News
Integrated campaign to boost health of 1m children, women in Gombe
Integrated campaign to boost health of 1m children, women in Gombe
The Gombe State government in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated the National Immunisation Plus Days campaign in the state.
The integrated campaign is targeting 1, 046, 553 beneficiaries, comprising 832, 427 children for vaccination against polio and 214,126 pregnant women to be provided multiple micronutrient supplements.
Mr Manassah Jatau, the state’s Deputy Governor while inaugurating the campaign on Friday in Swa community in Balanga LGA of Gombe State said the event also marked the launch of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
Jatau who was represented by Dr Ahmed Kashere, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency described the campaign as crucial towards protecting the health of children and expectant mothers.
He said that the integrated campaign would ensure that children were protected from diseases that threaten their lives.
“This campaign targets 832,427 eligible children and pregnant mothers across 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five.
“It will ensure vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6-59 months, to boost their immune system and prevent night blindness
“Deworming for children aged 12-59 months, to improve their nutritional status and reduce the burden of worm infestation would also be part of the campaign.
“During the exercise, malnutrition screening for children aged 6-59 months, to identify and manage malnutrition early would be carried out.
“Multiple micronutrient supplements would be provided for 214,126 pregnant women, to ensure they have the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy,” he said.
According to him, Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine will be provided for pregnant women, to prevent malaria and its complications.
Jatau stated that the campaign would also feature health education on key household practices, to empower communities across the state with knowledge on healthy living.
He urged all stakeholders, community members, and well-meaning individuals to support the campaign, towards protecting children, pregnant women, while promoting healthy practices in communities.
The deputy governor commended development partners for their continued support and commitment to improving health outcomes in the state while also appreciating community leaders and health workers for their contributions.
Mr Haruna Gambo, the Zonal Technical Officer, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the wellbeing of children and mothers across the state and country.
Gambo said that the collaborative approach through the integrated campaign would strengthen the immunisation system towards improving the health of communities.
In her remarks, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office said that the earlier campaign in the year recorded remarkable success, reaching thousands of children.
Rafique said that the success of the earlier campaign demonstrated what is possible when governments, communities, health workers, and partners unite behind a common goal.
She stated that immunisation remained one of the most powerful tools to protecting children from life-threatening, yet entirely preventable, diseases.
“In Gombe State, the immunisation campaign is being integrated with the MNCHW to ensure that more children and mothers are reached with essential health services.
“As part of our support, UNICEF has provided over 20,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women.
“We have also provided over 700,000 doses of Vitamin A to boost the immunity of children and keep them healthy,” she said.
While thanking all donors and governments at all levels, Rafique called on parents, caregivers, community leaders, and partners across all sectors to “help ensure that no child is missed.”
Mothers who came out en masse with their children told our Correspondent that they were appreciative of the government and development partners’ efforts at offering them free vaccines and supplements.
According to them, mothers and their children in their community no longer fall ill as they used to since they embraced health initiatives from the government and donor partners.
Integrated campaign to boost health of 1m children, women in Gombe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.
Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.
The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.
The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
