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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno
World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno
By: Bodunrin Kayode
30 million dollars has been earmarked for the Borno State Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid landscapes (ACRESAL) project aimed at battling desertification due to climate change by the world bank.
The grant which is to be spread across six years for various projects to counter erosion and other forms of challenges in the savanna is to attract a counterpart funding of N500m from the Borno State government.
This was revealed by the coordinator of the project in the State Ayuba Peter while addressing newsmen in his office in maiduguri over the weekend.
Ayuba said that the project will be of immense benefit to Borno residents because they reside within the sahel savanna region which is the worse hit from gradual desert encroachment, one of the haul marks of climate change.
The coordinator told newsmen in his office in maiduguri that the world bank “support implementation team” was in maiduguri to fast track the execution process of some already marked sites like Ngamdu which has been on the drawing board since the era of the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed management projects (NEWMAP).
“We benefitted about two years of the NEWMAP project and they had to fold up which is why ACRESAL inherited the projects and had to bring them to the front burner for speedy execut
” The project actually started in July 2022, to address some of the challenges we faced in the north of Nigeria when it comes to climate changes. And that is why there is need for agro climatic resilience which is why the World Bank will be helping us to get to our targets hopefully. “
Speaking on stakeholders of the project at federal and state levels, the coordinator went on:” The project involves the ministry of Environment of each of the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) and our Commissioner of Environment Eng. Emat Kois is the chair of the state steering committee. The Commissioners of Agriculture and water resources are co-chairs of the project. “
Responding to the current uneven spread of the project due to security reasons, the Coordinator said that for now projects being executed can be found in Bayo especially in Briyel, Uba and Ngamdu in Kaga council areas respectively”.
He posited that security concerns in certain areas marked out, has been a major challenge which is why other desirable areas have not been considered for implemention for now.
“projects inherited from NEWMAP are flow and erosion control in Ngamdu, which was not implemented because the timing was not favorable to the completion before the period expired. Coupled with the fact that pending projects were added to assist the benefitting community further.
Ayuba confirmed that Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has released the first batch of counterpart funding totalling N100m which qualifies the state to move into the second stage of the loan scheme.
“We believe his excellency is highly committed to the project as such the release of the next counterpart funding of N400m will not be an. Issue.” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has visited the Ngamdu erosion site which he says is critical to his people.
He said that over 500 residents in Ngamdu in Kaga council area used to be displaced during the peak of the rainy season adding that whatever dykes that are to be built should be constructed to save the people from these annual torrents which threaten the lives of the residents.
World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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