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Group urges Aiyedatiwa to seek for experience hands as Deputy…Suggest former Speaker, Olabimtan
Group urges Aiyedatiwa to seek for experience hands as Deputy
…Suggest former Speaker, Olabimtan
By: Michael Mike
As the search for a new Deputy Governor for Ondo State is ongoing, a group, Ondo state Positive Thinkers on Friday urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to seek for an experience hand that would help him stabilise the state.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in as the governor of the state following the demise of Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu who lost the battle against prostrate cancer on Wednesday morning.
The governor had been reported to have started consultations across the state and outside the state.
He was in Lagos on Thursday where he had a close door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Though, he has promised the president to mobilise all stakeholders in his domain to move the state forward, the group said the governor would however need to achieve this by the calibre of choices he made first hid Deputy Governor and also members of his Executive Cabinet.
The group in a statement signed by its President, Balogun Bodeola and made available to journalists in Abuja stressed, that “the challenge before Aiyedatiwa right now is how to reconcile the already fractured state following the political crisis that engulfed the state in the last three months or also.
“We therefore call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to avoid picking a deputy that would not add value to governance in the state.
“Mr. Governor needs a deputy that understands the political dynamics in the state and also a political stabilizer, a bridge builder that would help rebuild the already broken bridges in the state.
“Though some names have been thrown up and also behind the scene lobbying have been ongoing, we feel that the governor needs a grassroot politician who would help him settle down to work and also humble enough to help Mr. Governor galvernise the people of the state behind him.
“In this wise, we want to suggest Hon. Victor Olabimtan who is not new to the Akeredolu-Aiyedatiwa camp.
“The 66 years old graduate of History, University of Lagos, is currently the Executive Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board since 2022, hails from Supare-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“Olabimtan was the Director General for Akete in 2016 and he also played the same role during Akete re-election in 2020.
“A former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and one time governorahip aspirant, Olabimtan has political contact across the state, which puts him in a better position to help the governor reconcile the already divided state.
“Olabitan, an astute politician and a grassroot mobiliser is the kind of person that the governor needs right now to help stabilise the state because of his reach and contacts.
“As a group seeking the best for Mr. Governor and the state, we believe that Olabimtan would be a political asset.
“With his experience and contact, we are rest assured that he would help the governor to quickly settle down in office. “
Group urges Aiyedatiwa to seek for experience hands as Deputy
…Suggest former Speaker, Olabimtan
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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