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Gov. Emmanuel donates N60 million to slain officers’ families
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, on Monday, donated the sum of N60m to the families of security officers killed in recent attacks by gunmen.
No fewer than 15 security operatives have been killed in the last three months in coordinated attacks against security operatives in the state.
Governor Emmanuel, however, gave the donation when he paid a condolence visit to the command.
He condemned in strong terms the recent killings in the state and urged the command to rise to the occasion by containing the challenge.
Udom Emmanuel speaking with men of the Police at the State Police Headquarters in Uyo
Udom Emmanuel speaking with men of the Police at the State Police Headquarters in Uyo
“I condole with the command over the loss of men and assets to the recent security issues witnessed in the state,” Udom Emmanuel told newsmen after the visit.
“I pray God’s consolation for the families of the policemen who lost their breadwinners. In addition to the financial support I have given the deceased families, we will do all within our power to support our men in uniform to end the new wave of criminality in the state.
“As a government, we condemn these senseless attacks and killing of security operatives in our state. I urge the command to rise to the occasion of containing the challenge.”
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for closer collaboration with community leaders to enhance awareness creation on consumer rights in Bauchi State.
The Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi stated this during a sensitisation exercise organised for stakeholders, community and religious leaders, on Wednesday in Bauchi.
According to him, the FCCPC, as a federal government agency is established under the FCCPC Act 2018, to promote and protect consumers’ interest in the growing competitive market.
“There is need for the agency to partner and sensitise the community leaders which include traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders on its mandate.
“We have the belief and confidence community leaders are close to the people that is why we feel it is imperative to embark on this sensitisation to acquaint you with our activities.
“The collaboration would help the commission carry out its functions effectively because is expected of you to step down the sensitisation to the people,” he said.
Abdullahi reitetrated commitment of the commission to ensure fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians.
The commission, he said encouraged consumers to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices, adding that it would work with stakeholders to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to entry in various sectors, combat price fixing and dismantle cartels.
“We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on identifying and reporting such practices”.
The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, who was represented by Aliyu Lame, the District Head of Lame, said the traditional institutions would support the commission to achieve its mandate.
Also speaking, Mr Abraham Damina, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, pledged support to the commission.
Similarly, Uztaz Tijjani, the Secretary of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission, promised to sensitise their people to the activities of the commission.
2,600 persons, mostly women and children, have been killed following attacks on 50 Benue communities between January 2023 and February 2024, Amnesty International says.
Amnesty International Programme Director, Mrs Barbara Magaji, disclosed this during a photo exhibition and news conference on Wednesday, in Makurdi.
Magaji further said 18 out of the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, were constantly under security threats by armed attackers.
“These attacks are significantly affecting food security and livelihoods because the affected communities are farmers and displacement make them unable to carry out any farming activity.
“These displacements are having significant and adverse effects on the right to livelihoods, and depriving thousands of children of the right to education and development.
“As of March 2023 when the last counting and documentation was done, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities accommodated a total of 489,245 IDPs,” Magaji said.
She further quoted the state’s Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Board as saying that, at least 55 schools had been destroyed by armed bandits or closed down due to insecurity, leaving hundreds of children out of school.
She stressed the need for Nigerian authorities to end the attacks in Benue because they had a duty to protect lives.
She maintained that governments at all levels must ensure that these attacks were investigated and justice given to victims and their families.
“Nigerian authorities must ensure that suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses are brought to justice through fair trial.
“Nigerian authorities must investigate the security lapses that enabled gunmen to carry out attacks and get away with it.
“People who are displaced must be provided with adequate humanitarian support, standard of living and children’s education must be continued,” Magaji said.
Meanwhile, in his goodwill message, the Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion, Lt Col. R.B. Kefas, who was represented by Lt Danjuma Abba, stated that criminality had been curtailed in all the crisis prone areas, promising that the efforts would be sustained.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Steve Yabanet, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Okon Asuquo, said that the police was working round the clock to reduce criminality to the barest minimum in the state.
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FCCPC sensitises Bauchi community leaders to ensure consumer rights
