News November 20, 2024 Woman escapes from kidnapper’s den after giving birth to twins

In a shocking turn of events, Maimuna Gawu, a nine-month pregnant woman from Gawu Babangida in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, escaped from her kidnappers’ den just hours after delivering a set of twin boys.

However, her abductors are reportedly holding the newborns hostage, claiming they belong to them.

Maimuna recounted her harrowing experience during an interview on Tsalle Daya, a Hausa program on Prestige FM Minna.

She revealed that she was kidnapped after boarding a Sharon bus near the gate of Suleja General Hospital, where she had gone for a medical appointment.

She explained that after her examination at the hospital on Thursday, she was informed that her expected delivery date was the following Friday. On her way home, she unknowingly boarded a vehicle operated by kidnappers, which led to her abduction.

While details of her escape remain unclear, her story highlights the growing security challenges faced by residents in Niger State, including the vulnerability of women and children. Efforts are underway to locate the abductors and rescue the twins.

She said, “I left home for the hospital for antenatal care to check the health of my baby because I wasn’t feeling its movement, and my husband sent me money for transport.

“At the park, I boarded a vehicle that was going to Suleja and I alighted at the Suleja General Hospital. After seeing the doctor, he asked me to return to the hospital the following day for delivery.

“I boarded a Sharon bus by the roadside and told the driver that I was going to Lambata. When we were approaching Lambata, I told the driver the point I was going to alight and he told me he had heard me. From that point, I lost consciousness; I didn’t know where I was again until around 1am when I woke up on a bed in an unknown home with a drip on me and later, I went into labour and delivered twins (boys) around 1am. When I woke up, I saw a young man and an elderly woman.

“I heard the babies crying but I dozed off again until Friday morning. When I woke up, I asked about the whereabouts of my babies, but another woman told me that they were not mine, saying that the babies belonged to them.

“I started crying, begging them to give me my babies. They said they won’t give me because the babies belong to them. In the night when the day was dark, they removed the drip and told me that they had a meeting with their boss; it was at that point that I escaped from the place and found myself in Kagara, Rafi LGA,” she explained.

When contacted, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would confirm the incident and revert.

(DailyTrust)

News November 20, 2024 Tragedy as woman, 2 children burnt to death in bus fire on Abuja-Lokoja highway

A tragic accident claimed the lives of a middle-aged woman and her two children after the bus they were traveling in caught fire near Manderegi village, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

The incident, which occurred on an 18-seater commuter bus with registration number BGT 996 LG, left 12 other passengers with severe burns.

The bus was reportedly en route to Kogi State when it suddenly burst into flames.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victims were trapped inside the vehicle and burnt beyond recognition.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) later evacuated the remains of the deceased and transported the injured to a hospital in Abaji for treatment.

Confirming the incident, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Muta’ah Chorrie, attributed the tragedy to the driver’s negligence.

According to Chorrie, the driver had stored a jerrican filled with fuel in the bus alongside passengers, which likely contributed to the fire.

He said, “Let me tell you, this is what we have been saying that there is danger in carrying extra fuel with passengers while traveling. We have been sensitizing motorists on this but some defiant drivers still carry them.’’

News November 20, 2024 7 officers missing as NSCDC neutralizes 59 bandits in fierce Kaduna ambush

A special squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) successfully neutralized 59 bandits during a violent ambush in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday.

The ambush occurred around 3:40 p.m. as the team, returning from patrolling national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was attacked near Farin-Kasa.

According to sources, the convoy, comprising nine officers and 71 personnel from the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), along with operatives from the FCT and Kaduna State Commands, engaged the heavily armed assailants in an intense firefight.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi confirmed the encounter, revealing that seven personnel remain “missing in action.” He explained that the attack took place as the squad crossed from the Shiroro axis, where they had been conducting surveillance to safeguard critical power installations.

This operation was part of a broader initiative to protect Nigeria’s national grid infrastructure, which has been targeted repeatedly by bandits, contributing to frequent power outages.

Afolabi said: “The combined team which embarked on patrol of the National Grid Installation from Shiroro along some flash points and vulnerable areas, however, came across some stranded expatriates in the bush around Dagwachi village axis returning from a mining site at Tutu area of Niger State, that joined the convoy in a bid to protect them through Farin- Kasa Area of Chukun LGA in Kaduna.

“Unknown to them, over 200 armed Boko Haram elements had laid ambushed on a vengeful mission against security operatives who they claimed had been giving them problems. And from the top of a hill located at Farin-Kasa, they opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using different sophisticated weapons.

“The Combined NSCDC operatives in the ambush, however, not overwhelmed by terrorists, repelled the attack and successfully neutralized over 50 of the terrorists in the crossfire. Seven operatives of the NSCDC are currently missing in action and efforts are currently underway to locate them in the bush, while a few others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently undergoing medical treatment in a medical facility.

“The NSCDC as the leading agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure will not be cowed or be deterred by any attack by terrorist or any group of saboteurs trying to sabotage the efforts of government towards actualizing the renewed hope agenda of Mr. president in ensuring the revival of the power sector for a stable electricity supply nationwide.’

“In the meantime, the Commandant General while awaiting the full brief on the incident from the officers on the field described the attack on NSCDC personnel as callous, unfortunate and an attack too many on security operatives who have sworn to the defence of the country.”

News Politics November 20, 2024 PDP’s Ajayi rejects Ondo guber election results, heads to Tribunal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Ondo State elections, Chief Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka, Ajayi expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, alleging irregularities in the electoral process. He confirmed his intention to challenge the results at the election tribunal.

Ajayi explained that his initial silence after the declaration was to allow for a detailed investigation into alleged acts of criminality he claims were perpetrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC during the election.

The PDP candidate stated, “The election results do not reflect the will of the people. We are committed to exposing any illegalities and ensuring that justice prevails.”

He said: “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and sadly conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency(INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.

“November 16th election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015 continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters’ apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.

“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God in the interest of our nation, its wellness, peace and tranquility, else they be reduced to same level of criminals and bandits, who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.

“We particularly call on the Judiciary to brace up and perform the sacred and onerous responsibilities to guarantee the portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.

“Nigeria is currently described as a failed state, it is our prayers that it is revived, re-birthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but actually deliver on the same.

“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, else revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portent dire consequences.

“In summary, we reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery. That is the option available to us and we are hopeful that man and God who is the ultimate will give us justice. It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”

IDA lauds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

Meanwhile, a foremost socio-cultural group in Idanre, the Idanre Development Assembly, IDA, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

The group in a letter addressed to the governor by its President-General, Dr Anthony Omolola, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as a clear demonstration of the fact that the people of Ondo State are solidly behind him.

“You have made history in Ondo State by winning the 18 local government areas in the governorship election, hence the task before you is enormous but I believe with God and the support of the good people of Ondo State, you will succeed.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend and thank you for your promise to dualise Akure-Idanre road, which will boost the huge untapped tourism potentials in Idanre with positive consequences on the community and the state in general.” the letter read in part.

Aiyedatiwa’s victory, a good omen —Kayode, Ex-Defence minister.

Also, former Defence Minister, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, has described the victory of governor elect as a good omen for the people of the state.

His words: “ This is a good omen for the people of Ondo State as there would be tremendous development in all sectors in the state. Our people expect this.

“I also want to commend INEC as well as the security agencies for efficient implementation of the constitutional guidelines in the conduct of the election.”

While congratulating the people of the state for voting for Governor Aiyedatiwa, he said the outcome of the election was true reflection of the people’s will and it validated the acceptability of Aiyedatiwa.

Victory’s well deserved —Ojogo, Adefarati

Two members of the House of Representatives, Hon Donald Ojogo representing Ileja/ Ese- Odo Federal Constituency and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South East/ Akoko South-West constituency, described the victory of the Governor- Elect as well deserved.

Ojogo said the election results validated the people’s love and appreciation of Aiyedatiwa’s dedication and hard work. “This massive turnout is a reciprocal gesture by the Arogbos for the kindness and support they received from the people of Ilaje in the previous election, which led to Hon. Ojogo’s historic win as the first Arogbo to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives in Abuja.”

Also, Adefarati in a congratulatory message, commended the people of Ondo State for reposing their trust in Aiyedatiwa’s leadership to steer the state towards greater prosperity for another four years.

He noted that the victory is not just a testament to the Governor’s outstanding leadership but also an affirmation of his unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of the people.

Results reflects people’s will —Foreign observer group

Meanwhile, a foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. USA, said that the results of the election truly reflected the records of the ballot boxes at the polling units.

Its spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, said this while presenting its assessment of the poll

David urged candidates and political actors to resort to legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement to sustain social peace and avoid breakdown of law and order.

He said that the election was very peaceful, transparent, credible and successful, with minimal incidents and complaints by party agents at polling units and collation centres.

News November 20, 2024 Acting Army Chief orders probe into viral video of soldiers brutalising couple in Abuja

Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed an immediate investigation into a viral video showing an unnamed Major General and two soldiers allegedly assaulting a man and a woman within Abuja’s metropolis.

In a statement issued by Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the military acknowledged the video’s circulation and confirmed that the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear.

However, the Acting COAS has mandated a thorough inquiry to uncover the facts behind the altercation.

The Nigerian Army emphasized its commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism among its ranks. “Such incidents, if verified, are inconsistent with the values and ethics of the Nigerian Army,” the statement read.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and 2 other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis.

“The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. However, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation.”

He added that the Army remains committed to serving and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Army Spokesman assured the public that due diligence would be applied to reach a logical conclusion on the incident.

News November 20, 2024 ICPC tracks N610bn constituency projects in 21 states, FCT

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the 7th phase of its constituency and executive projects tracking initiative, covering 1,500 schemes valued at ₦610 billion.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by ICPC spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, in Abuja.

According to Bakare, the exercise, which started in 2019, is designed to ensure accountability and proper utilization of funds allocated to critical sectors, including education, health, agriculture, water resources, and power.

The tracking initiative evaluates the implementation of constituency and executive projects across the country, aiming to uncover and address inefficiencies or corruption in the execution of these schemes.

The ICPC’s ongoing effort underscores its commitment to promoting transparency and ensuring that public funds directly benefit citizens. Through this initiative, the commission seeks to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across Nigeria.

”The 7th phase, involving 1,500 projects with a total project value of N610 billion, commenced on Nov.18 in the FCT and 21 states across the six geopolitical zones.

”The are Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia and Enugu States and FCT.

”The tracking exercise will cut across agencies of government, including intervention agencies such as North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),” he said.

He said that other agencies were National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Bakare said that it also included National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Ecological Fund Office.

He said that the objective of the exercise was to deepen adherence to due process in the execution of government projects, amd improve value for money.

According to him it is also to entrench the culture of compliance with the scope and specification as contained in the contract documents.

”The ICPC tracked a total of 1,900 projects valued at N500 billion in the 6th phase of the exercise across 24 states of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

”The projects were tracked within the focal sectors of Education, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Health, Energy, and Roads.

”These projects in the 6th phase were awarded to a total of 1,355 contractors in 176 MDAs,” he said.

(NAN)

News November 20, 2024 Gov Namadi reinstates suspended Jigawa commissioner cleared of adultery

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has lifted the suspension of the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Auwalu Sankara, with immediate effect.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, and shared with news outlets in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

Hon. Sankara had been suspended following allegations of adultery brought before the Kano State Hisbah Board. However, the suspension was lifted after the Upper Sharia Court in Kano discharged and acquitted him of all charges.

The acquittal was delivered on Monday by Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola, the presiding judge of the court. Following this verdict, Governor Namadi reinstated the commissioner, affirming his trust in the judicial process.

The judge declared that “Based on the police reports, this case filed against Taslim Baba Nabegu and Auwalu Dalladi Sankara lacks merits and any reliable evidence for the court to proceed with it. Therefore, the case is hereby struck out. The first and second defendants are also discharged.”

Recalls that Sankara was in October arraigned before the Sharia Court after he was arrested by officials of the Kano State Hisbah following a complaint from one Nasiru Buba Jalam who alleged that the commissioner was having an extramarital affair with his wife.