House of Representatives urges federal government to deploy troops to Borno and Kaduna communities
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional troops to Askira-Uba and Kachia communities in Borno and Kaduna States, respectively, following recent violent attacks by bandits. This resolution came after two motions of urgent public importance were raised by Midala Balami, representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, and Gabriel Zock, representing Kachia/Kagoro Federal Constituency. Balami highlighted persistent attacks in his constituency, including the abduction of about 20 persons along the Biu-Buratai-Damaturu road, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and disruption of socio-economic activities. He noted that despite efforts, security responses have been insufficient. The House urged the Federal Government to deploy military and paramilitary personnel to affected Borno communities, ensure the rescue of abducted persons, and called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other security chiefs to intensify surveillance and establish permanent security outposts. They also requested the National Emergency Management Agency to provide humanitarian assistance. Zock reported that his Kaduna constituency has seen the killing of 20-30 persons in coordinated attacks, mass abductions of 260-350 people between October 2025 and April 2026, and the abduction of 180 residents in January 2026, including worshippers. He also mentioned the abduction of 32 persons in Kagarko in February 2026 and a recent att
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, announced his intention on Thursday to contest the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2027. He is seeking the position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC. Yusuf made this declaration in Daura while addressing party stakeholders and supporters, following a visit to Governor Dikko Radda in Katsina on Wednesday to seek his support. Yusuf stated, "I am here to seek your support, and I assure you that if elected, I will do my best and will never disappoint you, God willing." Alhaji Musa Haro, Dan Madamin Daura and District Head of Dumurkol, spoke at the event, soliciting support for Yusuf. Haro indicated plans to seek support from people in every town and village, and to collaborate with other aspirants for the same seat. Yusuf was accompanied by Fatuhu Muhammad, a former member representing the constituency, and other family members. The seat is currently held by Rep. Aminu Jamo.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has called for justice following the assault of a doctor and a nurse at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. The association condemned the incident, which occurred when a female doctor was explaining hospital charges to a patient's relative, and a nurse present was also attacked. NARD described the attack as "inhumane and unacceptable," emphasizing that healthcare workers should not be subjected to abuse while providing essential services. The alleged assailant has been apprehended and is in police custody, with NARD insisting on full prosecution. The association expressed solidarity with the victims and supported resolutions by the hospital's resident doctors, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration, and a press conference. NARD also called for appropriate justice and compensation for the assaulted staff, along with the deployment of adequate security personnel to sensitive areas within the hospital. Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and dignity of healthcare workers, NARD warned against any intimidation of its members over industrial action. This incident highlights growing concerns about attacks on healthcare workers in Nigeria, contributing to frustration and the brain drain in the sector.
Former Ivory Coast international footballer Aboulaye Traore has been sentenced to three years in jail for rape, as reported by an Ivorian women’s rights group. Traore, known as Ben Badi, was a member of the Elephants team that won the 1992 African Cup of Nations. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights stated that the Bouake court issued the three-year sentence on Wednesday, calling it a "significant advance in the fight against impunity for sexual and sexist violence." In addition to the jail term, the court mandated a payment of 15 million CFA francs $26,700 to the victim and imposed a five-year ban from the central region. A judicial source confirmed that the footballer was found guilty of non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021 with a 21-year-old woman. Traore played for Abidjan’s ASEC Mimosas and European clubs like FC Metz and Braga before his retirement.
President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a meeting with state governors elected under the All Progressives Congress APC at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which started around 5 p.m., includes governors such as Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, among others. Some states are represented by their deputy governors. The agenda of the meeting has not yet been disclosed. This gathering follows an emergency closed-door session held on Wednesday evening between President Tinubu and the extended leadership of the Senate, where "far-reaching decisions were taken" on "matters of urgent national importance," according to Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.