The Nation Newspaper

Tag: borno

  • QUOTES OF THE DAY

    QUOTES OF THE DAY

    “There is nothing new in the President’s action. It is more of the same: deployment of more troops to the affected states and the use of tougher, scorched-earth tactics against the insurgents. In the first instance, this stepped-up militarization of the states amounts to an asymmetric use of force in an environment where the insurgents operate within a civilian population, hence it will ultimately be counter-productive as the death toll will continue to mount while the civilian population – who will be caught in the cross fire – will be alienated”.

    Action Congress of Nigeria  on President Jonathan declaration of Emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state.

  • State of Emergency:House yet to receive details

    State of Emergency:House yet to receive details

    Forty-Eight hours after the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, President Goodluck Jonathan has not sent the details to the National Assembly.

    Deputy House Spokesman, Victor Ogene, at a media briefing said the president has not violated the constitution.

  • Massive troops deployment in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno

    Massive troops deployment in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno

    Troops moved into cities in the Northeast yesterday to enforce President Goodluck Jonathan’s emergency rule declaration.

    Residents were frightened by the sight of many army trucks carrying soldiers into Yola and Maiduguri. Borno, Adamawa and Yobe are now under emergency rule, following attacks by militants of the Boko Haram group.

    A Reuters reporter saw six trucks carrying soldiers enter Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. In the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, the biggest city in the area and birthplace of the insurgency, residents also reported an influx of troops.

    The mood was tense in the city. Shops were mostly shut and there were few people on the streets. Schools were closed.

    Residents were worried that the 9pm to 6am curfew in place may be extended.

    “What I saw this morning scared me,” said Maiduguri resident Ahmed Mari. “I have never seen soldiers on the move quite like this before.”

    Another, Kabir Laoye, said he was scared that civilians could be caught up in the conflict: “There is a lot of apprehension about the state of emergency,” he said.

    Some state government officials doubted the state of emergency would work unless security forces can win popular support.

    “This state of emergency will not change anything if the people do not cooperate and start exposing members of Boko Haram,” said David John, a director in the state government.

    President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to take over the patrol of the nation’s borders.

    The main thrust of the patrol is to track down criminal elements within the vicinity of border communities prone to terrorist activities.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, yesterday said the troops were made up of the Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies.

    Gen. Olukolade added that the troops would also focus on every suspected terrorist enclave and cell in the various border communities.

    The statement reads: “In furtherance of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have commenced operations to rid the nation’s border territories of terrorist bases and activities.

    “The operations, which will involve massive deployment of men and resources, is aimed at asserting the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing the security of constituted governmental structures in all territories within Nigeria’s borders.

    “The operational plans have also briefed participating troops appropriately on arrests, cordon and search, especially directed at apprehending those who have been violating sovereignty of Nigeria through terrorist training for insurgency and related activities.

    “The operation is expected to put an end to insurgent activities in these parts of the country.

    The Defence Headquarters said measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of civilians and non-combatants while the operation lasts.

    The authorities of the Armed Forces enjoined communities in the border areas to cooperate with troops and give information on criminal and terrorist activities.

    They are also enjoined to report suspicious activities or movements in their various localities, they said, stressing that the operation is intended to safeguard the nation’s interests and citizens in all parts of the federation.

    Borno Governor Kashim Shettima backed the imposition of a state of emergency on his state.

    He begged residents to avoid being caught by the strange rules.

    He also warned the military to operate under the rules of engagement so that innocent lives and their properties are protected.

    Shettima, in a broadcast, pleaded with Boko Haram to accept dialogue offer by the Federal Government.

    He said: “Fellow citizens, as you may be aware, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has in exercise of his constitutional powers, declared a state of emergency in our dear State, following the spate of killings and destruction of properties, that have pervaded us.

    “It is the constitutional responsibility of the President to take such measures. It is also the duty of any responsible state government, to support lawful efforts that would guarantee the security of lives and properties.

    “ It can never be the wish of any guarded democratic government to have the military directly involved in the affairs of any federating unit, except for unfortunate and painful causes.

    “As the military leaders have said in discourses, the armoury of the Nigerian soldiers is not meant to fight fellow Nigerians; the armoury is meant to protect fellow Nigerians.

    “A human life is sacred, more so, the life of every good Nigerian, no matter whose it is; and we all have moral, spiritual and social obligations to preserve and respect the lives of one another as we would want ours to be so preserved and respected. Allah has said emphatically in the Holy Quran that he has dignified every human being, He has placed high premium on the sacredness of human lives and as His dignified creatures; we should obediently respect the lives of fellow creatures.

    “Let us be our brothers’ keepers, hold our arms in the true Borno spirit that we were hitherto known for, so that we rise together as one people with shared passion for our collective progress.

    “We are facing a trying time that I believe without blind optimism, that we will overcome in no distant time bi iznillah.”

    The governor urged the people to avoid being caught by the strange rules of emergency situation.

    He added: “A period of state of emergency is that which comes with rules that are different from those that guide our day-to-day lives. We must, therefore, take personal steps as citizens, to avoid being caught by the strange rules.

    “I have directed the State Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture to work out public safety enlightenment programmes that should be regularly featured on the Borno State Television and Radio while I urge our partners and friends in other media organisations resident in the state to help in educating citizens on public conducts at this different time that we face together.

    “Let me use this opportunity to importantly urge the military who are fellow Nigerians like all of us, to abide by the directive of Mr President in operating under the rules of engagement so that innocent lives and their properties are jealously preserved and protected.

    “As time passes, we shall, as a government, remain focused in our abiding fate and commitment to improve the welfare of all citizens through quality governance.”

    He appealed to Boko Haram to sheathe its sword by embracing dialogue being offered by President Jonathan.

    He said: “I will seize this opportunity for the umpteenth time, to call on our brothers in the Jama’atu ahliss Sunnah lil Da’awatu wal Jihad to embrace dialogue so that we can solve this problem on the table through collective bargaining, offers and compromises.

    “I am glad to note that the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution, is still working round the clock as also emphasized by the President. I believe like I have always said since 2011, that by the end of the day, dialogue will be the last and sustainable resort. Let us embrace the spirit of live and let’s live.”

    The governor admitted that he has been grieving over the situation in Borno State.

    He said: “Dear fellow citizens, I address you today with heavy heart and grief. I join you in mourning your families, friends and other loved ones who may have lost their lives to the security challenges that we face in Borno State; I commiserate with you for the injuries, you or your loved ones may have suffered and for the properties you may have lost as we are confronted with a nightmare that has haunted us for far too long.

    “I am usually thrown into emotional torture any time a life is lost in Borno, especially by man-made brutality, because as your governor, I am under obligation, constitutional and moral, to ensure your safety.

    “As your leader, I consider myself a father to all orphans, a brother and friend to everyone of you, a son to every parent and a member of every family in Borno State, regardless of religion, tribe and geo-political affiliation.

    “I share in your moments of despair more than you can ever imagine because regardless of the intrinsic worth of any programme and projects put in place by any government, however laudable, a citizen has to be alive or safe to enjoy the benefits of such programme or project.

    “ Therefore, the most important role of any responsible government is the security of lives and properties.”

    Kashim unfolded plans to come out with social package which would address the mass poverty breeding crises in the state.

    He said: “May I also add at the risk of sounding repetitive, that the best way to fight crime is to provide jobs through integrated agriculture and other industrial growth.

    “We are very conscious of the fact that there is mass poverty and unemployment and as you may have confirmed from our ongoing programmes across the State, we are creating jobs and we will continue to do.

    “I urge you to fervently pray for the return of peace in our dear Borno State and in all other parts of Nigeria, to pave the way for rapid recovery and the socio-economic transformation that we so desperately seek to put in place as a government.

    “I thank you so much for your support and wish every one of you, Allah’s guidance and protection.”

  • Emergency rule begins in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa

    Emergency rule begins in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa

    Governors, legislators remain

    CAN chief killed

     

    The President talked tough last night on the crippling insecurity in the country, especially in some parts of the North. Terrorists, he said, will be hunted down and defeated.

    Dr Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three Northeast states – Borno, Yobe and Adamawa –where killings, mostly by Boko Haram insurgents, have persisted. He addressed the nation in a 15-minute broadcast.

    The President exhibited a tough mien during the speech, saying the activities of insurgents amounted to “a declaration of war” on the country.

    But he spared the democratic institutions in the states. The executive, the legislature and the judiciary will continue to function.

    Jonathan said he based his action on Section 305 (1) of the Constitution. He got support from some eminent lawyers, lawmakers and political leaders, who said he acted within the law.

    Minutes after the presidential speech last night, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Rev. Faye Pama Musa, was shot dead. He was killed inside his Maiduguri home by people suspected to be members of the  Boko Haram.

    The head pastor of a pentecostal church in Maiduguri was trailed to his GRA residence by two gunmen who shot him at close range at about 7.30pm.

    House of Representatives spokesman Zakari Mohammed said the lawmakers would back the action “as long as it will guarantee peace and security.”

    Others, however, criticised the presidential action as “half hearted”. It is not likely to end the insurgency which has crippled economic and social activities in the affected states — in their view.

    Before making the announcement, the President early yesterday met with the governors of Borno and Yobe states at the Presidential Villa. He also hosted the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee members.

    On Monday, Dr. Jonathan met with security chiefs, led by Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, for the second time in 72 hours, perhaps to perfect the emergency plan.

    Governors on Monday cautioned the President against declaring a state of emergency in the states, echoing the position of opposition parties –the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

    The President warned the terrorists that the government would use all resources at its disposal to destroy their activities as they are embarking on a war they cannot win.

    While giving the military powers to deploy more troops in the affected states and arrest suspects, he said the declaration would not affect the functions of the governors and other public officers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

    He said details of the Proclamation would be transmitted to the National Assembly, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

    He said: “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and, most recently, Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.

    “These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians, including members of our security forces.

    “The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa State is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.”

    “The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.”

    “Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno State have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

    “These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

    “They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

    “Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.”

    Explaining how the emergency will operate, he said: “The troops and other security agencies … have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

    “This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.”

    Jonathan urged the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time,” he said.

    Sounding tough, the President added: “I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go; we will hunt them down; we will fish them out; and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

    ”I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.”

     

  • Emergency rule: Falana,Sagay, Ahamba, others react

    Emergency rule: Falana,Sagay, Ahamba, others react

    Prominent lawyers yesterday endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. They said they were impressed he acted within the law.

    Former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said the president acted to save the country.

    Obanikoro said: “Thank God the president has done the right thing politically, morally and religiously. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost unjustly as a result of the madness and recklessness of a few disgruntled elements. They have negatively impacted our values, our ways of lives and our country. They have inflicted untold hardship on all of us psychologically and physically. This is not the time for partisanship but time for patriotism.”

    Speaking to The Nation last night, Constitutional lawyer Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) described it as the “proper” thing to do. He said it was overdue since it has been established that a well armed group of terrorists was bent on holding the country to ransom.

    “What the President has done is the right and proper thing to do. It is very well established that an armed group of terrorists has been operating with impunity in the areas affected with total disregard for lives and property; it has been operating without regard for our institutions.

    “If he did not do it, the situation would get out of hand and a terrorist state would be established next to to Nigeria and it would open the door for all sorts of terrorist groups in the world to dwell next to us, and that is unacceptable”.

    Lagos Lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) said the declaration of the state of emergency was “perfectly in order”. He said Section 305 of the Constitution gives the President the power “to restore law and order where peace and order are being threatened. He however, requires the National Assembly to approve the same.

    “But I must say, that unlike Obasanjo, he acted within the bounds of constitutionalism and the rule of law. He has left intact the democratic institutions in those states. This is commendable,” he said.

    Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) said it should have been declared much earlier than now. He said it was the right thing to do.

    “It is the right thing to do, it should have been declared earlier. Let us stop pretending about it, there is a state of war. That is the way I see it. And if a group has declared war on the country, the president must assert the sovereignty of the country. it is good, it is proper, it is right,” he said.

    Professor of law, Akin Oyebode, said the declaration was belated, half-hearted and reminiscent of a slightly pregnant woman.

    “President Jonathan’s declaration of emergency is belated, half-hearted and reminiscent of a slightly pregnant woman.

    “He ought to have gone the whole hog in order to make it meaningful. But I guess he was compelled not to hurt certain vested interests.

    “It is a non-starter because you cannot declare emergency rule and leave the status quo. An emergency rule warrants extraordinary measures which nullifies the maintenance of the status quo. His declaration should have been accompanied by a military rule for a short time in the states to save the situation.”

    Former Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana said the declaration was long overdue.

    He said: “Although the declaration of emergency rule is long overdue, I think it is time for people to rally round the president and not allow rascals to continue in their atrocious deeds.

    “The declaration is better late than never and we should at this point, put politics aside and rally round the president to end this recklessness.”

    Constitutional lawyer Dr. Fred Agbaje said although the emergency rule was long due, the constitutionally recognised emergency rule as enshrined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as amended was for all legislative powers of the state houses of assembly to be suspended automatically.

    He said: “Throughout the period of an emergency rule, it is the National Assembly that oversees legislative functions of those states. What the president has done is to stand the Nigerian Constitution on its head, by purporting to declare a state of emergency and at the same time allowing the state legislature to function.

    “His action is constitutionally heretical and anathema. If the President has not got the liver or kidney to declare an outright state of emergency in the affected states, he should not ridicule the concept.”

    Agbaje said state of emergency is always the last resort when law and order has been broken down irretrievably in a state.

    “Therefore, the only option left for the government to carry out its constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens’ lives and properties is to declare same.

    “The truth is that nobody in his right senses will dispute that law and order has broken down irretrievably in the affected states. Even the Boko Haram members know it and they saw the state of emergency coming. They cannot pretend, particularly with the unhealthy bloodbath and wanton destruction of lives and properties.

    “My problem is that why is the president just waking up from his slumber? Why is it (emeregency) after he has put in place an amnesty committee, eventhough the Boko Haram elements have consistently said they do not want government’s amnesty and are the ones to give the Nigerian people amnesty?

    “Why is government now declaring emergency rule when so much of tax payers’ money has been put into the amnesty committee? What purpose is the emergency going to serve now?

    “It will amount to a contradiction on the part of the Federal Government to claim that they are pursuing amnesty and at the same time declaring state of emergency. Who is fooling who?”

     

  • Jonathan declares emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    Jonathan declares emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

     Due to increasing insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared Emergency rule in Borno, Yobe an Adamawa States.

    In a nationwide television address, the President warned the terrorists that the government will use all resources at its disposal to destroy their activities as they are embarking on a war they cannot win.

    While giving the military power to deploy more troops to the affected states, search and arrest any suspected individual, he said that the declaration will not affect the functions of the state governors and other public office holders as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

    Basing the declaration on Section 305 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, he said that details of the Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

    He said: “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa States. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

    “The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa State is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

    “The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.”

     

  • Insecurity: Governors oppose state of emergency rule

    Governors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Monday urged the Federal Government to ignore calls for declaration of state of emergency rule in states recently engulfed by violence.

     They however condemned the recent killings of security personnel and civilians in  Nasarawa, Benue, Borno, Adamawa and other affected northern states.
    In a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of NGF and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, the governors pointed out that those pushing for state of emergency rule do not wish Nigeria well and want to plunge the country into deeper crisis.
    While stating that violence can never be a solution to any problem, they urged the security agencies in the country to continue to do their jobs as professionally as possible.
    The statement reads: “We urge the Federal Government to continue to support affected states in the bid to check violence. The Federal Government should remain focused and continue to provide leadership until every part of Nigeria is rid of violence and insurgency.”“We also call on the Federal Government to ignore the ongoing agitation for a state of emergency in some parts of the country. These requests are being made by people who do not wish our country well and who are bent on plunging the country into a deeper crisis.”

    “The Federal Government should not allow itself to be distracted from our collective goal of curbing the insurgency in some parts of our country once and for all.”
    He went on: “We in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) hereby condemn the recent violence and killings in some parts of our country – Borno, Nasarawa, Benue, Adamawa and some other states. We also commiserate with the people and government of those states, our security agencies and the families of the victims and pray God to give them and indeed every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss.”“While urging security agencies to continue to do their jobs as professionally as possible, we appeal to all aggrieved individuals and groups in Nigeria to appreciate the fact that violence can never be a solution to any problem. We have no other country to call home and it is important that we understand the danger and futility of destroying our land in the pursuit of a selfish agenda.”

    “It is gratifying that government – Federal and State – are working hard to get to the root of the killings and nip these orgy of violence in the bud. We are impressed by the magnanimity of the Federal Government, which has demonstrated an uncommon love for the country by setting up a Committee to explore the possibilities of granting amnesty to the members of the Boko Haram sect.”

    “It is also a good step that government has agreed to cooperate fully with the National Human Rights Commission in the investigation of the killings in Baga.”
    “We also commend our security agencies for the selfless sacrifice they are making in the interest of us all to restore calm to all parts of our country.” He added
  • Polio: Fighting a tough battle

    Polio: Fighting a tough battle

    As preparations begin for the next sub-national Immunisation Plus’ Days (IPDs) using bivalent oral polio vaccine, Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha takes a look at why the vaccine preventable polio is still endemic in Nigeria.

    Nigeria is one of the three countries that is still polio-endemic, it is in this unenviable company with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Of all the three, Nigeria is the reservoir of wild polio virus, it is the only country with ongoing transmission of all three serotypes- wild poliovirus type 1, wild poliovirus type 3 and circulating vaccine- desired polio type 2. The Northern states are the main source of polio infections.

    In 2009, operational improvements in these northern states led to a 90 per cent decline in cases of wild poliovirus type 1 and a 50 per cent decline in overall cases compared with 2008.

    As of last week, Polio Global Eradication Initiative, a monitoring organisation of polio situation in Nigeria, reported that two new cases of wild polio virus 1 have been found in Kano and Taraba states, bringing the total number of wild polio cases for this year to 18. The case from Kano is the most recent case in the country.

    According to medical experts, as long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in as many as 200, 000 new cases every year within 10 years. Polio has no cure but can be prevented.

    In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunization systems.

    A delicate balance

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in 200 infections lead to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, five per cent to 10 per cent die when their breathing muscles become immobilised.

    According to WHO, globally, Polio cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350, 000 cases to 223 reported cases in 2012. The reduction is the result of the global effort to eradicate the disease.

    Nigeria is fighting to end the endemic. However, there are sundry factors militating against the actualisation of this hope.

    The polio eradication programme continue to miss too many children in key geographic areas and population groups due to a mixture of operational and social factors. In 2012, going by data supplied by Polio Global Eradication Initiative, 61 children were paralyzed by polio in the first half of 2012, as opposed to 24 at the same time in 2011. In 2011, more than 95 per cent of all cases occurred in the eight persistently endemic northern states of Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.

    A formerly strong primary health care system in northern Nigeria has been weakened over many years due to incessant polio outbreaks and resistant of a segment of the populace over the safety of the vaccination. This has led to serious gap in the administration of the vaccine and subsequent disruption of campaigns as well as the killing of vaccinators. Now routine immunisation services are either no longer available or irregular; coupled with limited resources for health services and gaps in vaccine storage and distribution.

    According to a nongovernmental organisation, PATH, Northern Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of immunisation coverage in the world. In many parts of the north, barely 10 percent of children receive all of their routine vaccines. Coverage rates for the vaccine against tetanus among women are equally low.

    Misunderstood scheme

    The north is rife with misperception on the effects of the contents of the vaccine on health, especially reproduction. Campaigns have been on in the north that vaccination leads to reduction of productivity, this has been countered at all levels but the impact is still there.

    But in the face of sundry factors including insecurity, especially of Boko Haram, ridding the country of the polio virus can remain a mirage. Conflicts and insecurity do weaken public health systems.

    For instance, attacks on health workers in Kano State have robbed vulnerable populations of basic life-saving health interventions. In the face of these, Nigeria continues to pose a significant risk to surrounding countries. In 2011, polio viruses originating from Nigeria were detected in five countries on West and Central Africa. Despite dozens of vaccination campaigns over the past years, according to Polio Global Eradication Initiative, no more than 65 percent of children have received four or more Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) doses in Borno, Kano, Sokoto and Yobe states.

    Viruses with genetic evidence of long periods of circulation without detection are still being found, indicating surveillance gaps. Sub national engagement of political leadership remains patchy. Future benefits of polio eradication are immense. Once polio is eradicated, the world can celebrate the delivery of a major global public good that will benefit all, no matter where they live. According to WHO, Economic modelling has found that the eradication of polio would save at least US$ 40 to 50 billion over the next 20 years, mostly in low-income countries. Most importantly, success will mean that no child will ever again suffer the terrible effects of lifelong polio-paralysis.

     

     

  • JTF rescues lawmaker’s parents from abductors in Borno

    JTF rescues lawmaker’s parents from abductors in Borno

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) yesterday said it rescued the parents

    of Mohammed Sanda, a member of the National Assembly from suspected kidnappers in Borno State.

    JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, spoke on Monday in a statement in Maiduguri.

    Musa said Mr Ummara and Mrs Maryam Sanda were rescued after an operation near Maiduguri.

    “Based on intelligence, the JTF intercepted and rescued two kidnap victims – one Ummara Sanda Sheriff and his wife Mrs Maryam Sanda Sheriff, who are the parents of Hon. Mohammed Sanda, a legislator representing Kaga-Maigumeri – Gubio Constituency at the National Assembly.

    “ They were kidnapped last Sunday by terrorists at Ngamdu village at about 10:15 pm, The village is a border town linking Borno and Yobe States.”.

    Musa said the victims and their abductors were heading for the desert town of Marte before they were intercepted.

    “The terrorists and the victims were heading toward Marte in Marte Local Government Area in an old model Toyota 4 Wheel Drive when they were intercepted at Zabarmari by the JTF troops on special operation.

    “The couple were successfully rescued by the JTF and Mr Sanda is 85 years while his wife Maryam is 70 years. They seem to be in good health.”

    Musa said several items, including one AK 47 Rifle and a magazine with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm Special Ammunition, and seven Assorted Cell phones, six pairs of wrappers were recovered from the suspects.

    “The JTF wishes to once again alert the public to be wary and security conscious at all times.

    “Members of the public are advised to be very sensitive to strangers and friends that have not been in contact for long.

    “Similarly, the public are warned to avoid isolated areas and shun meetings or friendship organised through telephones or social media.

    “This advice is based on the intelligence available to the task force that Boko Haram Terrorists have resolved to concentrate more on kidnappings than robbery.”

  • Family pleads for Monguno’s release

    The Family of Dr Shettima Ali Monguno, the elder statesman kidnapped in Maiduguri on Friday, has appealed to his abductors to release him without delay.

    Monguno, 87, was kidnapped by gunmen shortly after praying in his mosque in Mafoni, Maiduguri.

    Malam Rahama Ali-Monguno, spokesman for the family, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    Ali-Monguno said that the elder statesman needed to be released so that he could have access to his daily medication.

    “We are begging the abductors in the name of Allah to please release our father. They should consider his old age and his current state of health,’’ he said.

    He also urged the abductors to consider the numerous philanthropic gestures of the elder statesman.

    “Our father has been the life wire of many orphans, widows and vulnerable members of the society.

    “He has helped to build Qur’anic and Western schools and sponsored many indigent children to school,” he said.

    Ali-Monguno did not say if the abductors had made contact with the family or demanded ransom for his release.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Monguno, a member of the Borno Elders Forum, has been an advocate for dialogue with the Boko Haram sect for lasting peace in the state