Killings: Nigeria’s security system compromised – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday condemned the serial killings in Benue and other states in the country.

CAN told President Muhammadu Buhari that recent development in Nigeria showed that the nation’s security system has been compromised.

Briefing journalists on the state of the nation in Abuja, the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, said the gunmen have legalized murder with the daily killings.

He said: “Under Buhari the murderous Fulani herdsmen enjoyed unprecedented protection and favoritism to the extent that the herdsmen treat Nigeria as a conquered territory. Rather than arrest and prosecute the Fulani herdsmen, security forces usually manned by Muslims from the North offered them protection as they unleash terror with impunity on the Nigeria people.”

“These criminals have been operating with impunity, leaving a strong impression that the security architecture in Nigeria has collapsed. There is also the suspicion that the entire security system in Nigeria is compromised. Unarguably, lawlessness and impunity are reigning supreme in Nigeria while the country is fast heading to chaos and anomie. It has never been this bad in the country that had lived relatively peacefully since independence.

“The sad angle to it is that the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari is not giving majority of Nigerians the impression of being deeply touched by the turn of events. He has been acting complacent and indeed unmoved by the reign of terror that his administration has permitted since the past three years of being the President. Most painfully, the President seems to depend on his media aides to make responses, which often times had no bite on widespread bloodletting across the federation, most especially in the Middle Belt part of the country.” - The Nation

My pastor husband practises juju, denies me sex – Woman

A housewife, Mrs Sandra Ekpa, on Friday begged an Upper Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, to dissolve her 3-year-old marriage because her husband allegedly practices juju and also denies her sex.

Ekpa told the court that her pastor husband, Gideon Adejoh, had ruined their marriage and killed the love she had for him.

She said that she married Adejoh on April 18, 2015 according to native laws and custom of the Igala people in Kogi.

According to her, the union was blessed with a child.

She said, “Shortly after our marriage, my husband began to do awful things in the house like practicing juju and seeking extra-powers.

“In addition, my husband stopped having sex with me ever since I gave birth to my baby, who is a year and six months old now.

“I have made all efforts to see that he changed for good but all proved abortive, rather he kept telling me to pack and go if I cannot stay.’’

The divorce-seeking woman told court that there was no longer love in the marriage and as such, “I cannot continue again because I have lost the love and affection I had for him.”

She pleaded for immediate dissolution of the marriage and for the court to grant her custody of the only child from the union.

Ekpa also asked the court to compel the respondent to pay her N30, 000 monthly for the child’s upkeep.

However, Adejoh denied the allegations, pleading with the court to give him time to enable him and his wife to discuss and appraise the issues.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, adjourned the case until May 3 to allow the parties settle out of court. - Daily Post

Ghetto republic !!! Nigeria ‘unlikely to eliminate’ malaria by 2030

A recent report by the Malaria Futures for Africa (MalaFa) says Nigeria may not be able to meet the 2030 target by Africa to eliminate malaria.

This is contained in a statement issued in commemoration of the world malaria day, marked every April 25. The 2018 edition is themed ‘Ready to Beat Malaria’.

According to the 2017 world malaria report, there were 216 million cases of malaria in 2016, up from 211 million cases in 2015.

The number of malaria deaths was 445,000 in 2016, 438,000 in 2015. Ninety percent of malaria cases and over 90 percent of malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Children under 5 are particularly at risk, and malaria takes the life of a child every two minutes.

The MalaFa report said malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria with about 76% of the population at risk.

“Nigeria could eliminate malaria if there was political will. However, with the current way Nigeria is handling malaria, it is unlikely the country will be able to achieve malaria elimination by 2030,” the statement read.

“There are great plans, policies and documents… but very little on the path of the government to make things work.’

“Nigerians travel a lot with many traveling to Asia on business. This increases the prospects for importation of ACT-resistant parasite strains into the country.”

The statement said that over the next five years, Novartis, a pharmaceutical company, will invest more than $100 million to advance research and development of next-generation treatments to combat emerging resistance to artemisinin and other currently used antimalarials. - Cable Nigeria

Kim's security: 'not even an ant can pass through'

When Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un came down the steps towards the inter-Korean border Friday he was escorted by a phalanx of bodyguards carefully chosen for their fitness, marksmanship, martial arts skills and even looks.

Men in sharp suits and matching blue and white striped ties fanned out ahead of and around Kim as he approached the Military Demarcation Line for a historic handshake with his Southern counterpart Moon Jae-in.

Some of the men had bulging pockets. All sported red North Korean lapel badges and the curly-wired earpieces beloved of the US Secret Service.

As the leader left after the morning session of talks, a dozen of them were given a pre-lunch work-out, jogging alongside and behind Kim's official car to form a human shield, ties flapping as they ran.

North Korea is one of the world's most tightly-controlled societies, but even so security for its leader is iron-clad.

Foreigners attending any event where Kim will be present must go through hours of security procedures beforehand, and surrender all electronics, including phones.

The Guard Command, the military unit tasked with ensuring the safety of the leadership, is an elite institution close to the centre of North Korean power -- it provides the centrepiece display of the annual kimjongilia and kimilsungia flower festivals in Pyongyang to honour Kim's father and grandfather.

Ri Yong Guk, a defector from the North who served on a security detail for Kim Jong Il, wrote in a 2013 memoir that as many as six different layers of security guards protected the leader on trips to the countryside to inspect military units, plants or farms.

"It is one of the world's tightest security blankets through which even a single ant would find it hard to go," he wrote.

The arrangements for the current leader are reportedly even tighter, and during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the foundation of its regular armed forces in February, Pyongyang paraded three kinds of security units dedicated to protecting Kim's life.

Kim was repeatedly seen accompanied by a stout military general in uniform with a holstered gun.

The protection afforded to the Kim family was also on display when the leader's sister Kim Yo Jong visited the South for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, accompanied by tall bodyguards with crew cuts, sunglasses and earpieces.

'Scariest place on Earth'

Former US president Bill Clinton once described the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula and where Friday's summit was being held as "the scariest place on Earth".

Despite its name, the DMZ is among the most heavily fortified areas on the planet.

Around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the South Korean capital Seoul, the four-kilometre-wide space stretches for 250 kilometres across Korea and bristles with electric fences, minefields and anti-tank barriers.

At the joint security area at Panmunjom the two sides, technically still at war, come face-to-face, with stern South Korean guards -- also chosen for their height and looks -- standing stock still only metres from the North Korean positions.

Soldiers are permitted to carry only sidearms in the area, but it is an open secret that both sides have larger weapons stashed nearby for use in case of emergencies. - AFP

Transfer news : Wages prove stumbling block for Pogba return to Juventus

Juventus are interested in bringing Manchester United star Paul Pogba back to Turin, according to sources in Italy, but his mammoth wages would be a stumbling block.

Pogba left the Italian champions in 2016 for £89million to rejoin former club United, but has struggled to find his place this season.

Despite beginning the campaign well as an integral component for the Red Devils, Pogba’s future now looks uncertain amid rumours of a rift with boss José Mourinho and a string of less than convincing performances since the turn of the year.

The 25-year old was a revelation during his four-season stint with the Bianconeri, enjoying the best years of his career to date there, and now reports in Italy suggest that a return to Serie A could be on the cards.

However, according to Tuttosport, the principle stumbling block for Juventus is his wage demands, which sit at around £17.5million per-year. - Read Sport

No contact with PSG - Chelsea manager, Conte

Antonio Conte insists that he hasn’t been approached by Paris Saint-Germain to replace Unai Emery this summer.

With Conte’s future at Chelsea uncertain, with many speculating he will leave at the end of the campaign, he has unsurpsingly been linked with a move to the Parc des Princes.

However Conte insists that he has had no contact from PSG. Talking to reporters earlier today, as quoted by Metro Sport, Conte said;

“No [there has been no approach from PSG]. But my answer is always the same, I’m committed to this club.”

“I have a contract with this club. My intention is to continue to work with this club.”

Thomas Tuchel has been considered the most likely candidate to take over with the French champions this summer, while Arsene Wenger, Diego Simeone and even José Mourinho have had their names thrown in the mix.

Despite winning six trophies since joining the club in 2016, Emery has been confirmed to be leaving the Parisian giants this season.

I have to win trophies at Man United - De Gea

Trophies are what David de Gea craves as the reported Real Madrid target looks to lead Manchester United back to the top of English and European football.

De Gea has not won the Premier League since Alex Ferguson retired in 2012-13 – the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup the only silverware added to the star goalkeeper's cabinet.

The 27-year-old Spain international, who continues to attract interest from two-time reigning Champions League holders Madrid, has flourished with numerous individual honours – including four successive PFA Team of the Year inclusions.

But De Gea has his sights firmly set on trophies as United prepare to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final next month.

"I'm playing well, I'm confident but I have to maintain it and win trophies," De Gea told the Daily Mail when asked if he was the best goalkeeper in the world. "That's what world-class players do."

United have struggled since Ferguson's departure, finishing no better than fourth prior to this season, which sees the club second to champions Manchester City.

But with three-time Premier League winner Jose Mourinho at the helm, De Gea believes the Red Devils can return to the English summit.

"It was odd [under van Gaal]. Finishing fourth is not good enough," De Gea said. "I want to win. If you are at United, you need a manager with a winning mentality. We had that with Ferguson. Mourinho has it. He wants to win every game.

"We spoke in the Euros and he told me he wanted me with him and wanted trophies. We've had a tough time since Ferguson retired. It's hard to diagnose. It has to be more.

"Titles are what I crave. We have to get United back to their best, back in the Champions League, back as the champions of England, back to the top."

De Gea was reportedly set to leave United if Dutch manager Louis van Gaal remained at Old Trafford in 2016.

Van Gaal was in charge when De Gea's move to Madrid sensationally fell through on deadline day in 2015 – a faulty fax machine reportedly at the centre of the failed transfer.

De Gea missed United's opening two matches of the Premier League season after van Gaal claimed the Spaniard did not want to play.

"My first game back was at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Louis had said what he said. The truth is, I wasn't sure how Old Trafford would react to me," De Gea added.

"I was nervous walking out that day. They have always been behind me but I did wonder that day. As it transpired, they were amazing. Everyone was singing my name. It was important for me." - Goal

Man held for defiling 12-year-old boy

A 20-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old boy (names withheld).

Mohammed was said to have penetrated the victim through the anus.

The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, who confirmed the arrest to journalists, said the victim was currently in protective custody.

He said the case had been transferred from Oke-Odo Division to the Gender Unit.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner said 26 suspected cultists and kidnappers were arrested during a raid of creeks and drug hideouts in Ikorodu area of the state.

Edgal said the raids were carried out at Itolowo, Majidun and Ajegunle areas of Ikorodu, adding that two bags of weeds suspected to be Marijuana were recovered from a make- shift structure at Ajegunle.

At Itowolo Creek, the police commissioner said a man with a gun in his hand sighted the operatives and fled. - The Nation

Garba blasts APC for moving convention, speaks on best candidate for National Chairman

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has criticized the party’s leadership for moving the National Convention from May 14.

Garba stated that his supporters were looking forward to a credible poll and cited “tokenism and internal jostling and politicking” as the reason the convention was postponed.

He, however, insisted that the ruling party needed a young, brilliant and credible hands in the coming elections.

“I received, with amusement, the sudden proposed postponement of the national convention of the APC, initially scheduled for the 14th of May in the coming month.

“The Nigerian people and particularly my supporters across the 36 states were looking forward to a credible and transparent process to elect the national leaders of our party.

“However, tokenism and internal jostling and politicking seem to be trumping some of our strongly held progressive and democratic values as a party. It is important that our party prioritizes the interest of the country over political bickering.

“Hence, the APC must demonstrate to the entire country that it believes in internal democracy and will be guided by the constitution of the party, outside of which might lead to the complete erosion of our party’s credibility before the Nigerian people.

“I am however leading a group of young, brilliant and capable individuals within the party, from which we will be presenting a credible alternative to run for the office of the party chairman.

“The APC without a doubt requires a new brand of leadership; one that will chart a new vision for the party, and more pertinently the Nigerian people and we are ready to produce that leadership from amongst us,” he said. - Daily Post

Catholic bishops ask Buhari to resign over nationwide killings

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over the incessant attacks in the country.

The group made the call in a statement issued by Augustine Akubeze and Camillus Umoh, its president and secretary respectively.

The clerics condemned the killing of two priests and 17 congregants by suspected herders in Benue on Tuesday .

The state has come under series of attacks in the last one week.

Less than 48 hours after the attack, suspected herdsmen struck at another church in Logo local government area of the state, killing at least seven people.

In the statement titled ‘When will this barbarism end?’ the clerics urged the president to consider “stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse”.

They accused the federal government of failing in its duty to protect the lives and properties of its citizenry.

“We are sad. We are angry. We feel totally exposed and most vulnerable. Faced with these dark clouds of fear and anxiety, our people are daily being told by some to defend themselves,” the statement read.

“But defend themselves with what? The federal government, whose primary responsibility it is to protect lives, for its part alleges that those who ask the people to defend themselves are inciting them to take the laws into their own hands.

“It is clear to the nation that he (the president) has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of the Nigerian citizens. Whether this failure is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse.”

The religious leaders accused the president of failing to call the security agencies to order while alleging that there is a conspiracy between both parties.

“We are sad and fear that the clock is ticking. The bomb must be defused quickly before it explodes,” the statement read.

“Since the president, who appointed the heads of the nation’s security agencies, has refused to caution them even in the face of the chaos and barbarity into which our country has been plunged, we are left with no choice but to conclude that they are acting a script that he approves of.

“If the President cannot keep our country safe, then he automatically loses the trust of the citizens.” - Cable Nigeria

21-year-old undergraduate burnt to death in Cross River

A 21-year old 100-level Microbiology student, Miss Eke Ukam Ogolo of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) was on Wednesday evening roasted to death.

The incident occurred while the deceased was trying to pour kerosene into a lantern at her residence in 8 Miles, on the outskirt of Calabar Metropolis.

DAILY POST gathered that the lantern exploded, burning her face and other vital organs.

An eyewitness, Kelvin Ekere said that Ogolo was trying to refill a lantern with kerosene when the lantern suddenly exploded and she died on Thursday at a private hospital in Calabar.

“We heard a large sound from the room and rushed down but before we got there, the place had already been covered with smoke and we tried to help her but her face and her chest was already burnt; we were not surprised she died today (Thursday) because she was badly injured from the explosion.

“Also, another woman, a teacher, who is my neighbour, was also injured in another explosion, just few hours after Ogolo was confirmed dead; this is the sixth incident this year and we have stopped patronising black marketers, we buy directly from the filling stations now,” he said.

A family member, who simply identified himself as Mr. Felix said her sister had her matriculation two weeks ago before her untimely death.

“We feel very sad and my parents have been devastated, she has been looking for this admission since four years but could not get it; but she just gained the admission and matriculated two weeks ago but died in a mysterious circumstance, it is so sad, we are in grief,” he said.

On his part, Operations Controller of the Department of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Bassey Nkanga said the DPR would partner with IPMAN in the state to reduce adulterated product, especially kerosene to the barest minimum.

He said: “Don’t buy doubtful product from anybody apart from the licensed depot; anyone who buys adulterated product and there is an explosion in any corner, that person will be held to face the necessary sanctions and the full wrath of the law.

“DRP is well equipped in checking petrol stations across the state to ensure that the right thing is done and all loopholes for adulteration blocked and reduced to the barest minimum’’, he said.

Mr. Lawrence Agim, IPMAN Chairman in Cross River, expressed sadness over incessant kerosene explosions in the state, adding that it was unfortunate that the young undergraduate died in such a painful way.

Agim said that many families had been affected by such explosions and vowed to make sure that it never occurred again. - Daily Post

CBN pegs daily mobile transactions at N100,000

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday pegged maximum daily transactions through mobile phone- Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)— at N100,000. The implementation of the policy starts June 1.

Due to absence of set rules on USSD transactions, many commercial banks allow various limits, ranging from N100,000 to N500,000 and above in some cases, depending on customers’ risk absorption levels. This has exposed many customers’ transactions to high risk, with billions of naira lost to fraudsters.

The new framework signed by CBN Director, Banking & Payments System Department, ‘Dipo Fatokun said vast applications of the USSD technology, in terms of available services have raised the issue of the risks inherent in the channel.

The USSD technology is a protocol used by the GSM network to communicate with a service provider’s platform. It is a session based, real time messaging communication technology, which is accessed through a string, which starts normally with asterisk (*) and ends with a hash (#). It is considered cost effective, more user-friendly, faster in concluding transactions, and handset agnostic.

The framework noted concerns on the likely exposure of CBN approved entities to the possible breaching of the USSD accessed financial services in view of likely vulnerabilities in the technology and the ever growing threats.

Fatokun said the policy shift was in furtherance of CBN’s mandate to develop and enhance security of the electronic payment system. The implementation of the policy starts June 1, 2018.

Fatokun had in a circular to banks, switches, Mobile Money Operators (MMOs), Payment Solution Service Providers, Microfinance banks, among others, Fatokun said although the N100,000 limit per customer, per day for transactions applies, customers desirous of higher limits shall execute documented indemnities with their banks or MMOs.

The CBN, he said, has also mandated the use of an effective second factor authentication by customers for all transactions above N20,000. This, he said, shall apply in addition to the Personal Identification Number (PIN) being used as first level authenticator, which applies to all transaction amounts.

According to the framework, banks shall not send the second factor authentication to the customer’s registered GSM number or device; and it shall not be generated or displayed on the USSD menu.

Banks, it added, are also required to install a Behavioural Monitoring system with capability to detect SIM-Swap/Churn status, user location, un-usual transactions at weekends, among others. This shall be achieved by 31st October 2018.

The framework said financial Institutions shall be responsible for setting up dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate resolution of customers’ complaints and shall treat and resolve any customer related issues within three working days. Also, non-compliance shall be subject to penalty, as may be prescribed by the CBN, from time to time.

“There shall be Service Level Agreement between the Financial Institutions and MNOs/VAS & aggregators, benchmarked against the Nigeria Communication Commission Quality of Service (QoS) regulation and service availability requirements of electronic payment services of the CBN,” it said.

It said service providers should put in place systems that enable users/subscribers to block their account from operating USSD service and that no USSD financial service should be activated for customer unless the deactivation mechanism is put in place with effect from June, 2018.

On penalties for infractions, it said the appropriate Regulator (CBN and/or NCC) as applicable shall impose appropriate sanctions for any contravention on any participant that fails to comply with this framework.

The new framework is in exercise of the powers conferred on the CBN by Section 47(2) of the CBN Act, 2007, to promote and facilitate the development of efficient and effective system for the settlement of transactions. - The Nation