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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

By: Zagazola Makama

Mrs. Alice Loksha Nggatah, a UNICEF Humanitarian Staff/Nurse who escaped from the enclave of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) is now facing significant threats to her life despite regaining freedom.

Before she was abducted, Alice, was the wife of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel Airman, had spent over six years in captivity within ISWAP Camp. While in captivity, Her professional experience as a nurse, made an invaluable need to the terrorists.

Meanwhile and at the same time using her gift, utilised the worthy profession plan her escape taking along what has rendered her a major target to ISWAP as she reintegrates into civilian life.

From Captivity to Freedom

Alice was abducted in 2018 from Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, during an ISWAP attack while working with UNICEF. In captivity, her nursing skills were exploited by the terrorists, making her a prominent figure within the enclave. This as well after her ingenious escape, is being targeted by ISWAP poses a risk to her safety, where ISWAP deployed those lurking in the dark to track her down and eliminate her as a way of seeking retribution for the escape.

Her daring flight to freedom, facilitated by her initiative, took her through Diffa in Niger Republic and Geidam in Yobe State where she was rescued by the troops of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai. Alongside her was Miss Fayina Ali Akilawus, another escapee abducted in 2020. Fayina, the sister of a fallen Nigerian Army soldier who was captured along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road and married off over three times to ISWAP Commanders. Very well, Fayina has been reunited with her family thanks to arrangements made by a humanitarian organization. Equally, Alice was not left out she took had been married off, with child and whom she escaped with, the joy of her life.

In a remarkable twist of events, Alice and Fayina credited the military’s psychological operations, particularly under the Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), for enabling their escape. Leaflets dropped by the military encouraging captives to flee or insurgents to surrender have significantly disrupted ISWAP’s stronghold and escape of their captives.

Life-Threatening Challenges

Alice expressed her fears of staying in Maiduguri or any part of northern Nigeria. Her prominence during captivity in providing medical services to the top insurgents and their wives and thereafter her escape with a three-year-old child born to ISWAP top Commander have made her a marked individual. ISWAP are unforgettable with vengeance on the would-be claims, Alice, stole what belongs to them. The child, named Mohammed, symbolizes a big loss to the terrorist group, which further heightens the risks Alice faces.

Alice Husband Rejected her after return

After escape, the joy of freedom was caught short. Alice’s husband, a NAF personnel, could not wait longer for his wife’s return. He got married to another woman who now takes care of her two children. Heartbreakingly,
despite learning of her husband’s remarriage, Alice attempted to go back to him but he rejected her, saying that she had already married an ISWAP and carrying his child. Again, despite this rejected Alice remains committed to her identity and struggle. However, her next steps will depend on consultations with her family as she navigates this life threatening challenges.

Alice Loksha Nggatah’s story sheds light on the complex realities faced by former captives, particularly as they faced victimisations on return by members of their families and the society. While her escape symbolizes resilience and courage, it also underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and reintegration measures for individuals in similar circumstances. The question is, the PTSD syndrome and subsequent rehabilitation. Better yet, in exploitation of such victims, how far has security and intelligence agencies utilised the means to an end. The unique case of Alice, has much to offer too intelligence community to further execution of operations and enrich its database on BOKO HARAM and it’s vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the unwavering support of Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Theater command Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Airforce, and UNICEF provided to Alice as she
embarks on a new chapter of life, navigating the threats posed by her past role in captivity and striving for a future of safety and peace was very commendable.

The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

By: Our Reporter

The Borno State Ministry of Environment, led by Dr. Juliana Bitrus, Permanent Secretary, and Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, General Manager of BOSEPA, concluded the final sanitation exercise for 2024 with a strong warning to defaulters on 7th November 2024.

The team supervised the sanitation vanguard in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations.

During the exercise, Dr. Bitrus and her team inspected various markets and locations in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations. The team issued stern warnings to defaulters, including the three chairmen of Tasha Kangaluya Market, who were cautioned to comply with sanitation regulations or face legal consequences.

Dr. Bitrus thanked the trade unions operating in the markets for their cooperation, which contributed to the success of the exercise.

Additionally, bean cake sellers along Roadside were taken to the sanitation court for engaging in illegal activities and neglecting to clean their environment.

The exercise was commended by Alh. Musa Goma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, who thanked individuals and clubs for their continued support. He called on other clubs and associations to participate in the sanitation exercise to help make Borno cleaner and more peaceful.

Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, General Manager of BOSEPA, emphasized the importance of proper waste management, warning against dumping refuse into drainages and waterways. He announced that those found guilty would face legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.

Suleiman expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State House of Assembly, the state Executive council, Clubs/Association and all other individuals who contributed to the success of the exercise throughout the year.

The sanitation supervisory team also witnessed key officials such as the General Manager of BOTMA, Engr Babashehu Tijjani, and other senior members of the Ministry of Environment and security personnel.

Shortly after the exercise the team visits Borno State Environmental Sanitation Court, where they discussed potential reviews of environmental laws with the judge.

BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Yobe state government, through the office of the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, has received a reputable consulting team who were engaged to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.

The SSG who received the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, to be handled under the project.

He articulated the three key areas to include: infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, which were strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote the economic growth of the citizens.

While making his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government has called on the consultant to justify the conference reposed on them by the government.

Earlier speaking, State Focal Person BADEA, Idriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa, told the SSG that consultants were in Yobe for the past couple of days as he took them round for a sightseeing visit to some of the proposed project sites.

Also, as part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government conducted a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements for securing alternate financing to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of lives of Yobe communities through funding from  BADE.

The session chaired by the SSG, represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, was meant to deliberate on the technical aspect of the project proposal.

“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include supporting 20,000 smallholder farmers across the 17 LGAs of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.

“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individual beneficiaries.

According to him, the focus for infrastructure development in the project involves the construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.

Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban-rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, as well as construction of 200-bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.

While the energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centers, and modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.

He urged the consulting firm to work in line with the state government’s priorities and ensure due diligence in the conduct of their assignment.

Meanwhile, in his presentation on the overview of the BADEA project in Yobe, the State Focal Person, Idriss Mohammed Yaro, highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the Yobe state government towards attracting the BADEA project, which include an official visit to the Arab Bank’s headquarters in Riyadh by our leader and people-oriented governor, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON.

The consultant assured the government of their commitment to deliver the assignment according to standard specifications.

Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has felicitated with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Limited, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

Governor Zulum in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the celebrant as a distinguished philanthropist whose commitment to education support, job creation, and equal opportunities has left an indelible mark on society.

The governor further lauded Alhaji Aliu’s ingenuity as an entrepreneur who has taken the Matrix Group to the apex of its business, thereby creating jobs in the process for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.

“Let me join family, friends, and associates to celebrate you as you turn 50,” Governor Zulum stated. “Indeed, you have positively impacted the lives of many. Happy 50th birthday.”

He expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Alhaji Aliu’s good health, strength, and longevity while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and service to humanity.

Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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