Regional News
Nigeria: Gunmen storm Sunday church service, abduct 25 in Kaduna- Source: Africanews. Nigeria: Gunmen storm Sunday church service, abduct 25 in Kaduna | Africanews
Gunmen attacked a Baptist church in northwest Nigeria, kidnapping 25 worshippers from a Sunday service, a senior church leader said on Monday.
The attack was the latest mass abduction in Nigeria, where insecurity is one of the top challenges facing incoming president Bola Tinubu who takes office at the end of the month.
Attackers on Sunday burst into the Bege Baptist Church in Chikun area of Kaduna State, initially abducting 40 people, though 15 later managed to get away, Reverend Joseph Hayab, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, told AFP.
Nigeria: 15 children in a shipwreck and 25 missing- Source: Africanews. Nigeria: 15 children drowned in a shipwreck and 25 missing | Africanews
A boat capsized in northwestern Nigeria, killing 15 people, police said Wednesday.
The boat was heading to the village of Dundeji in Sokoto state on Tuesday when it capsized in the middle of a river, local police spokesman Sanusi Abubakar told The Associated Press
There were 36 passengers on board the boat, with 21 of them rescued alive. Thirteen females and two males died. Abubakar said. Some of the fatalities were children.
It was the latest in a series of boat capsizings in Nigeria’s river communities.
The villagers on Wednesday gathered at the local square with their families as they mourned the victims, who were on their way to fetch firewood, local media reported.
Niger: more than 13,000 women and children have fled “exactions”- Source: Africanews. Niger: more than 13,000 women and children have fled “exactions” | Africanews
More than 13,000 women and children have fled the islands of the Niger River, after “exactions” by armed men in these territories of the Tillabéri region (west), where clashes between communities have left several dead, said Tuesday the Nigerien public radio station Voix du Sahel.
“In Ayorou, it’s desolation (…) More than 13,000 women and children from 46 islands (in the Niger River) have fled the abuses of armed bandits” to take refuge in this town located 200 km from Niamey, according to the radio.
The communes of Dessa and Kandadji, where the site of the country’s first hydroelectric dam is located, “have been facing abuses” committed by “armed bandits” (an expression used in Niger to designate suspected jihadists) for several days, added the radio.
Niger intercepts nearly 1,400 Boko Haram followers- Source: Africanews. Niger intercepts nearly 1,400 Boko Haram followers – Army | Africanews
Nearly 1,400 followers of jihadist group Boko Haram have been intercepted fleeing into Niger following clashes with a rival Islamic State group, according to the army.
The exodus into southeastern Niger started in March, when the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) pursued Boko Haram in its forest hideout of Sambisa, northeastern Niger.
Niger’s armed forces have so far caught 1,397 people, many of them women and children, according to a statement from the army’s southeastern region, seen by AFP.
148 stranded received from Niger Republic- Source: Daily trust. 148 stranded Nigerians received from Niger Republic – Daily Trust
The federal government has received another set of 148 Nigerians that were stranded in Niamey, Niger Republic at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), in Kano State.
The returnees arrived aboard a SKY MALI Airlines B737-400 operated by Ethiopian Airlines with registration number UR-CQX at about 4pm.
Receiving the returnees, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said they were brought back under the care of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) from Niamey through a voluntary repatriation programme.
Niger: Seven soldiers killed in mine explosion in west- Source: Africanews. Niger: Seven soldiers killed in mine explosion in west | Africanews
The Nigerien National Guard (GNN) said Sunday that seven Nigerien soldiers were killed when their vehicle exploded on a mine in the western region of Tillabéri, where jihadist groups regularly operate.
“A vehicle of the weekly supply escort mission hit a mine late this morning, about 6km from the village of Samira, in the department of Gothèye, near the border with Burkina Faso, said a statement from the GNN, which is attached to the Interior Ministry and is at the forefront of the anti-jihadist fight.
“Unfortunately, the death of seven occupants of the vehicle is deplored,” the statement read on state television Sunday evening.
Bandits kidnap many farmers in Niger- Source: Daily trust. Bandits kidnap many farmers in Niger – Daily Trust
Bandits have reportedly abducted many farmers in Kaffin-Koro and adjoining communities in Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State while many others have fled.
Some of the fleeing residents who spoke to our correspondent around 7pm said that there had yet to be security operatives on the ground to save the situation.
Sudan: At least 481 civilians killed since fighting began- Source: Africanews. Sudan: At least 481 civilians killed since fighting began | Africanews
At least 481 civilians have been killed since fighting began last month in Sudan and more than 2,560 wounded. The figure given by the Sudanese Doctors Union is part of the wider death toll of at least 700 people killed since April 15.
Observers note that even as more than 100,000 people have fled Sudan so far, it’s civilians trapped by the fighting who continue to suffer with many queing for what little bread is available.
Those who’ve made it out are still in need of care. At the Sudanese border with Chad hundreds of refugees are also queing.
Gunmen kill journalist in northwest Cameroon- Source: Africanews. Gunmen kill journalist in northwest Cameroon | Africanews
A journalist in the troubled northwest region of Cameroon was shot dead late on Sunday.
According to a statement released by the local journalist’s union, the victim was the west and northwest region bureau chief for weekly newspaper “The Advocate”.
Anye Nde Nsoh was in a pub in Bamenda’s Ntarikon neighbourhood when unidentified assailants opened fire on him.
Earlier this year, a radio presenter and a journalist were killed in two separate attacks in or near the capital Yaoundé, prompting the United Nations to express concern about the media environment in Cameroon
Nigeria: Protesters storm court as legal challenge opens against presidential election result- Source: Africanews. Nigeria: Protesters storm court as legal challenge opens against presidential election result | Africanews
A number of protesters stormed the apppeal court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Monday to express their concern about the outcome of the election result but were restrained from gaining entrance to the court by security operatives.
“We are here calling on the judiciary to give Nigerians justice,” says protest leader Orngu Angwu. As the country grapples with widespread insecurity, economic woes and growing poverty, many Nigerians had hoped the presidential ballot would bring about change but many were disappointed by the way the election was conducted.
Chadian media begin two-day strike over jailed colleague- Source: HumAngle. Chadian Media Begin Two-Day Strike Over Jailed Colleague – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
On the Facebook page of one of Chad’s leading media, Tchadinfos.com, is a note titled “information” printed in red. The note carries a message addressed to its audience, apologising for the blackout on Monday and Tuesday. The blackout is in solidarity with other pressmen and jailed journalist, Eric Ngarlem Toldé.
Toldé, a blogger and journalist with print media, Abba Garde, received a summons from the National Directorate of Judicial Research on May 3. He was finally jailed on May 6, three days after he took part in activities marking World Press Freedom Day.
Terrorists order villages to work leader’s farm in Zamfara- Source: HumAngle. Terrorists Order Villages To Work Leader’s Farm in Zamfara – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Villagers in several communities in Zamfara were ordered by the new leader of a terrorist group to go to his farm to work it for him, or face violent reprisals.
It is thought 17 men were summoned from six communities in Anka local government area, northwest Nigeria and ordered work on the farm of Kachalla Bello Kaura, the new leader of a terror gang based at a camp in Sunke, Bagega district.
Bello Kaura was announced leader of the gang following the killing of the terrorist group’s previous head, known as Alhaji Shadari.
In January the military under Operation Hadarin Daji launched a military operation against the Sunke camp.
Africa CDC’s Ebola mantra: Be vigilant to prevent outbreaks- Source: TRT Afrika. Africa CDC’s Ebola mantra: Be vigilant to prevent outbreaks – TRT Afrika
On January 11, Uganda declared the end of a four-month Ebola outbreak, bringing relief to the continent ravaged by the virus over the years.
But the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDA) – the continent’s top public health body – has warned countries against complacency to prevent another outbreak.
At least 55 out of the 143 infected people were killed in Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak since 2000. The country will remain under surveillance for 90 days from the date of the Ebola-free declaration.
150 escape unhurt after aircraft tyres burst at Nigerian airport- Source: TRT Afrika. 150 escape unhurt after aircraft tyres burst at Nigerian airport – TRT Afrika
A commercial aircraft belonging to Max Air on Sunday had twin tyre bursts while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria.
All the 144 passengers, including an infant, and six crew members escaped unhurt during the crash-landing, Max Air said in a statement.
The aircraft, Boeing 737-400, departed from Yola, Adamawa State at 2:45pm West Africa Time, and upon landing in Abuja at around 3pm, two of its tyres blew off.
“We are pleased to report that all the passengers and crew on board the aircraft are safe and sound,” Max Aircraft said in a statement on Sunday evening.
Peace and Security
Malians promised referendum in June on changing the constitution- Source: Africanews. Malians promised referendum in June on changing the constitution | Africanews
Malians have been digesting the news that there’s finally to be a referendum on whether to update their constitution on June 18th.
It’s supposed to move the vast country towards civilian rule after a military junta seized power in 2020.
The referendum, in which voters can choose to either accept or reject a draft already contested by political opponents, was due to have taken place in March but was postponed.
The draft would considerably strengthen the power of the president. In it, the head of state, rather than the government “determines the policy of the nation,” appoints the prime minister and ministers, and has the right to terminate their functions, according to the proposal.
May 29: We’ll resist attempt to incite anarchy- Military- Source: PRNigeria. May 29: We’ll Resist Attempt to Incite Anarchy – Military – PRNigeria News
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday has issued a fresh warning to anyone preparing to thwart or disrupt the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu come May 29.
Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, the Director of the Defense Media Operation, disclosed this at bi-weekly press briefing in Abuja.
He said the military had not found any justifications for why the inauguration could not take place.
His word, “As far as internal security is concerned, the police still remain the lead agency. The Armed Forces and other security operatives are only playing a supportive role. I want to reiterate that we’re on standby to make sure that nothing unwanted happens.
Chad two years later: little progress, plenty to worry about- Source: Premiumtimes. ANALYSIS: Chad two years later: Little progress, plenty to worry about (premiumtimesng.com)
April 2023 marked two years of transition in Chad. Initiated after the death of President Idriss Déby Itno, the process was primarily aimed at uniting the Chadian population and restoring constitutional order. Openness and inclusiveness were to be central to the transition.
However, despite some progress, there are few serious signs of a return to constitutional order and the transfer of power to civilians in the near future. The transition was designed to ensure stability, so this situation is worrying for both political actors in Chad and the country’s partners.
Malian political coalition opposes constitutional referendum- Source: Al Jazeera. Malian political coalition opposes constitutional referendum | News | Al Jazeera
A number of political associations in Mali have joined forces to oppose the military government’s decision to hold a referendum on a new constitution on June 18.
The referendum, announced on Friday, is a milestone on the country’s path towards elections promised for February after a coup three years earlier. The referendum had been previously scheduled for March 19 but was postponed.
Interim Burkina Faso president hails Russia as ‘strategic ally’- Source: Al Jazeera. Interim Burkina Faso president hails Russia as ‘strategic ally’ | Al-Qaeda News | Al Jazeera
Burkina Faso’s interim president, Ibrahim Traore, on Thurday said Russia has become a key strategic ally but denied that Russian mercenaries are supporting Burkinabe forces in their fight against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
Ouagadougou’s relations with Moscow are in the spotlight as anti-French sentiment rises in parts of the region. In February, the West African country evicted French troops after ending an accord that allowed France to fight armed groups there since 2013.
Niger’s recurring catastrophe of school fire- Source: TRT Afrika. Niger’s recurring catastrophe of school fires – TRT Afrika
The sheer helplessness of not being able to reach 21 screaming schoolchildren caught in the cauldron of fire and smoke with no escape still weighs her down.
More than two years after the horrific tragedy, the slightest hint of what she thinks is an unusual noise still makes her freeze.
“We were in the classrooms, it was 4pm, and the men had gone to pray at the mosque. The children were doing their classwork under the supervision of the teachers. Suddenly, we heard screams,” Habiba says of the blaze that day at the Pays Bays school in Niger’s capital city Niamey.
The flames ravaged the straw huts housing the school in less than 10 minutes. The smoke was so thick that nobody could make it to the classrooms to attempt a rescue.
Military denies allegation of bias in Southern Kaduna- Source: Premiumtimes. Military denies allegation of bias in Southern Kaduna (premiumtimesng.com)
The Military Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) providing security in Kaduna has dismissed allegations of bias made against the outfit by a Southern Kaduna group, the Zangon Kataf Youth Christian Association of Nigeria,
In a statement on Friday, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Oya James, a captain and media information officer of the OPSH, said the military would not be distracted in the quest to protect lives and properties in Southern Kaduna.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading video report that has gone viral on social media captioned ‘Southern Kaduna community protests killings, accuses military of compromise’.
“The allegation was made through one Rev Victor Yahaya, leader of the Youth Christian Association of Nigeria Zango Kataf Local Government Area.
Mali: draft constitution to be voted in June- Source: Africanews. Mali: draft constitution to be voted in June | Africanews
Mali’s ruling junta announced that it would hold a referendum on a new constitution on June 18th.
The referendum was initially scheduled for March 19th but was postponed indefinitely.
The decision was relayed by government spokesman Aboulaye Maïga on national television on Friday:
“The electoral college is convened on Sunday, June 18, 2023 throughout the national territory and in the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Mali to vote on the draft Constitution attached to this decree.”
Humanitarian
Terrorist releases three more FGC Yauri pupils- Source: Premiumtimes. Terrorist releases three more FGC Yauri pupils (premiumtimesng.com)
Dogo Gide, the terrorist whose gang has been holding 11 pupils of Federal Government College, Yauri, Kebbi State since June 2021, on Monday, released three of the girls.
The release of the three pupils followed the release of four other pupils two weeks ago after the terrorist was paid N80 million.
Salim Kaoje, the chairman of the parents of the abducted children, confirmed the release of the pupils to PREMIUM TIMES in a text message.
Those released were Aliya Abubakar, Esther Sunday, and Elizabeth Nwafor.
Mr Kaoje, whose younger sister, Farida Kaoje, is still being held by the terrorists, said Mr Gide did not request additional ransom before releasing the latest batch of pupils.
Father arrested for raping teenage daughter- Source: Premiumtimes. Father arrested for raping teenage daughter (premiumtimesng.com)
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi Command, has arrested a 41-year-old father for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter.
Speaking after parading the suspect on Wednesday at NSCDC Command Headquarters, Lokoja, the state’s commandant, Ahmad Gandi, said the command received a complaint lodged by an NGO on 5 May.
According to him, the complaint was lodged on a case of defilement, rape and incest in which the suspect is the biological father of the victim.
The commandant said that the abusive act was on for three years from 2020 to 2023, since when the victim was 16 years old.
Nigeria police free 58 hostages held by gangs- Source: Africanews. Nigeria police free 58 hostages held by gangs | Africanews
Nigeria’s police said Sunday they had freed 58 hostages held by gangs in the central state of Kogi in an operation that left one of the abductees dead.
The kidnappings are one of the challenges facing President-elect Bola Tinubu, who is due to be sworn in in May after February’s presidential election, the result of which was disputed by the opposition.
Police “rescued 58 people taken hostage in Udulu forest,” said a spokeswoman, Josephine Adeh. No indication was given on the location of the abductions or how long the victims were held captive.
PSC seeks support from UNDP, German govt to improve policing in Nigeria- Source: Premuimtimes. PSC seeks support from UNDP, German govt to improve policing in Nigeria (premiumtimesng.com)
The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, met with a delegation of the United Nation Development Programme, UNDP and the German Government during which it canvassed upport and productive partnership in improving policing in Nigeria in line with the ongoing police reforms.
This is in continuation of the commission’s stakeholders advocacy meetings for a holistic overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force for optimum service delivery.
It is also the brainchild of the commission’s Chairman, Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police.
At the meeting which held at the corporate headquarters of the commission in. Abuja, a member of the commission, Clara Ogunbiyi, who represented the chairman, said it has been a difficult task to oversight the police with the myriads of challenges facing the commission.
Nigeria enrolls 3 million girls in secondary school through AGILE project- Source: Premiumtimes. Nigeria enrols 3 million girls in secondary schools through AGILE project – Official (premiumtimesng.com)
The federal government has enrolled three million girls in secondary schools across the country through the Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme.
The National Project Coordinator of AGILE, Amina Haruna, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of a National Campaign, tagged ‘Madubi’, to boost the enrollment of girls in school and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
AGILE, which is a federal government initiative in partnership with the World Bank, is currently running in Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Plateau and Katsina States.
The campaign, targeted at increasing enrolment and retention among girls, is aimed at improving the secondary education of girls in the focal states.
Chibok girl who survived multiple force marriages gives birth days after rescue- Source: HumAngle. Chibok Girl Who Survived Multiple Forced Marriages Gives Birth Days After Rescue – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
One of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists nine years ago, gave birth to a child shortly after being rescued by the Nigerian army, it has been revealed.
Hauwa Maltha, now 26, was among the 276 schoolgirls taken from their dormitory on April 14, 2014.
Maltha was with another of the girls kidnapped from Chibok when they were rescued during a military operation in the Sambisa forest on April 21.
According to military officials, Maltha was eight months and two weeks pregnant when rescued. She gave birth on April 28 to a healthy baby boy in an Army medical facility, the military said in a statement.
Council chairman kidnapped, police orderly killed in Taraba- Source: Premiumtimes. Council chairman kidnapped, police orderly killed in Taraba (premiumtimesng.com)
The Chairman of Takum Local Government Council in Taraba State, Boyi Manga, has been kidnapped.
A police corporal attached to him was killed during the abduction.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Manga was kidnapped Sunday afternoon around noon.
He was kidnapped along Chachanji road near Agaraga village in Takum Local Government.
A police source told PREMIUM TIMES that the politician was kidnapped and his orderly was shot dead while he was travelling to the council headquarters.
Gunmen invade Kagarko emir’s house, abduct 7 grandchildren, 6 others- Source: Daily Trust. Gunmen invade Kagarko emir’s house, abduct 7 grandchildren, 6 others – Daily Trust
Seven grandchildren of the Emir of Kagarko in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, along with six other members of his family, were abducted by gunmen who invaded the emir’s private residence on Sunday night.
City & Crime had reported that bandits on January 2, 2023, invaded late Jere emir’s private residence, Dr Sa’ad Usman, and abducted a man identified as Hussaini, his wife, their four-month old baby and 11 other residents.
Stabilization and economic development
AFCFTA: Effective implementation and reforms to boost growth- IMF- Source: Africanews. AfCFTA: Effective implementation and reforms to boost growth – IMF report | Africanews
A successful African free trade area implementation could unlock major benefits for Africa in terms of income, jobs among other things, a report by IMF staff said.
The departmental paper published Friday (May 5) examined the prospects for African trade integration in the context of a changing world amid the climate crisis, risks of geopolitical fragmentation, technological progress, and the continent’s prospective demographic growth.
The 64-page document found that comprehensive reforms combined with the AfCFTA implementation could increase the median merchandise trade flow between African countries by 53 percent and with the rest of the world by 15%.
This would consequently raise the real per capita GDP of the median African country by over 10 percent.
Producers slumps causes Cameroon’s banana exports to fall by 23.6% Business – (journalducameroun.com)
In April 2023, the three dessert banana producers operating in Cameroon exported 13,928 tonnes, according to data just published by the Cameroon Banana Association. These exports are down by 4,319 tonnes year-on-year, which corresponds to 23.6% in relative value. In the absence of figures for March 2023, the fall in
FAAN, Ala resort to engage 14,000 skilled workers to develop Akure airport- Source: Daily trust. FAAN, Ala Resort To Engage 14,000 Skilled Workers To Develop Akure Airport – Daily Trust
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has sealed a deal with a private company, Ala Resort Ltd, to engage over 14,000 skilled workers, to develop the Akure Cargo Airport, into an “aerotropolis.”
Mr Hycinth Ngwu, General Manager, Business Development, FAAN Headquarters, Abuja, revealed this while briefing journalists in Akure, the Ondo state capital, on Monday.
Ngwu said the majority of the workers would be sourced within the locals in the state, adding that the project when completed is expected to boost the revenue baseline of the Akure airport.
“Certainly the majority of the employees will come from the locality. They should support it because it will transform their success.
Cameroon: WFP improves rice production- Source: Journal du Cameroon. Cameroon – NEW – Info category – (journalducameroun.com)
As part of the fight against food insecurity, a WFP food quality and safety team accompanied by Simplice Sadou, the regional delegate of the Ministry of Agriculture for the Far North, is visiting the rice production structures based in Maroua. The objective is to fight against food insecurity by strengthening the production techniques of rice enrichment units in micro-nutrients and vitamins. Indeed, it should be noted that locally produced rice is enriched with vitamins A, B6, iron and zinc… elements that are essential in the fight against malnutrition, especially among children under five and those of school age
World Bank extends FG NG care stimulus programme to 2024- Source: Daily trust. World Bank extends FG NG cares stimulus programme to 2024 – Daily Trust
The Minister Nigeria State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, has disclosed that the World Bank has extended the federal government’s COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES) Programme till June 2024.
Agba, who chairs the Federal CARES Steering Committee (FCSC), of the programme, disclosed this at a ministerial town hall meeting on NG-Care programme for stakeholders in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and River states.
