Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has explained his reason for delaying the substitution of midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi during the second half of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier against the Republic of Benin on Saturday.
Ndidi paired fellow Premier League player, Alex Iwobi in the midfield against Benin.
The Leicester City star put up his best performance in a while for Nigeria but it came at a cost as he became fatigued.
In the second half, Ndidi was caught on camera signaling to the bench to be substituted, but Eguavoen opted to leave him on the pitch until the 80th minute when he was replaced by Raphael Onyedika.
Explaining why Ndidi’s substitution was delayed, Eguavoen said at his post-match press conference that he wanted to allow his replacement enough time to get fully warmed up before stepping onto the pitch.
“From the beginning of the second half, I told six players to warm-up, Onyedika was among them,” Eguavoen said.
“But we have to buy time, you don’t have to rush into changes because Republic of Benin today surprised me, a very good team.
“I watched them against us in Abidjan, they were not as good as this, so they came with a good game plan, today’s performance for them was very okay.
“I knew at some point we are going to sub Ndidi but somebody who is coming in has to be properly warmed and prepared.”
Nigeria won the match 3-0, thanks to Ademola Lookman’s brace and Osimhen’s goal.
[nigerianeye]
Less than two weeks before the governorship election in Edo State, four aides to the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki have resigned their appointments.
DAILY POST reports that the former Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, to the Governor also resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Dr Pamela Archer also resigned as Special Adviser to Owan East Local Government Council.
The resignation letters dated September 4 and September 6, 2024, were addressed to the chairman of the council and chairmen of their various wards.
The former aides to the governor are Osayande Emenya, Ward 6, Henry Osaheni Ukato, Ward 6, Efosa Edo-OsagieWardd 6, Oredo local government and Timothy Edokpolor, Ward 8, Ikpoba Okha local government area.
Emenya who was the former Youth leader of Ward six and former organizing secretary of Oredo local government of the party and Efosa Edo-Osagie hinged their resignation from the party due to the non-payment of salary since their appointment as SSA to the Edo State Governor.
The duo and others also attributed their resignation from their appointments and the party to the alleged marginalization of the aboriginal members of the party.
“We are also resigning from the party based on the principle of equity, fairness and justice that we hold dearly which no longer prevails within our Party at the Ward levels, coupled with the marginalization of the aboriginal PDP members, who have worked assiduously to sustain this party, prior to its infiltration, despite complaints”, they said.
They, however, thanked the leadership of the party and the State Governor for the time they have spent in the party since its inception and the opportunity to serve the state government.
On her part, Pamela attributed her resignation as SA at Owan East Council to the lack of inclusiveness in the decision-making and governance of the council According to her, after careful consideration and reflection, ”I am writing to formally resign from my position as Special Adviser at Owan East Local Government Council, effective 4th Sept. 2024.
“It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity. However, I must express my concerns about the decision-making processes within the council. “Unfortunately, I have observed that decisions are made without the valuable input from the executives, which I believe undermines the collective effort and the potential for effective governance.
“The lack of inclusive and collaborative decision-making has made it increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties effectively. “I firmly believe in a system where diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, ensuring that decisions made are in the best interest of our people.
“Regrettably, I feel that the current approach does not align with these values, and I do not wish to be part of a system where my contributions as an executive member are not valued or considered.
“I want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly, and it stems from my commitment to integrity, transparency, and the betterment of our community.
“I hope that my resignation will highlight the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, which I believe is essential for the progress and development of Owan East”, she added.
[DailyPost]
48 persons have been given mass burial after a petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred in the early morning of Sunday when the petrol tanker had a head-on collision with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano state.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arab who gave the update on Sunday, also confirmed that 48 persons whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition had been given mass burial in the local government.
According to him, following further search and rescue operations 18 more bodies were recovered from the 30 bodies earlier reported.
“Following further search and rescue operations, my agency discovered 18 more bodies which were also burnt to death and all the dead have been given mass burial,” he said.
Baba-Arab made the accident known on Sunday in a statement in which he said the incident happened on Sunday at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LG.
He also disclosed that over 50 cattle were also burnt alive and two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van were caught in the inferno.
The NSEMA statements read, “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, the 8th of September, 2024, at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA.
“The incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State heading to Lagos, two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van were also caught in the incident.
“Over 30 people are already confirmed dead, with over 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Respond Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still on the scene of the incident conducting search and rescue operations as more corpses are still trapped inside the trucks.”
[Punch]
Nigerian para-powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo clinched a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, shattering two world records in the process.
Her remarkable lift of 167kg not only broke her previous world record in the women’s 86kg Para-Powerlifting category but also made her the first Para-athlete in history to achieve such a feat.
Her performance secured Nigeria’s second gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
The 39-year-old, who had previously won a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has now become a two-time Paralympic champion.
Oluwafemiayo’s accomplishment follows a series of strong performances by Nigerian athletes at the Paralympics. Flora Ugwunwa secured a silver medal in the women’s javelin F54 event, while Onyinyechi Mark won gold in para-powerlifting with a record-breaking lift of 147kg. Esther Nworgu also claimed silver in the women’s 41kg Para-Powerlifting event, setting two new Paralympic records.
Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a medal in badminton at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, achieving a bronze after defeating her Ukrainian opponent in straight sets.
Overall, Nigeria’s medal tally at the 2024 Paralympics stands at seven: two gold, three silver, and two bronze. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Nigerian para-athletes, who continue to excel on the global stage.
Nigeria’s first gold at the Games came from Onyinyechi Mark in the powerlifting finals on Friday.
Esther Nworgu added a silver medal in the women’s 41kg Para-Powerlifting event on Wednesday, and Bose Omolayo also secured a silver medal in the 79kg Para-Powerlifting category.
[BusinessDay]
Over 30 people have been confirmed dead following a petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred when the tanker collided head-on with a trailer truck carrying passengers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, en route to Lagos.
Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the tragic event in a statement on Sunday. The explosion happened around 12:30 am along the Lapai-Agaie road, approximately 2km from Dendo Community.
The NSEMA statement read: “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, 8th September 2024, at about 12:30 am along Lapai-Agaie road, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA.
“The incident happened when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck carrying travellers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, heading to Lagos. Two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also involved in the incident.
“Over 30 people have already been confirmed dead, with more than 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still at the scene conducting search and rescue operations, as more bodies remain trapped inside the vehicles,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and properties from the explosion.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor says he is pained by the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss incurred.
The Governor called for calm by the residents of the affected area and also enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured.
[Vanguard]
Gbenga Adeyinka has praised some of his colleagues’ comedy expertise, arguing they can host shows better than Trevor Noah.
Noah is an award-winning South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, and television host. He is best known for hosting The Daily Show, an American news satire program, from 2015 to 2022.
Adeyinka, who has built an illustrious career that has endured for decades, spoke on the recent episode of TheCable’s ‘Our Two Kobo’ podcast.
The show host said comedians like Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, Bovi, and himself “could outshine” Noah in anchoring international shows.
Adeyinka cited the lack of opportunities as the primary obstacle hindering Nigerian entertainers’ global recognition.
“Trevor is amazing. He is funny. I think there are Nigerians who can do what he is doing better. Basketmouth will do the daily show better. Bovi, Okey Bakassi, and I will do it better,” he said.
“… what we do not have is the opportunity. But I think Kenny Blaq has it. But a lot of people need that. That international connection of doing things the right way.
“I still see a lot of Nigerians travelling out of Nigeria with tourism visas. It is the biggest insult you can do to your brand.
“Work permit is the easiest to get. Anyone who wants you to come perform for you should invest in getting you a work permit.
“There are a lot of entertainers who cannot enter the United States or the United Kingdom. They will not tell you.”
[TheCable]
Nigerian Police Officer Arrested For Brutalising, Extorting N3million From Ghana Returnee At Gunpoint
AFOLABI
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of an officer involved in the brutalization and extortion of N3 million from a Ghana returnee in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria.
The police also confirmed that the extorted N3million had been recovered.
The Spokesperson for the police Zone 16 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena, confirmed to SaharaReporters on Saturday that "the team leader has been arrested and the money had been recovered and he has been sent to Abuja for further action."
He added, "He's in Abuja for trial, dismissal and charging to court. We the Nigerian police, we're the only organisation that disciplines our own. As I talk to you he's in Abuja; he has been moved to Abuja since Wednesday."
This comes after one Liberty Isaac Kelechi raised an alarm that he was brutalised and robbed of N3million at gunpoint by five policemen on duty in Bayelsa State.
Kelechi alleged that the five policemen at a checkpoint in Bayelsa stopped his vehicle and brutally compelled him to transfer N3 million to two different accounts they provided.
SaharaReporters had reported that narrating his ordeal in a viral video, Kelechi said he was travelling to Imo State with others on August 26, 2024, when five policemen on duty at a checkpoint seized their phone and compelled him to transfer N3 million to them in two separate accounts, operated by a virtual bank, moniepoint.
He further alleged that the law enforcement officers threatened to kill them if he would not transfer the said money.
Petrol Price Hike: 10-Litres Of Fuel Now Higher Than Our Salaries – Filling Station Workers Lament
AFOLABI
Petroleum filling station workers in Nigeria have expressed frustration over their stagnant and inadequate salaries, which have remained unchanged despite multiple increases in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
Ibrahim Zango, spokesperson for PSW disclosed this in a recent press conference in Kaduna State.
He noted that Petroleum Station Workers earn between N10,000 and N20,000 per month.
According to him, Petroleum Station Workers are treated like slaves despite their significant role in the Nation’s economy.
He called for recognition and organization under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
“Despite our vital role in the economy, we are treated like slaves. Our salaries are meager, and we face dangers such as toxic environments and fire hazards without adequate healthcare,” he said.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Retail outlets increased its petrol pump price to N897 and N855 per liter from N617.
This comes after the pump price was increased in June last year to N545 from N238 per liter upon the fuel subsidy removal.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted a consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids at three courier firms in Lagos.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs were concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers.
Mr Babafemi said that the consignments were heading to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Cyprus respectively.
According to him, in one of the logistics companies, not less than 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilograms were concealed in hair cream containers.
“They were recovered by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, (DOGI), during examination of cargoes going to Ireland on Tuesday Sept. 3
“Another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 862 grams also hidden in hair cream containers meant for delivery in UK was equally intercepted at the same company on Friday Sept. 5.
In the same vein, a total of 525 pills of tramadol 225mg and ecstasy (MDMA) concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads going to Cyprus were seized at another courier firm in Lagos by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday Sept. 3.
Meanwhile, a shipment of 200 ampoules of promethazine injection and pentazocine injection hidden in food items and herbs heading to London, UK, was also seized by operatives on Wednesday Sept. 4
“Operatives equally intercepted another consignment of tramadol 225mg buried in granulated melon that came from Cameroon and going to South Africa on Friday 6th September,”he said.
In another development, no fewer than 550,000 pills of tramadol were also intercepted at the Port Harcourt International Airport, (PHIA) Port Harcourt on Monday Sept. 2.
Babafemi said that the tramadol pills were seized during a joint examination of a cargo that came from Delhi, India, with men of the Nigerian Customs Service.
“A suspect was already arrested in connection with the seizure,” he said.
NAN
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has warned that the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase by President Bola Tinubu would consume the citizens.
The former vice president said it was unfortunate that President Tinubu and his aides prefer to punish Nigerians through taxes and charges.
He decried that instead of searching for ways to improve the lives of Nigerians who are already overburdened by his government’s hard economic policies, the President seeks ways to fund his extravagant excesses.
In a statement, on Sunday, titled “The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people“, Atiku stated that Nigerians would find it more difficult with the VAT increase policy.
He said, “President Bola Tinubu, alongside his coterie of advisers, has resolved to raise the VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%, even as the NNPCL has announced a soaring PMS price increase at the pump. This move unveils a new era of regressive and punitive policies, and its impact is destined to deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth.
“President Tinubu and his entourage seem to be resorting to their familiar tactic: heaping burdens upon the impoverished while steadfastly ignoring their extravagant excesses! Tinubu’s actions reflect a profound insensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate as he indulges in the opulent renovation of villas and the acquisition of new jets and vehicles for himself and his family.
“One need not be an economist to grasp the ominous implications of President Tinubu’s ill-conceived policies for Nigeria’s future. The relentless rise in taxes and interest rates has proven excessively onerous, debilitating businesses of all sizes and leading to job losses while intensifying the suffering of the poor. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has endured relentless strife since Tinubu’s ascendancy, with its contribution to the GDP diminishing by over 20% since December 2023, as reported by the NBS.”
Atiku also bemoaned the President’s removal of import duty on rice, maize and other cereals. He explained that the policy has put farmers in serious economic problems and job loss.
“In early August, Tinubu turned his attention to agriculture. As is customary with this administration, a new policy was clandestinely formulated and announced, permitting duty-free importation of agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, and paddy, despite vehement opposition from farmer groups nationwide.
“This policy poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s food security ambitions, as local farmers, facing unfair competition from low-cost producers in Asia, Europe, and America, are compelled to reduce or entirely abandon their production efforts. It jeopardizes job creation, wealth generation, and the sector’s long-term prosperity, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s sustainability and development.
“President Tinubu and his advisers would be wise to redirect their efforts towards crafting sustainable solutions to the systemic shocks afflicting the economy rather than compounding the crisis with measures destined to ignite further turmoil,” Atiku added.
More...
A staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policies and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe has cried out to the President on the new electricity tariff plan.
Joe Igbokwe lamented that the current electricity tariff plan has a serious effect on his small business. He cried out that if something is not done, his business and other businesses will be killed by the new charge.
The Lagos State All Progressives Congress, chieftain, on his Facebook handle, on Saturday, narrated that he is paying more than he used for his small office in Surulere.
According to Igbokwe, before the electricity tariff hike, he used to buy 300 units for ₦20,000 and it lasts for a long time powering his Surulere Office and its 7 Air Conditionals, but that has changed.
He explained that with the new tariff increase which put him and his business in Band A classification, ₦20,000 worth of units only lasted for one day for his office.
He called on President Tinubu to review the new electricity tariff hike to save his business and other businesses.
Igbokwe wrote, “PBAT (President Bola Tinubu), please look into the new electricity tariff in Nigeria. It will kill businesses if the government does not act as quickly as possible. I have a small office in Surulere with about 7 units of AC.
“We used to buy 300 plus units for ₦20,0000. Yesterday (Friday) we bought ₦20,000 worth of units and it lasted for just one day. They call it band A group. I pray that we review this.“
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm regarding the activities of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries, led by Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin.
Naija News reports that the agency warns that the ministry is using NAFDAC’s name to mislead the public about unregistered miracle products.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that none of the miracle products promoted by the ministry are approved by the agency.
“NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC name to deceive the unsuspecting public,” the statement partly read.
NAFDAC said it received numerous complaints from concerned citizens regarding the ministry’s promotion of “Miracle Water” and “Miracle Soap” through social media, claiming these items could heal ailments and perform miracles, such as curing infertility.
Prophet Fufeyin allegedly told his congregation that the soap was registered with NAFDAC, prompting many people to inquire with the agency for confirmation.
The complaints also highlighted a list of additional products allegedly sold by the ministry, including “River Jordan Water,” “A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water,” and various other “miracle” waters and perfumes.
Upon receiving these complaints, NAFDAC tasked its Delta State office with investigating. Officials were directed to visit the ministry’s premises to verify the production of the miracle products and assess the validity of the claims.
“The Coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced. The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.
“On Wednesday, August 14th 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer. The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase.
“He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water, which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.
“On August 27th 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team. Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on August 28th, but it was not honoured.
“The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on August 28th, 2024 and asked to come back on September 3rd, 2024, to organise their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report to the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.
“Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On September 3rd, 2024, they forwarded some documents instead of asking for more time to report,” it explained.
In a document presented to NAFDAC on September 3rd, Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries claimed they had entered a production agreement with Globod Table Water, located in Delta State, without informing NAFDAC’s state office. NAFDAC has deemed this arrangement illegal under current regulations.
In response, NAFDAC has sealed the Globod Table Water factory for its involvement in the unregistered production and sale of the miracle water, which carried a fake NAFDAC registration number.
The agency confirmed that Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries had failed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
NAFDAC emphasized that none of the miracle products sold by the ministry are registered, warning the public against buying them. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all products undergo scientific validation before receiving approval.
“In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed the Globod Table Water factory to aid and abet the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.
“At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered miracle products.
“NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.
“In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements,” it added.
Prof. Adeyeye concluded by reassuring Nigerians that NAFDAC would continue to protect public health and warned other faith organizations against producing regulated products without following proper procedures.
The interim coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, said his team can beat any team with the quality of players in the team.
Eguavoen stated this after his team spanked the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4-0 in the 2025 African Cup Of Nations, AFCON at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Saturday.
“We have quality players to beat any team but we respect team anyway. Any coach can come in and do the same job with the Super Eagles.
“It is a mindset, we have the potential and how you perceived your opponent, given the information about them and then go out and do the job,“he said.
Equavoen attributed the victory to the formation adopted by the technical crew, adding that any formation could be used to ensure that the team was successful.
“We can decide to use any system. It is something we discussed and I slept over it. I know with the caliber of players that we have, we can decide to play any formation.
“Football is about you win, lose and draw, I don’t believe we have a poor result,” he said.
He, however, said that the former Super Eagles coach didn’t do a good job but it has to do with believe, what is at stake and what you want to achieve.
“Psychologically as a group, we are agreed, where we are and where we are going to be. We will definitely achieve it,” Equavoen said.
He commended the performance of the defence , describing it as superb, adding that the team had been training together for one week.
The coach said that asking six players to warm up for the second half was to buy time, adding that there was no need to rush to change.
He said the Cheetahs of Benin Republic were a good team, adding that they came with a good game plan.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Eguavoen was appointed interim coach after the deal between the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and coach Bruno Labbadia failed.
NFF explained in a statement that it failed due to the stringent regulations of German tax authorities.
NAN
The Governor of Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda, has disclosed that most bandits’ attacks in villages were done through village and community heads in the state.
Governor Umar Radda said an undisclosed village head collected ₦700,000 bandits, in exchange for the bandits to invade his village and kill 30 residents.
Speaking at the 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process and the launching of the state’s Community Development Programmes Governor Radda explained that paying ransom would not help to address bandits’ activities in the state.
The Katsina State Governor added that his administration has resolved to empower the residents to combat bandits themselves.
“We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents.
“I went to a village, Tsamiyar-jino, where it took me two hours inside a ‘Jeep’ before I reached the village from the main road.
“So, if bandits attack such areas, from the time you inform the security agents, it will take them over two hours before they can respond to the distress call. By then, whatever is going to happen will have happened – they will have killed people and kidnapped others.
“I have said it several times, that the security agents cannot do this work alone. We didn’t even have enough of them,” Governor Radda said.
He continued, “I am surprised at the way we are dying in such a humiliating manner. We were told that anyone who died in defence of his family would enter paradise.
“You see five criminals attacking a community of 2,000 to 3,000 people, rape daughters, women and abducting others without any confrontation from the people of that community.
“If there are 100 youths in the community who confront them, they will not shoot for more than three times without being captured with bare hands.
“Paying ransom doesn’t even prevent a hostage from being killed by abductors; sometimes they collect the money and kill the victim.
“There was a representative of the village head who collected ₦700,000 from bandits and allowed them to enter his area and killed about 30 people.
“There were women arrested – a teacher serving as their informant; in fact, almost all the segments of people involved in this act.“