News
Food Shortage Imminent In Nigeria Over Benue Attacks
Youth groups, under the aegis of South-South, South-West and South-East, have warned against possible food insecurity in the country, if the herders’ attacks in Benue State are not checked.
The leader of the group, Mr Greig Oluchukwu stated this yesterday in Makurdi during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom in his office.
Oluchukwu, who led leaders of the youth groups in the 17 states under him, said the continued attacks on the state were threats not only national security but food security as well. Herdsmen
He commended the resilience of the governor in resisting the terror attacks by speaking against it and stressing the sanctity of human life. “We salute your courage and efforts toward securing your state against the herders’ attacks, we are with you and we will stand with you.” Oluchukwu said his group was involved in building peace initiatives across the country and urged the state to join in the crusade for promoting peace initiatives. He also assured the governor of their material support to the displaced persons, saying that they would also visit the camps to see things for themselves. Responding, Gov. Ortom commended them for standing with the state in its moments of pain, saying that their peace initiatives would not be in vain.
He said peace was paramount for sustained development, pointing out that the killings would not bring about development. He said the anti open grazing law enacted by the state government was aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence of both farmers and herdsmen.
The governor explained that it provided protection to herdsmen against cattle rustling, while also protecting the farmers from cattle encroachment into their farms. Ortom, however, regretted that some people within the country had arrogated themselves immunity against the law by vowing to disobey constituted authority. He also regretted the recent killings in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state and urged the security agencies to arrest the killer-herdsmen. The governor appealed to all Nigerians to join hands in defeating the terrorist herdsmen creating insecurity in communities across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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