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We’re not rubber stamp, only cooperative with executives — Senate President

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We’re not rubber stamp, only cooperative with executives — Senate President

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has debunked the public perception of the 9th National Assembly as a rubber stamp of the executive.

Lawan said this at the Distinguished Parliamentarians Lecture in Abuja on Monday.

He spoke at a lecture he tagged, “The Legislature, Legislative Mandate and The People- The Reality and The Public Perception,” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

According to him, Nigeria has three arms of government that are constitutionally equal but the people are heavily represented at the legislature than in the other arms.

He said that for the peace and development of the nation, the three arms of government must work together as the failure and success of one arm of government will be attributed to all.

According to him, the legislature, being the first arm of government constitutionally, the closest and as well the most accessible by the people, easily lends itself to public scrutiny and sometimes take the blame even for government decisions that fall outside its legislative competence.

He explained that the three arms of government have a responsibility to each other and an obligation to Nigerians, thus must have a cordial relationship based on mutual respect for constitutional rights and mandate to succeed.

He emphasised that the cooperation of the 9th Assembly with the executive have improve efficiency in law making; as at November 2021, about 2,500 Bills have been introduced; 769 in the Senate and 1,634 in the House of Representatives.

Number of Acts gazetted increased as compared with different regimes since 1999; Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2006) 82 Acts; Umar Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2009) 38 Acts; Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010-2015) 40 Acts and Muhammdu Buhari(2015-date) 84 Acts.

He concluded by promising that the 9th Assembly would continue to improve public perception on the legislature, stating that they’re not a “rubber stamp” Assembly but they only provide a safe atmosphere for national development through cooperative and collaborative efforts with the executive.

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Anambra gov, Obiano, orders shut down of petrol stations selling cooking gas

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Anambra gov, Obiano, orders shut down of petrol stations selling cooking gas

Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, has directed law enforcement agencies to shut down petrol stations with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the state.

Obiano also ordered sealing off of the two petrol stations, Chris Tee and Silver Fuel Stations gutted by fire on Sunday night.

He gave the directive on Monday when he visited the scene of the explosion at Boromeo Roundabout, Onitsha.

The governor warned dealers to desist from building gas skits within their premises.

“I got information that the fire was ignited when the dealers were in the process of offloading and discharging cooking gas. It is quite unfortunate.

“But I am happy with the quick response of the state fire service and security agencies,’’ he said.

Also speaking to newsmen, Mr Martin Agbili, Director, State Fire Service, said his men spent over six hours battling the inferno.

ALSO READ: Traffic delays firefighters as fire engulfs petrol station in Onitsha

Agbili said four fire trucks were deployed on receipt of the distress call, but regretted that the fire was difficult to contain due to the products’ combustible nature.

“Two diesel-laden tankers and about seven cars were burnt during the inferno, and the fire was extinguished with mixture of water and chemical foam compound.

“For now, we cannot ascertain the cause of the fire until proper investigation is carried out.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost, though, about two tankers loaded with diesel and seven different cars were burnt during the inferno,’’ Agbili said.

He reassured the people of the state of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding their lives and property during any fire outbreak.

Mr Eddy Ibuzo, member representing Onitsha ll Constituency in the State Assembly, commended the state government for equipping the state fire service to combat fire outbreaks.

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Airlines flying unvaccinated foreign nationals into Ghana will be fined $3,500 per passenger

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Airlines flying unvaccinated foreign nationals into Ghana will be fined $3,500 per passenger

Authorities in Ghana have said that airlines which fly unvaccinated foreign nationals into the country will be fined $3,500 (£2,600) per passenger. 

Airlines also need to make sure that people fill in the required health declaration form.  The new directive which takes effect on Tuesday is intended to stop the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. 

BBC reports that, the fine is aimed at strengthening the ban on foreign visitors who have not received the coronavirus vaccine from entering Ghana, which came into effect on Monday.

Ghanaian citizens and residents abroad are exempt from the ban for the next two weeks, but will be required to get jabbed upon landing at the airport.

The authorities say they are concerned about a surge of infections over the festive period.

All travellers have to provide proof of a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours of departure and will also be tested at the airport on arrival. 

Ghana has vaccinated less than 10% of its 30 million population. 

The authorities have said that next month the vaccine will be made compulsory for targeted groups including government employees, health workers and students. 

In the last two weeks, Covid-19 cases recorded at the airport accounted for 60% of the total cases in the country, the authorities say. Article share tools.

‘Fisayo Soyombo, Founder FIJ detained at the Force headquarters, Abuja

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‘Fisayo Soyombo, Founder FIJ detained at the Force headquarters, Abuja

‘Fisayo Soyombo, Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism  (FIJ), is currently being detained at the Force headquarters, Abuja, by  the Police.

Soyombo was on a long trip on November 23 when he received an SMS that  read: “Good Afternoon sir, this office is conducting an investigation in  which your name and phone number featured, in view of this, you are to  interview the Head, IGP Monitoring Unit on the 29th November, 2021 by 1000hrs at 1st Floor, Force Hqtrs, Abuja. Thanks.“

Knowing he committed no offence, he honoured the police invitation on Monday, days after returning from the trip, only to discover it was in connection to a story exposing the award of transit police camp projects that do not exist to the tune of the contract sums.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Egbunike, Head of Abba Kyari Probe Panel, Joined Others to Approve N1bn for Fake Police Camp Projects…

Back in August, FIJ had reported how, in his former role as Commissioner  of Police in charge of Budget and Finance at the Nigeria Police Force  Headquarters, Joseph Egbunike, head of the police internal panel probing  Abba Kyari’s indictment in a recent FBI report on fraud conspiracy,  joined other police chiefs to approve more than N1billion for sham  police transit camps project in Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, Katsina and Kano  states. However, FIJ’s visit to the project locations revealed that  nothing or little had been done — three years later.

On a visit to the over N245million transit camp in Riyom, Plateau State,  for instance, FIJ found two uncompleted bungalows and a few mobile  buildings on an expanse of land, with our real estate expert who  examined the project reporting: “Look at that building in red roof,  which happens to be a police station in the camp, with N9million or  N10million, you can raise that building up to that level.”

FIJ understands that 11 lawyers loyal to Egbunike petitioned Usman  Alkali, the Inspector General of Police, over the story, asking for the  “prosecution” of those behind it for defamation under the Penal Code. 
The 11 lawyers loyal to DIG Egbunike are led by one Stefan Onome  Okorodudu and they claim to operate under a joint mandate as “Concerned  Lawyers in defence of the Nigeria Police and its officers from the 
peddling and publication of falsehood”.

Meanwhile, the Police have yet  to offer any explanations on the use to which the transit camp funds were put, and why the structures in the five states do not represent 
anything close to the huge sums of money awarded for them.

FUOYE offers automatic jobs to 88 first class graduates

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FUOYE offers automatic jobs to 88 first class graduates

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, on Monday promised that first class graduates of the university would be offered automatic employment.

Fasina made the promise during a press conference organised to mark the commencement of the university’s convocation week in Oye-Ekiti.

The vice-chancellor noted that students who make the university proud would be celebrated in grand style to encourage other students to emulate their outstanding success.

Fasina added that lecturers who also perform outstandingly would equally be celebrated.

“Personally, I love outstanding students, this is why we are going to employ those outstanding first-class graduating students of this great university.

”For as many students who make this university proud, we are going to celebrate them in a unique way.

“Those of them who wish to register for Masters Degree programmes will be given priority and once they perform well, they will also be celebrated,” he promised.

He stated that 35 postgraduate students and a total number of 2,587 students in first degree categories would be graduating during the 5th and 6th combined convocation scheduled for Dec.18.

According to Prof. Fasina, the numbers and categories of graduants for the first degree include, 88 first class, 880 second class upper, 1,309 second class lower, 309 third-class lower and one pass.

He assured parents, guardians graduating students and journalists who would be attending the programme of adequate security and safety before and during the ceremony.

UK records first death of Omicron COVID-19 variant

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UK records first death of Omicron COVID-19 variant

At least one person has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron Coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, the first publicly confirmed death globally from the swiftly spreading strain.

Since the first Omicron cases were detected on Nov. 27 in the United Kingdom, Johnson has imposed tougher restrictions and on Sunday cautioned that the variant could overcome the immune defences of those inoculated with two shots of vaccines.

Britain gave no details on the death or whether the patient had been vaccinated or had underlying health issues.

Deaths from Omicron may have occurred in other countries but none has been publicly confirmed yet outside Britain.

“Sadly at least one patient has now been confirmed to have died with Omicron,” Johnson told reporters at a vaccination centre in London.

The variant now accounted for around 40 per cent of infections in the capital, he said.

“So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus – I think that’s something we need to set on one side – and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population.”

Before the death was announced, Britain said 10 people had been hospitalised with the Omicron variant in various parts of England.

ALSO READ: BBC Africa Eye investigation links Edo deputy gov, others to Black Axe cult

Their ages ranged from 18 to 85 years and most had received two vaccination doses.

The UK Health Security Agency said Omicron – first detected in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in late November – can overcome the immunity of those who have had two shots of vaccines such as AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech.

South Africa’s health ministry said it was unable to say with certainty if any of its COVID-19 deaths were caused by Omicron as deaths were not broken down by variant.

Johnson, who is grappling with a rebellion in his party over measures to curb Omicron and an outcry over parties at his Downing Street office during last year’s lockdowns, said people should rush to get booster vaccines to protect “our freedoms and our way of life”.

After COVID-19 was first detected in China in late 2019, he faced criticism for initially resisting lockdown.

He has also been criticised for overseeing mistakes in transferring patients into care homes, and for building a costly test-and-trace system that failed to stop a deadly second wave.

Johnson has repeatedly said that while mistakes were made, the government was making decisions swiftly in the biggest public health crisis for generations and that his government was quick to roll out vaccines.

More than 146,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.

Asked if he could rule out tougher restrictions in England before Christmas, Johnson avoided giving a direct answer.

Johnson faces growing anger from libertarians in his party over stiffer restrictions and sinking poll ratings.

He has also faced criticism over his handling of a sleaze scandal, the awarding of lucrative COVID contracts, the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, and a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.

An Ipsos MORI survey for The London Evening Standard newspaper showed opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer’s ranking was 13 percentage points ahead of Johnson, the first time a Labour leader had been viewed as a more capable prime minister since 2008.

It also echoed other polls by showing Labour up three points on 39 per cent ahead of Johnson’s Conservatives, who were down one point since the last survey in November on 35 per cent.

At St. Thomas’ Hospital Vaccination Centre in central London, a queue of hundreds of people snaked back onto Westminster Bridge.

Reuters journalists also documented queues across London and in Manchester, northern England.

“The COVID vaccine booking service is currently facing extremely high demand so is operating a queuing system,” the National Health Service said on Twitter.

It suggested trying again later.

Home testing kits were also unavailable to order.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Nigeria regains top crude oil production spot in Africa — OPEC

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Nigeria regains top crude oil production spot in Africa — OPEC

Nigeria has regained the top spot among crude oil-producing countries in Africa with the nation’s crude oil production averaging 1.27 million barrels per day in November.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) made this known in its Oil Market Report for December which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

The report said the figure showed an increment of 47,000 barrels per day when compared to the 1.228 mb/d produced averagely in the month of October 2021.

Libya, which clinched the top spot in Africa in October with 1.24 mb/d declined to 1.211 mb/d in November.

“According to secondary sources, total OPEC-13 crude oil production averaged 27.72 mb/d in November
2021, higher by 0.29 mb/d Month on Month.

ALSO READ: Buhari made Nigeria most miserable place to live on earth — Pat Utomi

”Crude oil output increased mainly in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Nigeria, while production in Angola, Libya and Congo declined,” the report said.

The report said the near term outlook of Nigeria economy was hindered by the elevated inflationary and labour market pressures.

According to the report, the improvement in oil prices still supported the economic recovery.

The inflation rate, the report showed,  eased to 15.99 per cent in October 2021, from 16.63 per cent in September marking the lowest rate since last December, largely due to a sustained moderation in food prices.

“On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.98 per cent following a 1.15 per cent rise in the previous month.

“The Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index reflected a solid expansion in business conditions despite the ongoing overall prices increase as it rose to a four-month high of 55 in November, up from 54.1 per cent in October.“

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BBC Africa Eye investigation links Edo deputy gov, others to Black Axe cult

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BBC Africa Eye investigation links Edo deputy gov, others to Black Axe cult

A BBC Africa Eye investigation has linked Edo state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and lots of other politicians in Edo state to Black Axe cult.

The investigation claimed the Edo deputy governor is a member of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), a student fraternity formed at the University of Benin in the 1970s.

During interviews with senior members of the NBM in Lagos, their legal representative confirmed that “a number of politicians” are members. He went on to name the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, as an example.

“There are a lot of people that are members of our organisation and there is nothing to hide about it,” said Aliu Hope, one of the NBM’s solicitors.

BBC Africa Eye however reported that the Black Axe cult group grew out of the student fraternity. The NBM’s symbol was a black axe breaking chains, and its founders said their aim was to fight oppression. The NBM was inspired by the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, but in structure, secrecy and brotherly commitment, it mirrored societies like the Freemasons, which had a presence in Nigeria during the colonial era.

Meanwhile, a former leader of the cult identified as Dr Stone claimed Black Axe and the NBM – beneath the surface – are the same organisation. He is speaking from experience. He was not only a member of Black Axe, but also a chairman within the NBM in their heartland of Benin City.

“We have members in the Nigerian army, navy, air force. We have those in academia. We have priests, pastors,” he said.

Also, many of the documents were sourced from an email account that belonged to Augustus Bemigho-Eyeoyibo, the president of the NBM between 2012 and 2016.

These files suggest Mr Bemigho, a successful investor and hotelier, has engaged in large-scale internet fraud.

The BBC verified two major cases from the data in which Mr Bemigho appears to have been involved in inheritance scams targeting UK and US citizens. The victims told us they were defrauded of more than $3.3m.

“We have removed him close to 1M dollar,” says one message, referencing a victim, sent to Mr Bemigho by a suspected co-conspirator. The email contains the victim’s full name, email address and number, and instructions on how to progress the scam.

The documents suggest Mr Bemigho sent scam formats to a network of collaborators on at least 50 occasions. One message, discussing the expansion of the NBM, suggests he requested members establish NGOs around the world in order to “rake in millions”.

When messaging NBM members in the emails, Mr Bemigho addresses them as “Aye Axemen”. In one response, which appears to have been sent to Mr Bemigho via Facebook messenger, he is addressed as “national elder Black Axe”.

Likewise, Tony Kabaka, a self-confessed “cultist” and member of the NBM, spent years working for the government in Benin, up until 2019. During this time, through his company Akugbe Ventures, he employed more than 7,000 tax collectors, generating billions in revenue for the state.

Since leaving politics, Mr Kabaka has faced repeated assassination attempts. His mansion, a huge white building with Roman columns, is littered with bullet holes.

“If you sat me down and say, ‘Can you identify Black Axe in government?’ I will identify,” he says. “Most politicians, almost everybody is involved.”

Shaibu, however, twice failed to turn up to interviews arranged by the BBC.

The reporters said; “When we sent the government of Edo State and Mr Shaibu our allegations that they have links to Black Axe, they did not respond”.

Watch full video of the documentary.

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Buhari made Nigeria most miserable place to live on earth — Pat Utomi

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Buhari made Nigeria most miserable place to live on earth — Pat Utomi

Nigerian professor of political economy and 2015 presidential aspirant, Professor Pat Utomi has claimed the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration made Nigeria the most miserable place to live on earth.

The founder of African Democratic Congress in an interview with Channels TV on Sunday said; “The truth of the matter is that this is the most miserable place to live on earth today; all the statistics say so. 

“Poverty rules the land but do you see it reflected in the lives of the political class? No, you don’t. Today, we have overtaken India in terms of the total number of the poorest people on the planet.”

Buttressing his assertions with the spate of insecurity, Utomi claimed Nigerians “are dying from insecurity with all the killings every day, more people are killed in Nigeria every day than most of the major civil wars of the world.

“Today we are dying more from malaria than any other people in the world,” he said. 

He added, “Nigerian politicians do not have empathy for the people. There is a complete disconnect between the political class and the people.”

Why Falana & Falana’s Chambers wants Kemi Olunloyo charged with false information over late Sylvester Oromoni

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Why Falana & Falana’s Chambers wants Kemi Olunloyo charged with false information over late Sylvester Oromoni

A law firm, Falana & Falana’s Chambers, has asked the Lagos State Police Command to invite blogger and social media personality, Kemi Olunloyo, to explain a “reckless allegation” she made against the late 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni.

The solicitors to the family of the late student accused Olunloyo of attempting to destroy the name of Sylvester on social media by claiming that the late student wanted to join a cult group in the Lekki-based school and had agreed to been beaten.

The law firm owned by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), therefore, urged the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos, to invite the blogger for questioning.

“Although the students and staff of the College suspected to have played a role in the brutal murder of Sylvester Oromini have made useful statements to the Police. One Ms Kemi Olunloyo has just introduced another twist to the incident,” Taiwo Olawanle of Falana & Falana’s Chambers said in a letter dated December 13, 2021.

It was titled, ‘Request For Investigation Of The Allegation Made By Ms Kemi Olunloyo On The Tragic Death Of Sylvester Oromoni At Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos.’

The letter further read, “According to a false statement credited to her, Ms Olunloyo claimed that ‘Sylvester Oromoni wanted to join the cult, he agreed to be beaten and drank Engine oil as part of the initiation process.’

“Ms Olunloyo recorded her false statement and has been circulating the same on social media in a wicked manner with the sole purpose of diverting attention from the ongoing investigation by the Police.

“Apart from attempting to destroy the name of Sylvester Oromoni, Ms Olunloyo has exacerbated the tragedy of his parents, family members and friends without any justification whatsoever.

“Even though the reckless statement is a figment of the imagination of Ms Olunloyo, we are of the strong view that she ought to assist the Police in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“We are therefore compelled to request the Police to investigate the allegation of false information being circulated by Ms Olunloyo on the gruesome circumstances surrounding the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“If she cannot substantiate her reckless allegation, Ms Olunloyo ought to be charged with false information in the Magistrate Court in Lagos State.”

UEFA voids Champions League round of 16 over technical problem

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UEFA voids Champions League round of 16 over technical problem

UEFA, organiser of Champions League has nullified its recently conducted round of 16 over a technical problem.

The body in the announcement on Monday blamed the issue on “a technical problem with the software of an external provider” while noting the draw would be redone.

The statement reads; “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

“As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone”.

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Sultan of Sokoto wants Muslims to embark on prayers to end insecurity in the region

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Sultan of Sokoto wants Muslims to embark on prayers to end insecurity in the region

The Sultan of Sokoto-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam has called on the Muslim community to embark on special prayers to end the current spate of insecurity in the North West.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, is the President General of JNI and spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

The Sultan, through the JNI, asked Muslims across the country to pray for the restoration of peace in the land.

The call was contained in a statement by the JNI’s Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, in Kaduna on Sunday.

The statement read in part, “The Sultan further calls on all Imams, Majaalisa (knowledge seeking gatherings, study circles),Islamic schools as well as the leadership of all Muslim organisations/societies in Nigeria to commence special prayers in calamitous situations and trying times (Qunootun-Nawazil), and seek Allah’s compassion for Nigeria and the North in particular.

“Muslims are as well urged to be introspective and should embrace more Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), through glorification of Allah, Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness) and ceaseless Du’a (prayers and invocations), for ease and relief in these trying moments.

“The Muslim Ummah(community) is also called upon to intensify ‘Adhkar’ (calling on Allah with the tongue), especially the prescribed morning and evening ones.

Over the weekend, President Muhammadu Buhari, dispatched a delegation, made up of the heads of the nation’s intelligence and security services, to Sokoto and Katsina states in response to the recent spike in activities of bandits.

The development came on the heels of the President inaugurating Navy ships, patrol boats, and a helicopter at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island in Lagos to boost security at the maritime borders.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari Sends Security, Intelligence Heads To Sokoto, Katsina.’

According to Shehu, “The President is expecting an immediate situation report and recommendations on actions to follow to effectively deal with the worrying situation.”

The delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Munguno (rtd) is made up of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.

Buhari had earlier ordered a manhunt of those behind the gruesome murder of the Katsina State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Dr. Rabe Nasir. He was killed on Wednesday in his house located at Fatima Shema Quarters, Katsina.

This followed an attack by bandits on travellers from Sokoto to Kaduna State, leading to the death of 23 persons.

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