It was Black Christmas for many, as no fewer than 100 persons were killed by terrorists in fresh attacks on several communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas in plateau state.
The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, extending into Christmas Eve, casting a shadow over the festive season. The Terrorists burnt down houses in no fewer than 20 different communities sparing no one including babies. As the casualty count continues to rise, with security forces, local vigilantes, and hunters recovering more bodies, the Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed dismay, describing the attack as unprovoked.
He further appealed to those perpetuating the attacks to stop as they have nothing to gain. The Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, celebrated Christmas with troops of Operation, Hadarin Daji at the Army Barracks in Sokoto state. The general said the leadership of the Nigerian Army has designed many measures to encourage troops in the field as he saluted the gallantry, unwavering dedication, and sacrifice they make to ensure the peace and stability of the nation.
Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as, Shi’ites, joined Christians at a Christmas Service at St Joseph Catholic Church, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday. The Islamic group described it as a move to strengthen religious harmony and unity between religious groups.
The Leader of the Shi’ite group, Prof Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, said the group acknowledged Christmas as a day for festivities, friendliness and unity. He added that joining Christian faithful as they mark Christmas was meant to renew hope for unity among Muslims, Christians and other religions.
The immediate past minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk has reacted to media reports linking her to an alleged money laundering case involving a contractor, James Okwete.
Over the weekend, reports indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered 37 billion Naira that was allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. According to the reports, the EFCC investigation revealed that the money was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with a contractor, James Okwete. Fifty-three companies were also allegedly traced to Okwete, some of which were used to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27 billion Naira.
The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over the weekend, presented 40 SUV’s and Hilux vans to lawmakers and judges at a ceremony in Lokoja, the states capital. The Governor also presented 25 ambulances to all the local government areas of the state and some tertiary institutions as well as fire fighting vans to the state’s Fire Service. During the ceremony, the governor thanked his party members for their support, and assured the people of the Kogi State that his administration would continue to offer the necessary intervention that would improve the well-being of the people.
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