President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending the infrastructural development being witnessed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to all parts of Nigeria.

The President made the commitment in Abuja during the inauguration of the newly completed Transitway N2, including two bridges, constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Represented at the event by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said the Federal Government is determined to ensure that every region benefits from investments in roads, bridges, railways and other critical infrastructure projects.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in the pursuit of a more developed, connected and secure Nigeria.
President Tinubu also praised the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for the remarkable transformation taking place in the nation’s capital in line with the Abuja Master Plan.
“You have contributed to something larger than a roadway; you have contributed to the future of our capital city and therefore given pride to Nigeria,” the President said.

By Bonaventure Melah

Residents of Rock Garden City Estate in Jikwoyi, popularly known as Emmy Dan Estate, Dangbana, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Sunday after suspected bandits engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and escaping with ransom money allegedly meant to secure the release of a kidnapped victim.

The incident, which was said to have occurred between about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, is the latest in a series of violent attacks linked to growing kidnapping activities across the satellite communities of Jikwoyi, Orozo, Kurudu and Karshi within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to residents, the attackers had earlier abducted two women from Phase 4, Jikwoyi, and took them toward the rocky terrain near City College, an area locals believe serves as a hideout for criminal gangs operating in the axis.

The kidnappers were said to have subsequently contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.

Sources disclosed that before the gun battle erupted, relatives of one of the victims had successfully delivered a ransom to the abductors, leading to her release.

However, a second group carrying ransom money for the release of the other abducted woman reportedly arrived near Rock Garden City Estate during the night when members of the CJTF on routine checks became suspicious after noticing a large sum of cash being transported at such an unusual hour.

As the vigilantes attempted to investigate, the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire, triggering a violent exchange of gunfire.

In the ensuing confrontation, a CJTF operative identified as Mr. Sunday John was fatally shot while another individual sustained a gunshot injury to the hand.

The sound of gunfire attracted estate security personnel and residents, who joined efforts to repel the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that lasted several minutes.

Amid the confusion, the individual carrying the ransom reportedly fled for safety, while the kidnappers allegedly recovered the ransom money and escaped through the surrounding bush and rocky mountainside.

Residents said a commercial motorcyclist and his passenger, who were operating in the area around 11:00 p.m., were caught in the chaos. The motorcyclist abandoned his motorcycle at the CJTF office while fleeing the gunfire.

However, when security operatives later returned to the location after retreating from the attackers, they discovered that the motorcycle had been set ablaze by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The killing of the CJTF operative has thrown the community into mourning. Mr. John was being buried in Jikwoyi on Sunday morning at the time this report was filed.

Residents paid glowing tributes to the slain vigilante, describing him as a brave community defender who paid the ultimate price in the service of protecting lives and property.

The communities also expressed gratitude that both kidnapped women have now regained their freedom and reunited with their families.

The latest attack has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in the Abuja’s satellite communities, where residents say armed gangs have repeatedly carried out kidnappings, robberies and ransom extortion, forcing many people to live in constant fear.

Community leaders and residents have called on security agencies and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts around the rocky terrains of Jikwoyi and neighbouring communities, strengthen security patrols and restore lasting peace to the area.

The managements of Nigrrian Meteorogical Agency, NiMet and Cosmopolitan University have pledged to work together in the area of translating science to action on climate and weather.

The commitment was made Monday, July 6, when the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Carl Adams, paid a courtesy visit on the Director General/CEO NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Anosike highlighted the similarity between the NiMet as a public institution and the Cosmopolitan University in the area of translating science to action and  stressed the numerous strides of the agency in producing several research documents for the benefit of the society.

He applauded the University for embracing new technologies such as AI for climate ready and climate resilient communities.

In his remark, Prof. Carl Adams affirmed the University’s commitment towards the development of the next generation of indigenous AI scientists and climate smart innovations driven by satellite data and AI applications.

The two institutions agreed on formalising the relationship through the instrument of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on multidisciplinary approach to climate smart and digital agriculture for small holder farmers, aviation research, staff exchange, data analytics, AI applications, and leveraging meteorological information for improved livelihoods.

The Prof. Adams was accompanied by the Pro-Chancellor of the University and other senior management.