Headline

Taraba Crisis Escalates, Scores Feared Dead, Houses Razed

Published

7 years ago

March 5, 2018

Eric

THE crisis on the Mambila plateau in Taraba State escalated on Sunday as scores of people were feared killed while many houses were torched in Yelwa and Mesamari villages in the Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.

Though eyewitnesses claimed that over 40 people were killed in the attack which allegedly started on Saturday night, police authorities in the state said they could not give the casualty figure.

Our correspondent reports that violence returned to the Mambila Plateau last Thursday following dispute over land.

Police had earlier confirmed five people killed in the Thursday attack which he said occurred as a result of a clash between the Fulani and Mambila people.

But the attack, which continued on Saturday night through Sunday, led to the death of many people from both sides.

Though police said normalcy had returned to the area following deployment of additional units of personnel in the troubled communities, local residents said no fewer than 40 persons had been killed in the clash.

The President of the Mambila Progressive Cultural Association, Mr. Marcus Bovoa, who also confirmed the attack, told our correspondent that many houses in Tungwa and Yelwa communities were completely razed, while about 40 people were killed during the Sunday attack.

Another eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said several people were killed at Mesamari while cows were stolen when gunmen attacked the community on Sunday.

The eyewitness said tension was still high in the area, adding that he could not ascertain the casualty figure as of the time of filling this report.

An eyewitness, Charity Samuel, told our correspondent on the telephone that his family got information that some armed Fulani men were attacking their village and they hurriedly escaped in their family car.

She explained that on their way to Gashaka they were attacked around the Corner Drum (Biyuda Sisi) area by some armed Fulani men and six of the family members were injured.

“Six of them were critically injured in the attack and four escaped unhurt. The injured ones are currently receiving treatment at the MRS Army Barracks Clinic in Serti.

“The driver was most affected in the attack and he is still unconscious as we speak,” she said.

However, another eyewitness, Ahmadu Muhammad, claimed that over 20 people were killed in the attack.

But the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Misal, who confirmed the clash, did not give the casualty figure.

He said the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dave Akinremi, had temporarily relocated to the Gembu, the headquarters of Sarduana Local Government Area to calm the situation.

Misal told our correspondent that on arrival in Gembu, the commissioner had deployed additional units of police men in the troubled communities to restore normalcy.

“The crisis has not escalated as such, but houses are still being razed because most people ran away and left their communities after the Thursday’s attack and some hoodlums took advantage of that to raze the houses. But with the deployment of security in the areas, normalcy has returned,” he said.

The Punch

Headline

Ghana: Mahama Wins Reelection, Oppositon Candidate Concedes Defeat

Published

18 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Eric

Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has staged a political comeback by winning the West African nation’s presidential election after his rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference from his residence, Bawumia said he had called Mahama to congratulate him, adding that Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) also won the parliamentary election.

“Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the Presidential election decisively,” Bawumia said.

“The NDC has also won the parliamentary election. Even though we await final collation of a number of seats, I believe ultimately these will not change the outcome.”

Bawumia said he conceded before the official results to ease tensions.

Before his concession, scuffles had been reported in several local constituency centres where results were still arriving from polling stations.

“I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country,” Bawumia said.

“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana,” he added. “The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

Source: Reuters.com

Headline

UBA Foundation Kicks Off Festive Season with Spectacular Garden Light-Up

Published

6 days ago

December 3, 2024

Admin

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, held its annual Garden Light-Up ceremony on Monday at its head office in Lagos.

The event marked the start of the festive season with a spectacular display of lights, fireworks, and music, bringing together staff, customers, and well-wishers in a celebration of unity and gratitude.

The Garden Light-Up, a cherished tradition, reflects UBA’s commitment to spreading joy and fostering a sense of community. Speaking at the event, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba highlighted the bank’s dedication to creating memorable experiences and expressed appreciation for the efforts of staff and customers during a challenging year.

“As we approach Christmas, a time of love, we remember the spirit of giving and community,” Alawuba said. “This ceremony symbolizes hope for the future and the goodness it brings into people’s lives. I encourage everyone to spread kindness and light as we celebrate together.”

The ceremony also marked UBA’s 75th anniversary, with Alawuba emphasizing the bank’s commitment to building a lasting heritage. Guests enjoyed Christmas carols performed by the UBA Customer Fulfilment Centre choir and a guided tour of the UBA Foundation gardens at Lagos Marina.

In addition to the festivities, the UBA Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through initiatives that focus on education, environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and community welfare. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Foundation will provide meals to tens of thousands of people across Africa during the holiday season.

The event ended with fireworks, leaving attendees inspired and excited for the season of giving.

home

Headline

My Economic Policies Harsh, But Yielding Results, Tinubu Insists

Published

7 days ago

December 2, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has, for the umpteenth time, insisted that the economic policies that he initiated on assumption of office are now yielding the desired results.

Tinubu, who acknowledged that the policies are harsh on the people, stated that the decision became imperative in order to salvage the country from the crises facing it.

Speaking during the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, the President, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, stated that Nigeria is now moving from consumption to production economy.

While calling for the people’s understanding and support, he maintained that his administration is open to criticisms and admiration.

The President said: “The need to salvage the future of our children and bring the country back from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and also unify the exchange rates.

“I am not unaware of the consequences of the tough decisions on our people. I sincerely wish there could be softer options.

“The macro-economy of our dear country is improving by the day and beyond expectations. The micro-economy, which directly affects our citizens, is also taking shape gradually with positive results.

“By the grace of the Almighty God, every household will experience a better life and have brighter hope for the future.

“We are working hard to ensure the safety of every Nigerian in every part of the country. Our security architecture is up to the task, and the ugly narratives of the past are changing for good. Also, we are not relenting in our pursuit of making our country a haven of prosperity for all.”