News
Military Airstrikes: ‘We Are Sorry,’ Shettima Apologies To Victims’ Families
Vice President Kashim Shettima has apologised to the families of the victims of the bombing in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Ten people were killed in airstrikes on Wednesday, December 25 when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in two communities in the LGA.
Three days after, Shettima extended his heartfelt sympathy to families of those mistakenly hit by the military onslaught on the terrorist group.
He said it was one of those rare sad moments when innocent civilians are caught in crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.
“I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times,” the Vice President was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.”
Shettima called for understanding and support for members of the armed forces, saying they pay the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
He expressed regret over the incident, just as he solicited more support for the troops.
The Vice President stated that with useful information, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers they are staking their lives to protect.
He assured the people of the state of the Federal Government’s support, vowing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not rest on its oars until terror groups and other criminal elements are completely wiped out of the country.
“On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologize for this great loss. I urge you to continue to give our brave officers the assistance they need in carrying out their operations to ensure a safer country for all of us. We have all been impressed by the courage and dedication of our troops, and by the dignity and resilience which lies behind the determination to prevail against such monstrous evil.
“Security is not one man’s business. Together, we will surely make a difference as a people. I sincerely call for your support, especially from people in the flashpoints of the war against terror who have always helped the operations of our military.
“Let me assure you that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country and will stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee to keep an eye on governance in Rivers State during the current State of Emergency.
Speak Abbas during the inauguration of the committee, on Tuesday, said the move shows the National Assembly’s dedication to upholding the constitution and keeping things transparent.
He explained that the committee is meant to help maintain stability in Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu announced a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
He said: “The 10th House of Representatives inaugurates an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the present emergency period.
“This moment marks not only a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate but also a display of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”.
President Tinubu’s declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), followed what the Speaker described as a “grave crisis threatening public order.”
He made it clear that the President’s decision wasn’t made lightly, but was driven by a real concern for the safety and well-being of the people in Rivers State and the country overall.
Speaker Abbas also pointed out that this isn’t the first time the federal government has stepped in during a crisis. He mentioned past examples like Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and the northeast states—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—in 2013, saying the goal has always been to bring back peace and restore normal government operations.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order,” he said. “Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.”
The Speaker also clarified that the current caretaker government in Rivers State, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is a temporary arrangement intended to maintain order and perform basic governance functions until democratic institutions are restored.
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored,” Abbas noted.
He aadded hat the Administrator must report directly to the National Assembly.
He urged the committee to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, cautioning against partisanship.
“You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.
“You must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias”, he charged.
The Speaker emphasised that beyond oversight, the committee is expected to play a proactive role in peace-building and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State.
“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance”, he added.
Speaker Abbas further reaffirmed that the National Assembly’s intervention is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“It is now my solemn duty and distinct honour to officially inaugurate the House Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversight Rivers State”, he stated.
The newly formed committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the implementation of federal policies in Rivers State, and ensure that the caretaker administration operates within constitutional boundaries.
In his response, Chairman of the adhoc committee and leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere pledged their commitment to the task given to them.
He said: “We will not disappoint Nigerians, we will be committed to this task.
“If I am not wrong, this is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. So, to make our work a lot easier, with the experience, with the exposure, with the dedication, with the commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee that we will not disappoint you, we will not disappoint the National Assembly, and we will not disappoint Nigeria.
“We will begin our work immediately and we will remain transparent, committed, and unbiased in the deliverance of our values.Once again, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for being the true Nigerian, the true patriot that you are. And I’m sure that when the history of Nigeria is written, there will be several extra pages added to your chapter”.
Members of the Committee include: Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman, Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman,Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim , Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase , Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke.
Others are :Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. James Barka,Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu,Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Rep. Fatima Talba , Rep. Chris Nkwonta, and Rep Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned citizens to steer clear of 60 illegal Ponzi scheme operators in Nigeria.
These companies, operating without registration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have been identified as potential threats to the financial well-being of unsuspecting Nigerians.
According to the EFCC, some of these operators have already faced legal action, with five convicted and another five pleading guilty, awaiting sentencing.
The commission’s warning comes as a timely reminder for Nigerians to exercise caution when investing their hard-earned money.
The list of operators to avoid includes companies operating in various sectors, including agriculture, investment, and finance.
Full list below;
Wales Kingdom Capital
Bethseida Group of Companies
AQM Capital Limited
Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited
Brickwall Global Investment Limited
Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech
Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited
Richfield Multiconcepts Limited Forte Asset Management Limited
Biss Networks Nigeria Limited
S Mobile Netzone Limited
Pristine Mobile Network
Letsfarm Integrated Services
Bara Finance & Investment Limited
Vicampro Farms Limited
Brooks Network Limited
Gas Station Supply Services Limited
Brass & Books Limited
Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited
Crowdyvest Limited
Jadek Agro Connect Limited
Adeeva Capital Limited
Oxford International Group
Oxford Gold Integrated
Skapomah Global Limited
MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited
TRJ Company Limited
Farm4Me Agriculture Limited
Quintessential Investment Company
Adeprinz Global Enterprises
Rockstar Establishment Limited
SU.Global Investment
Citi Trust Funding PLC
Farm Buddy
Eatrich 369 Farms & Food
Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited
Farm Sponsors Limited
Cititrust Credit Limited
Farmfunded Agroservices Limited
Adamakin Investment & Works Limited
Cititrust Holding PLC
Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited
Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited
Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited
Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited
Farm 360 & Agriculture Company
Requid Technologies Limited
West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited
NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins
XY Connect Investment Limited
River Branch Unique Investment Limited
Hallmark Capital Limited
CJC Markets Limited
Crowd One Investment
Farmkart Foods Limited
KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited
Holibiz Finance Limited
Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services
Servapps Nigeria Limited
Barrick Gold Mining Company
360 Agric Partners Limited.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling prey to these illegal Ponzi schemes, Nigerians are advised to:
1 Verify investment opportunities with the CBN and SEC before committing funds
2 Be wary of unusually high returns on investment
3 Research the company’s background and reputation
4 Report suspicious activities to the EFCC
By being vigilant and informed, Nigerians can protect themselves from the dangers of Ponzi schemes and make informed investment decisions. Stay safe, and stay informed.
In response to recent allegations suggesting widespread hunger and fatalities among inmates, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied the claims, assuring the public that feeding standards remain intact and strictly monitored across custodial centres nationwide.
Speaking with journalist in Abuja on Tuesday, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, dismissed the reports as “sensational, misleading, and devoid of truth.” He emphasized that the welfare of inmates, including their nutrition, remains a top priority under the supervision of both state and federal authorities.
“Inmates are not starving. There is no evidence, either in our records or from any credible oversight body, suggesting that custodial centres are neglecting their duty to feed inmates adequately,” Umar stated.
He explained that the Federal Government allocates a dedicated budget annually for inmate feeding, which is judiciously managed under stringent guidelines. “Every inmate is entitled to three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — as clearly provided for in our operational manual,” he said.
Umar further questioned the credibility of the reports, citing the strict access protocols in place at custodial facilities. He noted that no unauthorized interviews with inmates could have occurred, given that access requires multiple layers of clearance, and the use of recording devices is prohibited within the facilities.
“How does a journalist claim to have interviewed inmates in such a controlled environment without any official clearance or access?” he asked. “That alone casts doubt on the authenticity of the reports.”
To reinforce its commitment to inmate welfare, Umar said the NCoS has put in place an internal monitoring system, with officers-in-charge held accountable for the utilization of resources, especially feeding provisions. He said supervisory structures exist at both the national and state levels to maintain compliance and discipline.
“Any officer found negligent or complicit in mismanaging resources faces disciplinary action in line with our code of conduct,” he stated.
While acknowledging operational challenges, Umar maintained that such issues have not translated into hunger or starvation within correctional centres. He warned that false narratives could damage the reputation of the Service and cause undue public concern.
“We are aware of the economic situation, but it has not compromised our duty to feed or care for those in custody,” he said. “We call on media houses to verify information through the appropriate channels before publication.”
Umar highlighted the current administration’s efforts in improving the welfare of inmates, including a significant 50 percent increase in the feeding budget approved by President Bola Tinubu’s government. He also lauded the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for championing reforms in the correctional system.
“There is an ongoing review of inmate welfare and feeding programmes. Reforms are already underway and will yield even more positive changes,” he said.
He concluded by inviting civil society groups, media professionals, and international observers to visit correctional centres for independent assessments, stressing that transparency and accountability remain core to the NCoS’s operations.
“Our doors are open for oversight visits. We believe in constructive engagement that can help us do better,” Umar said. “We are not just holding inmates; we are working to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society with dignity.”
The NCoS has reiterated its commitment to international standards on inmate care and has urged the public to disregard the alarming claims, which it described as fabricated and harmful to ongoing reform efforts.
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