By Mohammed Babangida
Residents are fleeing Nahuta, a community in Batsari Local Government of Katsina State after terrorists attacked a military camp in the area on Sunday night. A military source, who sought anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media, told PREMIUM TIMES over the phone that more than 100 terrorists attacked the camp around 11:00 p.m. during which they burnt down two vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army. No soldier was killed, according to the source. “It was a terrible experience for us,” the soldier said. “The terrorists left their motorcycles far away from the camp and walked. We have a sentry that is based on shift. Around 11:00 p.m., we heard gunshots from the western area of the camp which signalled that our colleagues were in danger. “I was at the tail end of the camp. So, I positioned alongside other colleagues while on the western side, our colleagues continued firing. The terrorists outnumbered us because they split into three groups,” the soldier said. The soldier said they retreated to avoid casualties on the military side after the terrorists moved into the camp. The soldier said the camp needs more weapons and ammunition for soldiers to carry out their duties. Villagers flee after the assault on the military camp, the terrorists moved into Nahuta but met the community deserted. “We kept hearing gunshots from the camp so we decided to hide in the bush,” a resident of Nahuta who also sought anonymity said. ……….. READ MORE
By Mary Izuaka
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 28.92 per cent in December 2023 from 28.20 per cent in November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Monday. The statistics office said the December 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.72 per cent points when compared to the November 2023 headline inflation rate. The NBS said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 7.58 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in December 2022, which was 21.34 per cent. “This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in December 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2022),” it said. Furthermore, the bureau said on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in December 2023 was 2.29 per cent, which was 0.20 per cent higher than the rate recorded in November 2023 (2.09 per cent). This, it said, means that in December 2023, the rate of increase in the average price level is more than the rate of increase in the average price level in November 2023. According to the report, the food inflation rate in December 2023 quickened to 33.93 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 10.18 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in December 2022 (23.75 per cent). In recent years, food prices have been on the rise across Nigeria. The situation deteriorated due to the impact of government policies such as the removal of subsidies on petrol, among others. In July 2023, Mr Tinubu declared an immediate State of Emergency on food insecurity to tackle the increase in food prices. ……….. READ MORE
By Chibuzor Emejor
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has expressed optimism that the recent judgments delivered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria regarding the governorship election disputes in various States across the country will pave the way for improved public faith in the nation’s justice system. A statement on Sunday signed by National Coordinator of CNG, Jamilu Aliyu Charanci, said the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court have not only potentially reinstated the confidence and faith of Nigerians in the nation’s justice system but also have demonstrated the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. CNG therefore, called on state governors to allow conduct of free and fair elections into local government councils in accordance with democratic standards. Charanci said: “The Supreme Court Justices, through their considered decisions, have proven their dedication to the sustainment of justice and fairness. “By upholding the popular will of the people, they have reasserted the judiciary’s position as the temple of justice. “This is a significant achievement, as it ensures that the voice of the people is heard and respected, and that the democratic process is upheld.” While acknowledging the neutrality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in these matters, CNG commended his refusal to interfere with the course of justice which has paved the way for justice to be served. ……….. READ MORE
By Steven Kefas
(Jos) Nigeria – An oppressive silence hangs over the smoldering ruins of Mbong, Ndun, Chirang and other deserted settlements of Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi communities where Fulani jihadist fighters launched a well-coordinated savage attack on Christmas Eve. Twelve days later, the village’s scorched foundations and bloodstained streets are empty. Its survivors, reportedly 19,000, remain huddled in makeshift camps, too afraid, traumatized and terrified to return. “That night, we awoke to gunshots and screams,” recalls Saratu Bulus from the shelter where she now sleeps, over 9 miles from her former home. My neighbor’s roof was on fire. My husband yelled at me to take the children and run to the valley while he went back for his parents.” She never saw him alive again. The Christmas Eve assault on Mbong, Ndun, Chirang and 20 other Christian villages across Plateau State lasted hours, leaving over 295 dead. The attackers returned the morning after Christmas to loot and torch structures still standing. Now all that remains of the communities are charred wooden beams, collapsed roofs, and haunting echoes of the terrified screams Mrs. Bulus heard in the darkness. She and her children are among 19,000 newly displaced villagers taking refuge in crowded camps within Bokkos Local Government Area. Camp conditions are bleak, with inadequate food, water, and sanitation for the ballooning population. Traumatized survivors sit listless, flinching at loud noises that conjure memories of their ordeal. ……………. READ MORE
Copyright © 2024 International Committee On Nigeria, All rights reserved.
Yorumlar