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  • Ritualist beheaded mother of 3 in Benue LGA, burnt to death

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The residents of Ottoh in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue state, were on weekend thrown into deep griefs and mourning over the brutal murder of one Patience Ubahi by suspected ritualist.

    Patience Ubahi, over 30 years old mother of three, was reportedly butchered on Saturday evening by a neighborhood boy of over 20years old (name withheld).

    The sad and callus incidents reportedly occurred in Otukpa, the headquarters of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue South, zone three.

    However, luck ran out of the suspected ritualist who was caught by curious villagers on his way to deliver the victim’s head to his sponsor around the popular Ede Market in the area.

    Eyewitness and relations told our correspondent on phone on Sunday that the suspected ritualist was dragged to the victims family resident where he met his waterloo as youths of the area set fire and burnt him to death alive without knowledge of the security.

    The source also stated that the family of the alleged ritualist escaped death by mud attacks, as the angry youths also moved to attacked them before the family took to their heels.

  • Gov Alia Grants State Pardon To 12 Prison Immates In Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has granted pardon to twelve prison inmates in the state , who were serving various jail terms at the Nigeria Correctional Center, Makurdi.

    In the same vein, the Governor during the visit to the Correctional Center Makurdi, granted state pardon to Mr Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the state Civil Service, 28 years ago, thereby converting his dismissal to termination of appointment.

    The Governor took this decision in line with the recommendation of Benue State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, headed by the Attorney General and Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Barr Fidelis Mnyim.

    Governor Alia, who Implored the pardoned inmates to be of good behavior as they reintegrate into the society, admonished them to utilize the skills they have acquired while in confinement to better their lives.

    He counseled the released inmates. ” Give your society the very best, and as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any element of life for granted, demonstrate your newness into the society.”

    He noted that the act of Mercy was granted based on the present administration’s desire to offer the best to the people of Benue State, expressing worry that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily should not be anywhere near the prison.

    ” This should not be home for them. I was quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here, there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females, one with a baby while some came in with pregnancy.”

    In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, disclosed that the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, was done in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.

  • A’Ibom spends N6.5bn in seven months for Ibom Airport

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Akwa Ibom government say it has released N6.5bn to support ongoing projects at the Victor Attah International Airport in the last seven months.

    It has also released N10bn to get contractors back to project sites for completion of ongoing projects initiated by the immediate past administration.

    Governor Umo Eno who made this known in his New Year message to the people of the state in Uyo on Monday said the state government has kept it’s financial obligations with Airbus Corporation and about a month ago received the first of the ten Airbus A220-300 Series into the Ibom Air fleet.

    “Ibom Air, which is the pride of our State, was one of the first places I visited shortly after my inauguration, where I had restated my desire to continue to support and expand the operations of that great project which is a testament to vision and creativity. We have invested heavily in the MRO and very soon, that will be fully commissioned.” Eno said.

    His administration, the Governor said has also directed an operational audit of Ibom Power Plant be done aimed at repositioning the plant to yield the expected dividends for the state.

    And to maintain the peace and safeguard the state status as one of the safest states in Nigeria his administration has created a full-fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways manned by a retired general of the Nigerian Army.

    “Two weeks ago, we successfully launched the Ibom Community Watch programme with 550 watchers commissioned for Uyo Local Government Area.

    “The objective of this programme is to raise a well trained team that will protect government assets across our communities and assist in the gathering of intelligence for our security agents. This initiative shall also create over five thousand jobs for our youths.

    “Still on security, on December 13, 2023, I signed into Law, the Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill earlier passed by the State House of Assembly to help us mobilize funds to improve on the security architecture of our state.

    “Three days ago, we launched the Akwa Ibom State Waterways Security Assets whose central mission is to secure the waterways of the State and thus help protect governments critical assets, boost the state’s comparative advantage in the blue economy, support our fishermen through the provision of enhanced security among others.

    “At the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, was on hand to help us launch the 14 State Patrol Gunboats we had bought and donated to ensure this operation
    runs seamlessly. We also signed a contract with the Nigerian Naval Shipyard for the construction of a Passenger/Cruise ferry, with the view to turning our coastline towns into tourism hubs.” He explained.

    The Education sector, Eno said has also witnessed a new Dawn with the construction of model primary schools while the first phase of Education Support Fund for Physically Challenged persons in State studying in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions has taken off.

    “So far, we have paid about 106 persons under this scheme at N250,000 per undergraduate and N300,000 per Postgraduate student.We have paid bursary to students of Akwa Ibom State origin studying in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. So far, not less than 5000 students have received their bursary.

    “The free and compulsory education policy in our state shall be continued and we have already paid examination fees for all Secondary School students. In addition to this, we have paid for the production of school uniforms, shoes, school bags and books for our pupils in primary schools.” He said.

    On health the Governor said that work has commenced towards the establishment of Dialysis Centres in each of the ten Federal Constituencies in the State aimed at mitigating the rise in kidney-related diseases in the State while plans to open a Medical Corridor between the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the Sheraton by Four Points in Ikot Ekpene are in place.

    He said his administration also paid over N12bn in gratuities to retired state and Local Government workers and Leave Grants in fulfillment of his campaign promise and spent over N5bn to augment the Federal Government’s Palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

  • New Year: Collective action, support to security agencies, panacea to insecurity– Gov. Aliyu

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has described collective action and support to the nation’s security operatives as one of the best ways to end insecurity in the country.

    He made this disclosure in his new year message to the people of Sokoto State and Nigerians as a whole.

    According to him,during the year under review, Nigeria had witnessed a lot of challenges ,especially in the area of security, thereby causing a serious setback in the nation’s quest for a strong and vibrant economy.

    Press Secretary to the governor,Abubakar Bawa in a statement said,the Governor decried that bandits’ attacks were so rampant in many parts of Sokoto State, leaving many people either killed, displaced or abducted.

    Dr Aliyu further described armed banditry plaguing the northern states as a source of great concern that requires urgent attention from the three tiers of government.

    According to him, his seven-month old administration had recorded a tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

    He said so far, over 100 kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued by the military as a result of the sustained support and encouragement they enjoyed from the state government.

    “We have recently procured and distributed over 70 patrol vehicles to our security personnel with a view to making them adequately equipped to discharge their constitutional duty.

    “I have also signed the bill for the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps in order to complement the efforts of our conventional Security outfits in ridding the state of banditry and other forms of criminalities,” Aliyu averred.

    The Governor further restated his administration’s resolve to end banditry, appealing for support from the well meaning citizens in the state.

    He expressed hope that, year 2024 will by the grace of God be the end of security challenges confronting the nation, and called for support from the citizenry.

    Dr Aliyu, while wishing Nigerians a prosperous new year, called for fervent prayers for the leaders and the country at large.

  • Governor Inuwa Yahaya Pardons 39 Inmates in Gombe State

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya Pardons 39 Inmates in Gombe State

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has announced the pardon of 39 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state. The governor made this declaration in a statewide broadcast on Monday, aligning it with the spirit of the New Year and emphasizing the opportunity for the inmates to transform their lives positively.

    Governor Yahaya conveyed, “In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres. Out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods.”

    Expressing optimism about the positive impact of this gesture, the governor encouraged the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity for a fresh start and strive towards becoming better individuals.

    As the state enters 2024, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended warm wishes for a prosperous year to all residents. He urged them to carry forward the lessons learned in 2023, embracing the new year with renewed hope, determination, and a shared sense of purpose.

    Looking ahead, the governor highlighted the focus on building an inclusive Gombe in 2024, aligning with the recently passed budget titled the “Budget of Continuity and Consolidation.” The emphasis is on ensuring progress that leaves no one behind in the pursuit of a more prosperous and harmonious community.

  • Gov. Otu lauds awards Betta Edu as Cross River State Govt. Most Outstanding Public Service

    Gov. Otu lauds awards Betta Edu as Cross River State Govt. Most Outstanding Public Service

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has been conferred with the Most Outstanding Public service Award by the Cross River State Government.

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu during the presentation of the Award to Edu at the Diamond Hall, Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, described her as ‘the jewel of the Crown’ and an outstanding daughter of Cross River state serving Nigeria at the National Level diligently.”

    Gov. Otu said that Dr. Edu has distinguished herself in every assignment given to her, adding that her contributions to the social economic, and political development of Cross River State and Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

    He stated that the Cross River State Recognition of Excellence awards as one of its kind to encourage those coming behind to emulate good leaders by contributing their quota to the state and nation-building.

    According to the Governor, the grand reception was a new dawn in the history of Cross River State.

    “It’s the dawn of a new era in the history of Cross River State, where eminent sons and daughters who are serving at the federal level in their different capacities are recognized.”

    “They have been part of the state development agenda with distinguished human resources that has put the state growth trajectory at the national level.”

    “The essence of the award is to add value and encourage others to render selfless service to Cross River State and Nigeria.”

    “Dr Betta is our ‘Jewel of the Crown’ from Cross River State. She is a Cross River state export to the world. She has been making the state proud, and we are proud of what she’s doing at the center
    and for being an illustrious daughter of Cross River State and for her commitment to nation-building, you are recognized, “,Otu added.

    Furthermore, the Governor said, “the unity of Cross River State is sacrosanct and places uppermost in this government which is a people-first Government beca Bassey Otuuse everybody is a stakeholder in the affairs of the state irrespective of religion, tribes, and ethnic differences. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing great Cross Riverians into strategic places in the Government at the National, reassuring him that he would see the difference as Cross Riverians are hard workers.”

    Responding, Edu said, ” the Award as very close to my Heart, and it is a challenge to do more in reducing poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    “I dedicate this award to all Nigerians who are facing humanitarian challenges and assure them that the solution is here under President Tinubu’s. The president’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty is unprecedented.”

    The minister who expressed her emotions said, “I want to most respectfully appreciate Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to serve at the national level, the same appreciation goes to my dear Governor, His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu for organizing this award and for all the support.”

    Other recipients of service awards were Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Jane Inyang, Minister for Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major Gen. Emmauel Udiandeye, and six serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police who are indigenes of Cross
    River state.

  • NOA urge Nigerians to support Tinubu’s Policies, programmes, others

    NOA urge Nigerians to support Tinubu’s Policies, programmes, others

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In a new year message on 1st January 2024, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Director General, Dr., Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu has urged Nigerians to keep supporting President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s government via it’s policies, programmes and activities.

    Issa- Onilu who said that 2024 is a promising year, assured Nigerians
    that there is a repositioning of the financial sector for an inclusive economic framework to meet the trillion – dollar economy that will benefit all citizens.

    The NOA boss, said that the current administration has initiated several policies, programmes and activities to ensure that Nigeria regains her pride of place among world nations.

    Meanwhile, he stated that the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit has released Nigeria’s economy from the debilitating stranglehold of a questionable subsidy regime, resulting in savings for re-investment in critical sectors.

    The overhauling of our National Security architecture with the appointment of new security chiefs resulted in the increased onslaught on the non-state actors troubling our nation across the country,

    Creating a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a definitive step towards harnessing the great potential of Nigeria’s blue economy. This, together with the re-invigoration of our solid mineral sector through effective and proactive leadership, the new initiatives in dry season farming and support to farmers will lead to the desired diversification of our economy.

    Issa-Onilu said, “ Government is keen on putting a stop to ASUU strikes. It is part of the reasons that the President signed the Students Loan Act, granted the wish of ASUU to remove universities from IPPIS and is working with stakeholders to grant autonomy to public universities.”

    “A Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative was established to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians. The initiative targets a nationwide adoption of workshops to enable a seamless transition to CNG-fueled vehicles, as this is far more cost-effective. “

    The NOA DG also emphasized that this Presidential initiative will revolutionize the transportation landscape and reduce transport expenses and cost of goods and services, while creating business and job opportunities for Nigerians.

    The NOA Boss called on Nigerians to look forward to an exciting 2024 with strong faith.

  • Bandits kill Redeemed Church Pastor, four in Kuduru, Bwari, Niger communities

    Bandits kill Redeemed Church Pastor, four in Kuduru, Bwari, Niger communities

    …Kidnap 39

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Four people have been killed and 39 persons were kidnapped when bloodthirsty bandits invaded Kuduru, Bwari Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Garam and Azu, two communities under Niger State.

    In a recurring manner, the bloody incidents occurred on Saturday, December 23, 2023, when the bandits invaded Garam community, within Bwari killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, while kidnapping 13 other persons.

    Again on Thursday, December 28, 2023, bandits invaded Kuduru, which shares a boundary with Garam, and kidnapped 18 persons.

    On Friday, December 29, 2023,bandits invaded Azu, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.

    A resident of Garam, and a witness one, Mrs. Juliana who narrated the incidents said that the bandits first entered a house, and they asked for the house of their target.

    She said, “The bandits entered a wrong house, kidnapped two boys who later led them to the house of their target.”

    “When they got there, they kidnapped the entire family, but while leaving the house, they shot the man (their target), who is a pastor at the Redeemed Christians Church of God, in the presence of his wife and their three children.”

    “It was further gathered that when the wife realized that she left her six-month-old baby behind, she asked for permission from the bandits to go carry the baby, and she was followed back to the house by the only female among the bandits.”

    ‘However, when the female bandit ran out of patience, she left the woman, joined the others and went with the other kidnapped people who were 13 in number.”

    The Pastor’s wife, it was gathered, is a teacher in one of the government secondary schools in Bwari.

    Another eyewitness said the bandits made their way to the house of a military personnel, asking for his rifle and uniform from the wife.

    “The wife told them that her husband is on duty. They, however, kidnapped two of his children.”

    The eyewitness added that 13 persons were kidnapped, while a five year old boy of the Redeemed pastor that was killed was abandoned by the bandits at the river side because he couldn’t cross the river.

    However, the boy was rescued by a vigilante group who went on the trail of the bandits.

  • Don’t despair Edu tells poor, vulnerable Nigerians, promise Renewed Hope touch in 2024

    Don’t despair Edu tells poor, vulnerable Nigerians, promise Renewed Hope touch in 2024

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In a new year message, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has admonished Nigerians not to despair as the poor and vulnerable which experience the Renewed Hope touch in 2024.

    The minister stated that her Ministry’s efforts at pulling the vulnerable out of poverty in 2024 is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to eradicate poverty and reduce humanitarian challenges in the country.

    The minister stated that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is irrevocably committed to the rejuvenation of the economy.”

    Edu explained that her ministry has the mandate and the president’s backing to pull 50 million Nigerians out of poverty within 42 months in line with the Renewed Hope, adding that the ministry has an unwavering drive for a target of 100% delivery.
    She said that the Federal Government’s various social interventions are already yielding positive results across the country via economic independence and a new lease of life for beneficiaries.

    “In no distant time from now, we will be rolling out various programmes that will enable the ministry to meet the set target, including end hunger, Code Nigeria and many more others aimed at pulling Millions of Nigerians out of poverty, Edu disclosed.

  • North Central Governors to Intervene in Plateau Crisis, Says Nasarawa State Governor

    North Central Governors to Intervene in Plateau Crisis, Says Nasarawa State Governor

    Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that the governors of the North Central states will take collective action to address the crisis in Plateau State and work towards a sustainable peace resolution.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Sunday, Governor Sule, who is also the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, shared plans to engage with victims and key stakeholders involved in the recent Christmas Eve violence.

    During the meeting with the President, Governor Sule emphasized the urgency of addressing security concerns, particularly in the North Central region. He expressed the President’s deep concern for the situation on the Plateau and in the Northeast.

    The governor explained, “We are going to Plateau, and we’re going to use the opportunity to talk to some major stakeholders or major actors. These issues on the Plateau are not the first time; if you remember, I visited Governor Lalong when they had a similar situation.”

    Governor Sule acknowledged the President’s commitment to taking proper action based on the information gathered from their visits and consultations with various stakeholders.

    Addressing his absence during the Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting on Monday, Governor Sule mentioned that he was abroad on an assignment related to the Lithium project in Nasarawa State. He took the opportunity to brief the President on the Lithium project and provide him with the requested information.

    Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, who was also present, highlighted the state’s intention to undergo an agricultural revolution in January 2024. He informed the President about plans to position Niger State as a leading producer of wheat, rice, sesame seeds, and cotton.

    Commenting on the Plateau crisis, Governor Bago termed it “a very unfortunate situation” and expressed solidarity with the affected people. He stressed the importance of strategic discussions to address the root causes of such conflicts and emphasized the need for open dialogue to amplify the voices of the people.

    The North Central governors aim to foster understanding and collaboration to prevent the recurrence of such tragic events and work towards lasting solutions.