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VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:
VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:
We Must Form Strong Alliance To End Poverty, Improve Lives Of Nigerians
*** As Council takes key decisions on flood, nutrition, state police, polio
*** Endorses N-774 Programme on Nutrition as states acknowledge receipt of N3b flood, disaster grant
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has called for a formidable alliance among key players in government at all levels as well as development partners in the bid to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of life for all the citizens.
This, he said, will never happen if all those involved in the business of governance do not align with one another to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.
Senator Shettima who spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, suggested ways to address the immediate needs of the citizens, including building sustainable systems that empower them to become self-reliant and prosperous.
He however acknowledged that even though the problems inherited by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be solved overnight despite the long-term solutions in progress, Nigerians are in urgent need of quick, impactful measures.
“Our commitment to alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians will never materialize if we do not align with one another. We must strive to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.
“This includes not only addressing immediate needs but also building sustainable systems that empower our citizens to become self-reliant and prosperous,” the VP stated.
He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, and chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the NEC meeting, describing them as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”
He said they have invested enormous resources into the welfare of Nigerians, spanning critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.
He stated: “Their philanthropy is not seasonal but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape our nation’s future. We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation by the proactivity of the government alone; we did so because we remained partners in rain and sunshine.
“So, permit me to once again extend the nation’s deepest gratitude to our guests, whose empathy has always shone through whenever they are needed.
“Mr. Gates, in particular, has been a steadfast friend of Nigeria, contributing immensely to our nation’s inclusive economic growth and the well-being of our people in both tumult and tranquility. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has recently approved a significant investment—the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA).
“This initiative, championed by my office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, sets out to revolutionize our cassava industry, an essential pillar of our economy and food security.”
For the state governments, the Vice President said as sub-nationals in the federation, they are all “stakeholders in redefining the future” of Nigeria.
He continued: “We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation. Whether by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare, or offering skills training and job opportunities, it is clear that each one of us has the power to influence policy and decisions at various levels.
“Our success relies on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have pulled us down the development index and, more importantly, on our resolve to walk the talk.”
Underscoring how critical investing in food security is, VP Shettima expressed delight with the efforts and reforms made so far by state governors to boost agriculture.
“However, we must not overlook the state of nutrition in our nation, which has led to stunting and other health challenges. This is a crisis that demands our unified attention and action. The future of this nation hinges on the health and well-being of our children,” he added.
On his part, Mr. Bill Gates reiterated his bet on the incredible potential of Nigerians, noting that “Nigeria’s economic leaders have done some difficult, but necessary things, like unifying the exchange rate.
“The next great hurdle is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen. Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.”
Describing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious, Gate however said the Nigerian leader has “assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge,” adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key.
Council also took some decisions on issues of flooding, nutrition, state police and polio as follows:
Flood:
Council gave the green light for the full implementation of the approved recommendations from its Ad-hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification.
This decision comes after a recent memorandum submitted by the committee’s chairman, Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The report outlines a comprehensive Roadmap on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification, complete with detailed timelines.
Each MDA has been assigned specific responsibilities, with the creation of task forces recommended for inter-agency collaboration where necessary. The aim is to move away from the reliance on ad-hoc committees formed during the onset of the rainy season.
One of the report’s cardinal recommendations is the establishment of the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) under the Office of the Vice President.
The NFEDDMC will coordinate inter-agency efforts, ensure real-time information flow, and facilitate a unified response to natural disasters across the country. The Vice President will chair the council, which will include the following members: Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa States.
Others are Minister of State, Water Resources & Sanitation; Minister of State, Environment, Directors-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency; Nigeria Meteorological Agency; National Water Resources Institute and National Emergency Management Agency
Also, Managing Directors of National Inland Waterways Authority; Niger Delta Development Commission and North East Development Commission are members.
The Governors expressed their appreciation to the Federal Government for the recent disbursement of N3 billion to each state to assist in addressing immediate challenges, particularly those caused by flood and other natural disasters.
State Police:
Council also issued a final call to state governments that have yet to submit their memorandum on the establishment of state police.
As of now, only four states—Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara, and Sokoto—along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have not made their submissions. The council has mandated that these remaining states submit their positions by Monday, September 9, 2024, or face being bound by the resolutions agreed upon by other council members.
Nutrition:
Council also received a presentation on the state of nutrition in Nigeria by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate. Following the presentation, the council approved several critical resolutions aimed at enhancing the country’s nutritional outcomes.
Council agreed to prioritize nutrition interventions in the 2025 budget across federal, state, and local levels, ensuring that sufficient funding is allocated to meet the nation’s nutrition goals.
Additionally, the council resolved to reinforce the functionality and financing of State and Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition. The establishment and operation of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) task forces at subnational levels will also be supported to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and reporting.
Council also endorsed the N-774 programme as a primary platform for combating malnutrition within Nigerian communities and encouraged development partners to provide financial and technical assistance, particularly in the areas of annual results monitoring and scaling successful interventions.
The Accountant General of the Federation provided the council with an update on the Excess Crude Account which currently stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund has a balance of N3,451,078,538.57, and the Stabilization Account holds N33,875,398,389.75.
Polio:
In response to a presentation by co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, Council resolved to establish a Committee on the Eradication of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV). This follows reports of VDPV cases in Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
The committee will be chaired by the Governor of Gombe State and will include the governors of the five affected states. Other members include Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and representatives from the NEC Secretariat and UNICEF.
Additionally, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC & Climate Change, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum will also serve on the committee. The committee will be reporting monthly to NEC.
VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:
News
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder has been brutally killed in another round of unprovoked attack by Berom militia in Makera area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:55 a.m. on April 26, also left six cattle dead and about 20 others with gunshot wounds.
The attacks occurred two days after two local hunters were killed and another injured in an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which was carried out in retaliation to an earlier attack by the Berom militia on Fulani herders and the rustling of 84 cattle in the same area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to the distress call and deployed to the scene.
“On arrival, troops discovered that one herder had been killed, six cattle were shot dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
“Troops advanced and sighted five suspects fleeing towards Golhoss community. They pursued the suspects and successfully arrested two, while others escaped,” the sources said.
According to the sources, the corpse of the herder was recovered and handed over to the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
They added that tension rose shortly after the arrest when women and youths from the community mobilised in large numbers and blocked the road in an attempt to attack soldiers and prevent the troops from taking away the suspects.
“The women and youths tried to obstruct the troops and stop the movement of the arrested suspects. However, the situation was later brought under control following the intervention of the youth leader and other peace-loving members of the community, who ensured the road was cleared,” the sources said.
The sources noted that the arrested suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, while normalcy has been restored in the area under close military monitoring.
In a related development, another attack was recorded at about 4:00 p.m. the same day at Gero community in Jos South LGA, where suspected Berom militia attacked cattle, killing one cow and injuring three others with gunshot wounds.
Security sources warned that the prevailing situation in Riyom and Jos South LGAs retains the potential to trigger reprisals, given past incidents in the area, adding that troops have since dominated the affected communities and are engaging stakeholders to prevent escalation.
Further checks by Zagazola indicate that the latest incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks on Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in parts of Plateau State.
The attacks, however, followed a series of initial pledges by Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), who vowed to attack any Fulani grazing in any part of the Berom community.
Mr Mwantiri, in a widely circulated video, said that they (Berom youth) cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on their land. The warning followed the initial killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.
Since then, every Fulani who comes to cross over into the community has been attacked. In most cases, cattle are rustled and the attackers, with support from community members and traditional rulers, sell off the stolen livestock through their networks in other states.
The back-to-back incidents reflect an entrenched pattern of attacks and reprisals involving Fulani and Berom local militia groups across parts of Plateau State.
At about 5:00 p.m. on April 23, troops of Sector 6 responded to a report of provocative grazing around Tahoos community in Riyom LGA. On arrival, the troops intercepted 34 cattle grazing without a herder within the community. The livestock were moved to the troops’ location for necessary action. Sources noted that the absence of a herder raised suspicions, with concerns that the owner may have either fled or been attacked.
In a related development, troops deployed at Ganawuri also responded at about 11:30 a.m. the same day to a report of destruction of cabbage farms belonging to two residents, Mr Haruna Badung and Mr Elisha Musa, in Bindi community of Riyom LGA.
Similarly, in Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 responded at about 12:30 p.m. to a report of injuries to a local resident, Mrs Gift Zaphania, in a confrontation with a Fulani herder while fetching water at a stream in Maijankai village. The victim was found with injuries and was evacuated to a nearby clinic for medical attention. The herder reportedly fled on sighting troops, abandoning 29 cattle, which were taken into custody pending further action.
On April 22, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested three Berom militia members and recovered 84 rustled cattle following an attack on a pastoralist in Riyom LGA. The troops, deployed at Dokku, responded to a report of cattle rustling behind Makera market and tracked the animals to a riverine area, where they were recovered and returned to the owner.
On April 21, 2026, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje in parts of Plateau State, preventing potential attacks.
On April 20, 2026, troops under Sector 6 responded to an isolated attack on two civilians in Sabon Gida village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom militia. On arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of one of the victims bearing machete injuries, while the second victim was reported to have escaped during the attack.
On April 19, a revenge attack was carried out as a 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, was killed by Fulani attackers in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.
On April 19, security operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted 11 cattle allegedly rustled from Bokkos in Plateau State, leading to the arrest of a suspect at Lafia cattle market. Investigations linked the livestock to a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025. Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.
Earlier, on April 16, troops responded to a rustling incident in Mangu LGA, although the suspects fled before the arrival of security forces.
On April 15, troops recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while on April 13, troops foiled an attempted rustling in Bassa LGA, recovering 92 cattle abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.
The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.
The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.
According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
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