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Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints
Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints
By Hajara Usman
The Gombe State Ministry of Health says it has set a target of 1,000 pints of blood from voluntary donors, with 250 pints already collected to help save lives.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, disclosed this during the celebration of the State Blood Donation Day in Gombe on Saturday.
He said the initiative was aimed at saving lives and addressing the persistent shortage of blood in hospitals across the state.
According to him, the donated blood will be distributed to specialist and general hospitals across the 11 Local Government Areas, as well as the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
“Coincidentally, today is Valentine’s Day, and we are celebrating it by showing love through the donation of blood.
“This humanitarian gesture will go a long way in saving lives, especially for patients in emergency situations, pregnant women, accident victims and those undergoing surgery,” Dahiru said.
He noted that access to safe blood remains a challenge for many families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for a pint due to poverty.
The free donation drive, he explained, is designed to ensure that no life is lost due to the inability to access blood when needed.
Dr Ben Tswabki, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), who attended the event, described the initiative as laudable.
He expressed optimism that deaths resulting from blood shortages could become a thing of the past if such efforts are sustained.
“Some people cannot even afford a pint of blood because of financial constraints. With this donation campaign, many lives will be saved,” he said.
Tswabki also commended the state government and voluntary donors for their commitment.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe, Dr Manassah Jatau, described the day as a special moment to appeal to the spirit of humanity and compassion among citizens.
He called on residents to continue supporting one another through voluntary blood donation, emphasising that saving lives is a collective responsibility.
He expressed deep appreciation to all blood donors, particularly religious organisations, for their strong participation and commitment to the cause.
Jatau stressed that blood stored in the state’s blood bank is not for sale and assured the public that strict monitoring measures would be put in place, including oversight of medical personnel, to ensure transparency and accountability.
He added that the overwhelming response from donors reflects the unity and love that the people of Gombe have for one another, describing it as a powerful demonstration of community spirit and solidarity.
Blood Donation Campaign in Gombe Targets 1,000 Pints
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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