Monthly Archives: October 2024

Kogi Assembly urges Gov. Ododo to rebuild communities affected by Omala crisis 

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By, Mark Akudu, Kogi 

The Kogi State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to urgently renovate Abejukolo General Hospital and basic healthcare as well as educational facilities in the  communities affected by the crisis in Omala Local Government Area of the State.

The lawmakers made the appeal during the House plenary sitting on Thursday in a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency, Hon Umar Yahaya urging the House to commend Governor Ododo for deploying Joint  Security Personnel’s to the crisis areas of Omala and appealing to the government to put in place measures for rebuilding the devastated communities.

According to him, this would ensure that those  returning residents who were affected by the crisis have access to medical care and educational opportunities, particularly as people begin to resettle in their ancestral homes due to improved security.

He appealed to the Kogi State Government to prioritize the rebuilding of the communities affected by these repeated attacks, specifically Bagana, Agojeju-Odoh, Agbenema, Iyade, and other villages within Omala Local Government.

He commended Governor Ododo for deploying the joint security personnel to curtail incessant crises in Bagana, Agojeju-Odo, and environs in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

His words “Recall that the year 2024 began with a wave of brutal attacks on my Constituency, Omala LGA, with murderous assaults by well-armed Fulani herdsmen, leading to the tragic loss of lives and displacement of countless citizens.

“Further recall that on April 4, 2024, for the second time this year, over 200 Fulani herdsmen attacked Agojeju-Odoh, Omala LGA, resulting in the deaths of 25 men, women, and children, after a previous unprovoked attack on January 30, 2024, in which four men were also killed.

“Cognisant of these facts, the attacks have left the entire communities sacked and abandoned, with survivors forced into destitution and reliant on neighbouring villages that have also been threatened by subsequent assaults.

“in response to duty, The governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, along with State Security Service Chiefs, visited Omala on May 4, 2024, during the crisis, and committed to taking effective steps to curb this violent trend and secure the area, including the establishment of a military Forward Operating Base (FOB) and the deployment of troops.

“The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has fulfilled this commitment, and joint troops from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) have been deployed to Bagana and other affected areas, restoring relative peace and security to the communities affected.

“The Speaker and Members, I seek your support for this motion to appreciate and honour the commitment of the State Government to these resilient communities and to reaffirm our dedication to peace, security and the well-being of every citizen.

“I move that this House expresses deep appreciation to the governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his decisive actions and commitment in ensuring the deployment of Nigerian military forces to Omala LGA, which has significantly contributed to restoring peace and stability in the area.

Yahaya seized the opportunity to request the leadership of the house to mandate its Peace and Security Committee or any other Committee of the house to provide oversight to ensure the continuation and completion of these restoration projects, recognizing the immediate needs and the right of the affected communities to resume normalcy, dignity, and safety in their daily lives.

Seconding the motion, Usman Ochidi, member representing Dekina/Biraidu State Constituency noted that the cardinal responsibility of any government is to provide adequate security for his people. “We are all aware of what happened in Omala before his Excellency’s visit. After then, peace has finally returned to the crisis area. 

“This is a welcome development and we must appreciate Governor Ododo. The Governor should help us to provide all the social amenities, especially the hospital for the affected victims in the crisis area to return to their homes”.

On his part, Olawunmi Jacob from Mopa-Muro State Constituency while aligning himself with the prayers outlined by the mover of the motion said peace remains a factor for development in any society.

Major Enefola, lawmaker representing Igalamela Odolu Constituency also commended the joint security task force for their proactive measures and efforts in maintaining peace in the area 

He wanted the Kogi State Government to replicate the deployment of Joint Security Personnel’s in other crisis prone areas in Kogi State. 

Explaining further, the lawmaker said “It is very disheartening to wake up and witness the needless deaths of our citizens. This must stop”.

Adding his voice, the member representing Adavi State Constituency Asema Baba Haruna while commending the mover of the motion prayed that such ugly incident will not happen again in the State.

The member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin said the construction of the health sector is pivotal in reawakening any community. “The renovation of Abejukolo hospital is very key for the people while we are also aware that other things are important,”he added.

In his contributions, the member represented the Lokoja I State Constituency. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani also joined his colleagues in commending the State Government for the swift response in restoring peace in the affected crisis areas.

He said ” My ancestral home is Bagana. Some of my uncles and aunties that left the village back to Lokoja are returning back to Omala. We must commend Governor Ododo for a job well done”.

Ruling on the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba who presided over the plenary thanked Governor Ododo for fulfilling his commitments in restoring peace in Agojeju-Odoh and its environs.

Over 15 Killed, many others missing as  armed herdsmen attack Benue Community

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani armed militia, on Wednesday night, reportedly invaded the Anyiin town in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 15  persons and leaving several others with various degrees of injuries while many people still missing.

The Network learnt that the incident which occurred at 6:30 p.m. saw well-armed Fulani herders emerge from various locations and began shooting intermittently at people resulting in many deaths.

It was further gathered that the attackers numbering over 200 were heavily armed   with dangerous weapons such as AK47 among other sophisticated guns that raided the town in an operation that  lasted about 3 hours.

An eyewitness and community leader in Anyiin town, chief  Joseph Anawah, said the armed herders overwhelmed the security operatives stationed in the town because of their large numbers. 

He said it was a coordinated operation, stating that the Fulani terrorists took residents of the town unaware, surrounded the town and shot sporadically in the air as people scampered for safety they ran into their well orchestrated ambush. 

He listed  some of victims to includes; Mr Orihundu Ati a retired Primary School Supervisor and the son of the Kindred Head of Mbawuave, Zaki Mbatern as well as the son of Tordoo Suswam a erstwhile Chief of Staff to a former Logo LGC Chairman and the son of Mr Uyange Chembe younger brother to late District Head of Ukemberagya, Zaki John Chembe. 

Chief Anawah added that the invaders had earlier attacked and  displaced several people  in some communities including Ukemberagya, Tswarev, Mbawar, Gov, Mbainange, and Tombo among others  who are currently taking refuge in Anyiin town. 

“The Fulani militia terrorists yesterday Wednesday, October 30, 2024 unleashed terror on Anyiin town Logo LGA of Benue state in an operation that started about 6:32 pm, leaving over 15 people dead and some with various degrees of injuries while others are missing.

“It was a coordinated operation, they took residents unaware, surrounded the town and shot sporadically in the air as people scampered for safety and ran into their well orchestrated ambush. 

“Anyiin town is the headquarters of Gaambe-Tiev, heavily populated with people of Gaambe-Tiev by the same Fulani herdsmen terrorism activities in the area over the years.

“Suffice to re-echo that the Federal and state governments should collaborate and revisit the abandoned Mobile Police Barracks project near Anyiin along Akwana-Anyiin-Wukari road in order to provide maximum security in the flash point. 

“Representatives of the affected communities at state and national levels should also rise to the occasion and beef up security in Gaambe-Tiev communities so that farmers can go to their farms during this harvesting season. 

“The people of Gaambe-Tiev are located on the border of Benue and Taraba states. This location has exposed them to incessant attacks by Fulani marauders. 

“This is the second attack in one month by the Fulani terrorists. On October 9, 2024 Fulani militia attacked Ayilamo town, the headquarters of Tombo Council Ward and killed scores of people. As I speak, people are deserting Anyiin town for fear of the unknown”, chief Anawah stated.

Benue Govt relocates 171 households with over 835 IDPs to mega camps

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State government in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on Thursday commenced relocation of 171 households with over 835 population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to a newly constructed Mega camp.

The new camp, constructed by International Organization for Migration, IOM is located at Mbayongo community along Makurdi- Gbajimba road, Guma local government area of the State.

Recall that Governor Hyacinth Alia had, upon assumption of office, promised that his administration will return the IDPs to their ancestral homes within one year in office.

Speaking during the commencement of the relocation, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, revealed that the camp has capacity to accommodate over 5,000 persons.

He said the State government has decided to relocate three camps including Baka, NEPA and Ichwa to the mega camp, hence their  ancestral homes and  for better living conditions and security for the IDPs.

The SEMA boss who was represented by the Information officer of the Agency, Mr. Tema Ager, said that provisions have been made for the siting of a security post, schools, market, hospitals and electricity, toilets and water facilities to ensure standard of living of the inmates.

Speaking with Journalists, an Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs Margaret Jubu who shared her experience in the camp, said she has been staying at the NEPA camp for over seven (7)years, adding that for these years, she engaged in doing menial jobs like going to work in people’s farm, cultivating rice and cassava to sustain herself and five children. 

Hear her,”I lost my husband 7 years ago as a result of the crisis. He died of hypertension.I hail from UIkpam in Guma local government area. When the community was attacked by suspected herdsmen, I ran straight from the farm and had to trek to Makurdi for two(2) days.

“We escaped from the farm and walked several miles hiding inside the bush. When we got to Daudu, there was another attack, we escaped again from there to Makurdi. I first stayed at my sister’s place at Ter Guma Street in the North Bank but it was not a conducive place. 

“So, I moved to this place (NEPA Quarters)but thank God for Governor Alia this camp has been abandoned for several years but he brought life back to it by ensuring that we have regular relief materials. 

“We also appreciate SEMA for the show of care and attention given to the IDPs. Am excited to be relocated to a better place”.

Another victim, Terngu Angbianor who was displaced and has been living in the camp for over seven years, expressed joy over the decision of the state government to move them to the Mega camp .

He said it could have been better if they returned to their ancestral homes.  

 “Life at the IDPs camp for the past seven years had been difficult. Despite the kind gesture by the government, I  will prefer to go back to my ancestral home if enough security is provided” he stressed.

Anambra Govt seals Synthe-Fabric market Ogidi over #100m debt

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By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha 

For allegedly owing about #100 million to Anambra State Government, Synthe-Fabric Dealers Association market, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, has been sealed.

The sealing was carried out by State Coordinator, Market-Traders Payment Compliance, Chike Udoji, after about five years of non payment of Internally Generated Revenue , IGR, accruing to about #00 million to state government.

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the sealing, Hon. Udoji, said that, “They have not paid for five years despite demand notices served them. We felt it was not fair not to make payment to the government,” he lamented.

The state coordinator who admitted that it is a private market, stated that private markets pay #17,500 stall levy yearly for each shop and public markets pay #30,000 for each shop yearly.

“Formerly it was #7,500 for private markets and #12,200 for public markets. By the time we collect data for four years we know how much the Synthe-Fabric market is owing, but must be over #100 million, excluding 2024 fiscal year :that the new payment rate was increased.

“They claimed that they had been paying and maybe the money went to a private purse, so we sealed it to unearth the truth. The sealing lasts for seven days after which they will be arraigned in court for non-payment of IGR to the government as tax evasion is a criminal offence,” he maintained.

Reacting, the Chairman of Haruna market, Onitsha, Chief Emmanuel Idoko, expressed surprise that a market could owe the state government a debt amounting to #100 million in five years and wondered where they think the government will source funds from to develop the state.

“This is the height of wickedness that for five years a market could not pay its IGR accruing to about #100 million and they still accuse the government of lack of development of the state. The market has to remain sealed until they make payment.

“In my market the traders pay their levies because they know that it is through such payment that the state will be developed and compete with other big cities and states. Manner can not come from heaven,” he posited.

It was gathered that hours after the sealing of the market the leaders of the market and Stakeholders approached the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, President General, Humphrey Anuna, who pleaded on their behalf and the market was unsealed with the pledge from the market leaders to offset the debt in no distant time.

Currently closed door meetings are said to be ongoing with a view to finding a way out of the quagmire which has kept the traders in a fix on how to raise the whopping sum.

Anuna also said to have seen the meeting as an opportunity to reconcile the warring factions which according to impeccable inside market sources, described as the root cause of the non-payment of the debt.

FCE Yola hosts Nigeria college of education game 

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By Yagana Ali Yola

The federal college of education Yola has the privilege to host the 20 edition of Nigeria college of education game Yola .

The provost, Mohammad Usman degereji made this known in a press conference held at the college board room FCE .

Degereji said the college is hosting the game for the first time which coincides with the college Golden jubilee celebration.

The college was established in 1974 as federal advanced teachers college before transforming to federal college of education Yola.

Furthermore the college is hosting  the game which consists of both Endo and outdoor games with a brand new sports arena.

All the line up activities will take place in two day and the game will last for 10 day which will bring together all colleges of education, sports men and women to showcase sportsmanship.

In another development the college will be hosting its 15 combined convocation ceremonies from 2011 to 2023.

Where prominent sons and daughters will be  awarded with an award of dedication per excellence for their contributions to the development of college.

The award will in two categories posthumous award to late Ahmad joda, late Amadu Ribadu ,late Abunakar iya Abbas among others .

The other category will be award to jibrin Aminu, Gidado Tahir , prof peter lassa and the deputy Governor of Adamawa state prof kalepwa judge farauta who will be showcase as a role model to students because she did her NCE at the college and everyone can become one.

Judiciary is allegedly full of corrupt judges – Sen Abbo insist 

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From Yagana Ali, Yola

The former senator representing Adamawa north  senatorial district senator Ishaku Abbo has said that democracy in Nigeria is under threat under the corrupt judicial system in Nigeria. 

Abbo said this while interacting with journalists in Yola.

Sharing his experiences on What led to his removal from the national Assembly, Abbo said the judiciary is full of corrupt judges and judiciary state who negotiated with people to win cases 

He said the verdict given to him is not what is delivered during the trial at the supreme Court when his seat is challenged.

“Any judicial system that is characterized by corrupt judiciary staff that negotiate with plaintiff to win a case , that means democracy is under threat “

Abbo said he has many text messages and interactions of the negotiation that were offered to him to maintain his seat at the assembly by one of the senior staff of the supreme Court with a video fortage when he is visited in a hotel in Abuja .

The Supreme Court should have asked for a rerun election in the polling unit which they claim have issues rather than just declaring his opponent the winner.

But he took what happened as a blessing in disguise because he now learned many lessons from what transpired during the case .

Abbo furthermore said he is making consultations on his next political ambition and will go along with what his people want because he is a man of the People.

Implement minimum wage to teachers -Atiku tells Gov. Fintiri

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By Yagana Ali Yola.

The chairman of the Nigerian union of teachers, NUT, Adamawa state chapter, Atiku Buba has called on the state governor, Amadu Umar Fintiri to implement minimum wage to teachers.

Buba made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen shortly after the annual 12, (8 quadrennial state delegate conference) held at lelwal hotel in Yola.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that this year’s conference theme is “Education challenges in an Economy of uncertainty:effect on teachers” 

The chairman, Buba however appreciated the governor Adamawa state Amadu Umar Fintiri on constant payments of benefits to beneficiaries of the teacher welfare scheme and engaging in constant dialogue with government on the lingering issues of promotion and upgrading of teachers in primary schools which he said has yielded a very good result..

While highlighting the problem of teachers in the state, Atiku called on the governor to implement the promotion and upgrading of primary schools teachers , non-payment of professional allowance of 27.5 percent of some teachers with requisite qualifications.

He also called on the governor to consider the elongation of years of service to cover all categories of teachers irrespective of area of specialization.

In his remark the NLC chairman Adamawa state also called on the governor to ensure the provision of learning materials to schools in the rural areas and equip the teacher with teaching materials at the local government level.

Earlier, the national president of the NUT,  Audu Amba sympathized with the NUT over the death of the late chairman of NUT, Adamawa state, Rodney Nathan.

He also called on the governor of Adamawa state to implement the recent increase of minimum wage to teachers in Adamawa state.

He said , “Why is the government, especially at the state level, on disparity over the implementation of the minimum wage scale to teachers while others enjoy it but not teachers?”

He therefore called on all state governments to at a matter of urgency implement the salary scale because they too pay tax as citizens.

The delegate from 21 LGA in Adamawa elected a new leader Faisal Muhammad after the demise and expiration of the Chairman seat in Adamawa.

Insecurity: Ebonyi varsity bans post examination celebration 

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By Uchenna Okeh

Ebonyi state university, EBSU, on Wednesday banned all forms of post examination celebration to avert insecurity and threat to the peace existing in the university.

The vice chancellor of the university, Chigozie Ogbu made this known in a statement signed by the registrar, Jeremiah Nwamgbo, and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

The statement reads in part: The Management has observed with concern the unwarranted and boisterous celebrations by students after taking their final examinations. 

“These celebrations have constituted security threats and have disrupted academic activities in the University. 

Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor has banned totally all forms of post-examination celebration within and around the University premises. 

“This ban takes immediate effect. Punishment for any breach of this ban shall, among other measures, include cancellation of all the examinations taken by the celebrating students and arrest of  offenders to serve as deterrent to others. 

“Deans and Heads of Department are requested to monitor properly to ensure that their students comply with this ban. In a similar vein, the SUG President should adequately sensitize the students on the need to comply with this ban to avoid blaming anyone when sanction is applied.

He therefore charged the security agencies in the area to enforce the order with immediate effect, “Finally, the Ag. Chief Security Officers in various Annexes of the University are to take note for full enforcement of this ban” he stated.

Handball: Stakeholders Call for Overhaul of Leadership to revitalize sport in Kogi

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By, Mark Akudu, Kogi 

Handball stakeholders in Kogi State are calling for a comprehensive leadership reform within the state’s handball association to restore the sport’s prominence.

Addressed journalists after a visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Aridaojo Anyebe in his office in Lokoja, the stakeholders outlined the achievements and setbacks of Kogi State handball since its inception in 1991, pointing to the need for immediate change to revive the state’s handball culture.

They noted that Kogi State’s handball history includes significant accomplishments from winning national underage tournaments in the 1990s to representing Nigeria in international competitions. Kogi’s under-15 boys’ team won gold in Italy in 1995, while local teams performed well in various national championships up until 2019. 

However, the stakeholders noted a decline in participation and development initiatives, which they attribute to issues within the association’s leadership.

They revealed that since 2020, Kogi’s Confluence Stars, the state’s premier league team, has struggled to participate in the league due to financial constraints and a lack of support. 

This situation according to them has led some players to seek opportunities with teams in other states, undermining team cohesion and player morale. 

Additionally, the once-thriving Confluence Queens female team, which participated in national tournaments until 2020, has since disbanded” 

Stakeholders attribute much of the sport’s recent decline to the leadership of Mr. Jibril Saidu, the current chairman of Kogi State Handball Association. They allege that Mr. Saidu’s decision to withdraw sponsorship, along with personal conflicts, has prevented Kogi from participating in critical national events. This includes the under-12 and under-15 championships held in Sokoto over the past five years, where Kogi teams were notably absent.

In response to these challenges, the stakeholders called for the dissolution of the current board, citing a lack of effective leadership and commitment to the state’s handball development.

 They propose the formation of a new board that will prioritize regional representation, involvement from former players, and individuals with strong sponsorship capabilities.

The stakeholders also endorsed Mr. Okpanachi Mark Ogah as the next chairman, describing him as a capable leader who they believe can restore Kogi State’s handball legacy within two years.

Speaking during the visit, His Royal Highness, Oba Luke Oludoyi from Isanlu  who is one of the handball stakeholder appealed to the Commissioner to give them necessary support in making handball sporting activities in the state a laudable venture for the overall growth and progress and of the State Sports Sector.

On his part, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah said he is ready to further the ideals of the stakeholders and rebirth a new and active handball sport in Kogi State. 

He assured that if given the mandate, the Kogi State handball team will take its rightful place again as champion. 

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, noted that the Kogi State Government is committed to ensuring that the sports sector in the state continues to receive the necessary support towards enhancing sporting activities in the state.

The Commissioner said under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo all sporting activities will be given adequate attention and Support.

He called on members of the handball stakeholders in the state to be united and continue to promote the activities of the handball sport in the state.

Also Present during the visit includes the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of sports, Mr Jibo Haruna Muhammed, the Director Kogi State Sports Council, Mr Onipe Obakachi and other Directors of the Ministry.

NBC DG, Adamu vows to resolve boundary disputes in northern states

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…Tasks LGAs to Set up committees for boundary demarcation 

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A Adaji on Wednesday urged all the local governments in the six Northern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe to set up Committees  for boundary Demarcation.

Adaji gave the urging during a two day sensitization workshop for boundary managers with the theme: Towards a peaceful and prosperous Borders held at the Bauchi State Government House Banquet Hall.

He said that the committees will help in settling disputes in the 7 state and the local government areas.

Adaji said that the National Boundary Commission (NBC) has the responsibility of resolving boundary related dispute between Nigeria and its neighbours and between the constituent states of the Federation, Demarcation and delineating international and internal boundaries.

Promoting cross border cooperation and peaceful coexistence between the NBC establishment act 2006 structured the internal boundary system into 3 tiers with the National Boundary Commission.

He further said that the National Boundary Commission act 2006 stated that the commission is to intervene and deal with any boundary dispute that may arise among states, local government areas and communities in the Federation with a view of settling disputes.

The Director General of the National Boundary Commission,  Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji said that the workshop brings managers of boundary affairs and other relevant Stakeholders to foster dialogue and collaboration among neighboring states along internal boundaries of Nigeria in order to fast-track peaceful resolution of boundary disputes.

Promote peace, stability, and security through enhanced cooperation and trust building, address common boundary related challenges and harness opportunities for socio-economic development in border areas.

The program targeted the deputy governors of the affected states,  members of the states boundary committees, vice chairmen of the affected border local government areas, traditional rulers and community leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman who is the mai-bade double with the vice council Chairman traditional rulers of Yobe State, said that traditional leaders are ready to support any decision that will bring peace in the seven states.