News
Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
By: Inuwa Bwala
Very often, when misfortune befalls us, we tend to seek solace in God: especially when the circumstances defy mortal interpretations.
This is perhaps the situation Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and indeed the government and people of Borno state found themselves in the last three months.
The state had hardly come out of mourning over the death of some promising and illustrious sons and daughters before another one strikes.
Much as it is common knowledge that death is a necessary end, the death of Isa Umar Gusau, spokeman to Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was mind-boggling
In any way one defines it, the death of Gusau remains one rude shock, after the death of Engineer Ibrahim Idris, the Commissioner for RRR, to many people, especially those of us who had the privilege of knowing the two at closer quaters.
Coming at a time, Professor Zulum was seen to have assembled a robust working team, the two deaths were blows, and we would take long to fathom.
Isa Umar Gusau was an astute media strategist, a shrewd contriver, a versatile public relations expert, and a wordsmith who, despite his vast knowledge and connections, was ready to learn from others.
For him to have been found worthy of serving under two Governors in the same capacity spoke volumes about his capacity.
Many times, since our paths crossed, when I was the commissioner for Information and he was the Senior Special Assistant to then Governor Kashim Shettima: Now Nigeria’s Vice President, Gusau had been my professional compatriot.
Any time I made inputs to him by virtue of having been his predecessor in that office, Gusau, oftentimes, was ahead of me in doing the job.
Whenever he commented or wrote in response to certain circumstances, he virtually spoke my mind.
When I commended him for a job well done, he told me that I was his mentor, even when that might not necessarily be the case.
Even when I left the government and had cause to write about his principal, he would call back to appreciate whatever I write upon.
Of course, there were moments of departure, but that had not affected the mutual respect we had for each other.
When another coleague of mine called to inform me about his demise, we both agreed that his death would create a huge vacuum in the public relations arena. We compared notes on the wonderful public relations job he did for both his principals and the attendant acclaim both gained from his job.
I am aware that he had health challenges, and my first remark to him after he was sworn in for the second time under Professor Babagana Zulum: was for him to pay greater attention to his health.
I am aware he tried his best to seek medical attention. I know he fought hard to stay alive, but like every mortal, the moment for his eclipse has come.
Everybody will miss Isa Umar Gusau, but his boss will miss him most. May God repose his soul and comfort us all.
Tribute Isa Umar Gusau: One Death Too Many
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace intervened in a reported case of farm destruction caused by cattle grazing in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 1:30 p.m. on May 19 following a report that farmland belonging to one Bitrus Isah had been damaged by cattle allegedly owned by one Abdul Abu at Rigochongo village.
On arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly intercepted 49 cows and nine sheep grazing on the farmland without any herder present.
The livestock were secured to prevent further destruction and escalation of tension in the community.
Security sources said both parties involved were subsequently invited for amicable resolution of the dispute in order to maintain peace and prevent reprisal actions.
Authorities added that the intervention formed part of ongoing efforts to manage farmer-herder-related conflicts and sustain harmony across communities in Plateau State.
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction Incident in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled a kidnapping attempt along a highway in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 12:15 a.m. on May 21 when troops deployed at Ungwan Gora checkpoint responded to distress information on suspected kidnappers operating along the road at Ungwan Dariya village.
The troops reportedly moved swiftly to the location, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into surrounding areas.
During the operation, one victim was rescued with injuries sustained during the attack.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Confidence Hospital, Fadan Karshi, for medical treatment.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols had been intensified along the axis to prevent further incidents.
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected collaborator of kidnappers has died after becoming unconscious while in military custody in Nasarawa State.
Security sources said troops of Sector 2 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) intercepted the suspect at about 7:00 a.m. on May 19 at Ancha community in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended at Anguwan Makama following allegations of involvement in activities linked to kidnapping operations in the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly became unconscious.
He was immediately evacuated to Nunku Primary Health Care Centre for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead by health officials.
Sources added that the remains of the deceased were released to his family for burial in accordance with local customs.
Security authorities said further assessment would continue in line with standard procedures, while operations against kidnapping networks in the area remain ongoing.
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
Troops Raid Criminal Hideouts, Arrest 10 Suspects in Plateau
Troops Disrupt Illegal Mining Activities in Plateau
Troops Arrest Wanted Kidnap Suspect Linked to Abduction of Retired Colonel in Plateau
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
