News
Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe
Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Farmers and the people of Fika local government area of Yobe state have cried out for help following a situation of insect invasion of their farms, rendering the people helpless in attempts to control the menace. This informed a call by the Executive Chairman of Fika local government area, Hon. Abdu Bukar Gadaka, to appeal to the Federal Government, Yobe State Government, none-governmental organizations (NGOs), and well-meaning individuals and organizations to join hands in providing assistance to the people.
According to the chairman, the call has become imperative because the lives of the people are in danger because this year the insects have destroyed all the farm products of the people of the local government area. He stressed that a farmer who was getting 40 bags before now gets only three measures (mudu of grains, as the locals called it). This is because insects have eaten the whole farm products of the people of the Fika local government area.
“We wrote an appeal and sent it to the Yobe state ministry of agriculture, and we also sent it to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, and the government sent us insecticides, which we distributed to the people’s farms. However, the insects have destroyed all the farm products, and the worst areas affected are Lampo and Gashinge; Garu and Fusami wards were also worst affected. The products destroyed by the insects include shoghum, millet, genin corn, beans, and sesame, among others; all were damaged by the insects, but the groundnut is not affected. This is not the issue of drought because this year we got enough rainfall because for many years we didn’t see rainfall like this year, so this disaster is from God,” he said.
“Yobe state government gives us insecticides first; we spray it; then we make another write-up; now the people from the federal ministry of agriculture visit us; we went round with them; they bring us insecticides, but it’s too late; it can’t be used this year; farmers will keep it against next year.” He added.
He called on the federal government, Yobe state government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to assist his people with food security, adding that “let’s come and rescue the lives of our people; let them assist the people during this difficult time. Insects have cleared all the farms and land of the people of Fika local government. I call on the people to be patient and continue praying to Almighty Allah (SWT); we can’t do otherwise; this is what God brought on us. Let us continue praying to God to bring us a solution.
“My message is to the Federal Government, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Yobe State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Minister of Agriculture, is to establish the Federal College of Agriculture in Gadaka because of the farming in the area. Since the time of the North East, they know Gadaka with farming of groundnut because of the nature of the land. Therefore, I am appealing to the Federal Government to come and establish the Federal College of Agriculture here in Gadaka. We have the site and land, and GGSS Gadaka has promised to give us a temporary side for the takeoff of the college. I start discussing with them all this with a view to boosting food security in the area and the state in general.”
He said Gadaka is notable in farming since North East people from Asia, that is, Arab people, used to come and buy groundnuts from Gadaka, adding that the area is close to Ngaji water. He said if the college is established, the lecturers will have access to research either in fisheries or agriculture, and they will also advise the farmers on how to improve their farming.
“I am also appealing to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, to upgrade our maternity health clinic to the General Hospital status; the federal comprehensive health center we have is too small to cater to the needs of our people, so that our people would have access to easy health facilities.
“We are lucky enough Yobe State House of Assembly committee on health and Commissioner of Health have visited the maternity health center Gadaka and recommended it. I am appealing to the Inspector General of Police and Yobe state government to establish Police Divisional Headquarters in Gadaka where DPO will be posted; the outpost we have now is too small to cater to or combat the rate of crimes in the area. We have a number of populations, the wide of the land; therefore, there is a need for Divisional Police Headquarters in Gadaka.” He added.
Insect Invasion: An appeal from a council chairman in Yobe
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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