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Governor Buni speaks on unity of residents in the state as he celebrates Baba Fika as the latest SAN in the state
Governor Buni speaks on unity of residents in the state as he celebrates Baba Fika as the latest SAN in the state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni has appealed to residents of the state to discourage negative socio-cultural, religious and political sentiments which acts as indices that would define their relationships as it concerns the very unity of the state.
He stated this at a reception in honor of Barrister Baba Dala Fika, who was conferred with the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Buni said his administration is committed to building a state that guarantees a true sense of belonging to all sons and daughters of the state.
“We will not give room to cultural, ethnic, political, social status and religious differences to define who we are, or determine our unity as a people” he emphasized.
He assured that his administration would continue to accord education a top priority to improve human capital development as a measure to fast track development in the state.
“I wish to reassure the good people of Yobe state that our administration is committed to providing the needed infrastructure, manpower, and payment of examination fees to every child, to meet our objective of providing free education to all school-aged children in the state.
“It is heartwarming that the conferment of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria on this illustrious son of the state has come at a time when our administration is investing hugely in the study of professional and specialized courses including law, as part of the strategy to reinvigorate education in our dear state.
“I am glad to state with a sense of fulfilment that the declaration of State of Emergency on education in the state has significantly improved the performances of our students in external examinations, preparing them adequately qualified to gain admissions into tertiary institutions, and successfully completing their advanced studies in and outside the country” he noted .
Meanwhile, over 500 law graduates from various universities in the last four years have been supported by the state government to pursue professional certificates at the Nigeria Law School.
The State government this year sponsored 221 law graduates with registration fees of N475,000 and a laptop computer each, with candidates of other professional courses including medical sciences and accountancy were also sponsored by the state government.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you may recall that the state government sponsored 233 students mostly from indigent families to study in India. It is with a sense of fulfilment that l inform you that last week, we celebrated the return of 171 fresh graduates in Medicine, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Information Technology, Civil, Mechanical, Agricultural and Petroleum Engineering among others who have just completed their studies in reputable Universities in India, and graduated with flying colours with 62 others still pursuing their studies in line with the duration and other requirements of their courses.
“Today, over 38,000 Yobe state students on government sponsorship are pursuing first degrees, Masters and Doctorate degrees in various universities, Colleges and Polytechnics. Similarly, we have granted scholarships to over 400 students studying in the United Kingdom, Egypt, United States of America, Malaysia, Jordan, Turkey, and Russia among others.
“Let me take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the good people of Yobe state for supporting our policies and programmes which have contributed immensely to the modest achievements recorded by our administration.
“I want to specifically appreciate our illustrious sons and daughters who are selflessly serving on the Education Trust Fund board. Your prudence in managing the fund to achieve maximum results is worthy of commendation. I hereby reassure you of our support and complete independence to execute your assignment for us to achieve our set goals.
“l will not end this address without expressing my profound gratitude to our elder statesman whose support, cooperation and patriotism have massively contributed to our quest to build a state that guarantees a true sense of belonging and unity.” Said Buni.
Governor Buni speaks on unity of residents in the state as he celebrates Baba Fika as the latest SAN in the state
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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