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Reuters Allegations: Civilians We Were Accused of Killing, Saved My Life When I was Shot by Boko Haram, Major tells NHRC Panel

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Reuters Allegations: Civilians We Were Accused of Killing, Saved My Life When I was Shot by Boko Haram, Major tells NHRC Panel

By: Michael Mike

A Major with the Nigeria Army, Kehinde Aboseh has put lie to the allegations of violations of human rights in the report of Reuters of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

Giving witness on Wednesday in Abuja at the sitting of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) panel investigating allegations of rights violations by the military in counter insurgency operations in the North-East, Aboseh it was unthinkable that Nigerian soldiers could be accused of performing 10,000 abortions and violating the human rights of not only insurgents but people in host communities, narrating how civilians saved his life three days after he was shot in the left leg by Boko Haram insurgents.

Aboseh, who was an operation officer of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at Kangaruwa, told the panel his harrowing experience the day Boko Haram insurgents attacked and overran Baga in Borno State in 2015 when asked if it was true that soldiers massacred children and other civilians as claimed by the foreign news agency, Reuters, in one of its reports on rights violation by the military in the North-East.

The Army major while claiming that he was hearing about the reports for the first time at the panel, explained that many soldiers lost their lives during the attack and what saved him was that the insurgents did not conduct mop up operation after he was shot.

He said after spending three days in the bush, he was able to see some civilians who gave him food and saved him, saying that, “It is the same civilians the report just read now claimed we killed who saved my life.”

He told the panel that as the operation officer of the quick response force of the MNJTF, he covered areas including Baga and Kukawa, adding that their duty was to protect civilians in the areas to enable them go about their farming activities without any attack from Boko Haram.

Aboseh said in situations where there were civilian casualties of insurgents’ improvised explosive devices (IEDs), soldiers always evacuate such to their medical facility for treatment, irrespective of their sex.

Although he told the panel that there were some encounters with insurgents during the period he served as operation officer, Aboseh said there was never any attack at places civilians were dwelling and “as such there were no collateral casualties. Insurgents came for us, not the civilians”.

He said contrary to Reuters’ claim that there were 60 violent events leading to over 500 deaths in Kukawa, there was nothing like that.

He told the panel headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdu Aboki, that: “Whenever the enemies (insurgents) came, soldiers always evacuate civilians to safe places and guarded them there to ensure their safety,”

He further denied the reports that there were attacks on children either through invasion of homes and taking them away from their families to be massacred or poisoning.

He said: “Most of the time I was patrolling, there was never any time children were massacred there. We were friendly with the civilians.

He added that: “Based on our training, we are meant to protect the civilians and the territorial integrity of Nigeria. I don’t see any reason any soldiers will attack civilians.”

Reuters Allegations: Civilians We Were Accused of Killing, Saved My Life When I was Shot by Boko Haram, Major tells NHRC Panel

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KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

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KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended the newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, for what it described as his zeal, competence and commitment to driving the policies and programmes of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Damaturu by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association said Dr. Goje’s appointment had generated widespread positive reactions across Yobe State, especially among residents familiar with his performance as former Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

KACRAN described the appointment as timely and well-deserved, noting that Dr. Goje distinguished himself through sacrifice, loyalty and dedication to humanitarian service while at SEMA.

The association particularly recalled his role in coordinating relief and support for victims of flooding in Maiduguri and parts of Yobe State, saying his response demonstrated leadership capacity and ability to deliver under pressure.

According to the statement, the large turnout of Permanent Secretaries, Directors, traditional representatives, Special Advisers, security personnel, journalists, SEMA staff and other well-wishers during his assumption of office reflected the confidence many stakeholders have in his leadership.

“KACRAN is impressed by the smooth transition and the immediate positive energy Dr. Goje has brought to the Office of the SSG,” Bello stated.

“From his articulate remarks during the handover to his engagements within the first week in office, he has shown he understands the task ahead and is ready to sacrifice his time and effort to ensure Governor Buni’s policies are implemented effectively.”

The association added that Dr. Goje’s previous working relationship with the Governor’s Office and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, had equipped him with the experience needed to coordinate government activities effectively.

KACRAN further praised his consultative leadership style, citing his engagements with commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other critical stakeholders as evidence of his readiness to foster collaboration and improve governance.

The association also commended Governor Buni for appointing what it termed a committed and experienced public servant capable of supporting the administration’s development agenda and campaign promises.

In the same vein, KACRAN applauded the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, for efforts aimed at reforming and strengthening the state civil service through training and capacity-building programmes.

The association specifically hailed the ongoing training of Yobe teachers in Kaduna, describing it as a strategic investment toward improving the quality of education in the state.

KACRAN reaffirmed its support for policies and initiatives geared toward promoting good governance, security and the welfare of pastoralists and other citizens, while pledging continued partnership with the Yobe State Government in advancing development objectives

KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

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Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

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Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Sunday visited Bama town in the state to sympathise with victims of a devastating windstorm that destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed lives in the community.

The governor, who travelled to the affected area alongside top government officials, announced immediate relief measures for victims, including a cash donation of N500,000 to each family that lost a relative in the disaster.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Malumbe, former commissioners and other senior government officials.

Addressing residents during the visit, the governor directed an immediate assessment of the scale of destruction caused by the windstorm, assuring affected households that government assistance would be provided according to the level of damage suffered.

The disaster, which swept through parts of Bama town, reportedly destroyed rooftops, buildings and other properties, leaving many residents homeless and vulnerable.

Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 houses were affected by the storm, while four persons lost their lives.

Zulum described the incident as unfortunate and expressed condolences to bereaved families, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand by victims during the difficult period.

The governor, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over environmental degradation, warning residents against indiscriminate tree felling, which he identified as a major contributor to the increasing occurrence of windstorms and ecological disasters in the region.

“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” he said.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and desert encroachment remain major threats in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states within the Sahel region, where changing climate patterns have continued to worsen flooding, erosion and wind-related disasters.

Borno State has in recent years intensified campaigns on environmental protection and tree planting as part of broader efforts to combat desertification and climate-related challenges.

During the visit, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safe return of displaced persons currently residing in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.

He assured residents that government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring communities devastated by years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.

Bama, one of the communities worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, has continued to witness gradual reconstruction and resettlement efforts under the present administration, despite recurring security and environmental challenges.

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

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UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

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UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

By: Michael Mike

Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) have called on Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national transformation and sustainable development.

The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual National Re-union held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, between May 8 and May 10.

The conference, themed “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” brought together Muslim professionals, academics, business leaders and alumni from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting national development, education, governance and economic growth.

The communiqué, signed by the National President of the association, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, stressed that Nigeria possesses abundant human and material resources capable of transforming the country into a global economic and political force if citizens adopt the right mindset and attitudes.

According to the association, negative narratives, disunity and poor value orientation have continued to undermine the country’s enormous potential.

It noted that Islam encourages development, innovation and the pursuit of knowledge capable of improving the quality of life, provided such advancements remain within the ethical boundaries prescribed by the religion.

The conference commenced with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity and a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers of the institution.

During the visit, discussions centred on issues of mutual interest, with the university management reportedly commending the association for its contributions to the growth and development of the institution.

A major highlight of the reunion was the presentation of scholarships worth N14.6 million to 140 students of the university as part of the association’s welfare and educational support programme.

UNIFEMGA disclosed that since the introduction of the scholarship initiative in the 2009/2010 academic session, it has disbursed over N103.4 million to 1,148 students of the institution.

The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund targeted at supporting widows and orphans of members under its welfare scheme.

The event featured a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Rafiu Ebiti, focusing on value-driven entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.

The reunion lecture was delivered by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, chaired the occasion.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Osun State Government, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Adejare Bello.

The association expressed concern over the growing challenges confronting tertiary education in Nigeria, including brain drain, obsolete learning equipment, unstable academic calendars and outdated curricula.

It urged the government to urgently address the problems and transform the current “japa” trend into an opportunity for “brain gain” capable of enhancing national productivity and innovation.

UNIFEMGA further called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to ensure sustainable research, innovation and technological advancement.

On the economy, the association urged governments at all levels to create an enabling business environment through improved electricity supply, infrastructure development and investment in human capital.

It also stressed the need to tackle unemployment, warning that many jobless youths are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals promoting violence and instability.

The association said that a positive national mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous and united Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace values that promote peace, productivity, discipline and national cohesion.

UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

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