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Insecurity: Sokoto equips community guard corps

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Sokoto gov vows to sustain transparency, accountability

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has disclosed that the state Community Guard Corps is being equipped to assist in safeguarding the rural communities.

He disclosed this on Friday during a thank-you visit to the Kebbe Local Government Area of the state as part of his tour of four local government areas under the Sokoto South Senatorial zone of the State.

Aliyu said that the lack of proper office accommodation that hitherto hindered the take-off of the corps, especially in the thirteen local government areas worst affected by banditry, is now over.

“We have provided the corps with all the needed logistics with which to operate in our local communities. We have recently completed the office accommodation for the corps”, he added

He called on the people of the state to continue to give the corps the needed support so that they could discharge their duties with due diligence.

On the Kebbe bridge, which is on the verge of collapsing, the governor ordered the immediate assessment of the bridge with a view to reconstructing it, so as to save Kebbe community from being disconnected from other other parts of the state.

He also said that work on the installation of 250 solar-powered street lights in Kebbe local government is progressing steadily, adding that two 2 Jumuat mosques are to be renovated in addition to the construction of two feeder roads in the area.

While in Tambuwal, Aliyu assured the completion of the Alhasan-Fagga- Bakaya road project awarded at the cost of 2 billion Naira as well as the prison- Yagawal-Na Baguda road also awarded to the tune of 2.6 billion Naira.

The governor also promised to construct the Jega- Samo, Romo- Kaya-Barga, and Gudul-kandamare-Rijiya road projects all in Tambuwal local government.

Also, while speaking in Shagari local government, Aliyu pledged to construct Dandin Mahe-Mabera, Era-Rijiyar  Malam and the Ginga junction- Horo Birni feeder roads in addition to the renovation of two Jumuat mosques.

Earlier in Yabo, the governor assured people of the area of his administration’s commitment to construct Kilgori-Kwaidaza, Magacci- Ruggar Kizo as well as Bingaje-Beno feeder roads, as well as the renovation of Yabo Jumuat mosque.

In his remarks, the APC leader in the state, Aliyu Wamakko, commended the governor for various people-oriented projects he has executed across the state.

He described Aliyu’s one year in office as fruitful considering the transformation taking place in areas of road network, water supply, environmental sanitation, education, healthcare delivery, empowerment, as well as promoting religious affairs.

Also speaking, the former Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammadu Dingyadi, appealed to the people of the state to continue to rally round the present administration for them to benefit more.

Reps demand immediate return of abducted medical students

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The House of Representatives on Saturday decried the abduction of 20 medical students in Benue State.
Gunmen on Thursday abducted the students who were travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
The victims comprised 12 students from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri.
The incident has caused uproar in the country with many demanding swift response from security agents.
In a statement by its spokesman, Rotimi Akin, the Green Chamber charged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the students.
The statement read: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country.
“No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.”
“The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”
The post Reps demand immediate return of abducted medical students appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Hunger protests: Amnesty International demands immediate release of all detainees

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Global human rights group, Amnesty International, has condemned the Nigerian Government for arraigning over 1,000 protesters in court.
TVN recalls that the 10 days hunger protests turned violent in some states, leading to the arrest of several protesters.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, on August 6, announced that the Police arrested some persons alleged to have sponsored protesters who hoisted foreign flags in some states.
The arrested protesters were arraigned in court and are currently in detention.
In a post released on X , Amnesty International demanded an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“The Nigerian authorities are escalating crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption. Over 1,000 people have been remanded nationwide.
“Today 441 people were arraigned in Kano, in what is set out to be an unfair trial based on trumped-up charges.
“Amnesty International again calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“The government of Nigeria has an obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the post read.
Hunger protests: Amnesty International demands immediate release of all detainees

Arsenal overcome Wolves after Liverpool beat Ipswich in Premier League

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Arsenal and Liverpool clinched victories in their opening games of the Premier League season on Saturday.
More to follow…
The post Arsenal overcome Wolves after Liverpool beat Ipswich in Premier League appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Flood: Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks NEMA on provision of relief materials to victims in Yobe

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Ex-Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan has tasked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide additional relief materials to flood affected communities in Nguru and Karasuwa local government areas of Yobe State.
The lawmaker made the call on Saturday when he visited the two affected local government areas to assess the damage caused by recent flooding and console the displaced families.
He commend the efforts of NEMA for its efforts in providing assistance to the victims.

“However, more needs to be done to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.
“I urged NEMA to urgently provide additional relief materials such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as support to the affected communities,” he said.
Lawan also called on the Federal Government to provide sustainable solutions that include constructing drainage systems and embankments to control water flow to mitigate the impact of future floods.
“I also urged the affected communities in my Senatorial District to cooperate with the authorities and follow instructions on safety measures,” Lawan added.
Flood: Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks NEMA on provision of relief materials to victims in Yobe

Buhari mourns as ex-INEC boss, Jega, loses mother

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Buhari mourns as ex-INEC boss, Jega, loses mother

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, expressed sadness over the death of Hauwa Jega, mother of a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega.

According Online reports that Hajiya Jega died on Friday night in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 86.

Her funeral prayer was held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Saturday at 1:30 pm, and she was buried at Gudu Cemetery Abuja according to Islamic rites.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed condolences to Jega over the death of his mother, describing the death as a great loss.

The former president added, “There is no greater loss than that of a mother. I would like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace.

“Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

“I hope that you will find solace and comfort in the good deeds she left behind. May Allah grant her Aljannul Firdaus.”

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Kwara poly harvests tonnes of maize, urges others to invest in farming

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Kwara poly harvests tonnes of maize, urges others to invest in farming

The Rector of the Kwara Polytechnic, Dr Abdul Jimoh-Muhammed, has called on tertiary institutions in the country to invest in commercial farming on their campuses.

Jimoh-Muhammed, who made the call in Ilorin on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said tertiary institutions should prioritise food production and not restrict themselves to academic research alone.

NAN reports that the Kwara Polytechnic recently harvested 25 tonnes of maize from its farm, which the rector said was part of ensuring food security in the country.

Jimoh-Muhammed said that the farming was part of his resolve to enshrine the culture of “growing what you eat and eating what you grow” for the economic benefit of the nation.

He disclosed that the polytechnic has commenced harvesting maize and other produce on their commercial farm.

He said that the polytechnic have spent almost N13 million on maize and cassava plantations in their first farming season.

“We spent about N10m for clearing the land and another N3m was used in the purchase of the seedlings and cassava stems.

“We have been experiencing encroachment on the polytechnic land and we put our heads together to utilise the vacant land to practice commercial farming.

”That is the reason I am urging other institutions to utilise their land and not just leave it for decoration. Farm on it and produce food for the public,” he said.

The rector assured that the farm produce would be reinvested to the farm as well as to increase internally generated revenue for the polytechnic.

He said part of the produce would be used by the Department of Food Science Technology to bring out other value additions attached to maize, cassava and other produce of the farm.

He said that the polytechnic involved the students to practice on the farm as a way of practical training.

He said students of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Students of Agric Engineering & Bio Environmental Engineering were instrumental to the success of the farming.

Jimoh-Muhammed said the School Management and the Committee on Agricultural Purposes are planning to cultivate another 20 hectares of land next season as they plan to practice soya beans among other crops.

He also said the institution would practice animal husbandry and poultry farm in the near future.

“We want to practice irrigation farming system. We need a source of water which is lacking in our area. We want government to support us in this aspect,” he said.

On security, the Rector said the security personnel of the Polytechnic collaborated with other security agencies to ensure safety on the farm at all times.

The Director of the Institute of Technology, Mrs Ruth Bayeri, identified the relocation of the encroachers on the land as major challenge, which was later resolved with dialogue.

Bayeri, who doubles as Chairman of the farming committee, said the clearing started in February while the actual planting started in April.

She described the initiative as a profiting one which would be continuous, adding that Soya bean planting would commence after the rainy season.

NAN.

Fire guts Abuja market, razes 40 shops

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Fire guts Abuja market, razes 40 shops

A section of the popular Kaura Market, located opposite the Prince and Princess Estate in the Kaura District of Abuja, was gutted by fire on Friday night.

The fire, which reportedly started at about 11 pm on Friday, razed approximately 40 shops. The immediate cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Our correspondent could not confirm the details of the incident at the time of filing this report, as neither the Spokesperson for the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad, nor the Acting Director, Amiola Adebayo, could be reached via telephone.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, could not immediately confirm the incident but promised to provide an update shortly.

However, some reports claim that traders lamented the late arrival of the FCT Fire Service, which resulted in the spread of the fire, causing significant losses.

Details to follow…

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Reps urge swift rescue of kidnapped medical students

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Reps condemn unlawful detention of journalists

The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 20 medical students in Benue State, Nigeria, urging swift intervention from security agencies.

According to reports, the abducted students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on Thursday, 15 August 2024, while travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.

This incident has caused significant alarm and distress across the country.

The Nigerian Medical Association has voiced its deep concern for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.

The NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, stated in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police that “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return. The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

Similarly, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students stated: “As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation. Medical students are also crucial to the future of healthcare excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their education, safety, and well-being are vital to the progress and health of our society.”

In a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Green Chamber aligned itself with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country.”

He added: “No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.”

The statement concluded: “The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”

Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials

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Recent allegations involving an Bashir Hadejia and several high-profile Nigerian government officials have sparked significant controversy.
Hadejia, a former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
He was arrested on Monday, 5th August and has been accused of “treason and subversion against the state”.
Videos and photos that emerged since his arrest has linked Hadejia to high profile government officials.
Hadeija is alleged to be involved in serious transnational crimes and has been accused of spreading misleading information.
His arrest has elicited reactions from various quarters, following reports that during interrogation by the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect mentioned the names of top government officials.
Sources however said contrary to allegations, he never mentioned the name of the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle.
However, sources also disclosed that some politicians are working assiduously to establish a nexus between the suspect and the minister of state for defence to achieve a set motive.
Matawalle has publicly denied the allegations, emphasising commitment to national security and public service.
The sources have raised concerns that the claims may serve as a diversion from the core issues under investigation and have advised the public to cautiously approach the allegations as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, some ethnic nationalities, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), in a statement, lauded Hadejia’s arrest.
The statement issued by President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman, and the leader of the YYC, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said Hadejia’s arrest was due to the efforts of the country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.
Parts of the statement read, “The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.
“These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.
“The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu’s security team, specifically the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats.
“To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy, the statements added.
“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the funds and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally.”
Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials