President Buhari Re-Appoints Segun Awolowo As NEPC Boss

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr Olusegun Awolowo as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity saying a letter signed by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) confirmed Awolowo’s appointment for another four years.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr. Olusegun Awolowo as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council,” the statement read.

“According to a letter signed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the appointment lasts for four years.

“Mr. Awolowo, a lawyer and scion of the Obafemi Awolowo family, was first appointed to the NEPC position in 2013.”

We Did not Disrupt Igbo Leaders' Award Ceremony in Enugu, MASSOB, Ohanaeze Youths Deny Allegation

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra
(MASSOB) under the leadership of Uchenna Madu and the Ohanaeze Youth Council have dismissed as false insinuations by the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) that they disrupted an award ceremony for respected Igbo leaders in Enugu on Tuesday.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, OYC, specifically said it was unacceptable under any guise for him to bring respected Igbo

elders to any place where they would be humiliated.

In a statement signed by  Samuel Edeson (National Director of
Information) MASSOB; and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and Engr Obinna Adibe,
Secretary General and National PRO of Ohanaeze Youth Council
respectively, the groups stated that the leader of ECA, Elliot Uko should be held responsible
for any break down of law and order in Enugu state.

The Uchenna Madu led MASSOB said, “We are very surprised and shocked
to read on pages of newspapers that MASSOB disrupted an Igbo event to
honour some prominent Biafra leaders. It is not in our nature or
orientation to disrespect, dishonor or insult our elders.

“Evang Elliott Uko who claimed that he called our leader have never
discussed with our leader since eight months ago, MASSOB separated
ourselves from him when we found out that he is an opportunist,
back-biter and instigator of strife among brethren. He did not call or
invite our leader or any other national executive of MASSOB to his
event neither did our leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu called him or
pressurized him to allow MASSOB members to attend his event.”

MASSOB dismissed the negative impression created by Uko that the
leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief Nnia Nwodo sponsored the
disruption of ECA event as completely false and capable of sowing a
seed of discord among major stakeholders of Igbo affairs.

 MASSOB warned Eliot Uko and Maria Okwor to stop meddling and creating
confusing falsehood among pro Biafra groups using one group against
another just to achieve a selfish interest, they should stay clear of
pro Biafra groups since they are not clamouring for Biafra.

Ohanaeze Youth Council on her part said, “We read with shock the ugly
incident which played out yesterday (Tuesday) in Enugu State. We are
saddened because this is coming at a time Enugu is being so celebrated
as one of the most peaceful State in the country.

“Going by our investigations, the youths Eliot and his amorphous group
gathered together at the event were transported from several States
outside Enugu. At the end, they ended up creating tension in the very
peaceful and secure State.

“We want to say it clearly that this is unacceptable to us because
this is a deliberate ploy to destroy the good works of the amiable and
hardworking Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,
especially in the area of security.

“This is therefore, a warning to Eliot that he shall be held
responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the Coal City State.
This is so as he clearly admitted in his media interview that indeed
he invited the Biafran agitators to the event. So, everything that
happened was clearly planned.”

Mob Attacks Nigeria Customs Check Point in Jigawa over Death of Mutum

…One killed, four cars burnt

 By Adebayo Segun

Mob numbering about 500 has allegedly mobilised themselves and attacked the check point of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) at Babban Mutum village of Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred when a 60-year-old, Alhaji Umaru Babban Mutum, was shot dead after a disagreement between him and some customs officers at the border town of Babura council area of the state.

The trouble was said to have started when a car was said to have been impounded at the entry point by the custom officials belonging to Umaru.

An eyewitness, Mahmud Babban Mutum, told THISDAY yesterday that the deceased was involved in fierce argument with the custom officials stationed at the border over arrest of a car he allegedly imported through Niger Republic.

Mutum said there was an argument between the custom officials and Umaru who came to retrieve his impounded vehicle ‎and in the process, one of the officers fired his gun at the driver who was hit on the leg.

The shooting infuriated Umaru who challenged them of which he too was said to be shot in the stomach by the same officer and died instantly.

It was also observed that all the five custom check points in the area have been burnt down in the process while four cars belonging to the officers were also completely burnt.

However, the Chairman of Babura local council, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, said the mob went to the police station threatening to burn down the place until the Divisional Police Officer convinced them that the custom officials arrested were not in their custody.

It was learnt that the deceased was since buried by his relatives at Babban Mutum which shared borders with Katsina State and Niger Republic.

Over 150 High-Level Speakers to Grace the Africa Trade, Investment Global Summit 2018 in Washington, D.C

Business leaders and prominent personalities are expected to speak at the Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit (ATIGS) 2018 to be held on June 24 to June 26 at World Trade Center – Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The prestigious biennial business conference and exhibition will bring together delegates from more than 70 countries including government delegations, high-profile African leaders, project developers, and international investors. The event has a well-structured format for facilitating direct peer engagement, for more advanced deal-making, showcasing fundable companies, co-investments and financing engagements, strategic partnerships, and business networking. It is aimed at “Driving trade, unleashing investment and enhancing economic development: the gateway to African markets.” The 2018 Summit will feature as panelist and speakers a wide array of senior officials and distinguished personalities including, Hon Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, Deputy Senate President of Nigeria; H.E. Adonia Ayebare, Uganda's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations; H.E.Clyde Rivers Ph.D. Ambassador of Republic of Burundi, and Advisor to the President of Burundi; Hon Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, former Minister for Trade & Industry, and former Ambassador of Ghana to the USA; Hon. Ibrahim Awaal Mohammed, Minister for Business Development in Ghana; Hon. Sebastian Kopulande, CEO, Zambian International Trade and Investment Centre (ZITIC) in Zambia; Andrew Herscowit, Coordinator, Power Africa - U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in USA; Asma ALAOU, CEO, Africa Key Partners in Morocco; Arnon Rosenbaum, VP Global Projects, Netafim in Israel; Belarmino Van-Dúnem, Chairman of Angola's Investment and Exports Promotion Agency (APIEX); Maria Goravanchi, Director, Overseas Private Investment Corporation in USA; Dr. Mohamed Doumbouya, Minister of Budget, Republic of Guinea; Raj Kumar, Founding President of Devex in United States, Dr. Belachew Mekuria, Industrial Park Division Deputy Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission; Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych, President & CEO of Initiative for Global Development in USA; Pablo Martín Carbajal, Deputy head for African Affairs, and CEO of Proexca, Government of the Canary Islands; Bernadette Fernandes, Founder of The Varanda Network in Canada; Chris Kirubi, Director, Centum Investment in Kenya; Chris Knight, Global Commercial Director for fDi Intelligence, Financial Times Group in UK; Dr. Richmond Annan, President, iRichie Group Inc in USA; Dr. Munir Ahmad Ch, President, Aspire World Investments LLC - United Arab Emirates; Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych, President & CEO of Initiative for Global Development in USA; Joseph Lititiyo, Deputy Executive Secretary ofEconomic Community of the Great Lakes Countries in Rwanda; Matthew Downing, Chairman & CEO, Ethium Group in Australia; Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria; Vanessa Adams, Director of Strategic Partnerships of DAI in France; Walid Loukil, Deputy Managing Director of Loukil Group in Tunisia; Xoliswa Daku, Founder & CEO, Daku Group of Companies in South Africa; Zekarias Amsalu, Founder and MD of IBEX Frontier, IBEX Financial Consultancy Ltd in Ethiopia, and many more.

How Nigeria Reportedly Loses $70m to Illegal Fishing by Chinese Vessels

About $ 70 million  is reportedly lost annually by Nigeria to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) activities carried out by some Chinese fishing vessels in the maritime domain, it has been gathered. 

It was also learnt that these Chinese vessels usually complain about not seeing enough fishes so they usually come as close as four nautical miles to the coast, which is illegal, thus depriving local fishermen of the resources.

This was disclosed on Wednesday during the visit of a delegation from the German Armed Forces General Staff College to the Western Naval Command (WNC) headquarters in Lagos.

According to the WNC Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah,  the perpetrators usually come as close as four nautical miles to the coast. 

He said such acts are not allowed, adding that by them doing so, they end up depriving local fishermen of the resources they ought to catch.

Although Abbah said there was significant reduction in unregulated fishing, he added that this was because a lot of vessels had been arrested for IUU and handed over to relevant authorities.

He said: "About 70 million dollars is reported to be lost annually to IUU in Nigeria's maritime domain, largely perpetuated by Chinese fishing vessels.

"The command went to work and started arresting vessels without fishing license. Any vessel that does not respond to our fishing codes or without authorised licenses are apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. 

"Even those with licenses are also arrested if they are found to be acting against the terms of their licenses in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures of arrests and prosecution of vessels and persons in Nigeria's maritime domain."

On measures put in place to ameliorate the effects of piracy he said Lagos waters were relatively safe as the command recorded only case of piracy, which they recorded a break through by rescuing the victims and arresting the Pirates. 

He said, "To ameliorate the effects of piracy, we have put together a safe anchorage area  in a general axis on Lagos waters and we have deployed vessels to protect them. 

"If others can buy into this method, it will go a long way to fight piracy and ensure protection of our vessels."

In the meantime, the Defence Attaché, Colonel Thomas Brillisauer, said

plans have been concluded for Germany to donate five Epenal Boats to the Nigerian Navy (NN).

Brillisauer said the boats, which were built at the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt, would be handed over to the NN in a few weeks time to aid the service's fight against oil theft and other maritime crimes.

According to him, Germany was open to donate more boats as its assistance to the NN to boost its presence within the Niger Delta and the Lake Chad regions, adding that Epenal Boats were chosen because the navy already had similar ones in its fleet and understood its functionality.

Aside that, Brillisauer said Germany was also partnering the Nigerian Military in the fields of medical and counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Intrigue As Imo Deputy Governor Rejects Okorocha’s Senate Offer, Insists On Governorship

Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, has rejected an offer by his principal, Governor Rochas Okorocha, to contest for the Imo East senatorial election in 2019 insisting on the governorship position.

Okorocha had endorsed himself for the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2019 general election and endorsed Madumere for the Imo East senatorial seat.

He then reaffirmed his earlier endorsement of his Chief of Staff and son in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu as his successor in 2019.

“If Uche Nwosu will be home for governor, I will tell the deputy governor to go to Senate. I told you earlier that my interest is the presidency but since President Buhari will be running in 2019, I decided to put my ambition on hold until he completes his tenure,” Okorocha stated during the inauguration of members of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) at Government House Owerri last Monday.

“But I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zones because if I don’t, bad people will take the position. If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for Senate, it will boost APC chances in the State. And many from my Senatorial zone have come to me and said they will not contest if I am interested.”

But Madumere who is from Owerri zone which has not produced a governor since the return to democracy in 1999, insisted that he has made up his mind to contest for the office of the governor in 2019.

The Deputy Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa, vowed that there is no going back on the decision, adding that the ambition is not just about him, but the entire Owerri zone that has been sidelined and marginalized.

Describing the Okorocha’s offer as an act of betrayal, Madumere stated that he has chosen his path towards realizing “God’s given vision to better the lot of Imolites”, adding that his fate “is in no man’s hands.

“if Jesus Christ could be ill-treated by those he called his friends and was later betrayed by Judas, how much more a mere mortal like me” adding that he has been “molested, betrayed and insulted” by those he nurtured to “become relevant in life.”

MEND, Okah Kick as South African Court Dismisses Appeal

 

The leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Henry Okah and the militant group on Wednesday rejected the recent dismissal of Okah’s appeals by the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Okah, who is facing terrorism charges following the 2010 Nigeria's Independence Day attacks that killed 12 people, said in a statement that he had directed his lawyers to file a fresh appeal at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Constitutional Court of South Africa had in 2013 convicted Okah of 13 charges of terrorism, including bombings that killed 12 people in Abuja on October 1, 2010.

In a letter written from Kokstad Prison, Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa, Okah rejected the ruling of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, saying the ruling ignored pertinent questions raised by his lawyers.

Okah added that his lawyers are in complete agreement with his position on the ruling by South Africa's highest court in this matter.

“The situation in the Niger Delta is a conflict as defined by International Human Law (IHL), the internationally accepted body of legislation for adjudicating conflict situations. Therefore, prosecuting a party to a conflict in a foreign country under the South African Anti-Terrorism Act, where the same statute is inapplicable to other parties to that same conflict is, in my opinion, illogical, and in fact, absurd,” Okah said.

“It is therefore little wonder that in my sentencing, the trial judge alluded to Mr.Nelson Mandela and the leaders of the Africa National Congress (ANC) as terrorists in their prosecution of the South African armed struggle against Apartheid. The South African armed struggle against Apartheid and that undertaken by MEND are not dissimilar in substance,” Okah said.

“Even more shocking and without outcry is the continued imprisonment as common criminals in South African prisons of soldiers for liberation armies, who had been captured by the Apartheid government almost a quarter of a century after 'independence' in South Africa. Freedom fighters in South Africa are regarded in South African law as terrorists despite the victory against Apartheid having ostensibly been attained through violent means,” he added.

The MEND leader alleged that the ex-President Goodluck Jonathan had bribed the former president of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma to keep in prison.

"Goodluck Jonathan sneaked into South Africa about three weeks ago where he desperately pleaded with Mr Zuma just before he was 'recalled' by the ANC, to ensure my continued internment in this country at any cost,” he said.

“Every Nigerian is aware that I am imprisoned in South Africa at the insistence of the Nigerian government in cahoots with western nations plundering the resources of the Niger Delta. MTN Nigeria was instrumental in my capture in 2010 and for this, some personalities in South Africa were rewarded with oil blocks jn the Escravos area, which are presently operated by a South African registered company named SACOIL,” Okah alleged.

According to the MEND leader, MTN South Africa also provided a witness who testified falsely at him trial, using fabricated evidence.

In a separate statement by its spokesman, Mr. Jomo Gbomo, MEND said it was disappointed but not surprised at the absurd verdict of the South Africa Constitutional Court, in the Appeal of Henry Okah versus The State on February 23, 2018.

 

“Considering that corruption and compromise is practiced at the highest level of government and eaten deep into the fabric of the South African political and justice system it didn't therefore come as a complete surprise. On account of oil in the Niger Delta region and the connivance of the oil majors and traitors within, the international community continues to turn a blind eye to this miscarriage of justice throughout the different tiers of the courts. We ask our patriotic comrades to remain calm as this matter is far from over. We are glad to hear that Henry Okah remains completely unfazed by the Constitutional Court's ruling,” MEND’s spokesman explained.

 

PDP Loses Publicity Secretary to Herdsmen Attack in Adamawa

 

By Emma Ella

The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) on Wdnesday confirmed the death of it Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sam Zadok, who was among the 20 people killed in the attack by herdsmen last Tuesday in Gwamba village of Demsa Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming his death, the state Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Abdullahi Parambe, said the party would continue to regret the absence of Zadok “who have been instrumental to the party’s development especially in the southern senatorial district of the state.”

While addressing journalists in Yola, the state capital, he said the deceased was also former state Commissioner of Ministry of Youth and Sports in the administration of former state Governor,  Murtala Nyako, who have never attempted to defect to any other political party.

PDP also condemned in strong term the wanton killings, but called on the incumbent state government to as a matter of urgency stop the spate of killings.

However, Zadok was said to have been ambushed by the assailants suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on their way to the troubled area to broker peace.

 Reports had it that the late former commissioner and his entourage was a stone through to the troubled areas when they were attacked and killed instantly.

Until his demise last Tuesday, Zadok was the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, and was an ally to Senator Grace Bent.

 Zadok participated during the just concluded peace initiative between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers headed by the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi,  where he called on the immediate redeployment of the Brigade Commander of the 232 Battalion  in Yola for taking side with the herdsmen.

 Also speaking, a native of Gwamba community, Mr. Omayan Tambaya, confirmed that 20 people from his village were massacred while 30 were injured and many houses razed down as residents flee to a nearby village for safety.

Tambaya explained that the assailants numbering about 50 stormed the village in four Toyota Hilux Vans and motorcycles shooting sporadically at the people.

He disclosed that letters and phone calls were received from the assailants two weeks before the attack and reported same to the police division in Gwamba for necessary action, but surprisingly, despite the report to the police, no action was taken to avert the ugly situation

 The community leader lamented that the entire Gwamba village has been razed down and about 2,500 residents were displaced as a result of the attack while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Spokesman SP Othman Abubakar, said a combined team of military and police had moved to the village which was burnt down and deserted.

 According to the police spokesperson, while trailing the assailants, one Bula youth was arrested with one AK47 riffle with 41 rounds of 7.62mm as the team moved to Garikiji village where six herdsmen were also arrested.

   Items recovered from them included one locally made riffle with 25 cartridges; a cutlass, bow and arrow, charms and looted clothes presently in the custody of the army.

INEC Releases Dates for General Elections for Next 36 Years

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced dates for general elections in the country for the next 36 years starting from 2019 to 2055.

The Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Mamood Yakubu, made the announcement at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.

According him, “In 2019, the dates are February 16 and March 2; in 2023, the dates are February 18 and March 4. In 2027, the dates are February 20 and March 6; in 2031, it is February 15 and March 1. In 2035, it is February 17 and March 3; in 2039, it is February 19 and March 5 and in 2043, it will hold on February 21 and March 7. In 2047, it would hold on February 15 and March 2; in 2051, election would hold February 18 and March 1; while in 2055, INEC would hold elections on February 20 and March 6.”

He pointed out that in other democracies of the world, periods of elections are generally known and are not topics for speculation, explaining that the aim was to engender certainty in the election calendar and allow for long-term planning by the commission and all stakeholders.

Saying that certainty in election calendar was necessary to match Nigeria’s democratic system with global best practices, the INEC chairman said in the last one week, INEC received 108 applications from associations seeking to be registered as political parties.

He said 66 of the applications did not meet the initial requirements while 33 passed and had proceeded to the next stage, adding that nine others were at the final stage of registration.

The INEC boss commended political parties for the roles they played in the governorship and National Assembly by-elections in Anambra State which he said ensured that the exercises were crisis-free, urging all existing political parties yet to comply with all relevant sections of the constitutional requirements necessary for their existence to do so.

 He advised the parties to ensure rancour-free conventions and congresses ahead of 2019 and the Ekiti and Osun States governorship elections later in the year.

Yakubu continued: “Internal party democracy is critical to the overall success of the elections and it helps to eliminate some protracted litigations. Less than a year to the 2019 general election, there are still cases in courts, challenging the nomination of candidates in the 2015 elections.’’

He urged the parties to support the commission in its quest to sanitise the voter’s register by drawing the attention of the umpire to any irregularity.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Mohammed Nalado, commended INEC for recognising political parties as partners.

He said with little or no financial support, political parties were at the forefront of voter sensitisation to the need to conduct themselves responsibly at polling units.

Nalado commended the commission for creating an enabling environment for free and fair elections by rolling out election calendar in good time.

He added that the political parties were happy with the position of INEC on the sequence of elections, saying that the commission acted on the existing law.

The IPAC boss welcomed the newly-registered political parties to the council and urged INEC to support the council’s plan to amend its code of conduct.

According to Nalado, the amendment will address issues of internal democracy, conflict resolution system among other issues affecting political parties in the country.

Saraki Urges State Govt To Stop Paying Pension To Ex-Governors In Elective Positions

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has called on states of the federation to emulate Kwara state and stop payment of pensions to former Governors still holding elective or appointive positions.

This is even as he commended the Kwara state House of Assembly for passing the bill to stop payment of such pensions.

Saraki in a series of tweets on his verified twitter handle, @BukolaSaraki said that he was indeed happy that the the chat he had with the Assembly Speaker, Ali Ahmed, had resulted in the passage of the bill.

In 2017, the Senate’s President had said that he already directed the state government to stop paying him pensions adding that he had refunded those that he had collected earlier.

“I am happy that following my conversation with Kwara Speaker, @HonAliAhmad, two months ago, the Bill to suspend the payment of Pension to former Governors and their Deputies when they hold a Political or Public office was passed into law yesterday by the Kwara House of Assembly,” he tweeted.

“Moving forward, it is my hope that other State Assemblies take a cue from Kwara State and pass similar pieces of legislation into law.”

NAN reports that the Kwara State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed an amendment bill halting payment of pension to former Governors, deputy Governors and other officers holding political offices after their tenure in office.

The passage of the bill followed the consideration of the report of the House Committee on Establishment and Public Service at the Committee of the Whole House sitting in Ilorin. The motion for the passage of the bill was moved by the Deputy House Leader, Segilola Abdulkadir and was unanimously adopted by members.

The Deputy Speaker, Matthew Okedare, who presided over the plenary, directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Mohammed Katsina, to prepare clean copy of the bill for Governor’s assent.

The bill which was forwarded to the House by the state Governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed, sought to review the existing law where payment of pension for former Governors and Deputy Governors after their tenures would be suspended.

Nigerian, Cameroon Troops In a Combined Military Operation Kill 35 Boko Haram Terrorists, 603 Civilian Hostages Rescued

 

35 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in a joint operation involving Nigerian and Cameroonian Troops, in furtherance of Operation Deep Punch to smoke out remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists in the Northern fringes of Lake Chad and Sambisa Forest.

The troops took the battle to the terrorists in their enclaves at Kusha-Kucha, Surdewala, Alkanerik, Magdewerne and Mayen villages, all situated along the Nigerian – Cameroonian border.

Confirming the operations in a statement, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col Onyeama Nwachukwu, said 603 civilians held hostage by the insurgents were also rescued and conveyed to Bäma and Pulka towns

“On Monday 26 February 2018, combined troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Cameroonian Defence Forces, in a clearance operation, took the battle to the terrorists in their enclaves at Kusha-Kucha, Surdewala, Alkanerik, Magdewerne and Mayen villages, all situated along the Nigerian – Cameroonian border,” he stated.

“In the fierce offensives, the gallant troops killed 33 Boko Haram insurgents and destroyed 15 locally fabricated rifles captured from them. The troops also destroyed 4 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), several motorcycles and bicycles belonging to the insurgents.

“603 civilians held hostage by the insurgents were also rescued and conveyed to Bäma and Pulka towns, where they are currently being profiled before subsequent handover to IDP camp officials.

“Relatedly, as the clearance operations progressed, the combined troops tracked the insurgents to Bokko, Daushe and Gava villages, where they unleashed another attack on the fleeing insurgents, killing 2 of them in the fire fight and recovering one AK 47 rifle, a magazine, a trolley and unspecified quantity of premium motor spirit in Jerry cans.

“The troops also extricated 194 civilians held captive by the insurgents and destroyed makeshift accommodations erected by the insurgents.

“Additionally, the combined troops successfully cleared Miyanti and Wudila villages, where they rescued 3 men, 121 women and 209 children. The rescued persons are undergoing profiling, preparatory to their handover to appropriate IDP camps.

“Meanwhile, troops carrying out clearance operations from the Sabil Huda axis of the Sambisa forest have recovered a cache of arms and tools from Boko Haram insurgents’ enclave in the Sabil Huda area of the Sambisa.

“The munitions recovered include 3 Browny Machine Guns, two 81mm Mortar tubes, one 81mm Mortar tripod, one 60 mm Commando Mortar tube, twelve 40mm AGL cartridge, 5 AK 47 rifles ,1 sniper rifle, 3 Pistols with one magazine loaded with four 9mm rounds, one damaged pump action rifle. Others are 2 damaged G3 rifles, 1 Tear gas riflel, 2 Sub Machine Guns, 5 xG3 Magazines, 4 locally made rockets, 28 working parts of various weapons, 28 barrels of various weapons, 3 Browny Machine Gun bipods, 2 Anti-Aircraft Gun Barrels, 12 Anti-Aircraft Gun tripods, 8 Tool boxes, one welding machine, one Hayab crane, Assorted ammunition links, one packet of electrode and one power generator.

“Troops remain highly motivated in continuing with the operations to locate and clear Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.”

CAN Blames Religious Violence on Lack of Inter-religious Education

The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson  Ayokunle, has blamed what he described as a surge in religious violence in Nigeria on the lack of basic knowledge of Christianity and Islam, saying that when history is no longer taught, inter-religious education has become more difficult.

In his introductory remarks during panel discussion at the two-day high level meeting organised by KAICIID in Vienna, Austria, the CAN president urged all religious groups in Nigeria and the world to make concerted effort towards government's inclusion of inter-religious education in the schools curricula. 

He said the trend all over the world was that educational institutions were actively looking for ways to respond to the issues of education in a religiously multi-faceted world.

According to him, these institutions seek to entrench a transformational process through which students could be educated to become global citizens with an understanding of the diversity of religious traditions and with strategies of pluralism that engage diversity in creative and productive ways.

He argued that inter-religious education is increasingly essential for equipping people to be citizens of the world, stressing that all academic institutions irrespective of their theological affiliation or inclination should be obliged to foster a religious dimension to citizenship.
“I do not think we are doing enough presently about Inter-religious education more than teach seminary students about world religions.
In those days in Nigeria when we used to study history and civics in primary and secondary schools, basic knowledge of at least Christianity and Islam were taught, but today,  when history is no longer taught, Inter-religious education has become more difficult. This to an extent may be responsible for a surge in religious violence more rampart now in Nigeria,” he explained.

“As mainstream culture begins to recognize a growing need for inter-religious understandings and endeavors, the church must follow suit; otherwise, it runs the risk of falling behind. Unless it actively invites inter-religious inquiry and education, the church will be forced to follow the lead of secular society and spend years "catching up" to the educational initiatives created there,” he added.
Ayokunle cited a New York-based programme, which brings Christian, Jewish and Muslim theological students together in a setting of mutual engagement and exchange as a good example of this step into inter-religious education.

“Students and staff of various theological schools spend several days visiting each other’s institutions. Here they immerse themselves in classes, worship and dialogue. At the end of each seminary exchange, the students come together for an intensive weekend of debriefing. They share what the experience meant for them both personally and in light of their own religious tradition/training. Obviously, the students learn as much about themselves and their own tradition as they do about the "other", because they are forced to work ecumenically as well as inter-religiously. The students find unexpected allies in other faiths as they recognize common challenges in explaining doctrine and policy,” Ayokunle explained.