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EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

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EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

By: Balami  Lazarus 

One man with a Holy Bible forcefully tried in an attempt to disjoint and change the course of history of the 100-year centenary celebration of EYN-CCBN in Nigeria. What is the rationale for “celebring 100 years of existence at two different locations”?  Likes of one Rev. Joel Billi, who lacks a sense of history, if given the chance, will turn historical events and their marks upside-down and inside-out to create different versions and interpretations. 

Men are subjects of history and have always neglected the importance of their footprints in the place of history, failing to realize that their activities could be a topic of history in discourse. The tempest raised by Rev. Billi at the wake of the 100-year centenary celebration of Ekklesiya Yan’uwa a Nigeriya, Church of Brethren in Nigeria (EYN– CBN ) was alarming, dire, appalling, and hair-rraising that shook the church founded over 100 years ago: March 1923, to March 17th, 2024 (101 years) as of now.

As an observer of the events, I write not only in support of one Mr. Yohanna Yusufu Balami (YY Balami), as he is known. His book, “Emerging Issues and Concerns: The 76th EYN General Church Council (Majelisa),” 2023. Has brought to light the deliberate distortion and near-death of the history of EYN Church in Nigeria. Rev. Joel, the President of EYN-CCBN was at the peak of this urgly and unhealthy situation that nearly consumed EYN as a Christian organization with her churches and members. 

Looking at the issues from a historical perspective, considering the fact that Rev. Billi has discredited the true and correct source of a living history from his actions in the aftermath of the church centenary celebration to mark its 100 years of existence at Garkida, where it first started in 1923,. He began this by using the privileges of his official capacity as President of EYN-CCBN to change the course of the living history of the church that first appeared in Ladin Gabas’ northeastern Nigeria, where it was planted precisely on March 17, 1923, under a living tamarind tree at Garkida in Adamawa State by two white, humble missionaries, Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser.

The news of circumventing the centenary celebration has turned the entire church council into confusion; clerics and members were disturbed by this eruption. With repeated rejection of Rev. Stephen Billi intentions that lack merit with no justification, only but to distort and change the history of origin, date, and site bore out of selfishness wrapped in greed, ethnic and monetary capitalization on the gainers chart, nurtured and promoted by him.

The concerned elders of the church and other high-profile personalities from the region, Rev. Joel, refused to shift ground, and of course darkness fell that came with a thick smell of breakup rearing its head among her many church branches. He was near achieving this feat through the disunity he created, powered, and sponsored through his throng of’vultures’  for the sole purpose of personal interest by tempering with the history of 100 years. Rev. Billi has technically distorted the church history of Nigeria.

In spite of the historical relics—tombs and plagues—on and under the living Tamarind Tree, individuals like Rev. Billi have had the guts to dare see such glaring evidence of church history long before he was born. “All other places the EYN missionaries went to were on different dates after March 17, 1923. Kwarhi was not there and has no significant attachment to its history dating back to 100 years.

The 17th of March 1923 will always and forever remain our Founders Day in Garkida under the blessed Tamarind Tree, making it our spiritual headquarterss.”  My individual concern is the near collapse of the church and the damage to the rich history of EYN-CCBN. The question on the lips of members is: What has March 15, 2023, to do with the coming of Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser? I put it to Rev. Joel Stephen Billi that this is but a broad-day robbery of EYN history. However, the cries of members and some well-meaning individuals in the public have helped to water down his intentions, which might have caused catastrophe for the entire EYN Church. I believe such will and shall not happen again in EYN-CBN as a church.

Balami, a publisher and columnist.

EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree 

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PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
 
By: Our Reporter

President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
 
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
 
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
 
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
 
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
 
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
 
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE

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Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

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Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”

A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.

On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.

Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026

Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.

.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.

Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

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Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

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Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.

Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.

He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.

“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

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