News
How joint troop rescued abducted corper, six others
… victims narrate ordeal
Troops of joint military operations of 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector One Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnapped youth corps member and six other victims in Tse-Annaka, along Wukari/Zaki-Biam, Torov council ward in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
The corps member was identified as Samuel Muekara, aged 29 and a law graduate.
Other rescued victims who were kidnapped at different dates and times in the same locations include, Mr.
Anaelechi Bob 32, Ayuba Luka, 28, Ibrahim Umar, 30, Rabiu Muhammad 48, Buhari Ahmadu Saleh 17 years old and Blessing Ayuba 47.
A security personnel who spoke under the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, identified the bandits terrorizing the Sankara axis as “Full Fire”, Ayongo, Chen and his group.
He said the bandits belong to the gang of the notorious criminal kingpin in Benue, late Terwase Akwaza also known as Gana”.
“These notorious armed bandits are well known to the people living in those areas and any attempt to get information from them, they claimed not to know, whereas in the real sense they know them.
“The people must understand that security is a collective efforts from all and sundry and therefore, the communities should be able to always volunteer necessary information to security agencies especially our troops to help them fish out the perpetrators of crime among them.
Some of the rescued victims who spoke with our correspondent at the military camp in Zaki – Biam, Ukum local government area where they were taken to, said they were kidnapped and kept hostage for days before the intervention of the military troops.
“Some of us were taken to the neighboring settlement like Chito village, Adamawa village, Atereyange village, Ututu village and Pevkyaa village all of Ukum local government area where these heavily armed bandits are using as their hideouts.
“These armed bandits have made kidnapping in these communities as their major source of income and they do it in a broad day light without fear.
” They are living with their families who usually come to give us food in their hideout. People living around there see them perpetrating these evils but they are helpless to voice it out for the fear of their lives”.
“,One of us(victims) know as Rabiu Muhammad who came to pay ransom for his cousin Ibrahim Umar became a kidnapped victims after he had paid the ransom”, one of the Victims’ said .
Another victim identified as Blessing Ayuba said she was also kidnapped after she came to pay a ransom for her son, Luka Ayuba.
On his part, the youth corps member, Samuel told our Correspondent that after the families of seven jointly raised over N20 million and paid as ransom with other valuables worth millions of naira forcibly taken away, they were still held captive until the military came to their rescue.
We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately give promotions to those military officers who rescued us from the wicked hands of the kidnappers.
“Federal and State governments should intensify security surveillance particularly in Ukum communities along Zaki -Biam, Wukari roads to curtail activities of these armed bandits to protect lives and property of citizens traveling on that routes.
Government must also beam searchlights also on the activities of transport companies operating in the country during odd hours who always fail to report kidnapped cases to the appropriate quarters”, he said.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Professor Tom Adaba is dead.
The veteran journalists died on Saturday peacefully in Abuja.
The late Adaba was born in July 2nd, 1941
According to Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja on Saturday stated as follows, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and Leader, Prof Tom A Adaba just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning.
“Further details about his burial arrangements would be communicated later.
“We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.
He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
Painful! Former NBC DG ,Prof Tom Adaba is dead
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