Farmers Harvesting Unripe Sorghum, other Farm Products in Yobe

By: Kolo Gulani

There’s no doubt, Yobe State Government has been trying in terms of security of lives and properties in the state since the assumption of Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON and beyond.

Recall that in 2019, Gov. Buni donates security patrol vehicles to NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies mainly to rid the state of the problem of drug abuse and the use of unwholesome products, especially among the youths.

It’s also worth to mention that the state government had also donated 30 Toyota Hilux vehicles for security surveillance to the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in the state.

The governor made the donation while constituting ‘Haba Maza Squad’ involving Nigerian Police and other security agencies aimed at ensuring peace and security across the state.

Meanwhile, we have to also commend the establishment of Operation Haba Maza as they have tried their possible best in safeguarding the state.

Unfortunately, in the recent days, there are some lingering problems that the attention of Yobe State Government has to be drawn. The issue of farmer/herder conflicts which forced many farmers harvesting unripe sorghum and other farm products in the state.

It’s found out that many farmlands were destroyed by the herders in various local government areas in the state more particularly, Gulani and Gujba. The menace is yet to be curbed despite the efforts made by the state government, traditional rulers and concerned authorities in deploying security personnel to various areas as well as constituting dialogue.

Findings also revealed that there are cases of robbing the vulnerable people inside keke, burglary and theft in the Damaturu metropolis.

Farmers Harvesting Unripe Sorghum, other Farm Products in Yobe

Zulum Condoles President Tinubu, Armed Forces on the Passing of Lagbaja

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has condoled President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and family of late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja over his death.

Zulum while describing the demise of the COAS as a profound loss, noted his exemplary leadership quality and dedication to the Nigerian military.

He said: “General Lagbaja’s leadership qualities were inspirational. He consistently motivated troops with his presence at the frontline, showing unwavering commitment to securing the nation.”

Highlighting General Lagbaja’s impactful contributions, Governor Zulum referred to him as a “quintessential infantry General” who played a pivotal role in restoring stability across multiple regions including the northeast through Operation Hadin Kai.

He added that: “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I extend my deepest condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the bereaved family during this difficult time.”

Zulum also recalled the historic 2023 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference which Borno State had the honour of hosting under General Lagbaja’s leadership.

He noted that the conference led to strategic decisions in counter-insurgency operations, bringing relative peace to Borno State and the wider region.

The governor commended the success of Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Lake Sanity in diminishing the capabilities of Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad, attributing these achievements to General Lagbaja’s tenure.

Governor Zulum offered prayers for the peaceful repose of General Lagbaja’s soul and strength for his family to bear the irreparable loss with resilience.

Zulum Condoles President Tinubu, Armed Forces on the Passing of Lagbaja

ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff who passed on Tuesday 5th November 2024 after a brief illness. Gen Oluyede paid the condolence on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.

Paying tribute to the late COAS, Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.

In a succinct message penned in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army commiserate with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, the children and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant and extremely dedicated leader Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal) the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed. “

It would be recalled that the Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was on 19 June 2023 appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fully assumed command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023.

A seasoned Infantry officer, the late General Lagbaja, was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He distinguished himself as a Special Forces Commander and a military leader per excellence who held several appointments in the course of his exemplary military career. Late General Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Enugu and Kaduna, respectively. He also commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo as well as 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty. Prior to his assumption of command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated all the operational activities of the Nigerian Army. As the then Chief of Army Staff, he worked assiduously to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges experienced across the nation.

ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY