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The Nigerian Army has debunked social media reports of an alleged attack on the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral, describing the claims as false.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in a statement on Saturday, described the report as false and unfounded, stating that no such attack occurred in Sokoto State.

“The attention of 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has been drawn to a misleading social media post circulating on Facebook, which falsely reported an armed attack on the residence of His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral,” the statement said.

The army stated that the safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact, adding that Bishop Kukah is currently fulfilling his Easter duties without any disruption.

According to the statement, the Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Sokoto State and across its entire area of responsibility.

It added that robust security measures are in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure Easter celebration within its area of responsibility.

Army debunks alleged attack on Bishop Kukah, Sokoto Catholic Cathedral

Workers of Seplat Energy have suspended their strike following renewed negotiations and written assurances on pay-related concerns.

The post Seplat workers suspend strike after fresh talks appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

The Lagos State Government has closed a branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island after discovering the discharge of untreated sewage into the public drainage system.

According to statement released by the Lagos state government, the action was carried out following findings by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), working with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), over environmental violations at the facility located in Oniru.

The enforcement followed a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who said the move was necessary to protect the environment and ensure compliance with state laws.

“Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to visit the Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank building at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the facility was non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe damage to the environment,” Wahab said.

It was gathered that officials of the wastewater agency were initially prevented from carrying out their duties during the first visit, as security personnel and representatives of the bank resisted attempts to seal the premises.

However, samples taken from the discharged waste were later analysed and confirmed to contain untreated sewage, prompting the government to deploy additional enforcement officers to shut down the facility in line with Lagos State environmental regulations.

The commissioner warned that the state would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or organisations that obstruct government officials in the course of their duties, stressing that strict enforcement would be maintained.

“There are no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable”, he stated.

Also reacting, the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the agency remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that environmental laws are fully observed across the state.

He noted that there would be no compromise in enforcing compliance, as the agency continues to monitor activities and address violations.

Lagos govt shuts Access Bank branch over untreated sewage discharge

The Middle Belt Peace Forum, MBPF, has described the perpetrators of the recent attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, as cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens, stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

The Forum condemned in the strongest terms the actions of the cowardly attackers, saying their only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum asked the federal government to ensure that the actions of the enemies of the state are met with a firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

Reacting to President Tinubu’s visit to Jos, the MBPF said his decision to identify with grieving communities sends a message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the government.

The MBPF also said the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

It expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF reiterated its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

Jos crisis: MBPF slams attackers, pushes for coordinated security crackdown