Yobe attack story false, no such incident occurred – Zagazola Fact Check

By: Zagazola Makama

The reported killing of at least 84 people in Mafa community, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, is false and without basis, Zagazola Fact Check can authoritatively confirm.

Contrary to claims published by a national newspaper, no such attack or mass burial took place in the community. Checks across multiple security and government sources revealed that Yobe has remained largely peaceful, with residents pursuing their daily activities.

The Yobe State Police Command, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, and the Chairman of Tarmuwa Local Government Council have all dismissed the report, describing it as fictitious and misleading.

In a statement, Mamman Mohammed, Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, said the publication inflicted psychological trauma on residents of Mafa community and unfairly portrayed the state as under siege.

“It is a gross disservice to journalism for a newspaper to allow its reporter to mislead Nigerians and the world with such a false, baseless and unwarranted publication,” he said.

Mohammed said the government was deeply concerned that the fabricated report could damage Yobe’s image, which has benefited from sustained peace-building efforts over the past years.

Fact-checks by Zagazola further confirmed that no police record, security briefing, record from Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai and Theartre Command or community report supported the claims of 150 terrorists storming Mafa, nor the alleged burial of dozens of victims in Babangida. Residents contacted by Zagazola also confirmed there had been no such incident.

We wonder what motive lay behind the publication of such an unfounded story, which exists only in fiction. This reporter could put the credibility of the Newspaper on the line by circulating a report that collapses under basic scrutiny.

The public is therefore advised to disregard the report in its entirety. Yobe State, and Mafa community in particular, remain peaceful and calm.
End

AnambraDecides2025: Politicians in Anambra Cautioned Against Use of Hake Speech

By: Michael Mike

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), has strongly cautioned political actors in Anambra State against the use of hate speech and the spread of disinformation/fakenews as the gubernatorial election approaches.

SIDEC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that promotes democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance,

SIDEC, in a statement on Thursday, highlighted the urgency for all candidates, especially those from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), to refrain from making inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions in the political environment.

SIDEC said political actors in Anambra State should desist from hate speech and disinformation/fake news before, during and after the Anambra Guber Poll in November 2025.

SIDEC noted that hate speech and disinformation/fakenews pose a serious threat to democratic values and social cohesion, undermining the foundation of a stable society. Promoting unity and understanding among candidates and voters.

AnambraDecides2025: Politicians in Anambra Cautioned Against Use of Hake Speech

Minister of Environment: Nigeria Working Towards Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has revealed that Nigeria is presently working towards the transition to low-sulphur fuels.

The Minister disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the third International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with other Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as key stakeholders such as NNPCL, SON, and DPR, are working towards the transition to low-sulphur fuels. The Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) for petroleum products have been reviewed in line with AFRI IV standards and will soon be implemented.”

Lawal said: “On vehicular emissions, the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is promoting clean air by discouraging the importation of old vehicles, encouraging local manufacturing, and advancing the adoption of alternative fuels such as CNG and LNG.

“The Government also supports the

importation of electric vehicles, efficient mass transport systems (rail and waterways), and prioritizes CNG for its low emissions and affordability, with plans for a gradual transition to hydrogen and

electric vehicles. I am further pleased to announce Government approval of a Green Hydrogen Project in partnership with UNIDO, while also developing a framework for States to establish Vehicular Emissions Testing Centres in line with global best practices.”

He also disclosed that “Ministry of Environment is advancing a National Policy on Air Quality Management alongside

the youth-led National Clean Air Programme under the slogan #BreatheEasyNigeria. With support from the Pediatric Association of

Nigeria, UNDP, and Bhustan Energy & Environmental Services, we are raising awareness using credible data and engaging young people whose fragile lungs deserve protection.”

He said: “Today, the Department of

Pollution Control and Environmental Health is signing an MoU with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria to extend clean air

advocacy to all 774 Local Government Areas.”

He noted that the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is aimed at raising public awareness on the essential role of clean air in survival, productivity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The global goal is to achieve a 50% reduction of all forms of air pollution by 2030, calling on all to commit to conscious choices that reduce air pollution—especially in their daily activities at home such as cooking.

He decried that: “Globally, air pollution is recognized as the leading environmental health risk, causing over seven million deaths annually even more than malaria and HIV/AIDS combined. Nigeria shares this burden, as air pollution is linked to stroke, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, cataracts, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The cost of global inaction remains severe, with devastating impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. In Nigeria, bush burning, vehicular emissions, gas flaring, and venting

remain major contributors to pollution with negative effects on bothhuman health and ecosystems.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mahmud Kambari had said the

National Clean Air Programme represents a coordinated framework to protect our environment, safeguard public health, and align with global best practices.

He added that: “Today, we are witnessing groundbreaking innovative solutions that make it easier for every Nigerian to get involved in our mission to tackle air pollution. Together, we can turn the tide on this silent killer. Let’s work together and Breathe Easily.”

Minister of Environment: Nigeria Working Towards Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels