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Zulum pleads with President Tinubu to shelve merger of Army University Biu with NDA
Zulum pleads with President Tinubu to shelve merger of Army University Biu with NDA
… NCAM’s autonomy will boost FG’s agricultural revival, food security
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the decision of merging the Army University, Biu, with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
President Tinubu approved the implementation of the Oronsaye report, which was made public after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday, 26 February 2024.
The Oronsaye report recommended, among other things, the merger of several government agencies and parastatals, including the Nigerian Army University, Biu which is to be merged with the NDA Kaduna.
Governor Zulum was reacting to a question by journalists in Maiduguri on Thursday.
He said, “Let me begin by commending the Federal Government for this great initiative because this effort is geared towards reducing our spending; it is an excellent initiative. However, I want to appeal to the President on two things. One, on the merger of the Army University, Biu, with the Nigerian Defence Academy. Borno State has been facing a serious crisis for the last 15 years and as a result of this, many of our children could not have access to education. Therefore, this University is crucial to the people of Borno State and the entire Northeast.
“I am appealing to Mr. President to look into this issue so that the Army University, Biu, will remain autonomous. If this cannot be possible, we still want to appeal to the President to allow the Federal Ministry of Education to take it over to become a conventional university.
“If possible, the Federal Government should allow it to function as an Army University, considering the importance of education in this part of the country. We are all aware that Boko Haram’s primary mission is to truncate western education. So, collapsing the Army University as a Faculty within the NDA is like helping the insurgents to achieve their objectives.”
“But in all fairness to the Federal Government, this decision is long overdue and timely, especially now that the government is working to reposition the economy and block leakages.
“That notwithstanding, we the people of Borno and the Northeast, are appealing to the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to merge the Army University with the NDA.”
“In Borno, we need education more than ever, and the Army University is vital in achieving that. If you look at Biu, for example, it produces many applicants seeking university admission,” Zulum added.
…NCAM’s autonomy will boost FG’s agricultural revival, food security
Governor Zulum also observed that with the Federal Government’s effort to revive agriculture and boost food security, the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), will play a vital role in achieving the President’s mandate.
The Governor stated that, “I also want to comment on NCAM. I was in Ilorin a few months ago and visited NCAM. I have seen them fabricating a lot of agricultural machinery, which I think is very important now.
“When the Federal Government is looking to promote food security through sustainable agriculture, NCAM is the only government mechanisation outfit in Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of fabricating agricultural tools. For this, I urge the Federal Government to look in and reconsider its decisions critically, including situating NCAM under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science.”
Zulum pleads with President Tinubu to shelve merger of Army University Biu with NDA
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.
Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.
His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
End
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.
Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.
Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
End
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
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