News
5 Killed as Two Islamic Sects Clash In Niger
BY MAIRIGA Juliana, Minna
Palpable fear now grips Nigerlites, Minna the state capital in particular as no fewer than five people are feared dead and scores of others injured when crisis erupted between two Islamic sects in Munya local government area of the state last weekend.
Those injured in the clash were said to have been treated for gunshot wounds in private hospitals in Sarkin -pawa headquarters of Munya local government area and at government hospital in Gwada town, some kilometers to Guni town where the crisis first broke out.
The fracas between, Darikah and Izala Islamic sect in the area, our correspondent gathered is said to be as a result of disagreements over the timing for the observance of Jumat prayer and decision of the Izala to have a separate prayer ground in the community.
Dangerous weapons including sophisticated rifles and Dane guns were freely used which was reported to have caused the heavy casualty, the source further hinted, adding that a large number of suspects were arrested by the police in Sarkin-pawa and were also transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Niger state police headquarters in Minna.
The source further hinted that, one of the sects has been against the decision of the other over some prayer observations and has never hidden the desire to ensure that the other group change else there would be trouble.
The no love lost between the two groups later came to the fore last weekend during the congregational prayer at 12.30 pm when one group tried to stop the members of the other sect from saying the usual daily prayer according to their own timing.
A disagreement ensued between the members leading to the free for all and use of dangerous weapons against each other which led to other worshipers and villagers scampering for safety with some also escaping to Minna the state capital and the council headquarters, Sarkin-Pawa.
A member of the House of Assembly from the area, Mr. Paul John Bahago and the Commissioner nominee from the area, Alhjai Danjuma Salau were in the area to commiserate with the injured while also praying Allah to grant those who lost their lives eternal rest.
Mr. Paul Bahago who described the incident as, “sad and unfortunate” also urged the people of the affected area to learn to live in peace with one another as there is no reason fighting over religion which should be a thing of the heart.
Efforts to confirm from the crisis from state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Abubakar proved abortive as he refused to pick his cell phones when he was called several times and also refused to reply text messages sent to him.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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