BREAKING: Gov Buni in Expanded Security Meeting Over Giedam Attack
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| Gov. Buni with the Commander Sector II Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig. Gen. Adamu Nuhu during the security meeting in Damaturu |
…call on citizens to support security agent
By JOE Hemba
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni is currently in an expanded security meeting at the Government House over the prolonged attack on Geidam town by Boko Haram insurgents for almost three days.
The meeting which is chaired by the governor himself is being attended by other security chiefs in the state including the police commissioner, the commander sector II operation Lafiya Dole, the State director of the DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp etc.
The Deputy Governor and the Speaker of the State House and some few members of the State Executive council including the Secretary to Yobe State Government and the Head of Service were also in attendance for the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Gov. Buni called on citizens to also perform their role in supporting the security in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists by volunteering useful information.
Gov. Buni challenged the people to expose the bad eggs in the community even if they are their biological children.
“Let me draw our attention to the citizenship responsibility and the roles expected of us in the fight against insecurity. It is a collective fight and responsibility that we must be involved. We all have roles to play to support the security forces to succeed.
“As leaders and citizens in our respective communities, we must volunteer credible and timely information to the security agencies to enhance proactive action in curbing the menace and havoc caused by the terrorists.
“We must expose every bad egg in our communities even if they are our relations or biological children. It is our responsibility to report suspicious movements in or near our communities. We cannot keep blaming government and security agencies while people hoard valuable information,” Gov. Buni said.
The governor describe the incident at Geidam and the the levele at which the people are displaced as grossly inhumane and crude.
“The sad resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on Geidam in which some lives were lost with men, women, children, young and old forced out of their homes and displaced in this holy month of Ramadan, is condemnable, crude and grossly inhumane,” Gov. Buni said.
The governor announced that his meeting with the Chief of Defense Staff, Lucky Irabor took very far reaching decision that will bring about peace in the area.
“As you may be aware, l met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor and discussed on variety of security issues including special approach to the fight against insurgency in Geidam because of its geographical location, sitting close to the fringes of the Lake Chad basin and, bordering Niger Republic and Damasak in Borno state, one of the areas heavily infiltrated with Boko Haram insurgents.
“I am pleased to state that, far reaching decisions were achieved at the meeting with the Chief of Defence staff especially, on reinforcement of personnel and improved strategy to effectively combat the attacks.
“I wish to assure you that we are leaving no stone unturned as I am personally engaging all the security chiefs towards finding a lasting solution to the increased attacks on Geidam, as well as, to improve security generally in the state. I have scheduled to meet the security chiefs soon to deliberate on strategic observations and to share ideas on possible new approaches to permanently secure Geidam and Yobe state generally,” Gov. Buni announced.
He called on the people to feel free and make useful contribution for the success of the meeting, just as he called on the people to intensify prayers during the Ramadan fast.
“Your contributions in this meeting will provide the required input in my meeting with the security authorities. I urge you to feel free and contribute meaningfully as we strive to collectively safeguard the lives and property of our people.
“I call on our people to use this period of the holy month of Ramadan, to intensify prayers for a lasting peace, security and prosperity of the state and country,” the governor said.
Ahead of Ramadan: Yobe Health Commissioner Warns Against Over-crowding in Heat Waves
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| Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana |
…emphasises social distancing
By JOE Hemba
Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana has dropped hints on the management of the emerging heat wave and increasing temperature in the state ahead of the Ramadan period.
The commissioner in a press statement circulated by the Director General Press and Information Affairs to Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed said the intensity of the heat occasioned by the high rise in temperature from the month of march to May is of great concern to the State.
He also noted that because of the COVID 19 pandemic, people need to avoid over-crowded areas to stop the spread of the virus and other disease such as meningitis and diarrhea.
“Recently, there has been an increase in environmental temperature. The very high temperature and intensive heat is of great concern because it can have adverse effect on health. The environmental temperatures in Yobe State can rise up to 45 degrees centigrade and above, especially within the months of March and May before the onset of the rainy season.
“With the current weather situation it is expected that the month of Ramadan for this year 1442 AH (2021 AD) will be during hot weather. Therefore it has becomes necessary to remind people about THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON HEALTH,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner in his statement advised residents to follow the underlisted steps to manage themselves during the heat period.
He said: “The general public is herby advised to adopt safeguard measures against the heat wave (hot season) being experienced in the state. Some of these measures include the following: -
· Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.
· Stay under tree shades and environments with a lot of ventilation where the temperature is low and cool.
· Reduce exercise when the weather is hot. “If you are not used to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
· If walking or exercising in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, you should stop it.
· Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
· Parents should not to leave children or pets in the car.
- Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window open.
- While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children and pets are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.
· Avoid hot and heavy meals as they add heat to the body,
· Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and more fluids generally.
· Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are.
· Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink
· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
· Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
· Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
· Limit your outdoor activity to when the environmental temperature is coolest.
· During the Ramadan fasting:
- Try to restrict activities to early mornings and late evenings when the temperature cools off.
- Drink plenty of fluids after ‘iftar’ (evening meal) and at ‘sahur'(early morning meal)
- Take more fruits and vegetables.
· Obese and those having background illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart and respiratory diseases are advised to be particularly more careful.
He also advised those that cannot fast because of health challenges during the Ramadan to seek medical advice from their doctors
“I wish to use this medium to call on all people that are eligible to fast to take responsibility for their health and avoid exposure too the hot weather conditions and ensure adequate hydration and healthy nutrition always and especially during the Ramadan so that they can pass through the fasting period safely and healthy.
“Those that are exempted from fasting on health grounds should also see their doctors and be guided accordingly.
“It is also very important to avoid overcrowding, practice social distancing, ensure adequate ventilation and frequent hand washing with soap and running water to avoid disease outbreaks such as meningitis, diarrohea disease and also help in breaking the transmission of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” he advised.
He called on the media to use their platforms and adequately educate the people against exposure to excessive heat.
“I hereby challenge media actors to use their platforms to inform and educate the public about the dangers of excessive exposure to high temperatures and the hot sun and how to avoid it
I also urge all health sector partners to continue to bring their full expertise to support the Government in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response and Active Case Search for early detection and reporting of any of the priority epidemic prone diseases and providing lifesaving messages at the mass and household levels on disease prevention and control,” he said.
We Don’t Compromise National Security – Army commander tells journalist
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| Chairman NUJ, Yobe State, Comrade Rajab Mohammed amaking his address while Brig. Gen. Nura listens |
By JOE Hemba
The Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig. Gen. Adam Nura has said that the military does not compromise in their Operation especially when it bothers National Security of the country.
Brig Gen. Nura disclosed this penultimate week in Damaturu when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Yobe State Council paid him a courtesy call at the Tactical Command Headquarters in Damaturu.
“There are times that you journalist tell us that you are reporting for public interest. We clearly understand that but when it comes to National Security, we do not compromise. In fact nobody has any reason to support terrorism and the army with all its resources will clamp down on such an individual or group,” Brig. Gen. Nura said.
The commander who describe journalists as dependable ally stress the need for journalists not to rush in reporting issues but get the facts right before getting information to the public.
“Sometimes, I wonder whether journalists are in competition. This issue of breaking news is a problem to the dissemination of information to the public. I think the journalists should wait and get the authentic information before going to the press,” Brig. Gen. Nura advised.
The Army commander commended journalists in their role for informing the people sufficiently in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram called on them to keep up the tempo.
Earlier, the Yobe State NUJ Chairman Comrade Rajab Mohammed commended the military for securing Yobe and making it habitable for the peace the people are currently enjoying.
He called on the Army establish a more robust synergy between the press and the Army for an effective counter-insurgency Operation in the Northeast through capacity building especially in the area of civil-military relations.
Mr. Rajab also informed the commander of the intention of the NUJ in collaboration with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in the State to organize a media game for peace building as the council’s contribution in the counter-insurgency and recovery of the traumatized population.
In another development Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) has conducted training for 17 commanders for Disaster Response and Management.
The 4 weeks Course is the first in a series of 21 was held at the Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace (TBIWP) of the University had participants drawn from armed forces including the Nigeria Police and other para-military organizations numbering about 17.
in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kyari Mohammed said preparing for disaster in time of peace is crucial especially in consideration of the multifaceted security threats facing the country.
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| A group photo of Yobe journalists with their Chairman Rajab Mohammed, Sector 2 Commander OPLD, Brig. Gen Nura and his officer after the courtesy call in Damaturu |
Kyari said the Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace is currently in talks with governments and agencies, especially Borno State Government, desirous of some programmes on stabilization and post-conflict and peace building in areas liberated by Nigerian armed forces.
"The institute offers different courses in areas of speciality such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, counter insurgency and strategic communication,” Kyari said.
Kyari urged participants to transfer whatever they learnt in order to build a strong pool of early responders during and after disasters.
The course content of the four-week training consisted of 10 modules, including Disaster Prevention, Mitigation & Preparedness; Disaster Response and Relief; Participatory Stakeholders Engagement; Disaster Communication; Crisis Counselling; Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in Development Effort; and Hazard Mapping, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment.
Gujba Emirate Gets New Zanna Soloma
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| New Zanna Soloma Gujba, Baba Nuhu |
By JOE Hemba
The event which was held at the temporary palace of the Emir in Damaturu was wel attended by family members, friends, well-wishers and title holders of the emirate.
While stressing the role of the Zanna Solom, Aji Sudan of Gujba Emirate who spoke on behalf of the Emir, at the occasion said, the Zanna Soloma plays the role as “Chief reconciliator and peace maker in the emirate council.
Aji Sudan said, “if there is a dispute between Gujba emirate council and the other or misunderstanding between Herders and Farmers within the community, Zanna Soloma is the person responsible to lead the reconciliation committee on behalf of the Emir to settle the disagreement”.
He urged the new title holder to justify the confidence the emirate has bestowed on him, while also stressing that the Emirate is not in doubt of the capacity of the new Zanna Soloma.
In his response, the new Zanna Soloma of Gujba Alh Nuhu Baba Hassan, thanked the Emir for given him mandate to serve as Zanna soloma, saying that he will do everything possible to protect the interest of the emirate council.
“I am humbled by this responsibility that is put on my shoulders today by his Royal Highness and the Emirate as a whole. I pledge to do everything within my powers to discharge my duty as required of me,” Alhaji Nuhu promised.
The National Chairman NECAS Alh Sadiq Daware, described Alh.Nuhu as a person of integrity and very mindful of whatever his does.
According to him, he has no iota of doubt in the capacity of Mr. Nuhu over his new assignment.
In his remarks, the Zanna Dunoma of Gujba Alh Abubakar Mohammed, Congratulated the newly turbaned Zanna Soloma , adding that “ it is a well-deserved appointment”.
He solicited the support of the people on behalf of the new Zanna to enable his succeed, stressing that, “no meaningful development could be achieved without unity”.
Until his appointment, the new Zanna Soloma of Gujba was the chairman Yobe state North East Community Association(NECAS) .
Good Friday: Huge Turnout Greets Passion Play on Damaturu streets After 10 Years Insurgency
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| Youths acting Jesus and Soldiers in Damaturu |
By JOE Hemba
It was the first time for more than 10 years that Catholic fateful in Yobe State are marking good Friday with the display of passion play on the streets of Damaturu.
What used to be an event of fanfare on the major streets of the town by Catholic Christians all over the world seized to happen in Damaturu for more than ten years since the coming of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
Since the coming of the Boko Haram crisis, the event was only confined within the premises of the church with low keyed celebration but the 2021 event held today was greeted with excitement and passion with a huge crowd on the streets within the Jerusalem area of the town.
The event which was organized by the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Damaturu started from the St. Mary’s Primary School and went behind the Living Faith Church, through the major street linking Jerusalem settlement and the Commissioners’ quarters back to St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the worshipers observing the Stations of the Cross.
The passion display in the Catholic tradition tries to give a vivid or a replay of the account of the journey of Jesus from his ministry, persecution culminating to his death which the believers believe has brought salvation unto the entire world.
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| The symbolic nailing of Jesus on the Cross |
The Parish Priest of St. Mary’s catholic Church Damaturu, Rev. Fr. Philibus Inda Yakubu expressed happiness over the success conduct of the event, which according to him was possible because of the peace that we have in the state.
The Parish Priest thanked the Almighty God for making the day possible, just as he prayed for the security agents to succeed in the war against terrorism in our country.
“We are facing a lot of challenges in our country and only God in heaven can save us from these myriad of security challenges that we are facing. We should continue to pray to God and I call on all to pray for our security agents to succeed in this fight. We are enjoying peace today because they have worked hard to give us that peace therefore they need prayers,” Rev. Fr. Yakubu said.
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| The trial of Jesus by Pontus Pilate |
Some of the parishioners were also excited with the event being conducted in a very peaceful atmosphere.
“Our praises go to God almighty for making this event peaceful and successful.
"Before now, security agents will not even allow you to hold this kind of event in the way and manner we have done today. But because we have peace now, we have done it in Jesus name”, Mr. Micheal Okoh, a parishioner said.
