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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
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior police officer has died while 17 other passengers sustained injuries following a road accident along the Potiskum–Bauchi highway in Yobe State.
Sources said the crash occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 near the bye-pass roundabout area of PKM on the outskirts of Potiskum.
The vehicle, a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to Borno Express and conveying 18 passengers from Kaduna to Maiduguri, reportedly lost control after the rear tyre rim on the passenger side suddenly detached.
According to the sources , the driver veered off the road into a bush, resulting in fatal and multiple injuries.
One of the passengers, ACP Abubakar Ibrahim Balteh, 45, attached to the Borno State Police Command, sustained a severe head injury and died on the spot.
Two male and two female passengers escaped unhurt, while 13 others suffered serious injuries of varying degrees.
The injured victims and the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital Potiskum for treatment and autopsy.
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised several of suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed attack on Dadinkowa community in Kebbi State.
Local intelligence sources said the armed group attempted to raid a local market in the early hours of Sunday and blocked a major access road into the community to facilitate the operation.
The sources disclosed that security forces responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
According to the sources, several of the assailants were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
The attempted market raid was successfully foiled, preventing potential civilian casualties and destruction of property.
Troops have since intensified patrols and clearance operations around Dadinkowa and adjoining areas to track fleeing elements and stabilise the security environment.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
A 15-year-old boy was killed while security operatives repelled an attack by suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia at Ogbakoba Market Arena in Anambra State.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 21 at about 1:40 p.m., when a group of armed hoodlums emerged from a dense forest camp at Amiyi and opened sporadic fire at market-goers, apparently attempting to kidnap or rob residents.
A joint task force patrol team stationed at Amiyi responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel that forced them to retreat into the forest with bullet wounds. The injured boy was rushed to the village hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body was deposited in the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
The sources added that later the same day at about 8:30 p.m., the armed group resurfaced near the community, snatching a shuttle bus with registration number HAL 987 XA and a GSM phone belonging to one Mr. Kinsley Iwunze of Okpotuno Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA.
Security operatives immediately dispatched teams to the scene, but the hoodlums had fled. Authorities said an aggressive manhunt was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
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