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Army, Shi’ite show down: Followers give conditions for peace
Photo: Zakzaky’s son, Ali that sustained bullet wounds, while receiving treatment in hospital
Ahead of Nigerian Northern Governors Forum’s Emergency meeting in Kaduna Leaders of Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria yesterday, in Abuja, itemized five conditions for possible truce, chief among them the immediate release of their spiritual leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky.
The sect also insisted that the killing of its members by Nigerian soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna State, was unprovoked.
The group, which claimed that more than 300 of their members were shot dead during the Saturday and Sunday showdown, said it could not account for most of their corpses till date.
Also, the Nigerian Army yesterday released a video clip detailing how soldiers in the convoy of chief of army staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, were pleading with the angry members of the Shia group to remove barricades and let the top soldier’s convoy pass.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s Media Forum Secretary, Abdulmumin Giwa, and Yola leader of the movement, Abdulrahman Abubakar, said they had incurred both human and material losses as a result of the clamp down on them by soldiers.
Presenting a catalogue of demands to the government of Nigeria, the embattled group’s leaders said: “We want the army to hand over our leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky, to us immediately for medical care. We ask the military to release all our arrested members. We ask for the army to stop molestation of our members; all corpses of our brothers and sisters killed by the army should be released for proper Islamic burial. We want full compensation for the lives lost as well as our properties destroyed, and we want a full-scale investigation and prosecution of culprits involved in the killing of our members.”
Giwa said that since the Saturday incident, their members have continued to suffer more deaths with the Tuesday incident when men of the Nigerian Police Mobile Force attacked their members and killed four.
“We had no premeditated plan to attack the chief of army staff as claimed by the army,” said Giwa. “On that fateful day when we were getting set to celebrate the Maulud of our holy prophet at the Husseiniyya prayer ground, the Nigerian Army came and stationed a detachment of soldiers there and the military presence created tension amongst our members. Even when the COAS came to pass, there was no incident at all. But two hours later, soldiers came back and began to open fire on our members. More than 300 people were killed there.”
According to him, later in the night, the army went to Gellesu residence of leader and opened fire on our members, including our leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky, and three of his children. More deaths were recorded there; in fact the death toll was four times more than what was recorded at Husseiniyya.
He claimed that most of the dead bodies were evacuated by the army and taken to unknown places.
The two spokesmen of the group said El-Zakzaky had called some of the members shortly before soldiers picked him up, to tell them that he sustained bullet injuries in his eyes and in his right shoulder.
“He informed his only surviving son that he was bleeding profusely and that the corpses of his three sons: Hamad (18), Ali (16) and Humeid (13) were lying dead in front of him at the time the soldiers were shooting into his home,” said Abubakar, the Yola leader of the sect.
Denying the allegation that they had armed sect members during the faceoff with soldiers, the duo of Giwa and Abubakar said their group had been known as one of the most peaceful and responsible religious bodies in Nigeria.
“We have never been associated with any form of violence in many years of our existence. In fact, we have been rated as the highest donor to the blood bank in Nigeria”, said Giwa.
The group said the video clips made available by the Nigerian Army showing their (sect) members in open confrontation with soldiers on the security detail of the chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, was not a true reflection of what led to their members dead.
Senate Wades Into Army, Shi’ite Face-off
The Senate yesterday waded into the crisis between the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement Group (Shi’ite) by setting up an investigative ad-hoc committee, comprising chairmen and vice chairmen of committees on Defence, Intelligence and National Security, Judiciary, Army, Police Affairs, Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs, to investigate the bloody clash with a view to ensuring that peace reigns in the country.
Senate also lamented the loss of lives and properties during the clash and appealed for calm by the affected parties and the general public while the investigation continues.
Conveying the decision of the Senate after its closed-door session, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, told journalists that senators unanimously resolved that the heads of the seven committees which form the ad-hoc committee, would be chaired by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Ahmed Lawan.
Northern Governors summon emergency meeting in Kaduna, call for calm
Governors of the 19 northern states under the auspices of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have called an emergency meeting to discuss recent happenings in the region, particularly the recent fracas between the Army and Shi’ites followers which led to many deaths in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, who doubles as chairman of the Forum, announced yesterday that the 19 governors will be holding an emergency meeting on Saturday in Kaduna. The venue and time of the meeting has been communicated to members of the Forum, he noted.
Shettima’s spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, said in a statement issued at last night that the decision followed consultations between the governors yesterday night. He said the northern governors were worried at the situation and hence their resolve to wade into the matter with a view to frontally addressing the problem.
The governors called on citizens and all parties associated with the incident in Zaria to be calm and exercise restraint, assuring that far reaching steps will be taken to guarantee the restoration of normalcy, just as they asked all citizens to live according to the laws of the land.
Reps To Meet Top Security Chiefs, Probe Army, Shi’ite Clash
The House of Representatives said it has ordered its two relevant standing committees to meet with the top officers of the country’s security agencies in order to unearth the root cause of last Saturday’s clash between men of the Nigeria Army and followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ite, with a view to finding lasting solutions.
A press statement signed by the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, yesterday said Speaker Yakubu Dogara urged the committees to do a thorough job considering the sensitive nature of the matter and the present security situation in the country.
Normalcy Returns To Kaduna, Zaria As el-Rufai Visits destruction Sites
Normalcy has been restored both in Kaduna metropolis and Zaria city following Saturday’s clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ite, that the led to the death of many persons.
Our correspondent observed the return of normalcy as business shops and commercial banks yesterday opened for business.
Our Correspondent also observed that soldiers had taken over the three premises of the Shi’ite group they pulled down during the fracas.
The state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, visited Zaria yesterday to assess the destroyed sites.
Governor el-Rufai, who was accompanied by top government officials during his second assessment visit since the clash occurred, visited the destroyed residence of the sect’s leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky at Gyellesu; the sect’s coordinating centre, Hussainiya, within the city, and resource centre/cementary built in Dambo village, suburb of Zaria.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State governor has called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to continue preaching peace in communities.
el-Rufai, who made the call at a meeting with traditional rulers and 23 Interim Council chairmen before proceeding to Zaria on assessment visit, said he was in constant touch with the federal government over the clash in Zaria.
He said: “The meeting is to rub minds together in view of the current security situation in the state and country as a whole. We will continue to partner with traditional rulers in preaching peace in our communities. Our government will act promptly in any security issue. I am calling on all our traditional rulers not to hesitate to get in touch with us in any security matter. We commiserate with the emir of Zazzau over the unfortunate incident in Zaria. I am in touch with the federal government over the clash in Zaria.”
On his part, the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, commended the governor and security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, saying traditional institution would continue to assist government in bringing permanent peace to the state.
US, UK Govt Calls For Peace
The governments of the United States and the United Kingdom have called for peace and sustainable governance in Kaduna State.
A statement made available to Newsmen, signed by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, noted the US government’s deep concern over reports of violent clashes in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said, “We are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths. It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilize the situation.”
Referring to Interior Minister, Abdulrahman Dambazau’s trip to Zaria yesterday, the envoy said, “Speaking as a friend of Nigeria, I am sure Minister Dambazau’s trip to Zaria was the first step in the timely, transparent investigation to which I am sure President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration are committed.”
In a separate statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, said, ‘’I am further concerned at reports that protests in Kaduna have turned violent.”
He noted that Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity adds a great deal to the country’s rich culture.
“It is important, therefore, that Nigerians of all faiths are allowed to assemble and worship freely. I call on the security forces to conduct their operations within the rule of law, and for demonstrators to ensure any protests are peaceful and equally act within the law,” he added.
Stephen Lawan
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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