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Troops succeeded in repelling a Boko Haram terrorist attack on a Forward Operational Base at Kukareta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday.

According to Onyema nwachukwu, a Colonel and the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Theatre Command, the terrorists attacked the location at about 6.30 pm on Monday but met with “prompt and fierce response of the vigilant troops who engaged and overpowered them, killing several of the terrorists”. 

Nwachukwu said a soldier was wounded in the encounter. But many more were unlucky in a separate encounter with insurgents.

“Troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu-Maiduguri road yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists,” Nwachukwu said.

“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, courageously wading through the ambush. Sadly, 13 military and police personnel, including a police officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush. A clearance Operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists ambush party is still ongoing.”

He added that the bodies of the gallant soldiers and the policeman and the wounded had been evacuated, while the wounded soldier was already receiving treatment. 

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Troops succeeded in repelling a Boko Haram terrorist attack on a Forward Operational Base at Kukareta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday.

According to Onyema nwachukwu, a Colonel and the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Theatre Command, the terrorists attacked the location at about 6.30 pm on Monday but met with “prompt and fierce response of the vigilant troops who engaged and overpowered them, killing several of the terrorists”. 

Nwachukwu said a soldier was wounded in the encounter. But many more were unlucky in a separate encounter with insurgents.

“Troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu-Maiduguri road yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists,” Nwachukwu said.

“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, courageously wading through the ambush. Sadly, 13 military and police personnel, including a police officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush. A clearance Operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists ambush party is still ongoing.”

He added that the bodies of the gallant soldiers and the policeman and the wounded had been evacuated, while the wounded soldier was already receiving treatment. 

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The film features some of the actual cave rescue divers, and involved shooting in caves and underwater.

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It is the latest in dozens of tremors since Europe's most active volcano erupted on Monday.

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One conservation group warns that the move shows "a troubling disregard for international rule".

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The seven-year-old spoke after the US president threw doubt on the existence of Santa Claus.

Two Catholic priests have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Nneyi Umeri area of Anambra State.

According to NAN, the clerics were kidnapped while on their way back from Onitsha on Monday evening.

A source who disclosed news of the killing, noted that the priests were serving in Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, and were on their way back to prepare for the visit of Cardinal Francis Arinze to the town, when they were abducted by the hoodlums.

“The priests are working at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umueze Anam, and were kidnapped at Nneyi village, Umuleri area at about 7:30pm on Monday," he said.

Haruna Muhammed, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed the incident, stating that a patrol team attached to Otuocha Division had recovered a light grey Toyota Corolla car marked FST 689 FL, which was abandoned on the Nneyi Umueri road.

According to Muhammed, investigation revealed that the car belonged to a priest allegedly kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. He also added that the Police were making efforts to rescue the victims.

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Two Catholic priests have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Nneyi Umeri area of Anambra State.

According to NAN, the clerics were kidnapped while on their way back from Onitsha on Monday evening.

A source who disclosed news of the killing, noted that the priests were serving in Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, and were on their way back to prepare for the visit of Cardinal Francis Arinze to the town, when they were abducted by the hoodlums.

“The priests are working at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umueze Anam, and were kidnapped at Nneyi village, Umuleri area at about 7:30pm on Monday," he said.

Haruna Muhammed, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed the incident, stating that a patrol team attached to Otuocha Division had recovered a light grey Toyota Corolla car marked FST 689 FL, which was abandoned on the Nneyi Umueri road.

According to Muhammed, investigation revealed that the car belonged to a priest allegedly kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. He also added that the Police were making efforts to rescue the victims.

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The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to release the $2.8million seized from bank officials at the Enugu Airport.

The EFCC had claimed it intercepted the money in transit based on information it gathered that the men bearing the cash were money launderers. See Also Corruption Two Arrested At Enugu Airport For 'Carrying' $2.8m Cash For 'Some Notable Banks' 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

However, Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate the funds. He also alleged that the cash might belong to politicians, who plan to use it for vote buying.

“It is also common knowledge that looters who have hidden money in uncommon places are most likely to be making attempts to bring them out in these electioneering days. The $2.8million may be the break we have been waiting for. It may lead us to other funds. That money may belong to one of those looting politicians who want to use it to buy votes," he said.

He also added that: “The confession of the two suspects that they have been conveying such cash for notable banks for more than six years raises eyebrows. The matter must be properly investigated before the cash can be released. The bank may be grandstanding for all we care.”

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The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to release the $2.8million seized from bank officials at the Enugu Airport.

The EFCC had claimed it intercepted the money in transit based on information it gathered that the men bearing the cash were money launderers. See Also Corruption Two Arrested At Enugu Airport For 'Carrying' $2.8m Cash For 'Some Notable Banks' 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

However, Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate the funds. He also alleged that the cash might belong to politicians, who plan to use it for vote buying.

“It is also common knowledge that looters who have hidden money in uncommon places are most likely to be making attempts to bring them out in these electioneering days. The $2.8million may be the break we have been waiting for. It may lead us to other funds. That money may belong to one of those looting politicians who want to use it to buy votes," he said.

He also added that: “The confession of the two suspects that they have been conveying such cash for notable banks for more than six years raises eyebrows. The matter must be properly investigated before the cash can be released. The bank may be grandstanding for all we care.”

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The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to release the $2.8million seized from bank officials at the Enugu Airport.

The EFCC had claimed it intercepted the money in transit based on information it gathered that the men bearing the cash were money launderers. See Also Corruption Two Arrested At Enugu Airport For 'Carrying' $2.8m Cash For 'Some Notable Banks' 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

However, Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate the funds. He also alleged that the cash might belong to politicians, who plan to use it for vote buying.

“It is also common knowledge that looters who have hidden money in uncommon places are most likely to be making attempts to bring them out in these electioneering days. The $2.8million may be the break we have been waiting for. It may lead us to other funds. That money may belong to one of those looting politicians who want to use it to buy votes," he said.

He also added that: “The confession of the two suspects that they have been conveying such cash for notable banks for more than six years raises eyebrows. The matter must be properly investigated before the cash can be released. The bank may be grandstanding for all we care.”

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Site of a bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Borno State AFP/Getty Images

Nigeria has been ranked among the top ten countries most at risk of humanitarian crises in 2019.

The ranking, which was released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has 21 countries on its list, with Yemen taking the top spot.

According to the list which was published on December 17, 2018, the 2019 elections may also play a role in sparking greater conflict.

According to the publication by IRC, "The International Rescue Committee’s emergency response experts have ranked the countries most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe next year", noting that the top ten, "account for approximately half of internally displaced people and two-thirds of refugees across the globe".

“2018 was a devastating year for millions around the world, with more people displaced from their homes than ever before. In many of the world’s most challenging places, armed conflict and man-made crisis mean life will get worse and not better in 2019," Bob Kitchen, the IRC’s Vice President for Emergencies, said.

With Nigeria taking the number eight spot on the top ten list, other countries are Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Syria, Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Somalia.

On Nigeria's position, IRC noted that: "During 2018, Nigeria has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as communal violence exacerbated by competition for water and land resources. As a result, Over 2 million Nigerians have been displaced internally and 230,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries".

On the outlook for 2019, the IRC stated that: "Violence could intensify, triggering more displacements and exacerbating food insecurity for millions of Nigerians. The presidential election in February 2019 may also have a destabilizing impact and could spark greater conflict, leading to further displacement".

Boko Haram Elections Human Rights Insurgency Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Site of a bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Borno State AFP/Getty Images

Nigeria has been ranked among the top ten countries most at risk of humanitarian crises in 2019.

The ranking, which was released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has 21 countries on its list, with Yemen taking the top spot.

According to the list which was published on December 17, 2018, the 2019 elections may also play a role in sparking greater conflict.

According to the publication by IRC, "The International Rescue Committee’s emergency response experts have ranked the countries most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe next year", noting that the top ten, "account for approximately half of internally displaced people and two-thirds of refugees across the globe".

“2018 was a devastating year for millions around the world, with more people displaced from their homes than ever before. In many of the world’s most challenging places, armed conflict and man-made crisis mean life will get worse and not better in 2019," Bob Kitchen, the IRC’s Vice President for Emergencies, said.

With Nigeria taking the number eight spot on the top ten list, other countries are Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Syria, Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Somalia.

On Nigeria's position, IRC noted that: "During 2018, Nigeria has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as communal violence exacerbated by competition for water and land resources. As a result, Over 2 million Nigerians have been displaced internally and 230,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries".

On the outlook for 2019, the IRC stated that: "Violence could intensify, triggering more displacements and exacerbating food insecurity for millions of Nigerians. The presidential election in February 2019 may also have a destabilizing impact and could spark greater conflict, leading to further displacement".

Boko Haram Elections Human Rights Insurgency Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2QVcpZC

Site of a bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Borno State AFP/Getty Images

Nigeria has been ranked among the top ten countries most at risk of humanitarian crises in 2019.

The ranking, which was released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has 21 countries on its list, with Yemen taking the top spot.

According to the list which was published on December 17, 2018, the 2019 elections may also play a role in sparking greater conflict.

According to the publication by IRC, "The International Rescue Committee’s emergency response experts have ranked the countries most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe next year", noting that the top ten, "account for approximately half of internally displaced people and two-thirds of refugees across the globe".

“2018 was a devastating year for millions around the world, with more people displaced from their homes than ever before. In many of the world’s most challenging places, armed conflict and man-made crisis mean life will get worse and not better in 2019," Bob Kitchen, the IRC’s Vice President for Emergencies, said.

With Nigeria taking the number eight spot on the top ten list, other countries are Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Syria, Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Somalia.

On Nigeria's position, IRC noted that: "During 2018, Nigeria has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as communal violence exacerbated by competition for water and land resources. As a result, Over 2 million Nigerians have been displaced internally and 230,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries".

On the outlook for 2019, the IRC stated that: "Violence could intensify, triggering more displacements and exacerbating food insecurity for millions of Nigerians. The presidential election in February 2019 may also have a destabilizing impact and could spark greater conflict, leading to further displacement".

Boko Haram Elections Human Rights Insurgency Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2QVcpZC

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The Education Rights Campaign has called on the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to engage in mass actions to press further its demand on the Nigerian Government for better funding of the education sector.

Lagos Coordinator of ERC, Nurudeen Omomeewa, maintained that the federal government team led by Wale Babalakin would not agree to the deal signed by ASUU and the government until Nigerian students, civil societies, NGOs, parents and ASUU compel the government to do so through mass protests.

ASUU had announced its decision to embark on a strike in November 2018 at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: ASUU Begins Nationwide Strike 0 Comments 1 Month Ago

Speaking on the strike action embarked upon by the academic staff organisation, he said: “The ASUU leadership must map out public activities, mass meetings, rallies and protests that are capable of attracting Nigerian students, civil societies and parents to the struggle on the need to save public university education from collapse.”

He also added that for there to be permanent solution to the funding of education in the country, government must create an economy that requires the need for the highly-skilled manpower produced in public universities.

He, however, noted that this would be impossible under capitalism and called on organised labour union to get involved in politics.

“This is impossible under capitalism, a socio-economic system that is fundamentally inequitable and that promotes wealth at one end and mass poverty at the other. For this to happen, we need a mass workers party built by the trade unions, mass organisations of the working people and socialists, to lead the revolutionary uprising of the working masses to topple capitalism," he said.

ERC urged ASUU to play the leading role in “provoking a discussion within the ranks of the labour movement, civil society and Socialists for the formation of such a mass workers party and a programme to fight for political power".

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The Education Rights Campaign has called on the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to engage in mass actions to press further its demand on the Nigerian Government for better funding of the education sector.

Lagos Coordinator of ERC, Nurudeen Omomeewa, maintained that the federal government team led by Wale Babalakin would not agree to the deal signed by ASUU and the government until Nigerian students, civil societies, NGOs, parents and ASUU compel the government to do so through mass protests.

ASUU had announced its decision to embark on a strike in November 2018 at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: ASUU Begins Nationwide Strike 0 Comments 1 Month Ago

Speaking on the strike action embarked upon by the academic staff organisation, he said: “The ASUU leadership must map out public activities, mass meetings, rallies and protests that are capable of attracting Nigerian students, civil societies and parents to the struggle on the need to save public university education from collapse.”

He also added that for there to be permanent solution to the funding of education in the country, government must create an economy that requires the need for the highly-skilled manpower produced in public universities.

He, however, noted that this would be impossible under capitalism and called on organised labour union to get involved in politics.

“This is impossible under capitalism, a socio-economic system that is fundamentally inequitable and that promotes wealth at one end and mass poverty at the other. For this to happen, we need a mass workers party built by the trade unions, mass organisations of the working people and socialists, to lead the revolutionary uprising of the working masses to topple capitalism," he said.

ERC urged ASUU to play the leading role in “provoking a discussion within the ranks of the labour movement, civil society and Socialists for the formation of such a mass workers party and a programme to fight for political power".

Education Human Rights News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on political leaders to replicate the example of Jesus Christ and be selfless.

A statement signed by Lagos ADP Publicity Secretary, Adelaja Adeoye, also advised Lagosians to use the period of Christmas to reflect on common goals that will develop the develop.

He maintained that politicians must imbibe service to citizens to bring true development to the state.

“Political leaders must begin to be selfless; shun corrupt practices, therefore bringing true development to the people. Nigerians, irrespective of religious faith, should use this period to spread love and care to the less privileged amongst us,” he said.

He, however, expressed concern over the economic situation in Lagos, attributing it to "bad policies by the APC-led administration".

He also noted that ADP had mapped out strategies to adequately solve the "growing suffering and harsh conditions Lagosians are being exposed to".

“These are issues that our party has set out to solve once and for all when given the opportunity to serve as we have now presented Lagosians with credible candidates from the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly," he added.

He urged Lagosians to use their electoral power to change their fortune for good at the next poll stating that: "Having survived the challenges that 2018 presented, we are optimistic that 2019 will be a better year for all Lagosians. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year".

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The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on political leaders to replicate the example of Jesus Christ and be selfless.

A statement signed by Lagos ADP Publicity Secretary, Adelaja Adeoye, also advised Lagosians to use the period of Christmas to reflect on common goals that will develop the develop.

He maintained that politicians must imbibe service to citizens to bring true development to the state.

“Political leaders must begin to be selfless; shun corrupt practices, therefore bringing true development to the people. Nigerians, irrespective of religious faith, should use this period to spread love and care to the less privileged amongst us,” he said.

He, however, expressed concern over the economic situation in Lagos, attributing it to "bad policies by the APC-led administration".

He also noted that ADP had mapped out strategies to adequately solve the "growing suffering and harsh conditions Lagosians are being exposed to".

“These are issues that our party has set out to solve once and for all when given the opportunity to serve as we have now presented Lagosians with credible candidates from the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly," he added.

He urged Lagosians to use their electoral power to change their fortune for good at the next poll stating that: "Having survived the challenges that 2018 presented, we are optimistic that 2019 will be a better year for all Lagosians. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year".

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on political leaders to replicate the example of Jesus Christ and be selfless.

A statement signed by Lagos ADP Publicity Secretary, Adelaja Adeoye, also advised Lagosians to use the period of Christmas to reflect on common goals that will develop the develop.

He maintained that politicians must imbibe service to citizens to bring true development to the state.

“Political leaders must begin to be selfless; shun corrupt practices, therefore bringing true development to the people. Nigerians, irrespective of religious faith, should use this period to spread love and care to the less privileged amongst us,” he said.

He, however, expressed concern over the economic situation in Lagos, attributing it to "bad policies by the APC-led administration".

He also noted that ADP had mapped out strategies to adequately solve the "growing suffering and harsh conditions Lagosians are being exposed to".

“These are issues that our party has set out to solve once and for all when given the opportunity to serve as we have now presented Lagosians with credible candidates from the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and Assembly," he added.

He urged Lagosians to use their electoral power to change their fortune for good at the next poll stating that: "Having survived the challenges that 2018 presented, we are optimistic that 2019 will be a better year for all Lagosians. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year".

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