News
Updated: Kebbi gov: We got inte of bandits’ movement but FG advised against shutting college
Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu, has said prior to the bandits’ invasion of a Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri on Thursday, there was an intelligence report that the gunmen were going to strike.
He said the intelligence came two weeks before bandits attacked the college, adding that the school was not closed on the advice of the Federal Government, instead a detachment of special Anti-Terrorism Task Force was deployed there.
When he visited the school in Birnin Yauri for on-the-spot assessment, the governor addressed parents, staff and the students that escaped being kidnapped.
He said when he consulted with the federal authorities on the situation at hand, it was agreed that since the school would be closing in two weeks time after the students finished writing their terminal examination, the school should be provided with security for the period.
He said, “About two weeks ago we heard that there was a bandits movement. Bandits were sighted around here. We consulted with federal authorities and they told us that the schools has about two weeks to finish their terminal exams.
“At that consultation, we all agreed that if security could be found and stationed in the school that could support the children to finish their exams before going home.
“The police commissioner graciously enough find a big contingent from the special Terrorism Task Force that were stationed in the school before the incident that happened yesterday (Thursday).”
The bandits who invaded the school kidnapped a yet-to-be-confirmed number of students and teachers.
In a joint operation in the early hours of Friday, security operatives rescued two teachers and five students.
While addressing parents of the kidnapped students on Friday, Bagudu explained that the state heard about bandits’ movement around the school weeks before the attack, and deployed additional security operatives.
A statement by Yahaya Sarki, spokesman for the Kebbi governor, quoted Bagudu as assuring the parents that efforts were being intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
“The state government will do everything humanly possible to bring these children and the staff back safely,” he said.
The governor also said, “Since this unfortunate incident occurred, all hands are on the deck to ensure that these our children and the staff are rescued alive, hale and hearty.
“This abduction was a brazen and tragic incident, where bandits confronted the policemen who were providing security to the school. Unfortunately, they made away with some students and teachers. It is an unfortunate incident.”
Bagudu said, “These children are all ours and we are obliged to pray to seek for their safe return. I am glad that the parents who also spoke expressed courage. They have also acknowledged that the security agents did the best they could and they are still doing their very best, Equally, the school authorities, principal, teachers and other staff. By God’s grace, our children will come back to us.”
News
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
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.”
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
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.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
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.
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