US imposes travel ban on Nigerians, suspends entry for several visa categories

A chieftain of the Adamawa All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdulrahman Haske, has condemned, in the strongest terms, the terrorist attack on Garaha District in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He described it as an attack not just on a community, but on the stability and future of the entire Northeast.

The attack, carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Garaha District on Saturday, February 22, 2026, reportedly left three people dead and resulted in the burning of military and school facilities in the village.

In a press statement signed by his publicity secretary, Abdulgaffar Ahmed, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Haske said the killing of soldiers and a civilian woman, along with the destruction of a school and other facilities, was a painful tragedy and a reminder that enemies of progress still seek to destabilise the Northeast.

He, however, praised the bravery of Nigerian troops who defended the community, noting that their sacrifice reflects the spirit of service and patriotism that keeps Nigeria united.

“The APC remains committed to protecting lives, strengthening security, and rebuilding affected communities as part of its broader vision of peace, stability, and inclusive development,” he was quoted as saying in the release.

He commended the security coordination and reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, stating that improved synergy among security agencies was strengthening the fight against insurgency across the Northeast.

According to him, the APC-led government’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises security, rural development, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities, all of which are essential to defeating extremism and restoring lasting peace.

Speaking directly to grassroots communities across Hong, Gombi, Song, Mubi, Michika, Madagali, and other frontline areas, Haske urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, protect one another, and promptly report suspicious movements to law enforcement agencies and community leaders.

“Terrorism succeeds only where communities are divided, but fails where people stand united, share information, and defend their neighborhoods together. Hence, I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, hunters, vigilante networks, and civil society organisations to strengthen grassroots security cooperation and awareness, and enhance community watch efforts to prevent criminal infiltration,” Haske said.

He reaffirmed that the people of Adamawa are resilient, peace-loving, and united, and will never surrender their communities to fear, violence, or intimidation, assuring that the APC stands firmly with the people of Adamawa, as in other states, and is “committed to reconstruction, social protection, and development initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.”

Haske further urged unity beyond ethnic, religious, or political lines, emphasizing that protecting lives, preserving peace, and securing the future of Adamawa State must remain a shared responsibility.

Adamawa terrorist attack painful tragedy, injury to Northeast stability – Haske

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday called on Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, to put aside their disagreements and reconcile.

Shettima encouraged both leaders to settle their rift and collaborate in the interest of Benue State’s growth and stability.

Addressing stakeholders in Abuja, Shettima said: “I want to make a special appeal to his Excellency, George Akume and his Excellency Hyacinth Alia to mend fences and work together.

“Apart from Abdullahi Ganduje, Akume is the longest serving public servant in our current dispensation.

“He’s over 70 and he started work in Benue House and was the Director of Protocol, he was a Permanent Secretary, was a governor for eight years, senator for 12 years, minister for four years, and now the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“You have seen it all, you are an elder statesman, reach out to our junior brother, yes you have been here together, Benue deserves peace and development.

“What binds us together supersedes whatever that divides us, the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.”

Benue crisis: Mend fences, work together – VP Shettima begs Akume, Gov Alia

The Nigerian government has ordered a stop to the salaries of striking health workers, enforcing its ‘No work, no pay’ policy starting January 2026.

Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-vows-to-stop-striking-health-workers-salaries/