Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

HIS GRUESOME KILLING shook the nation. Brigadier-General Musa Uba died in line of duty. An officer and a gentleman, he was leading his men and some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on a mission to hunt down the terrorists, bandits and insurgents troubling the nation when they were ambushed along the Damboa-Biu Road in Borno State.

The attack, which was carried out by the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists happened on November 14. It was a black Friday, which presaged a week in which these elements went on the rampage in some states. They hit Borno, Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states, killing, kidnapping and looting in their characterisric style. Infants were not spared, as they abducted hundreds of nursery school kids in Niger, among others.

The General’s bludgeoning stinks. It rankles because of how it happened. He had managed to escape the ISWAP ambush in which some of his men were killed. He was in the forest trying to find his way back to base. He relayed his position to his colleagues through WhatsApp. Somehow, his message leaked and started trending in social media. The military did all it could to salvage the situation, to no avail.

The harm had been done. The terror group cashed in on that momentary lapse caused by the leaked message to comb the forest for Uba. They found and killed him, and in their typical way celebrated their bestial act in a video. Uba died a hero, as President Bola Tinubu said in a tribute. There is no gainsaying the fact that laying down one’s life for one’s country is the primary duty of a soldier, but the circumstances of Uba’s death are quite disturbing. Who did he send his message for help to?

What did the receiver do with it? Was it treated with the utmost secrecy and urgency it deserved in order to evacuate him out of danger? How did the message get to the social media many of whose practitioners are not professional journalists? Uba did not deserve to die the way he did? If those he messaged had done their jobs well, he might have been saved with the terrorists suffering a heavy loss.

What has happened to the area where he was gruesomely killed? Has it been levelled to send a message to ISWAP and others that no beast in human skin kills a soldier, a General for that matter, and lives to celebrate it? Uba’s death should not be in vain. One of the ways to memorialise him will be the routing of ISWAP, Boko Haram, ISIS, Lakurawa, Ansaru and other terror groups by whatever name called, to restore law and order in the north, where the past week was hell. Their renewed offensive on schools and a church was shattering and it affected the national psyche.

It came on the heels of the global efforts to change the narratives about our national image being pushed by American President Donald Trump. Trump had described the insecurity in Nigeria as ‘Christian genocide’, and vowed to come ‘guns-a-blazing’ to save ‘our beloved Christians’. It is thus difficult to dismiss the claim of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, that this ‘targeted killings’ statement might have emboldened the terrorists to unleash these fresh attacks.

Truly, such attacks had gone down until Trump spoke some weeks ago. The renewed attacks began 10 days ago, after they apparently took a cue from that remark. Their first target on November 17 was a girls school in Maga, Kebbi State, where they abducted 24 pupils after shooting dead the vice principal and injuring the principal. The 24 girls were freed on Tuesday.

Barely 24 hours later, they hit the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), in Eruku, Kwara State, taking away 38 worshippers, among them an elderly woman. The abductees regained their freedom on Sunday. Their story is intriguing. The worshippers were in church to thank God for the release of tbeir brethren who were earlier abducted when they too fell victims of the abductors. In the midst of these incidents, the government is waging war on the global front to change the Trump narrative about Nigeria.

The United States (U.S.) Congress which he is armtwisting to impose sanctions on Nigeria and back his plan to send troops to take out the terrorists beamed a searchlight on our country on Thursday. Nigeria was on trial of sorts before the world as the proceedings of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa were aired globally. Some members of the Congress led by two women, Sara Jacobs and Pamela Jayapal, argued against the classification of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, while their counterparts, Riley Moore and Bill Huizenga, led those who insisted that there were ‘targeted killings’ in Nigeria.

Huizenga, who became emotional as he recalled going to ‘school with kids from Nigeria’ pointedly accused the Tinubu administration of doing nothing to stop the killings. In its defence, Nigeria admitted that it has security challenges, explaining that all it required was collaboration with the U.S. to address the issue. Although, it is painful that Nigeria has not overcome the problem, which reared its ugly head in 2009, with the killing of Boko Haram leader Muhammed Yusuf in police custody, it is wrong to say that the country has not done anything about it.

Past administrations fought it. The Tinubu administration intensified the campaign after assuming office over two years ago. Its efforts might have resulted in scorching the snake and not in killing it, though. Therefore, it will be insincere to accuse the government of folding its hands and doing nothing. More needs to be done, no doubt. So, the government must reawaken to the reality of the situation and do everything possible to kill this snake now, or continue to be the butt of cynical remarks by Trump, Moore, Huizenga and their local ilk.

It is in this frame that the Niger school abductions which followed the congressional hearing beggar belief. After the Kebbi and Eruku attacks, the security agencies should have been more alive to their responsibilities to nip in the bud any other fresh incidents. That the Catholic (Private) Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, was hit just four days after the Kebbi attack, and in the wake of the congressional hearing, speaks volume about how prepared and serious we are to fight this scourge.

The government has given its die-hard critics the ammunition to fight it and say ‘see those who say they are fighting terrorism’. Papiri should not have happened at all, at least not at a time like this, or at any other time for that matter. The attack should be a challenge to the government to go all out and tame this scourge. There is no better time than now to break this yoke. It has festered for too long. Those nursery kids (just imagine their ages) are waiting (only God knows where they are being held) to be reunited with their parents and guardians. I can hear their cries in my ears as I type this.

Tomorrow, Akeem Akintayo Amosun, federal commissioner in Revenue Allocation Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission will bury his mother, who died in October.

He invites everyone to celebrate a mother who instilled in him discipline, selflessness, hard work and loyalty.

H said: ‘I am who I am today by the pivotal roles of this peace-loving and accommodating angel whose doors were opened to all.”

The finale burial, to be anchored by seasoned thespian, Yemi Sodimu, will hold at Em Felix Event and Conference Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Expected are politicians, former governors, deputy governors, lawmakers, commissioners and others.

Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in years blazed late into the night yesterday as the city’s leader confirmed at least 36 people, including a firefighter, had died and another 279 people were reported missing.

Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po district, a suburb in the New Territories. At least 29 others remained hospitalized.

‘Police and the Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate the cause of the fire,’ John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, said.

He said the fire was ‘coming under control’ shortly past midnight.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimise casualties and losses.

The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. The housing complex was built in the 1980s and has recently been undergoing a major renovation.

Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations. It was not immediately known how the fire started, but officials said the fire started at the external scaffolding of one of the buildings, a 32-storey tower, and later spread to inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions.

A column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters.

Multiple buildings close to each other were set ablaze, with bright flames and smoke shooting out of windows as night fell. Authorities said that hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics were deployed. Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks.

The blaze, which started mid-afternoon, was upgraded a level 5 alarm – the highest level of severity – as night fell. Authorities said that conditions remained very challenging for firefighters.

‘Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down,’ said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations. ‘The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.’

The fire department said that it received ‘numerous’ calls requesting assistance. It said some residents remained trapped as of Wednesday night. Firefighters deployed more than 140 fire trucks and more than 60 ambulances to the scene.

The dead included a 37-year-old firefighter, while another received treatment for heat exhaustion, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said.

District officials in Tai Po have opened temporary shelters for people left homeless by the fire.

‘I’ve given up thinking about my property,’ a resident who only provided her surname, Wu, told local TV station TVB. ‘Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.’

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has supported a call by Southwest governors urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the establishment of State Police.

Spokesman Seye Oladejo in a statement in Ogba, Lagos said: ”For years, our region has been at the forefront of advocating for a modern, community-rooted security architecture capable of responding swiftly and intelligently to evolving threats. Southwest governors have once again demonstrated leadership, unity of purpose and a clear understanding of the security realities confronting our nation. Their position aligns with the long-standing progressive philosophy of our party: security must be local to be effective.

”President Tinubu has shown the political will to reform, strengthen and modernise Nigeria’s internal security framework. The call by the governors only reinforces the President’s already established commitment to a responsive, people-centred and technologically-enhanced security ecosystem.”

Oladejo said the security challenges facing the country required multi-layered policing solutions, adding that State Police – properly designed, professionally regulated and federally coordinated- would bring security closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering and deter crime in real time.

He noted: ”From the Amotekun initiative, to consistent investment in local security infrastructure, Southwest has proved that decentralised security works. The call for state police is simply the next logical step.

”The President has repeatedly emphasised his resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria. The ongoing reforms in the military, police and intelligence community demonstrate that this administration is not shying away from bold decisions. State Police will be another milestone in this journey.”

Lagos APC spokesman said those who attempted to politicise or misrepresent ”this conversation for cheap popularity betray the seriousness of the moment. Nigerians deserve honest dialogue and practical solutions, not fear mongering or mischief.”

He added: ”We reaffirm our support for the Renewed Hope security reforms and united stance of Southwest governors. The security of our people is non-negotiable.

”The time for State Police is not just ripe- it is overdue. Lagos APC is fully aligned with this patriotic call and urges stakeholders nationwide to join hands with President Tinubu to deliver a safer, stronger and more secure Nigeria for all.”

Renowned Islamic scholar and revered cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is dead.

He was 98.

The highly respected Dariqa scholar, born on June 29, 1927, died on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Confirming his passing, a close associate, Daha Azhary Bauchi, announced, ‘Innaa lillahi wa innaa ilaihi raji’un. Maulana Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has passed away (Wafaty).

‘May Allah bless us with his blessings.’

Another close disciple, Abubakar Ibrahim Wunti, also confirmed the scholar’s death on Thursday morning.

Sheikh Dahiru was widely regarded as one of the most influential Islamic figures in Nigeria and beyond.

He spent his life promoting Islamic teachings, advancing Quranic education, and mentoring students in the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

For decades, he led thousands of disciples and made remarkable contributions to Islamic scholarship and spiritual development.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has warned that Nigeria stands to lose more than $3 billion annually if it fails to align with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Kyari spoke yesterday in Abuja during signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), with launch of Nigeria’s White Paper on National Strategy for EUDR Compliance, in Abuja.

The minister stressed the urgency for Nigeria to modernise its agricultural monitoring and traceability systems to avoid severe financial repercussions.

He said findings in the White Paper show Nigeria could lose over $1 billion in direct export revenue and more than $3 billion in economic value each year if its agricultural produce fails to satisfy EU’s stringent entry requirements.

Under EUDR, agricultural goods exported to Europe must be traceable to specific farm boundaries, produced legally, and demonstrably free of deforestation.

‘We cannot allow this level of exposure to place our farmers or our national economy at a disadvantage,’ he warned, noting that the situation presents an opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s global agricultural competitiveness.

He described the new compliance strategy as significant and forward-looking, saying it would protect farmers, upgrade value chains, and help Nigeria secure a stronger hold in international markets.

A key moment was signing of the MoU with NASRDA, which lays the foundation for an environmental and traceability monitoring system.

Under the pact, NASRDA will supply satellite data, real-time monitoring, and technical expertise, while the ministry will coordinate farmer engagement, policy alignment, and the national rollout plan.

The minister said the adopted Responsibility Matrix defines roles, timelines, and accountability mechanisms, with a Joint Steering Committee to ensure transparent execution.

He cautioned states against initiating parallel compliance systems, stressing EU will not evaluate on state by state basis.

Champions Safety Babes took another step towards the defence of their title by whipping Ekiti Queens 49-22 on Matchday 2 of the ongoing 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Second Phase tournament in Lagos.

The champions, who had defeated River Queens 40-27 on Tuesday, dominated the Ekiti team and made sure of victory with a commanding display.

The Ekiti girls who had beaten Defender Babes 35-27 on Tuesday could not keep up with the pace of the champions.

In some other games in the female category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers, while Defender Babes lost to

Omo Ogiefo Academy 29-22.

In the men’s category, COAS Shooters defeated Lagos Seasiders 36-28, while De Defenders lost to Rima Strikers 28-19. Also, Niger United walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals.

Niger United Coach, Adebayo Yekini, said that the league has become competitive so much that that is little between the top teams and others.

He said: ‘The league has become very competitive and all the team are putting in their best to win games. You can see that even the ones who lose games are putting in their best.’

The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2 enters Matchday 3 today at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday welcomed the return of abducted Nigerians from captivity.

The released abductees are 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, 51 missionary school children in Niger State and 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State.

ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters in Abuja yesterday that the party rejoiced with the families whose loved ones had regained freedom, but insisted that the incidents should never have occurred if the government was fully alive to its responsibilities.

Abdullahi however alleged that the Federal Government was ‘making deals with insurgents’ in a bid to free abducted victims.

‘Perhaps because there may be different considerations, but perhaps because they want a quick win, they want something to celebrate, then they will not hesitate to make the kind of negotiation or deals that they are doing,’ the ADC spokesman said.

Galatasaray will have to cough pound 50m (about N84 billion) to prise away Nigeria International , Ademola Lookman, from Serie A outfit, Atalanta.

The Turkish giants which presently housed another Nigerian star forward, Victor Osimhen, has not hidden their interest to sign up the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in the upcoming Transfer Window in January.

But according to the famous Italian Pink Newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta will only sell the Nigerian for pound 50m and won’t reduce the price.

Lookman is reportedly interested in joining his compatriot and international teammate, Osimhen in Turkey.

The 28-year-old has struggled to make much impact at Atalanta this season after pushing to leave the Bergamo club for Inter Milan in the summer.

He scored 20 goals in 41 appearances last season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best wingers, but has scored just two goals in 12 appearances across all competitions in the on-going campaign.

Lookman has contract with the Serie A club until June 2027 but whether he would move to Turkey in January remains to be seen.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu, has called for a curriculum overhaul of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) that reflects contemporary security challenges.

He said the curriculum should focus on night training, physical fitness, artificial intelligence, and other emerging warfare domains.

The COAS made the call when he received the NDA Commandant, Maj-Gen Oluyemi Olatoye, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, these measures would ensure that young officers are ‘fully attuned to the realities of modern battlefields and equipped with the warrior ethos and battle-oriented leadership skills required to confront contemporary security challenges.’

General Shaibu also stressed the need to strengthen research centres, particularly the NDA Department of Military Science, as a strategic step towards boosting the National Defence Industry and enhancing indigenous capacity for military innovation and self-reliance.

He emphasized that a robust research framework would provide the intellectual backbone required for a modern, responsive and technologically advanced fighting force.

The COAS pledged his full support to the Commandant in achieving these objectives, reaffirming his commitment to ensure that the NDA produces officers who are ‘strategically sound, operationally competent and fully prepared’ to meet the evolving security demands of the nation.

The NDA Commandant assured that he would build on the legacies and structures established by his predecessors.

He solicited sustained support from the COAS to effectively realise the vision and mission of producing competent, disciplined and professional officers capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s security interests.

He thanked the Nigerian military leadership for the confidence reposed in him to lead the nation’s premier military training institution, describing the NDA as the ‘training factory’ for future officers of the Armed Forces.