Yobe: One killed as Fulani attacks traders in Fune local government

By: Yahaya Wakili

One person was reportedly killed and many injured on Monday, during a market day in Kayeri village of the Fune local government area of Yobe state, where Fulani invaded the market, started beating the people, and looted their properties.

Eyewitnesses said that as a result of this, one person was killed and properties worth thousands of naira were looted by the Fulanis, and some people are saying the incident was caused by the negligence of the government.

They narrated that this has been happening every year in either the Eid-el-Fitr or Eid-el-Kabir is approaching. On every market day, the government used to reinforce security and vigilantes to protect the lives and properties of the people from Fulani looters.

According to them, this time around, the local government didn’t send any security or vigilantes to the market day, so the Fulanis took advantage of this: they invaded the market, started beating the people, killed one person, and looted people’s properties.

When contacting the chairman of the local government, Alhaji Baba Goni Mustapha Bade, he started reacting violently to our reporter for attempting to make findings on the incident.

“Why are you journalists doing this? I will not say anything about this. Go and write whatever you want to write.” Bana Goni said

Yobe: One killed as Fulani attacks traders in Fune local government

Marwa describes Prof. Jubril Aminu an epitome of knowledge

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has described former Minister of Education, Prof JubrilAminu as an epitome of knowledge who made positive impacts in medicine, education, foreign policy, politics, oil industry, and all other sectors where he served Nigeria at different times.

Marwa, in a statement on Friday, said the death of Aminu on Thursday 5th June “is a monumental loss that leaves a multitude of people grief-stricken in Nigeria and outside the shores of this country.”

He said: “Even at 85, we would have loved to see him live much longer, for many more years, so that Nigeria can continue to benefit from his depth of knowledge and wealth of experience that cuts across critical sectors of human development.”

Marwa said the outpour of tributes in the past 24 hours is an indication of Prof Aminu’s far-reaching influence and impact across various spheres of life, all of which further exacerbated the sense of loss for Nigerians.

He added that: “Yet, in our state of bereavement, we cannot but celebrate the life and times of an extraordinary man, an epitome of knowledge who, until he passed on, was and is still one of Nigeria’s finest examples in medicine and academics, where he made lasting impacts.”

The NDLEA boss said apart from coming from the same state with the late Senator, who once represented Adamawa Central in the National Assembly, he has good memories of the various times and stages their paths crossed in the service of the nation.

Marwa describes Prof. Jubril Aminu an epitome of knowledge

Bingham University Celebrates World Environmental Day with Key Taking on Plastic Pollution, Tree Planting 

By: Our Reporter

Bingham University, Karu, has joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Environmental Day with sustained advocacy on plastic pollution and key takeaways from a powerful presentation on the need for communities to plant more trees for climate change resilience. 

In his presentation titled “Tree Planting: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Resilience,” Dr. James Bwala of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies called for a nationwide awakening to the power of trees as Nigeria—and the world—faces worsening climate challenges.

Dr. Bwala said, “Tree planting is widely recognized as a vital strategy for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. It serves multiple ecological functions, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and the improvement of urban environments.”

Drawing from world-leading researchers to back his presentations, Dr. Bwala explained that while trees contribute substantially to human well-being by improving air quality, reducing urban heat islands, and fostering social cohesion in communities (Turner-Skoff, 2019). Their role extends beyond ecological benefits to encompass social and economic dimensions that align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He added that “Responsible tree planting practices—favoring native species and involving local communities—are critical for maximizing these benefits while minimizing potential ecological disruptions (Baghdjian, 2024). Thus, tree planting represents a multifaceted approach crucial for advancing both environmental health and societal resilience.”

Speaking on why the communities need to plant more trees, he observed issues in global temperature rise and an increase in environmental challenges, stating that the importance of trees has become more apparent. “Trees provide numerous benefits, ranging from improving air quality to supporting biodiversity, making them vital to our fight against climate change. Tree planting is a fundamental strategy for safeguarding the environment due to its multifaceted benefits in climate regulation, biodiversity support, and community well-being. 

“Trees act as carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating climate change impacts (Baghdjian, 2024). However, the effectiveness of tree planting hinges on responsible practices such as using native species and involving local communities to avoid ecological harm and ensure sustainability (Baghdjian, 2024). Without such precautions, reforestation efforts may inadvertently disrupt hydrological cycles or reduce biodiversity through biotic homogenization (Adams et al., 2023).” Dr. Bwala said. 

He advocated that, beyond carbon sequestration, trees contribute significantly to creating livable and sustainable communities. “Urban tree planting reduces air pollution, lowers temperatures, manages stormwater runoff, and enhances social cohesion by promoting physical activity and mental health (Turner-Skoff, 2019). These benefits align with global environmental goals like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the broader societal value of investing in tree-planting initiatives.

“Integrating tree planting with broader landscape restoration efforts can enhance ecosystem resilience and provide a buffer against extreme weather events, supporting both natural habitats and human communities. In addition, fostering partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector can amplify the positive impact of tree-planting initiatives by pooling resources and expertise to achieve shared environmental objectives. One thing I observed around Abuja and its environs is that the activities of felling trees impacted so hugely on the health of most communities. By emphasizing education and awareness, communities can better understand the role of trees in environmental health, fostering a culture of stewardship that supports long-term ecological balance.” He stressed. 

He further explained that there is a need to continue educating the people as well as creating awareness on tree planting. “Incorporating green spaces into urban areas not only helps mitigate the urban heat island effect but also enhances air quality and provides recreational opportunities for city dwellers, thereby contributing to overall well-being and sustainability of the environment.”

Bingham University Celebrates World Environmental Day with Key Taking on Plastic Pollution, Tree Planting