IGP Egbetokun Assures Increased Police Deployment to Yobe for Enhanced Security”

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has committed to deploying additional police personnel to Yobe State to bolster security and address recent unrest. This assurance was given through Deputy Inspector-General of Police Bala Chiroma during a courtesy visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni.

On Friday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, conveyed his commitment to improving security in Yobe State. The pledge was communicated by DIG Bala Chiroma, who is responsible for Administration and Finance.

DIG Bala Chiroma’s visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni was part of an operational assignment directed by the IGP. The visit aimed to provide a firsthand assessment of the security situation in Yobe and develop strategies to prevent further disturbances.

DIG Chiroma highlighted that addressing manpower shortages is crucial for enhancing security. He noted that additional police personnel would be sourced and deployed to Yobe State to strengthen the existing security framework.

Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed appreciation for the security agencies’ efforts in maintaining peace in Yobe State. He assured that the state government would support all measures to sustain and improve the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region.

The additional personnel are expected to enhance security operations, manage public order, and address any emerging threats effectively. The deployment is part of a broader strategy to reinforce law enforcement and ensure a stable environment for residents.

DIG Bala Chiroma, originally from Potiskum Local Government Area in Yobe State, brings a personal connection to the region, further emphasizing his commitment to improving security locally.

The increase in police personnel aims to provide a more robust response to any security challenges, support ongoing peace efforts, and address recent concerns that may have prompted the need for additional resources.

The Governor and the IGP’s assurances aim to reassure the people of Yobe State of the authorities’ commitment to their safety and well-being, fostering a sense of security and stability in the region.

The deployment of additional police resources reflects a strategic approach to not only manage current issues but also to prevent future problems and enhance overall security in Yobe State.

The proactive steps taken by the Inspector General of Police, including the deployment of more personnel, underscore a commitment to improving security in Yobe State. This response aims to address the immediate concerns, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and support the state government in maintaining peace and stability.

A plane carrying 62 people crashed near Sao Paulo in Brazil on Friday.

The deceased included 58 passengers and four crew members

Although it was initially not known what happened to them, confirmation came in the late hours of the day that all the 62 on board died.

The plane, Flight 2283, fell in the city of Vinhedo, the airline that operates the plane, Voepass Linhas Aéreas, said.

Local officials near the crash site said there were no survivors, although only one home in the local condominium complex, the residential area where the crash occurred, had been damaged while none of the residents were hurt.

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, confirmed the crash while speaking during an event shortly after the crash.

“I have to be the bearer of really bad news,” the president said, stressing the fact of the crash and asking for a minute of silence for the victims.

Airline Voepass said the plane, which had taken off from Cascavel, in the state of Parana, and was bound for Sao Paulo’s main international airport, crashed in Vinhedo, a town about 80 kilometres northwest of Sao Paulo.

The aircraft was listed by flight tracker FlightRadar24 as an ATR 72-500 turboprop.

“Gov. Alia Condemns Unprovoked Attack on Ayati Village, Calls for Enhanced Security in Benue”

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has voiced his profound sadness and condemnation following a recent violent attack on Ayati Village in the Ukum Local Government Area. The attack, carried out by armed bandits, resulted in numerous civilian casualties and has heightened concerns about security and safety in the region.

The assault on Ayati Village was reportedly unprovoked and targeted unarmed civilians. Such attacks have become alarmingly frequent in Benue State, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity among local communities.

The attack resulted in multiple deaths and inflicted significant trauma on the residents of Ayati Village. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued various parts of Benue State, particularly in Ukum Local Government Area.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. He criticized the senseless violence perpetrated by armed bandits against innocent civilians.

Governor Alia expressed his concern that such attacks continue despite the presence of security forces in the region. He acknowledged that while efforts have been made to maintain security, the persistence of these attacks indicates a need for more effective measures.

Governor Alia has called for an improvement in security surveillance and enforcement. He stressed the importance of ensuring that vulnerable communities, such as those in Ukum, are adequately protected and not left exposed to threats.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to using lawful procedures to safeguard the people of Benue State. He emphasized that his administration would continue to seek both discreet and overt measures to enhance security and address the root causes of the violence.

In addition to his public condemnation, Governor Alia extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack. He offered prayers for comfort and resilience for the affected families and communities.

The Governor assured the people of Benue State that his administration is dedicated to restoring peace and stability in the Sankera region, which has been particularly hard hit by violence. He outlined plans to work closely with security agencies and community leaders to devise effective strategies for long-term peace.

Governor Alia also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the state government, security forces, and local communities to address security challenges comprehensively. By engaging all stakeholders, he aims to build a more robust and resilient approach to conflict resolution and prevention.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s response to the attack on Ayati Village reflects his deep concern for the safety and well-being of Benue State’s residents. His condemnation of the violence, combined with calls for enhanced security measures and support for affected families, underscores his commitment to addressing the ongoing security challenges and fostering a safer environment for all.

 “Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Cracks Down on Marketers Behind Flour Price Hikes”

The Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCAC) has intensified its investigation into the artificially inflated prices of flour in the state, targeting several marketers and dealers implicated in the price surge.

The investigation follows significant public concern over the high cost of flour, a staple commodity in Kano. The PCAC, led by Chairman Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has been working to uncover and address the causes behind the sudden price hikes.

During a meeting with the Singer Provision and Essential Commodities Market on Friday, Rimin Gado announced that the Commission has identified seven shops and dealers responsible for the price increase. These entities have been implicated in manipulating the flour market to boost prices unfairly.

The Commission has secured seven court orders to prosecute those involved in the price manipulations. Among the accused is a major dealer who has been actively avoiding arrest and has yet to respond to legal summons.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been directly involved in addressing the issue. He has given the PCAC a mandate to quickly address the artificial price hikes affecting flour and other essential commodities. Governor Yusuf has also engaged with both the Singer Marketers Association and the Bakers Association to understand and resolve the issue.

In response to the findings, a new supply arrangement has been established. The Singer Marketers Association will now supply flour directly to bakeries, bypassing intermediate retailers who were found to be inflating prices. This measure is intended to stabilize prices and ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened.

The PCAC has already taken action by closing down seven shops involved in the price gouging. The Commission is committed to tracking down the evasive dealer and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. Chairman Rimin Gado has warned that no matter how far the suspects flee, they will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.

The PCAC’s actions reflect a broader commitment to combat corruption and ensure market fairness in Kano. By addressing the root causes of the price increases and implementing direct supply measures, the Commission aims to protect consumers from exploitation and restore integrity to the local market.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku Advocates for New Nigerian Constitution.

On Friday, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, led a delegation to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The delegation, organized under the banner of The Patriot, proposed the urgent need for a new constitution for Nigeria.

Anyaoku and his group argue that the current constitution is inadequate to address Nigeria’s ongoing social and economic challenges. They believe that the existing legal framework is not capable of guiding the country towards progress and stability.

The delegation included notable figures such as Senator Shehu Sani, Mike Ozekhome, Labaran Maku, Senator Ben Obi, and Segun Osoba.

The group has suggested that President Tinubu should introduce a presidential bill to the National Assembly. This bill would establish a constituent assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diverse needs.

The proposed new constitution would then be subjected to a national referendum to ensure that it has broad public support. The group believes that the process could be completed within nine months.

The aim of the proposed new constitution is to address and resolve many of the prevailing challenges faced by Nigeria, providing a more effective and inclusive legal framework for the country’s governance.

Gunmen operating in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Friday, attacked a police van, killing one of the policemen at a junction.

Sources said the incident happened at about 9 am, and that the attackers when repelled by the policemen threw an improvised explosive device at the police team.

Police command in the state confirmed this in a press release by the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered a manhunt operations on the gunmen.

He confirmed that the men were attacked at a checkpoint at Omata junction, in Uruagu community, along the Nnewi Oba road.

He said: “The manhunt operation led by Assistant Commissioner in charge of Nnewi Area Command is already working with the locals in the area to unmask and apprehend the attackers.”

Obasanjo: Nigeria Moves Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Backward.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized Nigeria’s progress as a pattern of “two steps forward, two steps backward” during a meeting with six lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Friday. Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo emphasized that true advancement requires a fundamental shift in leadership mentality and self-reflection.

The lawmakers, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, discussed various proposals, including a single-term presidency, nationwide elections in one day, and power rotation between the North and South. However, Obasanjo argued that these measures alone would not be sufficient to propel the country forward.

He stressed that effective leadership and a committed team are crucial for driving positive change. “We need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. Within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges,” Obasanjo asserted. He cautioned that Nigeria faces significant risks if leaders do not take decisive actions to address existing issues.

Obasanjo highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort, noting, “We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter.”

In response, Ikenga praised Obasanjo for his reforms during his presidency and criticized subsequent governments for not building on those achievements. He lamented the missed opportunities to consolidate reforms in electricity, foreign policy, civil service, and digital technology, which he believes contributed to Nigeria’s current economic challenges.