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Governor raises alarm over threats of firearms, explosives among artisanal Miners

The increasing number of guns and explosives among Niger State’s artisanal miners has deeply alarmed Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who has warned of major security threats that could further destabilize the area.

His worries were prompted by a terrible dynamite explosion that sadly killed three persons and injured numerous others in the Sabon-Pegi hamlet of Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA).

Visiting the site of the explosion, Governor Bago called the incident both “tragic and preventable,” highlighting how Niger State’s rich deposits of gold and lithium have drawn many artisanal miners, some of whom unlawfully possess dangerous explosives and firearms. This, he said, has exacerbated the state’s security challenges.

“We urge the people to surrender their explosives and dangerous weapons to a security committee that includes law enforcement agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders for proper and safe storage, rather than keeping them at home,” Bago stated.

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To assist the affected community, Governor Bago announced a N174 million relief package for the victims of the explosion, aiming to provide much-needed support for their recovery.

The visit also saw the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences and concern.

Idris noted that the president had described the explosion as preventable and directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ramp up advocacy efforts targeting illegal miners to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Local authorities confirmed that the explosion affected 69 people, leading to two fatalities and injuring six others who were treated and discharged. The blast also caused significant property damage, destroying 17 houses, partially damaging 35 others, and affecting nine vehicles.

In response to the escalating security threat, the Mashegu LGA Chairman, Umar Jibrin Igade, announced a temporary ban on artisanal mining within the area.

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He also called on his counterpart in the neighboring Magama LGA to enforce a similar ban to strengthen the region’s security measures.

The explosion has brought renewed attention to the need for tighter control and regulation of mining activities in Niger State, as the government seeks to curb the risks posed by unregulated mining operations.

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JUST IN; Drunk Driver crashes into Military Men, leaving multiple Soldiers dead

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JUST IN; Drunk Driver crashes into Military Men, leaving multiple Soldiers dead

A deadly incident has sent shockwaves through the military community in Lagos, as four soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks in Shomolu are feared dead, with others injured, after a suspected drunk driver plowed into them.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning during the soldiers’ physical training, has sparked widespread concern and panic within the military ranks.

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with one soldier recounting, “There’s blood everywhere. I was spared because I was at the back.”

According to sources who spoke with Daily Post, the driver of the vehicle, who is suspected to have been under the influence, was reportedly accompanied by three young men, who were believed to be internet fraudsters, colloquially referred to as ‘Yahoo Boys.’

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The vehicle crashed into the group of soldiers near the Army Sports Camp at Myoung Barracks, leaving several soldiers seriously injured and others tragically dead.

Amidst the chaos, one of the car’s occupants managed to flee the scene, while the other two were apprehended by the military.

The situation quickly escalated, with the suspects beaten and their vehicle destroyed by enraged soldiers at the site of the crash.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the military community remains in shock, grappling with the loss of their comrades and the dangerous circumstances surrounding the crash.

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Buhari not happy Osinbajo contested APC Presidential primary with Tinubu

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Buhari not happy Osinbajo contested APC Presidential primary with Tinubu

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned about his vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, running directly against President Bola Tinubu for the APC’s presidential ticket in the party’s 2022 primaries, Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State and founding national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed.

Akande discussed the internal dynamics of the APC at the time in an open discussion on a podcast hosted by well-known broadcaster Edmund Obilo.

When asked directly if Buhari had opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, Akande simply shook his head, signaling that the former president did not object to Tinubu running for president, despite the delicate political landscape.

“He didn’t tell me so,” he said. “I asked him many questions, including whether he instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu. He said no and explained that, in his culture, when your mentor is interested in a position, you don’t contest with him.”

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In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Bola Tinubu emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, securing 1,271 votes to claim the party’s coveted ticket.

The APC national leader triumphed over 13 other contenders, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a highly competitive race that culminated at the party’s Special National Convention in Abuja.

Among the notable aspirants defeated by Tinubu were former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor David Umahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, and the late Ogbonnaya Onu.

Other key figures in the race included Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Tein Jack-Rich, and former Governor Ben Ayade.

The contest initially saw 23 aspirants throwing their hats into the ring, but by the time voting began at the convention, nine had withdrawn from the race.

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These included Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr. Felix Nicholas, former Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Dimeji Bankole, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Governor Muhammad Badaru (Jigawa), Senator Ken Nnamani, and Governor Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).

Reflecting on the outcome, Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State, acknowledged Tinubu’s political acumen, recognizing his growth as a strategist.

Akande also shared insights into the dynamic between Tinubu and Osinbajo, revealing that he played a significant role in Osinbajo’s selection as vice president.

He said, “In 2011, Tinubu was discussing with Buhari about replacing Bakare with someone. I told Tinubu, ‘I’m going to recommend Osinbajo, and I did.”

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Peter Obi reacts to Bisi Akande’s allegations that #EndSARS protests was targeted at Tinubu

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Peter Obi reacts to Bisi Akande’s allegations that #EndSARS protests was targeted at Tinubu

Former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande’s claims that Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, planned the 2020 #EndSARS protests to thwart Bola Tinubu’s presidential aspirations have been sharply criticised by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

In a statement to PUNCH, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, refuted Akande’s accusations, labeling them as not only factually incorrect but also deeply insensitive to the victims of the protests.

The controversy stems from a recent podcast appearance by Akande, where he alleged that the #EndSARS protests were part of a larger, well-funded conspiracy orchestrated by the Obidient Movement.

Akande suggested the movement, allegedly supported by foreign funding, was aimed at derailing Tinubu’s rise to power.

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“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande stated during the interview.

He further added, “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”

Obi’s representative, however, swiftly rejected Akande’s narrative, asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and mislead the public.

Ibrahim stressed that Akande’s comments were not only unfounded but also disrespectful to the memories of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS protests, which were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for justice and police reform.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

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“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”

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