheading” of the hostages as its campaign to “avenge” the killing of IS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a US military raid in Syria in October 2019. This in every sense is a spontaneous incident of vengeance which has no Presidential conniving connotations as CAN has preached.

It may interest us to know in further enriching our knowledge that ISWAP is a 2016 breakaway faction of the Nigerian-based Boko Haram terrorist sect with roots in Iran. The splinter faction of Boko Haram was headed in Nigeria by Musab Al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf.

But today, ISWAP Commanders have assumed the leadership and added weight to its brutal campaigns in the West African sub- region. ISWAP terrorists now operates in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger Mali and even in East Africa in countries like Kenya.

And UCFN’s fact check through Encyclopedia Britannica unveils that most of these countries where ISWAP operates are predominantly Muslim countries, an indication that they are not necessarily targeting Christians, but are just cursed minds excited in bloodletting. It does not matter whether you are a Christian, Muslim, traditionalist or atheist.

For instance, ISWAP is also active in neigbouring Niger Republic. But the country’s population comprises 90% Muslims, (Sunni 85% and Shi’ite Muslims 5%). Christians constitutes a mere 5% of the population and the rest are other religions. Could be it be the insignificant Christian population in Niger that ISWAP terrorists are targeting?

And in the Republic of Mali also under ISWAP terrorists blight, Muslims constitute Muslims 94.8% of the population; while Christians’ are a paltry just 2.4%. Is it plausible argument to claim the terrorists are targeting the insignificant Christian population in that country?

In Cameroun, Christians constitute over 65% of the population, with Muslims (Sunni) just 20% and the rest belongs to non-religious groups. President Paul Biya, a Christian has been President of Cameroun since 1982, yet the country is troubled by terrorists. By the wisdom of CAN, it implies that President Biya is also consenting to the persecution of Christians?

The same narrative is applicable to Kenya, which is predominantly a Christian nation, estimated at 84.8% of her total population. And Islam is just about 11.1 percent of Kenyans. But they are tormented by terrorists and President Jomo Kenyatta is a Christian. Could he have permitted the persecution of members of his faith as democratic leader of Kenya?

The desperation to colour or dress the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism operations in Nigeria with the garments of Christian persecution does not blend. The fixation of CAN to politicize every national issue or embalm it with the toga of religious sentiments is becoming intolerable and preposterous for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

Last year ending, CAN through a public statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to CAN President, Rev. Adebayo Oladeji dabbled into the alleged feud between Mr. President and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who is a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). CAN queried while 35 special aides of the Vice President were dropped; the severance of the National Social Investment Programme from his office and the dissolution of Economic Advisory Council (EAC) Osinbajo chaired.

But the VP never complained to CAN the existence of a sour relationship with his boss. This is unnecessary political and partisan interference into the running of government which has no connection with CAN. But CAN publicly vomited religious insinuations.

But President Buhari is not relaxed on ending terrorism in Nigeria. While condoling the Christian community all over Nigeria over the callous murder of Pastor Andimi, he assured that “terrorists will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions and would comprehensively be defeated by our determined armed forces. But CAN disparaged his statement. UCFN cannot discern whether it was crafted to dampen the morale of the President or encourage him.

But the President also appealed to world powers to “end all support provided to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist groups whose only goal is to sow death, violence and destruction in the sub-region.”

Thereafter, President Buhari sent a high-powered delegation led by the SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha to condole the Government and Christian community in Adamawa state.

The National body of CAN should emulate the Adamawa state CAN chairman, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, who said, President Buhari has softened their hearts with the “high powered delegation to commiserate with the Christian community in the state,” promising that the Christian community would pair up with its Muslim counterpart to flush out armed characters causing bad blood between the two major faiths. It is an expression of an honest perspective on the problem, reflective of a burden for both Christians and Muslims.

It is our candid opinion that other leaderships of CAN playing the religious card to sow the seed of discord, disunity and inflame passions of hate and violence should seek deliverance from the spirit of Mammon. That’s if the ghost of 2019 elections is still chasing them, lest they are consumed.

There is no need for CAN to continue to posture as haunting Mr. President. Even those that lost the election have congratulated President Buhari and moved on with business. UCFN is shocked that CAN has refused to accept the reality and rather regaled in portraying itself like an association at war with the nation.

We suspect that a guilty conscience is tormenting those who benefited from the arms deal scandal and they think that by incessantly attacking the administration, the government would have been bullied enough into giving them choice lands all over the FCT as compensation. This is unthinkable and unrealistic. We cannot subscribe to the agenda of destroying our nation.

Let us handover this great nation to God Almighty, as we continue to pray for His intervention, healing and protection of the land from evil forces with His mighty powers.

War on Terror: Scores of ISWAP fighters killed as troops recover gun trucks/arms in Mainok, Lambawa forest

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War on Terror: Scores of ISWAP fighters killed as troops recover gun trucks/arms in Mainok, Lambawa forest

The Nigerian Army troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), deployed at Jakana, near Maiduguri on Sunday dealt a deadly blow to Boko Haram Terrorists at Mainok axis and Lambawa forest killing several of them while others retreated with gun wounds.

The fierce battle took place at Lambawa forest and Mainok areas when the troops encountered an ambush by the criminals around Mainok – Jakana general area.
Jakana, a town located about 50km from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has of recent seen an increased terrorists activities of which the resilient troops have been able to effectively repelled.

The encounter on Sunday evening came shortly after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, arrived at the 29 task force brigade camp on operational visit.

While at the camp, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that, credible intelligence had revealed a planned attack on soft targets and ambush by the terrorists around the area.
The troops however, went after the criminals at about 6:00 p.m and encountered them which resulted in heavy gun battle leading to the killing of a number of the terrorists.
Due to the superior fire power of the troops, the terrorists fighters were forced to retreat in disarray causing many of them to easily be eliminated in the process.
One terrorist was captured alive by the troops, four gun trucks, a BMG, 1 GPMG, 9 AK 47 rifles and some DSHK guns and a lot of assorted weapons were also recovered after the heavy fight.

Unfortunately, one soldier paid the ultimate price, while two others were wounded.
The wounded, who are in stable condition have since been evacuated to 7 Division medical facility for medical attention.

The Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have recently intensified ambush attacks along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road.
Some of the soldiers and motorists who have encountered the terrorists on several occasions disclosed that the terrorists usually came out by disguising themselves in military-like trucks or police patrol vehicles.
The sources also disclosed that the troops not withstanding, have been able to word off the ambushes and sudden attacks on many occasions.
They also added that several attempts have also been made by the terrorists to overrun the camps at Jakana and Mainok areas but could not succeed.

According to some soldiers interviewed, “they are ready for the criminals any day, any time and we will go after them where ever we find them.”

Mariam Sanda convicted for killing husband

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Mariam Sanda convicted for killing husband

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has convicted Maryam Sanda for the death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

Justice Yusuf Halilu made the declaration while delivering judgment on the protracted trial of Missus Sanda on Monday in the nation’s capital.

Sanda is facing trial over an allegation of stabbing late Bilyaminu to death, son of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Haliru Bello.

In November 2017, the police charged Sanda for culpable homicide and sought a death penalty against the accused on two counts.

They informed the court that the killing was premeditated.

According to the charge sheet, Sanda was said to have stabbed her husband with broken bottles at about 3:50am.

But the accused who was initially remanded in custody has repeatedly pleaded not guilty to the crime.

Her trial centred on a judicial drama that lasted almost three years due to delays, multiple adjournments, and failure of witnesses to appear in court among others.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant dies in a helicopter crash

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Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant dies in a helicopter crash
Kobe Bryant

Retired Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday morning in a helicopter crash, per TMZ. The incident took place in Calabasas. Kobe was traveling with at least three other people in his private helicopter. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

According to the report, emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived the crash. Five people are confirmed dead. TMZ reports that Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.

The Los Angeles Times confirmed that a helicopter crash had occurred before 10 a.m. near Las Virgenes Road, south of Agoura Road. There were foggy conditions that caused the helicopter to crash in the hills above Calabasas and burst into flames.

CALSER wants foreign interest, INGOs aiding Boko Haram/ISWAP to stop in order to halt attacks on humanitarian workers, clergymen

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CALSER wants foreign interest, INGOs aiding Boko Haram/ISWAP to stop in order to halt attacks on humanitarian workers, clergymen

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called on the European Union Commission and all International NGOs in the north east providing food and drugs for the terrorists to stop in order to put an end to the continuous attacks on humanitarian workers and clergymen in the region.

CALSER made this known during a state of the nation press conference on Sunday in Abuja to address what it described as “the senseless Boko Haram/ISWAP attack on clergymen and humanitarian workers”.

According to the convener, Princess Ajibola, certain INGOs have continued to breach international protocol on their operations by aiding and abetting the supply and delivery of sophisticated weaponry, food and drugs to the Boko Haram/ISWAP group under the guise of rendering humanitarian services.

In its periodic assessment for the month of January, CALSER further warned political and religious organisations in the country not to expand the frontiers of Boko Haram by overheating the polity with unfounded allegations that are capable of undermining the ongoing efforts by the government to tame terrorism.

The centre, therefore, called on the European Union and the representatives of the United Nations in Nigeria to audit and caution international NGOs in operation in the northeast to stop the supply of arms and ammunitions and other essential items to the terrorist group.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CASLER) welcomes you all to the State of the Nation Press Conference to address some of the issues of national importance in the country with regards to the senseless and barbaric attack on Clergies and Humanitarian workers in North East Nigeria by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is alarmed by the way and manner the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group has intensified attacks on unarmed and innocent clergies and humanitarian workers rendering services in North-East Nigeria.

All must condemn this callous act. It should serve as a wakeup call for all concerned stakeholders to put heads together towards ending the unscrupulous activities of the Boko Haram/ISWAP in North-East Nigeria.

It is indeed unfortunate that despite the efforts of the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, some groups/individuals are not happy with the gains made and have consequently constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of progress by providing the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group with logistical support in furtherance of their evil agenda against Nigeria.

Ironically, The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights has it on competent authority that some local political organizations, as well as religious bodies, are covertly providing tactic support to the Boko Haram/ISWAP group all in a bid to undermine the efforts of the government.

The International Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as some local Non-Governmental Organizations, have continued to breach international protocol on their operations in North-East Nigeria by aiding and abetting the supply and delivery of sophisticated weaponry to the Boko Haram/ISWAP group under the guise of rendering humanitarian services.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights in times past have raised the alarm in the complicity of international NGOs in operation in North-East Nigeria in fueling the Boko Haram war by supplying them food, drugs, and other essential items that they need.

This trend is unacceptable, and it is advised that urgent steps are taken to arrest this decline before things get out of control because as it stands, the Boko Haram/ISWAP have been emboldened to carry out attacks on soft targets in women and children, students, clergies, as well as humanitarian workers because of the tactic support it has been receiving from both internal and external sources.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also wishes to use this medium to call on the European Union and the representatives of the United Nations in Nigeria to audit and caution international NGOs in operation in North-East Nigeria to stop the supply of arms and ammunitions and other essential items to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group with immediate effect. It must be stated that if this is done, we would witness a drastic reduction in the merciless killings and maiming carried out by the Boko Haram/ISWAP group in North-East Nigeria.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights also states that as a matter of necessity and urgency, the European Union must investigate the supply of sophisticated arms and ammunitions from her member countries to impose the needed sanctions on these countries. This is on the heels that many pieces of evidence indicate that some EU countries have been covertly selling arms and ammunitions to the Boko Haram/ISWAP group using fronts.

The European Union, in the interest of fairness, must act and deal decisively with its member countries that have been providing support to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group. If this is not done, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights might be indeed convinced that the European Union as a body might be aiding and abetting the propagation of terrorism in Nigeria.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights condemns these despicable acts and it is hopeful that the end of the Boko Haram/ISWAP threat to peace and tranquility in Nigeria would manifest soon if all concerned stakeholders indeed join hands with sincerity of mind and purpose to fight the common enemy of humanity.

The Centre for Africa Liberation also calls on all genuine stakeholders to encourage dialogue and strategic engagements in the best possible ways to bring about peace and not to destabilize the peace of the whole nation for their selfish agenda.

Religious and political bodies must exercise restraint in ensuring that selfish politicians do not take advantage of them to paint the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP as religious or targeted at certain religions or ethnicity.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights wishes to state that Nigeria must be ridden of terrorism,4 and it behooves on all well-meaning countries, groups, and individuals to extend their support to Nigeria by doing what is right at all times.

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole Avert Planned Boko Haram Suicide Attack at Gamboru Ngala IDP Camp

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Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole Avert Planned Boko Haram Suicide Attack at Gamboru Ngala IDP Camp

… Continue to Decimate the Criminal Insurgents Across the Theatre and Elsewhere

In tune with their recently declared resolve to sustain their efforts until all the remnants of the criminal Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province insurgents are completely wiped out, the troops of Operation  LAFIYA DOLE have thwarted the nefarious plans of the insurgents to attack some soft targets in Gamboru Ngala with a view to demonstrating their resilience which is clearly on a downward slide .

In a unique display of courage and resilience on their part, on 18 January 2020, troops of 3 Battalion (Main) Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed in Gamborou-Ngala LGA of Borno State gallantly repelled a Boko Haram attack on the Ngala Community. The criminal insurgents sneaked into the peaceful community in 5 Gun Trucks, motorcycles and a number of foot soldiers through the rear of a Humanitarian hub using a farm as cover with the heinous intent to unleash one of the most devastating terror attacks in recent times. Fortunately for the residents, the vigilant troops responded swiftly, engaging the criminals with overwhelmingly superior firepower, thereby forcing them to beat a hasty retreat in complete disarray. During the ensuing pursuit and exploitation embarked upon by the troops, one Boko Haram criminal suicide truck driver strapped with a suicide vest was neutralised. Items captured during the encounter include one AK 47 Rifle, one FN Rifle, one motorcycle and one heavily laden Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device with deadly explosive materials. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device and the suicide bomber were heading to the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamborou-Ngala before the valiant troops intercepted and foiled the murderous plan of the insurgents. Additionally, 5 Humanitarian workers who took refuge in a bunker during the attack were successfully rescued by the troops.

In a related development, on 24 January 2020, troops of the same 3 Battalion (Main) Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Ngala bridge gallantly repelled another Boko Haram attack on their location. The criminal insurgents came in 3 Gun Trucks and a number of foot soldiers late afternoon but the rugged troops immediately swung into action, engaging and decimating the marauding criminals and inflicting heavy casualty on both their men and equipment. At the end of the encounter, 2 out of the 3 Boko Haram criminals’ Gun Trucks were captured. Additionally, 2 Anti-Aircraft guns, one General Purpose Machine Gun, 2 AK 47 Rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun barrel, 688 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 20 rounds of PKT ammunition, 63 rounds of .50 ammunition were also captured. One neutralized body of the criminal insurgents was recovered during exploitation while several other bodies and wounded were believed to be carted away as evident by the trails of blood found along their withdrawal route.

Similarly, on 24 January 2020, troops of 7 Division Operation LAFIYA DOLE led by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim decisively cleared a Boko Haram ambush while on clearance operations between Firgi and Bank Junction in Bama LGA of Borno State. In the aftermath of the encounter, 2 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized while others are believed to have escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

In another brief encounter on 19 January 2020, troops of 159 Battalion deployed at Geidam LGA of Yobe State neutralized 2 Boko Haram criminals. Several of the insurgents were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds as indicated by traces of blood along their withdrawal route. Items recovered afterwards during mop-up operation include, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 5 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 45 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Similarly, on 19 January 2020, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade deployed at Bama, Borno State in conjunction with elements of Headquarters 7 Division, Theatre Special Forces 1 and 2, Camerounian Defence Forces, Civilian Joint Task Force and Vigilantes conducted a robust clearance operation to suspected Boko Haram hideouts at Gabchari, Shuwarin, Maluborin, Gremari, and Kanari Villages of same LGA. During the operations, troops made partial contact with some of the marauding terrorists at Shuwarin who realising that they could not withstand the superior firepower of the troops, abandoned the location and scampered into the nearby forest. However, one of the terrorist was neutralized during the brief encounter. Items recovered from the fleeing criminals include one locally made pistol, one wooden AK 47 Rifle (used by Boko Haram terrorists for training) and one Boko Haram Terrorists’ flag.

Furthermore, all Boko Haram structures within the enclave including some food items, a makeshift Boko Haram market, thatched houses and locally made irrigation pumps, were destroyed.

In a related development, on 19 January 2020, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade deployed at Benishiek in Kaga LGA of Borno State, in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force and Vigilantes  launched Operation QUICK BLOW aimed at denying the insurgents freedom of action, opening and securing the major road between Benishiek – Adamamti – Bulamari – Abuja – Ari Dumbari – Jauri  Usmanti – Warsala – Borgozo, all in the same LGA for safe and seamless commuting. Relatedly, troops of Headquarters 7 Division deployed in Maiduguri, Borno State in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force and Vigilantes under Operation QUICK BLOW also commenced aggressive clearance operations at Bulabulin, Kirkashima and Ariwuzumari in order to maintain the existing safe conditions for commuters on Maiduguri – Damboa corridor.

In a separate incident, troops of 121 Battalion deployed at Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State successfully cleared an ambush laid by Boko Haram criminals on 18 January 2020 at Warabe, Borno State.  In the aftermath of the encounter, 2 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized while several others fled with gunshot wounds under the cloak of darkness. The troops also captured 2 AK 47 Rifles and 3 refilled rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition among other items.

In another development, the Joint Tactical Team deployed to Borno and Yobe States apprehended a Boko Haram female recruiter, one Zainab Usman at Modu Sulemri area of Abujan Talakawa Ward of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a wife of Alai Usman, a high profile Islamic State West Africa Province logistics supplier. The suspect is believed to be in contact with other high profile Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province Commanders, helping them to recruit young fighters.

Also, on 20 January 2020, troops of 212 Battalion deployed in Auno, Kaga LGA of Borno State in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force arrested one Mallam Ahmed Yakuba, a high profile Islamic State West Africa Province informant at a location south of Auno Village. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was born in Niger Republic, grew up in Sudan and has been in Nigeria for the past 15 years. However, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a spy for the Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals on a mission to spy on troops’ location in Auno and other locations along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road.

In another development, on 22 January 2020, troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Gajigana in Magumeri LGA of Borno State arrested a Boko Haram criminal, one Bukar Goni Sanda in Gajigana Village. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to having left the Village 2 years ago and joined the Islamic State’s West Africa Province insurgent group where he was trained on weapon handling particularly in pistol, AK 47 Rifle, Rocket Propelled Gun 7 and Anti-Aircraft Guns, at Kangarwa and Damasak forests. He further confessed to have returned to the community in order to spy on troops’ location.

In a similar vein, on 20 January 2020, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade deployed at Bama in Borno State, in conjunction with elements of Cameroonian Defence Forces and Civilian Joint Task Force in the ongoing Operation RUFE KOFA, had meeting engagements with Boko Haram criminals during clearance operations conducted to identified insurgents’ hideouts at Abbaram, Nguzuwa 1, Cina and Nguzuwa 2. Resultantly, troops destroyed all the criminals’ hideouts along the axis, neutralized 5 Boko Haram criminals and recovered one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, 2 Dane guns, 2 wooden guns, 8 refilled rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one AK 47 Rifle magazine and 2 locally fabricated magazines. Furthermore, 2 women and 4 children hostages were rescued. The rescued children were instantly administered with the Oral Polio Vaccine by the Army Medical Team in line with the Buratai Intervention Initiative.

Elsewhere in the North West region, on 20 January 2020, the combined troops of 2 Battalion, Forward Operating Bases at Kushaka, Birnin Gwari and Pandogari in Kaduna and Niger States while on Operation MESA, conducted a robust clearance operation against suspected bandits and kidnappers’ hideouts at Dogon Gona in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. During the operation, troops made contact with a pocket of bandits on motorcycles at Ushana Village. The gallant troops unleashed their superior firepower on them, forcing them to retreat in disarray. Following the encounter, troops neutralized one bandit, recovered one AK 47 Rifle, 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 10 round of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 mobile hand sets and one motorcycle.

Similarly, on 22 January 2020, troops of 8 Division responded to a distress call about kidnappers holding some victims within the fringes of Zugu forest in Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State. Troops swiftly mobilized to the area. After a brief fire fight, the kidnappers abandoned the 2 kidnapped victims and fled. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families. Relatedly, on 21 January 2020, troops of 31 Artillery Brigade under Operation MESA while on clearance operations had meeting engagement with bandits at Dogon Gona in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. The bandits fled due to the superior firepower of the troops. Nevertheless, troops rescued the 5 kidnapped victims, administered them with First Aid after which they were released to reunite with their families.

TROOPS OF 159 BATTALION DEPLOYED AT GEIDAM LGA OF YOBE STATE NEUTRALIZED 2 BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS AND RECOVERED 2 AK 47 RIFLES, 5 AK 47 RIFLE MAGAZINES AND 45 ROUNDS OF 7.62MM SPECIAL AMMUNITION DURING ENCOUNTER WITH THE INSURGENTS ON 19 JANUARY 2020

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the general public of the Nigerian Armys’ unwavering commitment to ensuring adequate security and enabling environment for a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Food crisis imminent as desert locusts invade Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia

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Food crisis imminent as desert locusts invade Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia

The Horn of Africa has been hit by the worst invasion of desert locusts in 25 years, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Friday.

A man walks through a locust swarm in Kenya on 22 January 2020, Samburu County, Ololokwe, Kenya.

The invasion poses an unprecedented threat to food security in the entire sub region, where over 19 million people in East Africa are already experiencing a high degree of food insecurity, the agency said.
In Kenya, it is the worst invasion in 70 years, and the government is spending $5 million to manage the swarms of locust and prevent spreading.
Invasions of desert locusts are irregular in the region, the last instance occurred in 2007 at a much smaller scale.
“This current invasion of desert locust is significantly larger in magnitude and scale than previously experienced in Kenya and across East Africa,” said Dr. Stephen Njoka, the Director General of Desert Locust Control Organization.
Irregular weather and climate conditions in 2019, including heavy rains between October and December, are suspected to have contributed to the spread of locusts in the region.
“Under a worst-case scenario,” the invasion could become a plague if it is not contained quickly, the FAO said in a statement.

Emergency action plan

The locusts have already devastated large swaths of food and pasture in the region, but the extent of the damage cannot yet be determined since new swarms are spreading across borders everyday, said Njoka.
While Njoka remains positive the pesticides are working, the rapid and constant movement of the locusts makes it difficult to assess just how effective it has been.
The FAO estimates an increase in locust swarms will continue until June, leading the agency to put in place a six month emergency action plan and suggest it will take USD $70m to contain the swarms across the region.

Coronavirus: China tightens restrictions as fear spikes

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Coronavirus: China tightens restrictions as fear spikes

hina locked down four cities in the Hubei province at the center of a deadly virus outbreak, banning planes and trains from leaving in an unprecedented move aimed at containing the disease, which has already spread to a number of other countries. Huanggang, Ezhou and the smaller city of Chibi have joined Wuhan in shutting down railway stations and suspending long-distance buses, according to statements on the cities’ websites.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that the new coronavirus that has emerged in China and spread to several other countries does not yet constitute an international emergency but it was tracking its evolution “every minute”.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement after its Emergency Committee of 16 independent experts reviewed the latest evidence and made its recommendations, which he accepted.

“Make no mistake, though, this is an emergency in China,” Tedros told a news conference at WHO headquarters in Geneva. “But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.”

“Until this time, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission outside China, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.

China’s decision to lock down Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, shows how committed the authorities are to containing a viral outbreak that emerged in a seafood market there, a World Health Organization representative in Beijing said Thursday. Gauden Galea told Reuters the move, also now replicated in nearby Huanggang, went beyond WHO guidelines. “The lockdown of 11 million people is unprecedented in public health history, so it is certainly not a recommendation the WHO has made,” he said, adding authorities had to wait to see how effective the measures were. But sealing off Wuhan is “a very important indication of the commitment to contain the epidemic in the place where it is most concentrated,” Galea said.

The outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has killed at least 17 and infected nearly 600 people globally. China’s National Health Commission confirmed 571 cases and 17 deaths as of Jan. 22.

Wuhan residents called for help and shared worries of food shortages Thursday, with some on the “verge of tears” after the virus-hit central Chinese city was put on effective lockdown. Few people were seen wandering in the streets, the roads were empty, official events were canceled and the state media said authorities had ordered everyone to wear masks in public. At one hotel, guests were checked for fevers and handed antibacterial gel. The few passengers aboard one train arriving from Shanghai were wearing masks and gloves upon arrival, but some put on a brave face, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP). Many internet users from outside the city expressed sadness and concern for residents, urging them to stay safe, while others questioned why the city was not sealed off sooner. Some blamed people in Wuhan for eating wild animals.

The first case of the new virus was confirmed on Dec. 31. There is no vaccine for the new virus, which China says is mutating. It says there is evidence of respiratory transmission. Preliminary research suggests the virus was passed to humans from snakes, but Chinese government medical adviser Zhong Nanshan has also identified badgers and rats as other possible sources. The previously unknown strain is believed to have emerged late last year from illegally traded wildlife at an animal market in Wuhan.

Global health authorities fear the transmission rate will accelerate as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel at home and abroad during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday that begins on Saturday. Thailand has reported four cases, and South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. one each. Patients in these cases were either residents of Wuhan or recent visitors to the city.

Britain’s health minister said Thursday the number of cases of the new coronavirus is likely to be higher than that so far confirmed, so the death toll will probably rise further. “All the fatalities have so far been contained to mainland China; however, this is a rapidly developing situation and the number of deaths and the number of cases is likely to be higher than those that have been confirmed so far and I expect them to rise further,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock told parliament.

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