Core Afric

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  • Cross River is gripped by fear as groups of armed foreigners, believed to be illegal miners, arrive in the communities.
 

    Cross River is gripped by fear as groups of armed foreigners, believed to be illegal miners, arrive in the communities.  

    On Wednesday evening, at least five buses were spotted unloading unfamiliar men with characteristics typical of individuals from the Sahelian region of West Africa in the Agoi Ibami community within the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Community sources reported that the men were offloading various items, including head pans, shovels, machetes, mattresses, beddings, cooking utensils, and weapons. Last week, DAILY POST exclusively covered the significant influx of illegal miners believed to be from Niger Republic, Mali, and other Sahelian countries into the Agoi areas of Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Agom Ibami, posing a threat to the safety and security of locals. Agoi Ibami resident Mr. Great Andrew Bassey stated that these large arrivals are a major concern, causing fear among the residents. He mentioned, “Around 4:20 pm today, two buses entered the Agoi Ibami community, likely for mining activities at the Akpa plantation in Yakurr Local Government Area.” Additional buses have arrived, packed with non-Nigerians. “The situation unfolding in Agoi Ibami includes a group of Hausa people and other foreigners who are not from Nigeria.” They have arrived by bus, possibly for mining operations. “This requires immediate action from the government.” “The arrival of these illegal miners in the Agoi communities of Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Agom Ibami is endangering the safety and security of the residents.” Agoi is a large but mostly overlooked reservoir of natural resources, such as forests, gold, and other minerals, which have drawn in illegal miners and loggers. Commissioner of Police Augustine Grimah stated that there is no reason to worry, as police units are present in those communities to monitor the situation. A community chief and former presidential aide, Obol Obono-Obla, emphasized the need for the Cross River State government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the security issues and criminal activities caused by these illegal mining groups in the Agoi area of Yakurr Local Government Area before it escalates into a crisis similar to that in Zamfara. I call for urgent measures to address these dangers and protect the welfare of the people in this area in order to prevent another situation like Zamfara.

     

  • Ganduje rejects Obi’s claims of life threats as unfounded.
 

    Ganduje rejects Obi’s claims of life threats as unfounded.  

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called Peter Obi’s accusations of life threats against him “unfortunate, misleading, and completely false.” In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday night, Ganduje rejected Obi’s claims as “pure mischief” and a “malicious falsehood” intended to gain public sympathy and present himself as a victim. He pointed out that these claims could have been overlooked, but emphasized the importance of countering the narrative to avoid more misinformation. Ganduje expressed worry about the accusations, which were posted on Obi’s verified X account. He charged the LP candidate with misrepresenting comments made by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka during an interview on Arise TV on January 4, 2025. “Morka never threatened Obi or his family at any time.” Mr. Ganduje stated that by wrongly alleging that Morka made threats, Mr. Obi has encouraged his supporters to make death threats against Morka and his family, which is both harmful and unjustified. The APC Chairman condemned Obi for disseminating misinformation, stressing that as a public figure, the LP candidate has a responsibility to be accurate in his statements. He further noted that misleading stories damage public trust and democratic principles.

     

  • Ganduje rejects Obi’s claims of threats to his life as unfounded.
 

    Ganduje rejects Obi’s claims of threats to his life as unfounded.  

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, labeled Peter Obi’s assertions of receiving life threats as “unfortunate, misleading, and completely false.” In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday night, Ganduje rejected Obi’s claims as “pure mischief” and a “malicious falsehood” intended to gain public sympathy and present himself as a victim. He acknowledged that these claims might have been overlooked, but emphasized the importance of disproving the narrative to avoid more misinformation. Ganduje voiced his worries about the allegations posted on Obi’s verified X account. He claimed that the LP candidate misrepresented comments made by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka during an interview on Arise TV on January 4, 2025. “Morka never threatened Obi or his family at any time.” Mr. Ganduje remarked that Mr. Obi, by wrongly alleging that Morka made threats, has prompted his supporters to direct death threats at Morka and his family, an act that is both reckless and unjustified. He condemned Obi for disseminating misinformation, stressing that as a public figure, the LP candidate has a responsibility to ensure his statements are truthful. He also noted that deceptive narratives erode public confidence and democratic principles.

     

  • Naira depreciates against the dollar for the third straight day.
 

    Naira depreciates against the dollar for the third straight day.  

    The naira weakened for the third consecutive time against the dollar in 2025. On Wednesday, it fell to N1,541.70 per dollar, down from N1,537.03 on Tuesday, according to FMDQ data. This represents a decrease of N4.67 in the official market. Conversely, in the black market, the naira appreciated by N5, finishing at N1,660 on Wednesday, compared to N1,665 on Tuesday. DAILY POST reports that the naira has consistently devalued against the dollar in the official market since the beginning of the week on Monday. In the parallel market, the naira has consistently held at N1665 per dollar, except for today. According to DAILY POST, Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $40.920 billion as of January 6, 2025.

     

  • Naira declines against the dollar for the third straight day.
 

    Naira declines against the dollar for the third straight day.  

    The naira declined for the third consecutive time against the dollar in 2025. On Wednesday, it fell to N1,541.70 per dollar, down from N1,537.03 on Tuesday, as per FMDQ data, marking a decrease of N4.67 in the official market. In contrast, on the black market, the naira appreciated by N5, ending at N1,660 on Wednesday compared to N1,665 on Tuesday. DAILY POST notes that the naira has been steadily losing value against the dollar in the official market since the week started on Monday. In the parallel market, the naira has mostly stayed steady at N1665 per dollar, with the exception of today. According to DAILY POST, Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $40.920 billion as of January 6, 2025.

     

  • Teacher taken into custody following viral video depicting the assault of a 3-year-old student.
 

    Teacher taken into custody following viral video depicting the assault of a 3-year-old student.  

    Mrs. Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has been arrested for allegedly physically abusing a three-year-old child named Abayomi Micheal. According to DAILY POST, a video showing Stella hitting the boy during a class lesson went viral on social media on Wednesday. The footage sparked outrage among many users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Following the video’s release, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the suspect’s arrest. He stated, “One Stella Nwadigo, aged 45, the teacher who physically abused the 3-year-old Abayomi Micheal of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the police.” She was apprehended today, Tuesday, January 8, 2025, right after the crime was committed. “Justice needs to be delivered.”

     

  • Teacher taken into custody after a viral video reveals an assault on a 3-year-old student.
 

    Teacher taken into custody after a viral video reveals an assault on a 3-year-old student.  

    Mrs. Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has been apprehended for allegedly physically abusing a three-year-old child named Abayomi Micheal. According to DAILY POST, a video showing Stella striking the boy during a lesson went viral on social media on Wednesday. The clip drew widespread condemnation from various citizens and was shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Shortly after the video emerged online, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released a statement confirming the teacher’s arrest. Adejobi stated, “Stella Nwadigo, 45, the teacher who physically abused three-year-old Abayomi Micheal of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the police.” She was apprehended today, Tuesday, January 8, 2025, right after the crime was committed. “Justice needs to be delivered.”

     

  • Prihajam iz Kano. Yusuf brushes off re-election pressure, focusing on his first-term responsibilities.
 

    Prihajam iz Kano. Yusuf brushes off re-election pressure, focusing on his first-term responsibilities.  

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reiterated his dedication to providing effective governance in Kano, rejecting worries about political pressure or the upcoming 2027 elections. This was stated in a press release on Wednesday by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano government house. The statement comes in response to rumors about the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly trying to sway the next elections in the state. “My concern is not about re-election,” Governor Yusuf said. “My main focus is on fulfilling the promises of democracy based on the mandate I’ve received in this first term.” I want the good people of Kano to evaluate me based on my performance when this term is over. The Governor condemned what he called efforts by opposition leaders to incite political turmoil in Kano. Citing previous election results, he highlighted the strength of his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which had won significant victories in 2019 and 2023, even without being in power. “We are aware of the individuals who were largely turned down in both 2019 and 2023,” Yusuf remarked. “We defeated them when we didn’t hold any political positions—not even a council seat.” However, Allah enabled us to achieve a sweeping victory. He also cautioned the APC leaders in Kano to refrain from using provocative language, advising them not to intimidate voters before the upcoming elections. “I am meant to be a Governor.”

     

  • Prihajam iz Kano. Yusuf downplays the pressure for re-election and focuses on fulfilling his first-term responsibilities.
 

    Prihajam iz Kano. Yusuf downplays the pressure for re-election and focuses on fulfilling his first-term responsibilities.  

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reiterated his dedication to providing efficient governance in Kano, rejecting worries regarding political pressure or the upcoming 2027 elections. This was expressed in a statement signed on Wednesday by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano government house. The statement comes in response to rumors about alleged efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sway the next elections in the state. “My main concern is not about re-election,” Governor Yusuf remarked. “My primary focus is on fulfilling the promises of democracy based on the mandate I received during this first term.” I want the kind people of Kano to evaluate me based on my performance at the conclusion of this term. The Governor condemned what he called efforts by opposition leaders to incite political turmoil in Kano. Citing previous election results, he emphasized the strength of his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which had recorded significant wins in 2019 and 2023 even without holding political office at the time. “We are aware of those individuals who faced substantial rejection in both 2019 and 2023,” Yusuf pointed out. “We defeated them when we didn’t hold any political positions—not even a council seat.” However, Allah enabled us to achieve a sweeping victory. He also cautioned the APC leadership in Kano to refrain from using provocative language, advising them not to intimidate voters before the upcoming elections. “I am meant to be a Governor.”

     

  • Police and DSS start identifying the sponsors of communal clashes in Akwa Ibom.
 

    Police and DSS start identifying the sponsors of communal clashes in Akwa Ibom.  

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has started identifying those funding communal conflicts in the state. Police Commissioner Baba Mohammed Azare shared this information with Governor Umo Eno during a visit to the Government House in Uyo. In a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John on Wednesday, the Commissioner informed Governor Eno about various security issues in the state, including kidnappings, armed robbery, communal conflicts, and homicides. He promised the governor that his team would work with the DSS to tackle these problems. He added, “The Command is working alongside the DSS to profile the financiers of communal clashes and will soon present an interim report.” He also shared plans to involve the youth in discussions to encourage peaceful coexistence and to work with other security agencies to address security issues in the state. Baba Mohammed Azare, who expressed his commitment to supporting community policing, informed the governor that he had instructed the command’s Public Relations Officer to make his phone number and those of other key officers accessible to the public. Governor Eno welcomed the new Commissioner of Police and praised his initiative to engage the youth in community policing, noting that it aligns with the state government’s efforts to foster peace and development. Governor Umo Eno assured Azare that his administration would support efforts to combat crime and maintain peace in the state.