Bandits kill DPO, four others in Niger community

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Bandits have reportedly killed a Divisional Police Officer and four others in Niger community during an attack on Saturday in Niger State. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Office, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the bandits had attempted to attack Chibani

Market in Munyan Local Government Area and were killed by local vigilantes.

He further stated that another set of bandits had tried to attack communities around Lambata when they were engaged in a gun battle with security operatives “Similarly, on Saturday, at about 11am, information was received that bandits were sighted around Kwakuti-Dajigbe area of Lambata, in an attempt to attack some communities around the Gurara LGA.

He stated that the DPO of Paiko police station, Muktar Sabiu and four other officers died in the gun battle with the bandits.

“Combined teams of police from GawuBabangida Div and Paiko Div, military, and vigilante members were drafted to the scene, the bandits were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralised, while others escaped with bullet injuries.

“Regrettably, the DPO, Paiko, SP Mukhtar Sabiu, and four other policemen from both divisions lost their lives during the gun duel,” the statement said.

Nigerian telecoms subscribers figure hits 222 million

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said as of December 2022, the number of active mobile subscribers in the country had reached 222.571 million, while internet subscribers had exceeded 154.8m.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the commission, Professor, Umar Danbatta at the NCC day at the ongoing 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna at the weekend.

Represented by Banji Ojo, Head, of consumer protection and advocacy, he said the commission recognises the fact that the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially the activities of the SMEs across in Nigeria and beyond.

“Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries –directly creating millions of jobs – but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development, as it provides the backbone infrastructure for transnational business.

Hence, in line with the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, for a Digital Nigeria, the Commission embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Also he noted that NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services will benefit Nigeria and make it competitive compared with other economies in the areas of job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; the emergence of new services and industries; workforce transformation; and business innovation.

“It is in our response to ensuring that Nigeria is competitive in all these areas that Commission continuously puts a number of regulatory measures in place to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services in order to deepen competitiveness of the Nigerian economy by making our SMEs digitally compliant.

“In Nigeria today, the number of active mobile subscriptions reached about 222,571 million of December 2022 and Teledensity of 116.60 per cent as of December 2022.

“Also, Internet subscribers have exceeded 154.8 million with broadband penetration standing at 47.36 per cent as of December 2022.

“Therefore, it is my pleasure to restate the NCC’s commitment to protecting and empowering consumers – whether individuals and corporate consumers – from unfair practices willingly or unwillingly orchestrated by the service providers.

“As you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for a full commercial launch of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria. Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will roll out service have been issued.”

Ex-DIG,others refutes allegations of fueling communal crisis in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Aretired Deputy Inspector General of Police,DIG

Philemon Ibrahim

Leha and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Dauda have denied any involvement in the communal crisis rocking their communities in Adamawa state.

Recalled that a communal dispute over farmland has ensued between Dingle Uboh clan and Wanela Wagowang Clan of Mayah community of Demsa local government area last week, where DIG Leha and Dauda were accused by Dingle Uboh clan of be backing their people (Wanela Wagowang clan).

Addressing a press conference in Yola Thursday, legal counsel to the duo (DIG Leha & Dauda),Barrister Ehimikhuai Godwin refuted the allegations of backing their kinsmen by Dingle Uboh clan against his clients, insisting that it was “totally false,unfounded,spurious and can’t be substantiated with credible evidence”.