UN Secretary-General condemns Mali attacks, urges coordinated international response
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the recent acts of violence in Mali, following claims by jihadists and Tuareg rebels of attacks against the Malian army. Guterres expressed deep concern over reports of attacks in multiple locations across Mali. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General calls for coordinated international support to address the escalating threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel, as well as to meet urgent humanitarian needs. An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group announced on Saturday that it had collaborated with rebels to launch what is described as one of the most complex attacks in years within the West African nation. These groups initiated surprise dawn attacks near the capital Bamako and in other regions, with Tuareg rebels claiming control of the northern city of Kidal. Guterres reiterated his strong condemnation of these violent acts, expressed solidarity with the Malian people, and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. He also called for robust security coordination and collaboration throughout the region. Mali has been facing a security crisis since 2012, marked by attacks from jihadists, criminal groups, and separatists, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. Despite the junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021 with the stated aim of more effectively combating jihadists, attacks have persisted.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa retd., Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, has called on traditional rulers and community leaders to thoroughly vet individuals acquiring farmlands in rural areas. This appeal follows the discovery of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel, in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states. Marwa made these remarks at the 10th Akinale Day celebration and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran. He emphasized the need for close attention to strangers' activities, particularly in the South-West, to prevent criminal elements from using isolated locations for illicit drug production. Marwa also urged traditional institutions, parents, and community leaders nationwide to partner with the NDLEA in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, highlighting that drug abuse affects all social classes. He advised youths to avoid illicit drugs and called for community-based advocacy networks to deter drug traffickers and support those with substance dependence. Marwa stressed that traditional institutions are crucial in the fight against illicit drugs due to their influence at the grassroots level.
The newly commissioned Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market in Kano is projected to generate ₦50 billion in revenue and create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited. Developed under a Public-Private Partnership with the Kano State Government and ZOEC Construction, the market was inaugurated at the former Luxurious Bus Park. Abdussalam described it as one of West Africa's largest electrical and electronics markets, aiming to establish Kano as a major commercial and distribution hub. The facility will house over 1,500 shops, providing modern infrastructure for trade and investment. The project, valued between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion, has attracted international partners from Egypt and China. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of the shops have already been sold. The market includes basement parking for 700 vehicles, underground storage for more than 30 forty-foot containers, a central firefighting system, and sprinkler installations. During construction, over 1,000 people were employed daily, with more than 8,000 benefiting from the project when suppliers are included. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by his Special Assistant Technical, Kabir Dutse, stated that the Federal Government has streamlined Public-Private Partnership arrangements to encourage private sector participation in infrastructure development. Ata highlighted the market as a refl
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Presidency for using China's legal system to defend President Bola Tinubu, arguing that this comparison has drawn more attention to past allegations against the President. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, stated that the Presidency's reference to China, known for its severe penalties for drug trafficking, was a "monumental own goal." His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that the Presidency's attempt to score political points had instead subjected Tinubu to greater public scrutiny. Atiku maintained that he has never been indicted or convicted of corruption, drug-related offenses, or any criminal offense in Nigeria or abroad. He argued that if the Tinubu administration intends to use China as a benchmark for accountability, Nigerians are entitled to question how Chinese authorities would handle a case involving $460,000 forfeited to the United States Government in a civil forfeiture proceeding related to alleged narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Atiku also extended the comparison to corruption, claiming that under China's system, allegations of budget padding, abuse of office, and the creation of a fake government agency would have prompted swift official action. He further criticized the Presidency for presenting a recent response from the United States Government to Nigeria's dipl