News
ACReSAL Task Team Lead Calls for Hydrological Assessment to Cushion Flooding in Benue State

ACReSAL Task Team Lead Calls for Hydrological Assessment to Cushion Flooding in Benue State
By: Michael Mike
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the Senior Environment Specialist at the World Bank Nigeria Office and Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL Project, has expressed concerns about the geological situation in Zone C of Benue state. She recommends conducting a hydrological assessment of the area to explore its groundwater potential. “Let’s deploy the necessary technology and conduct a detailed technical study of the area’s groundwater potential,” she said.
Speaking during the ongoing joint World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Hybrid Implementation Support Mission for the ACReSAL Project in Benue state, Dr. Agene emphasized the need for an integrated policy on Environment, Water Resources, Climate Change, and Agriculture to ensure the project’s sustainability. She commended the state government for its efforts so far and requested an update on the gazettes of parks in the state.
Regarding riparian areas, Dr. Agene highlighted the need for intervention around the River Benue to mitigate the impact of flooding, which has destroyed livelihoods and claimed lives. She emphasized that Benue state should develop activities to protect people living in flood-prone areas, as the ACReSAL Project aims to reclaim at least 50,000 hectares of riparian areas, with Benue state targeting 20,000 hectares.
Mr. Abudulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL project, emphasized the importance of sustainability plans for investments like tractors. He expressed gratitude to the Benue state government for its support and participation in the project.
Hon. Odoh Ugwu, the Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, welcomed the mission team and appealed for their support in addressing issues beneficial to the state and the entire Northern region. He assured the team of the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s continuity and sustainability.
Other speakers, including Mr. Lawal from the Federal Ministry of Finance, emphasized the need for continuity and sustainability of investments, timely repayment of Community Resolving Fund (CRF) loans.
The ACReSAL State Project Coordinator highlighted the state government’s efforts, including the payment of 1 billion naira in counterpart funds. He noted the provision of 50 solar-powered boreholes to communities under the ACReSAL Project amongst other achievements so far.
ACReSAL Task Team Lead Calls for Hydrological Assessment to Cushion Flooding in Benue State
Crime
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election

Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Taraba has arrested some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and recovered election materials allegedly diverted during the by-election for Karim Lamido I Constituency of the State House of Assembly.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Sunday that the arrests followed credible intelligence provided by party agents.
The sources said the incident occurred on Aug. 16 at about 2:20 p.m. when a team of policemen intercepted the suspects at a private residence in Angwan Sarkin Panya village.
Those arrested included Gideon Amos, 49, an Assistant Presiding Officer II assigned to Polling Unit 16, Angwan Yusuf Dogo, Bikwin Ward, and two others identified as Matthew Jayi, 47, and Tiasama Mathias Musa, 32.
The suspects allegedly diverted materials meant for three polling units PU 005 Gandara, PU 016 Angwan Yusuf Dogo, and PU 029 Angwan Sarkin Primary School — to the residence.
Items recovered from them included three ballot boxes, two BIVAS machines, 19 booklets and 20 pieces of ballot papers, two stamp pads with ink, one marker, and two result sheets.
The sources also disclosed that in the process of resisting the diversion, a police officer on election duty, PC Christian Garba, had his uniform forcibly removed by hoodlums who fled with it.
The sources added that voting had ended in most polling units and collation of results was in progress while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
End
Crime
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections

Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command says it has intercepted 107 suspected political thugs and recovered arms and dangerous weapons during the ongoing re-run and by-elections in the state.


Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Aug. 16 at about 11:00 a.m., followed credible intelligence and was carried out jointly with the military, DSS and other security services.
It was gathered that 20 vehicles conveying the suspected thugs, believed to have been imported from neighbouring states, were intercepted across the affected local government areas.
Items recovered from the suspects included four locally fabricated rifles, axes, cutlasses, daggers, swords, and sticks.
Security sources said the elections in the affected areas were marred by violence, thuggery, stuffing of thumb-printed ballot papers, threats, and intimidation of voters, as well as alleged inducement of electorates by government officials.
The sources added that operations were still ongoing to restore peace and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
News
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother

Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijani, among many dignitaries, attended the funeral prayer of the mother of the acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Hajja Bintu, in Maiduguri.

Late Hajja Bintu Mohammed died on Friday at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 75, leaving behind five children.
The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Zannah Laisu Ibrahim, on Saturday evening.

Governor Zulum, accompanied by his deputy Umar Kadafur, were among the family members and associates at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport to receive the body of late Hajja Bintu earlier before the funeral prayer.
The funeral was also attended by various officials, including National and State Assembly members, cabinet members, heads of government agencies, local government officials, friends and family members.
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
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