Headlines
Four Chinese Kidnapped in Niger State, Soldiers Move to Dislodge Terrorists after 22 Killed
Soldiers in about 10 trucks have moved into Shiroro local government area of Niger state purposely to dislodge terrorists who wreaked havoc in Ajata Aboki village on Wednesday during which not less than 22 people including mobile policemen and soldiers were killed.
There was however conflicting figures on the number of people killed by the marauding terrorists believed to be over 250 and from the dreaded terrorist gang leader, Dogo Gide.
THISDAY was told by reliable sources that not less than four corpses of mobile policemen were deposited at the Minna General hospital mortuary on Wednesday night.
However, sources at the IBB specialist hospital informed THISDAY that more corpses were brought to the hospital thereafter.
A doctor at the emergency unit of the hospital confirmed to THISDAY that 20 corpses were deposited in the morgue while about five others injured were on admission.
Relatives of some of those affected who witnessed the scene said the number of those brought in were more than 30. A source also said a senior military officer was among those injured who were admitted.
The doctor when confronted with this figure retorted that “in this type of case there are always conflicting figures.”
The mortuary attendant carrying out the embalmment declined to give the number of people in the morgue and instead asked THISDAY to go and verify at the army barracks.
One local vigilante who was initially admitted at the IBB specialist hospital it was gathered was referred to the Federal Medical Centre Bida because of the seriousness of his case. He was said to have been shot in the upper trunk which the Minna based facility cannot handle.
THISDAY observed that the corpses were being embalmed under the watchful eyes of soldiers who also cordoned off part of the facility.
It was gathered that the heavily armed terrorist numbering over 250, that carried out the attack arrived the village at about 3pm armed with sniper guns and AK 47 rifles on Wednesday.
The first casualty recorded was that of a male villager who was asked to direct them to the mining site but refused, “he was shot dead at close range,” the source said.
The incident reportedly instilled fear in other villagers who agreed to lead the gunmen to the mining site after which they (terrorists) encircled the place started shooting sporadically and in the process kidnapped four Chinese and other locals.
The gunmen ransacked the entire offices and residences of the miners before leaving the place.
Niger State government through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Umar confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.
The statement read: “Niger State Government wishes to confirm that on 29/6/2022 at about 1600hrs, based on a distress call received that armed bandits/terrorists invaded a mining site located at Ajata Aboki village via Erena Ward of Shiroro LGA and a joint security team were mobilised to the scene in response to the distress call.
“Consequently, the joint security team engaged the terrorists and there were yet to be determined number of casualties from both sides.
“However, a yet to be ascertained number of workers in the mining site including four Chinese nationals were reported to have been abducted.
“Security forces mobilised reinforcement for the manhunt of the remaining terrorists as some of them were neutralised and rescue of the injured victims including security personnel that sustained various degrees of injuries have been taken to a government medical facility in the state for treatment.
“While the Niger State Government commiserates with the heads of security agencies in the state and the families of the slain personnel, the state government assures that their sacrifices will not go in vain.
“The state government acknowledged all the efforts of the joint security operatives and that of the communities in the state towards taming the spate of insecurity in some parts of the state, hence, security personnel are enjoined not to be discouraged in discharging their sacred duties of protecting citizens against all forms of threats as government will continue to be steadfast in providing them with the needed support in all ramifications.”
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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