THISDAY

A very competent source told newsmen that the abductees are on their way to Minna and should be in the Niger State capital in a couple of hours.

One of those killed was at Pandogari town in Rafi Local Government Area, where five people were abducted, while the remaining five were murdered in Gurmana in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. Ten persons were kidnapped in this incident.

The Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State chapter, Mr. Aondogu Saaku, has described the statement made by the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, that both farmers and herdsmen carry sophisticated weapons, as despicable and insulting to farmers.

The Niger State Government has denied knowledge of any demand for ransom by the bandits who kidnapped 42 people from the Government Science College, Kagara in the state.

Palpable fear now grips no fewer than eight communities in the Yewa axis of Ogun State, following the alleged threat of fresh attacks from the umbrella body of the Fulani herdsmen, the Miyetti Allah.

No person, however highly placed he or she may be, is permitted to forcefully acquire land and settle on it by force and arms in any state in Nigeria, a leading constitutional and human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has said.

A human rights and advocacy research group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) said yesterday that 63 residents of Oyigbo in Rivers State detained in three facilities belonging to the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police in Abuja, have regained their freedom.

As part of efforts to reconcile members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reshape the party ahead of the 2023 general elections, the party’s Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, led by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja.

Foreign investors’ low patronage of the Nigerian stock market has been attributed to scarcity of foreign exchange (FX) as well as concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

At the launch of the campaign, the Executive Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu, said, the Valentine season gave the bank an opportunity to, as reported by Thisday, show love to its customers and reward their loyalty for banking with us.

Apparently apprehending open grazing as the root cause of the prevailing tension between herders and farmers nationwide, North-west governors at yesterday’s meeting with security chiefs in Kaduna, reportedly sought more time to develop ranches seen to be the panacea for the raging conflict in the country.

The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of 21 persons by bandits in Kundu village near Zungeru in Yakila District of Rafi Local Government Area of the state Sunday, describing it as an act of inhumanity.

A non-political, pro-democracy platform, African Centre for Leadership and Good Governance (ACLG) has expressed its support for the nomination of the immediate-past military Service Chiefs as non- career ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the action of the president was in order.

A coalition of 27 human rights and advocacy groups has petitioned 31 Embassies, including European Union (EU), United Kingdom, and many African countries, urging them to reject the posting of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai (rtd), and others over human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings perpetrated under his leadership as army chief.

A constitutional crisis might be brewing between the Senate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over a directive to it by the upper chamber to restore two state constituencies in Delta State in what appeared to be new boundary delineations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), German chapter, yesterday warned that the ruling party would find itself in a mess if a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is allowed to return to its fold. The chapter, also, warned that the return of the former minister could generate friction that would disorganise a party already in leadership crisis.

Three persons were feared dead at Shasa Market and environs in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State as violent clash ensued between Yoruba and some Hausa traders in the early hours of yesterday.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday urged governors of the Northern states to start preparing to receive law-abiding Fulani herders who may be compelled to relocate from their present abodes in different parts of Nigeria, following conflict with various host communities.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked Shagari quarters in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed the leader of a vigilante group in the area, Ali Bahago, after a gun duel.

Abductors of 46-year-old lorry owner in Ilorin, Kwara State, Alhaji Musa Garba Atere, who was reportedly kidnapped yesterday morning, have demanded N30 million ransom from the family of the victim for his freedom.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has scheduled a special meeting of its General Council for Monday, February 15, 2021, where Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to be formally announced as the Director General.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday allayed fears of stakeholders, especially political parties, on the distribution of new polling units it is planning to create ahead of the 2023 general election.