STF Confirms Killing 20 Gunmen Who Sacked Langtang Communities in Jos

Forty-eight people have been killed in violence in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau since it started on Thursday, the Special Task Force (STF) in the state said.

The STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, in Jos on Friday reported that invading gunmen killed 28 persons in Magama, Bongong and Karkashi communities, while the STF killed 20 of them “in a gun duel that lasted several hours”.

He said that many other assailants sustained gunshot wounds and were arrested by the STF.

“Some motorcycles, weapons and ammunition were also recovered,” he added.

Mustapha said that the attackers were suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and that they withdrew toward Yamini, Yelwa-Shendam and Agikamai villages in Shendam Local Government Area after the attack.

He, however, said the situation had been brought under control as more troops had been deployed to secure the area.

Mustapha said “STF personnel are conducting a robust patrol to guard against further attacks on innocent persons.”

He advised the people to go about their normal businesses and warned that security men would deal with anyone caught making trouble in the area.

“Individuals or groups of persons that have made themselves the enemies of the people will be treated as such because we shall fish them out and deal with them,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Langtang South Local Government, Mr Naanman Darko, said that more than 6,000 displaced persons were taking refuge at the local government headquarters in Mabudi.

“In fact, more people are still trooping into the secretariat following rumours that more attacks are underway,” he said.

Darko said nine injured persons were being treated at Langtang South General Hospital.

“The local government has been making arrangements to provide relief materials to the displaced persons.

“We have also reached out to the State Emergency Management Agency and had been assured that assistance is already underway,” he added.

(NAN)

OJB kidney Ailment: ‘I Was Misconstrued’ Cries Actress Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim earlier today made some very controversial statement consigning popular Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel's fundraising for his Kidney problems
The sexy Ghanian actress came under negative criticism from fans after she made used her instagramm to release statements telling OJB's handler to reach out to the right people and stop harrasing the clebrities for fund
In a fresh statement hastily released by her media manager, Juliet cries out that her words were misunderstood
Juliet “I don’t mean for my tweets to be misconstrued and I won’t take OJB’s health problems with levity as many have misconstrued me…all I was trying to do was bring an idea of where we can get the transplant done since it’s utmost necessary we get it done soonest and funds ain’t coming in as much expected
I thought we could try a better and certified centre which isn’t as expensive as the current one in UK when there are several cheaper countries to perform the surgery.
Also instead of people lashing out on celebrities, they should rather be asking the government to help. “It should be further noted that we are all finding a lasting solution to help end the pain of the talented entertainer and bring smile to his face once again and not generate issue out of someone’s suggestion or hand of help,”
She stated further ““Currently I have 2 relatives living with kidney failure whom I’m responsible for and caring for, thus, I’m no stranger to whatever OJB is going through.” The fair complexioned actress came under fierce attack after her published statements went viral today.

Plateau Killings: STF, Police Differ on Death Toll

Plateau State Police Command and the Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in the state have differed over the actual figure of those that died in the Thursday killings in Langtang South Local Government Area of the state.

While the STF placed the death figure at 28, the police said it was only 10.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Chris Olakpe had said it was 10 persons that were killed in the clash between the Fulani nomad and the peasant farmers in Bolgan, Karkashi and Magama villages, and not 32 as reported by a section of the media.

Uyo Political Summit: Organisers Are Jonathan’s Enemies – Clark

FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark yesterday, described those expected to gather in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for the Uyo Political Summit political summit as saboteurs and enemies of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Eminent Nigerians including scholars, statesmen and top politicians will converge on Uyo, for the event slated to hold between July 1 and 4, 2013.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo The joint organisers of the summit aimed at finding the way forward for the country are the Citizen Advocacy Group and Project Nigeria. Those expected at the summit include former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Professor Ben Nwabueze, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Chief Ayo Adebanjo among others.
Others expected at the summit are: Amayanabo Alfred Diete- Spiff, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Ambassador Christopher Kolade; the Arewa Consultative Forum Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed; Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Olu Falae and Alabo Graham Douglas.
Others are: the Action Congress of Nigeria National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; General Alani Akinriade, Professor Pat Utomi, the Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Chief Audu Ogbeh, Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi, Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Senator David Dafinone, Alhaji Ishiaku Rabiu and Gen Jeremiah Useni. Also, Senator Ken Nnamani, Chief John Nwodo, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the Peoples Democratic National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Professor Itse Sagay, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta; the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar and Comrade Peter Esele, immediate past president of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, are among those being expected at the parley.
According to the Head of Communications of the summit’s secretariat, Malam Naseer Kura, the event was being convened to douse the tension created by the heated political activities in the country, which have created a tendency towards an emergency situation. It said President Goodluck Jonathan and former heads of state are also expected to grace the occasion.
“President Goodluck Jonathan, all former Presidents/Heads of State and their deputies and high-powered Federal and state government delegations; the leadership of the National Assembly, state governors and ministers are expected to participate actively at the summit,’’ which was specifically expected to work out an enduring modality for political and constitutional stability of the country in the light of the current heated political activities and inherent insecurity in some parts of the country.
The organisers added that key religious leaders and select traditional rulers from the six geopolitical zones were invited to make interventions at the summit on the way forward for the nation. Furthermore, the programme was said to have been targeted at bringing leaders from all the six geopolitical and other stakeholders from other interest groups and business elite to parley on the future of the country.
However, Chief Clark took a swipe at another elder statesman, Chief Ben Nwabueze, for allegedly inviting President Jonathan to the meeting to announce that he would not contest in 2015. The statement entitled ‘Count me out of Uyo Political Summit,’ reads: ‘’My attention has been drawn to the publication, in the media of Monday , June (24), 2013, captioned Maitama Sule, Soyinka, Anyaoku, Clark, to lead “ Political Summit.
I wish to use this medium to inform the general public that I have no idea, whatsoever, about the proposed political summit said to be organised by Citizen Advocacy Group and Project Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State, on July, 2 an 3, 2013. ‘’I want to state, categorically, that I cannot be party to any discussion with any group in whose imagination there is “growing instability in the country.
For example, the unreasonable and unconstitutional call by Professor Ben Nwabueze, on behalf of The Patriots published in on June, 2013, demanding that, ‘the President must immediately affirm to the nation that he will not be again a candidate for the office of president and that he will end his service to the nation as president, with the help of God, in May 2015.’
‘’It is not surprising that Prof. Nwabueze in his write-up preferred to extol the military dictatorship of Mustapha Kamal Attaturk in Turkey, rather than a democratic example elsewhere, considering the Professor’s unrepentant services, as Secretary of Education, under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. It must not be seen that people who are camouflaging their political ideas and ambition with intellectualism are encouraged.
How can I sit with such unpatriotic saboteurs of the democratic process; I, who strongly believe and a well known advocate of the indisputable fact that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, has performed, and is still performing admirably and creditably well in restoring and consolidating political, economic and social stability in the country? ‘’I strongly believe that the so called summit is being put together and will be attended by the advocates and supporters of those who see nothing, and will see nothing good in the administration of President Jonathan; in spite of glaring evidence of the numerous achievements so far recorded. ‘’
I, therefore, dissociate myself from the impression created by the publication that I am one of the leaders of the purported political summit. I have nothing to do with it and I am sure that those of like minds as myself; who believe in the good work being done by President Jonathan, will not attend it. God bless Nigeria!’’

UK £3,000 Visa Bond: Finally, London ‘Bridge Is Falling Down

Rated the 6th largest oil producing nation in the world, Nigeria is also termed the “Giant of Africa” and its dense population makes it the most populous black  nation in the world. But it does appear that all the appellations are nothing but self-adulation as they hold no sway  whenever America and Britain decide to impose varying degrees of sanctions on the nation.
In this special report, samples opinions regarding the recent imposition of 3,000 Pounds Sterling Travel bonds on Nigerians by the Government of the United Kingdom. Again, Britain has sneezed and sent shivers down the spines of Nigerians. Like in some theatrical stance, both countries have continued to demonstrate that once upon a time, they lived as mother and daughter.
And so, from time to time, Britain stirs up a controversy suggestive of the fact that She “discovered”, colonized and reluctantly later gave independence to Nigeria. Just on Monday this week, news made the rounds that the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) had plans to impose 3,000 pounds as travel bonds on the citizens of six countries, among them Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan and India.
While Nigeria and Ghana are West-African countries, the rest are Asian – all bearing the tag “high risk” countries. Interestingly, the other countries were also colonized by Britain and so, with that, are tucked into the conglomerate of the Commonwealth Nations. But that is an intimacy that seems to be lost on the home policy of the British Government each time the need arises.
Instead, Britain always appears brutish and lashes out heavily on these countries. Such was the case when the country came up with the new travel policy during the week. Hear the British Home Secretary, Ms. Theresa May, who said: “This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands, while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain.”
She added: “In the long run, we’re interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services. “Consequently, from November, a pilot scheme which will target visitors from those countries who will have to pay the UK government a form of cash guarantee or deposit to deter immigration abuse will commence. They will forfeit the £3,000 if they overstay in Britain and fail to return to their home countries by the time their visa has expired.”
Apart from security reasons which many believe prompted the charges, sources also disclosed that the Home Office of the British Government might as well be targeting countries with high volumes of visitor visa applications and what it deems to be relatively high levels of fraud and abuse.
Meanwhile, the development came as a shock even though it wasn’t the first time the British Government would be imposing stringent sanctions on the country. Since then, a lot of concerns have been raised by Nigerians just as some democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, in stout defence of Nigerian citizens in Britain, have also threatened to reciprocate the hostile measure.
A peep into history indicates that in September 1986, the Margaret Thatcher administration decided, at the end of a cabinet meeting that in future, travelers from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Bangladesh and Pakistan would need to obtain visas in their own countries before traveling. Before the 1986 decision, nationals of all Commonwealth nations, except Sri Lanka, did not need visas to travel to the UK. Justifying the decision, Home Secretary at the time, Douglas Hurd, said: “We have to have immigration checks, and I think it is more sensible that these checks are carried out before someone sets off on a journey.”

Super Eagles’ Handler: Keshi Or Foreign Coach?

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Super Eagles of Nigeria early ouster from the ongoing FIFA Confederations Cup in Brasil. While some described Eagles performance as satisfactory, others say the team is technically bereft and called for injection of foreign coach to restore the lost glory of the national team.
According to a former NFA chairman, Mr Kojo Williams, “I just think that we were technically bereft. I said it before that we needed sound technical guys to come in and work with our team, because if we left the job to the present coaches, then we would get more hammering in the future and that was what happened in Brazil.
Keshi and Renard “If we are contented being among the best in Africa I don’t have problem with that. We can continue with what we are doing with Keshi but if we want to be among the best in the world then we must help Keshi with a good foreign coach”, Kojo maintained.
Speaking in the same vein, Sports analyst and promoter, Martins Osaile said Keshi’s managerial ability was poor as there was no reason for him to have left some of Nigeria’s most experienced players out of the squad that prosecuted the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick disagreed with both Kojo and Osaile.
According to him, coach Stephen Keshi should be celebrated and not despised for the Confederations Cup failure. Amaju said: “It is fundamentally wrong to assume that Keshi has reached his limit. Keshi should not be condemned but celebrated. He has been on duty for only two years and within this period we won the Nations Cup, something we were doing under an indigenous coach for the first time.
Everybody is celebrating Alex Ferguson for the feat he achieved with Manchester United. But how many years did he work before he won his first trophy?”, he queried.
So where do you stand in this argument; for or against foreign coach? Should Keshi continue based on his performance or should we get a foreign coach?

OJB kidney Ailment: Govt Officials Withdraw Support

Efforts to raise the $100,000 needed to carry out a kidney transplant for ailing singer and producer OJB Jezreel has suffered a setback as govt officials who had earlier made financial pledges have withdrawn all support to save OJB’s life.
Nomoreloss who heads the fund raising committee announced via social networking site twitter that the officials withdrew following misinformation on the exact amount already raised for OJB’s treatment.
Yesterday, stories had emerged on blogs and social networks that D’banj, Wizkid, Tuface had all donated 7m, 3m and 1.5 million naira respectively.
Nomoreloss calls these stories false and has even asked D’banj to clear the air.

Why I Preferred Buhari To Jonthan – David-West

Former Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Professor Tam David West has given reasons why he preferred former Head of State and the presidential candidate of Congress for Progressive Change CPC in 2011 elections, Retired Major-General Muhamodu Buhari to President Goodluck Jonthan as the leader of the country.
He also explained reasons behind his constant criticisms of Dr Jonathan’s administration despite the fact that the two of them are Ijaw.
The professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan said the failure of President Jonathan and his lack of focus were reasons why he often criticized him, saying the President has not impressed him since his assumption of office. Prof. David-West while featuring on a live interactive programme tagged “Guest of the Month” on the radio service of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) yesterday noted that President Jonathan lacks the acumen to lead a country like Nigeria.
He said “I don’t support people on sentiment and I don’t allow sentiment to determine my actions. I only support people who have good qualities and not people who lack good qualities.
President Jonathan lacks the qualities of a good leader and that is why I always criticize him.” Prof. West who drew comparison between Jonathan and former Military Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 Presidential election, General Mohammadu Buari, stated that Buhari posses better qualities than Jonathan.
His words “If my father were to contest for an election with General Buhari, I would tell him not to waste his time and I would not support him. I would prefer Buhari to my father. So, I prefer Buhari to Jonathan, the same way I prefer Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to Buari and any other present political leader in the country.”
“There is no way any individual can compare Jonathan with Buhari. They are two different individuals with different ideologies and beliefs. Buhari is one leader that is discipline and highly responsible. He is a faithful person and a down to earth man to the core. He believes in fairness and equity. So, Buhari is far better than Jonathan,” he added. Commenting on the continuous unity of the country, the former Minister said “Nigeria cannot break.
The country will remain as one indivisible entity. We can have differences which are often caused by Politicians, but the fact still remains that Nigeria will remain together as one.” He noted that “some selfish politicians are those behind the division of the country, but they will fail as this nation will remain united. The amalgamation of the north and south was to ensure administrative convenience, so the country will remain one.”
Also, Prof West observed that the National Assembly is weak in the handling of some sundry national issues, adding that the weakness of the parliament affects the progress and development of the country. He therefore urged members of the two chambers of the National Assembly to brace up and live up to the expectations of Nigerians in a bid to ensure a virile democracy in the country.

Hemp photos: Tonto Dikeh Risks 15-year Jail term

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday said controversial Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh, risks a minimum of 15 years in jail for encouraging the consumption of hemp.
Dikeh had on Friday posted photographs of a wrap of hemp and grains of the weed formed into the letters, ‘Happy birthday POKO.’
She also posted a photograph of herself and added the inscription, ‘Mi smoke ganja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip.’
Her picture is a close-up of her face that seemed to depict her in a high state.
When Saturday PUNCH contacted NDLEA for comments, its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the matter would be investigated.
He said the matter had been referred to the appropriate department of the agency.
Ofoyeju said, “Our attention has been drawn to the post quite frankly and I can tell you that action will be taken on it. The law is clear and NDLEA has been very clear on the issue. No one is permitted to sell, use, cultivate or encourage the use of Indian hemp in Nigeria. The weed is one of the banned narcotics in the country.
“NDLEA Act Section 14 (b) states that any person who conspires with, aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any act or offence referred to in this act shall be guilty of an offence under this act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25 years.
“Investigation has not started as of now but definitely, a step has to be taken on the matter. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; so, it is obvious that the actress stands the risk of 15 years jail term. The appropriate department is meeting on the issue for necessary action.”
The NDLEA spokesman, however, declined to give any hint on particular steps the agency would take in its investigation, citing reasons bearing on ethics.
Dikeh’s post has expectedly drawn mixed reactions from readers, with many of them voicing concern for the way she is living her life.

Tambuwwal, Patience Jonathan Absent

Again, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwwal, did not show up at the event that was attended by the President of the Senate, David Mark, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.
This was despite the assurance he gave Jonathan in front of cameras during the recent meeting of the PDP national caucus that, “Your Excellency, I am not hiding. I am your property.” This was after the President had accused him of hiding from cameras so that both of them would not be seen together.
But more pronounced was the absence of the wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan. Many could not believe that the woman known for her well-oiled campaign for women participation in government could be absent from a programme organised to honour her husband for giving more women chances to serve.
Her absence was also despite the fact that the whole of Chapter Two of the book titled ‘A First Lady who sets the pace’. Pages 50 to 57 were devoted to her with her colourful pictures lavishly splashed on the glossy pages.
One of her closest allies, Hajiya Bola Shagaya however attended the dinner.
The President’s female appointees all came out gorgeously dressed for the event. I just hope that they are not trying to use the programme and the book to tie his hands, in case he is contemplating a cabinet reshuffle!

Mandela Family Sues Grandson Over Burial Site

As former South African President, Nelson Mandela, remained in a critical condition in hospital on Friday, a family feud over where the 94-year-old former president should be buried went to the courts.
Mandela’s oldest daughter, Makaziwe, and 15 other family members have pressed a court application to get Mandela’s grandson to return the bodies of three of Mandela’s children to their original graves in the eastern rural village of Qunu, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
The grandson, Mandla Mandela, acknowledges having reburied the three bodies 20 kilometers (13 miles) away in the Mvezo village, where he plans to create a Mandela shrine, hotel and soccer stadium, according to the South African Press Association.
Grandson Mandla Mandela has until Saturday to respond to the court filing, reports said.
The anti-apartheid leader built his retirement home in Qunu and was living there until his repeated hospitalisations which started at the end of last year. Nelson Mandela attended the burial of his son at the family plot in Qunu in 2005, and it was widely expected that the leader himself would be buried there.
But his grandson exhumed the bodies of Mandela’s three children and moved them to nearby Mvezo, where he holds authority as chief.
Eldest daughter Makaziwe and other Mandela family members want the family bodies returned to their original graves in Qunu, according to the reports.
The family court struggle came as Mandela’s ex-wife said that he had improved in recent days, but remained critical.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela gave the update on Friday while speaking to journalists outside Mandela’s former home in Soweto.
“I’m not a doctor but I can say that from what he was a few days ago there is great improvement,” said Madikizela-Mandela, who is a member of South Africa’s Parliament.
Madikizela-Mandela pleaded with the media to “understand the sensitivities and the feeling of the family.”
His daughter Makaziwe Mandela was among the family members who arrived at the Pretoria hospital on Friday. The ministers of health and defense also visited, the South African Press Association reported.
Outside the Pretoria hospital on Friday, a man flying a drone-like object with a camera attached was led away by several policemen, adding to an already heightened atmosphere where well-wishers continue to gather to pray for Mandela.
Mandela was taken to the hospital on June 8 to be treated for what the government said was a recurring lung infection. South Africans have held prayers nationwide, and many have left flowers and messages of support outside the hospital as well as his home in Johannesburg.
On Thursday, the office of South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health had improved overnight, and that his condition was critical but stable.
On Friday night, United States President Barack Obama and his family arrived in South Africa for the second leg of the US president’s first major trip to the continent.
Hopes that the first black presidents of their two respective countries might meet have been all but extinguished because of Mandela’s ill health.
Speaking to journalists on board Air Force One as he flew from Senegal to Johannesburg, Obama said he didn’t want to be “obtrusive,” Daily Telegraph of London reports.
“We’ll see what the situation is when we land. I do not need a photo op,” he said. “Right now, our main concern is with his well being, his comfort and with the family’s well being and comfort.”
Mandela’s last wishes were contained in a Will that the then 78-year-old president made in January 1996. Events in Qunu in the past week suggest they have not changed.
On Thursday, workmen in lorries and compactors began hurriedly laying soil for a new road leading to a 10-acre meadow on a slope overlooking Mandela’s pink-walled country home where his grave is expected to be.

Asiwaju Woos Oshiomhole

The Asiwaju here is not referring to the ACN leader, Bola Tinubu. This Asiwaju is the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (yes, he is the Asiwaju Obateru of Owu Kingdom). He is from Edo State. That his state governor
Adams Oshiomhole, belongs to the group of governors that are in support of the Rotimi Amaechi’s chairmanship of the crisis-ridden Nigeria Governors’ Forum as against the faction led by Jonah Jang is not in doubt.
What became clear on Wednesday was that the former Edo State deputy governor may have started moves to woo Oshiomhole into Jang’s camp. Anyway, the Presidency has made it clear that it is not supporting the faction.
Shortly after Amaechi left the venue of the dinner, Asiwaju went to Oshiomhole where he was seated and engaged him in a discussion for a few seconds.
Holding the governor by hand, he practically dragged him to where Jang was sitting. As he spoke to both men, he repeatedly pointed at Jang in a manner that suggested, “This is the NGF chairman, support him to succeed.” Oshiomhole was noncommittal in his countenance, necessitating the presidential aide to involve Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, to join the conversation.
I strained my ears (or eavesdropped?) to hear what they were discussing for the sake of my readers but regrettably, I did not succeed as loud music blasted from the sound system in the hall.

Lawyers Carpet Junaid Over Comment On Mrs Jonathan

ABUJA-LAWYERS under the aegis, League of Rivers Lawyers in Abuja yesterday urged the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF to as a matter of urgency, call to order, Dr Muhammad Junaid over his comments on Dame Patience Jonathan.
The Lawyers also asked Junaid to proffer curative solutions to the ravaging activities of Boko Haram sect in the north rather than waste his energy castigating President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife. In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its Chairman, Timi Briggs while reacting to the story published in Sahara Reporters and credited to Dr Muhammad Junaid, however noted that he made what the lawyers termed derogatory remarks about the First Lady over what he perceives as her role in the Rivers State crises.
Briggs said, ” The League took exception to the use of foul language to describe Nigeria’s First Lady and wondered why an educated, responsible and “an all knowing man” like Dr Junaid is now the one acting most irresponsibly like a stark illiterate. “Rather than dissipating energy and time talking about Rivers State politics when his region is on fire and its economy broken by the activities of Boko Haram sect, Dr Junaid has remained dumb and helpless.
By calling Mrs Jonathan names, Dr Junaid is behaving like a gangster by saying that Mrs Jonathan has no right to comment over the affairs of her state. “If Dr Junaid is looking for what to talk or work to do, the collapse of the Northern economy, rising unemployment, illiteracy and alarming insecurity under his nose are enough engagement rather than abusing Mrs Jonathan.
“What is his interest in Rivers State? Why is he crying more than the bereaved? A character like Dr Junaid thinks he has a monopoly of odious language and rascality because he is one of those deceiving Governor Rotimi Amaechi to be spending public funds to betray his brother and pursue a Northern agenda.
“The First lady has not done anything in Rivers State that will warrant her to be insulted by Dr Junaid and his ilk. In fact, all her activities during her recent visit to her State were merely reconciliatory and aimed at increasing collaboration among the political class so that the state can move forward. Rather than call for total reconciliation for peace to return to Rivers State, Dr Junaid is happy that Governor Amaechi is operating like an emperor.
“What did Mrs Jonathan do that other First Ladies did not do and even more? Nigerians saw it happen where a first Lady was the de facto President and was calling the shot in Aso Rock and yet Dr Junaid saw nothing wrong with that. Or is Mrs Jonathan being abused by Junaid because her husband is a President from a minority tribe in Nigeria? “No matter whose interest Junaid is protecting, the people of the South South will not allow him or Amaechi and their cohort to pull the wool over the eyes of the people of that region come 2015.
“The political crisis in Rivers State PDP is not new in Nigeria. It is normal in a democracy and there is nothing to suggest a semblance of the old Western Region crises except as it exists in the demented mind of Dr Junaid.
“The relationship between the police and the governor in the state can be better handled if both sides drop pride but to say that Amaechi is right over and above all the other Rivers men and women he has been oppressing and intimidating with the police in the past is to say the least, shameful on the part of Dr Junaid. “It is on this note that the League calls on the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to call their son Dr Muhammad Junaid to order because everybody will benefit from a peaceful Nigeria and not the crises that Junaid is stoking.”

SHOCKING: Nigerian Billionaire Mike Adenuga Already Preparing For Death, Pays N200 MILLION For Burial Location

A recent update has revealed that Nigerian Billionaire, Mike Adenuga has spent a whooping N200 Million for a burial site.
The burial site, which is located at Vaults and Garden, an ultra modern cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos is now final resting place of the rich and affluent.

According to reports, to get an average space in the cemetery would cost about N750, 000 and above. But if you would rather live an even more affluent life after death, N40 Million would get you some of the executive spots.
Report has it that even the super-rich have their own corner. Adenuga's recently deceased sister had one of these to herself. The Globacom boss paid N200 Million to secure a space for his sister. Her next door neighbor in this exclusive section is Gboyega, son of another super rich man, Otunba Adekunle Ojora and his fashionable wife, Ojuolape. Gbegi, like he was popularly known, was born in 1960 and died in 2011.
Right next to him is one of the founders of GT Bank, Tayo Aderinokun. His final resting place is not only very wondrously decorated, but also boasts of his two giant photographs, smiling on those that are still living. We were informed that Before the trio, however, is that of a true man of God, like it is dubbed inside the cemetery – the final resting place of former Redeemed Christian Church of God minister, Pastor Eskor Mfon. Born in 1953, he died in 2007.
It is quite wondrous that these rich are spending so much amount of money to get a posh burial ground, but wouldn't the money be better served on the living, perhaps, donated to a charity?
What do you think?

Obama Hails Mandela 'Inspiration' In South Africa Visit

US President Barack Obama has praised Nelson Mandela as "an inspiration to the world", during his visit to South Africa.
He was speaking in the executive capital, Pretoria, after talks with President Jacob Zuma.
Mr Mandela, South Africa's first black president, has been critically ill for nearly a week.
Earlier, Mr Obama said he would not visit the 94-year-old in hospital, but would meet his family in private.
The White House said the decision had been made "out of deference to Nelson Mandela's peace and comfort and the family's wishes", but that Mr Obama and his wife would offer the Mandela family "their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time".
Mr Zuma said the former leader remained "stable but critical", but said he had "every hope that he will be out of hospital soon"
'Outpouring of love' In Pretoria, Mr Obama said Mr Mandela's example of "the power of principle, of people standing up for what's right continues to shine as a beacon".
"The outpouring of love that we've seen in recent days shows that the triumph of Nelson Mandela and his nation speaks to something very deep in the human spirit; the yearning for justice and dignity that transcends boundaries of race and class and faith and country," he said.
Mr Zuma said that as the first black leaders of their respective countries, Mr Obama and Mr Mandela were "bound by history" and so "carry the dreams of millions of people in Africa and in the diaspora who were previously oppressed".

"Why We Chose Tinubu’s Daughter As Iyaloja"

The Secretary-General of Lagos Markets, Deacon Lanre Ajayi, has  put to rest the controversy that trailed the emergence of Mrs Folashde Tinubu-Ojo as the new Iyaloja of Lagos, saying she fulfilled what was stated in the constitution.

Speaking with Saturday Tribune in a telephone interview,  on Friday, Deacon Ajayi admitted that though it came as a shock to many people when it was announced by the constituted authorities that Folashade, the daughter of the former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, would be the next Iyaloja, she was qualified to be.
He insisted that what many people didn’t know was that Folashade fulfilled “to a large extent” what is stated in the constitution guiding markets operations and how a new Iyaloja should be chosen in Lagos State.
“Our constitution states that a would-be Iyaloja must be a high ranking-officer in the leadership echelon of all markets in Lagos State. The new Iyaloja, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, was until her appointment, the Chairman of the Marketing Development Board in Lagos State. By this position alone, she has met the basic requirements of the office,” he said.
Deacon Ajayi further revealed that apart from being the Chairman of the Marketing Development Board (a position she still occupies, it was gathered), Folashade also won the support of over two-thirds of the markets’ high-ranking officers who were “constitutionally empowered to select who the next Iyaloja would be.”
“I know that it is not everybody that will be happy about the development, as no one really knows what was running through some people’s minds the day she was announced as the new Iyaloja, even though there was jubilation on that day; but you can’t deny the fact that she fulfilled certain critical conditions,” he remarked.
When asked if Folashade’s emergence was not synonymous with imposition of the will of Tinubu, generally believed to be the strongest man in Lagos politics, on the majority of the people, Deacon Ajayi said, “I know the manner she was announced was bound to raise eyebrows in some quarters, but I believe she was not imposed.”
Saturday Tribune recalls that after the death of Chief Abibatu Mogaji, the famed Iyaloja-General of Lagos markets, rumours started doing  the rounds as to who the next leader would be.
The situation took a dramatic twist when the Internet (especially various online magazines, social sites and blogs) was inundated with the news that Tinubu had used the occasion of the fidau prayers (Islamic prayers made in honour of the dead) held in honour of the late Iyaloja  to pronounce his daughter, Folashade, as the new Iyaloja.
This was later declared as untrue, as more reports emerged that Tinubu did not even utter a word throughout the entire duration of the fidau, let alone declare his daughter as the successor to Alhaja Abibatu.
Many Lagos residents, including those who made diverse comments on the Internet, have, however, showed their displeasure about and contempt for the decision, but quite a number of others believe there was nothing wrong in what Tinubu allegedly did.
Adeola Oshokoya, a resident of Ketu area of Lagos State, said “What this tells us is that Lagos State and its affairs are, indeed, controlled, determined and monitored by this same man. First, it was the imposition of candidates for various electoral positions, now it is the Iyaloja. This goes on to emphasise the notion that he (Tinubu) has got the entire Lagos in his pockets.”
Similarly, Ayoola Usman, a cloth seller at Oshodi Market, insisted that imposition of an Iyaloja by just one individual was not different from tampering with tradition. According to her, traditionally, an Iyaloja should only be chosen and declared by a traditional ruler.

MUST READ: President Jonathan's Promise To Nigerians

President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to leave a legacy of proud and prosperous Nigerians at the end of his tenure.

He vowed to continue to work hard in order to create a brighter and enduring future for all Nigerians.
Jonathan made the commitment in the 320-page book, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan: Champion for Women, edited by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The book presentation took place on Wednesday as part of the present administration’s mid-term report.
Jonathan said, “We shall continue to do all that we can to create a brighter and enduring future for all Nigerians-a future of hope and prosperity; a future where we can be a strong and developed nation, a shining example for a mighty continent. We hope to leave a legacy of proud and prosperous citizens where everyone is treated equally and women are able to reach their full potential in all aspects of human development.”
Jonathan, who said it was his ambition to continue to work towards the sustained growth of the country’s economy, promised that under his leadership, Nigeria would not just be a land of great potential but also a nation where positive changes transform the lives of the people.
Jonathan said making sure women take their rightful place in Nigeria’s government was only the beginning and a vital step that would pave the way for a host of other critical measures his administration was implementing to improve the lives and opportunities of women.
He attributed his decision to entrust women with the responsibilities of high office to the exceptional zeal displayed by his mother, Eunice.
He said, “My admiration for the ability of women to thrive in challenging and adverse environment is drawn directly from watching my mother’s strength when I was growing up.
“She was indeed a true ‘multi-tasker,’ watching her manage the various tasks involved in bringing up my elder sister and I imbibed in me a healthy respect for the ability of women to take control in difficult circumstances.
“This contributed to my decision to entrust the women in my government with the responsibilities of high office.
“My decision to empower women has paid off handsomely as is evident in the performance of these women in their various sectors.”
The President added that he did not take up smoking due to the admonition of his mother.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, in the book’s preface, said the present administration had revolutionised governance in the country.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola Clocks 50

Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola Clocks 50 today, June 28th.

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated him and sent his wishes as he clocks 50.
Meanwhile Governor Fashola has told his aides that he does not want an elaborate 50th birthday party.
According to him "By nature I am not a ceremonious person. I don't like all the noise and partying.
If this is my day, then those who really love me should allow me do it the way I want to.
And to tell you the truth, the idea that probably I will have a birthday at tax payers expense is something that does not go down well with me, and it's only for 24 hours. So I am going to have a very quiet and simple day with close friends and family.

Nigerian Government Broke, Now Targets Pension Savings

The Nigerian government is financially broke and barely able to pay its bills, an investigation by SaharaReporters has revealed.

The portrait of the Nigerian government’s dismal financial situation is in sharp contrast to recent propaganda by Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Both officials have sought to depict the Nigerian economy as vibrant and robust.
Several sources in Abuja, including a legislator, a senior bureaucrat and an insider in the Presidency, told SaharaReporters that the government in recent weeks had failed to release budgetary allocations to various ministries to meet their obligations.
The sources also disclosed that the Federal Government has also borrowed massively from local and foreign banks to pay its recurrent expenditures. They added that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was now eyeing the N3.4 trillion pension funds to enable it to finance its deficits.
The Presidency source also revealed that Nigeria’s net oil export has been cut by half as elements close to Mr. Jonathan have engaged in massive oil theft with the connivance of the Nigerian Navy as well as members of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta region.
Since her second tour as a prominent minister in Nigeria, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala has constantly told the public that the Nigerian economy was buoyant. But in private she has told close associates, officials of international finance bodies as European and North American nations that Nigeria’s economic outlook was getting worse especially with decreased oil sales.
With her blessing, Nigeria has also resorted to massive borrowing from China and several other non-traditional loan sources to plug financial deficits.
An economic analyst in Abuja told SaharaReporters, “By the end of Mr. Jonathan's tenure, Ms. Iweala would have borrowed Nigeria back to the Stone Age,” referring to the period Nigeria racked up loans from the IMF as well as Paris and London Clubs essentially to finance the grasping needs of Nigeria’s corrupt elite.
Another source, a legislator, stated that he was disturbed by the dire economic portrait. He described Mr. Jonathan as “overseeing the biggest era of corruption in Nigeria's history.”
At the heart of the latest plot to loot Nigeria’s resources is the plan to plant one of President Jonathan's trusted allies at the helm of the country’s pension fund to facilitate the diversion of funds meant for retirees for political and other goals.
The Presidency source said Mr. Jonathan’s inner circle was anxious to keep news of Nigeria’s poor economic outlook and financial rating from public view. “As you know, Nigeria has been downgraded in recent weeks by international financial rating organizations, but the government wants to maintain that everything is rosy.”
The lawmaker, who belongs to the same Peoples Democratic Party that is the ruling party, said he was sad that President Jonathan and his closest associates are engaged in mindless looting of the treasury for the purpose of buying victory in the 2015 general elections.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.

MIDNIGHT ATTACK: Boko Haram Kidnap Three Soldiers, Kill Another In Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members killed a soldier and abducted three others during an attack on the soldiers on Thursday night in Potiskum, Yobe State, a military source revealed.
The source confirmed the incident in Damaturu on Friday.
The source, who sought anonymity as he is not permitted to talk to journalists, said the corpse of the deceased soldier was brought from Potiskum and deposited at a hospital morgue in Damaturu, the state capital.
“The attack was a bad one because a soldier was killed and the terrorists kidnapped three other soldiers to an unknown destination,” he said on Friday.
“Some of our search team are combing within and outside the neighborhoods of Potiskum for the missing soldiers. A helicopter gun ship had been deployed from Maiduguri to join in the search team this morning,” he added.
The soldier also revealed that three soldiers were killed and two seriously injured two weeks back during an attack that also led to the killing of secondary school students by suspected Boko Haram members in Damaturu. The gunmen had killed seven secondary school students and two teachers when they attacked Government Secondary School, Damaturu. The gunmen also attacked a military check-point. The Joint Task Force in Yobe had claimed that no soldier was killed in the attack, and only one was injured, while two of the gunmen were killed; a claim our source says is not true.
“It wasn’t true that only a soldier sustained injury in that attack. The terrorists actually invaded the room where the soldiers were sleeping at night at shot the three of them dead. Two others only sustained injury during a separate attack on the same night. Soldiers were able to kill one of the terrorists and arrested one alive,” the source said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, denied knowledge of the Thursday night attack and kidnap of the three soldiers.
“I have not got any of such report, normally they forward to us whatever happens in these areas and we’ve not had any of such reports,” Mr. Olukolade said.
Soldiers’ presence in Yobe, as well as Borno and Adamawa, was increased after the declaration of a State of Emergency in the three states by President Goodluck Jonathan. The military has declared major successes against the insurgents in the states with many of their training camps destroyed. The Boko Haram, however, claim they are winning the war against the Nigerian forces.