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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
Troops Arrest Illegal Arms Manufacturers, Recover Weapons in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested two suspected illegal arms manufacturers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 p.m. on April 22 at Gwandanu Village, following credible intelligence on illicit arms production in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were apprehended while actively engaged in the fabrication of weapons.
Items recovered during the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, two generating sets, a welding machine, a drilling machine, a hand filer and a toolbox, among other items.
The suspects are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
The sources added that troops have intensified efforts to mop up illegally fabricated arms in the general area as part of ongoing operations to curb criminal activities and enhance security in the state.
Troops Arrest Illegal Arms Manufacturers, Recover Weapons in Plateau
Irate Plateau Youths Attempt Attack on NSCDC Facility, Troops Intervene to Avert Crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully averted an attempted mob attack on a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) outpost in Plateau State, following unrest triggered by the detention of a suspect.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred within the operational area of Sector 6 under Operation Enduring Peace.
The sources said troops responded at about 11:00 a.m. on April 21 to intelligence indicating that irate youths had mobilised to attack and burn down the NSCDC outpost in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the youths had gathered in protest over the detention of a suspect and were reportedly attempting to carry out jungle justice, as well as destroy the security facility.
Troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies, swiftly moved to the scene and dispersed the crowd before the situation escalated.
They also provided adequate security cover, enabling the safe evacuation of the detained suspect to the NSCDC headquarters to prevent further unrest.
The prompt intervention of the troops ensured that no lives were lost and the facility remained intact.
Irate Plateau Youths Attempt Attack on NSCDC Facility, Troops Intervene to Avert Crisis
Troops Conduct Clearance Patrol, Dominate Tuba Axis in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted a successful clearance patrol around the Tuba axis in Borno State, as part of ongoing operations to deny Boko Haram/ISWAP freedom of movement.
Security sources said that the operation was carried out by troops of 212 Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai, following credible intelligence on suspected terrorist activities within three kilometres east of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba.
The troops conducted a fighting patrol covering approximately 7.5 to 8 kilometres around the FOB, scanning multiple directions within the area of responsibility.
According to the sources, the terrorists hastily fled on sighting the advancing troops.
The patrol was described as hitch-free, with troops successfully dominating the general area and identifying no immediate threats.
Military authorities noted that the operation is part of sustained efforts to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and prevent their regrouping within the theatre.
Troops Conduct Clearance Patrol, Dominate Tuba Axis in Borno
Troops Arrest Illegal Arms Manufacturers, Recover Weapons in Plateau
Irate Plateau Youths Attempt Attack on NSCDC Facility, Troops Intervene to Avert Crisis
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant, Intercept Logistics Supplies in Borno
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