ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

A member of a local hunters’ group has lost his life following an accidental explosion during a joint security patrol with military troops in Adamawa State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:15 a.m. on April 24 during a fighting patrol involving troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) and local hunters operating in Gombi Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the patrol team had successfully carried out operations around Member Farm and Dogon Kuka areas before the tragic incident happened while they were returning along the Garkida-Gombi axis.

Reports indicate that the explosion was triggered inside the patrol vehicle when one of the hunters accidentally stepped on a primed rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tube that had been loaded in the military gun truck.

The unexpected impact reportedly caused a partial explosion inside the vehicle, creating panic among members of the patrol team.

“One of the hunters reportedly stepped on a primed RPG tube inside the gun truck, triggering a partial explosion,” a security source disclosed.

The victim suffered a serious injury to his left leg and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Despite efforts to save his life, he later died from complications resulting from the injuries sustained in the blast.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the handling of explosive devices during joint operations involving local security volunteers and military personnel.

Local hunters often work alongside troops in counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations across several parts of northern Nigeria, especially in areas facing security threats.

However, this latest tragedy highlights the risks involved in such operations and the need for stricter safety protocols when handling live ammunition and explosive devices.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but the death has reportedly caused sadness among both security personnel and members of the local hunting community in the area.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Aisha Yesufu, a human rights activist has alleged that the management of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno State rejected donations of computers, printers and funds made to the institution by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party.

The GGSS is famously known for the April 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram terrorists. While over 190 girls have escaped or have been released, roughly 82 remain in captivity, marking a decade-long tragedy. The attack also spurred the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which gained global attention, and was championed by a former minister of education, Obiageli Ezekwesili.

Yesufu, a strong supporter of Obi, said the school and other government-owned institutions have on various occasions rejected Obi’s gifts or even approved a visitation.

In a post made on X, Yesufu while giving insights on why the former Anambra State governor visits and makes donations to private institutions said such rejections have become the norm for the Obi team.

She wrote, “Yesterday in Ibadan I had an encounter with someone that made me realise that we have not spoken about the travails we face enough! He was shocked that I was not surprised about how the OAU, Ife event Peter Obi was supposed to attend turned out!

“I told him it is a normal thing we face. I went on to ask him why does he think Peter Obi usually visits private Nursing schools or those run by missionaries? He didn’t know. I told him because the ones run by government would not allow him to visit or the officials take anything from him,” Yesufu said.

She noted that while most people assume that the African Democratic Congress leader is being biased with his visits and donations to institutions mostly run by missionaries and private entities, Obi primarily visits places where he is welcome.

“I told him about Chibok community.

They reached out to me about the Chibok school from which 276 #ChibokGirls were abducted from in 2014 did not have computers.

“As soon as I told Mr Peter Obi he told me to make arrangement with the school that we will visit Chibok donate computers and printers (which they had not even asked for) and access other needs that they have and take care of them.

“First we were denied from going. Then Mr Peter Obi suggested we visit the capital and give them or any neighboring state, that was also turned down. The next was bringing the principal and some teachers with students to Abuja. They were not allowed to come.

“At the end Mr Peter Obi met with some members of the chibok community in Abuja and handed over the computers and printers to them with monetary assistance which he gave,” she said.

In addition, Yesufu said, “Most of the charity is with coconut head! They have been doing everything to truncate it!”

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have demolished terrorist hideouts in Ali Sheriffti, a known enclave in the southern Tumbuns of Northeastern Nigeria.

According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were carried out on April 24.

He said the NAF’s air assets, while acting on credible intelligence of terrorist activity, conducted a focused surveillance sweep, during which several insurgents were sighted moving along concealed tracks.

Ejodame said the targets were trailed to structures hidden under dense foliage, confirming deliberate attempts at concealment.

Following positive identification, the NAF executed a precise strike, engaging the structures with onboard munitions.

The operation achieved the desired effect, with terrorist structures destroyed, further degrading their capability and freedom of movement in the area,” he said.

The NAF’s spokesperson said strikes underscore NAF’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led, precision-driven operations aimed at denying terrorists safe havens.

He said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that “the Nigerian Air Force will continue to pursue and dismantle terrorist networks with unwavering precision and relentless force, ensuring no enclave remains beyond our reach.”

“Operations will continue with increased intensity to safeguard the nation and its citizens,” Ejodame quoted the CAS as saying.