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WORRIES OVER RESURGENCE OF BOKO HARAM ATTACKS IN BORNO

Published

12 months ago

September 8, 2025

▪︎▪︎▪︎How 65 People Were Killed In Darajamal
▪︎▪︎▪︎As Air Force Jets Neutralize 38 Terrorists ▪︎▪︎▪︎Gov Zulum Promises to stand up to the situation.
By: Special Correspondent.
It is no longer news that there is a resurgence of terrorist attacks on soft spots across Borno state.
These attacks come in the face of alarms, sounded by Borno state Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Hardly does a week pass without incidents reported, from Chibok, through Gwoza, Ngoshe, Damboa, Marte, or Konduga.
And so, it was a tale of death blood tears, fears, and confusion when Boko Haram insurgents sneaked in on Darajamal, a sleepy town in Bama Local Government Area of Borno state last Friday.
The villagers were awaken to the sounds of sparodic gun shots, followed by cries of anguish amidst shouts of Allahu Akbar, as the dare devil gunmen came attacking.
Not even the presence of soldiers posted to the community could deter them.
Security operatives were generally caught off guard, and even when they tried to respond, they were so few in number and their firepower limited, compared to that of the marauding Boko Haram elements.
The town was completely overwhelmed, and at the last count, 5 soldiers and 65 civilians lay dead: murdered in the ensuing confusion.
Before day break, the attackers had fizzled out of the town, leaving behind corpses for the locals to mourn and bury.
But as they were settling down to celeberate their victory over Darajamal attack, Air Force fighter jets belonging to the Nigerian Air Force and ground troops had mobilized for a counter offenssive, which led to the death of over 30 of the terrorists, in what has been described as a coordinated and retaliatory attack.
The attack came just as the town which was sacked by the terrorists a few years back, was beginning to readjust to normal life, having been returned and resettled by the Borno state Government recently.
Some of the returnees had hardly settled in their new houses provided by the Borno state government before they were forced to flee, to nowhere in particular.
Some of them who managed to reach Bama, told National Trail, that, the terrorists who came in their numbers shot at fleeing villagers and setting their houses ablaze, as soldiers tried their best to respond, in the process of which they brought down a few of the terrorists, but lost 5 of their own men.
Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, had to abandon all other engagements and rushed down to Darajamal, to empathize with residents, to acertain the level of devastation and assist the families.
Governor Zulum who was visibly disturbed told the frightened villagers that they should be resilient, as the government will always be there for them.
He described as barbaric and inhuman the activities of Boko insurgents in recent times, even as he promised to put in place extra security measures to curb the menace.
Zulum promised to deploy the newly trained Forest Guards, so as to complement the efforts of the Military and other security agencies.
Also worried was the Member representing Bama, Ngala and Kalabalge state constituency, Zainab Gimba, who spoke to our correspondent condemning the attack and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in ensuring that citizens feel safet and their security guaranteed.
She lamented a situation where victims of the Darajamal attack were only recently resettled, before their hopes were again shattered.
The Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume has bern vehement in condemning the attack and the resurgence of Boko Haram activities recently.
Ndume, whose hometown, Gwoza also came under attacks recently, said, Nigerian government should stop paying lip service to the Boko Haram issue, and take ruthless and drastic steps towards eliminating the terrorists.
According to Ndume, it is ironical that, at a time government claims to have deescalated Boko Haram, they are becoming more daring in Borno and citizens are being traumatised daily.
He called for a possible resort to external help if the military proves incapable.
While sympathising with the Government of Borno state and the people of Gwoza and Darajamal, who were the latest victims, Ndume called on the people to increase their level of vigilance and to remain reisilent in the face of the renewed attacks.

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

12 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.