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Outrage in Maiduguri as children of Gov. Zulum supporter killed after criticizing cabals, Politicians
Outrage in Maiduguri as children of Gov. Zulum supporter killed after criticizing cabals, Politicians
By: Zagazola Makama
Borno awoke on Thursday to one of the darkest mornings in recent memory. The bodies of innocent children, two belonging to Zannah Jaridama Bornoye, a die-hard supporter of Gov. Babagana Zulum, and that of his neighbour barely days after he openly criticised alleged cabals and Politicians in the state.
Jaridama, who had accused some top figures of hypocrisy and sabotage, lamented in a viral video that certain individuals around the governor pretend to be loyal while enriching themselves with contracts, positions, and government resources, without showing true commitment to the people or the governor’s vision.
He lamented that while Prof. Zulum carried the burdens of governance and projects, many of those who claim to be his die-hard loyalists were only interested in contracts, big houses, and fat pockets.
“They wear big clothes to follow him everywhere, but when it is time to defend him, they disappear. They are hypocrites. When it is wedding, it is Zulum. When it is school fees, it is Zulum. When it is house, it is Zulum. What value do you bring? You are destroying the governor while claiming to support him,” Jaridama said.
“Some of them came into the Administration with only one vehicle and have now made fortunes, but they cannot spend one million on behalf of the governor.” On their faces, they pretend they are Zulum’s men, but underground they are fighting him. They are declaring that they are Zulum’s die-hard, yet they do not love the people.”
“When it is the wedding of their children, it is Zulum. To buy a house, Zulum. School fees, Zulum. Painting of their house or Naming ceremony, it is Zulum that will pay.”
“You are building big houses and going about denigrating the government while you are funding youths to be attacking the personality of the governor, while you are still in the governor’s party, APC.” Those that surround the governor are hypocrites.”Zannah wrote on Facebook.
He dared anyone who felt guilty to drag him to court, insisting he would name them publicly.
However, nearly 24 hours after his comments, tragedy struck. His two children Mama, a 14-year-old girl dressed in pink, and Anwar, a 28-month-old boy in green shadda were no where to be found, alleging that they were abducted while playing in front of their house.
In a desperate Facebook post, Jaridama raised a missing-children alert, pleading for prayers and help but nothing was heard. Days later, he made another emotional plea, offering to surrender himself in exchange for the lives of his children.
“It is me they are after, not my children. Please, for God’s sake, spare their lives. I am ready to give myself up, even to death, so that these innocent children can continue to live,” he wrote.
But his prayers were not answered. The three children were found dead in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Boot of his vehicle.
The Commissioner of Police Borno State Command, Nazir Abdulmajid, who confirmed the incident, said that the lifeless bodies were found in the boot of one of his old car locked in the compound.
Abdulmajid stated that police operatives from the command were deployed to the scene and photographs were taken.
He said that the bodies have been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for autopsy to determine if they were kidnapped and killed or they entered the boot and locked themselves leading to their death.
“For now, we cannot really say this was what really transpired. And we have not established that it was linked to any political killing. But the autopsy will give the proofs.
The incident has however, sparked widespread anger across Maiduguri despite not understanding the clarity of the story.
Aliyu Haidar Zaifada wrote on his Facebook page, “I am deeply saddened by the inhuman treatment meted out to these innocent children, whose only “Crime” was being born to an outspoken father who speaks truth to power without mindingwho’s ox is gored. It is now evident that some people will go to any length to satisfy their greed, even if it means inflicting eternal pains on others.
This is not a case of kidnapping, there were no calls, no ransom demands, and no conditions given to the father. It is purely politics. But God remains sufficient for the innocent souls of these little children.
Hajiya Falmata, a resident of Gwange, wept bitterly as she spoke: “This is not just cruelty; this is evil. What did these little children do?
Malam Usman, a trader in Monday Market, said: “This is no kidnapping. There was no ransom, no demand. This is politics, and it is dirty. They wanted to silence the father, and they chose to kill children. This is beyond wickedness.”
Fatima, a University Student, added: “We are living in fear. Today it is Zannah’s children. Tomorrow, it may be someone else’s. If children can be murdered to settle political scores, then no family is safe.” she said.
The sorrow has deepened calls for justice, with many demanding that those behind the killings be exposed and punished.
As Maiduguri mourns, prayers rise for the young souls. The story is not clear whether the children die by suffocation or they were assassinated by the alleged cabals following his facebook comment or it is just a coincidence.
Outrage in Maiduguri as children of Gov. Zulum supporter killed after criticizing cabals, Politicians
News
U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations
U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations
By: Michael Mike
The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Lagos has partnered with the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s (NACC), Kaduna
Chapter and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) to host a “Discussion Roundtable on
Innovative Approaches to Agricultural Trade for Economic Growth and Food Security.”
The event was attended by Nigerian agricultural trade policy advisors, legislator
representatives, agribusiness leaders, researchers, regulators, and U.S. agricultural trade associations. The discussions focused on the impacts of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and investment. Experts presented on
innovative approaches to agricultural trade that have successfully been used in other
countries and could be adapted in Nigeria to support its economic growth and food
security goals.
The event featured the presentation of Nigerian-led research conducted in consultation with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on the impact of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and value-added processing.
Key findings from the NIPSS research highlighted the adverse effects of
agricultural trade restrictions, including increasing food prices for consumers, shifting trade to informal channels which reduce government revenues and decrease food safety oversight, and a lack of regulatory clarity for Nigerian agribusinesses engaged in trade.
Recommendations included adjusting trade restrictions to ensure long-term stability of
food prices and raw material availability. Experts presented case studies of innovative agricultural trade practices, such as tariff rate quotas and a private-sector led export trading company mechanism that transparently values and distributes the financial benefits of an import quota to domestic stakeholders for scientific, educational, or promotional programmes.
During the event, Chairman of NACC’s Kaduna Chapter, Matthew Obogbaimhe, shared that “Revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector requires more than trade restrictions; it demands innovation, sustainable practices, and investment in infrastructure. This vision is why the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce chose to partner with FAS to drive
agricultural innovation and trade across Africa.”
“The roundtable provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and explore innovative
agricultural trade policies that benefit the consumers and farmers from Nigeria and the United States,” said Agricultural Counselor for the FAS office in
Lagos, Christopher Bielecki, adding that: “By fostering dialogue, we discussed innovative solutions to strengthen agricultural trade, reduce costs for agribusinesses and consumers, and drive prosperity for American and Nigerian farmers.
NABG Director General, Jafar Umar, noted “As the leading voice of agribusiness in Nigeria, we believe this roundtable is both timely and highly relevant to the national discourse on advancing trade and strengthening food security. We are happy to partner with FAS on this important initiative, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration through many more impactful engagements in the future.”
The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service office in Lagos looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and agribusiness stakeholders to translate the Roundtable’s recommendations into action. By working together to advance innovative
agricultural trade policies, the United States and Nigeria can foster greater food security,
create opportunities for valued-added processing, investment, and strengthen trade for our agricultural sectors.
U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations
Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and China jointly celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, an age-old Chinese tradition symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and blessings in Abuja on Thursday.
The colorful cultural festival showcase also served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between both nations.
The celebration, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.
Guests were treated to a vibrant blend of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music inspired by Chinese poetry and folklore.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural and symbolic significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
He said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” the envoy noted, quoting a famous Chinese poem: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”
Yu also highlighted the unique role of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.
“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Events like this are a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.
The Ambassador further introduced Shenzhen, home to the performing artists, as a shining example of China’s transformation. Once a fishing village, the city has evolved into a global innovation hub with a population of 18 million and a GDP surpassing $500 billion in 2024.
Alongside its technological growth, Shenzhen has nurtured a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity.
Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.
Representing the Nigerian government, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy.
“The theme of today’s event resonates deeply: The people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolizing harvest, reunion, and blessings.
This is not merely a statement; it is a true reflection of the blossoming relationship between our two great nations,” Dr. Muhammad said.
He described the Mid-Autumn Festival as a shared value between both countries, noting that Nigeria also celebrates harvests, family unity, and blessings.
“This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” he added.
Muhammad also underscored the historical significance of the 2025 festival, pointing out that both Nigeria and China will mark their national days on October 1, a coincidence he described as “a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.”
Reflecting on his recent visit to Xi’an, the historic Chinese city, he commended the depth of China’s cultural heritage, particularly its Terracotta Army, which he called “an awe-inspiring silent legion guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.”
As the evening drew to a close, guests shared mooncakes—a traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy—while toasting to renewed friendship.
Both Ambassador Yu and Dr. Muhammad agreed that cultural and creative exchange is central to strengthening China-Nigeria ties. From shared artistic performances to tourism and creative economy partnerships, the festival underscored the role of culture in bridging distances and deepening collaboration between the two nations.
Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond
Gunmen abduct daughter of judge, one other in Lafia
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted two persons, including the daughter of a High Court judge, in Maraba Gurgu community on the outskirts of Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday when the gunmen invaded the residence of the judge.
The victims were identified as Hauwa Anisa Shikaru, daughter of the Chief Judge of High Court 4, Maraba Gurgu, and one Abdulkarim Ahmed Iliyasu.
According to the sources, the attackers stormed the house and whisked the victims away before security operatives and neighbours could respond.
They said a search party had since been mobilised in a bid to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Gunmen abduct daughter of judge, one other in Lafia
U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations
Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond
Gunmen abduct daughter of judge, one other in Lafia
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