Suspects Arrested Over Abuja Bomb Blast…Govt Confirms 21 Killed, 17 Wounded In Shopping Malls’ Explosion

Less than two weeks after the Nigerian security agencies alerted of fresh plot by Boko Haram to attack Abuja, the nation's federal capital city, the insurgents struck today setting off bomb explosions at the town's two biggest shopping malls, Bannex and Emab Plazas, killing at least 21 persons while 17 others are critically wounded. The National Information Centre (NIC) which confirmed the bomb explosion that occurred between the popular and busy Bannex and Emab Plazas situated in Wuse II district of the Federal Capital City said security and rescue agencies have cordoned off the area to restore calm. This is even as the police confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the blast. A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Centre, Mike Omeri advised residents of the FCT to remain calm and go about their normal business saying security agencies have fully mobilized to the scene of the incident and are handling the situation. Omeri further said that every step is being taken by the government to check the activities of insurgents in the country and advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and conscious of movement of unidentified people around their areas. He expressed the sympathy of the federal government to the families of those that lost their lives just as he wished the injured speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has condemned Wednesday’s bomb blast which he described as a savagery act even as he again directed free medical services for all those injured. He spoke during his visit to the scene of the bombing and the Maitama District Hospital, where most of the injured were receiving treatment. The Minister also restated his directive a fortnight ago for stricter security in all public places and other soft targets which usually witness large gathering within the FCT. He said security plans of action are being developed to forestall further attack by insurgents. Senator Bala Mohammed described the incident as most unfortunate stressing that the softest target, a busy road corridor, was the target of the attackers. He commended the security agencies for their efforts in combating terror in the FCT and pledged more support for them by the FCT Administration. He also praised the emergency services especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the FCT Hospital and Human Services Secretariat. The Secretary of FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya said those injured were rushed to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and National Hospital by emergency workers. He added that the victims of those who died had also been deposited at the various morgues in these hospitals. The Nigeria Police Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba said that arrests have been made by the security forces in connection with the bombing. Those who accompanied Senator Bala Mohammed during the visit by the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu, the Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba, the Director of State Security Services (DSSS) in FCT, Mr. John Okojie and other officials.  

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Security Agents Intercept Suspected Boko Haram Members With Bus Load Of Military Uniforms In Enugu

Barely days after security agencies arrested 486 suspected Boko Haram members in Abia state and the discovery of a bomb in a church in Owerri, Imo state, the military assisted by the police have today intercepted and arrested a bus load of suspected members of the sect in Enugu state. The suspects numbering 21 were said to be traveling to Kano with several military uniforms conceived inside the luxury bus owned by Young Shall Grow Transport company conveying them. The arrest was made by the National Task Force (NATFORCE) at Amala in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu after the suspects left Aba, Abia state where they bought the military uniforms at about 2pm local time on Tuesday heading for Kaduna. They were however intercepted in the early hours of today at a boarder community in Enugu state which links the northern part of the country. An army sergeant on special duty at Xerox Construction Company in Ohaofia Abia state is being fingered as the one who procured the military uniforms and employed the services of the suspects for onward delivery to an army corporal in Kano for yet to be ascertained mission. The State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abubakar who confirmed the arrest of the suspects assured that full scale investigations will be carried out to authenticate the true mission of the 21 suspects. “I wouldn’t tell you we arrested people with arms or whatever but all that I know is that we have arrested some people and we did not say they are Boko Haram because people can speculate. For us we don’t speculate until we investigate and after the investigation, we come up with the facts. "We have arrested some people from Obolloafor and the matter has just been transferred to us from Obolloafor, but we have not yet gone into the facts of the case, the moment we get details, we will call you back or do a press release. People should know what is happening”, he stated. The suspects whose age range between 20 and 35 years were driven into the premises of the state police headquarters by heavily armed military and police escorts at about 11.30am local time today, after which they were led into the office of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for interrogation.

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Scared Of Boko Haram, Confab Delegates Hide Their Names To Discuss Abuja Bomb Blast, National Security Behind Closed Doors

Twice on Wednesday, and for the first time since the National Conference was inaugurated on March 17, delegates to the conference held closed-door sessions to discuss issues bordering on national security. The delegates who were stiff scared of Boko Haram had to go into hiding and also hid their names in the record of proceedings released in their regular statement to the public.
The first session which started at about 9.30 am was meant to consider the Report of the Conference Committee on National Security headed by a former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Muhammmed Gambo Jimeta and former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Chief Albert Horsfall.
 As Conference resumed in the afternoon to consider the recommendations contained in the report and some proposed amendments, information about plans by Boko Haram to burn down 50 communities in Borno State was raised and discussed by the delegates.
As the discussion progressed, news of a bomb blast at a shopping complex in Abuja was received by the delegates. After deep discussions, the Principal Officers of the Conference agreed that a closed session to discuss the Boko Haram phenomenon would hold on Thursday morning.
However, the plan changed when Femi Falana, SAN, raised an objection to the arrangements and asked the Conference to reconsider its position and go into a close session immediately in view of the seriousness of the issues involved.
At this point, Chairman of the Conference and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, mandated his Deputy and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, to clear the gallery and proceed with the closed-door session where delegates discussed freely on Boko Haram.
The session started with a retired general who led the Conference through the strategies involved in the war against Boko Haram. He traced the history of the insurgency and dazed delegates with information on what should have been done at the beginning that were not done.
In addition to poor intelligence gathering, he said low morale among the soldiers from remuneration to kitting, to provision of ammunitions were responsible for failure in the war against Boko Haram.
He said in fighting war against a group that exists in splinters, a group whose membership exists principally in the imaginations, would require extreme intelligent gathering and implementation without any attempt at politicking with facts.
Another speaker, a politician, said Boko Haram is thriving because they have been allowed to outsmart security agents in the area of funding and morale-boosting.
It was his view that people entrusted with the management of funds and proper application of other forms of resources meant to combat insecurity in the country have diverted such resources to personal use; a development which has resulted in the current state of affairs.
Another delegate, a journalist, said the growth and strength of Boko Haram were based on the wrong impression that the violent sect is a northern conspiracy against the southern parts of the country; especially the South South.
 According to him, such a belief and other misconceptions have made the war against Boko Haram a failure when actually the real victim in the entire bloody affair is the Nigerian State.
 “I don’t believe Boko Haram is a Nigerian issue,” said one of the outspoken female delegates from the far north.
 She explained further: “I believe Nigeria is being invaded. But because we have massacred ourselves already, we are not organized to confront them. We must be united with government against terror. We are facing a declaration of war.”
Another delegate, a former ambassador, said the seeming failure of the war against Boko Haram was traceable to the inability to implement recommendations contained in various reports submitted to government by different formal and informal groups.
He said: “We must know how this thing started. We must know who the sponsors are. We must know the people involved. We must know the mission of Boko Haram.”
The delegate disclosed that Boko Haram has grown to a level where “its funding is offshore; its weapons accumulation is offshore; its training is offshore and its strategy is offshore.”
It was also disclosed that the war against Boko Haram cannot be won purely by military might except the country improves on its intelligence gathering method and most importantly win the hearts of the people.
 A Christian religious leader in his contribution said it was time for everyone to open up on the issue of Boko Haram rather than pretend that nobody knows where the executors of the insurgency live or how they get their food. These insurgents, according to him, are no spirits. They live among the people, interact with the people and get their supplies from the people and communities. The genuine involvement of the local communities will go a long way in tackling the problem.
 He said, “Boko Haram phenomenon is not a northern phenomenon. Boko Haram is a Nigerian phenomenon. A time has come for us to unmask the masquerade. A time has come for someone to tell us the home truth about Boko Haram.”
 The delegate challenged his colleagues and other Nigerians especially those from the operational base of Boko Haram to locate the source of Boko Haram and identify who does the recruitment and expose the members to ideological thoughts.
 It was his view that if the war against terror must be won, the sponsors “who give the terrorists weapons that are even superior to those used by the military must be exposed; even the parents who handover their children to be so radicalized must be brought to book.”
 Another delegate from the North East said the action of security men who carry out reprisal attacks on communities where Boko Haram carry out their operation contributed to the lack of confidence and trust being exhibited by the people.
 He said there was need to show genuine concern to the people and communities attacked by Boko Haram; and there must be concerted effort by the leadership of the country to show that the people deserve the required care and compassion.
 It was also suggested that those who divert monies meant for security matters must be made to face the law if the trend must stop and if the security agencies must have the required equipment and logistics. The morale of the countries security agencies and forces must receive adequate boost and the people must enjoy the trust and confidence of the leadership as a first step to fighting insurgency and other forms of criminal activities in the country, it was recommended.

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Resettle Bakassi People, National Conference Tells FG

  The National Conference on Tuesday asked the Federal Government to, having lost the ownership of Bakassi Peninsula through the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), come up with a policy of resettlement of Bakassi indigenes.
 The resolution was unanimously adopted following consideration of the Report of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matter headed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari and Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, as deputy chairman.
 It was also agreed that there should be a clearly defined operational agenda to guide the implementation of the nation’s foreign policy goals and objectives at four critical levels: Lake Chad Basin Commission; West Africa (ECOWAS), Africa (Africa Union/ECA) and the world at large (United Nations and other fora).
Conference however turned down a proposal that Nigeria should review the Green Tree Agreement it entered in respect of the ICJ ruling on Bakkasi Peninsula with a view to reclaiming the ceded portion of the country’s territory.
 Delegates resolved that government should promote discipline within the Economic Community of West African States through sanctions for violations and rewards for team players.
 Nigeria, Conference also resolved, should use its position to encourage the establishment of what it calls ECOWAS Brigade Standing Force.
To ensure better economic transactions within the West African sub-region through promotion of trade and investment, Nigeria should work towards early introduction of a single currency in ECOWAS
Conference wants the National Assembly to be encouraged to conclude its work on the Bill to create Diaspora Commission so that the president can give his assent.
 The commission is to facilitate the engagement and accrual of full benefits including social capital remittances in the form of knowledge and experience and other dynamic benefits from millions of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
 In addition, Conference proposed that Nigerians in the Diaspora should be included in all relevant state affairs depending on their knowledge and expertise for the development of the nation and not only for cash remittances purposes.
 The conference also proposed that the Ministry of Forewing Affairs develops and publishes travel guides as is being done by other countries to serve as Nigerians travelling to some volatile countries either for business or pleasure.
 As part of the country`s duty to protect and defend the interest of its nationals   wherever they are, including Nigerians serving prison terms in foreign countries, the conference proposed that prisoners exchange between Nigeria and any other country should be on equal terms.
 In carrying out the prisoner’s exchange, the conference stressed the necessity to fully screen any prisoner who purports to be a Nigerian before any prisoner exchange is undertaken. This is to guard against cases of foreign convicts bearing Nigerian passports in foreign jails.
 The conference in its proposal also called for the curtailment of the excesses of first ladies and politicians who frivolously use diplomats abroad for unofficial purposes thereby distracting them from concentrating on their official duties.
 The National Conference also wants the federal government to regulate donations by foreign agencies to Nigerian Non-Governmental Organizations  
The creation of an agency for External Aid that will coordinate all aid giving processes in the country was also part of the conference proposal. The agency which would be a parastatal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would have representatives from the Ministries of Finance, National Planning, Defence, Trade and Industry, Justice as well as Central Bank on its board.

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PDP Can Never Win Rivers State —APC •Says Loss Of Ekiti Will Make Party Stronger

  The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has dismissed as a fluke, last Saturday’s defeat of the party by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the governorship election in Ekiti State. “This development, which was unexpected, does not portend anything any danger for the APC in 2015, especially in Rivers State. The Ekiti election has come and gone and we have learnt our lessons which will ensure better outings in other elections. That election will go a long way to unite and strengthen us the more to present a better APC to Nigerians for the battle to rescue and reposition Nigeria gets hot,” Rivers APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya said. Dr. Ikanya, who was responding to enquiries on the fate of APC in view of what happened in Ekiti, emphatically declared in a statement he issued today in Port Harcourt: “It is erroneous to think that what happened in Ekiti affects or will affect Rivers State politics come 2015. The factors that led us losing Ekiti are well known but totally different from the reality in Rivers State. No matter the challenges or odds, Rivers remains an APC State. I am supremely confident that the good people of Rivers State will renew their covenant with APC with a landslide in 2015.” The Rivers APC Chairman gave an idea of how the party would run the 2015 elections and obliterate PDP in the state. “One thing going for us in River State is that we have a President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP whose hatred for our state and her people is legendary not minding that he is from our sister state Bayelsa and our in-law and we gave him the highest number of votes that made him the President. Our campaign strategy will be centered on this hatred, which has manifested in the hounding of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, the ceding of our oil wells to Bayelsa and Abia states and refusal to direct Akwa Ibom to pay us the proceeds of our oil wells she kept for many years. Mr. President has also refused to site any meaningful project in Rivers State, so how can we support him or any PDP candidate in 2015? “In any case, the feats of the Amaechi administration are enough to give us victory in future elections. These feats, which are well known, include making Port Harcourt the World Book Capital City, eradication of militancy, dogged fight for the oil wells and other rights of Rivers State and her people, as well as award-winning achievements in Education, Agriculture, Health, etc.” Dr. Ikanya said that, in addition to all these, “we will ask the good people of Rivers State to make their choice of the characters and vision of those in PDP (insecurity, ungodly, etc) and the vision and characters in APC (godliness, security and concern for the future of our state). These are the issues for Rivers State to use to decide which of the parties governs River State come 2015.” He concluded by advising APC faithful in the state not to panic or fear about the future of the party, as “Rivers people have since adopted APC as the party of their choice and there is nothing the doomed PDP or any other party can do about that.” 

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Boko Haram Is A Torn In My Flesh- Gov Shettima…Expresses Worry Over Abduction Of Another 60 Women In Borno

‎Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has confessed that Boko Haram insurgents have become a thorn in his flesh even as he expressed worry over yet another abduction in part of Damboa local government area of the State. The Governor has since directed the chairman of the affected local government area and other government officials from the affected areas to make very urgent but accurate enquiries from communities and report to him as soon as they can.
A statement by the state government today says "While the Governor views the reported abduction with all the seriousness it deserves, he is also worried that weighty developments such as information concerning the abduction of 60 persons requires careful enquiry in order to obtain information that is comprehensive and beyond any reasonable doubt. The Governor is worried that only recently, leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breaders Association was reported refuting media reports that some 30 fulani women were kidnapped at a community in Chibok. The Association relied on what it called comprehensive investigation that involved making enquiries from all of its members not only in the area the kidnapp was said to have taken place but also in the entire Borno State.
"The Governor very much appreciates the urge of the media to inform the public about happenings not only in Borno State but everywhere in the world given the fact that the public has a right to know and they ought to be informed. However, he feels ‎the Nigerian is very competent enough to deploy means by which comprehensive and accurate information can be gotten. The Governor appreciates that both the media and Government at all levels, are working in unusual ways given the nature of the unfortunate insurgency attacks  that have remained persistent in some parts of Borno State. He knows and understands the difficulty but at the same time, he calls for patience at all times so that collectively, the media and government can in giving out information, be sure of exactly what happened, how it happened, when and who is or are involved. Governor Shettima stands by those who have been affected and shares their pains and those of their families even as we await the outcome of enquiries going on, hoping, the outcome will be as soon as possible, without compromising accuracy of information. Governor Shettima once again expresses profound appreciation to the Nigerian and International media for their very critical support which has no doubt been very helpful in the circumstance. The Governor is hopeful that the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok will by the intervention of God, be rescued and so will those recently affected, if ongoing enquiries confirm reports about the unfortunate incident.
"Governor Shettima assures the citizens of Borno State, other Nigerians and the International community that his administration is working very hard, doing all it can and should do, collaborating actively with relevant bodies both the military and community members, to find a lasting solution to the crisis that has been a big thorn in the Governor's flesh. Part of the measures being taken are yielding fruitful results that aim at enhancing security of lives and property in the State. Peace has been relatively achieved in major towns and peace will by God's grace, be achieved, in the entire State within the shortest possible time. The Governor deeply appreciates the patriotic efforts of citizens who have been helping with useful information to counter the unfortunate situation in the State and calls on all good citizens to remain resolute in that regard. Our peace and security, we should always remember, begins with what we tell appropriate institutions that are lawfully established to protect us."

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Gunmen Kill 49 In Attacks In Kaduna, Delta

No fewer than 38 persons have been killed in attacks on two villages in Sanga local government area of Kaduna State in the early hours of today. This is even as dare-devil armed robbers hijacked a bank bullion van in Asaba, Delta state where they killed 11 persons including four policemen escorting the bullion van. Sanga local government Chairman, Emmanuel Adamu who confirmed the number of those killed in media interviews today, said the attack started at about 10pm local time on Monday and lasted till the early hours of Tuesday. According to him “The attack lasted for several hours claiming the lives of 21 people at Kabamu village and 17 at Ankpong village.” He condoled the affected families and appealed to people of the local government to remain calm as security measures were being put in place to forestall a re-occurrence. While reacting to the incident, the State Police Command however said the casualty figure was not up to 38.  According to the state police spokesman, Aminu Lawan "I am not aware of any incident in Sanga where such a number of people were killed."  Residents however said the attacks were carried out by Fulani herdsmen and confirmed the casualty figure given by the Council boss. Meanwhile, armed robbers also today unleashed terror at Ubulu-Okiti along the Benin-Asaba expressway in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State killing four policemen and seven civilians before carting away huge sums of money being conveyed in a bullion van from Agbor in Ika South local council area to the head office of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Asaba, the state capital. According to sources, the robbers numbering about 15 rode in two vehicles and were dressed in red T-shirts and faz caps. Spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu while confirming the robbery attack, Feigned ignorance of any casualty in the attack but added that  those injured were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. “Yes, there was a robbery incident this afternoon when armed robbers ran into our men after robbing a bullion van coming from Agbor. They met our men while escaping after attacking the bullion van. I do not have record about any death as a result of the incident. What I have is that our men were injured and they have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. Even the civilians that were injured have been taken to the hospital as well”, she stated.    

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