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Gov Sule convenes emergency security meeting over kidnappings in Nasarawa
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for an emergency security council meeting to address the rising cases of kidnappings and other security challenges in the state.
The meeting, which took place at the Government House on Monday, was convened in response to the escalation of security threats, including kidnappings and activities of ethnic militia groups, particularly in areas such as Keffi, Doma, Lafia, Awe, Obi, Keana, Karu, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas.
During his opening remarks at the meeting, Governor Sule expressed concern over the increase in kidnappings and militia activities, pointing out incidents in villages around Shegye, Katakpa, and other areas in Toto Local Government Area of the state.
The governor also mentioned disputes within communities, such as the recent incident in the Udege area where a person was killed due to intra-ethnic conflicts.
“The purpose of the meeting has to do with the security situation that we have seen, especially during my absence, when certain issues were escalated.
“It’s indeed a point of worry that we continue to see an increase in the number of kidnappings, especially in Keffi, Doma, Lafia, Awe, Obi, Keana, Karu and Nasarawa Local Government Areas of the state.
“We have also seen an increase in the activities of the militia terrorizing innocent people, especially in areas surrounding Shegye, Katakpa, and some other villages in Toto Local Government Area.
“We have, on the other hand, seen some increase in the dispute, especially between communities similar to the one we have seen in Udege area, where a person was killed as a result of misunderstanding within the same ethnic group,” Sule stated.
He mentioned that recent discussions with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Lagos and security chiefs in Abuja necessitated the emergency meeting, stating the need to address the activities of the Bassa militia group, which had been operating under the guise of the Bassa Vigilante Group.
The governor announced plans to ban all single ethnic group vigilante groups in the state, including the Fulani Vigilante Group that has been active since 2009.
He stated that members of these groups would be given a grace period to join existing community vigilante groups.
“One of the discussions that we are going to have today is to consider the banning of any single ethnic group vigilante that is operating in the state.
“Any particular ethnic group establishing a vigilante will be banned.
“By the time we take the decision about banning single ethnic group vigilante, especially the Bassa vigilante group, then we will work towards ensuring we want peace in the state.
“We will give them a period of roughly one to two weeks to return their uniforms to us so that we can ensure they are disbanded.
“We will also ensure they are willing to abide by the system in the state and the policies of the government,” Sule added.
The Governor commended his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, for holding the fort during his absence on the Lesser Hajj to Saudi Arabia and thanked all those who supported his deputy, including traditional rulers and security agencies.
He also appreciated the efforts of the security agencies in mitigating security challenges in the state, particularly in addressing recent crises between farmers and herders, such as the clash between the Eggon and Tiv communities in Kadarko, where five people were killed.
He said, “We are also aware of the crisis between farmers and herders recently, especially between the Eggon and Tiv community in Kadarko, where five people were killed. We will also discuss this today with a view to finding a way forward.”
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Pastor Damina Takes strong stance on Church Controversies: Salvation, Hell, and the Truth About Tithing
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a thought-provoking appearance on TVC’s “Your View,” Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, made waves by asserting that Christianity is the only faith that guarantees eternal salvation.
The televangelist, known for his unconventional views on heaven and hell, challenged prevailing beliefs by declaring that hell is not a fiery place, but rather a state of “utter darkness.” His teachings have ignited heated debates, attracting both fervent supporters and vocal critics who question his interpretations of scripture.
During the discussion, Damina emphasized that individuals across various religions ultimately seek salvation, a deep relationship with God, and forgiveness for their sins. However, co-panelist Dr. Maureen YK countered his claims, asserting that one cannot dismiss other spiritualities as ineffective without firsthand experience of their practices.
Many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation
In a passionate defense, Pastor Damina shared insights from his 40 years of ministry experience, arguing that many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation.
Touching on the contentious topic of tithing, Damina clarified a recent video where he appeared to promote non-payment of tithes. He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant. He encouraged voluntary and cheerful giving, free from compulsion.
He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant
As Damina’s teachings continue to stir controversy, his bold perspectives challenge traditional Christian beliefs and invite deeper conversations about faith and spirituality.
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First Lady denies leading national prayer
The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, refuted reports that she will be leading a seven-day national prayer for Nigeria.
This followed a report last week that Mrs Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mrs Nuhu Ribadu, will spearhead a national prayer session to tackle the country’s numerous challenges.
The reports quoted the Director-General of the National Prayer Forum, Segun Afolorunikan, announcing the event in Abuja.
Afolorunikan had said the initiative, coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, intends to seek divine intervention for the country’s socio-economic and security issues, under the theme ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.’
“Christians will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of intense prayer, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing their efforts on the nation’s adversities,” said the convener.
However, the First Lady has denied knowing any such arrangement saying a call for prayer must be done “willingly, conscientiously and correctly.”
Mrs Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Busola Kukoyi, conveyed this in a statement she signed Saturday titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, CON refutes organising national prayer.’
It read, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria is not organising a national prayer.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms is unfounded and misleading.
“Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.”
Kukoyi said the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria, believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly.
“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her office through official channels,” the statement concluded.
News
25 Shops destroyed as fire guts building in Ilorin
A building of 25 shops has been gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
According to the state fire service, the incident occurred at Adeta roundabout at about 02.39 hours.
A statement in Ilorin on Saturday by the spokesman of the service, Hassan Adekunle, said the firefighters, upon arrival, found a block of about 25 shops engulfed in flames.
“Thanks to the swift action and bravery of the Kwara State fire service officers, only three shops suffered damage, including a soft drinks and alcohol shop.
“Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge,” the statement disclosed.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince John Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed sympathy for the affected shop owners, offering prayers for the restoration of their losses.
He also urged the public to prioritize safety and ensure all electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use.
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