News
US Says Withdrawal from Sahel Region Fueling Nigeria’s Terror Attacks
These attacks, coming after a considerable period of lull in terrorist activities, have targeted both civilians and security forces, leading to huge casualties and displacement
The Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), US Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Langley, has said that the absence of his country’s intelligence and counterterrorism support, which had previously helped monitor and disrupt extremist networks across the Sahel, might have created security gaps that terrorist groups were now exploiting.
Langley disclosed this, weekend, during a digital press briefing after the “African Chiefs of Defence Conference” in Kenya.
Langley stated, “I’ll just say that since we left Niger in September of last year, we’re observing a rise in attacks by violent extremist organisations, not only in Niger but across the Sahel to include Nigeria as well as going into Burkina Faso and Mali.
“Now, this increase is measurable by both frequency and complexity of these attacks driven by persistent and socio-economic grievances and the proliferation of weapons and increased capable terrorist groups across the board.
“So, unfortunately, with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but we continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can.”
In Borno State, North-east Nigeria, Boko Haram and its faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have intensified their assaults.
In central Nigeria’s Benue and Plateau states, violence attributed to armed herders has also surged.
These attacks, coming after a considerable period of lull in terrorist activities, have targeted both civilians and security forces, leading to huge casualties and displacement.
News
Benue Govt Confirms Total Evacuation of Benue Students From University of Jos
The Benue State Government has confirmed the successful evacuation of all students of Benue State origin studying at the University of Jos following the crisis currently affecting the area.
The evacuation was carried out in line with the directive of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa said the third and final batch of student evacuees arrived at the company’s headquarters and bus terminal in Makurdi, Benue State on Saturday the 4th of April.Comrade Fanafa explained that a total of seventy-seven (77) vehicles were deployed in three batches to convey the students safely from Jos, the Plateau State capital.
He attributed the success of the operation to the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the effective collaboration among government agencies, including the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management and the Bureau of Homeland Security.
The General Manager also expressed appreciation to the security operatives who escorted the students from Jos, commending their professionalism in ensuring the safety of the students throughout the journey.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing all transport policies of the Governor Alia administration.Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Doctor. Margaret Adamu, described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Benue indigenes.
She noted that the evacuation directive was issued immediately upon receiving reports of the crisis, emphasizing that the administration places a high premium on education and the well-being of students.
Earlier, the Director General of the Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd.), stated that the success of the operation was made possible through swift coordination between security agencies and the State owned transport company, enabling the rapid deployment of buses and security escorts.
He reassured citizens that the administration remains vigilant and committed to protecting the lives and interests of Benue people both within and outside the state.
In their separate appreciation messages, the President of the University of Jos Chapter of the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), Mchivga Iornder, and the National President of the Benue State Medical and Dental Students Association, Williams Kachira, commended Governor Alia for the prompt intervention and confirmed that all Benue students at the University of Jos have been successfully evacuated.
A statement its Information Officer Johnson Ehi Daniel revealed that Benue Links Nigeria Limited also provided additional vehicles to convey some of the students from Makurdi to their respective Local Government Areas across the state.
News
Sanwo-Olu prepares the way for Tinubu’s official visit to Lagos state
President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.
President Bola Tinubu will officially visit Lagos state on April 8 and 9, during which he will commission several completed projects by the administration of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said during a press briefing outlining activities for the President’s visit.
Omotoso said that Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial hub and that the projects slated for commissioning reflect the administration’s investments in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public sector development.
According to him, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.
Other projects include the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building, a multi-agency complex named after the President, a newly completed school complex, and the Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub in Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki.
He added that the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle comprises 36 public schools—31 secondary and five primary schools—situated on 11.73 hectares of land in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Omotoso said the redevelopment of the complex demonstrates the government’s people-oriented approach, noting that it serves about 20,000 pupils.
” These projects have been carefully conceived and executed to address the needs of our growing population, ease mobility, stimulate economic activity, and enhance social welfare,” he said.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
-
Crime3 days agoThree Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
-
News3 days agoJUST IN: Lagos Fire Service Successfully Contains Two Overnight Fire Incidents iin Lagos
-
News2 days agoNigerian Army Debunks Claims of Attack on Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Residence and Sokoto Catholic Cathedral
-
News2 days agoKaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
-
News2 days agoAtiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
-
Politics1 day agoObidients mobilise for #OccupyINEC protest
-
Business1 day agoPresident Tinubu Approves N3.3Trn Payments Plan To Restore Reliable Electricity
-
Politics1 day agoINEC suspends voter revalidation amid rising concerns by Opposition parties
