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Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
By Christopher Godwin Akaba
Yesterday’s protest in Maiduguri saw a notable presence of minors, primarily almajiris aged 9-15, who obstructed the Maiduguri-Kano road and vandalized public property. For a long time, these almajiris have frustrated car owners in the state, with motorists often swarmed by them begging for alms. Consequently, the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board must take immediate action to address this issue, as part of its core mandate is to end street begging and protect Almajiri schoolchildren from abuse.
In contrast to the chaos, Governor Babagana Zulum has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of Borno State citizens, surpassing many other state governments. He has diligently distributed federal government-provided palliatives across the 27 local governments, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, his initiatives in the transportation sector, such as subsidized fares and solar-powered taxis, have greatly benefited citizens, cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
The protest does not accurately represent the sentiments of the Borno State people, who are peace-loving. While hunger and hardship are widespread across Nigeria and other parts of the world – as the inflation crisis is globally, Governor Zulum’s efforts deserve recognition and commendation from all well-meaning citizens of the state. His dedication to the people’s welfare is evident, and he should be appreciated for his tireless work.
I felt the pain of those who hurriedly locked up their shops and businesses to comply with the curfew imposed by the state government. The curfew is not meant to inconvenience the public but a proactive step by the state government to prevent the exploitation of unsuspecting minors by terrorist elements seeking to capitalize on the situation. These extremists are waiting nearby, trying to seize the opportunity to launch an attack, as evident from the recent bomb blast in Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area, which tragically claimed the lives of 18 people on the eve of the protest. This is even as the Borno Police Command had alleged that Boko Haram elements infiltrated the Thursday protest along Baga Road in Maiduguri, killing four persons, while 34 others sustained various degrees of injuries. By imposing the curfew, the government aims to maintain control and prevent the situation from escalating into chaos. Maiduguri cannot afford to fall into the hands of terrorists again.
I urge all citizens to reject the protest being instigated by forces opposed to democracy. I am confident that the federal government has heard the youth’s concerns and our responsive President will take steps to address some of them in the best national interest, just as he has done before. Let us not forget the devastating experiences Maiduguri faced during the Boko Haram insurgency over the past decade. We know firsthand the horrors of war and chaos; let us work towards peace and stability.
Maiduguri Protest: A Patriotic and Clarion Call for Peace and Stability
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. PB Koughna, has conducted a familiarisation visit to troops deployed in parts of Kebbi State.
During the visit on March 15, the GOC inspected troops of CSI Battalion III at the Forward Operating Base Dirin Daji in Sakaba area of Zuru Local Government Area, as well as personnel of 223 Light Tank Battalion in the state.
The GOC was received by the Commanding Officers of the units, who briefed him on their operational activities and security situation within their areas of responsibility.
Addressing the troops, Maj. Gen. Koughna urged them to remain vigilant, committed and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He also held an operational meeting with the unit commanders, during which issues relating to ongoing operations and prevailing security challenges within their areas of responsibility were discussed.
The visit ended without incident.
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
GOC 8 Division visits troops in Kebbi, urges vigilance in operations
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