News
Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners
Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners
By: Michael Mike
The National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Borno State chapter has said despite the massive fund expended on security in the state, the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has remained focused and committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.
The commendation was given by the Chairman of the NUP in the state, Comrade Musa Alhaji Bukar, during a meeting in Maiduguri with executives from 30 branches, including those from the 27 local government areas.
Comrade Bukar noted that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from one hundred million (N100 million) to two hundred million (N200 million) has significantly improved the lives and families of many, contributing to economic development.
The NUP Chairman also mentioned that Governor Zulum had paid 50% pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for the years 2021 to 2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears of 534 retirees across the 27 local government areas.
He highlighted that the payment of 25% gratuity to 500 Primary School Teachers, the settlement of gratuities for Local Government Retirees, the continuous payment of monthly pensions without delay, the resolution of 25% payments to late cases in the state, and the clearance of 399 outstanding pension arrears to the primary school board represent significant progress. He applauded the swift approval and release of billions of naira and encouraged the government to continue its support by reviewing pensions to help retirees cope with the rising cost of goods and services in the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for honoring this invitation. It is an occasion for us to meet and discuss our achievements and the way forward,” said Comrade Bukar. “On behalf of the NUP in Borno, I commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his dedication to improving the retirees’ plight through prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.”
He added that: “We greatly appreciate Governor Zulum for the increased payments of outstanding gratuities to our state retirees, which has transformed many lives and families towards economic development.”
Bukar urged the government to not rest on its laurels but to come to the aid of pensioners by adjusting pensions to help those with minimal funds withstand the inflation of goods and services in the state.
Meanwhile, among the communiqués issued at the end of the NUP meeting was a strong call on other state governors to emulate Zulum in addressing the plight of the citizenry, particularly retired and serving civil servants, and to foster unity among its members.
Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Imo State have arrested two suspected terrorist kingpins and their sponsors, recovering assorted arms, ammunition, and criminal charms during coordinated operations across several local government areas.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the arrests followed a joint military and tactical unit operation that trailed fleeing members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN from Ukwuorji in Mbaitoli LGA to Umuele in Umuaka, Njaba LGA.
During the operation, one of the suspects, Paschal Ibuaku, was tracked down and apprehended in Obudi Agwa, Oguta LGA, where he was allegedly initiating new recruits. Another suspect, Mgbojiso Odunze, said to be one of the new members, was also arrested.
Recovered from the suspects were two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, assorted ammunition, and various charms.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Ibuaku confessed to multiple crimes, including terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder.
He reportedly admitted to participating in the killing of HRM Eze Dr. I.O. Asor, the traditional ruler of Agwa community, on Oct. 14, 2022, and several other homicides in Oguta and its environs.
He also identified two alleged sponsors of the terrorist group — Magnus Ejiogu (alias Emu) of Obudi Agwa, and Miletus Ihueze (alias Egede) of Amakohia-Ubi. Both men were subsequently arrested in separate operations.
Security sources said Ejiogu allegedly paid ₦1 million to the group’s commander, identified as Uzondu Nneji, to assassinate the late monarch, while Ihueze, a native doctor, was accused of fortifying the terrorists and allegedly paying ₦4 million for the same purpose over a land dispute.
Weapons, ammunition, and charms were also recovered from Ihueze’s shrine.
Sources added that other suspects connected to the group remain at large, while the case will soon be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits on Saturday attacked a Customs checkpoint along Luma–Babana Road in Niger State, killing one person.
The incident occurred after Customs operatives intercepted suspected bandit informants and food suppliers who were transporting fuel in jerry cans on motorcycles at Luma Audu Fari-Kuka village.
Upon receiving information about the interception, the bandits reportedly stormed the area and opened fire, killing Suleiman, a Customs camp assistant from New Bussa.
The deceased’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, New Bussa, for autopsy.
Efforts are underway to track down the assailants, while other areas in the axis remain calm and under control.
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Ohirigwe Village in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into mourning following the gruesome killing of a 15-year-old boy, identified as Sunday Ela, whose beheaded body was discovered on a farm.
According to community sources, the incident occurred on Oct. 15 when one John Adima, a native of the area but resident in Ondo State, asked the deceased to accompany him to his farm. Adima, however, later returned home without the boy and subsequently fled the village to an unknown destination.
Villagers, suspecting foul play, organized a search party which led to the discovery of the teenager’s decapitated body on the farm.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community as residents intensify efforts to locate the fleeing suspect.
Authorities have commenced investigations to uncover the motive behind the killing and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Teenager beheaded on farm in Benue community
Security forces arrest terrorist kingpins, Killers of Traditional Ruler and sponsors in Imo
Bandits kill one in attack on Customs checkpoint in Niger
Man arrested with 15 bags of cannabis in Abuja
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