News
Bandits’ Attack In UNIABUJA Shows Buhari’s Failure, PDP Laments …As ASUU Confirms Abduction Of Two Profs, Others
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the attack on the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) by bandits shows the failure of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
This is as the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed the abduction of two professors from the Staff Quarters of the institution.
The armed bandits had stormed the Staff Quarters of the university, shooting sporadically before whisking about six persons away in the earlier hours of yesterday.
The PDP, which condemned the attack, “demanded an unconditional release of the victims to reunite with their family members.”
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Bandit Attack in UniAbuja Under Buhari’s Security Precincts, Shocking,’ signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday.
The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns the Tuesday’s attack on the University of Abuja by bandits, who abducted four staff members and some children in the institution.
“The party describes the attack as cowardly and demanded an unconditional release of the victims to reunite with their families members.
“The PDP describes the banditry which occurred within the precincts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s immediate security purview, just 16kilometres from the Aso Presidential Villa, as shocking and further shows the helplessness and failures of his administration.
“With this act of banditry in Abuja, Nigerians expect President Buhari, in line with his promise to lead from the fronts, to straightaway give himself a ‘marching order’ to rescue the victims, just as gives to others whenever there are cases of security failures in commands outside of his security precincts.
“The PDP, however, charges the security agencies not to relent in the face of the failures of the Buhari administration but rise up to the occasion, track down the bandits and rescue the victims.
“The party laments the persistent insecurity in the nation and urged all the citizens to be at alert and assist security agencies in their genuine efforts to secure the country under an incompetent administration.
“The PDP urges Nigerians to continue to pray for the safety and freedom of all compatriots languishing in their abductors’ den, while tasking governments at all levels to rise up to the occasion and device more efficient strategies of securing our nation.”
However, the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed the abduction of two professors from the staff quarters of the institution.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, yesterday, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh.
She stated that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday, had dispatched additional tactical and conventional policing resources to the university’s main and satellite campuses to forestall further attacks.
Also confirming the abduction, the ASUU Chairman, UNIABUJA, Dr Kassim Umaru said that the institution was working towards rescuing the victims.
According to him, those abducted are Prof Obansa and his son; Prof Oboscolo, his son and daughters; as well as Sambo Mohammed and Dr Tobins.
He called on Nigerians to remember the abductees in their prayers to ensure the victims are rescued unhurt.
“Please, we need your prayers for their safe return,” the ASUU chairman said in a message.
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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