News
Updated: Release of abducted Kagara students a rumour, says Niger gov
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has dismissed an earlier report of the release of 27 kidnapped students of Government Science College, Kagara, saying it is a ‘rumour’.
He, however, added that government was doing everything possible to ensure the release of the kidnapped students along with their teachers and others in the next “few days or hours”.
There were reports early Friday morning that the students had been released by their abductors to an Islamic scholar based in Kaduna State, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, after much persuasion by the Islamic cleric.
The students were said to have gained their freedom after Sheikh Gumi had met with the leader of the bandits identified as Dogo Gide and a truce was reached.
But Governor Bello, who spoke on Friday at the Government House in Minna, the state capital, shortly after meeting Sheikh Gumi, said, “Regarding the event of the past few days where we have two serious cases of kidnappings – the NTSA (Niger State Transport Authority) bus that was kidnapped (with passengers); and the second event took place at the Secondary School in Kagara, as at this moment, we do not have any additional information to give apart from the one given earlier on yesterday.
“But I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can; we are interfacing with the local communities; with federal authorities and our own state authorities to ensure that we recover the victims safely.
“Our utmost priority right now is to make sure we bring them back home safe and that is exactly what we are going to do. So, there hasn’t been any information I can give you at this moment but once we have anything for you, we will let you know.”
The governor, responding to a question on the purported release of the abductees, said, “Everything that is being said out there is rumour and in situations like this, we cannot work with rumour; it has to be confirmed. Yes, we’ve been receiving different rumours from different people within villages but we are still treating them as rumour until processed and confirmed.”
The governor also said the state government was ready to engage any actor willing to assist with the rescue of the abducted persons.
He particularly said that he was waiting to receive a “comprehensive” report from Gumi concerning his “findings”.
Meanwhile, pictures have surfaced online showing the meeting of the Islamic cleric with the bandits in the forest.
Gumi also reportedly confirmed the meeting on Friday and said it was positive,
Since January, Gumi has met with bandits in Kaduna and Zamfara forests in an attempt to broker a peace deal.
In Kaduna, over 500 bandits reportedly agreed to lay down their weapons after he struck a peace deal with them.
In Zamfara, Gumi reportedly told the bandits that they have legitimate concerns and that the federal government should look into ways of providing “reasonable” means of livelihood for them.
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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