News
US CDC hosts event in Abuja
US CDC hosts event in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) hosted the first day of its 5th round of stakeholder engagement meetings in Abuja on October 30th.
The two-day event, themed “Strategic Pivoting Towards Program Simplification and Sustainable Public Health Intervention,” had a focus to foster collaboration among key stakeholders.
On the first day, participants focused on laying the groundwork for HIV program simplification, a critical step toward enhancing ownership and sustainability in public health interventions across Nigeria. Federal and state officials, multilateral agencies, community stakeholders, and implementing partners engaged in dynamic discussions about strategies and progress related to health workforce optimization and integration.
The second day focuses on reviewing progress of the state-led President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program and proffering innovative models for health insurance at both national and state levels. This emphasis on sustainable healthcare solutions is essential in ensuring lasting impacts on Nigeria’s public health landscape.
In his remarks on the first day, Richard Mills Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders and communities to achieve and sustain HIV epidemic control; prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks; and improve health outcomes across the country. He commended those tirelessly working to provide relief to Nigerians living with HIV and emphasized the importance of continued partnership and collaboration. Ambassador Mills said, “Nigeria remains a model to the rest of the world on how to not only reach HIV epidemic control but also how to invest in people and communities, so they have the tools and skills to change their lives.”
Suzanne Theroux, the U.S. CDC Acting Country Director, highlighted Nigeria’s significant progress achieved through transformative partnerships, policies, and evidence-based public health programming. She described the initiative known as ‘Getting the Data Right,’ which focuses on determining the number of people living with HIV who are receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, as a bold effort that not only validates Nigeria’s HIV treatment coverage but also supports the goal of sustainable health outcomes.
Ms. Theroux added, “The coordinated response to recent outbreaks of Lassa fever, cholera, mpox and other epidemic-prone diseases reflects our collective resilience and resolve to achieve optimal health for all Nigerians.” She also said that “Our collaborative efforts are closing the gap for zero-dose children, combatting the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, and implementing innovations to eliminate malaria as a public health threat in Nigeria”.
The meeting exemplifies U.S. CDC’s commitment to regularly reviewing and adapting programming to meet the evolving needs of the HIV response in Nigeria. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2025.
US CDC hosts event in Abuja
Gunman kills four in Benue village attack
By Zagazola Makama
Atleast four persons were killed during a deadly attack by an armed militia in Afia, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama was informed by intelligence sources that la suspected Tiv militia, popularly known as “Government,” allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, stormed his native village and began shooting at residents, moving from one village to another and killing victims at sight.
Troops of the Nigerian army in collaboration with the combined team of 40 operatives from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Anyam Nyor, support units were immediately deployed to the area to track down the suspect.
Despite the heavy deployment, the suspect reportedly fled the scene and remains at large as of the time of filing this report.
“Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect have so far proved abortive, but the search operation is still ongoing,” intelligence sources said.
Security sources confirmed that four villagers lost their lives in the attack, and an investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Security forces have assured residents of Ukum and surrounding communities of intensified patrols and enhanced security to forestall further attacks.
Gunman kills four in Benue village attack
Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of livestock and the disappearance of a herder following a suspected attack in the Shen Mountain area of the state.
A Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the command received a report around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday that at about 2:30 a.m., a group of persons believed to be local residents allegedly attacked herders moving cattle through the area.
During the incident, two cows and three rams were reportedly killed, while one of the herders was declared missing.
The police sources said that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Bukuru, Supol Bukuru, led a patrol team to the scene to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
He said that efforts are ongoing to locate the missing herder, while a full investigation has commenced to identify the perpetrators and prevent any escalation.
The command appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace.
Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau
Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of a young woman, suspected to have committed suicide, at a construction site in CITEC Estate, Life Camp.
Police sources said it received a report from the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at CITEC Estate, the body of the woman was discovered hanging from a container at the site around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Following the report, police detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene. Photographs of the body were taken, and there were no visible signs of violence on the deceased.
The body was subsequently transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, where she was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
The source said that Police also recovered a mobile phone from the woman’s pocket, although it was password-protected.
Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.
Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site
Gunman kills four in Benue village attack
Police confirmed another killing of livestock, missing herder in Plateau
Young woman found dead in suspected suicide at Life Camp Abuja construction site
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