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Gunmen Massacre 15 In Katsina …Bandits Abduct Five In Zamfara Girls’ School

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A fleet of 150 gunmen on motorcycles rode into two villages in Katsina State, murdering, at least, 15 people, stealing cattle and torching houses, Police said, yesterday.
The gang attacked two villages — Gobirawa and Sabawa villages of Safana LGA of Katsina State, late on Tuesday night, raiding the villages for hours into Wednesday morning.
“Police patrol teams were dispatched to the scene,” Katsina Police spokesman, Gambo Isah, said.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Gambo Isah, explained that the patrol teams dispatched to the scene engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.
The teams, he added, chased the bandits out of the villages and recovered one motorcycle Bajaj from them.
He said: “The command commiserates with the families of the deceased persons and the entire peace loving people of Katsina State.
“It will do everything possible to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and bringing to an end the activities of these rascals’’.
In Zamfara State, the state Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two caterers and three children during an attack on Government Girls’ Secondary School, Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area, last Wednesday night.
The gunmen were said to have stormed the area around 11:30 pm by announcing their arrival with sporadic gun shots in the air.
The state Police Command PPRO, SP Mohammed Shehu, in a press release stated that, “On 1st May, 2019 at about 21;30hrs, DPO Zurmi received a distress call that unidentified number of armed men entered into Government Girls’ Secondary School, Moriki in Zurmi LGA through the back fence of the school with intent to attack the school and abduct students.
“On the spur of the moment, a combined team of PMF/CTU/ and Civilian JTF personnel headed by the DPO mobilised to the school, confronted the armed men, and stopped them from gaining access to the students’ hostels. The bandits took a retreat back to the bush.
“No student was abducted as earlier reported by some media. However, two caterers and three of their children were later discovered missing.
“The police are collaborating with the school authority to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons.”
The PPRO said a search-and-rescue operation team has been dispatched to the surrounding bushes for an extensive bush combing.
The police further explained that security has been beefed up in the school and its environment to forestall further happening.
Also speaking, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Celestine Okoye, confirmed the attack, but stressed that no students were abducted by the bandits, contrary to a viral rumour on social media.
“We have confirmed reports of an attack on the school in Moriki, but no students were abducted,” Okoye said.
“Unfortunately, five persons were abducted from the school, including two cooks and three of their children.”
Moriki is in Zurmi Local Government Area, which has been one of the most terrorised areas by bandits in the North-West.
A spokesperson for the state government did not immediately return requests for comments.
Some social media posts had cited the BBC Hausa as reporting that, at least, two teachers were abducted alongside the cooks.
The bandits had reportedly blocked the road leading to the school before breaking into its premises.
Okoye said details of how the girls were prevented from being abducted would be made public shortly.
The police chief said efforts were underway to rescue the victims, urging parents and members of the community not to be apprehensive about unconfirmed social media claims.
However, the Katsina State Police Command, has arrested some suspects in connection with the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
The kidnappers, had last Wednesday night, abducted the Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar, in his Daura residence.
But the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, yesterday, confirmed that some of the suspects were arrested as the officers arrived the scene, adding that one police officer was however hit during a gun-duel with the kidnappers.
Narrating the incident in a statement released, yesterday, police disclosed that Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Uba, was abducted on Tuesday evening at his residence.
He added that the kidnappers numbering six stormed the residence in a Peugeot 405, unregistered car, blue in colour, shot sporadically into the air, and abducted him.
The statement read in parts, “The state Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi Buba, along with police patrol teams immediately arrived at the scene.
“Police patrol teams at Kusada Division Katsina State intercepted the hoodlums and engaged them in a gun duel and as a result of which one Inspector Muntari Maikudi attached to Kusada Division sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina for treatment.
“IGP Tactical Squad, SARS teams, PMF and counter-terrorism units have already been dispatched to rescue the victim alive and safely to his family.
“We appeal to members of the public to always assist security agencies with timely intelligence on the activities of bandits, adding that the command and other security agencies are on their toes to bringing to an end the activities of the bandits.
“The abducted traditional ruler who is the father of Fatima Musa, wife of Colonel Mohammed Abubakar, the ADC to President Muhammadu Buhari was a retired customs comptroller and business mogul.”
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has reacted to the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
Reacting, Senator Shehu Sani, yesterday, condemned the abduction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide de Camp (ADC)’s father-in-law.
According to him, the abduction raises “the urgency to combat this ravaging scourge and menace in the state.”
On his Twitter page, the Kaduna lawmaker wrote: “The kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar, the district head of Daura, Katsina State stands utterly condemned.
“This again raises the urgency to combat this ravaging scourge and menace. Their audacity must not dampen the nation’s resolve to prevail.”
Meanwhile, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has said Nigeria should ask for support in the fight against Boko Haram and that Britain would be ready to give
Mr Hunt said a perceived rift between the Nigerian Army and the local populace in the North-east is fueling violence in the region. He said “intelligence information reaching him” reveals that lack of trust between the authorities and indigenes is one of the reasons that fuels attacks in the region. He also said the British government would be willing to support the military fight insurgency, only “if the authorities ask for help.” The British government, in August 2017, announced £200million as aid to assist Nigeria in fighting insurgency and training its military personnel for four years: from 2018 to 2022.
Mr Hunt gave the latest assurance while on a visit to Maiduguri as part of his Africa tour seeking ‘new UK partnerships’ across Africa, The Guardian, (UK) reports.
He is expected to visit Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya from April – May 2019. “I am here in Maiduguri North-east Nigeria, where the conflict which has involved both Boko Haram and Islamic state West Africa has meant that two million people have been displaced living in, effectively, refugee camps,” Mr Hunt reportedly said.
“And the U.K is supporting the World Food Programme (WFP) which is doing an extraordinary job. We have given £150 million since the start of the conflict and they have been able to feed 1.5 million people as a result of their activities here. “I think the crucial deciding factor is the willingness and enthusiasm of the Nigerian government and the Nigerian army to work closely with us – we would like to support and help them, but they are a sovereign nation and they have got to want our help,” he said.
The British envoy also accused the military of moving the locals into towns “and assuming the ones that are not in a secure area are members of Boko Haram.” He said while the approach is understandable, “the effect means depriving the indigenes of their livelihood and homes.”
“The feedback I got from NGOs on the ground is that lack of trust between the authorities and local people is one of the things that is fuelling the problem at the moment.
“The Nigerian army strategy is largely about herding people into towns and saying if you are not in a secure area, we are going to assume you are Boko Haram and/or Islamic State west Africa,” he added. The official said his government is considering providing both military and non-military support to Nigeria.
“I think our approach is potentially a very significant one because we could bring not just the British army (support) but also DfID (the Department for International Development) and our experience in holistic solutions to these kinds of situations,” Mr Hunt explained.

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Fubara Flags Off Upgrading Of 135 Primary Healthcare Facilities In Rivers 

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The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to the Rivers people.

 Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the flag-off of the renovation and upgrading of 135 Primary Healthcare facilities in 135 Wards across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State, last Friday.

 Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara said his administration was doing everything possible to ensure that healthcare delivery would be accessed even in the most remote communities, by facilitating this unprecedented State-wide renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres.

“This is to increase geographical access to quality basic healthcare services and reduce maternal Infant and child mortality and prevalence of non-communicable diseases and other preventable illnesses in Rivers State”, the Governor stressed.

The State Chief Executive expressed gratitude to World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress, by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

 According to him “We collectively strive towards the reduction of maternal, infant and child mortality and tackling Non-Communicable Diseases, thereby accelerating economic growth and development in the State”.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, stated that it was fitting for the Governor to have delegated the Deputy Governor to represent him and flag-off the revitalization and re-equipping of 135 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

 She extolled the Deputy Governor’s drive, passion, and commitment to steering the State’s Primary Healthcare Task Force, which had led to significant transformation.

 Dr. Oreh expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his leadership and dedication, which had contributed to the transformation of the State’s healthcare system.

 Also speaking, the Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management   Board, Prof. Blessing Jaja, said that the revitalization of the Healthcare Centres would lead to a significant modernization of the facilities, ultimately improving the overall Healthcare system of the State.

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I Won’t Allow Spoils Of Office To Change Me – Fubara …As Rivers People Mark Gov’s 50th Birthday With Prayers

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.

 

Rather, the governor assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the State to become what they dreamt it to become.

 

Governor Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the State paid him a birthday visit to celebrate him as he attains 50 years at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.

 

The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating  birthdays but seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.

 

Governor Fubara said: “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.

 

“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”

 

Governor Fubara emphasised: “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.

 

“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”

 

Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.

 

In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Governor Fubara, who has become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers State.

 

He said, it is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.

 

The former Governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, enjoyed divine direction in governance, and pledged the continued support of  Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.

 

In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties but regretted that

the immediate past Governor, who styled himself as kingmaker had continued to do things to distract the king.

 

But Prince Secondus, noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, including forging unity, and inclusivity, which are evidence of his mandate as divine.

 

Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy for the Governor, his administration and the State; a toast; the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor, who was supported by his wife; presentation of gifts to the Governor; rendition of special birthday songs; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders to celebrate the Liberator of Rivers people at 50.

 

Later in the morning, members of the State Executive Council; Local Government Council chairmen; Permanent Secretaries; Government House staff; Service Commanders; and many others visited the Governor to wish him a glorious birthday, and presented gifts to celebrate his Golden Jubilee birthday.

 

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Tinubu Seeks Multifaceted Response To Terrorism, Other Security Threats

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President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday called for a multifaceted response to terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call when he declare open the 5th meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, the Borno capital.

The Tide source reports that the meeting, which was hosted by the Yobe State Government brings together eight Governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Republic of the Niger.

The event also brings humanitarian organisations, and local and international communities to address pressing security challenges and explore solutions for stability in the region.

The president said the chain of events that disrupted the stability of the region over the past 15 years demands that power must be wielded responsibly to guarantee the safety and prosperity of the people.

The Nigerian leader noted that while military power was necessary to contain the security threats, it must be accompanied by strategies that address their root causes.

This, according to him, in include poverty, inequality, and lack of job opportunities for the region’s young population.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our response to these threats must be multifaceted.

“While military solutions are indispensable, they must be complemented by strategies that address the root causes of insecurity – poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth.

“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict.

“This is the challenge before us: to transform this demographic dividend into a force for good. Power’s true essence lies not in its possession but in its application.

“Hard power may secure borders, but it is soft power—through diplomacy, culture, and shared values—that builds bridges and binds us together,” he said.

Tinubu said every part of the world was entangled in its own unique security challenges, resulting in the global military gulping “a historic 2.4 trillion dollars in 2023, with no signs of slowing.”

He, however, observed that: “hard power, detached from the moral imperatives of justice and diplomacy, only widens the very divide it seeks to bridge.”

Tinubu told the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum that it was only by sticking to the vision for which the forum was created that pursuing and adopting partnerships that benefit the people could be achieved.

Such partnerships, he said, include the collective commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that the choices made “today will echo through generations, shaping the future of this region.”

He recalled the successes recorded so far in repelling threats to the region’s borders and sovereignty by elements of terror.

The President attributed past victories by member countries to the joint missions they had embarked on.

Tinubu cautioned the governors and other stakeholders against allowing “the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord” in the region, and submitting themselves “to become tools in any proxy agenda.

“The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today.

“You, distinguished representatives of this forum, embody not only our collective will to protect the region but also the transformative potential that stability brings.

“The true enemy remains the non-state actors—those who exploit weak borders, poor governance, and fragile economies to challenge our claim to civilization.

” However, the worst threat we may face is not the insurgents or terrorists at odds with our humanity.

” It is the absence of cooperation, sincerity, and fidelity to our shared pact as brothers’ keepers.

“We undermine this pact when we renege on agreements to secure our borders when misinformation and falsehoods breed mistrust, and when we jeopardize the freedom and choices of our people.”

Earlier, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, had said that the forum was an opportunity for states around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far.

He noted that as partners in progress, the Yobe Government provided the platform for participants to strengthen contact and collaboration towards ensuring stabilisation, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin in the months and years ahead.

Also, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the strategic partners of the forum, saying their contributions have enabled governments of the forum to tackle some of their challenges to strengthen and rebuild the region.

He said the platform was a rallying point for political cohesion, fostering regional interaction, sustaining the socio-economic development of the region, and regional integration.

On his part, Gov. Umaru Fintri of Adamawa, noted that the Basin had passed through the worst environmental moment, leading to the shrinking of the Lake Chad

“The United Nations Environmental Programme has recently revealed that Lake Chad has shrunk 90 per cent in six years and blamed the situation on climate change, irrigation and construction of dams and population increase.”

The Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, said the forum’s meeting “serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and enhanced collaboration.”

He also said that the meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the lake chad basin.

He noted that the theme of the meeting reflects the immense progress achieved so far and the equally immense work that needs to be done.

Ms Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria, and Representative of International Support Group, commended the governors of the region.

Rowe stressed that the region had recorded marked improvement in the face of daunting challenges.

She, however, pledged the support of the funding partners to continue in their efforts towards assisting the forum achieve its objectives.

 

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