News
Miscreants’ attack on Federal Fire Service Staff: Kogi State gov’t apologises
Following the attack on officials of the Federal Fire Service who were responding to distress calls in Felele area of Lokoja by miscreants, Kogi State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Ohere has on behalf of Gov. Yahaya Bello, tendered an unreserved apology to the Controller General, Federal Fire Service.
The Commissioner for Works in a message he sent through to the Controller General through the Kogi State Controller of the Fire Service, regretted the unfortunate incident, condemned in strong terms the actions of the miscreants and disgruntled elements who attacked men of the State Command of the Fire Service who were legitimately carrying out their official duty.
Engr. Ohere thanked the men of the Federal Fire Service for all the support they have always given to Kogi State, assured that everything humanly possible would be done to arrest and bring the papetrators of the attack to book.
According to the message: “I most sincerely want to convey the assurances of His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello that everything will be done to bring those involved to justice and as well manage the injured staff with full repair of the vehicle sir.
“Thank you for your continued love for the State as we pray that similar incidences will not repeat itself going forward”.
The Commissioner assured that more security would be provided for the Command of the fire service, made a presentation of the sum of N100,000 through the Assistant Controller to be delivered to the sick promised to also visit the injured officer.
To buttress the seriousness of the State Government assurances to the Command, Engr. Abubakar Ohere deployed a high powered delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to immediately visit the Kogi State Command of the Federal Fire Service.
The delegation where received by the Assistant Controller, Omolola Tolushe at 2.57pm where the message of the State Government was delivered.
The delegation appreciated the interventions of the Command in the State and also frowned at the ugly incident on men and their equipment while in the course of their official duty.
The delegation disclosed that the Police have been mandated to fish out the culprits who attacked the officers and the vehicle.
Similarly, the State Government delegation lead by the Perm Sec MOWH to visit the injured and made an assessment on the level of damage to the vehicle for necessary repairs.
The Assistant Controller in her response expressed her gladdness on the prompt response by the Kogi State Government, further revealed to the team that the injured have been discharged from the hospital.
She however disclosed that the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service has ordered for the deployment of all the vehicles including the damaged one to the headquarters in Abuja before the arrival of the State Government delegation at about 1:00pm.
The State Government has however directed the Director of the State Fire Service to interact with the Assistant Controller on modalities to return the vehicles with provision for more security to protect men and equipment of the State Command while discharging their duties.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
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