Presidency to Probe Jailbreak Bid by Boko Haram Detainees

The presidency is to set up a board of enquiry to probe Sunday's attempt by some suspected Boko Haram members to escape from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Twenty-one of the terrorists were   killed in the attempt, which was however foiled by vigilant DSS personnel who fired several gunshots to subdue the detainees who had tried to overpower an officer who went to serve them lunch.

Two of the secret policemen sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack.
The attempt by the terrorists to escape came barely three weeks after the sect members invaded the Giwa Army Barracks in Maiduguri, overpowered soldiers and set free about 2,000 of their members detained in the military facility along with others.

Yesterday’s attempt at a jailbreak, which led to the shootout at the DSS headquarters, located within the precinct of the State House, Abuja, caused a security scare in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as many people mistook it for a coup d’etat.

However, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, allayed fears of a siege on the State House and assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm.
He also denied reports in the social media that President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to relocate because of the alleged siege on the State House.

Already, as a result of the incident, security has been beefed up in the FCT, with a combined team of soldiers and policemen manning strategic points in the nation's federal capital.
Besides the assurance of the safety of the president and increased security in the FCT, THISDAY learnt that plans were underway to set up a board of enquiry to probe the jailbreak attempt.

A source said many security officials were surprised that any persons or group of persons attempted such a daring act at such a secure facility.

According to the source, the attack had the imprint of an inside job, one of the tasks the proposed probe panel would unravel.

“The membership of the board of enquiry is still being worked out and would be made available as soon as possible. However, we were very shocked and surprised that people attempted such a daring act, because everywhere was well guarded and fortified with sophisticated monitoring and surveillance gadgets.

“The place from which they attempted to escape, is even like trying to escape from a hut, because it is well secured. That is why we cannot rule out inside job,” the source said.

It was gathered that one of the security agents had gone to feed the terrorists, but as he was about leaving, one of the terrorists pounced on him and hit him at the back of his head with his handcuffed hands.

The security agent fell and the terrorists attempted to seize his gun. But unknown to them, there were some other DSS officials close to the detention facility who fired rapid shots into the air to deter the detainees.

The shootings attracted the attention of military personnel in the neighbourhood, who rushed to assist the security agents.

Source: Thisday

Presidency to Probe Jailbreak Bid by Boko Haram Detainees

The presidency is to set up a board of enquiry to probe Sunday's attempt by some suspected Boko Haram members to escape from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Twenty-one of the terrorists were   killed in the attempt, which was however foiled by vigilant DSS personnel who fired several gunshots to subdue the detainees who had tried to overpower an officer who went to serve them lunch.

Two of the secret policemen sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack.
The attempt by the terrorists to escape came barely three weeks after the sect members invaded the Giwa Army Barracks in Maiduguri, overpowered soldiers and set free about 2,000 of their members detained in the military facility along with others.

Yesterday’s attempt at a jailbreak, which led to the shootout at the DSS headquarters, located within the precinct of the State House, Abuja, caused a security scare in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as many people mistook it for a coup d’etat.

However, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, allayed fears of a siege on the State House and assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm.
He also denied reports in the social media that President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to relocate because of the alleged siege on the State House.

Already, as a result of the incident, security has been beefed up in the FCT, with a combined team of soldiers and policemen manning strategic points in the nation's federal capital.
Besides the assurance of the safety of the president and increased security in the FCT, THISDAY learnt that plans were underway to set up a board of enquiry to probe the jailbreak attempt.

South Africa's Zuma denies wrongdoing over $23 million home upgrade

South African President Jacob Zuma has denied any wrongdoing over a $23 million state-funded security upgrade to his private home, in his first public response to allegations he had benefited unduly from the "excessive" spending.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, South Africa's top anti-corruption watchdog, accused Zuma this month of conduct "inconsistent with his office" and said he should pay for some of the renovations at his Nkandla home that included a chicken run and a swimming pool.

However, during campaigning near Cape Town on Sunday for a May 7 parliamentary election, the 71-year-old president brushed aside the criticism.

"They go around and say 'This fella used public money'. I am not guilty. There is no case against me," he said in comments widely reported in the domestic media. "I did nothing wrong. I did not do anything."

Zuma's African National Congress (ANC) is expected to sweep to victory in the election but the scandal is exposing rifts within the former liberation movement, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Public criticism from within the party is extremely rare, but in the last 10 days a slew of respected ANC figures have questioned the morality of the upgrades and expressed wider concerns about creeping corruption in Africa's biggest economy.

"Taxpayers should not pay for a swimming pool at any individual's house, regardless of who they are," former finance minister Trevor Manuel said.

Source:  Reuters

South Africa's Zuma denies wrongdoing over $23 million home upgrade

South African President Jacob Zuma has denied any wrongdoing over a $23 million state-funded security upgrade to his private home, in his first public response to allegations he had benefited unduly from the "excessive" spending.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, South Africa's top anti-corruption watchdog, accused Zuma this month of conduct "inconsistent with his office" and said he should pay for some of the renovations at his Nkandla home that included a chicken run and a swimming pool.

However, during campaigning near Cape Town on Sunday for a May 7 parliamentary election, the 71-year-old president brushed aside the criticism.

"They go around and say 'This fella used public money'. I am not guilty. There is no case against me," he said in comments widely reported in the domestic media. "I did nothing wrong. I did not do anything."

Zuma's African National Congress (ANC) is expected to sweep to victory in the election but the scandal is exposing rifts within the former liberation movement, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Marwa Finally Dumps APC for PDP

Brig-General Buba Marwa (rtd)

Former military Governor of Lagos State, Brig-General Buba Marwa (rtd) and his supporters have finally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
He said the defection was necessitated by the injustices meted out on them by Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and his men.

Marwa  told journalists at a stakeholders’ meeting with his supporters who came from the 21 local government areas of the state and in Yola that they were forced to leave the  APC by the deluge of injustices being meted out on them

He said all attempts to get the situation regularised had proved abortive, making the defection necessary.
The former governor blamed the national leadership of the APC for handing over the leadership of the party in the state to Nyako simple because he is the governor of the state.

However, it was unanimously agreed by all the stakeholders of about 3,000 people that in view of the injustices being entrenched in the state chapter of APC, they had no option other than to leave the party Marwa had sent several warnings to the APC to stop Nyako and his men from luring their members (legacy parties) with false promises that he would pay them N10,000 monthly if they would dump their leaders for him.

He said unfortunately, "the governor could not achieve his goal because many of us knew it was not realistic. Where will he get the money from?" he asked.

The former governor said he could not remain in a party that tramples on people's rights with impunity, adding that since the entry  of Nyako into the party's fold, injustices had become the order of the day.
"The party has been hijacked by Nyako and there was no fair play in the way and manner the party is being run. "Our attempts to get the issue addressed proved abortive as the
national secretariat of the party only paid a lip service to our complaints as they said as a sitting  governor, Nyako will help with the finance of the party," he said.

Marwa  added that Nyako plans to muscle the party from them that was why he ensured that by hook or crook, the party's registration exercise was hijacked by his supporters.
He said he ensured that he blocked the legacy parties from getting involved in the exercise.

"In nine local government areas, reports have it that the registration materials were forcefully confiscated by Nyako's group to the detriment of other members of the legacy parties," he added.

He added that Nyako also used the apparatus of government in cajoling members of the party through the Special Assistant (SA) programme package instead of using the resources to develop the state.

He added that all efforts to sit with governor Nyako in order to resolve the anomaly proved abortive as he obstinately refused to reason with him just as he faulted the appointment of the Secretary to the State Government, Kobis Ari Thimnu, as the Interim State Chairman, saying that the move was to marginalise other stakeholders.

He added that he was making serious consultation with the PDP stakeholders in the state to ensure that his supporters are fully integrated and to avoid the mistakes of the past.

Source: Thisdaylive

Marwa Finally Dumps APC for PDP

Brig-General Buba Marwa (rtd)

Former military Governor of Lagos State, Brig-General Buba Marwa (rtd) and his supporters have finally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
He said the defection was necessitated by the injustices meted out on them by Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and his men.

Marwa  told journalists at a stakeholders’ meeting with his supporters who came from the 21 local government areas of the state and in Yola that they were forced to leave the  APC by the deluge of injustices being meted out on them

He said all attempts to get the situation regularised had proved abortive, making the defection necessary.
The former governor blamed the national leadership of the APC for handing over the leadership of the party in the state to Nyako simple because he is the governor of the state.

However, it was unanimously agreed by all the stakeholders of about 3,000 people that in view of the injustices being entrenched in the state chapter of APC, they had no option other than to leave the party Marwa had sent several warnings to the APC to stop Nyako and his men from luring their members (legacy parties) with false promises that he would pay them N10,000 monthly if they would dump their leaders for him.

He said unfortunately, "the governor could not achieve his goal because many of us knew it was not realistic. Where will he get the money from?" he asked.

Boko Haram returns to Borno highways

Boko Haram insurgents believed to have fled their hideouts following military raids on their camps in Borno State, have renewed attacks on motorists and commuters along major highways, travellers said.

One of the witnesses said the insurgents intercepted a truck carrying food items along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, as the driver of the vehicle fled when he sighted them.

“Our vehicle almost ran into Boko Haram near Benisheik, but for the alert from a car in front. The driver of the private car had suddenly put his car in reverse and then made a quick U-turn back to Damaturu axis of the road, signaling to our driver to turn back too,” he said.

That was how we knew problem was ahead. He later told us at Ngamdu where many motorists stopped that Boko Haram struck on the road, that they put fire on a truck,” a source said.
Another source, who said he was returning to Maiduguri on Friday morning from Bauchi, disclosed that he was gripped with fear when he learnt the insurgents were on the highway. He said about 40 vehicles and hundreds of commuters as well as travellers were held up at Ngamdu town for almost an hour.

“We were there until some policemen came and told us the road had been cleared,” he said.
It was not clear at press time if any life was lost in the attack but residents said that the insurgents also resurfaced along Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu Road, killing two motorists. Efforts to get the reaction of the Commissioner of Police, Tanko Lawan did not yield result as he could not be reached on his mobile phone at press time.

But a military source said troops along the road were put on “red alert throughout the weekend,” adding that regular patrols by soldiers from 7Army Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri and the police were carried out.

“We are carrying out regular patrols to ensure people travel along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road and other major roads in the state safely,” the source, who did not want his name in print, said.

Source: Sunnewonline

Boko Haram returns to Borno highways

Boko Haram insurgents believed to have fled their hideouts following military raids on their camps in Borno State, have renewed attacks on motorists and commuters along major highways, travellers said.

One of the witnesses said the insurgents intercepted a truck carrying food items along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, as the driver of the vehicle fled when he sighted them.

“Our vehicle almost ran into Boko Haram near Benisheik, but for the alert from a car in front. The driver of the private car had suddenly put his car in reverse and then made a quick U-turn back to Damaturu axis of the road, signaling to our driver to turn back too,” he said.

That was how we knew problem was ahead. He later told us at Ngamdu where many motorists stopped that Boko Haram struck on the road, that they put fire on a truck,” a source said.
Another source, who said he was returning to Maiduguri on Friday morning from Bauchi, disclosed that he was gripped with fear when he learnt the insurgents were on the highway. He said about 40 vehicles and hundreds of commuters as well as travellers were held up at Ngamdu town for almost an hour.

One dies and another injured as police, OPC clash in Lagos

Members of the Oodua People’s Congress and policemen clashed at the Tolu Police Division, Ajegunle, Lagos State on Saturday evening.

One member of the OPC, identified as Dauda Apampa, lost his life, while a police corporal, identified simply as Emeka, sustained gunshot in the incident.

It was  learnt that the fracas was caused by a disagreement over the release of an unidentified man from OPC’s custody.

It was learnt that prior to the fracas, the man at the centre of the disagreement had been arrested by OPC men on Friday for allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl.

The OPC Lagos State Governor, Wasiu Afolabi, told our correspondent on the telephone that after his men had arrested the alleged rapist, policemen forcefully released him from their custody.

He said, “A young lady, who sells amala, reported that she was raped by one guy and we arrested him. The guy’s mother ran down to the police station and policemen came shooting and released the guy from our custody.

“The following day, which was Saturday, three OPC men went to have a discussion with policemen at the station in a bid to settle the misunderstanding, but in the process, things went out of hand and Apampa was shot and killed.

“After the killing, I had a chat with the policemen at the station and they claimed that my men were the first to attack and that they (police) shot in self-defence. They said a corporal was also shot in the fracas.

“But when I went to the hospital to see the so-called officer, I discovered that the police were only trying to cover up their crime because the policeman in question only had a minor injury.”

The OPC boss urged the government to look into the excesses of policemen, especially those attached to Tolu Police Station, as they had become notorious for such.

“I have told my boys not to retaliate. OPC men are gallant and if they decide to retaliate, there will be too much blood,” he said.

A police source at the station, however, said they went to effect the release of the alleged rapist because they learnt that OPC men were torturing him.

The source said they were trying to avoid a repeat of the Ejigbo torture which led to the death of a woman last year.

He said, “The case was not rape. An 18-year-old mother and a man had sex on the promise that the man would pay her N7, 000. After sex, the man refused to pay. Two days later, the lady approached the guy and told him to pay up, but the guy beat her up and chased her away.

“The lady then reported the matter to OPC men and they marched down to arrest the man. They took the man to a location and tortured him for many hours. When policemen got wind of the situation, they stormed the place on Friday and rescued the man.

“The man was then taken to the station where he was given necessary documents to take to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the 18-year-old lady came to the station to write a statement.”

The police source stated that a day after the man was rescued, the disgruntled OPC men, wielding guns and charms, stormed the station and threatened to burn it down.

The police source said, “They came to our station and started shooting. They said the police had no right to seize a suspect from their custody.

“The OPC guys were feeling invincible because they had put on charms for metaphysical protection and they started shooting. They shot a corporal, Emeka, and when we saw that we had no choice, we fired back.

“In the process, one of the OPC boys was also shot. He died, but his corpse has been taken away by his colleagues.” Meanwhile,  the slain 45-year-old OPC man had been buried.

Source:Punch

One dies and another injured as police, OPC clash in Lagos

Members of the Oodua People’s Congress and policemen clashed at the Tolu Police Division, Ajegunle, Lagos State on Saturday evening.

One member of the OPC, identified as Dauda Apampa, lost his life, while a police corporal, identified simply as Emeka, sustained gunshot in the incident.

It was  learnt that the fracas was caused by a disagreement over the release of an unidentified man from OPC’s custody.

It was learnt that prior to the fracas, the man at the centre of the disagreement had been arrested by OPC men on Friday for allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl.

The OPC Lagos State Governor, Wasiu Afolabi, told our correspondent on the telephone that after his men had arrested the alleged rapist, policemen forcefully released him from their custody.

He said, “A young lady, who sells amala, reported that she was raped by one guy and we arrested him. The guy’s mother ran down to the police station and policemen came shooting and released the guy from our custody.

I have forgiven Atiku, others – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, reacted to the request of Northern Youth Leaders Forum, NLYF,  to forgive his estranged former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, saying; “I have forgiven him.”

Obasanjo who stated  this after  a two-day  meeting with the forum  in Abeokuta said he had also forgiven  other persons perceived to have offended him.

The forum led by its Chairman,  Elliot Afiyo had  appealed to  Obasanjo to  forgive  his  former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of whatever  political sin or offence he might have committed against him.

Abubakar was Obasanjo’s vice, between 1999 and 2007, and was believed to have scuttled the third-term ambition of Obasanjo in 2006.

But Obasanjo while reacting to the request by the NYLF  said as a leader and father, he bore no grudge against anybody and if there was, he had forgiven.

According to him: “On the request that you made yesterday, I do not have any grudge against anybody. And if there is any, I have forgiven all as a father.”

Obasanjo who  appreciated the group for coming to Abeokuta to make case for a  way forward for the country, stressed that since 2003, the group had increased in membership.

He said: “The effort  of your group has been noteworthy. I am happy that you have also increased in number. Let me appreciate all your support since 2003 and urge you to continue by ensuring that credible leaders are elected in 2015.”

Source: Vanguard

I have forgiven Atiku, others – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, reacted to the request of Northern Youth Leaders Forum, NLYF,  to forgive his estranged former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, saying; “I have forgiven him.”

Obasanjo who stated  this after  a two-day  meeting with the forum  in Abeokuta said he had also forgiven  other persons perceived to have offended him.

The forum led by its Chairman,  Elliot Afiyo had  appealed to  Obasanjo to  forgive  his  former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of whatever  political sin or offence he might have committed against him.

Abubakar was Obasanjo’s vice, between 1999 and 2007, and was believed to have scuttled the third-term ambition of Obasanjo in 2006.

But Obasanjo while reacting to the request by the NYLF  said as a leader and father, he bore no grudge against anybody and if there was, he had forgiven.

Attack at Headquarters: SSS kill 18 Boko Haram members, recapture 10

Contrary to earlier reports that Boko Haram insurgents stormed the headquarters of Nigeria’s Secret Service located within the vicinity of seat of power, Aso Rock, DailyPost was Sunday morning informed that detained members of the sect carried out the attack.

An impeccable source on condition of anonymity, told DailyPost reporter that the suspects in detention overpowered the Suspect Handler, who was leading them to have their bath and also use the convenience.

The recount has been confirmed by spokesperson 

Recalling what happened, the insider said “Only one handler led them so you can understand they had the effrontery to bully him.

“Usually, suspects are taken to freshen up. They get the best of treatment, that I can tell you. Their rooms are comfortable, they eat good food, etcetera.

“Now, this morning, during the normal routine of taking them to the rest room, they attacked the Suspect Handler and took his rifle. It is a 60-round weapon that was loaded.

“Thanks to combat training, he struggled with them and escaped with wounds because they shot at him. His noise attracted us, so we quickly took position and returned fire. We did not leave anything to chance. At the end, operatives fell 18 of them, while 10 were recaptured.

“In fact, we had handled the situation before our colleagues in the military moved in. Their presence was important though, since we were not sure of what next to expect. But everything is calm now.”

When asked if the suspects were expecting to get help from outside, the source said “Honestly I don’t know what they were thinking. Mark my words, there can never be a successful attack on Yellow House, we are always prepared.”

The source explained that he decided to give out the information because a section of the media had blown the incident out of proportion.

“You guys (media) should always get the facts or at least wait for security agencies to issue statements before writing. I read on some publications that the Presidential Villa was attacked. Imagine that! The same Aso Rock I know? he quipped rhetorically.

SSS speaks

Meanwhile, authority of the agency has officially reacted to Sunday morning attack.

A statement obtained by DailyPost, signed by Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marily Ogar reads: “At 0715 hours, the Service suspect handler went to the detention facility within the Headquarters to feed the suspects.

“One of the suspects attempted to disarm him by hitting him at the back of his head with his handcuff. His attempt to escape drew the attention of other guards at the facility who fired some shots to warn and deter others.

“The gun shots attracted the attention of the military with whom we have an understanding of mutual assistance in the event of any threat. The Army immediately deployed a team to reinforce our perimeter guards to forestall any external collaborators. The situation has since been brought under control.”

Source: Dailypost

Attack at Headquarters: SSS kill 18 Boko Haram members, recapture 10

Contrary to earlier reports that Boko Haram insurgents stormed the headquarters of Nigeria’s Secret Service located within the vicinity of seat of power, Aso Rock, DailyPost was Sunday morning informed that detained members of the sect carried out the attack.

An impeccable source on condition of anonymity, told DailyPost reporter that the suspects in detention overpowered the Suspect Handler, who was leading them to have their bath and also use the convenience.

The recount has been confirmed by spokesperson 

Recalling what happened, the insider said “Only one handler led them so you can understand they had the effrontery to bully him.

“Usually, suspects are taken to freshen up. They get the best of treatment, that I can tell you. Their rooms are comfortable, they eat good food, etcetera.

“Now, this morning, during the normal routine of taking them to the rest room, they attacked the Suspect Handler and took his rifle. It is a 60-round weapon that was loaded.

Blackberry reports $5.9bn annual company loss

Troubled smartphone maker Blackberry has reported a net loss of $5.9bn (£3.5bn) for its latest financial year.
However, in the three months to 1 March it recorded a smaller-than-expected loss of $423m, compared with a loss of $4.4bn in the previous quarter.

The company said it was pleased with its fourth quarter performance, and that it was on "a path to returning to growth and profitability". Boss John Chen said the firm was moving to a "sounder financial footing".

Blackberry devices have recently lost out in the high-end smartphone market to Apple's iPhone and phones powered by Google Android operating system.

During the financial year, the company's losses included $934m on unsold Z10 smartphones, and restructuring costs of $512m. Fourth quarter revenues fell to $976m, below analysts' expectations of $1.1bn.


As part of its turnaround plan the firm is focusing on its services arm, and is also putting renewed emphasis on its keyboard devices. Mr Chen was appointed as interim chief executive in November 2013.

"The guy is on the move fast," said Colin Gillis, an analyst at BGC Partners. "He can control expenses but you can't magically make revenue happen."

Blackberry's shares fell nearly 5% on Friday, reversing initial gains of over 5%.

Source: BBC

Blackberry reports $5.9bn annual company loss

Troubled smartphone maker Blackberry has reported a net loss of $5.9bn (£3.5bn) for its latest financial year.
However, in the three months to 1 March it recorded a smaller-than-expected loss of $423m, compared with a loss of $4.4bn in the previous quarter.

The company said it was pleased with its fourth quarter performance, and that it was on "a path to returning to growth and profitability". Boss John Chen said the firm was moving to a "sounder financial footing".

Blackberry devices have recently lost out in the high-end smartphone market to Apple's iPhone and phones powered by Google Android operating system.

During the financial year, the company's losses included $934m on unsold Z10 smartphones, and restructuring costs of $512m. Fourth quarter revenues fell to $976m, below analysts' expectations of $1.1bn.

The true face of horror in Ibadan! Bow, knife expose herdsmen as suspects

Everybody who got to the ‘evil forest’ in Ibadan, Oyo State capital where hundreds of people have been killed by kidnappers was stunned to speechlessness seeing the number of decomposed bodies of victims.

Call the place the Soka house of horror, a den of killers, the place of skull, the evil shrine, the valley of dry bones, killers’ hideouts, you will not be wrong. No adjective or description is too much to express the horror there. In the isolated bush, life is hellish, brutish, loutish and nasty. It is distasteful, barbaric and fetish. It is better read and heard than seen.

If you go there once, you could find it difficult to have your meal. Flies of different sizes and colours were feasting on the bodies. The bodies were in different positions. The odour was unbearable. 

The land brings to mind David’s statement when he heard about the death of his bosom friend, Jonathan, “Tell it not in Gath or publish it in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph”.

Chief Isiaka Bello Olupoju, a community leader in the area who was not sure of the exact number of people killed, put the figure at about 120 persons.

Apart from the atrocities committed in the den, the incident raises a serious security concern.

Alleged connivance

It is indefensible for residents in the area to claim ignorance of the activities of the kidnappers. The stench oozing from the decomposed bodies was a strong indication that nobody in the area could claim ignorance.

A woman, who spoke in the presence of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said the matter had been reported at Sanyo Police Station several times. She said some policemen either said the place had been set aside to take care of the destitute who had become a nuisance in the city or it didn’t fall under their jurisdiction.

Another source said they always saw some people moving up and down particularly herdsmen. He said the police should investigate the herdsmen. To fuel suspicion that the herdsmen might know something about the  killings there, a knife and a bow commonly used by cattle rearers were found close to one of the decomposed bodies. 

The knife was still looking fresh as at Tuesday indicating it was just dropped there.

Besides, a company populated by foreigners where the vehicles or motorcycles conveying the victims always pass should know something about the isolated bush. The building of the company is tall and so should afford the persons staying inside to have a glimpse of what is going on in the bush.

Source: Vanguardngr

The true face of horror in Ibadan! Bow, knife expose herdsmen as suspects

Everybody who got to the ‘evil forest’ in Ibadan, Oyo State capital where hundreds of people have been killed by kidnappers was stunned to speechlessness seeing the number of decomposed bodies of victims.

Call the place the Soka house of horror, a den of killers, the place of skull, the evil shrine, the valley of dry bones, killers’ hideouts, you will not be wrong. No adjective or description is too much to express the horror there. In the isolated bush, life is hellish, brutish, loutish and nasty. It is distasteful, barbaric and fetish. It is better read and heard than seen.

If you go there once, you could find it difficult to have your meal. Flies of different sizes and colours were feasting on the bodies. The bodies were in different positions. The odour was unbearable. 

The land brings to mind David’s statement when he heard about the death of his bosom friend, Jonathan, “Tell it not in Gath or publish it in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph”.

Chief Isiaka Bello Olupoju, a community leader in the area who was not sure of the exact number of people killed, put the figure at about 120 persons.

Apart from the atrocities committed in the den, the incident raises a serious security concern.

National Conference will end up as a talk show – Kwankwaso

Kano Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso

Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that the ongoing National Conference would end up as another talk show, as it was meant to waste government’s fund.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in Kaduna at the weekend, he wondered why a whopping N7 billion was budgeted for the conference, while only a paltry N2 billion was given to three North-Eastern states grappling with terrorism and insurgency.

Kwankwaso stated that the President, Goodluck Jonathan hurriedly organised the conference because he was short of ideas on how to run the country.

He alleged that the motive behind the confab was to open old wounds with a clear intent to cause confusion in the polity.

The governor said he only allowed delegates from his state of Kano to attend the confab so that they too would, be part of the audience in a Broadway-like theatre.

Kwankwaso who has left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All progressive Congress, APC, described the dialogue as a waste of time, observing that “you see an Igbo insulting a Hausa, Yoruba insulting Fulani, a Christian talking against a Muslim and vice versa”.

He said that what Nigeria needs is a change in leadership with people of integrity to steer the ship of the state, and not a government that has failed and is still coming up with ideas that would not augur well for Nigeria’s unity and corporate existence in the long run.

The Kano chief executive predicted that the conference will end up as a talk show where billions of naira that could have been spent on meaningful projects, would go down the drain.

Source: Dailypost

National Conference will end up as a talk show – Kwankwaso

Kano Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso

Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that the ongoing National Conference would end up as another talk show, as it was meant to waste government’s fund.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in Kaduna at the weekend, he wondered why a whopping N7 billion was budgeted for the conference, while only a paltry N2 billion was given to three North-Eastern states grappling with terrorism and insurgency.

Kwankwaso stated that the President, Goodluck Jonathan hurriedly organised the conference because he was short of ideas on how to run the country.

He alleged that the motive behind the confab was to open old wounds with a clear intent to cause confusion in the polity.

The governor said he only allowed delegates from his state of Kano to attend the confab so that they too would, be part of the audience in a Broadway-like theatre.

Jonathan is running a shameless government – Tinubu

Asiwaju Ahmed Fashola

A former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took a swipe on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, when he accused the party of being responsible for poverty in Nigeria.

The APC leader who described Jonathan’s government as shameless, said the poverty in every part of the country was enough reason for Nigerians to vote the party out of power come 2015, adding that the PDP was not concerned about the plight of the common man.

Asiwaju who spoke in Lagos at the 6th annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, “ The Summit 0f The Common Man” said it was high time Nigerians broke the shackle of poverty and corruption.

He said, “The common man lives below poverty line which is measurable by all standards in the world. We have heard about a farmer who was defrauded through their fertilizer scheme. Yet they talk about SURE-P of corruption.

“This is a reminder about the type of leader we have in the country. We must be compassionate. We need an enduring change that is not along religious lines. No matter how rich you are, since you are African, you must still have a link with poverty. It could either be through your mother, uncle or any relation. We have to break that shackle.” he said.

Tinubu added that rather than account for the alleged missing $20bn oil revenue, the government kept giving untenable excuses.

His words, “They are so shameless that the number of years they have ruled does not matter to them. Don’t change the subject matter. Account for the missing money or go. All the explanations they gave about the missing money are just explanations. They steal from pensioners. We must kick them out.

“The change is for you to vote and defend it. We must break the shackles of poverty. How can we continue to vote for a government that refused to give us petrol and which removed subsidy on petroleum products. Are we sadistic? Do we enjoy being punished?” he stated.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola urged the electorate to be mindful of those they elect.

He said, “ You must pay critical attention to the people you vote for.

“I know that we have employed somebody for the top job in this country but when we asked him about his qualifications and experience, he said he had no shoes. You must decide whether you want someone who spends most of his time in church or mosque, or the man who is ready to spend his time on the job.”

Source: Dailypost

Jonathan is running a shameless government – Tinubu

Asiwaju Ahmed Fashola

A former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took a swipe on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, when he accused the party of being responsible for poverty in Nigeria.

The APC leader who described Jonathan’s government as shameless, said the poverty in every part of the country was enough reason for Nigerians to vote the party out of power come 2015, adding that the PDP was not concerned about the plight of the common man.

Asiwaju who spoke in Lagos at the 6th annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium with the theme, “ The Summit 0f The Common Man” said it was high time Nigerians broke the shackle of poverty and corruption.

He said, “The common man lives below poverty line which is measurable by all standards in the world. We have heard about a farmer who was defrauded through their fertilizer scheme. Yet they talk about SURE-P of corruption.

“This is a reminder about the type of leader we have in the country. We must be compassionate. We need an enduring change that is not along religious lines. No matter how rich you are, since you are African, you must still have a link with poverty. It could either be through your mother, uncle or any relation. We have to break that shackle.” he said.

Tinubu added that rather than account for the alleged missing $20bn oil revenue, the government kept giving untenable excuses.

His words, “They are so shameless that the number of years they have ruled does not matter to them. Don’t change the subject matter. Account for the missing money or go. All the explanations they gave about the missing money are just explanations. They steal from pensioners. We must kick them out.