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NAF Chief Visits Zamfara Airstrike Victims, Takes Responsibility
NAF Chief Visits Zamfara Airstrike Victims, Takes Responsibility
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has visited Zamfara State to meet with victims and families affected by the recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike, expressing deep regret over the tragic incident.
During his visit on Thursday, the CAS acknowledged the grief and pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the entire community, describing the event as a painful departure from the NAF’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.
Abubakar also met with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, where he reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such incidents are minimized.
He commended the governor’s leadership and commitment to the state’s 6-Point Development Agenda, which prioritizes security, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and welfare.
Providing an account of the airstrike, the CAS said intelligence reports on January 11 indicated the movement of suspected terrorists on motorcycles through Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area. The area had been targeted a day earlier as part of efforts to neutralize terrorist elements loyal to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader.
“Further surveillance confirmed the presence of armed motorcyclists whose movements matched the tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region,” he explained.
However, reports later emerged that the strike may have mistakenly killed members of a local vigilante group returning from a successful operation against terrorists.
Following these allegations, Abubakar said he immediately deployed a fact-finding team to assess the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Their findings confirmed that 11 members of the vigilante group were unintentionally killed, while another 11 sustained injuries ranging from fractures to minor shrapnel wounds.
Expressing deep regret, the CAS assured that the NAF fully acknowledged the pain caused by the incident and was taking steps to ensure such occurrences were prevented in the future.
To mitigate the suffering of the victims and their families, the CAS announced a series of support measures, including financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives.
He also pledged the reconstruction of a damaged building in the affected village and the replacement of two motorcycles destroyed in the strike. Additionally, he directed the NAF Director of Services to provide a solar-powered borehole in Kambarawa Village to serve the local community and neighboring settlements.
“While these efforts cannot undo the loss suffered, they demonstrate the Air Force’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to those affected,” Abubakar stated.
The CAS highlighted the NAF’s newly developed Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which is aimed at enhancing operational precision, improving assessments and investigations, and ensuring effective response mechanisms when civilian harm occurs.
According to him, the plan is designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring improved strategic outcomes and refined operational assessments to prevent collateral damage during military operations.
He reiterated that the NAF remains committed to working closely with local authorities and security agencies to curb terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening peace in the North West.
Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to the CAS and his delegation for their visit and for standing in solidarity with the affected families. He also commended the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
As part of the visit, the governor presented the NAF with a Certificate of Occupancy for a parcel of land near Gusau Airport, designated for the establishment of a new Air Force Base in Zamfara.
NAF Chief Visits Zamfara Airstrike Victims, Takes Responsibility
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum with its prestigious media friendly award.
The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.
Zulum had won multiple award in the past owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership. Some of the earlier awards were the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among others.
In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.
He said: “This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”
He remarked that the NUJ, for decades has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.
“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.
Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.
“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.
The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.
“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.
The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.
The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
By: Michael Mike
Thousands of people trooped to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja to celebrate the 11th Edition of the International Yoga Day.
The first celebration of the Yoga Day took place In 2015 and since then the day has grown into a global movement promoting health, harmony and peace.
Speaking at the occasion at the weekend in Abuja, the acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat said this year we come together under the theme: “Yoga for one Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply I our current era, where health of our planet and our personal wellbeing are intricately intertwined.
She added that: “By practicing Yoga, we not only nurture our bodies and minds but also contribute to the well-being of the Earth and a sustainable future.”
She noted that Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to unite’, teaches the importance of balance and harmony. “It encourages us to live in alignment with nature, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Yoga is more than just physical postures; it is a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle diseases are rampant, yoga offers a sanctuary of peace and healing,” noting that regular practice of yoga enhances flexibility,strength, and balance. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, and aids in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and mediation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of inner peace and emotional stability.”
She advised the government of Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of yoga are accessible to all.”
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of six kidnapped farmers following a foiled banditry attack at Kwari Manaja Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred on June 21 at about 5:41 p.m. when armed men suspected to be bandits attacked farmers working on their respective farmlands.
The sources said that upon receiving the distress report, the DPO swiftly mobilised police tactical teams and led a convoy of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol vehicles to the scene.
The police operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
As a result of the operation, the following victims were rescued unhurt: Ayuba, 51; Mubarak, 23; Garba, 25; Ibrahim, 21; Bala, 28; and Nura, 25 all males from Tashar Nadaya Village.
The police sources said no casualties were recorded among the rescued victims, and efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
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