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Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
By: Inuwa Bwala
Very often, when misfortune befalls us, we tend to seek solace in God: especially when the circumstances defy mortal interpretations.
This is perhaps the situation Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and indeed the government and people of Borno state found themselves in the last three months.
The state had hardly come out of mourning over the death of some promising and illustrious sons and daughters before another one strikes.
Much as it is common knowledge that death is a necessary end, the death of Isa Umar Gusau, spokeman to Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was mind-boggling
In any way one defines it, the death of Gusau remains one rude shock, after the death of Engineer Ibrahim Idris, the Commissioner for RRR, to many people, especially those of us who had the privilege of knowing the two at closer quaters.
Coming at a time, Professor Zulum was seen to have assembled a robust working team, the two deaths were blows, and we would take long to fathom.
Isa Umar Gusau was an astute media strategist, a shrewd contriver, a versatile public relations expert, and a wordsmith who, despite his vast knowledge and connections, was ready to learn from others.
For him to have been found worthy of serving under two Governors in the same capacity spoke volumes about his capacity.
Many times, since our paths crossed, when I was the commissioner for Information and he was the Senior Special Assistant to then Governor Kashim Shettima: Now Nigeria’s Vice President, Gusau had been my professional compatriot.
Any time I made inputs to him by virtue of having been his predecessor in that office, Gusau, oftentimes, was ahead of me in doing the job.
Whenever he commented or wrote in response to certain circumstances, he virtually spoke my mind.
When I commended him for a job well done, he told me that I was his mentor, even when that might not necessarily be the case.
Even when I left the government and had cause to write about his principal, he would call back to appreciate whatever I write upon.
Of course, there were moments of departure, but that had not affected the mutual respect we had for each other.
When another coleague of mine called to inform me about his demise, we both agreed that his death would create a huge vacuum in the public relations arena. We compared notes on the wonderful public relations job he did for both his principals and the attendant acclaim both gained from his job.
I am aware that he had health challenges, and my first remark to him after he was sworn in for the second time under Professor Babagana Zulum: was for him to pay greater attention to his health.
I am aware he tried his best to seek medical attention. I know he fought hard to stay alive, but like every mortal, the moment for his eclipse has come.
Everybody will miss Isa Umar Gusau, but his boss will miss him most. May God repose his soul and comfort us all.
Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack
By: Zagazola Makama
At least eight persons have been confirmed dead following an armed attack on Nindama village in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Sources said that the attack occurred in the early hours of Oct. 10.
The sources said that unknown gunmen invaded the village around 3:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and killing eight residents.
“Two other persons sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment, while six others are still missing,” the sources said.
He said that at about 3:30 p.m., a combined team of security agencies including army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) visited the scene along with the Executive Chairman of Kokona LGA, Hon. Agbawu M. Agbawu.
According to the sources, the corpses have been evacuated to the mortuary, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and apprehend the attackers.
Preliminary investigation, sources said, indicated that the attack may have been connected to a lingering land dispute in the area.
The security forces assured residents of intensified security patrols and urged anyone with useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.
Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack
News
Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue
Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue
By: Zagazola Makama
A search-and-rescue operation has been launched to secure the release of a road construction worker abducted by gunmen in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 7:14 p.m. on Thursday along the Kunduru–Kadanya feeder road, when unknown assailants reportedly laid an ambush and kidnapped one Kabiru Bature, a 35-year-old driver attached to Stantech Road Construction Company.
The sources said that security forces were immediately mobilised to the area, blocked all potential escape routes, and initiated a cordon-and-search operation aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators.
The troops have been deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers, believed to have fled into the surrounding forest.
Efforts were ongoing as of the time of filing this report to rescue the victim safely and bring the abductors to justice.
Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue
Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
The Troops of Operation HADIN KAI , in collaboration with police tactical teams and local hunters, have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack on Goni Dinari village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 5:56 a.m. on Friday when suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded the village and set some houses ablaze.
The troops immediately alerted, leading to a swift joint response by troops, police tactical teams, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters.
“The attack was successfully repelled and normalcy has since been restored to the area,”sources said.
Troops had deployed to the village for confidence-building patrols, while monitoring and surveillance operations continued.
Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Konduga
Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack
Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue
Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Konduga
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