Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed attackers suspected to have come from Bandawa Gwenzo community have invaded a herders’ residence at Yompi in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing several livestock.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred late on Monday, July 7, at about 10:45 p.m., was reported by a resident of the community who said the assailants stormed the settlement and began shooting indiscriminately.

According to preliminary findings, two cows and eight sheep were killed in the attack, while four other cows and eight sheep sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Security operatives visited the scene on Tuesday morning to assess the damage and commence investigations into the incident.

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. Residents of the affected area have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock

BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

By:Michael Mike

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) has concluded plans to construct and operate a 500,000 barrel per day (BPD) refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in Ogboti, Eruuna and establish the Sunshine Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The refinery, a joint venture with the Ondo State Government represented by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will cost $15 billion, with phase one expected to be completed within 48 months.

BINL is exploring partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to facilitate the delivery of this ultra-modern crude oil refinery.

According to a statement on Wednesday. BINL has scheduled a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on July 14, 2025.

BINL and the Ondo State Government represented by ONDIPA, will then formally execute memoranda of understanding on July 15, 2025 to kick off the delivery of these projects.

According to BINL, a multi-sectoral infrastructure development company with offices in Abuja, London and Zug, this project will be phased commencing with a 100,000 refinery.

BINL’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Mr Wale Adekola, said the BINL refinery will provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products for the international market.

The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.

The development framework includes a comprehensive and strict governance structure the development of the local community in compliance with international standards and relevant laws.

According to Adekola, these projects will contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s trade deficit, conserving foreign exchange reserves, increasing government revenue and economic development.

He said at the state and local levels, these projects will create local jobs, stimulate the local economy through increased demand for goods and services, noting that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy includes community engagement programmes, such as education initiatives, local employment quotas, and infrastructure development for surrounding communities.

He revealed that the company is engaging local stakeholders early to mitigate potential opposition to the project.

BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State

Alliance, a rescue mission, not for power-grabbing – Gombe coalition

A coalition of opposition parties in Gombe State has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Unveiling the platform in Gombe on Tuesday, Mr Idris Umar, a former Minister of Transportation and leader of the coalition in the state, said that the coalition’s aim was to rescue Nigerians and residents of Gombe State from “APC-induced hardship and pain.”
Umar said the coalition was not created to grab power, but to promote good governance and improve residents’ standard of living in Gombe State.

He explained that members of various opposition parties aligned with a national coalition to adopt ADC as a platform for the 2027 elections.

“We are unveiling this partnership in Gombe, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to put Nigeria first,” Umar said.
He noted that the journey took 18 months of dialogue with political stakeholders, leading to ADC being chosen as the preferred platform.

“We are determined to recruit new members and work closely with ADC leadership in Gombe to ensure the party’s success,” he added.

Umar said the coalition had been tasked with expanding membership to help unseat APC in Gombe and across Nigeria.
A committee chaired by former Gombe deputy governor, Mr John Yoriyo, assisted by Shehu Adamu-Fura, was formed to drive registration.

“We will strengthen the party and open our doors to more members ready to rescue Gombe and Nigeria from present challenges,” Umar stated.

He emphasised the role of opposition in democracy, saying without it, national progress would be impossible.
Umar, a former Senator for Gombe Central, said coalition efforts are key to lifting Nigerians from poverty and securing a brighter future.

“Our focus is to move Nigeria forward, ease citizens’ lives, raise living standards and restore national security,” he said.
He urged youths to shun violence and thuggery, stressing the coalition promotes peace and democratic advancement.

In his address, state party chairman Auwal Barde praised members and urged unity to ensure ADC’s success in Gombe come 2027.