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Commercial drivers block Benin major roads in protest against colour code

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Commercial drivers block Benin major roads in protest against colour code

Commercial drivers block Benin major roads in protest against colour code

Some commercial drivers in Benin on Tuesday staged blocked major roads in the Edo capital to protest the enforcement of colour code by the state government.

The drivers in their numbers blocked the busy Sapele road, Ring road, Ugbowo road, Aduwawa, First East Circular road and Akpapava to vet their grievances.

According to the report, the roadblocks caused a serious gridlock in the ancient city and made passengers stranded, with many resorting to trekking.

Speaking with NAN at Sapele road, Mr Samuel Omoriege said the state government was insensitive to the prevailing economic conditions when it gave a month’s notice to obtain colour code and paint their buses in Edo colour.

Omoriege said even though, drivers were saying they will not pay, government would give them six months before the enforcement.

“We are not saying we will not pay, but the notice is too short. Government is not sensitive to our condition.

“Some of us are graduates without job. For instance, I am a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic; it is unemployment that drove into this. So we need time to raise money for the code and painting,” he said.

Speaking in similar vein, Mr James Akpotarie said the recent policies of the government to drive revenue in the state were too unfavourable to transport workers.

Akpotarie said the government had just recently reviewed the daily ticket fee from N600 to N1, 800 and on Sunday N800.

“Where is government working on Sunday if not to mount further hardship on commercial drivers.

“We urge Gov. (Godwin) Obaseki to rescind the anti-people policy in order to restore law and order,” said the driver.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Washington Abbe, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Transportation, said he would convey their request to the governor.

Abbe, however, noted that to appease them, all the vehicles impounded would be released while taskforce would also relax the enforcement pending the state government position on their request.

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Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

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Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.

.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.

The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.

Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.

Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

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Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

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Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.

The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

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GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations

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GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations

By: Zagazola Makama

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. PB Koughna, has conducted a familiarisation visit to troops deployed in parts of Kebbi State.

During the visit on March 15, the GOC inspected troops of CSI Battalion III at the Forward Operating Base Dirin Daji in Sakaba area of Zuru Local Government Area, as well as personnel of 223 Light Tank Battalion in the state.

The GOC was received by the Commanding Officers of the units, who briefed him on their operational activities and security situation within their areas of responsibility.

Addressing the troops, Maj. Gen. Koughna urged them to remain vigilant, committed and professional in the discharge of their duties.

He also held an operational meeting with the unit commanders, during which issues relating to ongoing operations and prevailing security challenges within their areas of responsibility were discussed.

The visit ended without incident.

GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations

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