The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Damaturu

  • Yobe lawmaker to empower 400 constituent women, 2000 youths

    Over 400 women are to benefit from the constituency empowerment program of the member representing Nguru/Karasuwa, Machina and Yufuri federal constituency, Hon. Sidi Yakubu.

    Hon. Karasuwa who spoke to newsmen in Damaturu  disclosed that no fewer than 2000 youths from the constituency will also be trained for entrepreneurship skills acquisition to enable them to become self-reliant and create jobs for others, adding that oxen, ploughs and carts have been procured for distribution.

    The women beneficiaries, Hon. Karasuwa said will be trained and given sewing; grinding and hairdressing machines free of charge to enable them set up their businesses and support their families economically.

    He informed that a total of 80 boreholes are being drilled across the four local governments of his constituency as a measure to provided safe water for both human and animal consumption in the community.

    He added that, the Federal Government through his lobby has approved the award of contract for Machina Mega Water scheme in the 2017 budget.

    According to him, the project when completed will mitigate the perennial water problem of the area.

    He called on the people to support the APC government at all levels, while stressing that the hardship in the country will not last forever.

  • Yobe begins polio vaccination in Boko Haram liberated communities

    Yobe begins polio vaccination in Boko Haram liberated communities

    • Survivors hold rally in Damaturu

    While the resurgence of polio virus in Borno State has caused panic and concern over the certification of Nigeria as a polio free nation, similar concerns are also expressed in neighboring communities with peculiar challenges.

    However, the cheering news has emerged that immunization officials have started accessing the Boko Haram liberated communities in Gujba and Gulani Local Government areas.

    The  Executive Secretary Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board Dr. Hauwa Goni Fika disclosed this at a polio survivor rally held in Damaturu that health officials have started accessing the hard-reached areas of Gujba and Gulani that were hitherto taken over by Boko Haram.

    “The good news is that our people have started accessing those hard-reached areas of Gujba and Gulani which were no go area because of the Boko Haram crisis,” Dr. Hauwa informed.

    She called on the victims to desist from begging for alms, but rather identify meaningful trades that would change their lives while charging them to be ambassadors of kicking out the disease from Nigeria.

    The Nation reports that the Survivors of the polio victim penultimate week staged a grand rally in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital to sensitize the community on the need to accept the vaccine and kick out the disease out of the state and Nigeria at large.

    The rally, which  had in attendance hundreds of polio victims, including men and women, ridding on their wheelchairs with others on their rollers, members of the Yobe State Social Mobilization Committee, drum beaters and members of the Press  began at the head office of the Cripple Association Damaturu behind KeyStone Bank opposite the Damaturu Ram Market and went through some of the major  settlements cutting through some major streets in the metropolis singing, dancing and distributing pamphlets to the locales.

    The campaign rally also caused some gridlock on major streets as the cripples take over the roads and mount the louder speakers to send their message to the people before it was finally terminated at the NPI office Phase I Damaturu.

    A UNICEF official on the campaign train who does not want to be mentioned informed that the rally was predicated on the resurgence of the polio virus in Borno State, adding that “because of the proximity of Yobe to Borno State, proactive measures are taken to ensure adequate awareness of the virus and its danger to the community and on the people”.

    The source also disclosed that various mobilization and awareness campaigns like community dialogue, engagement of traditional rulers  are going on at the local government level across the state.

    The chairman of Damaturu Cripples Association promised to ensure that his members are actively involved in the campaign against polio various, adding that, the mistakes of the past have opened their eyes to ensure that no new born miss the vaccine in the state.

  • One killed in Damaturu gas explosion

    A welder was Wednesday morning  killed and a soldier critically wounded in an accidental explosion that occurred at a  welder’s shop close to the central roundabout along Potiskum road in Damaturu, Yobe State capital.
    One petrol hawker close to the scene of the explosion was also wounded in the process according to an eyewitness, Ibrahim Imman.
    Ibrahim disclosed that the welder’s body was shattered from the heated pipe which also hit the soldier who was monitoring the work.
    Another eyewitness Adamu Haruna who hawks close to the scene of the incident said the soldier may not make it to the hospital.
    “I saw the soldier on the ground. All his intestine were outside his stomach, but he was very brave, still holding unto life. Only Allah will save him at the hospital”, Haruna said as he shook his head and left.
    Spokesman of 127 Taskforce Brigade Lt. George Okupe confirmed the incident to The Nation on phone in Damaturu.
    According to him, “troops from Goniri in Yobe State brought a pipe to be welded to increase the height of the antenna on one of their hilux car to the welder and the unfortunate incident occurred in the process of the job.”
    He said that the accident occurred at about 10.30 am at the shop of the welder, adding that, “one of our soldiers was wounded in the accidental explosion with one civilian.Both have been taken to the Gen. Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital Damaturu”.
    Speaking on the cause of the explosion, Lt. Okupe dismissed claims of any link of the explosion to Boko Haram but said  “we  are waiting for the Police Explosive Ordinance Device(EOD) investigation to know the true cause of the explosion”.
    He called on the people of Yobe State, especially Damaturu residents not to panic as the army are equip enough to provide adequate protection for everyone.
  • Yobe police parades four rape suspect, others

    Yobe police parades four rape suspect, others

    Police in Yobe State have warned parents to be more vigilant with their children especially, the little female ones due to the growing cases of rape in the state, particularly, Damaturu, the state capital.

    The State Police Commissioner dropped the hint at a press briefing in Damaturu at the police command headquarters along Gashua road.

    The Yobe State police commissioner also paraded other suspects for various offences ranging from criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, armed robbery and other offences.

    The rapes suspects were alleged to have raped under aged girls of ages between, 4, 9, 12 & 10 years.

     

    Prior to  the briefing by the police in the state, residents of Nayinawa, a settlement within Damaturu metropolis have been crying foul  over an emerging syndicate that specializes in the rape of minors in the area.

    According to sources, the group usually operates smoothly on Fridays when almost everybody has gone for the Jumat prayers.

    The source disclosed that the group is made up of adults between the ages of 35 and  above 40yrs with their victims between the ages of  5-10 years.

    “It’s is unfortunate that a group of people within our community have now formed a syndicate of raping small, small children. Small, small girls of between 5 years and 10years. How can a grown up people be doing this devilish kind of work. Can you imagine that some of them are between the ages of 35 and above 40 years and you are going after very little girls that can be your grand-children? a resident of Nayinawa, who prefers anonymity informed.

    Explaining on how the group operate, the source narrated; “normally, from a reliable information that we gathered, the group normally stay behind on Jumat(Friday) to carry out their satanic act after everybody has gone to the mosque, then the start enticing small girls with whatever means to fall victims of their plans, he said.

    Another resident informed that a man was recently caught in the area with a nine year old girl. He further informed that the case has been reported to the police for further investigation

    The CP’s briefing has therefore come as a relief to many residents just as he has warned parents to report any case of a suspected character among them.

    CP Zannah Ibrahim was sad at   the increasing rate of culpable homicide and rape  and called on parents to teach their children good moral and to ensure that they don’t follow bad peers and to avoid staying out late.

    He promised that the police will strengthen community enlightenment on the danger of such vices to the growth and development of the society.

    He also informed that Yobe Police command has received additional logistic supply which will be launched soon to boost crime prevention and response to distress calls in the state.

    Speaking on  the restoration of  civil authorities  in  the Boko Haram liberated areas, the CP said the command is expecting about one thousand man power from the Force Headquarters who will be used for the exercise and thanks the presidency and the state government as well as various security agencies and the community for the current peace being enjoyed across the north east..

    A women activists and president of the National Council for Women Society in Yobe State Mrs Halima Joda who was at the event of the parade condemned the rising cases of rape against women especially minors, while calling for adequate punishment of the culprits.

    Mrs Halima Joda said over 80 cases have been recorded in the last one year in Yobe State, adding, she will ensure culprits are investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

     

  • Army general dead, others injured in auto crash

    The General Officer Commanding  (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Muhammed Aliyu,  has been involved in a ghastly auto crash along Damaturu, Maiduguri road in Yobe  State with some other officers.

    One General is confirmed dead with the GOC critically injured. The identity of the dead General is yet to be ascertained.

    The military were conveying the injured GOC to Jos, Plateau State for better medical attention.

    Yobe State Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu, the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, State Police Commissioner, Zanna Muhammed were among the early sympathisers at the General Sani Abacha Specialist hospital where the victims were brought.

  • Yobe SEMA circumcises 60 IDP children

    Yobe SEMA circumcises 60 IDP children

    Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on Saturday organised a circumcision ceremony for boys aged from five years to 10 years at Pompomari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Damaturu.

    The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Musa Jidawa, said 60 boys were circumcised according to the tradition and custom of the people.

    “Circumcision of boys as we all know is the first initiation (rite) of the boy to manhood which is his right and we have just given them this right today,” Musa said.

    The secretary said some of the boys lost their parents to Boko Haram attacks on their villages, while others were with their parents in the camp.

    “The agency provided each of the circumcised boys with a blanket, a set of new clothes and a chicken as is done traditionally.

    “We have made adequate medical arrangements at the camp clinic to provide them with medical treatment and needs for speedy healing.

    “The agency in conjunction with the community leaders and parents agreed to circumcise them at this period of cold season because it heals faster,” Musa said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the displaced persons put behind their pains and celebrated the event with fanfare.

    The parents expressed appreciation for the circumcision of the chidden and said that it had given them a sense of belonging.

    Bulama Muhammadu, a community leader, said SEMA had always made the displaced persons feel at home.

    “Since we were admitted into this camp, SEMA has been very supportive, it has been further proved today that SEMA is making us feel at home away from home,’’ he said.

    Hauwa Goniri, a widow whose two children were circumcised, said SEMA took over the responsibility of her late husband, which was transferred to her after his death.

    Goniri said that they were highly grateful for the important event in the lives of the children.

  • Military warns Damaturu residents to obey curfew

    With concern that Damaturu residents may not be obeying the restriction of movement placed on the city as peace gradually returns in the state, the military has issued a fresh warning for those  flaunting the orders.

    The fresh warning which was contained in a press release signed by Col. Texas Chukwu for General Officer Command 3 Armored Division Nigerian Army(Tactical), Damaturu, reminded residents of Damaturu that the curfew time is still in force from 10pm to 6am.

    “In the cause of the fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) here in Damaturu, Yobe State, it has become necessary for the military and the state government to warn on the movement of citizens for a certain period for the benefit of all. It is worthy to remind the good citizens of Yobe State that the curfew period still remains from 10pm to 6am…,” the statement said.

    The statement also gave some security tips to residents on the fight against the insurgents like; watching out for strange faces in their vicinity, avoiding crowded places such as recreational centres, motor parks, and football viewing centres; market places and unusual gatherings at different places in the town.

    The statement equally solicited the “support and cooperation of the citizens with security agencies by   providing them with useful information concerning the insurgents to enhance their job, while pledging the confidentiality of the informant.”

    It noted that the curfew was not meant to inconvenience the people of the state but for the safety of all, including those in  all the local government areas in the state.

  • Gaidam orders free treatment for Damaturu blast victims

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has ordered free treatment for victims of yesterday’s suicide attack in Damaturu, the state capital.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, the governor also sent his condolences to the families of the victims.

    The statement reads: “…Governor Gaidam has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims of the suicide bombing attacks in Damaturu today (yesterday) in which 17 people died and 11 others injured.

    “While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the governor has ordered immediate and free medical care for those who sustained injuries in the attack.”

    Gaidam condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly and barbaric”.

    The governor hailed the Federal Government for its new approach in fighting insurgents.

    The statement said Gaidam expressed confidence that the crisis insurgency caused the nation, especially the Northeast, would soon become history.

    It added: “The governor remains confident that despite these barbaric and unjustified suicide attacks, the Boko Haram insurgency will come to an end soon in view of the all-hands-on-deck approach adopted by the Federal Government.

    “The governor commends security agents in Yobe State for improving security. He urges them, however, to step up surveillance to prevent insurgents and criminals from conducting further attacks.”

    Gidam hailed the residents for supporting security agencies, urging them not to relent.

    The governor prayed for the return of peace in the state and other parts of the country.

  • Breaking News: 16 killed in Yobe suicide bombing

    Multiple suicide attacks were reported early Wednesday morning in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said at least 16 persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured.

    The first attack was carried out by three teenage boys at a mosque inside Buhari Estate in the city.

    An eyewitness said the suicide bomber came near the mosque, hugged one of the boys in the area and blew up himself and others around.

    Details later…

  • Six dead in suicide bombers’ attacks in Damaturu

    •22 injured •Gaidam sad

    Two teenage suicide bombers yesterday killed six persons, including themselves, at two locations in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

    The first attack, which occurred at the entrance of the Damaturu Central Terminus, was triggered off by a girl believed to be about 14 years and the second one occurred at the Pompomari axis of the Damaturu Ring-road Bypass, involving a boy of about the same age.

    The first attack claimed five lives, including the bomber, while in the second one, according to an eyewitness, the suicide bomber detonated the bomb on his body after he escaped from passengers, who wanted to arrest and hand him over to the military after they suspected that he was carrying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    Mani Gambo, one of the local security personnel at the terminus, said the female suicide bomber ran close to a vehicle carrying passengers before detonating the IEDs.

    He said: “We saw the girl. As I was about to screen her, she ran away towards a car, which was coming out of the terminus. Then I heard a loud bang. I was thrown on the ground. It was later I saw the mutilated body of the girl.”

    Musa Abdul, who was in the same tricycle with the boy-suicide bomber, said: “I saw the boy when he boarded our keke NAPEP. I was not comfortable with him.

    “I asked him where he was going and he answered that he was going to Tasha (terminus). I asked him what he wanted to do at the place or where he was travelling to, because he did not carry bag. But he couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer. I then held him and surprisingly, I discovered he was carrying a bomb around his waist. I then held his two hands and told the other passengers to alight.

    “I told the driver of the keke NAPEP to make a U-turn so that we could go to the nearest military checkpoint. But the boy escaped and started running. Then we heard a loud bang. That was how he killed himself.”

    Police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin confirmed the incident.

    He said they were working to fish out the sponsors of suicide attacks.

    The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Musa Idi Jidawa, also confirmed the death of six people, including the suicide bombers, saying about 22 persons were injured.

    Governor Ibrahim Gaidam expressed sadness about the attacks. He sympathised with the deceased’s families.

    In a statement by Abdullahi Bego, his spokesman, the governor said: “I’m heartbroken. I mourn with the families of the victims of these callous, senseless and condemnable attacks.”

    He prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant repose to the souls of the dead and a quick recovery to the injured.

    The statement said: “The governor has directed that the injured be treated free at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital.

    “In line with the governor’s directive, SEMA officials are supporting the victims.

    “Governor Gaidam urges people to continue in the tradition of vigilance, prayer and support to security agencies as they move to rid our state of violence.”