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Armed Bandits open fire on traders at Kaduna community market, kill 7 and burn truck loaded with 330 bags of maize
At least seven people, including two members of a vigilante group, have died after suspected bandits opened fire on traders at a weekly Galadimawa Market in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday, December 23.
Samuel Aruwan who is the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affair confirmed the attack to newsmen in a statement released today December 24. He said the bandits sneaked into the market around 4pm and opened fire.
“The Kaduna State Government has been informed that several armed bandits were neutralized at the outskirts of Galadimawa in Giwa local government area of Kaduna State.
The armed bandits were neutralized after they attacked the weekly Galadimawa Market on Wednesday evening, where two vigilantes and five citizens lost their lives.
According to the security report, the armed bandits sneaked into the market around 4pm and opened fire on the vigilantes, in the process killing the following operatives: Yusuf Magaji Iyatawa and Dabo Bafillace.
While escaping, the bandits killed the following five citizens: Danjuma Haladu, Shuaibu Isyaku, Isyaku Adamu, Shehu Dalhatu and Musa Haruna Kerawa.
A commercial trailer driver, one Alhaji Yusuf Tumburku who had just loaded 330 bags of maize belonging to a trader, Alhaji Hamza Ungwan Lalle Giwa, had his vehicle and the grains burnt to ashes. One other car was burnt by the armed bandits.
The security agencies comprising the police and troops gave the armed bandits a hot pursuit while they escaped out of the general area.
The armed bandits who were on about 15 motorcycles met their end in the hands of aggressive fighting air platforms which engaged them and subsequently neutralized several of them.
The ground troops are still carrying out clearance operations in the Galadimawa and Kidandan general areas.”
Aruwan says the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sent condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and commended the military and police for neutralizing the armed bandits. He said the governor has charged locals in the Galadimawa and Kidandan general areas of Giwa local government to continue to volunteer useful information to the government and security agencies.
December 24, 2020
Nigeria would bounce back to its glorious days- Rev Pam
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
In a Christmas message to Nigerians, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam has enjoined Nigerians to pray for the country and also hope for the best and gave the assurance that the country would back to its glorious days.
He said, “You Know recently we have bad news about the issue of insecurity, but for sure, with prayers of the Saints, we will get out of it.
“Particularly in this festive season, a lot of people are praying for this country and i have the believe and hope that Nigeria will bounce back in a better light make it again.”
“My pride is this country, i can die for this country, stand for this country and i can talk about the unity of this country anywhere in the world.”
He explained that 2021is a year of excellence in all ramifications when all Nigerians would unite back as a family.
He also reiterated that next year the NCPC would cross over not only to the shores of Israel but to other countries.
Speaking on the challenges in the country, the NCPC helmsman said that the greatest challenge is that of the COVID- 19 pandemic which would soon fizzle away by the special grace of God, through prayers.
He further commended the Nigerian Government for taking very good steps to overcome the pandemic.
Not only Nigeria, this is a global challenge and i see the hand of God on Nigeria because ours is even lower compared to other countries of the world, he emphasized.
December 24, 2020
Pastors and church workers who attended Shiloh 2020 allegedly down with COVID-19
A worker at the Living Faith Church presided over by Pastor David Oyedepo, is allegedly currently battling with COVID19.
Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who shared this on Twitter handle, said the worker in question believes he contracted the virus while attending the yearly Shiloh programme of the church that took place between December 8 to 13. The said worker claims some pastors who attended the program have also started showing symptoms of the disease.
Fisayo says the worker’s wife, daughter, and domestic employee have started showing symptoms of the viral disease.
Read Fiyaso’s tweets below
”A worker at the Living Faith Church is down with COVID-19 after attending Shiloh 2020. His wife, daughter and domestic employee are exhibiting symptoms of the virus — even their dog! Some pastors who attended Shiloh are down with the virus too.
This worker didn’t want to physically attend Shiloh, held from December 8 to 13, but had no alternative because the church made it compulsory for workers. As can be seen from internet videos, congregants mingled with one another without masks or social distancing.
In the past, the church observed safety protocol such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and hand washing. However, at Shiloh, no precautionary measures were in place.
“People were just careless,” he said. “Yes, many people didn’t come this year because of COVID but those in attendance were careless.”
The problem is this worker knows the pastors currently exhibiting symptoms of the virus will not admit this to the Founder & Presiding Bishop, meaning other potentially infected but asymptomatic Shiloh congregants might continue mixing with people without caution.
“Some Winners pastors are down with COVID; they’re just keeping it to themselves but we can’t just fold our hands,” he said. The plea from him is that those who attended Shiloh “should try to isolate themselves and try not to pass on the virus”.
His wish is for people to get educated that the festive season is no excuse for them to physically attend crossover services without recourse to COVID-19 safety protocol.”
December 24, 2020
Senator Wamakko Mourns Renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Lemu
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has described the death of the Internationally-acclaimed Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, as an irreplaceable loss to the country and the Islamic world, sent in by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senator, Bashir Rabe Mani.
Lemu, who died at the age of 91, in the early hours of Thursday, at his Minna, Niger State, residence, was the Founder of the Isamic Education Trust, a foremost Islamic Organization.
Senator Wamakko, expressed shock at the sad news of the demise of the late Clergy who tirelessly spent decades in the service of Islam.
According to Wamakko, Niger State , North, Nigeria and the world, have lost a Colossus, whose penchant for seeking and sharing knowledge was unparalleled.
Wamakko further explained that, the late Islamic Cleric had made invaluable contributions in the field of Islamic and general education in the country, for over half a century.
He said: “Sheikh Lemu had made immense contributions in education, just as he had undertaken myriad of teaching and educational responsibilities in Nigeria and beyond.
“No eulogy will be enough to appreciate the deceased’s remarkable and indelible contributions of Sheikh Lemu.
“He was impeccably upright, pious, patriotic and humble, while he was an unmatchable peace maker and core Educationist.”
Wamakko, a Member of the Muslim World League, extended his heartfelt and sincere condolences to Sheikh Lemu’s family, people and Government of Niger State, as well as the Muslim Ummah.
He also prayed the Almighty Allah, to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus and give his family the formidable fortitude to bear the great loss.
December 24, 2020
Tambuwal Signed N176b 2021 Appropriation Into Law
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has signed into law the 2021 budget appropriation bill of over N176 billion into law.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to governor Tambuwal, Muhammad Bello further disclosed that, at the ceremony, Gov. Tambuwal expressed appreciation to the Speaker and members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly (SOHA) for the great and remarkable of passage of the bill into law.
He said the feat shows the commitment and patriotism of the state legislators in the discharge of their mandate to the people of Sokoto state, saying that: ”you have properly demonstrated very uncommon patriotism devoid of partisanship.”
He commended them for uniting together for the common man in the state irrespective of political party differences, urging them to continue working together in the same direction.
The governor also thanked the state civil servants for their hard work and commitment in discharging their responsibilities.
Tambuwal used the occasion to call on people of the state to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols as the second wave of the pandemic emerges.
Earlier, the Speaker of SOHA, Rt Hon Aminu Muhammad Achida, said the 2021 budget was passed into law after deliberations and careful scrutiny.
He said the House did not add or reduce the N176, 685,535,643:47 budget presented to it by the executive arm of government, emphasizing that the state legislature was highly impressed with the great achievements recorded by the executive in the implementation of the 2020 budget.
He said despite the financial challenges in 2020 the budget, many success were recorded in education, healthcare and rural development among others.
The Speaker assured the governor that the state legislature will ensure speedy passage of any bill aimed at improving the living condition of the citizenry.
December 24, 2020
Governor Lalong Urges Love, Unity at Christmas
As Christians celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says this year’s event calls for the demonstration of love, compassion and sacrifice which are key attributes of Jesus Christ.

Governor Lalong in a message said this year’s Christmas celebration comes at a time that appears difficult and challenging, but because of the love and mercies of God, there is no reason to despair and be despondent.

He said, “the world and indeed Plateau State has gone through tremendous challenges occasioned by the Corona virus pandemic which has significantly altered human interaction and impacted negatively on the economy. This has resulted in hardship to both Governments and citizens. Nevertheless, we have collectively demonstrated resilience and hope. This should continue especially as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ who primarily came to give hope to mankind”.

The Governor therefore urged the Christian faithful to not only be hopeful, but also use the period of Christmas to show love to one anothet as well as work for a more united, peaceful and tolerant society.

He said his administration will continue to give the needed leadership that will fast-track economic recovery and stimulate empowerment of youths, women and the entire citizenry.
While wishing the citizens a merry Christmas, Lalong again appealed to them to be careful and observe all COVID-19 protocols so as to curtail the impact of the pandemic which is on the rise due to the second wave.
December 24, 2020
Christmas: Pray for Nigeria, imbibe teachings of Jesus Christ, Gbajabiamila tells Christians
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Christians to use this period of Christmas to pray for continuous peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The Speaker also urged Nigerian Christians to pray for the country to overcome the myriad of challenges facing her, especially the issue of insecurity.

While rejoicing with Nigerian Christians for marking this year’s Christmas, Gbajabiamila called on them to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a role model to all.
In his Christmas message, Gbajabiamila noted that Nigerians should also use the period to pray for their leaders for God’s guidance.

He said periods like this call for sober reflection, noting that Nigerians must be their brothers’ keepers at all times.
Gbajabiamila said Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, “must work towards achieving the dreams of our founding fathers, who made a lot of sacrifices for us to be one.”

He said the year 2020 came with the Covid-19 challenge but that with prayers and observance of the established protocols, “the country shall overcome it in the end.”
The Speaker wished all Nigerian Christians and other citizens happy celebrations, calling for caution while celebrating.
December 24, 2020
Insecuruty: Zamfara Governor safes 344 school children’s lives – DG Media
By Gabriel Udehl, Kaduna

Zamfara state Governor Bello Mohammad Matawalle has saved 344 school children in zamfara from being kidnapped in view of what happened in katsina state where over 333 were abducted recently.

The Media officer of the Governor, Yusuf Idris Gusau, was reacting to statement made by acting deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Yekini Nabena, alleging that a North-west governor is behind the heightened cases of banditry, abductions and other volent crimes in the Zone.

The DG Media to Zamfara Governor, in a telephone interview said even though the APC national official did not mentioned any name, he however stated that as the ruling party official, he should be able to name the north west governor behind the bandits and other violent crimes if he’s sincere and sure of his facts.

He said if APC Government is misunderstanding Zamfara State government’s Peace Accord for a deal with banditry, abductors, terrorist and perpetrators of violent crimes in Northwest, they’re making a mistake.
According to Gusau, APC is flying the allegations just to cover-up and divert attention from the reality on ground that it has failed completely to tackle insecurity challenges ravaging the country especially in northern states because it lacks the capacity.
Mr Gusau insisted that in any country that attached alot of value to human lives, zamfara Governor deserved to be given national honour, and be remembered even after death for the initiative, saying that even attacks, abduction or kidnapping has reduced drastically in the state since the governor assumed office.

The DG said “He did not mention name. If he’s sincere that what he’s saying is true, he should mention name as a ruling party. We’re just praying about the development so far happening in north west. “The same APC Government is in power when they kidnapped daptchi girls and they were not rescued uptil now. “Only yesterday, the chairman of the Nigeria governors forum, in company of about four other governors — Jigawa, kebbi, and that of Sokoto States, were at the governor’s residents, and encouraged him not to withdraw from what he’s doing.

“The idea is to encouraged him to do what he is doing, and that, he’s doing the right thing, because he’s doing the work for entire Nigeria, not only his state or Northwest. So I think anybody trying to bring him to this crises is not happy with the success being recorded by him”, he said.
He further said that “Since the coming of the administration, the issue of kidnapping, attacks and others violent crimes have reduced drastically in Zamfara state. “We’re not saying there’s no attacks but it has been reduced to the minimal level”, he added.

On the call by group for arrest of the APC official, Gusau said that “was supposed to be done because when Mailafia, the former deputy gov.of CBN, accused a governor in the Northeast, the DSS invited him several times. “And Nigeria is a country for everybody, for for APC alone but every citizens of Nigeria. So we are calling on DSS and security in Nigeria to invite the deputy acting publicity secretary of APC for questioning. “Let him go and share more light. And what we’re calling for Nigeria, is prayers on security issue.
What, APC, is trying to do is to cover their failure under the insecurity. They supposed to comend the Zamfara governor. If is a country where human beings lives are important,. wha the governor did has saved the lives of 344 school Children, he deserve a national honor. It’s something that he’ll be recognized even after his death, DG said.
December 24, 2020
Another variant form of Covid-19 discovered in Nigeria
Another new variant of coronavirus has emerged in Nigeria, a leading public health official has said.
John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed the existence of the new P681H strain on Thursday, Dec 24, saying it is different from the ones found recently in the UK and South Africa.
The mutant strain of coronavirus has emerged as Nigeria reports a surge in the cases of coronavirus.
Coronavirus variants emerge routinely as the virus spreads. About 4,000 variants of the deadly virus has been recorded to date, but those in the UK and South Africa have been widely reported because scientists believe they are significantly more infectious than previous strains.
New variants can also affect the ability of coronavirus vaccines to fight the virus, though this is not thought to be the case with the UK or South African variant.
The Nigerian variant’s potential effect on vaccines is so-far unclear.
“Give us some time,” Dr Nkengasong said. “It’s still very early.”
The Nigerian variant was found in two patient samples collected on August 3 and October 9 in southern Osun state, a preliminary report into the virus said.
Unlike the variant seen in the UK, “we haven’t observed such rapid rise of the lineage in Nigeria and do not have evidence to indicate that the P681H variant is contributing to increased transmission of the virus in Nigeria,” the report added.
An emergency meeting of the Africa CDC will now take place this week to discuss the new strains, including the one in South Africa that has seen cases soar.
Dr Nkengasong said the Nigeria CDC and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases will analyse more samples.
December 24, 2020
COVID-19: Respect 12am to 4am curfew, Sanwo-Olu warns Lagosians
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Lagosians to respect the 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government as Crossover Services hold in various churches on December 31, 2020.
He also urged religious leaders to ensure their followers observe the protocols put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country battles the second wave of the pandemic.
The governor made this known on Thursday while responding to questions from journalists at the State House in Marina, Lagos.
He said, “There are not meant to be any gathering. The curfew set by the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) and the PTF (Presidential Task Force on COVID-19) is still active. There is a national curfew from 12 midnight to 4am and that has to be respected. No night vigils in any form.
“The instructions are there and all of the restrictions are in place as set by the PTF and the Lagos State Safety Commission.
“So, there are no vigils anywhere. This is just one Christmas, we will have many Christmas. So, you can have your prayers at home.”
Details later…
December 24, 2020