News
FCTA begins mass demolition of ‘illegal’ buildings in Abuja
Nigeria Govt. begins mass demolition of ‘illegal’ buildings in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has on Wednesday began the mass demolition of what it called illegal structures behind the old Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Abuja.
The administration had in February 2022 issued a demolition notice to owners of the structures with a reminder on March 1 to leave the place.
Ikharo Attah, Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT minister, who led the exercise, told journalists that the FCTA was worried about the rate at which shanties were springing up in the area.
He regretted that the secretariat that houses the interior and trade and investment ministries have been taken over by the illegal structures which constituted a security threat to the nation’s capital.
Mr Attah explained that the demolition followed a series of complaints received from security agencies and concerned persons, recently.
“It is worrisome, we have been receiving series of complaints from security agencies and concerned persons, so, as part of our efforts to clean the federal capital of shanties, we have to start the pulling down of the illegal structures,” he explained.
“The FCT Administration will not allow shanties to take over ministries of Interior and that of Trade and Investment with other key ministries.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Reiterates Commitment To Global Environmental Sustainability
The official stressed that the FCTA would have demolished the structures in 2021 but “because of the wet season we had to leave it till now, dry season.”
He added, “Even now is not easy but we have to do it. We warned them time without number to vacate the place.”
On claims by owners of the structures that they were internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Borno, Mr Attah said the IDPs were few in number on the fringes of the Dunamis Church and near the main road.
However, Ali Ndume (APC-Borno) who visited the area during the exercise, called for profiling of the IDPs. “We are all Nigerians, we must obey rules and regulations, there is nothing wrong with demolishing structures serving as a security threat to offices belonging to senior government officials,” said the Borno senator.
“Therefore, let all of you that know that you are IDPs write down your names for proper documentation.”
NAN
Twenty abducted villagers rescued in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
All the 20 persons abducted from Dunfawa village in Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been rescued unharmed, security sources have confirmed.
The victims were abducted earlier on Saturday by armed bandits who stormed the village, sparking fear among residents of the area.
Sources told Zagazola that the victims were rescued at about 4:00 p.m. following sustained pressure mounted on the abductors by joint security patrol teams operating in the Moriki axis.
According to the sources, the rescue operation involved coordinated efforts by security forces deployed to the area, which forced the bandits to abandon their captives.
“All the 20 abducted persons were rescued safely and without injuries. They were taken to a government hospital for medical check-up and later debriefed before being reunited with their families,” the sources said.
They added that joint patrols had been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks and to facilitate possible rescue of other victims in nearby communities.
Residents of Dunfawa village expressed relief over the rescue, while calling for sustained security presence to prevent future abductions.
Twenty abducted villagers rescued in Zamfara
Adamawa Pastor Encourages Members to Obtain PVC, NIN
Rev. Maxwell Kuri, resident Pastor, ECWA Goodnews upper Luggere Jimeta, Yola, encouraged every eligible church member to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) on time, as the 2027 general elections approached.
Kuri who is also the Chairman, DCC, made the call in his new year message with the theme: “Keep Your Lamps Burning”, on Sunday in Yola.
He also called on them to as well get their National Identification Number (NIN) due to its importance.
Kuri urged them not to be discouraged by the long queues adding that such should not be an excuse.
Kuri said, early preparations were key, therefore encourage them to actively participate in politics,
“We also encourage you to take interest in governance, participate responsibly in politics and join political parties of your choices, so that good values, integrity and the fear of God can influence leadership in our nation.
“Let us not only pray for Nigeria but also play our part as responsible citizens,”he said.
Kuri further urged members to act with wisdom and responsibility as well as prepare for the service in 2026 and show love for one another.
The Pastor further urged his members, to continue praying for national development, as the Federal Government had implemented the comprehensive tax reform in January.
He said, the reform was aimed to strengthening the fiscal foundation, promote fairness, economic growth and shared national responsibility.
“Beloved members of ECWA Goodnews Church, Jimeta Yola, it is important that we continue to pray earnestly for our nation and also act with wisdom and responsibility as citizens of Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the Federal Government has recently introduced a comprehensive tax reform scheduled to take effect from Jan. 1.
“While these reforms are intended to benefit the broader economy and serve the common good, we also acknowledge the ongoing public discussions and concerns surrounding their implementation and impact,” the cleric said.
Adamawa Pastor Encourages Members to Obtain PVC, NIN
Kwankwaso: I’ll only defect to another party if offered 2027 presidential or VP ticket
By: Michael Mike
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he would only consider defecting to another party if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso also condemned the planned defection by Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of betrayal.
Speaking to NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano on Wednesday, the former governor said despite his political journey spanning four decades, his supporters nationwide would only accept a defection if it guarantees him the top two positions in the next election.
Kwankwaso: I’ll only defect to another party if offered 2027 presidential or VP ticket
Twenty abducted villagers rescued in Zamfara
Adamawa Pastor Encourages Members to Obtain PVC, NIN
Kwankwaso: I’ll only defect to another party if offered 2027 presidential or VP ticket
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
