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Buhari inspects ruins of Maiduguri Monday Market
Buhari inspects ruins of Maiduguri Monday Market
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inspected the ruins of Maiduguri Monday Market, destroyed by fire recently, commiserating with the government and people of Borno on the unfortunate incident.
The president was also at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, to register his profound condolences to the victims who lost property and means of livelihood in the disaster.
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, who confirmed this in a statement, said the president also visited the market, still smouldering five days after.
The president was accompanied by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council and some eminent citizens of the state.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, told the president that assessment on the level of damage is still ongoing.
She announced that the Federal Government had provided immediate relief materials to the victims of the fire incident, including 20,000 bags of rice, 20,000 bags of maize and condiments.
The minister pledged that the ministry, in collaboration with the Borno Government, would provide building materials to reconstruct the market.
“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention,” she said.
Zulum said the market, which was built in the 1970s, with no fewer than 20,000 beneficiaries was completely destroyed by the fire.
He acknowledged the support by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The governor revealed that the state government had provided an immediate support of N1 billion.
“Even the N1 billion, if the traders share N50,000 each, I do not think that will be enough for them,” he said.
The Chairman of the Market Association, Alhaji Awaji Bukar, expressed deep appreciation to the president for the visit, appealing for more support from the federal government.
Earlier at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Buhari said he was also in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Zulum-led administration.
“I am delighted to be here with the Shehu and the good people of Borno State, to commiserate with you on the unfortunate Monday Market fire incident.
“I’m pleased to be back to commission projects and be part of the unstoppable development drive of this great state.
“I’m equally happy that the state continues to strive for the normalisation of its affairs following the enormous successes achieved in tackling the problem of security that had reached worrying heights in the past.
“I like to put on record my deep and sincere appreciation of the love and support of the people of Borno State. I don’t take this for granted.
“May Allah increase His blessings upon the Shehu and his people. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he wrote in the Visitor’s Notebook at the palace.
The Shehu of Borno thanked Buhari for overseeing the return of peace and normalcy to the state.
While lauding the improved security situation in the tate, the traditional ruler declared that “no single local government area in the state is under the control of Boko Haram terrorists”.
He said the president had successfully carried out his mission in office and that as far as Borno is concerned, he had done far more than anyone had expected.
He expressed their appreciation to the president for his sympathies following the devastating fire that consumed the entire Monday Market.
He enumerated the blessings of the Buhari administration in its eight years of office to the State:
“When you came in, we had more than two million Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs mostly women and children roaming the streets in Maiduguri.
”We had no power for two years; we had no GSM. We had no outgoing roads except that to Kano. Boko Haram had taken over the other roads.
“We had no Airport as the one here was damaged and therefore no commercial flights. Seventeen of the 27 local government councils were under Boko Haram.
”Today, no single local government area is under their control.
”You changed everything by transferring the Command-and-Control Centre of the anti-terrorism war to this place.
”We thank you for standing with us in our trying times. Together, we remain with you, in or out of office,” the Shehu, whom also the Chairman of the state council of chiefs, said.
Buhari inspects ruins of Maiduguri Monday Market
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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