Northern Youth to resist govt plans to remove fuel subsidy

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed its opposition to the proposed removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria.

The youth council, which represents the interests of young people in the northern region of Nigeria, raised concerns about the potential impact of such a move on the already struggling economy and the Nigerian people.

In a statement issued by the council’s president, Isah Abubakar, the group expressed its fear that any palliative measures put in place to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal would be looted by corrupt individuals, just like the COVID-19 intervention funds.

The council called on the Nigerian government to reconsider its decision to remove the subsidy, arguing that it would only lead to an increase in the cost of living for the average Nigerian, who is already struggling to make ends meet.

They also urged the government to focus on implementing policies that would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

49 Persons Killed in Benue Community by gunmen

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi 4

9 persons including a Police officer have been killed in two

(2) days by gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen militia in Umuogidi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue state.

As at the time of filing this report, the police said eight dead bodies have been recovered including that of a police officer.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday evening, 4th March, 2023.

Recall that three persons were killed in the same community on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2023, with the latest killing making it 49 in 24 hours.

A source from the community told newsmen that while the villagers were burying the three persons killed earlier, the gunmen invaded the village again and started shooting sporadically.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Bako Ejeh said his son, in-law and nephew were all killed during the attack.

“The herdsmen came back and invaded the village again at about 4:15 pm yesterday and 46 persons including my own son.

“We just buried his copse and some other people are still missing. We don’t know their whereabouts.

“My immediate younger sister, same mother and father, they killed her husband, killed her second son of about 38 years old.”

The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) also confirmed the attack saying 46 persons have been recovered and more could have been killed as some members of the community have not been found.

Hemba said, “Yes that is what happened. I can confirm to you that there was an attack in Umogidi and as at this morning, the causality figure from those who were seen physically from what I was told were 46 so far and other people are still missing so the figure could rise higher than that.

“The unfortunate thing is the local government chairman is from that community and his 33-year-old son is also a victim. It’s a very tragic and painful incident.”

The Special Adviser noted that he would be visiting the area in company of the state Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, to ascertain the level of damage in the community.

While stating that the herdsmen have consistently attacked that axis from Apa and Agatu LGAs in the last one month without provocations, Hemba said, “Sometimes they cause a lot of destructions, damages to property and even to farmers in the area.”

He noted that the place is a bit calm at the moment as Police have been deployed and soldiers sent there to assist.

“I spoke to the Brigade Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, he sent soldiers and they are there. So the security situation, for now, is calm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police command has also confirmed the attack saying eight person have been killed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, in a message said “Attack on Umogidi community confirmed.

“8 corpses recovered including a police officer. More police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

L-R: Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Director Legal Services, Bolarinde Omoluabi, and Managing Director, MPS Technologies Limited, Johnson Salako during the signing of an agreement on the Financial Direct Agreement with respect to the concession of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s National Public Security Communication System at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja..

Social Protection: OGP lauds Kaduna Gov’t over Social Security Bill

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Strengthening Social Protection Systems in Kaduna State has commended the government for the efforts to provide a legal framework for its social protection programmes.

Citizens Co-chair, OGP TWG on Strengthening Social

Protection Systems in Kaduna State Philip Daniel Yatai stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

Mr. Yatai said this is a “laudable step” towards fulfilling the state government’s commitment in its OGP State Action Plan II, to provide a legal framework for social protection programmes.

According to him, Social protection is about upholding human dignity and promoting the overall wellbeing of poor and vulnerable individuals amidst socioeconomic adversity.

“ However, the state is faced with the challenge of high poverty level, incoherent strategy towards addressing poverty, vulnerability, social exclusion and poor access to education, health, and nutrition services.

“A Bill for a law to provide for the Social Security Scheme and for connected matters, 2023 is among six Bills submitted to the Assembly by the State Executive Council for passage.

“Therefore, the government made a commitment to strengthen its social protection system to bridge identified gaps in rendering social protection services and provide a life of dignity for all residents.”

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigerian Military said its troops have killed 21 terrorists and rescued 54 terrorist escapees in the North Eastern part of the country.

Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on two weeks Military operations in the country.

He added that the troops also captured 9 suspected terrorists, arrested 11 suspected terrorists logistic suppliers/collaborators and 2 terrorists.

He revealed that 974 terrorists comprising 77 adult males, 364 adult females and 533 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the joint areas of operation.

“All recovered items, apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authority further action. Equally, the rescued terrorists escapees and members of