Welcome to Abiodun Esho's Blog: 2014-05-11

Saturday, 17 May 2014

How does my visiting Chibok solve the problem- Jonathan

At a press conference for the Regional Security Summit that held in France, President Jonathan explained why he is yet to visit the scene. Find his statement below:

"The school is owned by the State Government but it is the commitment of the Federal government to rebuild the school, build walls to protect it and provide facilities since it is predominantly a school that takes care of girls education so that the girls would be protected. Yes I will visit Chibok, no doubt about that but what we are anxious about now is to locate the girls. These girls are not held in Chibok. If the President goes to Chibok today, does that solve any problem? Maybe psychological problem or for media relevance but you have not solved the problem. The problem facing the President and indeed the Nigerian government is to get these girls from wherever they are" he said

Osaze and son. Cute pic

This is just so sweet and cute. Love of a new father and son

Osaze and his wife welcomed another son on Thursday May 15th. Wishing them well.

BH threatens to invade more schools and abduct more students

The Principal of Government College, Makurdi, Godfrey Ugudu, on Saturday said the school had received letter from Boko Haram sect threatening to attack the school.

Ugudu, who announced this at a news conference in Makurdi on Saturday, added that the school received two letters which had the same content on 14 May.

“It is true that we saw two letters informing us of the intention of the sect to invade our school on Friday or Monday by Boko Haram

By Premium Times

“This unconventional war has so far claimed over twelve thousand lives, with more than 8, 000 persons injured or maimed, not to mention the displacement of thousands of innocent Nigerians,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday said the Boko Haram insurgent’s ultimate plan is to “destabilize the country, and take over Nigeria.”
Mr. Jonathan said this at the “Regional Summit on Security in Nigeria,” held in France and attended by leaders of some of Nigeria’s neighbours including Benin, Chad, Niger Republic, and Cameroon; as well as the French President, Francois Hollande, U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, and other world leaders.

Senior United States military and civilian officials have questioned the capacity of the Nigerian military-even with foreign assistance- to rescue more than 250 schoolgirls abducted over a month ago in Chibok, Borno State, in an unusually frank assessment that may shape the outcome of an international effort to release the missing students.

One official said the Nigerian security forces have so diminished in capability that they are currently “afraid to even engage” Boko Haram, the terrorist group responsible for the abductions, and the deaths of more than 5,000 Nigerians.

This is really taking a new and more dangeroust twist as BH gradually becomes international. A Chinese national was killed and 10 others were abducted in an overnight attack in northern Cameroon believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram sect, a police told AFP on Saturday.

“Boko Haram militants attacked a camp (of road workers). A Chinese was killed. 10 Chinese cannot be found since the attack. We think they have probably been kidnapped,” a local police chief said on condition of anonymity.

AFP

Man dies digging grave to steal skull in Osun state

An unidentified young man in Ilobu community, in the Irepodun LGA of Osun State, was found head deep in a grave in the early hours of Wednesday May 14th, after allegedly attempting to cut off the head of a corpse, buried in Tonto compound in the area, Saturday Tribune reports

The suspect’s accomplices fled in terror after seeing half his body get stuck mysteriously in the grave. His death has generated concern among the terrified residents of the Ilobu community.

It was gathered that the victim and his partners in crime allegedly came to Tonto compound in the early hours of Wednesday with a plot to exhume the corpse of an aged woman and sever her decomposed head, allegedly for ritual purposes. Continue...

As many unemployed Nigerians come face to face with the reality of high rate of unemployment, a few others have considered waste as a veritable source of income generation and employment and so, rather than gnashing their teeth, they resort to making a living out of waste management.

Angry reactions yesterday trailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s last minute cancellation of a trip to Chibok, where over 200 female students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, GGSS, were abducted last month by Boko Haram insurgents.

Parents of the abducted girls who had lined up waiting to receive President Jonathan on his sympathy visit to Chibok, ended up frustrated, as their ‘’August visitor’’ never turned up.

Although there was no official reaction from the Borno State government over the development, a close associate of Governor Kashim Shettima who pleaded anonymity said that although there was no official communication between the state government and the presidency that Jonathan would visit Borno or Chibok yesterday, the state government had made preparations about the aborted visit of Mr. President, aware of the trip which the presidency was said to have wanted unannounced.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom has revealed the Federal Government's plans to roll out made-in-Nigeria vehicles into the market next month, June 2014. The Minister made this known when he received a delegation from Automobile Peugeot, France in his office in Abuja, Punch reports.

Nigerian Soldiers reluctant to fight- US General

The United States has said that the Nigerian military is becoming afraid of engaging the Boko Haram insurgents.

Testifying on Thursday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the US Air Force Chief of staff, Gen. Mark Welsh III, said, “We’re now looking at a military force that is, quite frankly, becoming afraid to even engage. The United States doesn’t have the capacity, the capability to go rescue every kidnapped person around the world.”

The United States of America (USA) military is conducting several surveillance flights over north-eastern Nigeria in an effort to find school girls held by a terrorist group, but it would not share the intelligence gathered with the Nigerian government, Pentagon officials said on Tuesday.

According to military.com, Army General David Rodriguez, Head of the Africa Command, was in Abuja, to work out “protocols” for sharing the information from the high-resolution cameras carried by the surveillance aircraft, the officials said.

“At this point, we are not sharing raw intelligence data,” said Army Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman.

Following rumours he’s left Inspiration FM, Dan Foster has revealed the truth behind the rumour.

He confirmed to NET that he’s truly dropped his resignation letter and has since left. Coupled with the fact that his voice hasn’t also been heard airing on the station since this week, is a living proof he’s no longer there.

Snippets of the findings of the United States surveillance drones and satellites tracking the over 200 students abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Borno State are beginning to emerge.

Imagery from the drones and satellites shows suspected terrorists setting up temporary camps and moving through isolated villages along bush paths in the Northeast, according to reports from the US.

Nigerian soldiers who are in the forefront of the war against Boko Haram are increasingly disenchanted with their commanding officers as well as political authorities in Abuja, especially Minister of Defense Aliyu Gusau.

Members of a vigilante group in Madagali, a town in Adamawa State, have killed more than 70 Boko Haram members and and handed over seven captured militants to the police.
The vigilantes acted after they were tipped off by a local food vendor that the militants were coming to get food before heading out for a major operation to raid villages in the area, usually carried out at night.

Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, Mr. Doyin Okupe, has fired verbal shots at the former minister and a frontliner in the #Bringbackourgirls campaign, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili. Kindly go through the tweets yourself and imagine what is happening. For now let's all join our hands together and bring back our girls

President Jonathan cancels trip to Chibok

Well, President Jonathan has decided to cancel his planned trip to Chibok, Borno State, the town where over 200 girls were abducted about a month ago. He was scheduled to visit the place today May 16th but instead he went straight to attend the Africa Security Summit which is holding in Paris today.

Two schools burnt by BH in Bauchi, one killed- Punch Newspaper

Punch newspaper

Unknown gunmen on Wednesday burnt down two primary schools and an MTN telecommunication mast in Shadarki village in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The attack is coming barely 25 days after unknown gunmen attacked the Government Girl’s Secondary School Yana in Shira Local Government Area of the state in which a five-year old girl was burnt to death and staff quaters, the school bus and an eight-man block rank and file quarters were all burnt down

US blasts Nigerian Govt, seeks swift sanctions on Boko Haram

The United States has criticised the Federal Government for being too slow to adapt in response to Boko Haram's threat.

Pentagon's Principal Director for African Affairs, Alice Friend, and the US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Robert Jackson, made the accusation in the testimony they provided to the Senate's Africa Subcommittee hearing.

Sixteen US Department of Defence personnel with medical, intelligence, counter-terrorism and communications expertise have already been assigned to boost government's efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls. Continue...

A Court of Appeal sitting in Benin city the Edo state capital on May 15th ruled that former Delta state Governor James Ibori has a case to answer concerning allegations of financial impropriety and money laundering leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The Judgement was unanimously given by a 3-man panel made up of Justice Ibrhahim Saulawa, Justices P. M Ekpe and H. A Barka.

This ruling comes six years after an Asaba Federal High Court Judge, Marcel Awokulehin, struck out all 170 count charges of money laundering earlier leveled against Mr. Ibori.

This means the ex-governor, who is currently serving jail term in the UK for money laundry, would face another trial when he returns to Nigeria after completing his jail term over there.

To die by hanging for converting from Islam

I don't know what you will make of this but the Lady in the picture above is to die by hanging. Her of fence, she converted from Islam. Continue.....

PHOTONEWS: #BringBackOurGirls Rally In Washington DC

The call for the return of the girls is still spreading and going strong. There were demonstrations in Washington DC and the pictures below we're made available.

Sadly, despite all the demonstrations, much results have not been seen. At least, not even one of the abducted girls has be released. It is getting too long, the girls are in the hands of uncertainties and we really can't be too sure of what is being done to them daily. We plead with the Nigerian government and International organizations to act fast as another day the girls spend with their abductors could be a game changer. See pictures after the cut...

Nigerian police forensic team heading to Benin republic to exhume the body of one of the victims

Officials of the Nigerian Police force, and the Federal SARS, on Wednesday, obtained clearance from Interpol in Cotonou, in the Benin Republic, to proceed with a forensic examination of a dead victim of the Ejigbo pepper sodomy case. Continue...

Members of the house of Representatives, have agreed with President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the Emergency Rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe after a 3 hour closed door session with service chiefs.

Also, the service chiefs made it clear that no election can hold in the three troubled states as Nigeria was at war.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who presided at Thursday's plenary before putting the issue to a voice vote said,"we agreed yesterday,Wednesday, to vote on the extension of emergency rule and after an exhaustive meeting with the service chiefs on their operations so far we agreed to vote on it.

When he eventually put it to a voice, a thunderous ay carried the day.

Chairman of House Committee on Media, Rep Zakari Mohammed confirmed the new development to journalists after plenary.

Okada Association members club man to death in Lagos

The quest for power among members of the Okada Riders Association of Aratunmi Motorcycle Park in New Iba site Ojo LGA of Lagos state has led to the death of 20 year old Wasiu Jimoh.

According to a Punch report, trouble started on April 14th when a faction of the association went into the motor park around 8.30pm and attacked another faction called O-Yes which the late Jimoh belonged to, with the intention of wrestling the chairmanship position from them. During the fight, Jimoh was attacked with a machete and sticks and left to die. He later died in the hospital. Find graphic picture after the cut...

According to Reuters Africa, President Jonathan will this Friday May 16th visit Chibok Community where over 200 girls were abducted by Boko Haram men on April 14th. This would be the President's first visit to the community since the abduction happened about a month ago.

Kidnapped schoolgirls: Families want 'unconditional' release

Relatives of more than 200 schoolgirls held hostage by Boko Haram on Thursday called for their unconditional release, after Nigeria's government ruled out a prisoner swap with the extremists.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau indicated in a video this week that he could release the 223 girls now held for more than a month in exchange for militant fighters in custody in Nigerian jails.

But Britain's Africa minister Mark Simmonds said after meeting President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday that the head of state was adamant there "will be no negotiation that involves a swap"

Sudanese pregnant woman to die for leaving Islam

A Sudanese court has sentenced a woman to death by hanging for apostasy after she left Islam and married a Christian man.

"We gave you three days to recant but you insist on not returning to Islam. I sentence you to be hanged to death," the judge told the woman, AFP reports.

Western embassies and rights groups had urged Sudan to respect the right of the pregnant woman to choose her religion.

Read the EFCC press release below...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the duo of Nnanna Kalu, 26 and Ukaegbu Arisa Oti, 27, before Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court Umuahia, Abia State on a 28-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense and forgery

Everyone seems to be living in some kind of fear now. There was panic in Lagos Island this morning after some people in the area spotted three wrapped parcels abandoned on a street. People ran as far as their legs could carry them but alas! There was nothing significant at the end. The police was eventually called and they removed the abandoned parcels from where it was placed. More picture below...

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday insisted on a carrot and stick approach to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said there could be no other means since President Goodluck Jonathan “is overwhelmed “by the Boko Haram (insurgency).

Obasanjo spoke on a BBC programme, Focus on Africa, which aired a special edition on Nigeria’s insecurity last night.Obasanjo said he took it upon himself in 2011 to go on a fact- finding mission when Boko Haram insurgency became uncontrollable to see how to mediate.

Dora Akunyili begins treatment in India

Ailing ex-minister of Information and former NAFDAC boss, Prof Dora Akunyili who reportedly left for India on Sunday May 11th after her health deteriorated, is said to have started her treatment.

According to a statement she released through her Media Advisor, Mr. Isaac Umunna, Prof. Akunyili expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and goodwill towards her since the information of her deteriorating health emerged on Sunday. The statement reads in part;

"I am touched – indeed, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection by my fellow countrymen and women, as well as numerous other well wishers around the world, many of whom have not only been praying for me but have also been mobilising through the various social networks for God’s healing hands to come upon me. I am confident that Almighty God will hear our prayers and grant me quick recovery. I love you all and pray that Almighty God blesses you all."

Akunyili left for India in company of her husband, Dr Chike Akunyili. She is said to be responding well to treatment.

Credits: LIB

Main Brain behind Abuja Bombings Arrested in Sudan

Abubakar Sadiq Ogwuche

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday evening confirmed the arrest of Abubakar Sadiq Ogwuche, one of the masterminds of the Nyanya bombing, in which 100 persons were killed and many others wounded, PR Nigeria reported.

On Monday, a sum of N25 million was placed on the head of Ogwuche and the main mastermind, Rufai Abubakar Tsiga. On Tuesday, International Police (Interpol) issued a warrant of arrest on the man, who was said to be hiding in Sudan. Continue...

The US military is flying surveillance drones as well as manned aircraft over Nigeria to help in the search for more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist extremists, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

The United States has deployed the robotic Global Hawk, which flies at a high altitude, and the manned MC-12, a turboprop plane heavily used in Afghanistan, for the mission, a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. Continue...

A woman, Hajiya Maimuna Danja, died on Wednesday on her way to Katsina to pray for the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

The woman, who hails from Danja in Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State, died in a car crash on Danja-Katsina road.

She was said to be travelling from her village to attend a special prayer session for the release of the girls, organised by the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Shema. Continue...

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has ruled out freeing Boko Haram prisoners in exchange for the release of more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls, British minister Mark Simmonds said on Wednesday.

Africa minister Simmonds, in Nigeria for talks about the international rescue mission, said he raised the issue with Jonathan during a meeting in Abuja.

“I did discuss this with the president and he made it very clear that there will be no negotiation with Boko Haram that involves a swap of abducted schoolgirls for prisoners,” he told reporters in the country’s capital.

AFP

BH now terrorize Cameroon

Courtesy: SR

YAOUNDE, May 13, 2014 (IPS/GIN) - Senior defense officials say that Cameroon has been infiltrated by Nigeria’s Islamist extremist group Boko Haram and there are fears that this central African nation, known for its stability, is drifting into chaos.

“Right now, we are being infiltrated by Boko Haram. The military has decided to strengthen the intelligence system to effectively counter this threat, which seems to be gaining local support,” Colonel Didier Badjeck, spokesperson for the Cameroon Ministry of Defense, told IPS.

Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Augustine Awa Fonka, told IPS that the precision with which the extremist group attacked a military post in the region on May 5, lends credence to the fact that the attack was carried out with the help of local informants.

Angry soldiers from the newly formed 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri today May 14th revolted against their General Officer Commanding, Major General Abubakar Mohammed, shooting sporadically in the Maimalari barracks, which is also home to the Artillery Corps, the Ordinance, as well as army signals in Maiduguri, Sahara Reporters reports. Continue...

The British Government has offered Nigeria surveillance aircraft, a military team and experts to assist in the search of the missing Chibok girls. This was made known a few minutes ago in a tweet by the British Foreign Affairs Minister, William Hague. We do hope that this is a sign of good things to come. Whatever it is, let's remember to pray for Nigeria.

Prophetess sets her 9yr old daughter ablaze; Accused her of being a witch

This is bizarre and condemnable. While some are praying hard to have a child, a 37year old prophetess Bose Oluwole (pictured above) of the Celestial Church of Christ in Epe, Lagos has been arrested by the police for allegedly setting her 9 year old daughter, Damilola, on fire. The woman said her child was possessed with witchcraft and was trying to deliver her according to God's instruction to her. She allegedly poured kerosene on the little girl's body and set it ablaze.

Damilola is currently at the Epe General Hospital where she is being treated for first degree burns in the emergency ward. Continue...

Former Presidential aspirant and Head Pastor of the Household of God Church Pastor Chris Okotie today May 14th posted an article he wrote on the missing Chibok Girls, state of the nation and the international help Nigeria is receiving in the fight against Boko Haram, on his Facebook page.

In the interesting piece, Rev Okotie said Nigeria should not accept help from Israel to avoid Islamizing the terror war because of Israel's long drawn conflict with the Arab nations with whom our predominantly northern brothers share a common faith. See the article below

Two teenagers narrowly escaped being beheaded for rituals

13-year-old Junior Secondary II student of Government Secondary School Gboko, Dooyum Moar, and
another female student of Gkoko High School, narrowly escaped being beheaded by a ritualist after being kidnapped by a commercial vehicle operator in Makurdi.

Recent News

Saturday, 17 May 2014

Friday, 16 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Tuesday, 13 May 2014