Buhari pleads for more time, support to end insurgency – Newstrends
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Buhari pleads for more time, support to end insurgency

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President Muhammadu Buhari has called for support for security agencies to end insurgency in the country.

He also pleads for more time even as he notes that ending insurgency is “beyond the simplistic options being bandied around.”

The President stated who this in his Christmas message, also spoke on the rescue of the abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State, youth development and COVID-19.

He urged Nigerians to trust his administration’s commitment to restore peace in the country.

He said as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he would “not shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property” of all Nigerians.

Apart from being hurt each time there was a  breach of the peace and security in any part of the country, he said he went through distress when schoolchildren are victims of criminals.

He called on Nigerians to use the season of goodwill and joy to renew their faith in the ability of his administration to make a lasting difference in their lives.

Buhari said, “To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum.

“Our people must be free to live and move without let or hindrance. This is crucial not only to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion but for the economy to grow.”

Part of the message read, “In Christendom, Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent symbolize, are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges like rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

“I wish to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in this administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear country.

“Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support within available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they confront threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I urge them to do more to checkmate increasing incidents of security threats, especially in the northern parts of the country as well as the entire nation in varying degrees.

“Their display of tact, camaraderie and expertise that led to the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.

“For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed a vital segment of this administration’s three-point agenda right from inception, and we must follow through with it.

“I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and security occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent elements in society.

“As a parent, I share the emotional torture and agony parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and good society.

“I plead with fellow compatriots to give our military and other security agencies more time, cooperation, and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents, and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight on our security landscape.”

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JUST IN: Tinubu confers national honours on fallen soldiers, approves house, scholarships for families 

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JUST IN: Tinubu confers national honours on fallen soldiers, approves house, scholarships for families 

President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on the four officers and 13 soldiers killed in Okuama, Delta State, on March 14, 2024.

The four officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON) while the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The President said that the Federal Government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

He also approved scholarships for all the children of the deceased up to the university level.

The President mandated the Military to, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria spoke on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja during the burial of the fallen soldiers.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria owes the valiant soldiers and their families debt of gratitude.

The President vowed that those who committed the heinous crime of killing the officers and soldiers would not go unpunished, stressing, “We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.”

The fallen heroes are as follows:

Lieutenant Colonel Ali

Major D.E Obi

Major S.D. Ashafa

Captain U. Zakari

Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu

Corporal Danbaba Yahaya

Corporal Kabir Bashir

Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim

Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna

Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi

Lance Corporal Bello Anas

Private Alhaji Isah

Private Clement Francis

Private Abubakar Ali

Private Adamu Ibrahim

Private Hamman Peter

Private Ibrahim Adamu

 

Part of Tinubu’s Speech

“It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.

“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.

“On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

“They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

“Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

“Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

“Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.

“They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.

“I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.”

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FG declares March 29, April 1 Easter holiday

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FG declares March 29, April 1 Easter holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement on Wednesday by Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aishetu Ndayako.

Part of the message read, “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

“While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.”

The minister urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged among them.

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BREAKING: Bodies of 17 officers murdered in Delta arrive Abuja military cemetery

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BREAKING: Bodies of 17 officers murdered in Delta arrive Abuja military cemetery

The remains of the military personnel killed in Delta State on March 14, 2024 have arrived the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

The bodies, which arrived at about 2:26pm on Wednesday, were conveyed by the Military Ambulance Emergency vehicles and was accompanied by the FCT Ambulance Emergency services.

Our correspondent reports that top military echelons from various formations across the country are currently on ground to pay last respect to the fallen heroes.

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Distraught relatives and relations of the deceased personnel as well as wives of other military officers are also on ground. The burial is billed to also have the President, Bola Tinubu in attendance.

Recall the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to Okuoma Community were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the community.

The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta.

BREAKING: Bodies of 17 officers murdered in Delta arrive Abuja military cemetery

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