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Maiduguri residents shy away from retail centers for petrol

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Maiduguri residents shy away from retail centers for petrol

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Commuters in Maiduguri the Borno State capital have virtually abandoned filling stations as the cost of petrol hit N575 even at nnpc retail shops.

For the first time in the history of sales of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, dealers and station managers of the product are stuck with old stuck with customers shying away from them.

And this is because regardless of the new prices due to the removal of the subsidy, most residents are sticking to their old budgets by buying only what will not cripple them financially or eat up the money for house keeping.

A drive round the metropolis indicated that the long queues have disappeared while very few cars were seen at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (nnpc) retail station Ngomari Airport area and even Gumalti filling station which used to have a fairly low price compared to its competitors in Bulunkutu or pompomari bypass.

For commercial tricycles which are used to buying the product for as high as N650 per litre, they have rather resolved to abandon their regular visits to the black market for retail filing stations like Matrix and total Bama road where it’s over N100 naira cheaper without long queues as was the case before the lifting of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.

As a result, the booming black market of jerricans in the metropolis is beginning to collapse in areas with enough retail centres except for extremely rural outskirts of Jere, konduga, Mafa and beyond that black market is a must because the retail centres are non existent.

Many residents including civil servants affected by the hike of the product have resolved to either trek to work or wait for the Borno express buses which charges only N50 naira per bus stop because it is highly subsidized by the government.

Some of those who have cars and spoke to this reporter on their ordeal, drive cars alternatively to work or just abandon same at home and use only when necessary with a top up of 5 or 10 litres instead of full tank.

Federal workers along Bama road patronize mostly Oando, total and Hadiza where the long queues have disappeared with sometimes only three cars in sight.

” Cars usage now have become only necessary to drop my kids in school and pick them up later in the day” said pharmacist kachalla who runs a retail pharmacy shop in the city’s open theatre area.

As for the residents generally especially market sellers, the new price of the commercial tricycles also known as napep are cut throat “We have no choice but to transfer the price to our products.

“But because of the insurgency which is still biting our land, we cannot increase up to 50 percent for now. We are transferring the costs to our goods with a human face so that we will survive.

” This is because I sell perishable products like tomatoes, onions and potatoes. Too much increase may harm and scare our people away especially resident idps and we don’t want to have to throw the products away” said Mallam Usman in Baga road market.

A top government house official who wanted anonymity said he was going through harsh times paying the transportation for his three daughters schooling at University of Maiduguri: “You can’t believe it, I give my daughters N1000 each from this 1000 housing estate here to University of Maiduguri where they are studying on a daily basis. Calculate that in a month”.

With the calling off of the strike by the organized labor, most professional bodies are waiting patiently to see how the promised palliatives would be channeled.

“Either through the executive of the unions or through the salaries of each individual worker using an organized channel if the beneficiary is a non governmental person.” said the top government official.

Maiduguri residents shy away from retail centers for petrol

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Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

*** Says national security, economic transformation remain President Tinubu’s priorities

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.

In a Christmas message on Wednesday, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.

He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”

Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.

“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.

Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”

He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.

“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.

VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.

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Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

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Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.

CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.

They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.

“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.

Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

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Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

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Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

By Zagazola Makama

Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.

Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.

Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.

Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.

He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.

The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.

This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.

The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.

Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

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