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Angry ACF says killing of northern drivers in South East unacceptable

Published

22 hours ago

March 5, 2025

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern over the attacks on drivers of trucks conveying goods from the North to the South-East by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The ACF warned that the killings of the drivers and the destruction of their vehicles constitute a serious threat to national security that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and generalised anarchy.

This comes as the Department of State Service (DSS) Tuesday, invited Daily Trust reporters in Plateau State over reportage of the protest over the killing of the drivers.

The media had reported that trucks’ drivers and owners on Sunday, protested in Jos, Plateau State capital, lamenting that many of their members had been killed and their vehicles burnt in the attacks.

The report stated that more than 20 truck drivers had been killed and many others missing in attacks on them in the South-East in the last one year.

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it had observed that drivers of heavy-duty haulage trucks/trailers conveying goods to and from, or merely traversing roads in the South-East had and were still being subjected to what it called vicious and unprovoked attacks, leading to the murder of drivers, burning of vehicles and looting of goods.

The ACF accused the security agencies and the federal government of doing nothing to tame the attacks.

“The attacks are being brazenly carried out by the euphemistic gunmen/gun-women who openly claim membership of terror groups such as the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), with the attacks directed only on northerners and northern-owned property.

“The terror merchants have continued to double down on the savage attacks and even posting video clips of the results of their gruesome actions, with gleeful taunts, on social media. Often, the savagery extends to burning of the corpses of hapless victims. Only a few days ago indeed, members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) demonstrated at Jos, the Plateau State Capital, to draw attention to the attacks and the over 50 drivers and about 100 trailers burnt over the last eight years,” it stated.

The ACF added: “Equally worrisome is the silence of national security agencies and the federal and state governments. ACF asserts that the attacks constitute a serious threat to national security with the potential to lead to the breakdown of law and order and generalised anarchy.

“Needless to assert, absolutely, no individual or groups should be allowed free rein to visit murder, looting, arson, vandalism and general brigandage on innocent citizens. ACF is gravely saddened by the development and fully supports the contemplation by NARTO and NURTW to boycott the haulage of goods to and from the South-East until the situation is brought under control.

“ACF further extends condolences to the families and friends of victims of the attacks, calls on the federal and relevant state authorities, as well as the security agencies to step-up to stop the unprovoked and extra-constitutional actions by the terror groups.

“At the very minimum, perpetrators of the dastardly acts must be fished out and brought to justice. The relevant authorities ought to declare a state of emergency on the matter”.

The group added: “The ACF further decries the silence or lip service by South-East elite, politically exposed persons and socio-cultural groups on the issue and calls on them to end the lip service and neglect but publicly condemn the barbarism being visited on northerners and northern-owned businesses in the region.”

It further called on the governments of Enugu and Imo states to pay full compensation for lives and injuries as well as the goods lost to the attacks.

DSS invites Daily Trust’s reporters over story

The Department of State Services (DSS), Jos office on Tuesday interrogated two reporters covering Plateau State, Ado Abubakar Musa and Dickson S. Adama, over the newspaper’s Monday lead story.

The reporters were invited through Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, but no reason was initially given for the summon.

Upon arrival at the DSS office at 11am, an officer escorted them to the Deputy Director’s office, where they were informed that their invitation was related to the story titled “Protest in Jos over killing of truck drivers in S/East”.

According to the DSS officers, the report was disturbing and written in bad faith, particularly criticising the use of the word ‘protest’ in the headline and the accompanying images.

The reporters defended the article, explaining that other media outlets also reported the incident, which was based on the grievances of truck drivers.

They also explained the term ‘protest’ has various meanings in media parlance, and its usage was editorially justified.

The DSS officers revealed that the report had drawn reactions from Abuja, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and other parts of the country, prompting them to manage the situation carefully.

During the question-and-answer session, the officers initially stated that one of the newspaper’s reporters would be detained and taken to Abuja the next day while the other should report back to the the media headquarters in Abuja.

However, the reporters were later taken to the director’s office, where he reiterated dissatisfaction with the report, advising journalists to consider that some media terms may be misinterpreted by the public.

The director confirmed that one of the reporters, Ado, would be taken to Abuja for further explanations, but first, had to write a statement regarding the report.

After completing their statements and providing their names and phone numbers, the reporters were released around 3pm.

The DSS director said the reporters would be invited again for questioning if necessary.

Related Topics:chairman DSS Enugu Killed Nigeria

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Wike in Italy, to meet with Lombardy Region’s President, agribusiness investors

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Admin

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday arrived Milan, Italy, ahead of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.

Wike is also expected to meet with agribusiness investors in the country.

The minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced this in a statement in Milan.

The statement said Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night and arrived in Milan around 4:30 a.m. yesterday. He was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.

“While in Milan, the FCT minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.

“Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with a population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The FCT minister’s meeting with the Attilio Fontana will centre on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.

“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.

“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang, and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip,” the statement said.

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Ramadan: HoR Minority Caucus counsels Muslim faithful to uphold tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Admin

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus advises Muslim faithful across Nigeria to abide by the tenets of Islam, pray for peace, unity and national security this Ramadan.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the caucus leaders, Rep Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa JJC Minority Whip, Isa Madaki Deputy Leader and George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus said “we congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah on the commencement of this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan; which is one of the major tenets of Islam.

“Conscious that Ramadan is a sacred time for spiritual growth; renewal of utmost believe in our Creator; time for seeking forgiveness, and direction.

” We urge all Muslim faithful to use this period to among other requests; pray for peaceful co-existence, love, unity, and development in Nigeria.

” Also, we urge the Muslim Ummah to pray for the security, and protection of lives and properties across the country, where, sadly, blood birth is gradually resuming in our communities.

“As we warmly felicitate with all Muslim faithful for being alive in good health to observe the Ramadan fasting, we counsel that, in this sacred month, all followers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), Peace Be Upon Him, should embrace deep reflections, renewed faith, and demonstrate gestures of kindness to all and sundry.

“As admonished in Islam teachings, we urge our brothers and sisters to consciously extend acts of compassion, generosity, and good neighborliness towards all, especially the needy, and less privileged in the society.

“Given our firm commitment to the preservation of the lives of all Nigerians, and the need to deepen good governance, the Caucus calls on Federal Government to tackle the resumed cases of killings in the society.

“It is imperative to also call on all security agencies to ensure that such cases of killings, maiming, and bloodletting are comprehensively curtailed during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and post-fasting period.

“Finally , as Muslim faithful rededicate themselves, and reflect on the purpose and lessons of Ramadan, we are confident that Almighty Allah will accept the fasting, prayers, and supplications as an act of Ibadah, Amin.

Ramadan Kareem!!!

News

Akpabio Gate: Social media abuzz as Natasha hails ex-Gov Fayemi for upholding her integrity

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Admin

…as netizens hammer Senator Fasuyi
…it was prayers galore for the senator that she will triumph

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has applauded former Governor of Ekiti Kayode Fayemi for upholding her integrity as he denied there was no time the Kogi Senator accused him of sexual harassment.

Taking to her FB account, Senator Natasha thanked him for standing out for truth.

But netizens did not spare Senator Cyril Fasuyi who concocted the lie as they lay heavy causes on him.

Hear Senator Natasha:
“Thank you H.E. @kfayemi for speaking truth out. My activity during his time as a minister was strictly an advocacy to revive Ajaokuta steel company.

“Shame unto Senator Cyril Fasuyi for lying against me right in the hallowed chambers while quoting the bible.
Indeed, God is patient.

Senator @natashaakpoti Uduaghan Kogi central.

See reactions below :
God is delivering you from the hands of wicked and unreasonable men both in the chamber and outside the chamber……The truth will always prevail

Thank God the good people of Kogi State recognize n love you as ours…. indeed God is patient if not, many for kpai instantly for lying against God’s choosing one.

Dear Natasha H Akpoti I don’t really know you and I don’t fully support you either, but you see that Cyril Fasuyi, I want to advise you not to take the word of that Cyril Fasuyi.

He’s a useless and incompetent senator who was brought to us by APC government. He has no meaning impact in his constituency till date.

Worry not, this is his only term as a senator, as he will never win any election in Ekiti North again.

Your Excellency Ma, you are one of the few Senators doing well at the National Assembly at the moment Ma. May it occur to you that, Kogi and indeed Nigeria is Proud of your outstanding performance and Capacity and are looking forward to seeing you do more for the Constituents.

May this very issue as bad and sad as it may be, not come to serve and fulfill it purpose of distracting your good intentions for your people to drive away the zeal.

May God almighty in his infinite Mercies and wisdom grant all of you the Divine Providence and Grace to come to terms with each other and return to round table discussion for the greater Nigeria of our Dreams Amen.

Long live our beloved Mother Dist Sen Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan,
Long Live Nigerian Senate,
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hon Stephen Suega TseAgu is the Chairman A P C Media Team Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State.

Your grace is high. God is with you. We appreciate a good prince that God gave you as a crown over your head. May God reward him abundantly. Let no man underestimates you. You would always triumph in the mix of lies and gang ups. May God guide, protect and show you more ways to teach these men hard lessons. They think they can bewildered you and scuttled your good work, intelligent and productive representation of kogi central senatorial people and Nigerians. We are with you in prayers, by God’s grace. All their evil plans, weapons shall fail them.

Our amiable senator Natasha H akpoti. Senator Cyril Fasuyi didn’t say you sexually harass former Gov Fayemi he said you accused him of selling Ajaokuta steel company that till today Ajaokuta is still federal govt property. Pls stop Feeding us with lies you. We are still supporting you don’t need to tell us lies we all heard the senator’s speech.

Idiot of people want you to use what you have to get want you want like i always said, whoever fight with Grace will be disgrace, Allah Rahma Always Ozi anebra Oboro

He quoted the Bible just so he can fabricate a lie. His intel had a network failure. so much for a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dear Distinguished Senator Natasha H Akpoti you have overcome so much already and I know you have the strength to get through this. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Don’t give up, you are making a difference.