News

Benue Police kill three suspected kidnappers, rescue two victims

Published

8 months ago

May 30, 2024

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted individuals.

The rescue took place early on May 29 in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state, where the suspects had reportedly demanded a ransom of N23 million for their captives.

Superintendent of Police, Catherine Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that a team from Operation Zenda, a joint task force, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout around 6:00 am on Wednesday.

According to Anene, the operation followed the kidnapping of two victims from their homes approximately a week prior.

Anene stated, “On 29/5/2024 at about 0600hrs, officers of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.

“On sighting the police, the kidnappers led by the gang leader, Tersue Dada, aka ‘Causer’, engaged the team in a gun duel but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police.

“Consequently, three suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were eventually confirmed dead at the hospital while one of the suspects, Terver Tavershima of Tinenune, Ukum LGA, was arrested.”

She further stated that the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, a dane gun, assorted mobile phones, a camouflage uniform, and a motorcycle from the hideout.

The police spokesperson said that the rescued victims, who were unharmed, revealed that they had been abducted from their homes and held for a ransom of N23 million.

She said the Police Command was committed to eradicating banditry in the Sankara axis, ensuring the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.

Anene added that the Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet was urging the community to cooperate with law enforcement officers to enhance security efforts in the region.

News

APC Sets ₦50m Fee for Anambra Guber Nomination Forms, Announces Pry Election Timetable

Published

4 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its guidelines and timetable for the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, setting the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms at ₦50 million for aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform.

The election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, is expected to be keenly contested, with APC laying out a structured process leading up to the polls.

Fee Structure and Discounts for Special Categories
According to the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, female aspirants and persons with disabilities will enjoy a waiver on the nomination form, requiring them to pay only ₦10 million for the expression of interest form.

Meanwhile, young politicians between the ages of 25 and 40 will receive a 50% discount on the nomination form fee but must still cover the cost of the expression of interest form.

Prospective aspirants must obtain their forms at the APC National Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja, from February 10 to 25, 2025. The deadline for submitting completed forms is February 26, 2025.

Key Dates in the APC Primary Election Timetable
The party has outlined an extensive timetable for its internal selection process, ensuring compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

February 10–25: Sale of nomination, expression of interest, and delegate forms
February 26: Submission deadline for forms
March 7–8: Screening of aspirants
March 10: Publication of screening results
April 2: Delegates Congress
April 5: APC Primary Election
April 6: Ratification of primary election results
April 8: Submission of the final list of candidates to the National Working Committee
June 11: Official commencement of APC governorship campaign

discussions within the party, with some stakeholders arguing that the high cost could discourage grassroots politicians and limit participation to wealthier aspirants. However, party officials defend the pricing, citing the need for a robust selection process and funding for electoral logistics.

With multiple aspirants already signaling their interest, the APC primary election is expected to be highly competitive. As the countdown to November 8, 2025, begins, the party is gearing up for what promises to be an intense election season in Anambra State

News

Abubakar Aliyu Makes History As 2nd General In Nigerian Army To Jump From Moving Plane

Published

7 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gen. Abubakar Aliyu has made history by being the second General in the Nigerian Army to Jump from a moving plane at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

Journalists were told that General Sadiq Aliyu made the history on Wednesday, as Second General in the Nigerian Army to Jump from a Moving Plane.

The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.”

” As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.”

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.”

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle.”

News

Reps Move to Transform Micheal Okpara University to Conventional University

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

A Bill seeking to transform the already existing Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike into a conventional university, has has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday at plenary.

The proposed legislation titled, “Bill seeking for an Act to Establish the Michael Okpara University, Umudike to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on its general principles, one of the co-sponsors, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu recalled that the University was established in November 1992 as a specialised University for Agriculture and related sciences pursuant to the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap F22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He said however, that there is need to transform the university into a conventional university to expand its mandate.

According to the lawmaker, a conventional university status would encourage interdisciplinary research, enabling more collaborations between agriculture and other fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.

Explaining further, He said integrating agricultural studies with engineering could lead to innovations in mechanized farming, while partnerships with health sciences could enhance research into nutritional science and food security.

He expressed optimism that transitioning Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university would bring diversification of academic programs, enhanced research opportunities, increased funding, and improved global recognition.

He said, “As an institution primarily focused on agricultural sciences, MOUAU has already contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural development. However, broadening scope of the university to include diverse disciplines would amplify its impact across multiple domains. Some of the advantages include – One of the most immediate advantages of becoming a conventional university is the ability to offer a wide range of academic programs. Transitioning to a conventional university would allow the institution to introduce programs in fields such as Arts, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences and Humanities. This diversification would attract a larger and more varied student population, ensuring that MOUAU becomes a hub for learners from different academic and cultural backgrounds.

“By offering programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, the university could prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. This expanded academic scope would also make the institution more appealing to prospective students who might otherwise choose other universities. Such interdisciplinary research could address complex global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and public health crises.

“Conventional universities often have access to a wider range of funding sources compared to specialized institutions. By expanding its academic offerings, MOUAU could attract funding from organizations that support disciplines outside agriculture. For example, grants for research in Technology, Medicine, and Social Sciences could complement existing funding for agricultural studies. (d) Improved Global and Local Recognition: The transition to a conventional university would likely elevate MOUAU’s status in global and local rankings. Universities that offer diverse academic programs are often ranked higher because of their broader impact on education and society.”

Thereafter the Bill was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session, it was passed and referred to the Committee on University Education.