Governor Defends Peace Pact with Terrorists …Nigeria Faces Pressure to Address Inflation as Costs Mount…Bandits Take Woman Despite ₦8 Million Payment…Weapons Cache Intercepted in Zamfara
● Nigerian Governor Defends Peace Pact with Terrorists
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is defending his decision to enter a peace pact with terrorists, saying “If even one person were to be killed in Kaduna, it’s better for me to have the peace pact. Otherwise, Almighty Allah will hold me accountable because I took an oath.”
Reports of the Governor’s amnesty programme for bandits emerged on November 29, 2024 and was greeted by the surrender of several senior bandit leaders across the northern State, as reported by TruthNigeria
Speaking in an interview monitored by local media Vanguard, Governor Sani said the pact had led to the release of around 200 captives and has brought some relief to previously terrorized communities.
“Business and farming activities are flourishing in our communities,” he noted.
● Gunmen Kidnap Young Woman in Nigeria Despite Ransom Payment
Bandits carried out a midnight raid on Garo, a town in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria and abducted a young woman, Zainab Auwalu, despite collecting ₦8 million from her family.
Premium Times reported that the kidnappers, about 10 of them, arrived on motorcycles, heavily armed. They went straight to the home of their target, a local businessman and abducted his daughter. Zainab Auwalu, a recent high school graduate.
The report said the bandits operated for hours unchallenged and afterwards they left with their ransom and captive despite a ransom payment of ₦8m made on the spot by the family for Zainab’s freedom. The police said they are on the attackers’ trail.
● World Bank, IMF Urge Nigeria to Intensify Fight Against Soaring Inflation
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are urging Nigeria to take coordinated action to curb inflation, reports The Guardian Nigeria. Inflation has been soaring in the country, reaching 34.8 percent in December.
World Bank Senior Economist Sameer Matta stressed the importance of continued efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to control inflation. He also emphasized the need for supply-side improvements, such as boosting agricultural production and reviewing trade policies.
Matta pointed out that the cost of inaction is significant, with fuel and foreign exchange subsidies alone accounting for five percent of Nigeria’s GDP.
IMF Country Representative Christian Ebeke highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the central bank and the government to combat inflation. He emphasized the need for social protection measures to mitigate the impact of reforms on vulnerable populations.
● Security Forces Foil Arms Smuggling Attempt in Zamfara, Suspects Flee
Nigerian troops and intelligence agents intercepted a cache of weapons in Zamfara State.
The operation was based on intel about suspected arms dealers from Niger Republic, military sources told Zagazola Makama.
Troops pursued the suspects, but they fled into the bush, abandoning their vehicle. A search turned up two PKT machine guns, nine AK-47 rifles, and other ammunition.
The suspects got away, but security forces are continuing their pursuit, determined to track them down.
What’s News Today? January 28, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
