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Tag: Adamawa

  • Adamawa to link councils with internet, trains youths on connectivity

    Adamawa to link councils with internet, trains youths on connectivity

    The Adamawa State Government is perfecting implementation of a policy to link all its 21 local government areas with the internet.

    Schools and offices and other public institutions in the LGAs are specifically targeted.

    The government stated this at the end of a training which it organized in collaboration with Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).

    The training which took place at the Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, groomed 100 youths to address internet connectivity especially in rural areas.

    During the graduation ceremony of the training which focused on cyber security, disaster management and rural connectivity challenges, the state Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta said the government is leveraging on satellite and fiber connectivity to bridge the digital divide.

    Read Also: ‘Phone snatcher’ nabbed in Adamawa

    “Government is collaborating with Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy  to provide high speed internet connectivity to all schools, primary health care centers and other public institutions,” Kaletapwa said.

    During the ceremony, the deputy governor also said government has approved digitalization of the state civil service records to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure real time access to critical government data.

    She said the government’s embrace of empowerment program on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and Spacehack 2025  initiative is in line with the approved establishment of compact modular oneGov data center in the state to connect MDAs for seamless data sharing to enhance transparency.

    Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton, said plans had been concluded to provide broadband connectivity to the 21 local government areas. 

  • NigComSat, Adamawa govt launch space-tech training for northeast youths

    NigComSat, Adamawa govt launch space-tech training for northeast youths

    The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), in collaboration with the Adamawa state government, is set to launch a regional training program aimed at equipping young Nigerians in the Northeast geopolitical zone with satellite technology skills.

    The NigComSat Regional Space-Tech Hackathon, themed “Building Grassroots Innovation in Satellite Technology,” will commence on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Yola, Adamawa State, and will run until Friday of the same week.

    According to Aisha Bantam, Head of Corporate Affairs at NigComSat, the initiative is designed to engage and empower university students, local innovators, and young professionals from the six states in the Northeast—Borno, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Adamawa.

    Bantam noted that participants will receive V-SAT training and work on identifying community challenges that can be addressed using space technology, including NigComSat’s communication satellite and NARSDA’s satellite, alongside other emerging innovations.

    Each participating state will host a five-day hackathon, allowing participants ample time to develop ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship.

    Read Also: Suspected kidnappers abduct two Adamawa Rev Fathers

    Speaking on the program, NigComSat Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, stated that winning teams will advance to the NigComSat Accelerator Programme (Cohort 2025), where they will refine their solutions, receive mentorship, and gain resources to help bring their products to market.

    “The Hackathon is designed to engage and empower young university students, local innovators, and young professionals from Imo (Southeast), Ondo (Southwest), Adamawa (Northeast), and Jigawa (Northwest),” said Mrs. Egerton-Idehen.

     “Adamawa will host the first Hachkathon for the North East region in a series of four regional hackathons. Our goal is to ensure sectoral growth, raise awareness about the role of satellite technology in solving real-world problems, and foster economic and social impact.

    “The Hackathon aims to inspire and equip young Nigerians across all regions to explore and develop solutions that address community challenges, ultimately reducing youth unemployment by engaging them in meaningful problem-solving activities.” Mrs Egerton-Idehen stated.  

  • Suspected kidnappers abduct two Adamawa Rev Fathers

    Suspected kidnappers abduct two Adamawa Rev Fathers

    Suspected kidnappers have abducted two Catholic priests from their residence in Numan, Adamawa State.

    The Police Command, which confirmed the abduction in a statement on Saturday morning, said the incident happened in the earlier hours of the day.

    It said the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, who condemned the kidnapping of Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Reverend father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, has directed prompt moves against the kidnappers.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct four in Adamawa

    “The unfortunate incident occurred at the priests’ residence situated at Gwaida Malam, in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State,” the police said in its statement by the command Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

    “The kidnappers, armed with offensive weapons, arrived at the victims’ house around 4:00 am and whisked them away,” Nguroje explained, stressing however that the state Commissioner of Police has deployed operational and manpower assets to go after the kidnappers and rescue the victims unhurt.

    “The progressive efforts of the command will definitely bring the perpetrators and other persons involved to face the full wrath of the law,” Nguroje assured.

  • Gunmen abduct four in Adamawa

    Gunmen abduct four in Adamawa

    Gunmen have abducted four people from their community in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    The Adamawa Police Command confirmed the incident, vowing to get at the abductors and free their victims.

    Adamawa Police spokesman SP Suleiman Nguroje said the incident occurred on February 17, 2025 around 0130 hours when a gang of unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers encroached upon Mayokila Village of Mapeo District in the Jada LGA.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct Catholic priest, two others in Rivers

    Nguroje said the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically to instill fear and abducted one Abubakar Sadiq Umar, a staff of Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital Yola and three others.

    “Upon receiving a distress call at about 0330 hours, the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, deployed Command’s operational manpower and assets to augment the strength of Divisional Police Officer, Kojoli Division, for a tactical search and rescue operation,” Nguroje explained. 

    He assured the Police Command was intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted victims unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s proposal to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs

    JUST IN: Senate approves Tinubu’s proposal to sack Sokoto, Abia, Adamawa RECs

    The Senate on Wednesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to terminate the appointments of the Resident Electoral Commissioners in charge of Sokoto, Abia, and Adamawa States.

    The affected RECs include: Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State and Prof.Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia)

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion moved by Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary.

    Tinubu had earlier in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the Senate to approve the termination of the appointments of the RECs who had been on suspension since 2023.

    Bamidele in his lead debate said: “Senate: Aware of an Executive Communication from Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, requesting the Senate to invoke Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, to formally terminate the appointment of Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner) and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner), respectively;

    Read Also; Don’t scrap TETFUND, OOU VC begs FG

    “Also aware that the aforementioned Resident Commissioners were earlier suspended in 2023, bordering on allegations of infractions of Electoral Act; compromise of elections and abandonment of duty without cogent reasons.

    “Notes from security reports from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services that Dr. Nura Ali was indicted for compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through acts of incompetence and corruption, whereby he reportedly confessed to having received the sum of $150,000 from politicians upon investigation by the DSS;

    “Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammad Buhari after a prima facie case was instituted against him for usurping the power of the Returning Officer to declare the governorship election result; and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was suspended for undermining election processes by mishandling of logistics and abandonment Governorship and State Assembly elections as well as his refusal to rescheduled Supplementary elections;

    “Aware that by virtue of the provisions of section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which stipulates that: “…a person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct”, the Senate is empowered to embark on this legislative process, which is aimed at setting the stage for the eventual removal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners;

    “Also aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission is one of the offices mentioned in Subsection (2) of the aforementioned provision of the Constitution.

    “Accordingly, it is apt for the Senate to invoke and activate the provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution to remove the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners in line with the resolve of the 10th Senate to uphold the rule of law and sustain the ideals of morality and the tenets of corporate governance in Nigeria,

    “Accordingly resolves to: Invoke and activate the constitutional provision as enshrined in section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, by forwarding an address, supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate to be acted upon by Mr. President for the official removal of Dr. Nura Ali (Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari (Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner); Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu (Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner), respectively.

    The Senate approved the prayer of the motion to terminate the appointments of the three RECS when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary.

  • 3 Injured in Adamawa tanker explosion – Officials

    3 Injured in Adamawa tanker explosion – Officials

    No fewer than three persons sustained various degrees of injuries in a tanker explosion along Numan Road, Jimeta in Yola.

    The Police and the Federal fire Service in Adamawa confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola that no life was lost in the incident.

    Aliyu Abubakar, Deputy Superintendent of Fire at the Federal Fire Service, stated that while there were no fatalities, three persons suffered injuries.

    He said the service received information about the fire incident at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and responded immediately.

     He said various agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and both state and Faro fire stations worked together to control the blaze.

    According to him, the team is able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby fuel stations.

    He, however, said that two tankers and a vehicle were affected.

    “We did our best to ensure that no lives were lost, no fuel pump or storage compartment was damaged, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire,” he said.

    Read Also: One, another arrested as Police raid kidnappers’ den in Adamawa

    Abubakar also cautioned the public against approaching fire incidents, as explosions could occur at any moment.

    Similarly, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adamawa Police Command, also confirmed that no lives were lost.

    He said that the command had launched an investigation into the incident to determine its cause.

    “The immediate response from our operational unit, along with that of the firefighters, helped bring the fire under control.

    “We welcome any useful information that may aid our investigation and remain committed to safeguarding lives and property in the state,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • One, another arrested as Police raid kidnappers’ den in Adamawa

    One, another arrested as Police raid kidnappers’ den in Adamawa

    One suspected kidnapper has been killed and one other arrested in Adamawa State after security operatives dislodged suspects from a hideout.

    The Adamawa Police Command said Monday that in its continuous effort to rid the state of criminal elements, police operatives, working in collaboration with local security outfits, clamped down on the kidnappers 

    The Command said in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Suleiman Nguroje, “In a coordinated operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with hunters, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located at the Holma Mountains in Song Local Government Area.”

    Read Also: 22-year-old man nabbed over rape of minor in Adamawa

    According to the police: “On sighting the operatives, the armed criminals opened fire in an attempt to resist arrest. However, during the ensuing gun duel, one of the kidnappers was neutralized, while others escaped with bullet wounds. One suspect, identified as Mohammed Sale, male, was arrested.”

    The police listed one AK-47 rifle, two locally made guns, and five rounds of AK-47 live ammunition as the items recovered from the suspects.

    The police added that the arrested suspect is currently in custody and providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.

  • Customs seizes 199,495 litres of smuggled petrol in Adamawa, Taraba

    Customs seizes 199,495 litres of smuggled petrol in Adamawa, Taraba

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 199,495 litres of petrol being smuggled through international border communities in Adamawa and Taraba states.

    The fuel, concealed in various containers and vehicles, was reported en route to neighbouring countries when it was seized by Operation Whirlwind, the NCS’s special anti-smuggling unit.

    This latest crackdown adds to a series of seizures announced since the operation was launched in May last year.

    Speaking at a news briefing in Yola on Thursday, NCS Controller Bashir Adeniyi revealed that intelligence-driven operations across the Zone D axis led to the confiscation of fuel being illegally transported using various concealment methods.

    Read Also; Actor Asa Koko dies after battling undisclosed ailment

    The CGS gave the breakdown of the seizures as four fuel tankers carrying 97,000 litres of petrol; 1,363 Jerry cans of 25 litres each totalling 34,075 litres; and 311 drums of 220 litres each, totalling 68,420 litres.

    He explained: “Our vigilant officers operating in high-risk terrains identified as smuggling corridors intercepted these products through operations targeting sophisticated smuggling attempts.”

    The NCS controller general said the Operations Whirlwind is determined to stop economic saboteurs from diverting petrol meant for consumption within the country so that there would be reasonable stability in fuel production and consumption around the country.

  • NGO builds farmer-herder harmony in Adamawa, hands over peace structures

    NGO builds farmer-herder harmony in Adamawa, hands over peace structures

    A non-governmental organisation that has recently been fostering harmony between farmers and herders in Adamawa State has officially handed over the various peace channels it has created. 

    The NGO, Search for Common Ground (SFCG), handed over the peace structures to the government at both the state and local council levels to sustain peace between farmers and herders as the NGO approaches the end of the peace project in the state. 

    SFCG has been implementing Phase 2 of the peace project since January 2024, titled Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflicts over Natural Resources between Farmers and Herder Communities in Adamawa and Taraba States (COMITAS II). 

    As the project officially ends on the 15th of this month, SFCG held its close-out event in Yola to encourage the relevant authorities to take ownership of the peace structures created over the months for continued peacebuilding. 

    The structures are the Adamawa Forum for Farmer-Herder Relations (AFFAHR), Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD), Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD), Community Response Network (CRN), Common Ground Journalists Network, and Media Fellows. 

    The structures serve primarily in seven local government areas of Adamawa State that have been the focus of the project: Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Girei, Shelleng, Guyuk, and Mayo-Belwa. 

    During the project close-out ceremony in Yola, the Country Director of SFCG, Fatima Abubakar Madaki, stated that the COMITAS Project has been successful in addressing the issues of competition for resources that often cause friction between farmers and herders. 

    Read Also: Adamawa police confirm release of two abducted EYN pastors

    “Your Excellency, we hope that the structures we are handing over will be maintained,” she told Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who was represented on the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Amos Edgar. 

    The governor congratulated Search for Common Ground for its dedication to peacebuilding. 

    The chairman of Shelleng LGA, Abubakar Abba, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the chairmen of all the 21 LGAs of the state had undertaken to adopt SFCG’s peace initiatives.

  • JUST IN: Gunmen abduct two pastors in Adamawa

    JUST IN: Gunmen abduct two pastors in Adamawa

    Two pastors of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, popularly known as Ekklesiyar Ya’Uwa A Nigeria (EYN), have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    The church, headquartered in Kwarhi, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has congregations across the North-East region.

    The abducted pastors, Rev. James Kwayang and Rev. Ishaku Chiwar, were serving at the Local Council Church (LCC) branch in Mbila-Malibu, Fufore Local Government Area, where they were taken around 11 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

    Read Also: Christmas tragedy: Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra

    Suleiman Nguroje, spokesman for the Adamawa State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that personnel have been deployed to track the gunmen and rescue the clerics.