The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yobe

  • Army move to secure nation’s borders

    Army move to secure nation’s borders

    The Nigerian Army, on Friday, inaugurated a Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Daura in Katsina State, as part of the measures to secure the nation’s borders with neighbouring countries.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who inaugurated the FOB, said the sighting of the facility in Daura followed the “Order of Battle” approved by the Army Council in 2016.

    “It is part of the re-organisation in the Nigerian Army. In 2016, the Army Council approved the new order of battle.

    “This is part of the order of battle of the Nigerian Army to have an FOB in this place – Daura.

    “So it is the overall review of the deployment and the strategic consideration of the Nigerian army and the military; in taking care of strategic locations by deploying such facility here,” Buratai.

    Asked if there was any threat at the Daura axis, the army chief said: “Well, that is the analysis”.

    “You know, this Boko Haram terrorist group has been moving all over the place, especially along the borders. So, it is part of the consideration, it is part of the threat analysis”.

    According to Buratai, there is the need to take care of the border areas right from the Lake Chad through Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, up to Sokoto.

    He said that the establishment of the FOB was part of the strategic consideration, based on threat analysis, adding that more of such facility would be set up in the North East.

     

  • Leadership crisis rocks Yobe network of civil society organizations

    A leadership crisis has erupted in Yobe Network of Civil Society Organizations over purported dissolution of the executive council in the state.

    Some civil society organizations converged on Damaturu Friday to dissolve the Executive Council, led by Mr Zabu Buba. The aggrieved organizations claimed that the tenure of the council had elapsed seven years ago in 2012.

    Dr Mohammed Machina, pioneer chairman of the network and chief convener of the meeting said “the present executive council was elected in 2010 for two-year tenure as provided by the constitution of the network.

    “The tenure was supposed to have elapsed seven years ago but they have remained in office till today, 21 April, 2017, which negates the provisions of the constitution,” he said. The congress then passed a resolution dissolving the executive council and constituting a five- man committee to oversee the affairs of the network, pending the election of a new executive council within two months However, Mr Zabu Buba, Chairman of the Network, who spoke to newsmen, described the dissolution as null and void because there was no quorum representing the various organizations to take such a decision.

    “It was an exercise in futility because the same people, who kicked against an earlier proposed election, hurriedly met to execute the hatchet job without due process. “Conveners of the meeting deliberately refused to invite me as chairman and other executive council members, as well as other civil society organizations outside Damaturu, who constitute a good percentage of our membership,” he said.

    He urged the public to disregard the said dissolution of the executive council adding that “those parading themselves as members of caretaker committee are simply impersonating the Network.

  • Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday in Kano declared that the change agenda of the All Progressive Congress (APC) will no doubt reflect and create an enduring hope to better the lots of Nigerians contrary to insinuation from some quarter.

    Buhari in his message during the launch of the North West National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, (NCBSG) said that efforts and dedication of Nigerians will change our country for the better.

    The President’s message, read by Senator Ahmed Lawal said, “I’m happy to send this message of thanks and good will to all organizers and participants on the lunching of National Committee of Buhari Support group taking place today in Kano. Your effort and dedication are very well known to me. You are inviting this part of movement on the APC and change agenda. We must change our country for the better.”

    “We must stand by regarding ourselves as examples; change begins with you and I and then all of us in Nigeria. You should carry this message to all corners of our country. It is a bottom up operation in our country. Successes at your level is success for all of and our dear country.”

    “I wish you a very successful launching and I looking forward to getting up to date reports of your activities”

    The Chairman Board of Trustees of NCBSG, Senator Abu Ibrahim who represents Katsina south senatorial district  told the group from the north west zone that President Buhari is been endorsed for a major interest that will reflect the creation of a new hope for Nigerians in  which his committed and determined to achieve.

    According to him, “the group was   formed   with   the   mandate   to   coordinate   and organise the affairs of the various Buhari Support Groups that participated in the enthronement and ascension to office of President Muhammadu Buhari through the 2015 election.”

    “These   pre-existing   support   groups   piloted   the   grassroots initiatives via which our Dear President’s message of hope was delivered to all the nooks and crannies of the country and we intend to keep them as channels of outreach and feedback between the government and the citizenry.

    “It is   our desire   therefore   to   use this   gathering   today as   a platform to appreciate and express our profound gratitude to you all.

    “When we elected President Muhammadu Buhari into office, we did so with the conviction that our dear nation needed to be put on a new pedestal, for the dreams of our founding fathers to be realised.

    “We were convinced of the need to establish a firm foundation   upon   which   a   united,   peaceful   and   prosperous nation can be built by, and for, this and succeeding generations of Nigerians. It is in this regard that I must personally commend all of you for your patience and understanding as our Dear President steers us through the difficult steps necessary to achieve this objective.

    “The poor management of the country, especially under the watch of the now opposition PDP, is the reason we have had to endure a harsh economic climate. The signs of a decline in the economy   were   there   a   clear   two   years   before   the   2015 elections.

    “It is therefore inexcusable that those who had the responsibility of managing our affairs failed to save for the rainy day and freely helped themselves with our common patrimony, including funds earmarked for restoring peace and security in the land.

    “Recent gory news of the recoveries of stolen cash provides proof that some individuals behaved like delinquent juveniles, to paraphrase Mr. President, when they had the opportunity to lead this great nation.

    “We must stand firm and resolute to say NEVER AGAIN shall we allow the destiny of Nigeria in the hands of unscrupulous abusers of public trust, wanton riggers of elections and peddlers of thuggery. They should never be allowed to tie down the destiny of this   land   of   inestimable potential, to their whims and caprices.

    “As you and I know, when they fail to explain away their glaringly failed stewardship, they resort to name-calling. When that doesn’t deter you, they resort to outright blackmail and threats to life and property. It is our collective duty to restore this nation’s pride because we have no choice.

    “This land belongs to all of us and we must be proud to work tirelessly to make it better for our children and our children’s children. Let the naysayers know that we shall never give up this God-given right.”

    However, Senators from Katsina, Yobe, Ondo as well as house of representative members and some top government dignitaries and politicians graced the launching.

     

  • Meningitis: Expert calls for effective response strategies

    “The committee should be responsible for reviewing the antibiotic vulnerability of Neisseria meningitis serotypes in the country.

    “Such committee can then use current trend and data on antibiotic resistance to formulate appropriate prophylaxis and treatment by state, zones or the country as a whole,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that there has been an outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) across 16 states of the country since November 2016, of which a new strain of the disease called “stereotype C’’ had emerged.

    As at April 3, there were 2,524 suspected cases with 336 deaths recorded in 90 local government areas in the affected states.

    The states included Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Nasarawa , Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba , Yobe, Kano, Osun, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Plateau.

    Meningitis outbreaks peak in the dry season in certain states in the Northern region due to low humidity and dusty conditions and usually end as the rainy season approaches.

    The bacteria that cause it can be spread through exchange of saliva, which can occur during common activities such as kissing, sharing utensils and drinking glasses.

    The risk factors for meningitis also include living in close quarters such as dormitories, sneezing and coughing as well as smoking or being exposed to smoke.

    Also, particular lifestyle such as staying out late or irregular sleeping habits could put people at greater risk for meningitis, by weakening their immune system.

    Some common symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to light, headaches and vomiting.

    According to the WHO, even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment begins, five per cent to 10 per cent of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

    Vaccination against the three types of bacteria that can cause meningitis still remains one of the most effective ways to be protected against certain types of bacterial meningitis, alongside avoiding the risk factors.

     

  • Troops arrest 45-year-old, nine other key terrorists surrender

    Troops have arrested a 45-year-old Boko Haram terrorist at Bayemari, Makinta Ibrahim, confirmed to be the supplier of petrol and other items to the remnants of the insurgents.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect hailed from Yaro Grematalti Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe.

    Usman said that the troops had also arrested another suspected Boko Haram terrorist whose name, age and origin could not be ascertained for now as he pretended to be deaf and dumb.

    “However, he was found to be in possession of eight functioning cell phones;a bunch of keys; two passport photographs; two amulet charms and a transistor radio.

    “Both of the suspects are being further investigated,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Usman said that nine key Boko Haram terrorists from Tambashe village, Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno, had voluntarily surrendered to troops deployed along Dikwa-Gulumba Gana road.

    According to him, the suspects claimed to be tired of the situation under the Boko Haram terrorists group and willingly offered themselves to troops as a mark of repentance.

    “Nevertheless, the repentant suspects are further being investigated,” he said.

     

  • Yobe govt donates N30m to ABU

    Yobe govt donates N30m to ABU

    Yobe Government on Tuesday, donated N30 million to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to improve the institution’s facilities and promote academic excellence.

    Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam said this in Damaturu when the National President of ABU Alumni Association, Dr Ahmad Mora, paid him a courtesy visit.

    Gaidam said the quality of research and teaching programmes at the university had placed it as a centre of academic excellence.

    He said: “Its pre-eminence in teaching and research has stood the institution out among its peers, not just in the country but also around the world.

    “As an alumnus of ABU, I can attest to its high standards of teaching and research;

    ‘’It is something ABU has continued with consistency and excellence,” he said.

    “We believe in the importance of education and this is why we are doing a lot in Yobe to rebuild our schools and help our students.

    “This is a commitment we will continue to make and it is in this spirit that we make this donation, to assist the ABU Alumni Association,” he said.

    Earlier, Mora said the association was building a post-graduate hostel estimated at over N200 million and, an intra-city bus shuttle service for the students of the university.

    He further said the association was “promoting the welfare, standards, and good name of the university as well as seeking partnership and support from members.”

    Mora commended the giant strides recorded in the state aimed at improving the people’s living condition.

    “ABU is proud to have 12 state governors, including Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, as alumnus of this great institution,” he said.

     

  • Presidential Committee rehabilitates 19 police stations in Yobe

    The Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) on Wednesday said it had rehabilitated 19 police stations destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe.

    Alhaji Tijjani Tumsah, the Vice President of the committee, disclosed this in Potiskum while handing over one of the rehabilitated police stations to the Yobe Police Command.

    Tumsah said the committee had accorded priority to the reconstruction of police stations to restore civil authority in the state.

    “Police stations in Yobe were among the worst hit public structure during the insurgency.

    “The rehabilitation of these stations will improve maintenance of law and order in the society,” he said.

    The vice chairman assured that the committee would assist in reconstructing and fencing police barracks in the state to enhance security.

    “We will continue to encourage you to restore peace and normalcy in the state,” Tumsah said.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abdulmaliki Sunmonu, said the reconstruction of the 19 police stations would improve policing in the state.

    Alhaji Musa Jidawa, Secretary of the State Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Committee, also said that the reconstruction of the structures would facilitate the resettlement of communities affected by the insurgency.

     

  • Yobe holds peaceful council polls, records low turnout of female voters

    The local government elections in Yobe State has recorded no breach of peace across the state, as voters were seen casting their votes and returning home peacefully to carry out their normal daily activities.

    The Nation observed that the voting arrangement by the State Electoral body made the exercise so easy and peaceful, as voting and accreditation was done simultaneously at all polling units across the

    state.

    Our correspondent, who monitored the elections in three local governments of Damaturu, Fune and Potiskum, however, discovered low turnout of female voters for the polls.

    In most of the polling units visited, most of the demographic turnout of men was more than their female counterparts.

    Hauwa Audu who came to vote at the Bindigari Primary School Polling unit attributed the low turnout of female to lack of campaigns from the political parties participating in the elections.

    Another group of five women who just voted at the polling unit near the Emir of Damaturu’s Palace agreed with Hauwa that political parties did not carry out enough campaign to sensitise the people for the elections, adding that, “we are aware of the elections because we are civil servants.”

    Addressing journalists after casting his vote at his polling Unit at Yendiski in Potiskum, the Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu said he was impressed with the voters turnout.

    Engr. Aliyu also informed that Gov.  Gaidam is unable to cast his vote because he is on lesser hajj to Saudi Arabia.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Chairman Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Saratu Binta Dikko Audu, praised both the security arrangement and the peaceful nature the elections and expressed hope that una elections will be equally peaceful.

    She also informed that Kaduna’s elections would be electronic and there will be no ballot papers but ballot receipts which will be dropped in the ballot box from the machine.

  • Rivers, Yobe CAN protest Kaduna killings

    Rivers, Yobe CAN protest Kaduna killings

    •Black Sunday declared in Rivers

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Rivers State has protested the Southern Kaduna killings. It declared yesterday a black Sunday.

    By 2pm yesterday, Christians gathered at Christ Church in Port Harcourt City council, where they moved to the Government House, singing and praying.

    The protesters turned the Government House to a prayer centre while waiting to be received.

    About 30 minutes later, they were received by Governor Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff, Emeka Woke.

    According to CAN Chairman, Primate Isaac Anyanasikike, the killing of innocent Christians in Southern Kaduna informed their coming together to observe a “Black Sunday” and let the world know that never again shall politics be played with the blood and property of fellow compatriots.

    He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to confront what he described as “the hydra-headed monster” of Islamic Jihadists and bring the “satanic assignees to justice”.

    The CAN chairman urged the Federal Government to begin the process of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation and to pay full compensation to victims.

    His words: “We have declared today a black Sunday, and a national day of mourning occasioned by unending spate of sectarian killing in Southern Kaduna and other parts of our country bound in freedom, peace and unity.

    “The horror perpetrated by the radical Islamic Jihadists, which gave birth to this Black Sunday is more than culpable homicide. It is both genocide and a holocaust. We write to Mr. President with passion because we are aware that you were, and still a soldier, who knows what defending a defenceless people, is.

    “We believe that by sending our protest letter through Governor Nyesom Wike, it will get to the President. It is our fervent prayer that God will strengthen and encourage our Christian brethren in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country.”

    Woke thanked the protesters for their peaceful disposition and promised that Wike will receive their letter and communicate with Mr. President.

    The Yobe State chapter has condemned the crisis in Southern Kaduna.

    Chairman Rev. Jibrin Joshua, in a news conference yesterday, called on the Federal and Kaduna State governments to find ways to end the killings. He called for justice, equity and fairness in handling the crisis.

    The statement reads: “Such killings and destruction of houses, churches and farmlands are unacceptable and, therefore, condemnable.

    “No individual or group of persons, disguising as Fulani herdsmen, are permitted to take the law into their hands. So, we call on both the federal and the state government to investigate and ensure that those behind the killings are brought to book.

    “Concerned authorities should also redouble their efforts in ending these killings and ensure that those affected are adequately compensated” Rev Jibrin said.

    The cleric commiserated with families who lost loved ones and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    He called on the state government and other northern states to allow the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in schools, which had not been in practice before now

  • Six feared dead in insurgents attack in Yobe

    Six persons have been feared killed following Boko Haram attack on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

    Spokesman of 27 Task Force Brigade Lt. George Okupe, who confirmed the attack through a text message, said the attack was successfully repelled by troops.

    He, however, did not disclose the number of casualties on both sides.

    Lt. Okupe said: “Buni Yadi came under attack about 6.15pm, but things are under control. “Casualty figure of insurgents are yet to be confirmed; on locales, none for now, likewise own forces. However, details will be relayed to you soon.”

    But a military source, who pleaded for anonymity, said five soldiers and a captain were killed.

    He added that the insurgents came from the eastern side of the brigade and launched superior fire power on the military formation before they were repelled.

    According to him, the captain, a doctor, had just been posted to Buni Yadi.

    Another source said the insurgents suffered heavy casualty as many bodies were scattered in the bush.

    “Nobody had time to start counting their numbers because we were busy pursuing the fleeing ones. But I must tell you that many of them were killed, and their bodies scattered in the bush,” he said.