Sheikh Gumi calls for Senate probe into military airstrikes after reported civilian casualties
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has called for a Senate probe into recent military airstrikes, stating that condolences are insufficient following reported civilian casualties. In a Facebook post, Gumi questioned the conduct of military operations and demanded accountability, asking, "Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?" He cited incidents in Tudun Biri, Nasarawa, and Sokoto, and referred to past accidental military airstrikes, including the December 2023 Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna State, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Gumi asserted that "Terror cannot be fought with another terror" and urged an immediate Senate hearing on these "mistakes" involving the bombing of villages, markets, and civilian targets. His comments followed a reported airstrike on a weekly market in Jilli village, along the Borno State and Yobe State border. However, Babagana Zulum stated that the Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area had been closed for five years and described the area as a hub for insurgents. Reports indicated that at least 30 people were killed and over 20 hospitalized in the Jilli incident. Eyewitnesses claimed multiple fighter jets were involved, and sources suggested the strike may have targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents but hit the crowded market instead. Abdulsalam Dahiru, Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, confirmed the incident, clarifying Jilli village is in Borno State. Gumi, known for engag
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The Federal Government has initiated a nationwide vocational and skills acquisition program for over 18,000 artisans and unemployed Nigerians. Training is scheduled to commence on Tuesday at 229 accredited centers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative, implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency NSIPA, aims to provide participants with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and trade-specific starter packs to foster self-employment and reduce poverty. Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, moving vulnerable Nigerians towards economic self-reliance. The two-week training targets individuals with existing basic vocational knowledge, offering additional technical skills to enhance productivity. The ministry has established a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including a digital tracking system for beneficiaries and distributed starter packs. Badamasi Lawal, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, confirmed that the program will be delivered through accredited government technical colleges, vocational institutions, and approved training centers. Participants will receive training in 14 vocational trades, such as automobile technology, agriculture, baking, carpentry, electrical installation, and fashion design. Beneficiaries will also undergo entrepreneurship training cov
Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with the newly confirmed United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja. This meeting aimed to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations. Garcia's visit to Nigeria is his first since assuming office on June 1, 2026, and is part of a West African tour that includes C么te d'Ivoire and Mali. Ribadu stated on X that the discussion reviewed progress by the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation on shared security priorities. Garcia, a 28-year US Navy veteran, previously served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His appointment filled a vacancy in the Africa post that had lasted over a year.
The president of the Senegalese football federation, Abdoulaye Fall, stated on Monday that coach Pape Thiaw's salary demands created a toxic environment for the team at the World Cup. Thiaw, 45, was sacked on Sunday after Senegal's elimination in the last 32 by Belgium on July 1. Fall explained that a breakdown in trust occurred due to Thiaw's initial refusal to sign a new contract, as he had requested a salary increase from 20 million CFA to 30,000 CFA before the World Cup. Fall also mentioned that Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met, and it was Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye who convinced him to change his mind. The contract was eventually signed on the eve of their second game against Norway, after Thiaw reportedly refused to sit in the dugout until it was finalized. Fall indicated that Thiaw believed federation officials were his enemies, which affected the national team's operations. During the World Cup, the Lions of Teranga experienced two group stage defeats against France and Norway before a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds. Under Thiaw, Senegal had won the Africa Cup of Nations in January but were later stripped of the title for walking off the pitch during the final against Morocco.