Three security personnel killed in armed ambush in Doma LGA, Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed robbers on Wednesday ambushed a security patrol team along the Idadu–Agbashi road in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing three security operatives.

Zagazola Makama from sources that the victims included a police inspector, Christopher Enoh, and two vigilante members, Mathew John and Augustine Yusuf, all from Agbashi town.

The source said the team was on routine patrol when the gunmen opened fire, leading to the deaths of the three personnel on the spot.

“The attackers also stole an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition belonging to the late inspector before escaping from the scene,” the source said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Agbashi General Hospital mortuary.

According to the source, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapon.
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321 companies jostle for UBEC projects in Adamawa

No fewer than 321 companies have tendered their bids for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Matching Grant projects in Adamawa.

Dr Murtala Babayi, Executive Chairman Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), disclosed this at the Pre-qualification Technical Bid Opening Ceremony in Yola.

According to him, the event underscored the state government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency.

Babayi, however, cautioned the contractors against conniving with any individual at the board to engage in fraudulent documentation.

“We are calling on all of you the biders; you should ensure that you did not follow any route that will involve you into trouble in the near future.

“You should also not try to compromise with our staff by bringing in papers that are not up-to-date. If at any time we discover this we will deal with any perpetrator,” he said.

The chairman listed the projects to include construction of one block of three classrooms with office and veranda, supply of school furniture, drilling of solar-powered boreholes and construction of perimeter fence.

He commended Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for his timely release of funds and commitment to basic education as a right to every child.

In her remarks, Mrs Rahila Gyndi, the Board’s Director of Procurement, said the bid was in compliance with section 16 of the Procurement Act 2007.

She said the Act stipulated that only contractors with the requisite capacity, resources, and experience were eligible to participate in government procurement processes.

Gyndi assured that the board would soon come up with a list of successful bidders who would qualify for the next stage of the process.

Mr Philip Dawa, who spoke on behalf of the biders, appreciated the board for giving them the opportunity to submit their proposals for consideration.

He assured that successful companies would do a quality work in compliance with the projects’ deadline and specification.

Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from possible abduction in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

Zagazola Makama learnt from reliable sources that the corps members 36 males and 38 females, were rescued at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.

According to the sources , a military patrol team was swiftly deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious movement involving three buses at the location.

“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” the report stated.

The sources further revealed that the corps members were initially escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly failed to inform Sector 2 Headquarters before proceeding on their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without an armed escort.

The rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe movement.

Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from possible abduction in Borno