News
Our leadership represents a true sense of responsibility. – Buni
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe State, has said that, as the largest stakeholders in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74% of the affected population, our leadership reflects a profound sense of responsibility to address the shared challenges that transcend borders.
Buni disclosed this today in his welcome address at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum held at Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. He said the forum is being hosted by the Yobe state government; this underscores our unity of purpose and rekindles the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.
“Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation and stability. Adding that, this forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.
The theme of the 5th Forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.” As the theme suggests, this will again provide another opportunity for states and provinces around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far since the region strategy for stabilization, recovery, and resilience became operational five years ago.
According to Buni, the challenges we face are vast, but so too is our collective capacity to overcome them. “Together we will build a region that exemplifies the strength of unity and the power of partnership,” he said.
Governor Buni maintained that this forum remains a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action among the basin’s eight territories.
He added that the conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
Governor Mai Mala Buni said, We convene at a time when the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities that demand concerted efforts.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his political leadership and continuous commitment to advancing national, regional, and international peace development and security agendas. Adding that, the United Nations, Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNDP, African Union Commission, and all development support groups and partners who have been instrumental in this journey.
Our leadership represents a true sense of responsibility. – Buni
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have carried out a deadly raid in Ringa Village, located in the Ringa District of Rafi Local Government Area in Niger State, kidnapping four individuals and causing widespread damage, the state police command confirmed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that on April 18, 2025, at approximately 1000hrs, a large group of armed bandits and insurgents, riding on motorcycles, invaded the village. During the attack, the assailants abducted four men Anas Shuaibu, Isah Kazuga, Mande Samari, and Bazama Kiwoji who were all residents of the village.
In addition to the kidnapping, the bandits set fire to the village’s electricity transformer, plunging the community into darkness. They also stole four unregistered Bajaj motorcycles that had been abandoned by their owners, who fled in fear for their lives.
Security forces are currently conducting intensive operations in a bid to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a pastor in Bassa Local Government Area following an armed robbery incident that occurred late Friday night.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the he victim, identified as Pastor Yohanna Bitrus, 40, was attacked and killed by unidentified assailants who also stole his motorcycle.
The report was made by a resident, who informed the police that the incident took place at about 11:20 p.m. on April 18.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Bassa led patrol teams to the scene, where the victim was found with a deep machete cut on his chest
Pastor Bitrus was rushed to Bassa Cottage Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Following the incident, a joint team of the military, police and other security agencies was immediately deployed into the surrounding forest in pursuit of the suspects.
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group operating in the Sahel, has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on two military positions in northern Benin Republic on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In a statement released through its propaganda channels, the group said it killed 70 Beninese soldiers during the assaults. The attacks reportedly targeted military companies stationed near the country’s northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger – regions increasingly plagued by jihadist violence.
JNIM also published images of weapons and equipment it said were captured during the attacks. Among the items allegedly seized were:
American-made M2HB heavy machine guns, Five PP87 mortars of Chinese origin, Fifty-one rocket-assisted mortar shells, Three surveillance drones, Six motorcycles, Sixty-four grenades, Seventy-eight Kalashnikov rifles, Over 300 ammunition magazines, Type 80 and W-85 machine guns, Type 81-1 rifles Type 56-1 rocket launchers, and T69-1 anti-tank projectiles.
The Beninese government has yet to issue an official statement confirming the claims. However, security sources have confirmed that military operations are ongoing in the northern region, and reinforcements have been deployed to contain the situation.
JNIM, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has expanded its activities into coastal West African states in recent years, marking a shift in its operational footprint beyond Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
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