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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team
Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Yobe state government, through the office of the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, has received a reputable consulting team who were engaged to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.
The SSG who received the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, to be handled under the project.
He articulated the three key areas to include: infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, which were strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote the economic growth of the citizens.
While making his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government has called on the consultant to justify the conference reposed on them by the government.
Earlier speaking, State Focal Person BADEA, Idriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa, told the SSG that consultants were in Yobe for the past couple of days as he took them round for a sightseeing visit to some of the proposed project sites.
Also, as part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government conducted a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements for securing alternate financing to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of lives of Yobe communities through funding from BADE.
The session chaired by the SSG, represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, was meant to deliberate on the technical aspect of the project proposal.
“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include supporting 20,000 smallholder farmers across the 17 LGAs of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.
“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individual beneficiaries.
According to him, the focus for infrastructure development in the project involves the construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.
Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban-rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, as well as construction of 200-bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.
While the energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centers, and modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.
He urged the consulting firm to work in line with the state government’s priorities and ensure due diligence in the conduct of their assignment.
Meanwhile, in his presentation on the overview of the BADEA project in Yobe, the State Focal Person, Idriss Mohammed Yaro, highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the Yobe state government towards attracting the BADEA project, which include an official visit to the Arab Bank’s headquarters in Riyadh by our leader and people-oriented governor, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON.
The consultant assured the government of their commitment to deliver the assignment according to standard specifications.
Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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