NEARLY 40 LOST THEIR LIVES IN ATTACK ON CHAD MILITARY INSTALLATION, STATES PRESIDENCY

AFRICA NEWS

28th October 2024

By Oyenike

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NEARLY 40 LOST THEIR LIVES IN ATTACK ON CHAD MILITARY INSTALLATION, STATES PRESIDENCY

Approximately 40 soldiers lost their lives in an assault on a military installation in Chad’s Lake region on Sunday, as reported by the country’s presidency on Monday.

President Mahamat Idriss Deby has initiated a mission to locate the attackers, although the statement did not specify the group responsible for the incident.

The Lake Chad area has faced numerous assaults from insurgent groups, including the Islamic State in West Africa and Boko Haram, which originated in northeast Nigeria in 2009 and expanded into western Chad.

Chad serves as a crucial ally for French and U.S. forces in their efforts to combat jihadist activities in the Sahel, a region that has become a focal point for global terrorism, with factions aligned to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. In recent years, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have ceased military cooperation with the U.S. and France, opting instead for support from Russia.

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SIX CHILDREN FELL VICTIM TO PESTICIDE POISONING IN SOUTH AFRICA, ACCORDING TO LAB ANALYSIS

In a South African township earlier this month, six children lost their lives after consuming a chemical compound used in pesticides, according to the nation’s health minister. This incident has sparked demands for stricter food safety regulations.

Reports indicate that the children died after eating snacks purchased from an informal corner shop in the Soweto area near Johannesburg.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that the cause of death was definitively linked to organophosphates, a category of substances typically utilised in agriculture or as pesticides.

Health authorities are still awaiting test results from samples taken from informal township shops, known as spaza shops, in Soweto to determine the source of the organophosphates. Motsoaledi suggested that these shops might be using it as a rodenticide, which is not intended for household use.

The Health Minister of South Africa Aaron Motsoaledi

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HUNTER LOCATED DEAD IN OGUN STATE FOREST WITH FIREARM INJURIES

A Nigerian hunter named Femi was discovered deceased with gunshot wounds in a forest in the Ijebu Igbo region of Ogun State. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said that Femi had gone hunting with a person named Taoreed on Friday but did not return.

Femi’s absence raised alarms for his wife, who alerted the village chief. The chief then arranged a search party to scour the forest, where they ultimately found Femi’s lifeless body, which bore bullet wounds.

On 26th October 2024, Grace James, a resident of Ofemodoko village, reported that her husband, Femi, had gone hunting the previous day with Taoreed, also known as Kokoro, but had not come back. The search led to the discovery of Femi’s body lying in the forest, with his firearm beside him.

Efforts to find Taoreed, who accompanied Femi, have been unsuccessful as he and his family have disappeared from the village. An investigation into the incident is underway, with suspicions raised due to Taoreed’s sudden flight after the incident.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola

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IFC AND CBN ENTER AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE LOCAL CURRENCY FUNDING IN NIGERIA

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have entered into an agreement to enhance local currency financing, facilitating over $1 billion in investments in crucial sectors of Nigeria’s economy. This announcement was made in a joint press release on Monday.

The agreement, signed by IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, aims to provide naira-based funding for sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, housing, energy, small and medium enterprises, as well as Nigeria’s creative industries and youth.

This initiative will support private enterprises by improving access to long-term, affordable local currency funding, which is vital for reducing currency risks. The partnership is intended to foster growth in Nigeria by allowing the IFC to manage these risks effectively and increase investment in the naira across priority sectors.

Cardoso described the collaboration as a “groundbreaking initiative” that demonstrates the CBN’s commitment to innovative financing solutions in partnership with esteemed global institutions. He highlighted that this agreement aligns with the Federal Government’s objectives to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development. Diop reiterated IFC’s dedication to enhancing economic growth through increased access to financing.

The Nigerian Currency

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IGP REQUESTS INQUIRY, CALLS FOR TEAM SPIRIT AMONG AGENCIES

The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has responded to a trending video showcasing a public clash between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State. He expressed dissatisfaction with the unprofessional behaviour displayed. He has instructed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 11, Osogbo, to conduct a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of the incident.

It is important to note that in a press release from the NPF dated 15th October 2023, the IGP highlighted the significance of professionalism and teamwork among security personnel. He emphasised the necessity of camaraderie and collaboration for effective operations, stating that mutual respect among colleagues is crucial for fulfilling their responsibilities.

The IGP urged for calm and reassured the public that the Nigeria Police Force, under his guidance, will continue to work alongside other security agencies. He affirmed the commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for all citizens across Nigeria.

The IGP’s response underscores the need for unity and professionalism within the security forces, aiming to prevent future occurrences of public discord and enhance cooperation among various agencies.

The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun

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