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How Army rescued 52 kidnap victims
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66 handed over to Sokoto State govt
No fewer than 52 men and women kidnap victims were at the weekend rescued in Isa Local Government of Sokoto State by the North-West Operation Hadarin Daji troops of the Joint Task Force.
A statement issued at the weekend with photos shared on the official handle of the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue.
The statement said: “The feat was recorded on December 22, 2023 when troops cleared and destroyed terrorists’ enclaves at Saruwa, Kubuta, Gundumi villages and Bunwanga Gundumi forest in Isa Local Government of Sokoto State.
“During the operation, the troops of OPHD rescued 52 kidnap victims, while several terrorists were neutralised.
“The rescued victims include 14 men, 32 women and six children, who will undergo medical check-up, debrief and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their families.”
The Army has handed over 66 victims rescued from bandits and kidnappers to the Sokoto State Government.
The development followed a successful operation at Gundumi forest in Sokoto by the Army.
The Garrison Commander 8 Division, Brig.-Gen. Amos Tawasimi, said 51 of them were rescued last Friday, while others were rescued on Saturday.
“The operation is part of our resilient activities to ensure the state is safe for people to go about their activities.
“We stormed Gundumi forest three days ago to rescue these people. Some of them have been abducted for months by kidnappers.”
Brig.-Gen. Tawasimi hailed Governor Aliyu Sokoto for his support to security agencies. He said his men would continue to live up to expectation towards freeing Sokoto from the menace.
Receiving the victims, Governor Sokoto hailed the Army and other security agencies for their efforts and commitment in tackling insecurity.
He said: “Today marks another milestone in our fight against armed banditry, kidnapping and rustling in the state, as our security operatives have succeeded in rescuing 66 victims, who were kidnapped from villages and communities in Sokoto and other neighbouring states.
“From what we have gathered, 51 of the victims were rescued on Thursday, while 14 on Saturday.
“A few weeks ago, 51 victims were rescued after our gallant soldiers dislodged these criminals from their hideouts around Tangaza forest in Tangaza Local Government.
“This is indeed a commendable effort by our security operatives, especially members of Operation Hadarin Daji to rid our state of banditry, kidnapping, rustling and other forms of criminality, in line with the commitment of this government to restore peace to our dear state and ensure our people living in camps across the state return to their communities and live a normal life devoid of any fear of attack or kidnapping.
“As you may recall, security of lives and property is a priority of our government. Hence, the regular security meetings being convened with heads of security agencies since coming on board.
“This is in addition to the necessary support and logistics we give to security operatives in order to ensure they discharge their constitutional responsibilities in the state with ease.”
The governor said the government had in the last three days handed over 80 new patrol vehicles to security agencies.
“Alhamdulillah, the House of Assembly has passed into law a bill on the establishment of community guards, who will assist conventional security operatives in securing their communities.
“These and other measures taken by this administration, which we don’t want to disclose to the public, are part of our efforts to end the menace of armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in our state.”
He assured the people that his administration will not relent until the state is fully secured.
In his usual spirit of extending gesture, Governor Sokoto donated a bag of rice, millet and maize in addition to N100,000 each to the rescued victims, as they reunite with their families.
The former governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, who handed over the relief items to the victims, also announced the donation of N100,000 each to them to enable them buy drugs and other items.
Praising the state government for identifying with the victims, Wamakko, the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, also pledged to support security agencies in the eight local governments of Sokoto East Senatorial District with Toyota Hilux each for operations.
News
Grid collapse: TCN restores power to 90% substations
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said 90 per cent of its substations have received bulk power supply following efforts to recover the grid which suffered another collapse on Tuesday.
It said the ongoing restoration of the national grid which collapsed for the sixth time this year is ongoing and almost completed.
The Public Affairs General Manager of TCN, Ndidi Mbah said in a press statement that it has restored supply to Abuja.
On Monday, the grid collapsed at about 6:18 p.m., plunging many into darkness.
Checks by our correspondent confirmed that power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 p.m. to 3.56GW at 6 pm., and then to 0.00GW by 7 pm and 8 pm.
Reacting, electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory decried the incessant grid collapses, describing them as an embarrassment to the country.
But the transmission company in a reassuring message said the problem would be resolved soon.
The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the national grid experienced a partial disturbance, on Monday, 14th October 2024 at about 6:48 pm and notes that efforts to fully recover the grid are still ongoing.
“Although the recovery of the grid commenced immediately, with Azura power station providing the blackstart, grid recovery reached advanced stages at about 10.24 am, today when it encountered a challenge that caused a slight setback in the recovery process.
“The slight setback notwithstanding, TCN continued with the grid recovery process, which has reached an advanced stage, ensuring bulk power availability to about 90 per cent of its substations nationwide.
The statement added that supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centres nationwide.
“Supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centers nationwide.
“The partial disturbance did not affect the Ibom Gas generating station which was islanded from the grid yesterday and continued to supply areas in the South Southern part of the country such as Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and Itu 132kV transmission Substations during the period.
“Investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out as soon as the grid is fully restored.”
News
FG predicts 5-day heavy downpour across 22 states, FCT
The Federal Government has issued a forecast of five days of heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), starting today, October 14, 2024, and ending on October 18, 2024.
The prediction was made by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment in a statement released on Monday.
Communities living along the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun have been advised to evacuate immediately due to increasing water levels, which could lead to severe flooding.
Affected Areas.
The following states and their surroundings are predicted to experience rainfall that may result in flooding:
1. Osun State: Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo
2. Delta State: Escravos
3. Cross River State: Ikon
4. Taraba State: Donga, Ibi, Wukari, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gungun Bodel, Kambari, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro
5. Nasarawa State: Rukubi
6. Kebab State: Argungu, Birnin-Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa
7. Gombe State: Bajoga
8. Katsina State: Bakori, Funtua
9. Borno State: Biu, Briyel
10. Kaduna State: Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, Kaduna, Jaji
11. Niger State: Bida, Kontagora, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, Mokwa, New Bussa, Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, Wushishi
12. Yobe State: Dapchi
13. Adamawa State: Demsa, Farkumo, Ganye, Gbajili, Jimeta, Mayo-Belwa, Mubi, Natubi, Numan, Song, Shelleng, Wuro Bokki
14. Kogi State: Ibaji, Omala
15. Kwara State: Jebba, Kosubosu
16. 16. Bauchi State: Kari, Tafawa Balewa, Kirfi
17. Plateau State: Shendam
18. FCT: Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Bwari 19. Kano State: Sumaila
20. Oyo State: Kishi 21. Sokoto State: Silame
22. Zamfara State: Majara Advisory.
The government has urged residents in these areas to take precautionary measures and remain alert.
The forecast highlights the potential for flash floods, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from local authorities and evacuate if necessary.
The Ministry of Environment and disaster management agencies are collaborating with state governments to prepare for emergency responses.
News
Nigeria in darkness as national grid collapses again
The national electricity grid has collapsed again throwing the country into darkness.
The grid collapsed at about 6:18 pm on Monday, leaving Nigerians in darkness.
Reports said the power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 pm to 3.56GW at 6 pm and 0.00GW at 7 pm and 8 pm.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the grid collapse in a statement on Monday evening.
The EEDC informed its customers “of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October 2024,” saying this has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across the EEDC network.
“Consequently, due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
“We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo,” the EEDC stated in the statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh.
EEDC distributes power to the five South East states.
Also, the Abuja Disco confirmed the grid collapse in a statement Monday night.
“Dear Valued Customer, Please be informed that the power outage being experienced is due to a system failure from the national grid at 6:58 pm today, affecting the power supply to our franchise areas.
“Rest assured, we are working with the relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your understanding,” the company said.
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