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Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
By: Zagazola Makama
The promotion of Brig.-Gen. SM Uba, Director Defence Information, to the prestigious rank of Major General should have been a moment of pride and celebration for his family, colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Instead, it coincided with one of the most disturbing episodes of misinformation targeting a serving senior military office an episode that point to the devastating human cost of fake news.
In recent days, malicious actors repeatedly circulated photographs of the officer online, falsely claiming he was dead. While the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the rumour, the damage was already done.
Unknown to many, the fake news triggered panic, trauma and emotional distress within his family. When the false reports first emerged, his wife and children broke down in tears, unable to process the sudden shock. Despite repeated attempts to reassure them that he was alive and well, they remained inconsolable until they travelled to Abuja to see him physically.
Even more heartbreaking is the fact that as at Wednesday, the same misleading posts were still circulating at the exact moment he was promoted to his new rank as a Major General.
This contrast the spread of a death hoax against the backdrop of a well-deserved promotion captures the cruel reality of misinformation in the digital age. It is not just a threat to public order. It destroys families, inflicts psychological harm, undermines institutions and disrespects the honour of those who dedicate their lives to national service.
Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers and their informants following the abduction of ten persons between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State.
Sources said the suspects were traced to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and implicated Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all from Koso village, as their accomplices.
In a subsequent operation, Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara was also arrested and admitted that his son, Buba Maiyara, together with his associates, were responsible for the abductions and cattle rustling in the area.
Sources said that the case remains under investigation.
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked Kwandawa village in Sokoto State in the early hours of November 26, kidnapping several residents, but most of the victims were rescued unharmed.
Zagazola report that the assailants, described as numerous and carrying sophisticated weapons, invaded the village around 2:30 a.m., firing sporadically and abducting an unspecified number of people.
A coordinated response engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes with apparent gunshot injuries.
While the majority of the kidnapped villagers were rescued unhurt, two victims remain unaccounted for. No casualties were reported among the villagers or the responding security personnel.
Security forces are combing the surrounding area to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the bandits, with neighboring districts alerted to block potential escape routes.
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A vigilante member was shot dead on Wednesday during an attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters at a vigilante camp in Kanamma town, Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 1839 hours when the assailants stormed the camp, opening fire on the victims.
The deceased, identified as Dauda Bamai, 35, of Kanamma, was pronounced dead by a medical doctor in Kanamma.
Security forces have intensified monitoring and patrols in the area to track down the attackers.
Boko Haram attack kills vigilante in Yobe
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
Armed bandits attack Kwandawa village in Sokoto, most kidnapped victims rescued
Troops foiled Armed bandits’ attack at Bulunku Zamzam Hotel in Gusau
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