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Villagers call on Gov. Buni to intervene over cattle routes in Gamawa
Villagers call on Gov. Buni to intervene over cattle routes in Gamawa.
By: Yahaya Wakili
Residents of Gamawa village in the Potiskum local government area of Yobe state have called on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON and the National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, to rescue their long cattle route, which the Potiskum local government has converted into plots of land.
Speaking to newsmen in the village, the spokeswoman of the residents, Mallam Muhammed Ali, said the cattle route starts right from the Niger Republic down to Cameroon, and this is the only cattle route that we have been using for over hundreds of years.
The residents of Gamawa village have accused the village head of Juma’a, Alhaji Yusufu Baba, of being the mastermind for converting their hundreds-year-old cattle route into a pilot, which they said will cause clashes between the hards and farmers during the rainy season.
“There is no development reaching the place, and before the development reaches the place, it will take over 30 years. First, we write four letters: one to the emir of Pataskum, one to the district head, one to the local government secretariat, and the last one we take to our village head, Alhaji Yusuf Baba, who said he would not receive it because the government has already done its work.” he said.
Also speaking, the National Trustee of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Malam Lamido Damina Yarima, said there was a time the Potiskum local government chairman constituted a committee for cattle rearers, and I am among them.
“The committee members comprised the police, civil defense, local government staff, and three members from cattle rearers associations: two from Miyetti Allah and one from Kulen Allah, that is, me. The term and reference for the committee is to go round all the local government and see the cattle routes that were encroachment or temper with a view to correcting them.
In our first trip, we start from Mamudo, Turkish, and Danchuwa, and also in our second trip, we meet the district head of Yarimaram Bataba. We come out with him, we go round and round, and the Gamawa cattle route is included. We were told that this cattle route has a long history; it comes from the Niger Republic and up to Cameroon, and we were confirmed that this is the longest cattle route.
“I know the chairman of Potiskum local government area, Alhaji Salisu Muktari, is not aware of this matter, because if he knew it differently, he would not accept it because the chairman is a peace-loving person.” Lamido Damina said.
When the members of the press call on the village head of Juma’a, Alhaji Yusufu Baba, for balancing their reports, The village head, Alhaji Yusuf Baba, said, Yes, he has some things to say about the conversion of the Gamawa cattle route into a pilot.
He further said that the criminals turned the cattle route into their terrorist activity grounds, where people were attacked and killed, and women were also attacked and raped on this cattle route. He lamented that, three years ago, he was attacked there on the same cattle route as Gamawa.
“Sometime a boy was attacked and killed there and took the corpse and brought it close to his village, Juma’a, and many women were attacked and raped there, adding that the impact of terrorist activities in the Gamawa cattle route is too much. Therefore, he summoned a meeting with the five ward heads of the area and ended up reporting the matter to the local government council.
“When I report the case to the local government, the local government sends the people from the department of land and conducts a survey to clear the cattle route and convert it into a pilot. During the clearing of the cattle route, they found five corpses of baby children, which they were dumping by their mothers,” he said.
When the members of the press went to the chairman’s office of the Potiskum local government, he was not sitting, and when they sent him an SMS message, there was no reply by the time we filed this report.
Villagers call on Gov. Buni to intervene over cattle routes in Gamawa
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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