ISIS Sahel Fighters Kill Over 70 in Niger Republic Village Attack

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 71 persons have been killed following an attack by suspected Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISIS Sahel) fighters on Manda village in Garoul general area of Tillaberi Region, western Niger Republic.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack, which occurred at about 8:00 p.m. (local time) on June 20, left scores dead, including four sons of the village head, while several houses were completely razed.

According to sources, the assailants stormed the community with heavy weapons, firing indiscriminately at residents and setting homes ablaze.

It was also gathered that no security personnel or elements of the Forces de Défense et de Sécurité (FDS) arrived at the village during or after the incident to intervene or conduct a rescue operation.

Eyewitness accounts said a few villagers who survived the massacre did so by pretending to be dead, hiding beneath the bodies of slain residents.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Tillaberi Region has continued to suffer from increasing violence by extremist groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda, despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region.

ISIS Sahel Fighters Kill Over 70 in Niger Republic Village Attack

In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Malam-Factori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government, on Sunday, engaging directly with soldiers and returnees.

The visit was aimed at encouraging the military in their effort to restore normalcy and build community resilience.

Malam-Fatori is a border community located on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin which was displaced by terrorists about 9 years ago.

At the 68 battalion headquarters where he interfaced with commanding officers and troops, Zulum commended them for their gallantry in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring peace.

“On behalf of myself and the good people of Borno State, I want to commend the officers and men of the 68th battalion. There was an attack by terrorists a few days ago here, and you gallantly repelled it, giving them a deadly blow. Once again, I commend you for your gallantry,” Zulum stated.

Addressing the returnees, mostly from the neighbouring Niger Republic, Zulum urged them to be vigilant and to report any suspicious person or movement to security personnel.

“The government is working tirelessly to provide the support needed for sustainable peace in this community. Insha Allah, Malam-Fatori has come to stay. We will do everything possible to keep this town standing,” Zulum stated, promising increased security measures and development initiatives.

Zulum was accompanied by the Chairman of Malam-Fatori Resettlement Committee, Engr Bukar Talba, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, and the permanent secretary of the government house, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other senior government officials.

In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees

FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has won the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate tournament with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals

Anambra State came in Second with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze, while Bayelsa State was Bayelsa State was Third with 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki said his country is happy to sponsor the tournament as a token of a contribution into sport development in Nigeria.

He said: “It is a great honour for me to be able to attend the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Tournament in Nigeria today. I am proud that we can continue this wonderful tradition, providing a platform to showcase the impressive skills and spirit of Nigeria’s karateka.”

He added that: “I was deeply impressed by not only the skill, but also profound human character, and passion for karate. Indeed, every participant here has embodied the fundamental principles that make karate more than just a sport: discipline, integrity, respect for one’s opponent, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and excellence.

“To the athletes, congratulations on your wonderful performances. The strength you cultivated in the dojo will surely serve you well in life and in your communities.
The success of this tournament is a testament to the collaborative spirit of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to Nigeria Karate Federation, officials, coaches, judges and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.
Next month, Nigeria will host the first-ever African Karate Championship. I understand this is a remarkable achievement, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone. I am confident that the success of this tournament will contribute to the further development of karate at the regional level.”

He added that: “May the practice of karate continue to foster discipline, build character, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations.”

FCT Wins the 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament