Gunmen attack Zamfara mosque, kill five, abduct 18 worshippers – Newstrends
Connect with us

News

Gunmen attack Zamfara mosque, kill five, abduct 18 worshippers

Published

on

Gunmen have attacked a mosque during prayers in Zamfara, killing five worshippers and kidnapping 18

About 100 cattle thieves riding on motorcycles reportedly opened fire on a Muslim congregation in remote Dutsen Gari village in Maru district as residents were observing the Friday prayers.

“The bandits killed five worshippers and kidnapped 18 others, including the imam,” state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu told AFP.

Residents however said more than 30 worshippers were abducted.

“The gunmen attacked the mosque while the imam was delivering the sermon and took away more than 30 people,  including the imam, after shooting dead five worshippers,” one resident, Ibrahim Altine, told AFP.

North-West Nigeria is a hotbed of criminal gangs who raid villages, stealing cattle, kidnapping for ransom and burning homes after looting food supplies.

The gangs maintain camps in the Rugu forest which straddles Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states from where they launch attacks.

Troop deployments and peace talks with local authorities have failed to end the attacks.

Unlike Boko Haram jihadists, the criminal gangs have no ideological leanings, but concerns are growing that the jihadists are gradually infiltrating the gangs.

News

I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour 

Published

on

I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour 

 

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is alive, hale and hearty.

He stated this in reaction to rumours of his death being reportedly spread on some social media platforms.

He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading the rumour of his death on the social media.

He said, “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive.

“Those that want me dead, that is their wish, but God still keeps me alive.”

Obasanjo praised Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.

“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.

“Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while work is progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.”

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit

Published

on

Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit

 

President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.

A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.

It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”

Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.

“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”

The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.

Continue Reading

News

Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers

Published

on

Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers

 

A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.

The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.

He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.

This is  coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.

The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.

It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

Continue Reading

Trending