SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom The African Centre for Lerdership, Strategic and Development, has unveiled it's publication of the Research on Solid Mineral Development in Nigeria. Executive Director, Centre LSD, Monday Osasah, who presented the publication on Tuesday in Abuja said that, the research paper as evidence from Ebony, Ekiti and Taraba states were chosen because of their respective high solid minerals' endowment, and current mining activities. According to him, the reports collectively represent solid minerals spread across the federation, and serve as yerds tickets to determine actions of stakeholders in the sector and what might be responsible for the abysmal performance of the solid minerals sector in the country. The Executive Director also noted key findings of the study amongst others he stated were, Regulations around minerals sales largely unobserved as miners tend to sell minerals outside of the official minerals market's institutio...

By Aviashima Toom The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has challenged media pratitoners in Benue and Nigeria at large to effectively improve on their reportage of the plight of displaced farmers in Benue from the Fulani herdsmen attacks in bennue state. Ortom gave the charge today at the Benue people's houses, Makurdi after receiving 'Culture Ambassador' and 'A Pillar of Club Football in Nigeria' awards presented to him by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments as well as Nigeria Premier Football League Club Secretaries Forum respectively. The Governor who dedicated the awards to Benue people, lamented that the state enjoys the appellation of Food Basket of the Nation due to the contributions of peasant farmers, thousands of whom are displaced and staying in Internally Displaced Persons camps. He noted that it portends danger to food security if the major actors in food production could not access their farms for years, stressing...

By Aviashima Toom The Nigerian Army has confirmed rescuing about 800 cows during its operation to rescue the kidnapped students and teachers of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri, Kebbi State. The pupils were abducted on June 17 but the military said two teachers and five students were rescued on Friday after a fierce exchange of fire with the criminals. In a statement on Friday, the Army Spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said troops operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji who had been on the pursuit of kidnappers and bandits engaged in the rescue mission. He said the rescue followed an initial encounter with the abductors in the early hours of today, June 18 2021 , after trailing the kidnappers from Yawuri through Riyao to Sombo community, where the kidnappers who had split into two groups fled, with one group conveying the abducted children, while the second group conveyed the rustled cattle. Nwachukwu added that the land troop...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Defence Headquarters says troops of “Operation Delta Safe’’ have deactivated several illegal refining sites and disconnected illegal pipelines in the Niger Delta region. The Defence authorities said the troops have also intercepted and confiscated contraband vessels in the region in the last two weeks. The Acting Director, Defence Media Operation, Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this on thursday in Abuja, while briefing journalist on the military operations spanning June 3rd to June 16th across the country. According to him, the troops also arrested many criminals during their anti-illegal oil bunkering and raid operations and thwarted activities of economic saboteurs within the period. He said troops had on June 3 and June 4, deactivated illegal oil refining sites at Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area and Kumufari and Yalama towns in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers. He explained that several barrels of illegally refined PMS a...

By Aviashima Toom An international Non Governmental Organization, “Save the Children has called for the immediate, unconditional release of about 80 students mainly girls in Kebbi state. Save the Children, is responding to the news that armed attackers have abducted 80 students and killed a police officer at a college in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A statement signed by the Information and External Communications Specialist, Save The Children, Kunle Olawoyin, in Abuja said that, the Country Director, Mercy Gichuhi is horrified by the adubtion. The Country Director, Mercy Gichuhi, noted that the safety and well-being of the students remain it primary concern, and their hearts go out to them and their families. "We call for their immediate and unconditional release and a safe return to their families.”  “Places of learning should never be targets, and children should never be abducted. This is a grave violation of children’s rights, and Save the Children is deeply concerned ab...

By Aviashima Toom African children speak out about how the COVID-19 pandemic tipped an existing education safety crisis to breaking point In a statement signed by the Information and External Communications Specialist, Save the Children, Kunle Olawoyin Said that, In Nairobi, Kenya/Dakar, Senegal (June 16, 2021) – While the continent is celebrating Day of the African Child and the 30th anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), African children are sending a clear and urgent message to governments and donors: Save our Education and make schools safe. The statement read in part: "Even before COVID-19 school closures hit, millions of children across Africa’s crisis and conflict-affected countries were losing out on education. "Children in Sub-Saharan Africa have lost, on average, 69 days of education due to school closures and a lack of access to remote learning[i]. "Now, during Save the Children’s campaign 100 Days of Act...

By Aviashima Toom Benue State government has described as  unfounded the allegations that it has sponsored an air raid targeted at herdsmen base in Keana, Nasarawa state. Benue State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rt.Hon Ngunan Addingi said in a press statement issued Tuesday. She said; "We read a report in today’s edition of Daily Trust newspaper attributed to cattle breeders in Nasarawa State who accused Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of sponsoring multiple attacks on them with two military aircrafts which purportedly killed over 1,000 cows in Keana and Doma local government areas of Nasarawa State. "Nothing can be further from the truth. The said report is another propaganda crafted by armed Fulani herders to sustain their war of attrition and hatred against Governor Ortom whom they have made their number one enemy.  "The unfounded allegation is also a plot by the pastoralists to cause friction between the Benue State Governor and hi...

By Aviashima Toom A Governorship Aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Dr Paul Orkuma Ubwa has reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the State if given the opportunity to govern the state after the expiry of Governor Samuel Ortom’s, tenure in 2023. The Benue 2023 top governorship contender made his position known Tuesday when he met with the PDP G-14 in continuation of his consultative meeting in Makurdi. Ubwa, informed the G-14 members that he want to be governor in order to improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the state The aspirant further stated that the State was blessed with arable land, stressing that he would encourage Benue people to embrace dry season farming as well as mechanize agriculture. He reiterated his commitment on security of lives and property, saying that he will strive very hard to tackle the menace, emphasizing that Governor Samuel Ortom had already p...

By Doris Nnaji  Years after their disbandment, the Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group in the South East, have returned to some parts of Awka, Anambra State capital. They were seen in two vans, singing, and warning criminals. However, it could not be confirmed who invited the dreaded vigilante group. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, said he was not aware of the development. He said, “I received this as information from you. I don’t have any such details before me. “Meanwhile, I will make enquires please.” Asked whether the police would be ready with such arrangement, the PPRO said, “We are ready to work with any stakeholder in security.” But a source said, “The boys came mainly for alleged cult groups which have taken over Awka town in recent time without any response from the Police. I think they were invited by traders.” A Senior Police Officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some security men arrived at the sta...

By Aviashima Toom A 35-year-old mother, Blessing Agoro, is in police net for selling her two biological daughters – Semilore Agoro (4 years) and Deborah Agoro (2 years) for N300,000 in Ogun State. The woman was said to have sold the children without the knowledge of her husband, Oluwaseyi Agoro, who reported the matter to the police. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, said on Sunday that the husband reported at the Redeemed Camp Divisional Headquarters that he travelled for some time and returned on Tuesday without seeing his two daughters. According to the PPRO, Oluwaseyi told the police that efforts to make his wife tell him the whereabouts of the girls yielded no result. “Upon the report, the DPO of the Redeemed Camp Division, CSP Alabi Akinjide, detailed his detectives to apprehend the suspect, who was already with the camp’s code of conduct department. “On interrogation, the suspect explained to the police that her husband left home for...

By Aviashima Toom According to an eyewitness said one of the bombs by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha jet while conducting offensive aerial bombardments around Genu town in Niger State, that resulted to the killings of some wedding guests, with others also sutained several degrees of injuries allegedly strayed at a wedding party in an adjoining village. It was gathered that many fleeing armed bandits in a convoy were eliminated in the process. It was also gathered that some herds of rustled cows were also killed by airstrikes of the NAF jet, which was scrambled from a military base in Katsina State. The eyewitness said: “We saw the small aircraft dropping bombs from afar on the location of fleeing bandits and one of the explosives hit a wedding event in Argida Village. “Two villagers were also killed, unfortunately. We gathered that several others, who were guests at the wedding feast, sustain injuries. “ When contacted, the NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet...

By Aviashima Toom Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has highlighted some of his modest achievements, in the face of daunting economic and security challenges. The stated this at a media briefing to mark this year's Democracy Day and his mid term as re-elected Governor, Ortom reaffirmed his commitment to selfless service to the people of the state in spite of challenges. According to him in spite of all challenges especially insecurity instigated by Fulani herdsmen invasion, his administration has recorded numerous achievements in the area of Security, Agriculture, Education, Health, Infrastructure and several other sectors. He explained that for the overwhelming support he has enjoyed from the people of the state, willingly, he is opposed to any aggression directed at the people of the state and it's fertile land.  "When we took the oath of office for our second term on May 29, 2019, I did promise the people of our dear state that they had spoken loudly with th...

I, Dr. Paul Orkuma Ubwa, on behalf of Myself, family and the entire Pleasure Travels Family heartily rejoice with the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr Samuel Ortom, his Deputy Engr Benson Abounu and the entire cabinet on the occasion of this year's Democracy Day celebration which marks two successful years of their second term in office and 22 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. Your Excellency sir, we truly appreciate you for making security of lives and property your priority bearing in mind that people have to be alive to enjoy democratic dividends accorded them by your administration.  We are solidly behind you to sustain your firm demand for Justice and protection of your People's rights. As we celebrate with you on this special occasion, we wish you more wisdom and resources to continue to record more monumental achievements for Benue people.  Long Live Governor Samuel Ortom! Long Live Benue State!!! Long Live Federal Republic of ...

By Aviashima Toom The Board, Management and Staff of Lobi Stars Football Club heartily felicitate with The Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr Samuel Ortom and his amiable wife, Dr Mrs Eunice Ortom, The Board Chairman Lobi Stars/ Deputy Governor of Benue State Engr Benson Abounu on the the 22nd Democracy Day Celebration. In a statement signed by the Executive Vice Chairman Lobi Stars Football Emmanuel Tama Aondofar, noted that this Day which came in to been on May 29, 1999 when the journey of the longest uninterrupted democracy in the history of Nigeria began and later officially changed to June 12. Democracy Day as it portends guarantee the celebration of an all inclusive participation in governance, which is what Governor Ortom stands for. According toTama, Governor Ortom's Love for his people  remains the Hallmark of his governance which earned him the title "Defender of the Benue Valley" which is enigmatic of the virtues and dividends of democracy t...

By Aviashima Toom A Governorship Aspirants  under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Benue State, Dr. Paul Orkuma Ubwa has stated that he has the political and administrative pedigree to take the state to a higher height at the expiry of Governor Samuel Ortom’s, tenure in 2023. Dr. Ubwa, a successful businessman made his position known Thursday 10th June, 2021 during a consultative meeting with Zone 'A' PDP Cacus members in Makurdi, the state capital  Ubwa, informed the zone A PDP cacus members that he did not want to be governor to improve his fortunes but to contribute his quota to the development of the State. The aspirant further said that the State was blessed with adorable land, stressing that he would encourage Benue people to embrace mechanize agriculture. According to him, He has seen how agriculture and other businesses are practice in other countries, if given the opportunity to Govern the state, he will turn the state into  agri...

By Doris Nnaji A lady, identified only as Esther, has died after lodging with her boyfriend, Emmanuel Isibor, at the T1 Suites in the Festac area of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the lovers visited the hotel to spend the night together. While in the room, it was learnt that Esther suddenly took ill and in the process, foamy substances started coming out from her mouth and nostrils. Jolted by the turn of events, Isibor was said to have sought help by calling the manager of the hotel to rescue his girlfriend. In a bid to revive her, it was gathered that Isibor and members of staff of the hotel quickly rushed Esther to a nearby hospital, but she died on the way. A source said that the doctor on duty at the hospital certified that Esther was brought in dead, adding that the manager of the hotel proceeded to the Festac Police Station to report the incident.  When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejob...

By Aviashima Toom Considering the persistence attack on innocent and hapless rural Benue people by Fulani herdsmen militia, Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on the Benue people to remain vigilant even as he reaffirmed his belief in one united Nigeria. The governor spoke Sunday at the 2021 Democracy Day Inter-denominational Church Service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter in conjunction with the Benue State Government held at First Baptist Church, Makurdi, Benue State. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu restated his belief in one united and peaceful country. He said that, whereas Benue State will not take up arms against any part of the country, the people of the state would not hesitate to defend themselves if attacked, adding that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees everyone the right of self defence. He commended the leadership and members of CAN in the state for their prayers and...

  Lobi Stars are already in Uyo from Aba lying in wait to wrestle Dakkada for their first maximum away points in an NPFL 2020/2021 Match Day 25 of 38 fixture today In a statement by the Media Offcer Lobi Stars FC, Austin Tyowua explained that for the first time Lobi Stars will be meeting the 2019/2020 debutants in the NPFL Dakkada FC who have little history in Nigeria football as they are yet to end a  full league season but incidentally have stamped their feet on the sands of the NPFL, always been a nightmare to all the established clubs. According to him, the pride of Benue has only engaged Dakkada in two games, all in Makurdi, one in the aborted NPFL 2019/2020 and another in the first round of 2020/2021, on both occasions, The former Akwa Starlets resisted defeat and share the spoils at the end of it all. "Having been unable to pull a positive result in Aba after putting up a spectacular performance in an NPFL rescheduled Match Day 16 against Enyimba Internation...

By Aviashima Toom The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, deeply sympathizes with the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) and the entire Christian community in Nigeria over the death of Prophet T.B Joshua.  In a statement by Chief Press  Secretary, Terver Akase in Makurdi, The Governor Described the sudden demise of the renowned preacher as shocking and unfortunate.  He said, the evangelist will be remembered not only for spreading the gospel of Christ but also for his humanitarian works through which he positively touched millions of lives.  Governor Ortom prays that God grants the soul of Prophet T.B Joshua eternal rest and his family as well as members of his church the strength to bear the loss. 

By Aviashima Toom  The management of the Synagogue Church of all Nations, SCOAN has revealed the last words of its founder, Popular preacher and Televangelist, Prophet T.B. Joshua. In a statement on Sunday,  the church revealed that Joshua’s last words were; “Watch and pray.” The full statement read; “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” – Amos 3:7” “On Saturday 5th June 2021, Prophet TB Joshua spoke during the Emmanuel TV Partners Meeting: “Time for everything – time to come here for prayer and time to return home after the service.” “God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home – as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for and died for. As Prophet TB Joshua says, “The greatest way to use life is to spend it on something that will outlive it”. “Prophet TB Joshua leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice to God’s Kin...

By Aviashima Toom Temitope Balogun Joshua, a frontline Nigerian preacher and televangelist, has died, family sources have revealed. Joshua, the founder of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), died in Lagos on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church, this was learnt from family sources who did not want to be quoted as an official statement was still being prepared. He was 57. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed , but family sources said his remains had been deposited at the morgue and an autopsy would be performed forthwith. Joshua reigned for several decades as a fiery preacher on television, using his platform to attract a large number of Christians from across the world. Emmanuel TV, run by Mr Joshua’s SCOAN, is one of Nigeria’s largest Christian broadcast stations, available worldwide via digital and terrestrial switches. In 2014, his church was at the centre of a multi-national investigation following a section of his ch...

By Aviashima Toom The Kwande Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have expressed their support for the governorship ambition of Dr. Paul Ubwa. The party stakeholders, who met at the Makurdi residence of the First female Speaker in Africa, a People's Democratic Party Board of Trustees Member and former commissioner federal character commission, Chief Mrs. Margaret Icheen to pledge their support for Dr. Paul Ubwa  on Friday, said the backing was in the interest of the state and the party. Leaders of the four major divides of kwande (Nanev, Shangev-ya, Turan and Ikurav- ya) Elders.Amokaha Adikpo, Charles Mary Avur, Chaver Gaabo and former member, Federal house of Representative, Moses Akuha Torgbande who spoke at the meeting, however, urged Ubwa to remain resolute in his quest to contribute his quoter to the development of Benue state. The stakeholders who also expressed happiness, encouraged the governorship hopeful to go about his campaigns Admiring, his hu...

By Aviashima Toom Two first half goals by Victor Mbaoma in the 8'' and Farouk Mohammed's 40'  penalty put Enyimba in the lead and made it difficult for Lobi Stars to stage a come back in an NPFL 2020/2021 rescheduled Match Day 16 in Aba. In a statement by the Media Officer, Lobi Stars FC, Austin Tyowua said, It was a keenly contested game as both teams approached as if their lives depended on it. According to him, Enyimba a team know in recent times to be a first half team escaped the tactical game plan of Lobi Stars by taking the lead early as Monday Akile' fall back defense effort led to mix up between him and Moses Tsehuan who's clearance effort was to the advantage Enyimba, a quick relaunch found Reuben Bala on right edge of the penalty area, his cross was converted by Victor Mbaoma to put Enyimba ahead Tyowua noted that, John Lazarus, who was playing in front of Chinedu Ozor caved in from a quick reverse attack, his long cross located Mond...