Ebonyi gets Acting Governor as Nwifuru embarks on annual leave.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has embarked on annual leave.

Ebonyi State House of Assembly yesterday gave effect to a letter transmitting executive powers to Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, who has been discharging her duties as the Acting Governor since the Governor proceeded on annual leave.

It was gathered that this is in compliance with section 190 (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, has highlighted the potential of irrigation to significantly enhance crop yields and contribute to food security in Nigeria and across West Africa and the Sahel subregions.

Princess Obila made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the National and Regional Hand in Hand Investment Forum on Irrigation, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Abuja.

The Acting Governor affirmed that the forum was aimed to chart a course for enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel subregions.

She commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative in Agriculture, leveraging Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.

Princess Obila reiterated the commitment of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda to agricultural development.

She noted that the administration was pursuing initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity, promote irrigation, and support farmers to ensure economic diversification and job creation.

UPDATED: Katsina Mosque Attack Death Toll Rises To 32

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the death toll from Monday’s mosque attack in Malumfashi LGA has risen to 32.

A government delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, visited Unguwar Mantau where the attack occurred. He described the killings as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”, assuring residents of strengthened security measures.

The state said the exact number of those kidnapped is still being verified. According to the statement, a swift airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while moving with captives, leading to confusion in which some victims scattered while others were rescued.

Governor Dikko Radda, currently on medical leave, directed Acting Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to dispatch officials to condole with the bereaved and assess urgent needs.

Meanwhile, angry youths blocked the Malumfashi–Funtua highway on Tuesday, protesting the killings and worsening insecurity, leaving travellers stranded for hours.

Police earlier reported 17 deaths, while a state lawmaker, Aminu Ibrahim, claimed 30 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers. He wept during plenary as he described his constituents’ ordeal, urging for permanent military bases in Karfi and Yaba wards.

Security chiefs, including the Police Commissioner, Army Brigade Commander, and DSS Director, were part of the delegation to Malumfashi.
#KatsinaAttack #MosqueAttack #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaNews #Malumfashi

News Brief: Katsina Acting Gov Seeks Stronger Military Support Against Banditry

The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Jobe, has appealed for deeper military collaboration to tackle the persistent banditry threatening rural communities in the state.

Jobe made the call during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on the sidelines of an International Organization for Migration (IOM) event in Abuja on Tuesday.

He highlighted the displacement, loss of livelihoods, and disruptions to farming caused by bandit attacks, stressing the need for a more coordinated response between state authorities and the military.

“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity. We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces and other security agencies until this menace is defeated,” Jobe said.

In response, General Musa assured him of the Armed Forces’ total commitment to defeating banditry, pledging to strengthen ongoing operations in Katsina and other troubled areas.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and IOM Deputy Director-General (Operations), Ogechi Daniels, among others.

#Katsina #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaSecurity #NigerianArmy #BreakingNews