News
Former Senate president called for an investigation into the killings in Gashua.
Former Senate president called for an investigation into the killings in Gashua.
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has called on military authorities to immediately investigate the killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade local government area of Yobe state.
The former Senate President, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Damaturu on Sunday, demanded swift investigation by the military into the tragic incident.
It was reported on Sunday that soldiers fired indiscriminately into groups of protesters who were approaching their stop-and-search checking point near Gashua Bridge to protest the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers in Gashu’a.
The statement further said, Reports indicate that a total of three (3) civilians were killed, while 12 people were taken to the Federal Medical Centre Nguru for treatment over injuries sustained from the attack by the soldiers.
Senator Ahmad Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defense, said that efforts must be made by the Nigerian Army to ensure that the perpetrators behind the acts of violence are held accountable and responsible for their actions.
He said, “Gashu’a community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperation with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town!”
Senator Ahmad Lawan further appealed to residents for calm, while assuring that he has already spoken with military authorities to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and dealt with according to the law. He emphasized that justice will be served.
He has also already taken full responsibility for the treatment of all those who were injured. Senator Ahmad added.
The statement read, “I am deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashu’a, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were among those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers.
“I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families.
“Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me informed of development. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all 12 people who sustained various forms of injuries from the attack by soldiers.
Senator Ahmad Lawan urges the community of Gashua in Bade local government area to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy.
“I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honor the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatur Firdaus.”
Former Senate president called for an investigation into the killings in Gashua.
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three men have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal weapons dealings in Bauchi State, security sources said.
The suspects, identified as Peter Pama and Saleh Monday, both of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani, were apprehended on Feb. 17 following intelligence on illicit arms activities.
Zagazola gathered that one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun from the suspects.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as security agencies work to determine the full extent of the arms network.
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an armed bandit attack in Gida Soda Village, Katsina State, neutralising two attackers and recovering a motorcycle, security sources said.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 when suspected bandits stormed the village. Troops, acting promptly in coordination with local police and Civil Watch Patrol Teams, engaged the attackers in an intense gunfight, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the operation, two of the bandits were neutralised, and a Boxer-brand motorcycle belonging to the group was recovered.
Tragically, one resident, Hassana Muhammad, 30, was reportedly fatally shot during the attack. She was rushed to Dansoda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Sources said efforts to track fleeing bandits and secure the area are ongoing.
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
By: Michael Mike
The 2026 edition of the Aquarian Consult’s Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS’26) will focus on boosting trade, investment, and private sector partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, targeting a combined market valued at $40 trillion across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The Chief of Staff of Aquarian Consult Ltd, Serumun Ubwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, ahead of the summit scheduled for March 23–28, 2026.
She described AACIS as a strategic platform designed to connect African businesses with Caribbean partners, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic collaboration across key sectors.
Ubwa highlighted that the inaugural AACIS in 2025 achieved landmark outcomes, including the establishment of the first direct flight from Africa to Saint Kitts and Nevis, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture and cultural exchange, and a $40 million deep-water port agreement. She said these successes set the stage for the 2026 summit, which will expand opportunities for trade and investment.
She revealed that the 2026 summit will introduce two specialized events: the Afri-Caribbean Agriculture and Food Security Summit (March 23–24) and the Afri-Caribbean Health Summit (March 26), running alongside the main Investment Summit from March 25–28.
“By focusing on agriculture and healthcare, we aim to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance food security, open new export markets for African producers, and support policy frameworks that reduce import dependence in the Caribbean,” Ubwa said.
She added that the summit will feature structured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking sessions, an Investor Deal Room managed by investment promotion agencies, and sector-specific engagements in agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, digital technology, and the creative economy.
Ubwa added that over 2,000 participants are expected, including current and former heads of government, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral institutions, and private sector leaders. She emphasised that AACIS seeks to strengthen South-South cooperation and increase Africa-Caribbean trade, which currently represents less than one per cent of total trade between the regions.
Interested participants are expected to register for the summit at www.aquarianconsult.com/AACIS.
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves one dead, three abducted
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
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
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
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
