More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola

By: Bodunrin Kayode

More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu route before the formation of the rapid response squad (RRS) in Borno state.

Some were killed on the spot while on their journeys but hundreds were wheeled into the savanna by dare devil insurgents who slaughtered them like cattle when they resisted certain crazy directives before the advent of the RRS.

Casualties caused by boko haram insurgents on the Damaturu Maiduguri road alone became so alarming that Governor Babagana Zulum had to step in with the formation of (RRS) five years ago to ameliorate the situation.

These were the words of the Commander of the RRS squad Abioye Babalola in a recent chat with this reporter during an operational visit of the Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru to their base.

Before now, he noted, there was no easy movement by commuters on this route but the coming of RRS has eased that wickedness by the insurgents on the road.

” RRS has become a single strike unit of the State government and it has been serving the state diligently without any fear.

“The CP is passionate about the squad which is why he came to see things for himself and know where we have challenges and where he can make his input.

” For instance about twelve officers do not have office accommodation to work effectively and many more of these similar challenges which the CP intends to handle for the squad” Assistant Commissioner of Police Babalola posited.

The RRS squad established Jan 10, 2010 is made up of men of the Nigerian police in charge of internal security and all the paramilitary agencies in the state including the civilian joint task force (JTF) known to have been fighting along side troops in the last fifteen years.

The visit further revealed that the Borno state Police command has been able to arrest 1,541 suspects for various forms of infractions against the laws of the land during the period under review.

This massive haul of arrests which occurred especially during the period of the arrival of the new CP includes 32 dismissed military personnel alleged to have been involved in various forms of criminal activities in the state.

The RRS commander revealed that 1,164 suspect were convicted, 247 released, 1,197 charged to court with 64 still under detention and awaiting trial.

Commander Babalola said that the squad also recovered exhibits from the suspects which include dangerous weapons, military uniforms. illegal drugs worth N27.1m and many more.

Meanwhile, the Borno Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru has commended the squad for their efforts in fighting all manner of criminality and charged them to be professional in all their duties.

RRS now has extra patrol routes between Mafa and Maiduguri apart from Maiduguri Gubio to Mongonu where they are stationed at Mongumeri along the way.

More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola

NUJ Makes case for a Media Enhancement Bill coupled with Health Insurance for Journalists

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has perfected plans for the passage of a “Media Enhancement Bill” aimed at improving welfare packages and working conditions for journalists across the country.

NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, stated this recently during a “veteran journalists interactive forum” in Kano, organised by the NUJ Kano State Council in collaboration with the State Ministry for Information and Internal Affairs.

Yahaya noted that the proposed bill, which is already attracting sponsorship from members of the House of Representatives, would address poor remuneration in the profession and provide a legal framework for better welfare.

“We blow other people’s trumpets but not ours. It is time we stood firm and work collectively to ensure the bill is passed.” Said the President.

He also called for the introduction of a practicable health insurance for journalists, revealing that less than one per cent currently have coverage in the country.

According to him, with an annual premium of N15,000 under the State health insurance scheme, journalists could access healthcare at all levels, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and promoting universal health coverage.

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, pointed out that the state had implemented wide-ranging reforms to strengthen media capacity, enhance transparency, and improve communication between government and citizens.

He highlighted the revival of in-house publications, rehabilitation of the ministry’s library, and stronger relations with media executives, political commentators, and civil society groups.

Also speaking former NUJ National President, Malam Sani Zoro, cautioned against misinformation and misuse of artificial intelligence, urging the union to adopt global best practices and invest in professional training.

Stakeholders at the dialogue commended Kano State for being widely regarded as Nigeria’s most media-friendly state, citing significant investments in journalism infrastructure, human capital development, and the clearance of pension arrears for retired journalists.

They recommended quarterly dialogues, mentorship programmes by veteran journalists, and continuous capacity-building to boost professionalism.

The interactive session brought together veteran journalists, academics, and media practitioners to address ethical standards and strengthen public trust in the media.

NUJ Makes case for a Media Enhancement Bill coupled with Health Insurance for Journalists

Maiduguri Residents Panic as Transformer in the City’s Electricity Gas Plant explodes

By: Bodunrin Kayode

There was mild drama in the city of Maiduguri recently as residents expressed worries at a sudden build up of security around the bolori electricity gas plant on baga road.

The route in front of the plant which is usually motorable from the down side of Baga road to western was suddenly closed to commuters until the wee hours of tuesday night.

The entire traffic to the centre of the city was moved to the other lane which takes traffic from Western back to Baga road until the wee hours of the night.

While commuters moved around in hushed tones thinking there was Intel that the plant was under threat, others continued their normal lives as if nothing happened.

Very late in the night security sources hinted that it was not necessarily a major threat but a preventive move by the military to avert panic in the city when one of the transformers blew up towards the end of yesterday.

“There was a fire outbreak at one of the transformers in the gas plant. But the fire was doused around 1800hrs. The troops deployed at the plant maintained an active posture to deter anyone that might take advantage of the situation.”

However in spite of the temporary set back in one of the transformers, electricity supply into the city has been consistent throughout the week.

Maiduguri Residents Panic as Transformer in the City’s Electricity Gas Plant explodes