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Bandits Abduct Over 100 People in Devastating Attack on Zamfara Communities

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In another devastating attack on Zamfara State, bandits have struck communities in Wanke, near Gusau, abducting over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

Among the kidnapped is the community’s Chief Imam, who had recently been released from a previous abduction and was recovering from a leg injury.

Local reports indicate this is the second time the Chief Imam has been targeted, underscoring the severe insecurity affecting the region. As of the latest update, neither state authorities nor police officials have issued a statement on the incident.

In an interview monitored on the BBC Hausa Service, a survivor recounted the turmoil in Wanke, with residents fleeing in fear of more attacks.

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“Near Sabon Layi, over 50 people were taken, and near Dogon Hayi, about 50 more were abducted,” he said, adding that the exact number was still uncertain due to the chaos and panic that ensued as locals scrambled for safety.

“The terrorists chased people as if they were hunting animals,” he added. “They pursued people on motorbikes, tracked women inside their homes, and abducted them. Some were intercepted while attempting to flee and were herded into the bush.”

He described how the assailants targeted multiple communities, including Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, where they stole motorcycles, farm produce, and personal items like smartphones. They also looted shops for provisions.

Community members reportedly alerted officials in Wanke, but there has been no official response yet.

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The survivor noted that these attacks have plagued their communities for nearly nine years, driving many residents to seek refuge in Gusau and other areas. “There are no animals here anymore,” he lamented. “Once night falls, everyone is filled with dread, as staying in these communities overnight has become extremely dangerous.”

The BBC Hausa report stated that efforts to obtain police comments on the situation were unsuccessful.

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Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

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By Gloria Ikibah 
 
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.
 
This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary. 
 
Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.
 
He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.
 
“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”
 
The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.
 
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.
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Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.
In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.
He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.
The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.
“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.
“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.
The House adopted the motion and mandated its  Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.
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JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.

Onanuga said the three-day visit 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 among others”.

“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

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“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will 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. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.

Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.

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