General News

Gov. Bello Receives 53 Abducted Passengers

Published

3 days ago

February 22, 2021

Gov. Bello Receives 53 Abducted Passengers

Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has received the 53 abducted passengers of the state-owned Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor received the abducted passengers at the Government House, Minna, on Sunday at about 11:35 p.m.

NAN recalls that the NSTA passengers were seized by armed bandits in Rijau on Feb. 14.

The passengers were on their way to Minna but were intercepted at Kundu Village on Minna-Tegina Road in the Rafi Local Government Area.

The governor said that the victims were released by their abductors after thorough negotiations and consultations between the government and the suspected bandits.

“We thank God for helping us to secure their release. We went through one week of consultations and sleepless nights to secure their release,” he said.

He said that before they would rejoin their various families, the state government must ensure that they undergo a thorough medical checkup.

The released passengers were 20 women, nine children, and 24 men.

NAN observed that the victims were all looking tired and hungry, as some of them could barely walk.

However, the governor said that the abducted 27 students of Government Science College, Kagara, were still in the hands of their captors, adding that effort was being intensified for their safe return.

He assured the residents of the state that very soon the government would secure their release.

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General News

Abuja Military Plane Crash: Victims To Be Buried

Published

5 hours ago

February 24, 2021

Tunde Osunfemi

Abuja Military Plane Crash: Victims To Be Buried

The seven Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers who died in the military plane crash that happened on Sunday, February 21, 2021, will be buried at the National Cemetery, Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, on Thursday, February 25.

The NAF disclosed this in an invitation to journalists.

The Beechcraft King Air B350i in which they were flying crashed short of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure.

The deceased include the Captain, Fl. Lt. Haruna Gadzama; Fl. Lt. Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot); Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System Specialist); Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist); Fl. Sgt. Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist); Sgt. Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

The tragic incident generated an outpouring of grief nationwide while the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, ordered an investigation into the mishap.

The CAS said the deceased personnel, had been in Minna, Niger State, for days conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions in connection with the efforts to secure the release of the 42 students and staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.

General News

Buhari Presides Over Virtual FEC As Members Honour Gen. Abdallah

Published

6 hours ago

February 24, 2021

Peter Mary Tanimu

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President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a minute silence in honour of former Kwara State Military Administrator retired Brig.- Gen. Ahmed Aboki Abdallah, who died recently, was observed by the cabinet members.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, called on the cabinet members to stand in honour of the departed, who was a former Minister of Communications.

Late Abdallah served as Minister of Communications and later Minister of Social Development, Youth and Sports during the military regime when President Buhari was the Head of State.

He later became the Military Administrator of Kwara State from 1987-1988.

NAN observed that the Council meeting is being physically attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

Ten Ministers including those of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Finance, Zainab Ahmed, Justice, Abubakar Malami, Agriculture Sabo Nanono and Education, Adamu Adamu are also attending the meeting.

Others at the meeting are the Ministers of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar, Trade, Industry and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are participating in the weekly cabinet meeting from their various offices in Abuja online.