9374 ad hoc staff recruited for FCT Abuja elections -

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has confirmed the recruitment of 9374 ad hoc staff for the April 9 Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja Area Council elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC for the FCT, Prof. Jacob Jatau made this disclosure during an interview in Abuja on Thursday.

INEC had on March 16 postponed the area council election from March 19 to April 9 due its inability to recruit the required number of ad hoc staff for the exercise.

“I can confirm to you that the commission is fully ready for the April 9 election.

“We have been able to recruit the additional ad hoc staff to meet the shortfall that made us postpone the elections.

“The commission has also trained the additional ad hoc staff recruited for the exercise.

“All is now set for the conduct of free, fair and credible election in the FCT,’’ Jatau told NAN.

Also, INEC's Deputy Director of Publicity in the FCT, Mrs Ndidi Okafor told NAN that the commission had recruited and trained extra personnel to the 9,374 ad hoc staff to forestall likely shortage on the day of the exercise

“The ad hoc staff are employed from the serving National Youth Serving Corps (NYSC) members, students of the University of Abuja and ex-NYSC corps members from our data bank."

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University of Abuja student seeks 1000 signatures in petition against lecturer

A female student of University of Abuja, Miss Oluwakemi O Obaditan is seeking a thousand signatures in a petition she has written against a lecturer, Mr Samuel Olorunfemi Adams.

In the petition titled SAMUEL OLORUNFEMI ADAMS MUST BE STOPPED which is being circulated by www.ipetitions.com, Obaditan made allegations of physical assault and victimization against Mr Adams.

Read the petition below.

On the 11th of December 2011 I was in my second year in the University of Abuja Gwagwalada Nigeria. I came into school that morning to write a Chemistry examination scheduled to hold that day at 9am. I got into the exam hall at about 8:00am just in case there was going to be a change in the venue and information regarding this examination. The exam started at the time stated and while I sat in the hall assigned by my department for her students, Mr. Samuel Olorunfemi Adams came in to speak with the invigilator on duty while the answer booklet was being shared. He requested that half of the students should follow him upstairs to the main library where his own students who, at that time, were going to write a statistics course so he can shuffle us between them. Unfortunately, I was among those who had to move up with them. When I got upstairs I had a chair and did not have a table in the exam hall, hence I decided to go get a table. By the time I returned with the table, Mr. Samuel Olorunfemi Adams refused my entry into the exam hall. I told him I was among the students he took from the hall downstairs to join his students. He was defiant and still refused for me to enter into the examination hall. I stood outside pleading that I get my answer booklet and examination card so I can go downstairs to go write my exams but he refused. My pleas fell on deaf ears until one of my colleague was able to help me pass my exam booklet and exam card to me. While I was begging him he lost his cool and pulled out his belt from his pants and began to flog me mercilessly. While he was flogging me my phone dropped (Blackberry Bold 2) worth N58,000. Mr. Samuel Olorunfemi Adams picked it up and said he was going to cease it after inflicting bodily injury on me. While I stood on the stairs crying, one of my lecturers saw me and he asked what happened. I told him all that had transpired between myself and Mr. Adams. He consoled me and took me to another hall to write my exams. The exams had passed an hour already. I was able to put myself together and I wrote my exams. After my exams, I went to Mr. Adams to get my phone and he said I would have to fill up an examination malpractice form if I was going to get the phone back. I told him I did not set my eyes on the question paper prior to the incident so I cannot fill any form. Mr. Adams told me to take a last look at my phone and he smashed it on the ground to pieces. My colleagues who witnessed the incident gasped and he made sure he gave all of them -10 marks on their script. I ran downstairs to get my brother, so I could tell him what had happened to me. He came up with me to talk to Mr. Adams, but he had already gone ahead to report me to the Dean that I held him on his collar and I told him that if he did not let me into the examination hall that I was going to fight him. By that time, I was summoned to the Dean’s office, Mr. Adams and his supporters (lecturers) were there and the Dean never gave me a fair hearing rather she insisted I state what Mr. Adams had done to me on an examination malpractice form. I stood my ground and refused to fill out the form as I know I did not commit any malpractice. I was threatened and asked for my matriculation number by his colleagues and I was told I would never graduate from that school. That very day, I went to the National Human Rights Commission and I gave a statement and showed evidences of the scars and the pieces of my phone. Pictures were taken and Mr. Adams was summoned in after two weeks for questioning. The following week my Dad was in town and he accompanied me to school to speak with the Dean but she was not around. A fellow lecturer was apologizing on Mr. Adams behalf and begged my Dad to temper justice with mercy. My Dad wrote the school up copying the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Student Affairs that he would like them to look into my matter. I came into school on a Monday morning and I was told to report to the Deans office for an emergency meeting. In the meeting, there was the Dean, Head of department, Head of examinations and a few other lecturers. I was still not granted a fair hearing. Instead, I was told and I quote “We know you know people, and your Dad is well connected, but if you want to graduate in this school you cannot fight your lecturer and win. You have to drop this case. I walked out with tears in my eyes and my heart was heavy with much pain. I felt the school failed me, the women in the meeting failed me even with the obvious bruises I had on my body. Afterwards, I did agree to drop the case because I wanted to graduate. Little did I know that my misery had just begun? Every day in that school was a living hell. I was always harassed, humiliated and dehumanized by Mr. Adams and his fellow lecturers. I became the cynosure for insult every time I passed by them. From that moment my results became a mess. They failed me on all the exams I sat for that semester.
Mr. Adams is a threat to other students in that school as he is known for extorting money illegally so he would pass them, having sexual relationships with ladies and meting out unjust punishment on young men in the department. Hence, my reason for wanting to open up this case again.
Mr. Adams If all I have stated is wrong I would like you to come forward and speak out. Justice must prevail! You continue to fail students, if they get on your bad side. You told me nothing can be done to you and I challenge you to present your case and let’s see if you will truly walk away as a free man.
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world……….. Would do this it would change the earth”. William Faulkner.

OLUWAKEMI O OBADITAN

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Innoson signs MoU to produce jet fighter parts for NAF

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, IVM, Nnewi, for the research and production of spare parts for its aircrafts.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar told newsmen in Nnewi, Anambra State that Innoson has helped the air force to keep its fleet of jet fighters flying for months.

The Air Force Chief who was represented by the Chief Of Policy and Plans, Air Vice-Marshal James Gbum, said that the MoU would further solidify collaboration with Innoson, improve local content and engineering and also save the country a lot of the scarce foreign exchange hitherto spent to import the expensive spare parts.

"Our war efforts will be in vain if we don’t do something to ensure that we get spare parts.

"For instance, we were down to one or two of our fighter aircrafts - the Alpha Jets that have formed the backbone of our struggle against Boko Haram - due to lack of spare parts, mainly the brake assemblies of these aircrafts.

"The Chief of Air Staff (Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar) immediately ordered our research and development cell in Ka’inji to start to research into this brake assembly overhaul.

"They went ahead, carried out the research, (however) the first proto-type they brought couldn’t pass the test.

"The Nigerian Air Force later discovered that Innoson Vehicle Maintenance Company at Nnewi are very capable of collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to achieve the required standards of overhauling our brake assemblies.

"The company was invited to headquarters Nigerian Air Force for discussion and thereafter went into research and development collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the result was successful.

"To this effect, we have reasonable number of these Alpha Jets serviceable daily to fight the war in the North East.

"So, today we as representatives of the Chief of Air Staff are here officially to sign a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

"The Nigerian Air Force considers this co-operation with the indigenous company as very very important in producing some of the spare parts locally.

"This is in-line with the change agenda of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and it is also in line with the vision and key-drivers of the Chief of Air Staff.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, IVM, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, said the company has the human and technical competence to sustain the collaboration.

"When they (Nigerian Air Force) came to me, I developed it the way they wanted it and they are happy with it and that is why they are here again.

"It (MoU) is something that will move Nigeria forward because we can’t always depend on imported items; so we will always strive to do for them anything they want from us.

"The important thing is that if things are moving very well, Nigerians will see that it is better to patronise Nigerian products and services,’’ he said.

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Benue has no land for grazing - Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has rejected the call for creation of grazing reserve for cattle herdsmen.

Ortom said during Wednesday's visit of Mrs Aisha Buhari to victims of herdsmen attacks in Makurdi that all the land in the state belong to farmers.

He said that it would be difficult to create a grazing reserve in Benue as over 85 per cent of the people are farmers and have occupied the little land available.

He advised that cattle rearers should embrace ranching as an alternative to grazing as is the practice around the world.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that items donated by Mrs Buhari to the displaced persons included rice, multivitamins supplements, cooking oil, garri, and tomatoes.

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Chase out these foreign herdsmen now - Gov Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has blamed foreign herdsmen for the incessant attacks on communities across the state since 2011.

Ortom who spoke when Mrs Aisha Buhari visited Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Makurdi, the state capital appealed to the Federal Government to tighten security across the border to stop the influx of foreign herdsmen into the country.

His words:
"Unless they are chased out, it would be hard to maintain peace in the country.

"These herdsmen are very destructive and well-armed. They kill women and children on sight.

“They are completely different from the Fulani's that we have lived and cohabited with over the years.

"We understand that the herdsmen came from Mali, Ghana, Congo, Niger among others and are killing us every day with impunity. This must stop.

"As we speak, over eight Local Governments have been affected across the state. The situation is really overwhelming."

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Read Aisha Buhari’s message to IDPs in Benue State

Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo was in Benue State on Wednesday on behalf of the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari to empathize with the government and people of the state over the destruction of lives and property which they recently suffered in the hands of Fulani herdsmen.

Presenting relief materials to the IDPs, Mrs Buhari assured that they would not be abandoned.

"I have heard and seen your cries. Cry no more, for we are with you.

“Today in Benue I have seen old and young men, women and children in the camp and I can see that they have gone through a lot of pains.

"I have seen that by their looks, it is evident that they are tired of living in the camps but they have no homes because their homes have been destroyed.

"We are really worried about your situation but do not lose hope we are with you, and we will never abandon you at this point of your need," she said.

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Eagles not destined to be at AFCON 2017 - NFF President

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick on Wednesday in Abuja said that it is not the destiny of Nigeria to be at the AFCON 2017 championship in Gabon.

Pinnick said at a press conference that the NFF did everything humanly and materially possible to qualify Nigeria for the event but still fell short.

He blamed the team's failure on bad luck and Chad's withdrawal from the AFCON qualifiers.

"Luck was not on our side. Chad coincidentally pulled out, just when we were thinking that even if we emerged with 11 points we might have ended up being one of the best losers. The truth is that destiny counted against us,’’ he said.

Pinnick however vowed to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup 2018 finals in Russia.

"I want to explain to Nigerians through this medium what transpired and all what we did for Nigeria not to have been ousted from the qualifiers to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"We did everything humanly and materially possible to make sure we qualify. We did not leave any stone unturned.

Just at the last minute, when we were about to celebrate (in Kaduna), a goal came. To me, I just see it as destiny. But our focus now is shifted principally to the next World Cup,’’ he said.

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How three kids found the decomposing body of abducted Army Colonel

The decomposing body of kidnapped Army Colonel, Samaila Inusa was discovered by three children who had gone to pluck cashew fruits at a bush in Ajyaita Village in Kakau District of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, some ten kilometers away from Kaduna city center on Tuesday.

The frightened kids quickly ran to a local farmer who they had earlier met planting yam seedlings.

The farmer on confirming the disturbing sight immediately alerted the village head who in turn contacted the police.

After inspecting the scene, the police called in the Army authorities who confirmed that the body was indeed the remains of Col Samaila Inusa who was abducted by unknown gunmen some days earlier.

“The Army came with photographs and confirmed that he was the one. There was no identity card found on him, but the Army identified him as the missing Colonel," said a source.

The remains of the murdered Col Inusa were buried on Wednesday at the Ribadu Cantonment, Old Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA cemetery according to Islamic rites.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai who was represented at the burial by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ado Abubakar vowed to bring Col Inusa's killers to justice.

“Col. Inusa was a great soldier. We all feel the pains. Though death is inevitable and nobody can run away from it. I came in to represent my boss, the Chief of Army Staff because the Nigerian Army is mourning one of us that had really served this country greatly and we are not really happy the way he died, but whatever happened, we will see to the end of it all."

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AFCON 2017 ouster: Super Eagles apologize

The Super Eagles have apologized for their inability to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Gabon.

The team also did not qualify for the 2015 edition of the African championship which was held in Equatorial Guinea.

The penitent team Twitter an apology a few hours after they lost by a lone goal to Egypt in Alexandria.

Nigeria Super Eagles
@NGSuperEagles

We apologize for our inability to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. We gave this campaign our best efforts but sadly fell short.

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Troops expel Boko Haram from Alagarno forest

Nigerian troops have dislodged Boko Haram from their much touted spiritual power base, Alagarno forest.

Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj Gen Lucky Irabor disclosed in his maiden media briefing since assuming office.

“On March 18, at about 0900 hrs, troops of 3 and 7 Divisions commenced advance to capture Alagarno, with a preparatory air bombardment by Nigeria Air Force (NAF), advance was halted severally due to planted Improvised Explosive Devises (IED) along the routes leading to Alagarno.

“During the operations, troops cleared Yajiwa, Joba, Mosa and other villages. Our gallant troops finally entered Alagarno on March 28, during which several Boko Haram terrorists were killed along the route.

“This operation demystified the Boko Haram terrorist spiritual power base in Alagarno.

“Throughout the operation, the NAF monitored the operation, consistently resupplied the advancing troops as well as assisted in evacuating soldiers that were wounded in action,” he said.

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I'm not a magician: Read Kachikwu's apology to Nigerians.

“I share the pains of Nigerians, I feel that pain everyday when I walk the streets: on Easter day, I was in Lagos monitoring fuel distribution and the depots, I had given 24 hours attention to the problems.

“I have continued to work with one sole purpose, which is that every problem must have a solution and I think that is the reason I was picked.

“I do apologise for the comment that I made jocularly with my friends in the press about being a magician and it offended Nigerians; it was not meant to be, it was a side jocular issue. I did go on to explain what needed to be done, I did not know that it would create the kind of hyperbole (exaggeration) that it did.

“Let me first admit that I am not a typically experienced politician, I am a technocrat: I come to work.

“Some of the phraseologies that I may use, while being acceptable in the arena in which I play, obviously will not be acceptable in the public political arena. So, if any body’s sensibilities were offended by those, I totally apologise.”

The Minister had last week said that he did not receive the training of a magician to quickly end the lingering fuel crisis in the country. He had also said that the problem would persist till May.

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Labourer remanded in prison for raping own daughter

A Kano Magistrate's Court on Monday remanded a 55-year-old labourer, Mu’azu Abdullahi, in prison custody for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Haziel Ledafowa, told the court that one Sadiya Mu’azu of the same address reported a case of incest and rape to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP  in Kano on March 15.

He said that the accused had four months ago, forcefully had carnal knowledge of his 16 year-old biological daughter, and in the process caused her harm in contravention of Sections 283 and 390.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of rape and incest.

The Presiding Judge, Senior Magistrate Hassan Ahmed , ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody till the adjourned date of April 18, 2016.

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Troops run into ambush, kill three Boko Haram fighters

Troops of 155 Task Force Battalion, 29 Task Force Brigade ran into an ambush but were able to kill the three Boko Haram terrorists involved.

A statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman said that the troops were on clearance patrol when they came under attack.

"Troops of 155 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade while on clearance patrol along Banki junction on Monday encountered a Boko Haram terrorists ambush at Bolungu village which was successfully cleared. The troops killed all the 3 attackers and also recovered 1 Fabrique Nationale rifle with registration number UE16A86257 and 1G3 rifle with registration number 10f995, as well as 19 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

"Similarly, some element of the unit stationed in Mayanti encountered 2 fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from the villages cleared yesterday and killed 1 while trying to shoot the troops and arrested the other. The arrested suspected terrorist has been making very useful statements. The troops recovered 5 bicycles, bags of grains and other items.

"In a related development, the unit today, cleared more Boko Haram terrorists enclaves and hideouts Gare village around Sambisa forest. During the operation, the troops killed 1 terrorist who attacked a soldier with cutlass and arrested 4 other suspected Boko Haram terrorist group members. The troops also rescued 36 persons, comprising 2 men, 9 women and 26 children and recovered 2 mobile telephone handsets," the statement said.

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Troops recover 1304 livestock, arrest 15 cattle rustlers

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army working with other security agencies under Operation Sharan Daji have within the last one week recorded tremendous success in the fight against cattle rustling, armed banditry and criminality  in the Northwest.

A statement issued by Army spokesman, Col Sani Usman said that security agencies are determined to eliminate cattle rustling, armed banditry and other criminal activities in the area.

"In Kaduna State, the Division’s Internal Security Force (DISFORCE) has recovered 108 Livestock and killed 1 armed bandit and recovered 1 AK-47 Rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

"In Zamfara State, which is 1 Brigade’s area of operation, the troops recovered 419 livestock and arrested 1 bandit and recovered a locally made pistol from him.

"In Kano and Katsina States, 3 Brigade was also able to recover 677 livestock, destroyed 10 cattle rustlers and armed bandits camps and recovered 4 locally made pistols and 7 Dane guns. The troops also killed 4 cattle rustlers and arrested 14 other suspects.

"The ongoing operations are aimed at completely eradicating the menace of cattle rustling, armed banditry and other criminalities in the north west geo-political region of the country."

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Abducted Army Colonel found dead: Official press release

Read Nigerian Army's official press release on abducted Col Samaila Inusa.

HQ Nigerian Army

UPDATE ON KIDNAP OF COLONEL SAMAILA INUSA

The Nigerian Army wishes to regrettably inform the public that Colonel Samaila Inusa who was kidnapped on Sunday 27th March 2016, was found dead today at about 6.00pm.

Preliminary investigation revealed that most likely the late senior officer was killed same day he was kidnapped by his abductors. This is because the body was found already decomposing around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State.

Arrangements are in progress to move the body to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. May His soul rest in peace, Amen.

We wish to state in unmistakeable terms that whoever is behind his abduction and murder would be fished out to face the full wrath of the law.

You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman Acting Director, Army Public Relations

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Photos from the 8th Bola Tinubu colloquium

The 8th Bola Tinubu Colloquium held today at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

This year's colloquium which has its theme as “Agriculture: Action, Work , Revolution” is part of the activities marking Tinubu's 64th birthday celebration.

Dignitaries at the event included President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and his wife, Olori Wuraola
Ogunwusi among others.

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Photos of abducted Army Colonel

Army authorities have promised a one million naira reward for anyone with information that can lead to his rescue.

Col Samaila Inusa was abducted on Saturday night by unknown gunmen while in the company of his wife. 

A statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Col Abdul Usman said that the gunmen dropped off Col Inusa's wife and fled in his car in the direction of Abuja. 

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Jerry Useni on Buhari's probe of Jonathan's men

“New logs have fallen on top of old ones. To get to the old ones, you have to remove the new ones first. So, the new ones are Jonathan’s people.”

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Cameroun 'suicide bomber' not a Chibok girl

Cameroonian authorities have disclosed that the two girls who were recently arrested with suicide bombs have no Western education and are not from Chibok.

Investigators in Cameroon identified the self-confessed suicide bomber as Aissatou Musa and her accomplice as Mamma Sali.

According to a source, “Available information as regards the acclaimed Chibok girl indicated as follows: Aissatou Musa, who claimed to be one of the Chibok girls, is the daughter of Musa Bladi and Fanta(mother) of Mandara ethnic group.

“The second girl is Mamma Sali. She is the daughter of Sali Chetima and Hajiya Bintou of Kanuri tribe.

“Both hail from Bama and speak in Mandara, Hausa and Kanuri. They have never been to any Western school, except Koranic schools. They have no relationship with the 219 Chibok girls.”

The source said however that the girls have not been handed over to Nigerian authorities because they are still needed for investigation in Cameroon.

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Eagles land at Alexandria in high spirits (Photos)

The Super Eagles arrived Alexandria on Monday for Tuesday's match with Egypt aboard an Arik Air chartered flight.

The Permanent Secretary inthe Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa and NFF President Amaju Pinnick led the delegation that included 25 players

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GEJ's son-in-law visits new PDP National Chairman

GEJ's son in-law, Godswill Edward, pays congratulatory visit to new PDP chair, Alimodu Sheriff http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/03/gejs-son-in-law-godswill-edward-pays.html

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Three people burnt to death in fuel trucks collide

Photos: 3 burn to death as fuel tankers collide and burst into flames on Kaduna expressway http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/03/photos-3-burn-to-death-as-fuel-tankers.html

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Even police dey fear thief. Na wa o

Lol. See what was spotted at a police station http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/03/lol-see-what-was-spotted-at-police.html

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3800 shops razed in unprecedented Sabon Gari market fire.

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has put the number of shops destroyed by Saturday's fire incident at Sabon Gari market in Kano at around 3800.

The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, told newsmen at the market that preliminary assessment showed that more than 90 per cent of the market was destroyed by the inferno.

"It is unfortunate that, from the record, more than 90 percent of the market has been burnt. Based on the report, more than 3, 800 shops and quite a number of buildings were razed by the inferno,” he said.

He lamented that lack of access roads hindered the movement of fire fighting vehicles within the market.

“Assessment is still ongoing and the state government has mobilised over 100 trucks to clear the rubble.

“The incident was unprecedented and overwhelming and can negatively affect the economy of the country,” he said.

He also said that fifteen persons who sustained injuries in the incident were receiving treatment at the hospital.

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Read what MASSOB told Gov Ganduje about Sabon Gari market fire

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB has demanded for compensation from the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje for Igbo traders whose shops were destroyed by Saturday's early morning fire at Sabon Gari market.

The inferno which consumed about four thousand shops is said to have affected mainly Igbo traders. 

MASSOB in a statement signed by its National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor lamented that Igbo businessmen have been at the receiving end of market fires and government actions across Nigeria.

“We are calling on the Kano state government to compensate victims of the Sabon Gari market fire incident. From available information MASSOB had gathered, 90% of the affcted traders are of the Igbo stock who have suffered losses.

“They should be compensated to assist them get back to business. Again, the state government should set up a probe panel to find the immediate and remote cause of the incident. Ndigbo contributes immensely to the development of Kano state, and must not be abandoned in this hour of need.

“MASSOB has lost count of market fire incidents and demolition of markets, including government induced policies targeted at Igbo traders. In Lagos state, in January 2016, Igbo traders returned from the Christmas and New Year festivities to see their shops demolished on the orders of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and wares looted by hoodlums.

“During crises and riot situations, Igbo traders are always targeted and their goods destroyed. This is why we are calling on the international community to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to organize a referendum and grant Ndigbo an independent state of Biafra where there would be no victimization.”

Okereafor also called on Igbo businessmen to invest in the Southeast.

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War on corruption: recovered cash to be used as evidence

The presidency has disclosed that it is not making the monies recovered from corrupt past public servants because it intends to tender them as evidence before the courts.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said that Buhari would have loved to tell Nigerians how much has been recovered but could not do so at the moment.

He explained that the recovered funds have been kept in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The issue of how much has been returned has been there. The money retrieved has to be used as evidence in court. The President said two things; we will recover and we will prosecute. So, as it is now, you don’t go and bring all these billions returned out.

“I am aware that there is an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where some of these funds are being kept and are evidence for a judge to see. It is not for public display. I think that is the challenge we have at the moment,” he said.

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Army ready to pay N1m for information on kidnapped Colonel

The Nigerian Army is offering a reward of one million naira for anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of its kidnapped officer, Col Samaila Inusa.

The Army said that informants will be given protection and treated with utmost confidentiality

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Office of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdul Usman told newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday that Col Inusa was abducted by unknown gunmen around Kamazo, along Kaduna Refinery Road, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday night.

The statement said that "the abductors dropped off Colonel Inusa's wife and left with him in his car. The car headed towards Abuja."

The Army had initially pledged a reward of five hundred thousand naira for information on the kidnapped Colonel Inusa, only to raise it to one million naira on Monday.

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Army issues statement on crisis in Ibi, Taraba State

PRESS STATEMENT BY LT COL CO EGEMOLE ON CRISIS IN IBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ON FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2016

On behalf of Officers and men of 93 Battalion, I am delighted to welcome you to our Headquarters in Takum. Let me start by thanking you most sincerely for your continuous commitment and support in publicizing the activities of the Nigerian Army in aid to civil authority as ensured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and to reassure you of the Chief of Army Staff commitment to protect lives and properties whenever we are called upon to do so in line with the provisions of the law.

The essence of this briefing is to create awareness in the public on what happened on the 25th March 2016 at Ibi Local Government Area (LGA). Ibi LGA of Taraba state has been characterized by ethno-religious crisis and the one of 25th March 2016 was one of such. The incidence started by some youths throwing stones at Muslims in the mosque during Juma’at prayers which later escalated to sporadic shooting, but for the timely intervention of troops and other sister security agencies, normalcy was restored and 24 hours curfew imposed. For now, there has been no report of death.

However, 6 persons have so far been arrested in connection to the crisis and manhunt is ongoing for other perpetrators. The troops have recovered 3 AK-47 assault rifles, 2 AK47 magazines, 4 single barrel guns, 11 cartridges, 1 axe, 2 hammers, 1 cutlass, 2 handsaws, 1 knife, 3 mobile phones, 1 catapult, 1 broken butt, 19 rounds of 5.56mm, 104 rounds of 7.2mm (Special) ammunitions and I litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the suspects. In line with established procedure, we will be handing over suspects and arms to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.

It is worthy to note, prior to this incidence, the Unit had 2 major peace meetings as directed by higher authorities between the stakeholders within the same week but it seemed all that was said fell on deaf ears, but dialogue will never cease.

We will continue to encourage the stakeholders to resolve the crisis politically and will not relent in making sure there is lasting peace in Ibi as stipulated in the Chief of Army Staff Vision.

Further more, measures have been put in place for more peace meetings to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ibi LGA. All stakeholders in the area are also requested to educate mostly the youths on the need for peaceful co-existence and tolerance amongst one another for the benefit of growth and sustenance.

Thanks

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Soldiers step on IED as troops kill four terrorists (graphic photos)

Troops of 114 Task Force Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, working with some vigilantes better known as Civilian JTF have killed four Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 54 captives in counter-insurgency operations.

A statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman said that the troops which cleared Boko Haram terrorists along Bita-Madube Ciki-Njubul axis also recovered foodstuff, motorcycles and weapons.

The statement reads in part ;
"Troops of 114 Task Force Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilantes in their area of operation, have carried out clearance operation of reported remnants of Boko Haram terrorists along Bita-Madube Ciki-Njubul axis.

During the advance, 2 soldiers unfortunately stepped on a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that seriously injured one of the soldiers . Nevertheless, the troops continued the advance and had contact with the terrorists and cleared them out of Madube Cikin, killing 4 insurgents, destroying 2 vehicles and 2 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists. The troops also recovered 2 cylinders, 1 AK-47 rifle, 3 boxes of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 bicycles and bags of grains.

The troops also rescued 54 persons held hostage by the Boko Haram terrorists. The released hostages are being screened while the wounded soldiers have since been evacuated for proper medical care."

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