Buhari returns from medical trip to UK

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to the country from the United Kingdom, UK where he went for a medical check-up.

Buhari arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport on Thursday evening.

More to follow……..

Army to train correctional officers on standing off jail breaks

 

The Nigerian Army says it will train Nigerian Correctional Service personnel (NCoS) on prison protection.

The Acting Controller General of Corrections, John Mrabure had, in a letter to the Chief of Army Staff, requested assistance to that effect.

The engagement will help the personnel suppress armed non-state actors.

Recall that at least 3 jailbreaks have happened in Nigeria in the last six months, with some unsuccessful attempts.

Francis Enobore, NCos spokesman, in a statement disclosed that the training will cover “relevant tactical components”.

 

He said the partnership with the Army is one of the strategies to resist and prevent further violation of custodial centres.

Since 2010 when Boko Haram invaded the Bauchi Custodial Centre and freed their members and others, hoodlums have attacked prisons across the country.

On Wednesday, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Army and the Police Edo foiled a jailbreak at an NCoS facility at Ubiaja in Edo.

Clashes: 18 persons allegedly killed in Gombe, Adamawa States

 

Eighteen corpses are said to have been recovered from the four Lunguda Communities attacked and reduced to ashes by a suspected Waja militia group in the northeast states of Adamawa and Gombe.

A local source from the affected Communities said fifteen people were killed in Nyuwar and Jesu in Gombe State while an escalation of the attacks on some villages of Walu tudu and Lamja in Dukkul Ward, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa also recorded three deaths killed.

Though there is no official security confirmation from both states, local hunters and vigilante groups who were mobilized to assist confirmed the figure, expressing fear that casualty may be higher.

Tension and anxiety are mounting in most of the communities along the borders between Gombe and Adamawa State as villages inhabited by Wajas and Lungudas were completely deserted for fear of attack.

 

Although Gombe State has sent in a detachment of military personnel to restore peace and order to the communities of Nyuwar and Jesu in Gombe State, it was not, however, confirmed if Adamawa has done the same to forestall further escalation.

Waja/ Lunguda hostilities which started in Adamawa State early last year resumed in Gombe State where communities predominantly inhabited by Lunguda were selectively attacked and homes burnt down.

The Chairman of Guyuk Local Government Shalom Kassa whose village was allegedly affected could not pick repeated calls to confirm the incident.

attack bank in Anambra, hoist Biafra flags

 

Unknown Gunmen on Thursday attacked a First Bank Plc branch in Abagana, Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, shooting sporadically into the air, dispersing bank customers and passersby.

A source said the gunmen, numbering about ten, drove a black Honda Pilot Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the bank, and shot in all directions, causing panic, while also hoisting Biafra flags at the bank’s gate when all had fled.

A source said, “They also set fire on a Nissan Pathfinder SUV with registration number UR 640 KJA and smashed the glasses of a Honda car with registration number FST 456 AC, parked in front of the bank.”

Normal human and vehicular movements, however, continued after the gunmen left.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga confirmed the attack to journalists but said he was working on a reaction to the attack.

As at the time of filing this report, he was yet to give the official position of the Command, casualty figures or those involved.

Entertainment Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez finally split

 

Singer Jennifer Lopez and former New York Yankees baseball star Alex Rodriguez have finally confirmed the crash of their relationship.

Recall that E! News earlier reported that the Hollywood couple called off their engagement which is nearly two years.

The news came as a shock to fans after Jennifer Lopez and Alex spent Valentine’s Day together and also attended the Super Bowl in Miami in February.

Following the development, the couple while giving an update on the reported split in a statement provided to Reuters dismissed the reports adding that they were working out something together.

 

However, the duo in a joint statement to NBC’s ‘TODAY’ on Thursday, confirmed their split.

The couple further revealed that they realized they were better as friends.

They also pledged to keep supporting each other even after the split.

“We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so.

We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects.

“We wish the best for each other and one another’s children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support,” the statement said.

Nigeria planning to sponsor attacks on banks, not IPOB’s ESN – Nnamdi Kanu alleges

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday declared that the Eastern Security Network, ESN, has no plans to attack banks in the Southeast.

Kanu made the declaration while accusing the Department of State Services, DSS, of plotting to sponsor criminals to carry out such attacks while disguising as ESN operatives.

He alleged that the money to be realised from the operation would be used to purchase arms.

Speaking through the spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, Kanu claimed that the propaganda was aimed at blackmailing ESN and tarnishing the image of the security outfit before the world.

A statement by Powerful reads: “We, the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to put banks in Biafra land on notice of a wicked plot by the Nigeria security agencies to harm them.

“Our intelligence unit has uncovered a fabricated propaganda by the Department of State Services, DSS, that Eastern Security Network, ESN is planning to attack banks in Biafraland to acquire money to purchase arms. DSS is propelling this wicked propaganda all in a bid to blackmail ESN and IPOB, and dent our global reputation.

“We, therefore, wish to debunk this falsehood and blatant lie from the pit of hell. IPOB and ESN are not criminals, and we have no plans or agenda to touch any institution, particularly banks. We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom. We don’t inflict pains on the people we are fighting for their freedom. DSS must stop this rubbish and engage their time on something more meaningful. This poor script cannot fly.

“IPOB and ESN are very disciplined groups, and we cannot indulge in armed robbery against any individual or group. ESN has never left its mandate which is to defend Biafra land against Fulani terrorists and killer herdsmen.

“All banks in Biafraland must be wary of DSS because it is possible they are planning to sponsor attacks on banks and turn around as usual to blame it on IPOB and ESN operatives.
The double-faced Nigerian security agencies have been staging this kind of attacks in so many places and later point accusing fingers at IPOB and ESN.

“They have tried to blame the attacks on security formations in South East on us but now it is obvious that we are innocent of that, they have quickly changed tact in their desperation to blackmail us and find a cheap excuse to declare another special military operation in the zone. Our people should be smart and not buy into their tricks.

“We are waiting for any group of armed robbers who would attempt to attack any bank in Biafraland in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of IPOB and ESN. Such band of criminals and their sponsors will regret their action.”

He assured residents and institutions including banks in the Southeast of their safety.

“We will help resist these criminals the DSS is arranging to attack banks in the name of ESN and IPOB,” he said.

BOKO HARAM : Seven years after, the world remembers Chibok Girls, renews calls for their release

 

Wednesday 14th of April, 2021 marked the seventh year anniversary of the abduction of the 276 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State in North-East Nigeria. And in what has become an annual ritual, the world spared them a moment, especially the remaining 112 of them in the captivity of the violent Boko Haram insurgents.

On the chilling night of April 14, 2014, the insurgents invaded the GGSS, Chibok, in what still remains a mystery, carting 276 students. It was at first, a tale to many people, those who felt it was practically impossible to herd 276 human beings together in such an illegal operation and railroad them into captivity. However, reality dawned that the students, all girls, who were preparing for the West African School Certificate Examination, have indeed been abducted by the murderous criminal elements.

The then administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, a victim of the initial disbelief, faltered in its response to the fate of the girls, leading to anger in the country, and of course, political backlash, a situation that was harped upon by those who went to better schools in the act of politicking.

The initial faltering by the Jonathan administration laid the unfortunate foundation for the continued stay of the remaining 112 girls in captivity seven years after.

The fate of the students, some of whom have been released in batches, remained a sore point and a sad reference in the nation’s war against insurgency, banditry and the less than appropriate value for the lives of citizens, especially the vulnerable in the society.

It is also a sad remembrance of the opportunistic nature of human beings, as the abduction of the girls was seen as an opportunity to unleash a ‘revolution’ against the then Jonathan administration, a revolution which eventually led to its ouster from office in the 2015 general elections.

For many Nigerians, who bought the narration of the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan and his government must give way for more competent hands to come in so that the girls can be rescued and to avoid a recurrence. The APC promised heaven and earth but unfortunately, instead of having all the girls released, 112 girls, whose fate have remained unknown, have remained in the hands of the insurgents, while many other Nigerians have been abducted in similar fashion in the intervening years.

On the activism level, the abduction of the students became a ready tool for many activism merchants to push their luck further, gain visibility and relevance, especially as the entire world rose up to condemn the abduction with one voice. It was indeed a strategic opportunity for activist-merchants.

To mark the anniversary of the abduction of the girls, the Presidency, though in a late effort, that looks more like ‘photo-ops’, said the Chibok girls are not forgotten.

Titled ‘Chibok girls still on our minds’, a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, reads: “The Presidency reassures parents and all concerned citizens that the missing students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, remain constantly on the minds of government as they are always on the minds of their parents.

“The Presidency gives assurances that the release of the remaining Chibok girls is still work in progress.

“No one is giving up hope here. Efforts to secure their release through various channels and activities of the security and intelligence agencies remain on course. The recent decisive push by the military against the terrorists gives hope that a breakthrough is possible and could happen anytime soon.

“The Presidency asks for support, understanding and prayers for the military as they discharge their historic mandate to quickly finish off the insurgency war and free all citizens held hostage.”

Though the statement from the Presidency is expected, many Nigerians have come to see it more of an annual ritual that offers no soothing hope and gives no concrete assurance as it has always been the story by the government.

For the parents of the 112 students, the yearly assurance by the government for the release of their children may have lost meaning, as they keep living with the trauma of not knowing the state of their children, whether they are alive or dead. Such an assurance as given by the Presidency surely makes no difference to them any longer.

To share in the pains of the parents, 20 of whom have reportedly died while waiting and hoping that their daughters would come back home to them, the world remembered the Chibok girls, renewing calls for their release.

Leading the charge is the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who took to her verified Twitter handle, @SpeakerPelosi on Wednesday to call for the return of the girls.

She tweeted: “It’s been seven long years since the Chibok Girls were abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria. I stand with @RepWilson and the families of the 112 girls who are still missing in the fight to #BringBackOurGirls.”

Also, the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate, tweeting under the verified Twitter handle @SenateForeign, spared the girls their thought.

“After 7 years, it is still painful to reflect on the tragedy of the #ChibokGirls’ abduction by #BokoHaram. The mass kidnapping of these girls, and hundreds of schoolchildren since, is reflective of #Nigeria’s persistent struggle with instability, extremism, & accountability”, the committee tweeted.

In the same vein, Congresswoman Lucille Roybat-Allard, joined the many political figures around the world who spared their thoughts for the girls and called for the release, when she tweeted with the handle @RepRoybatAllard on Wednesday. She wrote: “Today marks 7 years – 2,555 days – since #BokoHaram abducted 276 schoolgirls. We must never forget the 112 #ChibokGirls still in captivity & all the victims who have been killed or abducted in the years before & since they were taken. #BBOG.”

To mark the seventh year anniversary of the abduction of the girls, international rights group, Amnesty International has some harsh words for the Federal Government, accusing it of not learning from the Chibok experience in protecting school children from attacks.

The rights group said in a statement on Wednesday: “The Nigerian authorities’ failure to protect schoolchildren from recent attacks clearly shows that no lessons have been learned from the Chibok tragedy. The authorities’ only response to schoolchildren being targeted by insurgents and gunmen is to close schools, which is increasingly putting the right to education at risk. Whatever authorities are doing to tame this tide, it is not working.”

The #BringBackOurGirls campaign group (BBOG), one of the most visible groups that have campaigned for the release of the girls over the years, vowed not to relent in their efforts to ensure they are released.

In a statement announcing the launch of a global campaign for the release of the girls, the BBOG said: “Even as we observe that other atrocities against Nigerian children and students assault the sensibilities of Nigerians, and those of the children are returned to their families; the fate of our missing 112 Chibok girls and the continuing trauma of Chibok parents and their communities are slipping from the public consciousness and are no longer a priority for the Federal Government.”

Tweeting also on Wednesday, the co-founder of the BBOG, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, said: “Seven years today, 276 young women who trusted our country to protect them, were abducted from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. One hundred and twelve -112 of our girls and Leah Sharibu are still unaccounted by @NGRPresident. No word. No closure.”

Also, fiery activist and vocal critic of the administration of President Buhari, Aisha Yesufu, encouraged those who have been campaigning for the release of the girls not to relent until the girls are released despite the unfortunate silence of the government.

Yesufu said: “The #BringBackOurGirls chants are so powerful! The fight for the #ChibokGirls is the fight for the soul of #Nigeria! What do we want? “The truth, nothing but the truth!” What are we demanding? “#BringBackOurGirls NOW & ALIVE.”

Yusufu also contended that with the level of insecurity in the country, especially in the Northern part of the country, a generation of children whose education is being permanently dented is being created.

For Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, optimism and hope for the release of the girls may just be the only psychological solution available at the moment, as he hoped, in a statement commemorating the anniversary of the abduction, that they would soon be released.

“As a father of all sons and daughters of Borno, I haven’t lost hope that our remaining Chibok schoolgirls and other abducted persons will be safely recovered,” Zulum said.

As the world marked the anniversary of the abduction of the girls, a cross section of Nigerians say they are constantly reminded that the government has over the years not shown the kind of commitment expected of a government whose citizens, especially girls, are with a violent group with no regard or respect for human lives. According to them, they have been fed with promises and verbal commitment without corresponding action.

From Bad to Worse – A timeline of Abduction

DAILY POST recalls that during a meeting with Swiss President, Alain Berset in 2018, President Buhari said that the Federal Government had put strategies in place to ensure the safe return of the girls. According to him, the government was building on the past successes of securing the release of some of the Chibok girls and other abducted persons in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

He said: “We will continue to make the safe release of the remaining Chibok girls a priority and will welcome any kind of support from any quarters to make this happen.”

The reality on ground, however, is that instead of rescuing the 112 girls who are still in captivity, things have gone from bad to worse, as the nation has continued to witness embarrassing mass abduction of students and other Nigerians since the abduction of the Chibok girls, and most especially after giving his words in 2018.

Here are some of the recent mass abduction of students:

Friday 11 December 2020, at the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, over 300 students were kidnapped by bandits.

17 February 2021, 27 students of the Government Science Secondary School in Kagara, Niger State, were abducted by gunmen from their dormitory.

February 26, 2021 – Bandits invaded the Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State to abduct more than 300 students.

March 11, 2021, bandits attacked the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization in Kaduna State, abducting 39 students in the process.

The question on the lips of many is, will the 112 Chibok girls be reunited with their long-suffering parents before another April 14, or will another ritualistic anniversary be observed on their behalf while they remain in captivity?