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29 killed in military, Boko Haram crossfire

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It was a black Easter in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, as no fewer than 29 persons were feared killed in a crossfire between the Boko Haram insurgents and the military on Sunday.

The confrontation ensued when the Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated attack on a military camp and the adjoining Bale Shuwar and Alikaranti communities on the outskirts of Maiduguri in a move to infiltrate the state capital.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, echoes from sporadic gunshots and multiple explosions which lasted for hours on Sunday evening were heard from the outskirts of the city.

The insurgents attacked the military base in the Cashew Plantation area at the entrance to the city with suicide bombers, mortars and guns, leading to a prolonged battle.
An officer, who did not want to be mentioned, said while 18 terrorists on foot attacked the military base, firing at the troops, seven suicide bombers targeted the residents of the nearby Bale Shuwar and Alikaranti communities at 8:50 p.m.

There were conflicting casualty figures.

“So far, we have recovered 18 dead bodies from the two villages,” Bello Dambatto, an official from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) told the Agence France Presse (AFP).

“The victims were killed while trying to escape the fight between the insurgents and the military,” Dambatto said.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that 15 persons, including a soldier, lost their lives and 83 others wounded in the attacks.

Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the gallant troops repelled the insurgents’ attack.

“Troops deployed in the Cashew Plantation around Bale Shuwa and Alikaramti villages have quashed an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to penetrate Maiduguri metropolis on Sunday at about 8:10 p.m.

“The insurgents met with stiff resistance of the troops who killed the insurgents and neutralised seven suicide bombers in the encounter,” he said.

According to him, when the terrorists were unable to force their way into the metropolis, they retreated and callously resorted to attacking locals, who were fleeing in confusion from Bale Shuwa and Alkaranti villages.

“Sadly, 15 persons including a soldier have so far been confirmed dead in the encounter, while 83 persons who suffered varying degrees of injuries are receiving due medical attention. Troops are still on the trail of the insurgents,’’ he said.

But the Borno State Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu, said 29 persons, including Boko Haram terrorists, villagers, and a soldier died following the attacks, adding that 86 villagers who also sustained injuries were receiving treatment in a specialist hospital.

At a press briefing in Maiduguri, Chukwu disclosed that 13 terrorists, 13 civilians and a soldier were killed in twin attacks. The remaining two persons might have been those who died in hospital. He said the suspected insurgents and suicide bombers took advantage of a wedding ceremony to sneak into the villages to kill by detonating their explosives.

The Chief Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Laraba Bello, said that out of 81 injured persons, two died, while three were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

The Air Task Force Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, AVM Idi Lubo, said the force was set to begin a new phase of onslaught against the insurgents.

Lubo disclosed this in Yola yesterday while representing the Chief of Air Staff at a feast organised for officers and men to mark the Easter celebrations at the Yola NAF Base.

Lubo said NAF would be supporting the Multi-National Joint Force in the new phase of onslaught, adding that the best should be expected from NAF during the operation.

“We are starting an operation in the next few days that would last for about three weeks. So, I employ you all who work on the machines, to do everything possible to ensure that you keep these machines serviceable as you have always done for us.”

Meanwhile, the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Yassine Gaba, has condemned the attacks on military and communities in Borno on Sunday.

In a statement by the Public Information Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Maiduguri, Nigeria, Yasmina Guerda, Gaba also expressed dismay over the recent attacks on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

“The recent weeks have seen a steady continuation of attacks on civilians in the three most conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, in the north-east. Since the beginning of the year, reportedly, at least 120 civilian women, children and men were killed and over 210 sustained serious injuries, in over 22 attacks allegedly by non-state armed groups directly targeting civilians. Civilians are also regularly abducted, as in Dapchi, Yobe State, where 110 schoolgirls were taken on 19 February.

“Innocent civilians continue to suffer daily from direct and indiscriminate attacks in the north-east of Nigeria.

“Endless numbers of explosions, brutal killings, abductions and lootings continue to uproot the lives of women, children and men daily. I call on all parties to the conflict to end this violence and to respect human life and dignity.”
Guardian

AFRICAN

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards

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Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards | fab.ng

Ghana dominated the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) recent International Excellence Awards for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). All three top awards went to Ghanaian students in a ceremony held last Tuesday at the Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The outstanding young men hail from St. James Seminary Senior High School. Two of the awardees are proud alumni of St. James Seminary, further solidifying the school’s academic excellence. A total of 2,327,342 students from the five WAEC member countries participated in the 2023 WASSCE, making this Ghanaian achievement even more impressive.

The ceremony itself was a moment of national pride. Ghana’s Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah, congratulated the winners for their exceptional performances. He highlighted their consistent success, mentioning that Ghana claimed two out of the top three spots last year and achieved a clean sweep this year.

Meet the Ghanaian heroes:

  • Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton (St. James Seminary)
  • Dzandu Selorm (Labone Senior High School)
  • Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi (St. James Seminary)

Ghana's performance in WAEC Excellence Award testament to Akufo-Addo's legacy, says Adutwum - Asaase Radio

Mr. Amo-Kodieh beamed with pride as he addressed the crowd, expressing his immense honor at being named the overall best student of the 2023 WASSCE. He attributed his success to his dedication to academic excellence. Throughout his journey, he actively pushed his intellectual boundaries, embraced challenges, and thrived in dynamic learning environments.

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Mr. Amo-Kodieh acknowledged the government and all stakeholders who played a crucial role in his achievement. “Their immense support,” he declared, “was instrumental in turning this path to success into a reality.”

Extending his appreciation further, Mr. Amo-Kodieh spoke on behalf of all awardees at the (WAEC) Excellence Awards. “We are incredibly grateful,” he emphasized, “to the government, the GES, the Ministry of Education, the WAEC, and especially our families. Each of you played an indispensable part in shaping our education.”

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MOVIES

Onyeka Onwenu Set To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Upcoming Film

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Onyeka Onwenu To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Film | Fab.ng

Nigerian veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu is making a movie about her long music career! She recently told the News Agency of Nigeria that the film will cover her decades of experience in the music industry. Onwenu is known as the “elegant stallion.” She started her career in the 1970s and is excited to share her perspective on how Nigerian music has changed over the years.

Onwenu said,

“I am currently working on a film that will chronicle my experiences in the music industry from the 70s to the present day. Having been a part of this narrative for decades, I have a wealth of stories to share.”

Onyeka Onwenu also has another exciting project in the works! She plans to release a compilation of her classic songs with a fresh twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists. This means fans can look forward to both a movie and a new music collection from her later this year.

“I am rebranding my old songs and collaborating with new talents. My aim is to offer listeners a fresh perspective on timeless classics,” she explained.

Onyeka Onwenu is a woman of many talents! Besides working on the movie and music project, she recently released a new single called “Abu Otito” (Songs of Praise). This song has a special meaning: Onwenu is donating the money earned from streams of the song to the Rose of Sharon Foundation, which helps widows.

“I am passionate about using music to address social issues. From supporting widows to promoting education among rural children, I strive to make a positive impact through my art.”

Onyeka Onwenu’s generosity extends beyond music. She’s passionate about helping others, especially children. Onwenu has already set up programmes to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged kids in Abia State. And she’s not stopping there; she plans to expand these initiatives to Imo State as well.

“We not only pay school fees directly to schools but also offer civic education to instill a sense of cultural identity. These efforts represent my dedication to empowering future generations,” the musician noted.

Onyeka Onwenu also has some advice for other musicians. She says they need to be persistent and take charge of their careers, especially during tough economic times.

“Hang in there and create opportunities for yourselves,” she urged, highlighting the need for proactive approaches in navigating the ever-evolving music industry landscape.

Onyeka Onwenu’s work in music, film, philanthropy, and education makes her a true role model for future generations.

“I have been part of the story right from time, and I am still moving forward, so I have a lot of stories to tell,” she remarked.

Onyeka Onwenu is giving her fans a double treat this year! Besides working on a new movie, she’s also releasing a collection of her classic hits with a modern twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists.

Onwenu’s music has always been about more than entertainment. She’s used her powerful voice to promote Nigerian culture and social issues. Remember the evergreen duet “Wait for Me” with King Sunny Ade? It tackled population control, a relevant message even today.

Another one of her classics, “African Woman,” celebrates the strength and beauty of African women facing challenges. Songs like “Sodom and Gomorrah” explore biblical themes, while others like “Iyogogo,” “One Love,” “Dancing in the Sun,” and “Choices” cover a range of topics that continue to resonate with fans.

Check out more news updates here.

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MOVIES

Zack Orji Is Alive – AGN President Shuts Death Rumours

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Zack Orji: AGN President Confirms He Is Alive | Fab.ng

Rumours are going around that Nollywood actor Zack Orji has passed away. But that’s not true. The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, said on his Instagram page on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, that these rumours are false. He asked people to stop spreading this misinformation.

His post read,

“Mr Zack Orji is alive 💯💯💯💯💯💯Please ignore mischief makers who enjoy circulating fake news. This is to show how wicked some people can be. It is totally unacceptable. He will not die but live to declare the good works of God in Jesus’ name.”

 

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A post shared by Emeka Rollas Ejezie (@emekarollas)

A concerned commenter said,

“Thanks a lot for the update sir. I don’t know why some people prefer to disseminate unconfirmed information. May he not die. Wish him a quick recovery.” 

In December 2023, the public learned about the actor’s health struggles, leading to concern among his fans. On December 31st, he collapsed in his home’s toilet and was quickly taken to the hospital.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment due to the severity of his condition. Reports indicated that he couldn’t speak or walk at that time. Fans became even more worried when a video surfaced showing the actor in a hospital bed.

During his recovery, he received visits from prominent figures including the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Hajia Nana Shettima, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the wife of the Minister for Works, Rachael Umahi, and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, among others.

In January 2024, there was relief among Nigerians as reports confirmed the actor’s recovery at a private hospital in Abuja following brain surgery.

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