The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maiduguri

  • NAF denies Amnesty International’s allegation of human rights abuses

    NAF denies Amnesty International’s allegation of human rights abuses

    ‘The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied that it is involved in human rights abuses during the herdsmen/farmers clashes in Numan general area of Adamawa as alleged by the Amnesty International.

    NAF, in a statement by its Spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, described the entire allegations by the international body as “lies.’’

    Adesanya explained that on Dec. 4, 2017, NAF was called in by the GOC 3 Division to provide support to troops in curtailing farmers/herdsmen crisis in Numan, Adamawa.

    According to him, the support is in form of “show of force low-level flights.’’

    “To set the records straight, in the early hours of Dec. 4, 2017, a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) platform departed Maiduguri to conduct ISR over Numan general area.

    “This was in response to a request by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, following reports of clashes around that location.

    “ Hundreds of people, mostly dressed in black attires, and who appeared armed, were sighted ransacking and setting a village on fire.

    “ In addition, the hoodlums set large portions of farmlands ablaze.

    “Furthermore, some of the men were seen guiding livestock out of the village.

    Read Also:  NAF  kills Boko Haram fighters in Sambisa

    “Consequently, a NAF aircraft was called in to support the Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies through ‘show of force’ low-level flights,’’ Adesanya said

    He explained that the action of the NAF was aimed at dispersing the huge crowd and thereby stopping the ongoing carnage.

    The spokesman, however, added that after several low passes, the crowd was undeterred and refused to disperse.

    “Rather, the assailants started firing shots at the aircraft and continued with their dastardly act of burning houses within the settlement.’’

    According to him, the aircraft, therefore has to fire shots ahead of the rampaging crowd when it became obvious that they were heading for Numan to inflict further damage.

    The intervention, he said made the hoodlums to scatter and fled to a nearby bridge.

    “Other low passes were conducted by NAF aircraft over the area to prevent the regrouping of the hoodlums around Numan and other villages.

    Adesanya further explained that the hoodlums had set several villages on fire and much destruction had taken place before the arrival of NAF aircraft.

    “Nevertheless, the intervention of the NAF proved decisive in putting an end to the hoodlums’ rampaging activities,’’ he said.

    Adesanya said it was unfortunate that an organisation of the “stature of Amnesty International would believe a ridiculous story that the pilot of an aircraft flying at a high speed would be able to distinguish between a herdsman and a local farmer before deciding which one to bomb.”

    “ Indeed, at the time the NAF intervened in the crisis around Numan on Dec. 4, 2017, there were no two distinguishable groups clashing.

    “Rather, only one group of hoodlums was seen unleashing mayhem on villages near Numan.

    “At no time did the NAF Spokesman identify the hoodlums as herdsmen, as the pilots could not have possibly determined the identities of the hoodlums from thousands of feet in the air.

    “It is significant to note that without the timely intervention of the NAF, nothing would have stopped the huge mass of hoodlums from burning down Numan, where they were obviously heading.

    “ Had they succeeded, they would have killed several individuals and burnt or destroyed more properties.

    “It is better imagined how many more lives would have been lost without the timely and wise intervention of the NAF.

    “It is the responsibility of the NAF to defend Nigerian lives and the NAF could not have simply watched while lives were being taken and properties destroyed.

    “ It is regrettable that Amnesty International never made any attempt to find out NAF’s account of the events of the said date before making its allegations.

    “The report by Amnesty International is therefore deemed to be unfair, one-sided and apparently aimed at embarrassing the NAF.’’

    He described the NAF as “a highly professional organisation, which places high value on respect for human rights.’’

    NAN

  • Borno government relaxes curfew in Maiduguri

    Borno government relaxes curfew in Maiduguri

    The Borno State government yesterday relaxed the three-week curfew imposed on the metropolis of Maiduguri, the capital.

    Under the new dispensation announced yesterday by Home Affairs, Information and Culture Commissioner, Muhammad Bulama, the curfew will now run from 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.

    It used to be take effect from 8pm and end at 6am.

    There is, however, no reprieve for the city residents in Moloi and Muna Garage, target of bombing attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.

    Bulama said the curfew will still be observed between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am in the areas.

    He explained that the action was sequel to the advice of the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    The state Government on January 2, reviewed the curfew, hitherto, observed between 10: 00 PM and 6:00 AM, in view of the prevailing security situation in the state.

    A cross section of residents yesterday described the relaxation of the curfew as a “welcome development”.

    Malam Babakura Idris, a resident, said the measure was an indication of successes recorded toward restoration of peace in the state.

    “In the past three weeks we stayed indoors in the evening due to the curfew and we do not enjoy freedom of movement.

    “The curfew builds up fear in our minds and exposes us to hardship.

    “Now that it has been relaxed, the sense of night life will pick up in the metropolis,” he said. Ahmad Bukar, a butcher, noted that the curfew had negatively affected his businesses, as he could not operate during evening hours.

    Bukar noted that most businesses were also affected, as they could not run their activities in the curfew hours in the area.

    “The curfew further affected businesses after serious devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency”.

    Twelve persons were killed and 48 others wounded in a deadly suicide bomb attack coordinated by the Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday at Muna Garage area of the metropolis.

    The insurgents had on December 25, attacked a military base at Moloi community, few kilometers away from Maiduguri, torched houses and vehicles.

     

  • How Boko Haram changed tactics, strike Maiduguri at curfew dateline

    How Boko Haram changed tactics, strike Maiduguri at curfew dateline

    …14 killed, 65 injured 

    There are clear indications that the last dastardly suicide attack at Alai Fubawu Market at Muna Garage in Maiduguri may have caught residents and security agents off guards as the insurgents equally changed their planning amidst the reviewed curfew in place.

    A security source who does not want to be mentioned told our correspondent that the insurgents ‘not resting on their oars’ took advantage of the improved security, targeted the curfew timeline,  what he described as the rush hour of the curfew to infiltrate the crowd and subsequently unleash terror causing havoc resulting to heavy casualty and injuries on innocent people.

    “This fight is not yet over but the people and we the security agencies forget very easily. Once there is a break in attacks, the residents’ vigilance drops and security operatives too become relaxed.

    “Staying in the northeast and Maiduguri especially requires maximum alertness and prayers for one not to be caught by these heinous acts of terror from the Boko Haram terrorist”, the source said.

    The attack at Muna Garage on the 17/01/2018 marked one of the first major attacks on maiduguri for this year, 2018.

    “You can see clearly that it was the time the curfew was about to close that these insurgents hurriedly smuggled themselves into the people to strike. This shows that they are equally changing their strategies alongside with security agents. Those times of the curfew are very critical time. It’s always good to finish your business in time and avoid the rush hours,” another security source informed.

    Not fewer than 10 innocent civilians were killed and 65 others were injured in blasts which took place on the 17/01/2018 in the evening. 

    The four suicide bombers who also lost their lives brought the total figure of death casualties to 14. 

    According to the  Borno State Police Command, at least 12 persons were killed and 48 others injured on in the attack.

    The police narrative of the account , the Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said a male suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a crowded market killing himself and 10 other persons.

    “One other suicide bomber out of panic detonated explosive and blew himself alone into pieces,” he said.

    Mr. Chukwu said the wounded persons were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

    The police commissioner called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious persons in their communities to security agencies.

    “People should be vigilant because Boko Haram insurgents have not surrendered”.

    The Nation reports that the Maiduguri  attack came three days after Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau released a video of the Chibok girls still held by Boko Haram claiming that they will never return again.

    The video also showed Shekau said his group last year “willingly” released 107 schoolgirls who refused to accept his creed, but the estimated 100 who remain are pleased to stay with Boko Haram and unwilling to return to their parents.

    The clip also showed images of military vehicles, armored tanks and a helicopter that Shekau claimed his men had destroyed during a shootout last week.

  • Video: 12 killed, 48 wounded in suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri

    Video: 12 killed, 48 wounded in suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri

    About twelve people have been killed and 48 wounded in a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

    Eye witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the mayhem was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which was detonated by a male suicide bomber at Alai Fadawu market on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

    One other male bomber detonated the IED strapped to his body and blew up himself alone without causing any other casualties.

    The witnesses said the incident occurred at 4.15 p.m. when people gathered for trading activities.(NAN)

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  • Borno Govt. extends curfew in Maiduguri

    Borno Govt. extends curfew in Maiduguri

    The Borno Government has announced the extension of  the 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  curfew in Maiduguri fby another seven days.

    A statement by Dr Muhammad Bulama, the Commissioner for Information, on Friday in Maiduguri said the curfew was extended to January 20.

    “In other words, the prevailing curfew regime is to now to last until Friday, January 20,’’ he said.

    Bulama explained that the action was to avail the Armed Forces sufficient time to complete the on-going special operation against Boko Haram terrorists and consolidate on the success so far recorded.

    He noted that the state government deeply regretted the inconveniences and difficulties caused to the people by the action.

    Bulama stressed that the decision was taken to safeguard the collective security and overall well- being of the people.

    “Government therefore urges all indigenes and residents of Borno State to see this temporary measure as part of necessary sacrifices we all have to make in the interest of peace, stability, development and progress, of not only our dear state, but Nigeria as a whole.

    “The understanding, support and cooperation of the general public is highly solicited in the observance of the curfew,” he said.

    The government on January 2, rescheduled the curfew hitherto observed between 10 p.m. and 6 am, from January 6 to January 12

    NAN

  • Woman nabbed over theft at wedding in Maiduguri

    Woman nabbed over theft at wedding in Maiduguri

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) in Borno said it had arrested a 27 year-old spinster, Zainab Abdullahi, over alleged theft of  N12, 000 at a wedding ceremony in Maiduguri.

  • Army warn against harbouring fleeing Boko Haram insurgents

    Army warn against harbouring fleeing Boko Haram insurgents

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday warned against providing sanctuary to fleeing Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    The army also called on the people to report suspicious persons in their communities to security agencies nearest to them.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka, the Director, Army Public Relations, gave the warning in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka said intelligence reports indicated that the insurgents were taking refuge in dry wells and other hideouts to avoid the ongoing military offensive against them.

    Read also: Army urges vigilance against suicide bombers

    “This is to warn residents in the North-East not to harbour the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists who are trying to flee from their waterloo.

    “Credible intelligence revealed that several of the insurgents have resorted to taking refuge in dry wells and other hideouts in some communities along their escape routes from the Sambisa Forest in order to evade the sustained bombardments from air and ground troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “Any unpatriotic and unscrupulous persons especially in the North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe found providing safe sanctuaries or any assistance to the criminals will be treated as accomplices and given same treatment as  terrorists,” he said.

    The director appealed to the people to cooperate with the military by reporting any fleeing terrorists immediately to the nearest security agency or call the Nigerian Army Information Call Centre Number 193.

    NAN

  • Army hands over rescued Chibok girl to Borno govt

    Army hands over rescued Chibok girl to Borno govt

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday formally handed over the rescued Chibok school girl, Salomi Pogu, to the Borno State Government.

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, presented two rescued girls, including Pogu, to the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, in Maiduguri.

    Nicholas said Pogu was rescued on January 4, alongside one other girl, Jamila Adams, by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at Pulka in Gwoza local government area of the state.

    He called for proper registration of the girls before handing them over to their parents and guardians.

    Read also: Troops rescue Chibok girl Solomi Pagu

    Receiving the girls, Durkwa lauded the military for their commitment to the rescue of the abducted girls.

    “We waited for long for the rescue of the girls. It is a welcome development that the theatre commander was able to rescue the girl within one week,” the deputy governor said.

    He expressed the hope that the remaining abducted girls would soon be rescued from the Boko Haram insurgents.

  • Strike: Doctors in Borno issue 21-day ultimatum

    Strike: Doctors in Borno issue 21-day ultimatum

    Medical Doctors in the employment of Borno Government on Monday issued a 21-day ultimatum to embark on an indefinite strike over nonpayment of allowances by the government.

    The Chairman of the association, Dr Bukar Abbagana, made the disclosure at a news conference in Maiduguri.

    Abbagana said the association unanimously resolved to embark on industrial action following failure of the state government to settle backlog of unpaid allowances.

    He explained that the government owed over N300 million arrears of skipping allowances to 150 doctors in the past four years.

    The chairman recalled that the association had not joined the nationwide strike over the issue based on humanitarian gesture and security challenges in the state.

    Read also: Oyo tertiary institutions issue 14 day ultimatum over 15 month unpaid salaries

    “Doctors out of loyalty and empathy for the people, refused to down tools with the belief that the state government will extend similar gesture to them.

    “Four years down the line, there was no single acknowledgement for the correspondences to the government, and all avenues for dialogue were exhausted,” he said.

    He stressed that the association issued a 21-day ultimatum between January 8 and February 5, to enable the state government to meet their demands.

    Abbagana disclosed that the association had registered members in secondary and primary health facilities in the state.

    He noted that the association was mindful of the grave consequences such industrial disharmony on the people, and called on individuals and organisations to prevail on the government to avert the strike.

    NAN

  • Prices of rice drops by 25% in Maiduguri

    Prices of rice drops by 25% in Maiduguri

    As farmers began crop harvest, prices of local rice has dropped by about 25 per cent in Maiduguri, Borno, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A check by NAN at Gamboru and Customs Area Markets in Maiduguri indicated that prices of the commodity had dropped in the past two months since the beginning of crop harvest by farmers.

    NAN reports that rice farmers had recorded bumper harvests this cropping season, forcing the prices of the staple food crushing.

    A 50kg bag of local rice goes for between N6,500 and N7,200 as against the old price of N9,000, while a measure of the produce is sold at N380.

    The development has affected the price of refined rice which also declined.

    A 50kg bag is being sold at between N15,000 and N16,500 from the old price of N17,500.

    A measure of the commodity now go for N900 as against N1,050, depending on its quality.

    Prices of other produce had also dropped significantly in the past months as a measure of maize is sold at N280, beans N450 and millet N350, as against the previous prices of N420, N600 and N500, respectively.

    Similarly, a measure of groundnut oil is sold at N280 as against N500.

    Traders at the markets attributed the drop in prices to improvement in the supply of food commodities to the markets.

    Malam Ali Muhammad, a rice dealer, said that prices of rice were falling on daily basis in view of the fresh supplies from the farms.

    Muhammad also attributed the situation to improvement in the supply of local produce to the market, adding that the development is encouraging.

    “There is a significant increase in the number of farmers who cultivated rice and other produce this cropping season.

    “Prices will further go down as supply improves,’’ he said.

    Muhammad said that rice dealers were now enjoying appreciable patronage.

    Also commenting, Ya-Ana Yusuf, a peanut grower, said that the massive mobilisation of farmers in liberated communities had encouraged production and forced

    grain prices down in the state.

    Malam Muhammad Dungus, a resident, expressed joy over the development, and urged traders to further reduce their prices.

    NAN reports that the Federal Government in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) had distributed fertilisers, seeds and inputs to over 1.1

    million farmers in the Northeast this cropping season.

    More than 5,000 rice farmers were also supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Anchor Borrowers Scheme in Borno.