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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

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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

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Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

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Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.

According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.

The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.

Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.

The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.

Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.

Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River

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Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

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Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.

During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.

The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.

Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.

Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State

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Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

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Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 4 Operation Enduring Peace have launched efforts to track down Berom Militia following an attack on cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress report at about 5:12 p.m. on May 23 concerning an attack on cattle belonging to a local herder identified as Alhaji Tambari at Gassa village.

According to the sources, the cattle were grazing in the area when the attackers struck and fled before the arrival of security personnel.

Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that one cow had been shot dead during the incident.

The Berom militia were said to have escaped from the area before security operatives arrived.

Troops have since intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack while patrols have been heightened within the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.

Security authorities reiterated the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in communities across Plateau State.

Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community

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