FocalPoint Reports

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written the Senate seeking approval to borrow $5 billion. In a letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, which was read on Tuesday during plenary, the loan will be obtained from Abu Dhabi Bank and it is aimed at covering budget deficit, debt financing, among others. In another letter to the Senate, President Tinubu is seeking approval to borrow $1 billion UK/EF loan facility from London Citi Bank for the rehabilitation of port projects, including Lagos Port complex and Tin Can port. According to the President, the project’s objectives are to address critical deficiencies, improve efficiency, improve safety standards, support non-oil trade diversification and position Nigeria as a trade hub among others. Akpabio then referred the letters to Senator Aliyu Wammakko-led Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to carry out legislative actions on the request and report back immediately. Details later…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the International Office for Migration (IOM) has received 145 Nigerian returnees from Benghazi, Libya, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Lagos Operations Office, NEMA, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to newsmen in Lagos. Olatunde said the returnees arrived at about 8:27 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return programme. According to him, the programme is facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the federal government. “The breakdown shows 122 adults, comprising 46 males and 76 females. “It also includes 29 children, with 13 males and 16 females. “A total of 27 infants were received, comprising 17 males and 10 females,” Olatunde said. He said the officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returne...

BOMADI — The Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Rawlings Dagidi Andaye, has issued a stern warning to suspected ritualists and other criminal elements to steer clear of the area following a recent attempted beheading incident. The warning comes in the wake of an attack on a 60-year-old woman, Esther Bolozimor, who narrowly escaped death after being ambushed along Akepe Road in Bomadi about two weeks ago. The victim was reportedly rescued by a passerby who heard her distress and intervened before the assailants could carry out the act. Reacting to the development, Andaye said security agencies have been activated to track down those responsible, stressing that his administration would not tolerate a breakdown of law and order in the once peaceful riverine communities. “My number one priority since assuming office is security. We have strengthened the local vigilante outfit to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure safety ac...

Hundreds of angry residents in Plateau State on Monday morning defied the state -imposed curfew and flooded the streets to protest the deadly Palm Sunday attack that claimed several lives in Jos North Local Government Area. The protest took place at Anguwan Rukuba, the community where the attack occurred on Sunday evening. Videos from the protest circulating on social media showed residents chanting and demanding urgent government action over the recurring killings in the area. Some of the demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s failure to prevent repeated attacks in the state. One of the residents participating in the protest said the curfew imposed by the government was not a solution to the persistent security challenges. “People are outside because of the attack that happened yesterday. They chased the security men because they are not doing any help right here ,” the protester said. He added that the attackers struck during a power outa...

No fewer than 27 persons were killed, with many others injured, when suspected gunmen attacked Angwa Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attackers, said to be in large numbers, stormed the densely populated community at about 7:30 pm on Sunday and opened sporadic fire on residents, throwing the area into panic. Barr Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), confirmed the casualty figure on Monday. According to him, 14 victims were killed on the spot while 13 others died later in hospital.” Their corpses have been deposited in the community. Mwantiri condemned the attack, describing it as another sad episode in the recurring security challenges facing communities in the state. He urged the relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay. The latest violence comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Plateau State, with residents calling for improved security...

The Labour Party has expressed profound grief over the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement in Abuja, on Saturday, the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, described Hajiya Umma as a distinguished community leader and quintessential mother who raised her children with strong moral values. Usman said, “It is with profound grief that I received the news of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, beloved mother of His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. “Hajiya Umma was a distinguished community leader and a quintessential mother who laboured selflessly to raise her children with strong moral values, discipline, and the fear of Allah. “As we mourn her transition to eternal glory, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives her shortcomings, grants her Aljannatul Firdaus, and grants the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.” The party extended condolences to the El-Rufai family and the people of ...