Communal clash in Cross Rivers State, 6 Soldiers feared killed

 Cross River State Government has ordered the dethronement and decertification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Onyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas with immediate effecRecall

Recall that there has been a communal clash between Nko and Onyadama communities over a piece of land, the governor of the state Prof. Ben Ayade through his Deputy Chief Press Secretary  Linus Obogo, has released a statement that read, “The dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs and all other traditional rulers in the two warring communities are as a result of the intractable communal clashes

The statement added, “The ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest.

The clash has led to the shooting and killing of six military personnels. 

METHODIST ARCHBISHOP STOPS AKPABIO FROM CAMPAIGNING FOR NSIMA EKERE IN CHURCH

Most Rev. Sunday B. Uko, Archbishop of the church, Ikot Ekpene on Sunday cautioned Senator Godswill Akpabio and wife, Unoma for making political comments at Methodist Church Nigeria, Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Akpabios who spoke during the presentation of Sir Etekamba Umoren as the new Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, Essien Udim Diocese, attempted to canvass support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Nsima Ekere, All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate during the forthcoming general elections.

However, Most Rev. Sunday B. Uko, Archbishop of the church, Ikot Ekpene rose from his seat and stopped them  from further making the political comments in the church, saying “You cannot use the church as a platform for political campaign. Many members of this church belong to different political parties. You cannot campaign in the church.”

ASUU strike: Federal government withdraws ‘no work no pay’ threat

The Federal Government has withdrawn the recent threat to activate the ‘no work no pay policy’ against striking university teachers.

This was disclosed by the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, in a chat.

Ogunyemi also said that the negotiation meeting between ASUU and the Federal Government would continue on Monday, stressing that what the union was doing was to rescue the education sector from imminent collapse and to ensure that the children of the poor get access to quality and affordable education.

The ASUU boss also said that last Friday’s meeting between the two parties did not yield much results.

He said: “Well, we have confirmed that they have withdrawn that threat (no work no pay). So it appears the threat is not there for now.

“But even if the threat is there, we are prepared for that because for our members, no sacrifice is too much to salvage Nigeria’s education.

“Shortly before our action while the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) hullabaloo was going on with federal government, they went to the Federal Executive Council that they were activating that rule.”

Boko Haram terrorists have started using drones and foreign fighters - Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army says it has discovered that Boko Haram terrorists have started using drones and foreign fighters. The Army in a statement by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman on Wednesday said

    ‘we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks.

    These potent threats require us to continually review our operations. The Army also expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari (GCFR) for visiting the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals saying ‘we thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Our gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army.’



Read full statement below



    1. Gentlemen of the press, in continuation with our resolve to keep Nigerians well informed of the activities of the Nigerian Army, I will be briefing you on the recent happenings in the North East of Nigeria. In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists. Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018.

    Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    2. As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on 18th November 2018. During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State. The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists.

    3. The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care.

    4. The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army.

    5. We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections. Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is aptly titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria”. Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.

    6. Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved. However, in the last 2 – 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations.

    7. At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us also not forget the men, women and children who have been killed or affected by the atrocities of the terrorists. It is for their sake that this war against terror must be won.

    8. The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals. We also thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army.

    9. Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles.

    SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN Brigadier General for Chief of Army Staff 28th November 2018

President Buhari Visits Injured Soldiers in Borno -Photos

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday visited injured soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno state.




On November 18, the Al Barnawi faction of Boko Haram attacked the 157 Task Force Battalion based at Metele in the northern part of Borno State, killing scores of the Nigerian troops while others were injured.


Buhari who was in the state for the COAS Annual Conference used the opportunity to address Nigerian soldiers at the battlefields to further boost their morale.

He later visited the hospital where injured soldiers were being treated. He commended them for their bravery while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes.

Federal Govt Reduces Jamb,NECO Examination Fees

Nigerian government on Wednesday reduced the examination registration fees for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Senior Secondary and Basic Education Certificate.


 Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu disclosed this at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

JAMB fee for the UTME is now N3,500 instead of 5,000, the Senior Secondary School(SSS)fee will now be N9,850 instead of N11,350 and the Basic Education certificate by NECO will now be N4,000 instead of N5,500.... .

The new charges will take effect from January, 2019.

Bus Conveying Schoolchildren Catches Fire

There was panic after a school bus conveying pupils went up in flames in the middle of the road in Rivers state.

According to reports, the bus caught fire at St John’s school along Ognogoro road in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

It was gathered that the timely intervention of people around the vicinity ensured that all the children were rescued alive and unhurt. The fire was later put out by members of the public