Zulum on sympathy visit to Southern Borno..boast morale of troops

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, expressed sympathy with troops of the 25 task force brigade of the Nigerian Army in Damboa

His deep sympathy stemmed out of a solemn address the troops who were once commanded by Brigadier General Uba now declared missing in action by the Nigerian Army.

The Governor pledged the support of the entire state and the people to the army for their relentless fight against Boko haram insurgents.

The Governor, who spoke at a front-line military base in Damboa, sympathised deeply with the officers and soldiers, acknowledging the immense personal sacrifice and hard work they put in protecting the lives of the innocent.

He commended what he described as their giant efforts at protecting the people even as they pay the supreme sacrifice in the ongoing battle against threats of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State. We are here in Damboa purposely to commiserate with you over the recent setback which claimed the lives of some of your colleagues.

“It is an unfortunate event, and I want to extend my condolence to you and the families of all the officers and men of this brigade who lost their lives while discharging their duties. We pray to Almighty Allah to heal those injured in action as soon as possible.

“For those of you who are still alive and healthy, we pray that God will protect you, give you the vision and strength to carry out your duties effectively. You have been doing very well. We have acknowledged your support and would like to commend you.

” I want to once again sympathise with you on behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, and to assure you that we will do everything possible within the resources available to us to support your mission and vision to end the crisis.” said Zulum

The Governor was received by the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Igwe Omoke who assumed command duty this week.

The visit was part of Zulum’s sympathy tour of communities and military formations in southern Borno affected by a sudden surge of insurgent activities.

Earlier in the day, the Governor commiserated with grieving families in Chibok, over the loss of lives and property.

During the condolence session held in the govt lodge chibok for about five communities affected by the last attack on the council area Zulum directed immediate relief of N0.5m each to those that lost properties in last week’s attack.

During the Chibok meeting, the Governor announced concrete security measures to protect lives and properties of residents of the council area.

He revealed that the state government, in collaboration with the federal and security agencies, is implementing enhanced measures to protect vulnerable communities against future attacks.

“We are here to offer our condolences over what happened these past days in Chibok general area, especially to those who lost their lives.

“The situation is painful we all know and We are here to express our sorrow over what happened last week.

“Death comes at its appointed time. We offer you our condolences and assure you that, God willing, the issue of insecurity in Chibok will be resolved. We will provide a permanent solution and put an end to it.

” We will take action. Please be patient. Our thoughts are with you, and one thing that made me happy is how you have remained calm and stayed in your communities despite everything,” Zulum said.

The Governor announced a financial assistance of N1 million to each bereaved family.

The Governor later visited the 28 task force in Damboa to boast their morale.

Zulum on sympathy visit to Southern Borno..boast morale of troops

Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road

By: Zagazola Makama

Four personnel of the 18 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron were injured on Friday when their patrol vehicle was involved in a lone accident along the Yelwata–Makurdi road in Benue State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:10 a.m. when the officers, on routine patrol of the axis, were travelling in an official Toyota Hilux driven by Cpl. Augustine Garba. The vehicle reportedly lost control and somersaulted into the bush.

Sources said that the DPO Yelwata mobilised tactical teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated and rushed to the Police Clinic in Makurdi for urgent medical attention,” the source said.

Three of the injured personnel were treated and discharged, while one officer remains hospitalised.

Police authorities confirmed that the remaining officer is in stable condition.

The sources said that the Benue Police Command has commenced internal review procedures to determine the cause of the crash and ensure adherence to patrol safety protocols.

Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road

Police arrest notorious bandit linked to killings of officers in Benue, Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives in Benue have arrested a suspected notorious armed bandit believed to be responsible for multiple attacks on security personnel in the state.

Zagazola gathered that the suspect, identified as Yongu Justine Makwagh of Kadarko in Nasarawa State, was arrested on Friday at about 8:00 p.m. at Balcony Park in Makurdi following months of sustained surveillance.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Daudu led the operation after acting on credible intelligence, with reinforcement from operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on special duty.

Sources said Makwagh has been on the command’s wanted list due to his alleged involvement in several deadly attacks in the Sankera axis.

“The suspect was earlier linked to the killing of two Safer Highway Police personnel at Yelwata and two operatives of the Department of Operations (DOPS) in Daudu, during which firearms were carted away,” the source said.

The arrest is considered a major breakthrough for the command, which has intensified efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating across Benue and neighbouring states.

Police authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, while further investigations are ongoing to recover additional arms and track his accomplices.

Police arrest notorious bandit linked to killings of officers in Benue, Nasarawa