News
Northern govs seek solutions to terror attacks
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, who confirmed the development said the NGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya, convened the meeting.
“It will be held in Kaduna, and security will top the agenda. Barring any last-minute change, they have already decided to have the meeting. But I wouldn’t call it an emergency meeting,” Misilli stated.
Unrelenting attacks
No fewer than 133 Nigerians have been reported killed in fresh attacks across the northern region in the last two weeks.
Recall that a joint meeting of the NGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council was held in Kaduna in October 2023 to address the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.
The meeting, which took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, was attended by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Despite sustained efforts by northern governors and the military, no fewer than 250 people were killed within two weeks in attacks that ravaged key northern states, including Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Katsina.
The attacks were attributed in part to the emergence of a new terror group, Mahmuda, also known as the Mallam Group.
Their rise has compounded existing security threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and other militia groups.
However, our correspondents gathered that between April 24 and Wednesday, May 7, no fewer than 133 more people were reported killed.
The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, when Boko Haram terrorists killed an army captain and a soldier in Izge community, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed that the terrorists invaded the community around 1am, engaged the troops in a gun duel, as three military officers were killed during the encounter.
Just hours earlier, on Tuesday evening, May 6, gunmen suspected to be armed herders killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Akaabo Johnson, alongside three others, in coordinated attacks on Mbatsada communities in Mbalom and Mbasombo wards, Gwer East LGA, Benue State.
The Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, describing it as an unprovoked attack.
On Sunday, May 4, no fewer than 25 people were killed in a deadly confrontation between suspected bandits and local vigilantes in Alkaleri LGA, Bauchi State.
That same morning, 19 people were killed during a suspected bandit ambush and livestock rustling in Gwana district, also in Bauchi State, according to the state police command.
On Friday, May 2, fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group killed at least 11 soldiers during an attack on a military base in Yobe State, according to military sources.
On Thursday, May 1, suspected Lakurawa terrorists ambushed seasonal hunters in Hurumi Forest, Talewa ward, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State, killing 13 hunters between 12 noon and 1pm.
Earlier on Monday, April 28, Boko Haram militants attacked Kwaple village, a predominantly Christian community in Chibok County, Borno State, killing seven Christians and razing homes and churches, according to a resident, James Musa.
That same day, a truck hit an improvised explosive device near the Cameroon border in Borno State, killing at least 26 men, women, and children, according to the military and eyewitnesses.
A resident, Ismail Hassan, told Reuters that the attackers opened fire on miners, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Northern govs’ meeting
In mid-April, Misilli told The PUNCH that Governor Yahaya had begun consulting other northern governors for a “joint approach” to the region’s worsening insecurity.
Speaking on Thursday, he said the outcome of those consultations would be made known after the Saturday meeting.
“I wouldn’t want to pre-empt them, but the meeting on Saturday will answer your question. Let’s wait for their communiqué,” he said.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Ibrahim Mohammed, confirmed that his principal, who heads chair the North-West Governors’ Forum, would attend the meeting.
“He will be there because he is the chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum. I don’t know the agenda,” he said on Thursday.
The meeting, which would take place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, would bring together governors from the 19 Northern states.
“The governors will likely discuss ways to enhance security measures and protect the lives and property of citizens in the region.
“We are disturbed by the security challenges in our region, and we need to come together to find solutions,” said a source close to the NGF Secretariat on Friday.
According to the source, the meeting is the first in 2025.
Ahead efore the NGF meeting, the secretaries to the various state governors in the region met on Friday as a prelude to the governors’ meeting.
Also, before the Saturday meeting, the North-West governors, comprising seven states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, would meet on Friday night.
An invite for press coverage of that meeting by Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, read, “Good day colleagues, North-West Governors will be holding a meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House today (Friday) at 10pm. So sorry for the short notice. Thanks.”
Coalition to submit report
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups has said it will submit a security document to the forum at the NGF’s meeting.
The CNG National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, in an interview with our correspondent on Friday, added that the drafted document also spelled out the roles expected of every stakeholder in the security sector.
He stated, “We are aware of the meeting because we previously presented a paper on the challenges of insecurity in Northern Nigeria at the governors’ meeting last October.
“The new draft we are submitting includes solutions to the security problems and the roles expected of the governors, traditional rulers, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Presidency. It also contains timelines for these activities. We will submit the file at the NGF meeting.”
Charanchi noted that the coalition in January held a security roundtable in Abuja chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), and attended by many eminent personalities from Northern Nigeria.
He said the new submission would also contain the outcome of the group’s engagement with retired security chiefs because “insecurity is not a one-man issue and requires collective effort.”
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.
During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.
The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.
Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.
“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.
“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.
The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.
He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.
“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.
Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.
“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.
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