Home Blog Page 3

I pledge to Nigeria my country

admin
-
0
I pledge to Nigeria my country
By: Catherine Doosuur Ishu Esq.
WHILE going through social media posts, there was one published by THISDAYLIVE that caught my attention. It read “OLUREMI TINUBU UNVEILS #ONENIGERIA/UNITY FABRIC TO BE WORN ON INDEPENDENCE DAY”.
It actually got me thinking. Is this what Nigeria needs at this point in time? Can we truly say that we are ONE NIGERIA when there is a huge social dichotomy? This unveiling was done on the 16th September, 2024.
It is very interesting how this nation rolls. Several children are out of school, roaming about and becoming nuisance and families are not able to  feed due to the artificially created hardship the government of the day has brought upon the citizenry yet all the First Lady can do is to unveil a national fabric to be used on independence day? How many people would be able to afford to buy the fabric and even if Nigerians do buy the fabric, of what relevance is the fabric to fostering the country’s unity?
The competition leading to the choice of fabric and the award thereof is a topic of discussion for another day.
In my opinion, the country should mark its independence solemnly. The pledge we recite should echo in our minds and head. Have we kept to this pledge? Have our leaders heeded this pledge and kept to the solemn agreement?
The unity of this country is not in the wearing of a fabric which is today beautiful and tomorrow thrown into the trash bin only to be forgotten. The unity of this country is not so much in the physical and material fabric to be worn, rather it is in our pledge , our hearts, our attitude towards the country and to one another. The spiritual thread that keeps us all together.
Let the government mark this independence with deep solemnity and reflect on the situation that has brought the nation to the place it is now rather than marking the day with an elaborate celebration.
I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria with all my strength. To defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory, SO HELP ME GOD.
Catherine Doosuur Ishu Esq writes from Kaduna.
19th September, 2024

Int’l Peace Day 2024: Consortium calls for renewed commitment to peace in Kaduna

admin
-
0
Int’l Peace Day 2024: Consortium calls for renewed commitment to peace in Kaduna

 

By: Mayen Etim

KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – Ahead of the 2024 International Day of Peace celebration, a Consortium of Peacebuilding Organizations in Kaduna state has called for renewed commitment to peace in the state.

Addressing a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, September 19, the Executive Vice Chairman of Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), Saleh Momale, noted that peace is a necessity for the survival of life.

He added that it is universally acknowledged that without peace neither human progress nor harmony with nature can truly be achieved; pointing out that with the support of the media, peaceful coexistence is attainable in Kaduna state.

According to him, it was pleasing that the United Nations chose this year’s theme as “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” saying “Having reflected on the context in Kaduna State, we have collectively adapted this year’s theme as ‘Strengthening the Culture and Values of Peaceful Coexistence in Kaduna State.’

“This theme affirms the progress we have already made in promoting peace, while also emphasizing the need to nurture and sustain this growth in our dear state. This perfectly rhymes with one of the cardinal goals of the Kaduna State Government in promoting inclusivity, unity and cooperation in governance and service delivery for all citizens,” Momale said.

He explained that the organisers of the media interaction were a consortium of organisations and stakeholders collectively working for peace. “Amongst us are civil society organisations, government institutions, faith based organisations, professional bodies, youth organisations, women organisations, media practitioners, community based organisations, networks and host of other platforms, sharing the same objective of promoting peaceful coexistence in Kaduna state.”

Speaking further, the EVC KSPC said on September 21, 2024 some events to mark the Day will include a peace rally and display of cultural dances and other forms of educational entertainment. “Three strategic policy documents will be unveiled to the public – the Kaduna State Action Plan on Youths, Peace and Security; the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the Kaduna State Pathway to Sustainable Peace and Social Harmony.”

According to him, these policies will provide durable and effective platforms for continuous consultations, interfaith dialogues, application of Alternative Resolution Disputes (ADR) mechanisms and the overall promotion of peace.

He added: “We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Kaduna State Government led by His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani. His unwavering assistance has enabled us to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations that is eliminating divisive narratives and uniting the people of the State.

“The Secretary to the State Government has remained a pillar in the promotion of peaceful coexistence. With their support, we are confident that in the years to come, we will build a Kaduna State that will be a source of pride for all its residents and a welcoming home to all Nigerians and the global community.”

Also speaking, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Reverend John Hayab, emphasized on the need for people to make peace a culture, a way of life so that we don’t just work for it or go in search of it, but as we make it a way of life it becomes what is cheaply attainable in Kaduna state.

Rev. Hayab who was represented by GPFN’s Youth and Education Development Officer, Rimpyen Yohana, noted that despite the history of the state, he believes the past should be left in the past, especially now that we have a Governor, Senator Uba Sani whose body language has shown that he’s a man of the people.

“Gov Uba Sani is a man who wants peaceful coexistence in the state. He is working assiduously to return Kaduna state to it’s glorious days. You see, there are communities in the state where Christians, Muslims and people from all nooks and crannies stay together without conflicts.

“We’re presently working in Hayin Banki, Kawo in Kaduna North LGA. This is one community where the issue of conflict does not exist because the people love one another irrespective of ethnicity and religion. So, if it is happening in Hayin Banki that means it can happen everywhere in the state. With the support of government with its policies, CSOs like GPFN and others through collaboration, peace is possible in Kaduna state,” Rev Hayab said.

Reassessing Nigeria’s Dams: A call to action to prevent future disasters 

admin
-
0
Reassessing Nigeria’s Dams: A call to action to prevent future disasters 
By: Mayen Etim and Ibrahima Yakubu
The residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, North-East Nigeria are still grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that resulted to loss of lives, property and displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens.
It is in this wise that stakeholders on climate change comprised of microbiologists, climatologists, environmental experts and other stakeholders in the fight against all forms of environmental degradation converged on Kaduna on Tuesday, September 17, to chart a way forward calling on  governments at all levels to reassess dams in the country to avert the Borno experience in future.
The event tagged: “Climate Roundtable Dialogue” organized by African Climate Reporters with support from the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna deliberated extensively on ways to mitigate environmental degradation while dialoguing on better ways to curtailed the spread of air pollution.
The Director of African Climate Reporters, (ACR), Mr. Nurudeen Bello, expressed fear over the spread of water born diseases as a result of flooding ravaging communities across the country.
Bello, a Microbiologist, emphasized on the need for governments at all levels to revisit all the dams, and critically analyzed or cross-check their current situations to avert the Borno experience.
Corroborating the ACR’s Director, the founder of Ozone Layer, a Zaria based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Mallam Rabiu Musa, raised concerned over increased pollution by irrational human activities affecting humans, animals and other living organisms in the environment.
While calling on stakeholders to join hands to save the environment, Musa urged the governments to do the needful by targeting at raising more awareness to the general public on harmful effects of felling trees, tasking NGOs/CSOs to support rural women with renewable cooking stoves.
The Special Adviser on Climate Change to Kaduna State Governor, Hon. Yusuf Amoke (standing), explaining a point.
Mallam Abubakar Argungu who represented the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) Kaduna, said the agency is ever ready to partner any organization in carrying out it’s statutory duty to the nation; and applauded the efforts of the organizers of the event.
The newly elected Co-Executive Director of IMC, Mr. Hayatu Nuraini Ashafa, said the center has launched a Climate Change Desk to support efforts in combating global warming and to also address pressing environmental issues.
He said in response to the frequent herders and farmers conflict particularly in northern Nigeria, as well as problems associated with bush burning, air pollution, and flooding, the center has established a dedicated Team to focus on climate-related crises.
According to him, this would  include tackling zoonotic diseases and finding solutions to prevent the extinction of endangered species in the country.
The National Chairman of Metro-Environmental Cleaning and Awareness, Mr. Suleiman Jibril, harped on the need for government to checkmate the rise on demands for charcoal, firewood, and timbers in the country.
He expressed fear that the uncheck deforestation and desertification is accelerating climate change and environmental degradation.
Suleiman warned that desertification is a significant threat to Nigeria’s forests and called for large-scale tree planting exercise as a necessary measure to combat this growing issues.
The Special Adviser on Climate Change to Kaduna State Governor, Hon. Yusuf Amoke, called for a collective action to protect the environment against floods, and threats that affect humans, animals, and biodiversity.
He said the Kaduna State Government is working tirelessly to raise public awareness on the harmful consequences of deforestation and urged the people to take part in tree-planting initiatives to mitigate desertification and other environmental challenges.
Perhaps an adage A stitch in time saves nine manifested in an alarm raised by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) on Tuesday to governments on a fresh flood looming with regards to the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The Lagdo Reservoir, located in Northern Cameroon on the Benue River within the Niger basin, spans an area of 586 square kilometers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, informed the public about the situation, but reassured that major flooding is not anticipated in Nigeria.
The statement cautioned states including Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, and Rivers to prepare to mitigate the effects of the incoming water.
Mohammed stated, “The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency wishes to inform the public that the authorities at Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have notified us that they will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100 m³/s (8,640,000 m³/day) today, September 17, 2024.
Group photograph of participants at the dialogue.
“Releases are expected to gradually increase to 1000 m³/s over the next week, depending on inflows from the upstream Garoua River, which feeds into the reservoir and significantly contributes to the Benue River.
“However, the dam managers assure us that the planned releases will be controlled to avoid surpassing the Benue River’s conveyance capacity and to prevent major flooding in downstream Nigeria.
“The water discharge from Lagdo Dam will halt once there is a noticeable decrease in flow from the reservoir.
“The Agency emphasizes that there is no reason for alarm, as major flooding is not expected downstream; current flow levels along the River Benue remain within warning thresholds.
“Nonetheless, it is crucial for all states adjacent to the River Benue system – Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers – to enhance vigilance and implement adequate preparedness measures in response to possible flood impacts due to rising flow levels during this period.
“The Agency will continue to closely monitor the flow situation of the trans-boundary River Benue and Nigeria’s inland rivers, providing regular updates on water levels to mitigate potential flood disasters.”
A stitch in time saves nine!

Abbo gives sexual blackmailers 72-hours to retract statement

admin
-
0
Abbo gives sexual blackmailers 72-hours to retract statement

 

By: Tom Garba

YOLA, North-East, Nigeria – Senator Elisha Abbo, representing Adamawa North, has given individuals accusing him of sexual blackmail a 72-hour ultimatum to retract their statements and apologize through his counsel.

Senator Abbo demands the accusers to retract their allegations on national television and other national dailies that initially published the claims.

The law firm directs the accused to report to J.M. Numa Chambers within 24 hours with a reply. Failure to comply will prompt Senator Abbo’s counsel to initiate legal proceedings to demand damages.

Previously, a woman accused Senator Abbo of having affairs with her, filming the acts, and distributing them, as disclosed during a Trust TV interview. However, an anonymous young man refuted her claim, stating the person in the video was him, not Senator Abbo.

“I’m angry that an innocent man was accused for my wrongdoing, so I decided to set the record straight and clear my conscience,” he said.

The ultimatum, issued on September 12, 2024, is the latest development in the controversy surrounding Senator Abbo.

Senator Abbo’s counsel, M.J. Numa & amp; Partners LLP, deemed the allegations “false, malicious, and defamatory,” causing “irreparable damage” to the senator’s reputation

“The senator will not stand idly by while his reputation is tarnished by baseless and malicious allegations,” said Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN, lead counsel. “We will take necessary legal actions to protect his rights and clear his name.”

The accused individuals have yet to respond publicly. If they fail to comply, Senator Abbo’s counsel will initiate legal proceedings.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa: A hero of peace and security

admin
-
0
General Christopher Gwabin Musa: A hero of peace and security

 

… Musa’s Mission: Restoring Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria

By: Tom Garba

In a nation plagued by insecurity, General Musa’s exceptional leadership has been a beacon of hope. His accomplishments are aptly summed up by the biblical verse: ‘Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’ (1 Samuel 18:7). This scripture succinctly captures General Musa’s outstanding achievements in combating insecurity, far surpassing expectations.

Since assuming office, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, has remained steadfast in his commitment to sustaining peace and tranquility in Nigeria. His visionary leadership has struck the perfect balance between kinetic and non-kinetic warfare, fostering a harmonious interface between the military and civil authorities.

General Musa’s innovative approach emphasizes the strategic deployment of informational, psychological, diplomatic, economic, social, and civil-military cooperation to pursue national interests. This collaborative methodology leverages the expertise of both military and civil actors to achieve national objectives through non-lethal means.

<blockquote>His leadership has provided a stabilizing influence, even in the face of adversity</blockquote>
Under General Musa’s guidance, the Nigerian military has adopted a nuanced strategy that prioritizes de-escalation and conflict resolution. His leadership has provided a stabilizing influence, even in the face of adversity.

General Musa’s Leadership Vision: A People-Centric Armed Forces

In response to the presidential directive, General Musa launched his strategic plan to develop a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that prioritizes the people and fulfills its constitutional duties through joint collaboration. This leadership concept has served as the cornerstone for coordinating and executing the military’s trajectory, encompassing the Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN), and Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Sixteen months into his tenure, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa OFR has made significant strides in transforming the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). His reforms have paid off, with notable achievements in intelligence gathering, troop confidence, teamwork, and discipline.

General Musa’s balanced approach to kinetic and non-kinetic warfare has improved the military’s interface with civil authorities, enhancing peace and tranquility in the country. True to his word, he has taken the fight to terrorists, bandits, and criminals, with remarkable success.

In the first quarter of 2024, the AFN recorded impressive gains, neutralizing 2,352 terrorists, apprehending 2,308, and rescuing 1,241 kidnapped hostages. Building on this momentum, the second quarter saw 2,245 terrorists killed, 3,682 arrested, and 1,993 kidnap victims rescued.

His legacy will have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s security landscape for generations to come

Notable victories include the elimination of notorious kingpins like Sububu and 38 others, dislodging terrorist formations, and rekindling hope in towns and villages.

General Musa’s leadership, strategic prowess, and courage in the face of adversity have earned him respect and admiration. His legacy will have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s security landscape for generations to come.

As a steadfast welfarist, General Musa prioritized the well-being of military personnel, recognizing that their optimal performance hinges on comprehensive support. To this end, he has made significant strides in enhancing logistics, insurance, housing, medical, and hazard allowances.

Notably, General Musa has expressed concerns regarding the Federal Housing Authority Policy and NHIS’s limited coverage for gunshot wounds. To mitigate this, he is exploring the Armed Forces Trust Fund. Furthermore, the president is working to increase the daily allowance for troops.

Beyond welfare, General Musa has emphasized the importance of training, facilitating local and overseas courses. Over 85 personnel have attended counter-terrorism training in the US, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and other countries.

The Sussex Visit

In a groundbreaking move, General Musa invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria, championing the cause of wounded soldiers through the Invictus Games. This visit not only brought joy and hope to Nigerians but also united them in a shared purpose.

<strong>Interagency Cooperation and International Engagement</strong>
As a proponent of interagency collaboration, General Musa believes that synergy with other security agencies yields superior results. Internationally, the military engages in peacekeeping, with approximately 650 personnel deployed in Gambia, Sudan, and Guinea Bissau.

General Musa’s selfless service has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Nigerians. May his dedication continue to inspire and may God bless him as he serves the nation.

Defence Diplomacy and Regional Stability under General Musa’s leadership, the military has enhanced collaboration with regional partners, ensured national and sub-regional stability, and effectively managed the security situation following the military coup in Niger.

The Biography of General Christopher Gwabin Musa

Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto State, General Musa hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1991.

General Musa’s distinguished career spans various appointments, including Platoon Commander, 192 Battalion; Intelligence Officer, 192 Battalions; Administrative Officer, 2 Div Camp (Garrison); Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Chief of Staff, HQ 2 Division; Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army.

His decorations include Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, General Operation Medal, Colin Powel Meritorious Award for Soldiering (2022), and Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award (2022).

General Musa is married to Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, National President of DEPOWA, and they have four children.

A Legacy Etched in Gold

General Musa’s selfless service has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Nigerians. May his dedication continue to inspire and may God bless him as he serves the nation.

Tom Garba, fspsp, FIMC, FBDFM, PSLC, is a Journalist, publisher and an advocate of peace. You can reach him via:08030525759, tomgarba5@gmail.com

Politicians who rig elections shouldn’t expect God’s help – Former AGF

admin
-
0
Politicians who rig elections shouldn’t expect God’s help – Former AGF

 

By: Admin

A former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, has said the prayer of a politician who rigged his way into power is an abomination to God.

Agabi who spoke when he appeared as a guest on Laolu Akande’s “Inside Sources,” a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday, said there is a misconception about democracy among political parties in Nigeria.
“We believe that in politics, good and bad are equal. They are not.

“We believe that the end justifies the means. If you can get away with it, you can take it illicitly now and negotiate later. The political parties are not democratic institutions.

“They don’t comply with their own rules. They make peace and compromise. So as long as that is happening at the party level, what do you expect the end product to be? Precisely the kind of problems that we’re now having. Primaries are rigged at the party level.

“But giving it a spiritual dimension, when you have stolen the office that you are holding, do you expect God to partner with you in it? No!

“Can you pray over that office? No, you can’t. Can you use it to do any good? You can’t. So that’s the problem.

“St. Paul said, I am an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the grace of God. Whatever office you hold, you must be able to say the same thing. You must be able to say, I am a governor by the grace of God.

“Yes, I am a senator by the grace of God. If you can’t say that, your prayer in calling upon the Lord to join you in that office is an abomination,” he said.

Speaking further, the senior advocate said the judiciary is the best arm of government, surpassing both the legislature and the executive, pointing out that the hard work and dedication of judges are often overlooked by the public.

“The judiciary is better than the legislature, and it is better than the executive. I’ve been in the executive. I was a senator, right? Yes, the judiciary is the best arm of government. The problem is this, and people don’t know this; the judges work so hard.

“On the judges’ lists, there may be 30, or 40 cases a day. How can he cope? As long as they go on struggling with that system, they cannot cope.

“No matter what they are paid, if they are overwhelmed, they cannot cope.

“The problem of the judiciary arises from the fact that from the streets, we are not controlling ourselves. These matters end up in court,” Agabi said.

The former Minister of Justice said more judges should be appointed, and the jurisdiction of magistrates should be expanded.

(TheCable)

Christians, Muslim ummah celebrate Maulud in Kaduna

admin
-
0
Christians, Muslim ummah celebrate Maulud in Kaduna

 

By: Mayen Etim

KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha Kaduna, Pastor (Dr) Yohanna Buru and some elders from the Church have congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II on the 2024 Maulud cerebration.

They also congratulated Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Sheikh Ibrahim Yakubu El-Zazzaky, Khalifa Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the leader of Tijjaniyya Islamic Sect across West, North and East Africa, and Sheikh Halliru Maraya.

Speaking at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna, venue of the event on Sunday, Pastor Buru said, Maulud celebration provides the Christians the opportunity to meet, interact, dialogue, mediate, discuss and exchange good will messages to foster peace and unity with imams and other top Islamic scholars.

He said they were at the stadium to strengthen good relationships with Muslim neighbors, and also chart better ways to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among citizens.

According to him, there are Muslims that always join him at his Church in December to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that Prophet Mohammed (PBUM) is for all mankind irrespective of tribe, culture, ethnicity, cultural and historical background

Buru who always deliver peace lectures at the largest Muslim gathering in the state, emphasized on the importance of peace, and unity between Christians and Muslims.

He however, expressed worries over the increased security challenges in the country, noting that the daily bloodshed, banditry, kidnappings and ethno-religious killings across the North has affected the region badly in the areas of education, agriculture, economy, tourism, sports, entertainment and other sectors of human endevours.

In the same vein, the Chief Imam of Udawa community who represented the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, (JNI) Kaduna State, Iliyasu Hussain emphasized the need for peace and love among the adherents of the two religions in the country.

He urged Muslims and Christians should embrace the culture of forgiveness, tolerance and spread the message of love to mankind.He commended Pastor Buru and his team for joining them in the celebration of Maulud to promote peace and harmony.

Similarly, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim, Sarkin Gabas Tudun Wada, expressed happiness over the large turnout of Muslim faithful to the event, noting that thousands of Muslims across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state arrived at the stadium. “So many Islamic schools participated in the matching parade at the stadium to grace the occasion”, he added.

Also, Sheikh Aliyu Turmizi who represented the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, equally expressed delight over the large turnout of participants.

He said, Maulud celebrations attract Muslims from all part of the state to assemble at the stadium, saying “they are happy seeing Christians joining them at the Kaduna stadium to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)”; and urged all to keep praying for peace and stability in the land.

35 missing after Gummi river boat collision in Zamfara

admin
-
0
35 missing after Gummi river boat collision in Zamfara

 

 

By: Admin

GUSAU, North-West Nigeria – At least 35 people are missing after two boats collided head-on in Gummi River, Zamfara State.

The incident occurred when a boat carrying over 40 passengers, mostly farmers heading to their farms, capsized following the collision.

An eyewitness, one Abubakar explained; “The boat developed issues mid-journey, and another boat operator attempted to assist, but tragically, the two boats collided, and both sank.”

So far, rescue teams have only managed to save seven people, leaving 35 still unaccounted for.

Another eye witnesses, one Zayyanu Aliyu, said that among the passengers were men, women, and underage children. “They were warned, but they refused to step out of the overloaded boat,” Aliyu said.

A survivor Murtala Sa’idu recounted his close brush with death, stating, “I was rescued, but over 30 of us are still missing in the river.”

As of the time of this report, rescue teams and local experts are actively searching the river for the missing persons. There has been no official statement from the government regarding the incident.

Rescue efforts continue as hopes dim for the missing farmers and their families anxiously await news.

(Mediasmart News)

20-year-old narrates how he killed Kogi varsity student for money ritual

admin
-
0
20-year-old narrates how he killed Kogi varsity student for money ritual

 

By: Admin

LOKOJA, North-Central, Nigeria -The Kogi State Police Command has paraded four suspects in connection with the killing of Damilola Olowoyo, a 19-year-old 100 level student of the Federal University Lokoja.

The four suspects paraded include: Jeremiah Paul, the principal suspect, who was arrested around the Felele area of the state capital on Wednesday, Emmanuel Otitoju, Banabas Olugbenga and Ajayi Basit Ayomide.

Paul, a 20-year-old who hails from Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State, confessed to committing the crime.

In his confessional statement, Paul said, “I came to Kogi State to hustle. I met Damilola last Sunday. I approached her and she accepted. We started chatting. I already had it in mind that I wanted to use Damilola for ritual. I bought codeine and Sprite and mixed it up and gave it to her.

“I first drank it so that she wouldn’t suspect it. When she drank it, I told her let us go to my house and she agreed. When she felt weak, I took her to an uncompleted building close to my place and strangled her to death. The cloth she was wearing, I used it to tie her leg and neck. I later dragged her to a nearby bush and removed what the native doctor told me to remove.

“The native doctor who resides in Ibadan sent a driver and brought a calabash and a knife. He used a black and white cotton to wrap the calabash and a red cloth to wrap the knife. It is the knife I used to remove parts of her body, which are the eyes, tongue, lungs, intestine and some parts of her buttocks. I put it inside the calabash and wrapped it. I now gave it to the driver who he sent from Ibadan to Lokoja. So, the driver waybilled it back to Ibadan. After that, he now waybilled my soap back to Lokoja. I met the native doctor on tiktok and I copied his number and later messaged him on Whatsapp. I went with my friend to Ibadan to see the native doctor.”

Parading the suspects at the Police headquarters, in Lokoja, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, noted that Paul lured the deceased into the bush and killed her for money ritual.

Aya, a Superintendent of Police (SP), while disclosing how the suspects were arrested, said there was a complaint made to the Commissioner of Police (CP), over the disappearance of Olowoyo, a student in the Department of Biological Science, Federal University Lokoja.

His words: “The Commissioner of Police swung into action and assigned the matter to the State Intelligence Department. The operatives swung into action immediately and started working on the phone of the deceased, since it could not be reached. With the help of the technical unit at the force headquarters, we were able to apprehend Jeremiah Paul in connection with the case.

“The suspect actually confessed to us that on 4th of September, 2024, that he met the deceased Olowoyo and lured her to the bush. At first, he pretended that he liked her. When she accepted, he took her to an apartment. Before then, he gave the deceased a drink. Unknown to her, inside the drink, he had put some codeine.

“This worked in her system which made her weak for the suspect to carry out his heinous crime. He took the deceased to an uncompleted building before strangling her to death and dismembered her body. He removed her eyes, lungs, liver, tongue and fleshy part of her buttocks with the purpose of performing some rituals.

“Initially, he called the parents of the deceased that he had kidnapped the lady and demanded for ransom, in which he was paid, before killing the girl. He collected a ransom of N400,000 from the parents.

“Further investigation also revealed that one of the suspects here was the first person that approached the girl, but because he couldn’t provide what was being demanded from him, he withdrew. The main suspect, Jeremiah Paul decided to step in. He came with his friend from Kaduna State to commit this crime.”

The PPRO appealed to parents and students to be conscious of people they are moving with.

He added, “You may be seeing somebody as a human being but he is not. This act that Jeremiah Paul and his gang have carried out is an inhuman act. Imagine a 20-year old boy going this far; killing an innocent lady and removing her sensitive body parts, in the name of carrying out rituals.

“It shows that in the society we are living in, people need to be very careful. I am calling on students across the various institutions to be very careful with their friends, course mates and neighbours they are mingling with. Some people will be within the school environment but they are not students.

“Some may have admission and they are in school, but they have their own aim of being there. Students should be contented with what they have. Because of little things, this girl lost her life.”

He added that the command will arraign the four suspects as soon as investigation is concluded.

Unlock Your Future With Free Digital Skills Training In Gombe State

admin
-
0
Unlock Your Future With Free Digital Skills Training In Gombe State

 

By: Tom Garba

YOLA, North-East Nigeria – Are you ready to transform your career with in-demand digital skills? Look no further! Yonki Kessun Consulting Ltd and Helicon Technologies Ltd. Consortium, in collaboration with the World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria, are offering a FREE digital skills training program in Gombe State.

Learn Data Analysis and other high-demand skills, including:

AI
Social Media Marketing
Software (QA) Testing
Cyber Security
PowerPoint for Presentations and Designs

Get globally recognized certifications from Microsoft and CPN (Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria).

This program is open to:
Women
People living with disabilities
Indigents
Youths
Men

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain essential digital skills and thrive in the global economy. Apply now and secure your place!

Contact: +234 817 330 2684 (WhatsApp Only)

Location: Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria

href=”https://forms.gle/ADJdWJ56inWscov58″>Click here to apply

Start your journey towards a brighter, digitally driven future!

1234...422Page 3 of 422
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv