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Ijaw Group Faults Former Defence Minister on Okuama Murder
Ijaw Group Faults Former Defence Minister on Okuama Murder
By: Michael Mike
The Ijaw Youths Network on Friday faulted a former Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Tajudeen Olarenwaju, on the grisly murder of 16 personnel of the Nigerian Army by Okuama youths on March 14, 2024 over land dispute.
In reacting to the killings which shocked the entire country, the retired general fought hard to create a non existent link between this crime against humanity and the collaborative protection of the nation’s oil pipeline between private security outfits, the military and security agencies.
The Ijaw Youth Network said that Gen Olarenwaju’s claim that it is unsafe for non state actors to protect oil installations in the country at this critical time is curious and wrong.
The The IYN in a statement by its Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said the general’s statement only reechoed the same misguided and false narrative being peddled by frustrated oil thieves and their cohorts who did not get the pipeline contract of the NNPCL.
The group said that the utterances of a man who rose to the rank of general and one time minister of Defence should not bear semblance with those exploiting the disturbing death of our military personnel to push an obvious economic interest.
Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said that Gen Olarenwaju should be condoling the institution that produced him , the Nigerian Army at its moment of grief and not to dabble into, or steer needless controversy.
The IYN leadership said that the General should be concerned about how to track down and arrest those who brazenly assaulted the collective peace, safety and security of this country.
The group said that the General’s cannot claim ignorance of massive theft of the nation’s oil resources by a virulent cabal comprising Nigerians and their evil foreign collaborators which made Presidents Jonathan, Buhari and the NNPC to explore the use of capable private security outfits to complement the efforts of the military and security outfits.
According to the IYN, the General is aware of the relentless pursuit of the oil thieves in the coastal waters and creeks of the Niger Delta with several arrest of rogue vessels in the region by Tantita Security Services Limited.
The group urged President Tinubu and the NNPCL to continue with the decisive policy against oil theft which has increased oil production and has been been applauded all over the country, noting that no distraction deserves no attention.
“The military assets of the country are already over stretched. Successive Presidents have engaged Private security outfits to fight the lethal scourge of oil theft in Nigeria. It is not unusual and it is a trend that is commonplace around the world.
“Even developed countries such as the US and the Uk also employ the services private security consultants to maximize security of critical assets and facilities.
“Prior to the renewal of the contract of Tantita Security Services, the general had not found it necessary to besiege the media space about the purported inappropriateness of engaging private security outfit to fight oil theft.
“Perhaps, the various feats accomplished by Tantita and the widespread recognition accorded to the company should convince the General that private security outfit do not constitute any danger to the security of the nation’s critical oil pipeline.
“What should be of concern to the general is the sad story of oil theft that made the President and the NNPC to seek proactive response to the problem that threatened the nation’s existence.
“It is shocking that the general is reducing the cold blooded murder of soldiers as a fall out of gang violence in the region. This is an attempt to twist the facts of the matter.
“There is no link between the private security outfits and the gruesome murder of soldiers on lawful duty. This rush to throw curious, unsolicited advice should be beneath him.
“His suggestion is personal opinion inspired by lack of understanding of the story of the nation’s oil sector or a classic case of selective amnesia.
“Such hurried viewpoints seem to suggest that some ingrained interest who are jolted by the gains of the campaigns of oil theft are at work.
“A General’s statement shouldn’t be in that direction.” The group said
Ijaw Group Faults Former Defence Minister on Okuama Murder
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.
The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
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