Finally, Disgraced Suarez admits to biting Chiellini

Disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has finally admitted to biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

The Liverpool forward has been barred from all football-related activity for four months, banned for nine competitive international matches and hit with an €80,000 fine.


Suarez had previously denied biting the defender, instead insisting his face "hit against the player, leaving a small bruise ... and a strong pain in my teeth" but has now come clean.


The fallout from the incident has been vast and wide-reaching, with the president of the Uruguay Football Association, Jose Murjica, calling the ban "fascist" and Uruguay team-mate Diego Lugano branding it an "act of barbarity".

Suarez was previously banned for seven matches in 2010 for biting PSV's Otman Bakkal, during his time at Ajax before being suspended for a further 10 games after biting Branislav Ivanovic while playing for Liverpool.

The Uruguayan FA have informed Fifa that they will appeal against the ban, though it remains to be seen if Suarez's apology will change their stance.

Chiellini himself has called the punishment on Suarez "excessive" and took to Twitter shortly after the Uruguayan's apology to make it clear he holds no grudges over the incident.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

No true Muslim will kill innocent people – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said Boko Haram’s attacks on churches in villages near Chibok, Borno, on Sunday were attempts to instigate religious violence in the country, adding that, no true Muslim will kill innocent people.


A statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, in Abuja, said Jonathan received reports of the attacks with dismay and consternation.

“I urge all lovers of peace and unity to wholly condemn the resurgence of efforts by agents of global terrorism to disunite and destabilise Nigeria by callously instigating violence among religious groups.

“The President shares the view of the most learned Islamic leaders and scholars that no true Muslim will resort to the mindless killing of innocent people,” it said.

According to the statement, no true Muslims at any time, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, will redress any perceived grievance.

It expressed the President’s belief that the attacks and other similar atrocities by Boko Haram showed that its leaders and members were misguided persons who used religion to commit crimes.

“Jonathan urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to resist the new attempt by Boko Haram to undermine their support for the armed forces.

“He reaffirmed the resolve of Federal Government and security agencies to intensify ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorists.

“The president assures all Nigerians that the Federal Government and security agencies will continue to intensify efforts to end Boko Haram’s senseless attacks.

“He commiserates with the families and churches that lost loved ones, members and places of worship during Sunday’s attacks,” the statement said.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Music has no language – Phyno

A rapper and producer, Phyno (Chibuzo Nelson), on Friday, in Lagos said that language was not a barrier to the appreciation of music as music had no language.


Phyno, who is renowned for doing his songs in Igbo language, said  that he was grateful to God that all his hard work had eventually paid off.

“At first I was bothered but if you knew things about music you will understand that music has no language.

“One of the biggest songs between last year/this year is `Khona’ and we in Nigeria, we don’t even know what they are saying, so that’s how music is for you.

“You don’t need to understand what they say; just go with the flow as long as they come clear when it comes to their visuals so that’s why I take more time in my videos too.

“Being consistent is like one big challenge that every artiste that is already out has to face unless you are not out and you just have to fight for coming out or just to be relevant.

“But once you are out, the biggest challenge has to be consistency,’’ he said.

Phyno disclosed that he was currently engaged in a “collaboration album’’ with “Olamide’’(Adedeji), a renowned rap artist who raps mostly in the Yoruba language, and  described their union as a “divine blessing.’’

Phyno is signed on to Sputnet Records and has  hits like `Alobam’, ‘Obago’, ‘Man of the Year’ and the smash collaboration, ‘Ghostmode’, featuring Olamide.

His full album titled, ‘No Guts No Glory’, was released earlier this year. (NAN)
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Nigeria can’t survive another four years under PDP —Oyegun

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday, said it would be difficult for Nigeria to survive another four years under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, if things continued the way they were in the country, saying there were several unanswered questions in the last governorship election in Ekiti.

Oyegun, who spoke in Benin City, said his party decided to concede victory to the PDP in the governorship election in Ekiti State because it did not want anything that could make the people react negatively and violently.


He, however, hinted that the party would challenge the trampling on the fundamental human rights of the members before, during and after the election.

Urging Nigerians to embrace APC as the new party with a different agenda to fix Nigeria, he said: “We are presenting our party as new, and different. We have done the studies as people who truly care. There is no way we can prove it to you because we have never ruled this country, but we can tell you to look at our states. We are not pretending to be angels. Politics is not a seminary, neither is it the Papacy, but what is important is what one is doing with the lives of the people. That is what is critical.

“Are you restoring hopes to their lives are you making their lives better? If not for themselves, do they believe that the lives of their children will be better? Are your policies concentrated on improving their lives? Are the sectors working in the interest of the ordinary Nigeria? Do we have power, do we have quality schools, do we have security, and do we have jobs? Can we continue in this kind of state? I have told people who are ready to listen that this country cannot survive another four years of PDP administration. There is no way it can survive it, so we need people who have plans to start taking care of these issues, and that is what the APC represents.”

Ekiti poll
He claimed that many persons who had no business in Ekiti State were allowed into the state while those with concrete reasons to be there were denied entry, insisting that was what the party would challenge.

“Ekiti election, to some extent is still a mystery. It still has aspects that we are trying to unfold but the first point is, because we are a party of change, because we are a party that wants to show Nigerians that there is a different way of doing things, that the party doesn’t have to be bitter, in-spite of all our reservations, the governor was advised to concede, inspite of our reservations for a lot of reasons,” he added.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

WORLD CUP: Netherlands comeback to defeat Mexico 2-1

Netherlands staged a dramatic late comeback on Sunday to win 2-1 and ensure that Mexico's World Cup last-16 hoodoo continued.


Leading 1-0 with two minutes remaining in Fortaleza on Sunday, Miguel Herrera's men stood on the verge of reaching the last eight of the tournament for the first time since 1986, having exited in the second round in each of the past five finals.

However, substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar played a leading role in turning the game on its head, setting up the equaliser for Wesley Sneijder in the 88th minute before converting a stoppage-time penalty after Rafael Marquez was adjudged to have brought down Arjen Robben.

It meant heartbreak for Mexico, who had taken the lead through Giovani dos Santos' fine strike three minutes after half-time, and for long periods it looked as though the Dutch were wilting in the scorching 38-degree (100 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures.

But Huntelaar, introduced in the 76th minute to replace Robin van Persie, headed Robben's corner into the path of Sneijder to rifle home.

The Schalke striker then sent Guillermo Ochoa the wrong way from the spot to seal Netherlands' passage to the quarter-finals and ensure Mexico's last 16 curse was extended.

Van Persie returned from a one-match ban and slotted straight back into Louis van Gaal's starting XI. Van Gaal was forced into a change in the ninth minute when Nigel de Jong was replaced by Bruno Martins Indi, although signs of any injury were unclear.

Mexico, who had Carlos Salcido back in place of the suspended Jose Juan Vazquez, had the first sight of goal in the 17th minute when Hector Herrera fired wide of the left-hand post from just inside the area following good work from Oribe Peralta.

Miguel Herrera's men felt they should have had a penalty shortly afterwards, but Ron Vlaar's high foot on Hector Herrera went unpunished by referee Pedro Proenca.

Salcido then tried his luck from 30 yards in the 24th minute, his rasping drive causing Jasper Cillessen to move to his right and parry the ball behind for a corner.

Van Persie had Netherlands' first half-chance three minutes later, bringing down a ball over the top before firing into the side-netting from an acute angle with his weaker right foot.

Following the first of two cooling breaks in which the players took on fluids to combat the searing temperatures, Mexico went close again just before the interval, Dos Santos seeing his effort saved by the legs of Cillessen.

The Dutch were denied a penalty of their own in stoppage time, Robben going down under a challenge from Hector Moreno, but once again the match official waved play on, with the latter carried off on a stretcher following the incident.

Mexico made a flying start to the second period, Dos Santos lashing a bouncing ball into the bottom right-hand corner from 25 yards three minutes after the restart.

Peralta threatened a second eight minutes later, but Cillessen was equal to his curling effort from just outside the box.

Netherlands came close to an equaliser in the 58th minute, but Ochoa made a superb reaction stop from Stefan de Vrij, tipping the ball onto the post after the defender met Robben's corner four yards from goal.

Sneijder then saw his 18-yard strike deflect narrowly over the bar.

Ochoa was called into action again in the 74th minute, rushing from his line to deny Robben as the Bayern Munich man bore down on goal, while Vlaar headed the resulting corner over the bar from six yards.

Then came the late drama.

Robben's corner was headed back into the centre of the area by Huntelaar, and Sneijder met it unchallenged to lash a shot into the bottom corner past a motionless Ochoa.

And deep into the extended injury-time period - brought about due to the essential water breaks during the clash - Robben was again the architect, driving into the area before turning inside Marquez, who clipped the winger with an oustretched foot to concede a penalty which was swept home stylishly by Huntelaar.

The victory keeps Netherlands' hopes of going one better than in South Africa 2010 alive, while Mexico are cruelly denied a place in the quarter-finals once again, having last gone beyond the last-16 on home soil in 1986.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

INEC has no money to conduct 2015 elections -Reps

The House of Representatives warned on Sunday that it would be impossible for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the 2015 general elections if urgent steps were not taken to address the commission’s financial predicament.


Its Committee on Electoral Matters said in Abuja that INEC had no money to conduct the poll, adding that time was running out on the commission to get some of its programmes for the election on track.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Jerry Manwe, told newsmen that INEC needed an estimated N120billion to plan and conduct the poll.

Manwe added that the commission’s budget proposal for 2014, which it could have used to prepare for the elections, was N120bn.

“Out of the N120bn that INEC proposed, only N45bn was given to the commission by government.

“It means that the commission is short of a huge difference of N75bn”, Manwe stated.

The committee chairman noted that funding challenges could mar elections, expressing concern that, while everyone was already looking forward to the poll, questions were not asked about the financial capacity of INEC to deliver.

He added that, following a series of interface with the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and independent investigations conducted by the committee, the committee came to the conclusion that a supplementary budget for INEC could be the only way out.

Manwe spoke further, “As the Committee on Electoral Matters, our work is to alert the relevant authorities on our findings and the implications for the 2015 elections.

“We have alerted the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation; we as a committee, we cannot initiate a supplementary budget for INEC.

“As it stands, INEC has no money to conduct the elections. If they are not able to get supplementary appropriation, there will be serious problems.”

However, Manwe said he was hopeful that the Federal Government would address the issue with a supplementary budget in the weeks ahead.

“We are waiting to see what happens as we enter July, but it is important to say that, this is the situation for now”, he added.

It will be recalled that on June 9, Jega had appeared before the House Committee on Reform of Government Institutions and gave the assurance that preparations for the polls were on course.

“We give assurance that preparations by INEC for the 2015 general elections are proceeding in earnest”, he stated.

But, he also admitted that the commission’s immediate challenges included “insecurity; funding; attitude of the political class; apathetic and inactive citizenry; delay in amendment to the legal framework; completion of the review of electoral constituencies and polling units.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Why young men join Boko Haram – Report

The United States of America’s Institute of Peace has identified religious ignorance, grinding poverty, unemployment and illiteracy as reasons why Boko Haram has continued to be successful in recruiting young men into its ranks of deadly foot soldiers and potential suicide bombers.



According to the author of the special report, ‘Why Do Youth Join Boko Haram’, Freedom Onuoha, the ongoing insurgency was “a national, regional and international concern”.

In the 12-page report published in June, Onuoha, who is the Head of the Department of Conflict, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Studies at the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of Nigeria’s National Defence College in Abuja, stated that the terrorist group had been able to recruit young men because of the little or lack of basic knowledge of what the Qur’an teaches.

In the report, Onuoha said, “The reasons a young boy agrees to spy on police may be completely different to the reasons other members abduct two hundred schoolgirls. The boy who carries out a suicide bombing at a police station certainly has different motivations to the one who makes a little money helping the organisation out.”

Touching on the role religion plays their recruitment as Boko Haram members he said, “Ignorance of religious teaching opposed to violence makes youth more vulnerable and susceptible to recruitment. In all the states surveyed, there is unanimity that initial ignorance of religious teaching is the leading factor influencing the adoption of extreme religious views, especially among youth.

“The lack of deep knowledge of true religious teaching is partly related to three observable dangerous trends in the recent practice of religion in Nigeria: the proliferation of sects in both Islam and Christianity, the proliferation of independent preachers in both religions, and the increasing reliance on preachers rather than on the holy books themselves.”

According to the author of the commissioned report, young people are very vulnerable to recruitment and radicalisation by independent and roaming preachers, extremist groups, and religious ideologues, who often distort religious injunctions.

In a survey quoted in the report, 93.2 per cent of respondents in Borno state were of the view that ignorance of the full teaching of their religion influenced young people’s adoption of extreme religious views. In Kano and Sokoto states, 90 per cent and 82 per cent of respondents, respectively, believed that ignorance of the full teaching of their religions is a factor that influences the adoption of extreme religious views by young people in the community.

The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, also gave credence to this observation when he said recently that “distorted translation of the Holy Book by the insurgents landed us in this mess. If we have had good understanding of Islam, we would have been in a better place.

“There is no room for extremism in Islam. We need to go back to Islam as practised by Prophet Muhammad, when Islam encouraged Muslims, Jews, and Christians to live in peace with one another.”

In some cases, the report said, some roaming preachers claiming to be Islamic scholars deceived impressionable youths who were radicalised in the training camps of the terrorist groups through distorted interpretation of the Qur’an.

In addition to religious ignorance, the report identified unemployment and poverty as making northern young men vulnerable to radicalisation.

The report said, “Figures from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics show that the country’s unemployment rate in 2006 averaged 14.60 per cent until 2011, when it reached an all-time high of 23.90 per cent.

“NBS figures released in early 2013 revealed that, despite favourable economic growth and performance, Nigeria’s poverty rate jumped from 54.7 percent in 2004 to 60.9 percent in 2010. In 2011, 100 million Nigerians lived in absolute poverty and 12.6 million more were moderately poor. The worst hit by these afflictions are young people, especially in northern Nigeria.”

It added that incidence of unemployment in Borno and Kaduna states were high.

The report further noted that: “In Borno and Kaduna states, survey respondents identified the high incidence of unemployment and poverty that prevail in the state as the second most important reason why youth engage in religious-based violence.

“In Kaduna state, 83 percent of respondents reported that unemployment and poverty are important factors. In Kano, 92 percent cited them as important.

“This is not to argue that unemployment and poverty are direct causes of youth radicalisation; rather, privation and other frustrating conditions of life render youth highly vulnerable to manipulation by extremist ideologues.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

NIGERIA - FRANCE: We can make history today - Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says a place in the quarter-final should take precedence over his record as the first African to lead an African team to the second round at the FIFA World Cup.

Last year he became the first black African coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations in 21 years, and last Wednesday he helped Nigeria secure a place in the round of 16 at Brazil 2014.


The former Nigeria captain said. “For me, my team and country come before any personal glory.

“That we made the second round and are able to achieve this against all odds is all that matters.”

There have been suggestions in some quarters that Keshi’s achievement in winning the Nations Cup and taking his team to the knock-out stages has not been given the value it should by the international media.

“What is important is to focus on what lies ahead – not Stephen Keshi and his record,” Keshi said.

Nigeria will face France for only the second time at senior level on Monday in Brasilia.

In their previous clash, the Super Eagles beat France 1-0 in a friendly in Saint Etienne in June 2009, but Keshi says it will be a different ball game against the French as Nigeria aim to equal Africa’s all time best.

Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana have all reached the quarterfinals in 1990, 2002 and 2010 respectively.

“We are not bothered about the past but only interested in this present day,” Keshi added.

“My boys know what I expect and our opponents will not make life easy for them.

“The Super Eagles have never made it to the quarterfinals so they can make history of their own.

“There’s no motivation bigger than that.”

Keshi is one of only two men who has won the Nations Cup as a player and a coach – the other being Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary.

In 1994 Keshi captained the Super Eagles to their second continental success in Tunisia and 19 years later he was in charge of the side as they won the trophy for the third time in their history in South Africa.

He also led Togo to their first – and to date only – appearance at the World Cup finals, but was sacked a few months before Germany 2006. He is the only African coach to have qualified two nations to the World Cup tournament.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

REVEALED: List of attacks blamed on Boko Haram in 2014

A number of churches in northeast Nigeria were attacked by suspected Boko Haram Islamists on Sunday, near the town of Chibok where more than 200 teenage girls were kidnapped in April.

Witnesses say they fear that yet again, dozens have been killed.

Here are some of the deadly raids, kidnappings and bombings that have been linked to Boko Haram this year:


- February 15, 2014: An attack blamed on the extremist sect leaves more than 100 people dead in the mostly Christian village of Izghe in the north-eastern state of Borno.

- April 14: Gunmen kidnap 276 female high school students in Chibok, Borno. Fifty-seven managed to escape but the rest are still being held. Several foreign countries, including the United States, have joined forces to try to find the girls.

- April 14: A blast at a bus station packed with morning commuters at Nyanya, on the southern outskirts of Abuja, kills at least 75 people, the most deadly attack to date on the capital. Boko Haram claims responsibility. On May 1, a car bomb at the same spot kills 19, and leaves 80 injured.

- May 5: At least 300 people are killed in an attack in Gamboru Ngala, in Borno state near the border with Cameroon, which totally destroys the town.

- May 20: At least 118 are killed and 56 injured in two car bomb attacks on a market in Jos, central Nigeria, which go off within 20 minutes of each other. The regional governor blames Boko Haram.

- June 1: At least 40 are killed when a bomb explodes at a football stadium in Mubi in the north-east of the country shortly after a match. The attack is blamed on Boko Haram.

- June 3: Hundreds are feared dead in a suspected Boko Haram attack on four villages in Borno state, with local leaders putting the death toll as high as 500.

- June 17: 21 football fans are killed when a bomb rips through the viewing centre where they are watching the World Cup in Damaturu, northern Nigeria.

- June 24: Local officials report 30 killed and more than 60 women kidnapped in a series of attacks over several days in Borno state, although the Nigerian government denies the abductions.

- June 25: At least 21 people are killed and 17 injured in a bombing at a crowded shopping centre in the centre of Abuja. The attack — the third on the city in three months — is blamed on Boko Haram.

- June 29: Suspected Boko Haram gunmen riding on motorcycles target a number of churches during Sunday mass, opening fire on worshippers and chasing them into the bush. Witnesses fear dozens are killed.

(AFP)
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

WORLD CUP: Costa Rica through to the last 8

Costa Rica kept their World Cup dream alive as they beat Greece on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the last 16 on Sunday.

Earmarked as whipping boys having been drawn alongside England, Italy and Uruguay in Group D, Jorge Luis Pinto's men shocked the world by winning the pool with a haul of seven points.


And another chapter was written in their remarkable story in Recife on Sunday as, following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, they triumphed in the shootout against a Greece side who know all about beating the odds following their Euro 2004 victory 10 years ago.

That Costa Rica even forced spot-kicks was incredible given they suffered the heartbreak of seeing Sokratis Papastathopoulos force extra time with a last-gasp strike.

At that stage, it appeared Oscar Duarte's 66th-minute sending off, which came after Bryan Ruiz put the South Americans ahead, would prove decisive.

But having produced a string of stunning saves to deny Greece in outfield play, Keylor Navas was the hero of the shootout as he kept out Theofanis Gekas' effort.

Despite the pressure of attempting to take Costa Rica to the quarter-finals for the first time, Michael Umana then coolly converted to set up a last-eight meeting with Netherlands.

The game initially lived up to its billing of vibrant attack meeting dogged defence as Costa Rica surged forward with verve.

Costa Rica's endeavour almost brought early reward, too, when Christian Bolanos powerfully struck over from a tight angle.

Greece enjoyed a good spell themselves thereafter, although their final ball left a lot to be desired.

That was also the story at the other end as Costa Rica failed to make the most of good openings with the match becoming increasingly stretched.

When a good delivery finally did come, it almost brought an opener as Jose Holebas' superb left-wing cross to the back post located Dimitris Salpingidis, whose cushioned finish was brilliantly kept out by Navas' right foot.

That was the sole bright moment of a largely turgid first period, yet Costa Rica ensured the second would be decidedly more exciting by scoring in the 52nd minute.

Ruiz was the man to find the net, his fortuitous finish from 20 yards wrong-footing goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis following Bolanos' slide-rule pass.

Seemingly holding all of the aces at that stage, Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men midway through the second period when Duarte was sent off for a second bookable offence following an ill-judged sliding challenge on Holebas.

Suddenly sparked into life, Greece pressed forward in numbers and got their equaliser in the 91st minute when Papastathopoulos rifled home after Navas had produced a fine save to deny Gekas.

Costa Rican disappointment quickly turned to relief, however, when Navas produced a stunning save to turn Konstantinos Mitroglou's header over the crossbar.

Inspired by the efforts of their goalkeeper, Costa Rica's defenders were similarly heroic in the first period of extra-time, producing a host of crucial late blocks.

Remarkably, it was the 10 men prospering in the second half - although Greece missed the best chance when Lazaros Christodoulopoulos hit straight at Navas following a quick counterattack in which Fernando Santos' side had a five-on-two chance in their favour.

There was still time for one last opening, too, as Navas produced another fine save, this time denying Mitroglou from point-blank range.

An impressive shootout ensued as the first seven were converted until Navas athletically kept out Gekas.

Umana then made no mistake, his conversion sending the Costa Rican supporters into delirium.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Davido Wins 'BEST AFRICAN ACT' at the 2014 BET Awards

The DAVIDO takeover continued yesterday night, as the Nigerian Pop star bagged the award for ‘Best African Act‘ at the 2014 BET Awards that took place at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.


Davido beat Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, South Africa’s Mafikizolo, Ghana’s Sarkodie, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Togo’s Toofan to win the award.

‘Thanks to all my fans!! WE WON‘, Davido excitedly wrote on his Twitter moments after winning his award.

The 21-year old star won 2 awards at the 2014 MTV MAMAS

Earlier in June, the ‘Skelewu’ singer also won the ‘Best African Act’ award at the MTV Africa Music Awards....

Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Children more likely to die in Nigeria than in any other country participating in World Cup

Nigeria has the highest rate of child deaths among all the nations represented at the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup, a new scorecard of the 32 countries competing in the tournament has shown.

According to the scorecard, Nigeria has reduced child mortality by only 42 percent since 1990.



For every 1,000 births in Nigeria, 124 children will die before they reach age five, the report showed.

“The World Cup scorecard shows that when governments prioritize child health, dramatic progress can be made,” said Naveen Thacker, president-elect of the Asia Pacific Pediatric Association.

“Leaders from government, civil society and the business community must unite to ensure that preventable child deaths are soon consigned to the history books” he added.

However, the report says all countries have made significant progress in reducing childhood mortality since 1990, when the World Cup was hosted by Italy.

Yet, not all countries have progressed equally. This year’s host, Brazil, leads the way with a 77 percent reduction in deaths among children under age 5 since 1990.

The ranking, “Child Mortality: What’s the Score?” is being released in the run-up to the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Partners Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30 – July 1.

At the conference, global leaders will call for accelerated action to improve the health of children, newborns and mothers everywhere.

“There are two main reasons for the reduction of child mortality in Brazil: expanding access to primary health care and Bolsa Família, the world’s largest cash transfer program,” said Paulo Vicente Bonilha de Almeida, child health coordinator with the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

“The National Immunization Program increased immunization rates among Brazilian children, and the National Breastfeeding Policy more than quadrupled breastfeeding.”

Since 1988, Brazil’s constitution has guaranteed its citizens universal health coverage, so that they may access life-saving health services regardless of ability to pay.

Bolsa Família provides cash transfers to poor families in exchange for ensuring that children receive vaccines and attend school. Today, for every 1,000 births in Brazil, 14 children will die before their fifth birthday – down from 62 in 1990, the report further revealed.

Unfortunately, like Nigeria, not every country is doing well as Brazil in saving children’s lives.

A major challenge to saving children’s lives is that nearly half of all deaths in children under age five occur in the first 28 days of life.

A prevalent myth is that to save newborns, sophisticated hospitals and intensive care units are needed.

“Simple low-cost solutions could help every country dramatically reduce newborn deaths,” said Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, co-director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health inCanada.

“For example, wiping the umbilical cord with a disinfectant reduces deaths by half. Putting the baby onto the mother’s chest and encouraging breastfeeding also help prevent life-threatening infections.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Boko Haram kills 51, over 5 churches burnt near Chibok

No fewer than 51 people are feared dead after armed men attacked some communities near Chibok, and also set ablaze five churches early Sunday.

In the offensive, which was said to have lasted for about four hours, the terrorists attacked churches during Sunday worship, shot at worshippers and set the church buildings ablaze.


A resident said, ‘‘Boko Haram stormed Kautikari, Kwada and Karagau villages early in the morning at about 8.45am.

“The attackers locked worshippers inside the church and rained bullets on them.”

The source said 30 persons were shot dead in Kwada while about nine were killed in Karagau.

According to the source, no fear than nine worshippers were killed inside the Kautikari EYN church.

A youth leader in the area, Mr. Moses Zakwa, who spoke to one of our correspondents, said, “The communities that were attacked are Kwada, Kautikari and Karagau, all in the Chibok Local Government Area. As of now, over 20 persons have been confirmed dead, 10 of which I know personally.

“My cousin and one of my uncles were among those killed. He had three wives and over 20 children and he was killed in cold blood. The attack started around 8.00am and it lasted for over four hours

“The gunmen also opened fire on worshippers in a church service. People have not been sleeping at home. Some have run into the nearby bush to hide because their lives are at risk.”

Zakwa is the president of the Kibaku Youth Association.

Another Chibok indigene, Manasseh Allen, also confirmed the attack in a telephone chat with our correspondent.

“We need divine help,” he said, adding that Kautikari is the second largest town in Chibok council area.

A member of the Borno State House of Assembly, representing Chibok constituency, Mr. Aimu Foni, also told NE, “It’s obvious this was a Boko Haram attack because three days ago, they threatened to attack.”

The attack on Kwada, Karagau and Kautikari villages came exactly 74 days after members of the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, abducted well over 200 pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, on April 14.

The insurgents had two weeks ago written to the council area that they would attack it again.

Indigenes on Sunday listed the churches burnt down in the attacked communities to include a branch of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, COCIN and EYN.

“They (the insurgents) killed and burnt down houses after they had attacked worshippers in five churches in Kwada, and advanced to Kautikari less than eight kilometres to Chibok town, killing and burning down people’s houses and properties,” another indigene, Malam Yahi, told one of our correspondents on the phone from Chibok.

“As of now we do not know about the efforts of the security agents, whether they are on ground or not but all our people, those who can flee have run into the bush and are being pursued by the murderers,” Yahi added.

A top local government official in Chibok town, who did not want his name published, told journalists on Sunday afternoon that “our people have fled into the bushes and we can only appeal that security men are immediately drafted to the town and environs.”

He complained that on receipt of the threat letter two weeks back, they had gone to the police to seek maximum protection but that the police authorities had told them then that they had logistic problem.

The attacks on the area caused apprehension even in the state capital, Maiduguri, as some of the indigenes of Chibok in the town were said to be making panic phone calls to their relations back home.

Most of the churches in Maiduguri were also said to have embarked on prayer sessions, asking for God’s intervention after receiving the news of ongoing attacks on their home community.

There was no word from security agents on the fresh attack on Chibok as of the time of this report.

In a related development, Sunday worship in Abuja churches were said to have been filled with testimonies by survivors of last Wednesday’s bombing of the EMAB Plaza in Wuse II area of the Federal Capital City.

Twenty one persons were killed in the blast that rocked the shopping mall. One of the dead victims of the blast is the Managing Editor (North) of the New Telegraph, Malam Suleiman Bissala.

One of our correspondents reported instances of long queues of testifiers in many Pentecostal churches in the city, with many of them narrating how they were divinely saved from death.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Sunday beefed up security on Abuja major highways to forestall another blast in the nation capital.

Our correspondent observed that soldiers had set up checkpoints on the airport road and in the central area of the city, checking contents in the boots of vehicles.

The development slowed down traffic in the areas but motorists expressed satisfaction with the stop – and – search arrangement, which they claimed would further curb the activities of the insurgents.

A cab driver, Mr. Ibrahim Bello, noted that apart from the fact that the presence of the soldiers on the road would scare bombers, the action would a
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Boko Haram in Abuja to intimidate FG - Presidency

The Presidency has said that Boko Haram decided to intensify bombings in Abuja with the aim of intimidating the Federal Government.


It, however, warned that those who have hands in series of bombings across the country will pay for it at the fullest of time.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said this on Sunday when he paid a condolence visit to the office of New Telegraph, whose Managing Editor, Northern Operations, Mr. Suleiman Bisala died at the Emab Plaza Bombing, which happened in Abuja, on Wednesday.

At least, 21 people were killed during the bombing.

He said, “This country will not go under because of insurgency. We are too large, too blessed than to be intimidated by the Boko Haram. Boko Haram is here in Abuja to intimidate the government.

“Government will not fold it hands. All those who have hands in this would pay for it at the fullest if time. These people (victims) are dead for an offence that they did not know.

“Boko Haram is about the fight for the soul of this country. What is the sense of bombing everywhere? It is struggle for power. God that sees the inner minds of Nigerians, will see us through.”

He said it was unfortunate that many innocent Nigerians were being killed for an offence they did not know, regretting that majority of those being killed didn’t know anything about politics.

For example, he said most of the people that died during the last bombing in abuja were either passers by, recharge card sellers, telephone sellers and people he said who were working and looking for their daily bread.

Okupe said, “90 per cent of them are not connected to politics. Yet, they are snatched away by the wicked few among us.

“It is a something I don’t know. I have children and I have blood running in me. What is the difference between me and Bisala? It could have happened to me. I send people to fix telephones there.

“This is aimed at all Nigerians. The security agencies are, I must tell you, I’m close to them, and I know what they do, majority of them have gone through hell and have lost their lives and those of loved ones. They don’t have shifts. The heart of men is wicked.”

He, however, gave an assurance that government would not give up its responsibility of protecting Nigerians and that Boko Haram would be defeated at the end.

The presidential aide said, “Boko haram mat kill us, may destroy our properties, they will not win.

“Nigeria will win the war against terrorism. By the grace of God, we will prevail. As a government, the incessant bombings worries government.

“The bombings will not derail government, it will not stop the government from protecting the citizens. We will continue to do what we needed to do to guarantee safety.

“Insurgency have been everywhere, but insurgency have never, never won. They were in Britain for 17 years, it stopped. In Srilanka, it stopped.

“Government and the security agencies were never prepaid for it. But now we are ready for it. We will defeat them. We have the resources and the men for it.

“By coming to abuja, it is to intimidate government and it is not going to work.”

Okupe said that some individuals were already working on how to form an NGO, which he said would bring succour to the families of victims of Boko Haram.

He said the NGO would come into stream in the ext few weeks.

Responding, the Acting of Abuja office of New Telegraph, Mr. Louis Achi, said the blast happened few minuted after Bisala left office.

He appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to the insecurity problems in the country.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Islamist militant group declares caliphate in Iraq, Syria

Islamist militant group Isis has said it is establishing a caliphate, or Islamic state, on the territories it controls in Iraq and Syria.


It also proclaimed the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as caliph and “leader for Muslims everywhere”.

Setting up a caliphate ruled by the strict Islamic law has long been a goal of many jihadists.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s army continued an offensive to retake the northern city of Tikrit from the Isis-led rebels.

The city was seized by the insurgents on June 11 as they swept across large parts of northern-western Iraq.

In a separate development, Israel called for the creation of an independent Kurdish state in response to the gain made by the Sunni rebels in Iraq.

Isis (the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) announced the establishment of the caliphate in an audio recording posted on the internet.

It said the Islamic state would extend from Aleppo in northern Syria to Diyala province in eastern Iraq.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the group said, would become the leader of the state and would be known as “Caliph Ibrahim”.

In the recording, the rebels also demanded that all Muslims “pledge allegiance” to the new ruler and “reject democracy and other garbage from the West”.

Isis also said that from now on it would be known simply as “the Islamic State”.

On Sunday, Iraqi government jets struck at rebel positions and clashes broke out in various parts of Tikrit, witnesses and officials said.

“The security forces are advancing from different areas”, Lt-Gen Qassem Atta told journalists. “There are ongoing clashes.”

Troops had reportedly pulled back to the nearby town of Dijla as Saturday’s initial offensive met stiff resistance.

The heavy fighting over the two days caused many casualties on both sides, eyewitnesses and journalists told the BBC.


Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

We don’t know where Chibok girls are – US

The United States said on Friday it had decreased its surveillance flights in the search for the about 219 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram, but added that the overall effort was unchanged due to more flights by other countries.


It stated that it had no idea of the location of the girls, noting however that there is no letup in the efforts to locate and rescue them.

“We don’t have any better idea today than we did before about where these girls are, but there’s been no letup of the effort itself,” Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters, according to Reuters.

Kirby said the same level of effort was being sustained now through international involvement.

A US defence official speaking on condition of anonymity said American flights had been reduced only after a body of intelligence had been gathered and that the cuts had been offset by the British and the French support.

Kirby denied a suggestion that US flights over Nigeria had been reduced to accommodate increased US surveillance over Iraq, where Washington is flying unmanned and manned aircraft to gather intelligence about Sunni insurgents.

He said some of the resources that were being used in Nigeria had been diverted from other missions in Africa and could now be used elsewhere on the continent.

Officials declined to say how long heightened U.S. surveillance over Nigeria had lasted.

Asked whether it was just a week or two, the defence official said, “No. We were building this baseline for a good period of time.”

US surveillance flights over Nigeria were now intermittent, the source said.

US military personnel are in Abuja helping to coordinate the effort, and some 80 others were sent to Chad in May to support the surveillance operation.

Chad is northeast of Nigeria and borders the area in which Boko Haram is known to operate.

In the last month, US officials had played down expectations about a swift rescue of the girls and stressed the limitations of intelligence from surveillance flights.

One US official voiced concerns that Boko Haram might have booby-trapped areas where the girls could be held, and there had been reports that they might have been split up into groups that were not being held in one place.

The defence official said surveillance alone would not lead to a resolution. “It will take the Nigerian piece of the equation with their own sources and human intelligence coupled with the other forms to really understand the picture,” he noted.

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Friday, President Goodluck Jonathan said his government and security services had “spared no resources, have not stopped and will not stop until the girls are returned home.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Police rescue kidnapped female banker, nab suspect in Lagos

The Police in Lagos State, weekend, burst a kidnap gang operating at Ajah area of state and rescued a female banker and one other, while a member of the gang was arrested.
It was gathered that the female banker identified simply as Ladi and the other victim, identified as Patrick, were kidnapped by the gang last weekend at Elemoro area of Ajah while driving into their houses.

The kidnappers were said to have double crossed the victims with a Toyota Camry car and whisked them away in separate operations.

Police sources disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims but it was later reduced to N6 million.

A source further added that a combined team of SARS and SIB operatives were deployed to Ajah in search of the victims, but they succeeded on the sixth day as they found them abandoned in a forest at Elemoro area of Ajah.

According to the source, “the operatives tracked the kidnappers to a forest and while they were combing the place for the victims, they spotted a man who looked suspicions and arrested him. The man posed as a bricklayer, but after a short interrogation it turned out that he was a member of the kidnap gang and was taken into the forest in search of the victims who were later found while their kidnappers escaped.“

It was gathered that the suspect, whose name was withheld as the policemen were still on the trail of other members of his gang, confessed that his gang was based in Delta State but relocated to Lagos three weeks ago. Our source also added that the suspect said the gang had planned to use the N6 million ransom to rent an apartment they would use as hideout.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Why we conceded defeat in Ekiti–Oyegun

Chief John Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the party conceded victory to the PDP in the Ekiti governorship election to prevent the outbreak of violence.

Oyegun, who said this in Benin on Sunday while fielding questions from newsmen, also said that contrary to insinuations the Ekiti governorship poll was characterised with lots of irregularities.



He said that it was in view of these irregularities that the party took the decision to challenge the election result in the court.

“It should be noted that we didn’t just concede victory because the election was flawless but we took the decision to avoid violence.

“We did not want anything that will make the people react negatively and violently.

“The party will challenge the trampling on the fundamental human rights of the people before during and after the election,” he said.

He said that Nigerians should embrace the APC as the new party with a different agenda to fix Nigeria.

“We are presenting our party as new, as different, and we have done the studies as people who truly care.

“There is no way we can prove it to you because we have never ruled this country but we can tell you to look at APC-controlled states.

“We are not pretending to be angels, politics is not a seminary nor is it the papacy but what is important is what are you doing with the lives of the people?

“Are you restoring hopes to their lives? Are you making their lives better? If not for themselves, do they believe that the lives of their children will be better?

“Are your policies concentrated on improving their lives? Are the sectors working in the interest of the ordinary Nigerian?

“Do we have power, do we have quality schools, do we have security, do we have jobs?

“Can we continue in this kind of state? I have told people who are ready to listen that this country cannot continue like this.

“There is no way it can survive it. So, we need people who have plans to start taking care of these issues and these are what the APC represents,” he said. (NAN)
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

President Jonathan to travel to Brazil to watch Super Eagles if they make it to the quarter-finals

President Jonathan has promised to travel to Brazil to watch the Super Eagles live if they make it to the quarter-final stage of the 2014 World Cup. Nigeria will play France in the Round of 16 tomorrow Monday June 30th (5pm Nigerian time) and if they beat France, GEJ and some members of his govt will travel to Brazil to watch their next match.



This was revealed by Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, who said the additional incentive from the president has motivated the players to beat France at all cost. Nigeria has never reached the quarter-final stage of any World Cup

"He assured us when he called that he's behind us and if we beat France and qualify for the quarter-final, he will come and visit us and watch the next game. That's a very big motivation for us to know that the president will come and visit us. It's better than money and we are determined to go there and fight and give our best. It's a morale booster." Yobo told kickoffnigeria.com
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Fraudsters impersonate me on Facebook – Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Sunday, raised the alarm that some impostors have opened Facebook accounts in his name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.


Ekweremadu, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Uche Anichukwu, said the intention of the criminals was to engage in shady deals and defraud innocent Nigerians.

The statement reads in part, “Our teeming supporters and members of the public are hereby warned not to have anything to do with any of such Facebook accounts, as they have absolutely nothing to do with Senator Ike Ekweremadu or Office of the Deputy President of the Senate.

“Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu has no Facebook account and anyone dealing with or communicating with anyone who claims to be the Deputy President of the Senate on any matter, including contracts, appointments, scholarships, sponsorship, etc is certainly doing so at his or her own risk.

“The person is obviously dealing with fraudsters. His scholarship scheme and other empowerment programmes are handled by the Ikeoha Foundation, a nongovernmental and not-for-profit organisation he founded in 1997.

“The Annual scholarship programmes and bursary awards are usually advertised and the beneficiaries selected based on pre-determined criteria.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Intimidation, harassment of voters will fail in 2015 - APC

The All Progressives Congress has said the use of armed soldiers to harass and intimidate voters will not work during the 2015 general elections.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this in an interview with our correspondent, in Abuja, on Sunday.


He explained that the APC lost the Ekiti State largely due to the unconstitutional involvement of armed military personnel who were used to harass and intimidate its supporters and voters, as well as the obscene use of money.

Mohammed said it was very unlikely that the use of armed military personnel to cow voters will have any impact in 2015, because all politics is local and what happens in one state may not be possible in another.

He said, “What happened in Ekiti was possible because it was an isolated election. In an isolated election they could use all kinds of intimidation, the obscene use of money and over militarialisation, in the general elections, you can’t have 36,000 security men in Ekiti State alone.

“If they want to try that in Osun, we wish them luck. We will assure Nigerians that we will continue to play the game according to the rules.

“We will continue to demonstrate to Nigerians that for us as a party, politics is not do or die we only want to serve.

“But if anybody in Nigeria today, feels that character, performance, accountability, visionary leadership is to be sacrificed on the altar of stomach infrastructure; we are not going to impose ourselves on the people.”

According to him, the party was worried and disturbed but not cowed.

He said, “We will go back to the drawing board. But clearly, we are going to encourage those of our leaders who were arrested, unlawfully detained to seek redress in court.

“Why we are worried about what happened in Ekiti is because it is actually dangerous in one respect. Dangerous in the sense that what happened is just like saying, it doesn’t matter we may not have electricity, government may not be able to provide us roads, our children could be missing, youths could be dying when they are stampeded when they go to look for jobs, Boko Haram could be ravaging the whole country it does not matter.

“All that matters is if we are able to spread enough money to a few people, we use soldiers and other security operatives to intimidate voters this is the sad lesson from it.”

The party spokesman wondered how the people could reject a governor that introduced a welfare programme, who blocked all avenues of corruption and improved the educational system.

He further explained that the outcome of the election has redefined the sociology of Ekiti people, if really that is their wish.

He however, said it was the beauty of democracy.

He said people could reject what was considered development and say they don’t care.

He said, “All we want is somebody who can dance Fuji with us in the morning, Azonto with us in the afternoon and drink palm wine with us in the evening. If that is their wish, they get that of government.”

He expressed confidence that what happened in Ekiti was not likely to adversely affect the fortunes of the party in 2015.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

I won’t contest election again – Obi

Immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter said weekend that no amount of pressure would make him change his mind to go for any elective position in Nigeria.


Speaking with reporters at Ochuche in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State where his former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr. Dubem Obaze received a chieftaincy title from all traditional rulers in Anambra North senatorial zone, Obi, however said he is prepared to serve Nigeria in any capacity.

Obi’s entry into the venue of the ceremony sent jubilation among the audience, with most politicians who graced the occasion swarming his sitting position to greet and have a handshake with him.

In what sounded like a note of finality on the issue, Obi said: “I started telling people during my second tenure in office as governor that I will not aspire for any elective position in the country, but some people thought I was joking.

“Some have even been speculating that I will be contesting for senate for Anambra Central in 2015 or for another elective position at the national level and I want to say here that I have no such ambition.

“However, I am prepared to make myself available for the service of my country in non- elective position.

“I believe that after serving as governor for eight years, I should allow other people go for political offices meant for the state. There is therefore no truth in the rumour that I want to contest for senate next year.”

Obi said he would remain in All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, no matter the nature of assignment he is carrying out for the nation, adding that deliberate efforts would continue to ensure that the party becomes stronger in the country.

With Obi’s statement on his future political ambition, his admirers and political associates who have already started holding nocturnal meetings for the purpose of drafting him to contest for senate in 2015 may have to look elsewhere.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

EFCC’s top official joins Benue governorship race

Immediate past commissioner in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Paul Harris Ogbole, has joined the Benue state gubernatorial race.

Ogbole declared to vie for the governorship position, weekend, when he led members of his campaign team and supporters on a courtesy visit to officials of the State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.


He said he decided to join the race after due consultations with political stakeholders and his supporters who urged him to present himself for service of higher responsibility.

“I have come today to intimate the leadership of our great party of my decision to vie in the forthcoming 2015 governorship race in line with the wishes and aspirations of my supporters who are spread across the entire state as well as my well wishers.

“I am joining the race with the strong conviction that I will emerge victorious, given my support base, and together we shall all consolidate on the achievements of the Governor Gabriel Suswam led administration.

“I therefore urge the party and our people to avail me their support, so that together we will build a Benue of our dreams.”

Receiving the team, the state Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo said the party was open to every member to ventilate his or her ideas and aspirations.

“That is why we will continue to assure every member aspiring for one position or the other that we will avail you a level playing field and also continue to be impartial in all of our activities and disposition towards all aspirants so as to ensure a crisis free electoral process in our party.”
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Gunmen kill 13 Fulani herdsmen in Taraba

The police in Jalingo confirmed that unknown gunmen on Saturday trailed and killed 13 Fulani herdsmen who were returning from village markets in Garba-Chede and Maihula.


ASP Joseph Kwaji, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the police command in the state made the disclosure on Sunday in Jalingo.

He said the herdsmen were waylaid and killed by unidentified group of armed youths along a bush path in the outskirts of Maihula in Bali Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, no arrest has been made but the command has beefed up security in the area to track down the perpetrators.

He added that it was not clear why the incident took place but further investigation would be able to reveal the reasons for the attack and the people behind it.

The Chairman of Bali Local Government Area, Mr Andrew Yerima, said the herdsmen were trailed by the armed men from Garba-Chede market where they were believed to have gone to sell their cows.

Yerima called for calm and advised residents of the area not to take the law into their hands.

He assured them that the culprits would be brought to book. (NAN)
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Jonathan condemns Friday night’s bombing in Bauchi, Kaduna

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan condemned Friday night’s bombing in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi State and the recent mass killings in Southern Kaduna.

The President on Sunday, in a statement signed by Reuben Abati – Special Adviser to President on Media & Publicity, commiserates with all the families who lost loved ones in the heinous attacks and extends his heartfelt sympathies to all those who suffered injuries or lost their properties during the wanton assaults on Bauchi and Kaduna States.


President Jonathan in a statement reassured the people of Bauchi and Kaduna States that the Federal Government will continue to take all necessary action to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly attacks and restore the fullest possible security to all parts of the country.

The President ordered all relevant federal government agencies to continue to speedily make emergency medical and relief assistance available to all those who were either injured or displaced by recent bombings and attacks.

He further urged Nigerians to give maximum support and cooperation to the Armed Forces and security agencies who continue to work incessantly to end the menace of insecurity in the country within the shortest possible time.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Kidnappers threatened to cut off my mother's head – Bayelsa commissioner

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Furuebi Akene, have raised the alarm that the captors of his septuagenarian mother, Patimi Akene, have threatened to cut off her head.

Patimi was abducted recently by unknown gunmen at Fonibiri community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.


Akene, who spoke when some concerned Bayelsans paid him a sympathy visit on Saturday, said he was neither intimidated nor apprehensive over the threat.

He said though the abductors had reduced the ransom demand from N30m to N10m in the last few days, it was worrisome that the captors still threatened to behead her mother over his refusal to accede to the ransom demand.

The commissioner said, “One of the kidnappers, who claimed to be the leader of the gang threatened to kill my mother.
“He said he would cut off her head and deliver it to my house on INEC Road, Yenagoa, and leave her body at the village. His reason is because of the difficulty in getting me to agree with their demand, They are no longer calling me for ransom.”

Akene noted that though the kidnappers had stopped calling him, they had instead started negotiation with his younger sister.
He said the unnamed sister pleaded with hismother’s captors to collect N1m, but they refused, claiming that the amount was too minute for their fuel let alone their amount for their feeding and that of my mother.

Akene recalled that when the news of the abduction got to him, he abandoned his proposed trip to attend the World Surveyors Conference in Malaysia.

“When they demanded that I resigned from the present administration as a condition for my mother’s release, I told them that I was not a man out to sacrifice my mother for position.

“They allowed me to speak with her twice.The first time, she told me she was OK and I asked her if the kidnappers were Ijaws, she confirmed they were. On second occasion, they made my mother cry as a means to convince me of their seriousness. She was crying and begged me to secure her release and give them the money.

“They asked me to pay them their money. I told him I would not pay as I was not owing them. The last text I received was ‘You have lost your mother’.”

Patimi was forcibly taken away by six gunmen around 1am from her home close to the waterside of the community on Saturday, June 14, 2014.

The commissioner’s mother and one of her grand daughters were returning home from a church vigil on the fateful day when the hoodlums swooped on her.

They bandits were said to have sped away with the victim into the creeks in a speed boat they operated.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

FIFA demands back-up letter from NFA for supporters to use musical instruments

Football’s governing body, FIFA, has agreed to allow the  Nigeria Football Supporters Club to bring in its  musical instruments into the stadium in Brazil, provided there is a back-up letter from  Nigeria Football Association (NFA).


Rafiu Oladipo, the President-General of the club, said at a news conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday that the club had consequently forwarded a letter to NFA requesting for the letter.


Oladipo said that the letter must reach FIFA 24 hours ahead of the Nigeria/France second  round match on Monday.

He added that the letter would also cover Nigeria for other matches in case the Super Eagles qualify for the quarter finals.

FIFA said it had not officially denied the club the right of singing, drumming and trumpeting during Nigeria’s matches but that the club had never requested officially.

The club had been denied the use of musical instruments in various stadia where the Super Eagles played their Group F preliminary matches, a development the players disliked.

FIFA had insinuated that members of club were likely to use the musical instruments as weapons during Eagles matches.

During Nigeria’s first round matches in Curitiba, Cuiaba and Porto Alegrie, the supporters’  musical instruments were seized at stadium gates but released after each match.

Oladipo said that members of the club were never known for violence and pledged not to allow them use the instruments as weapons during Nigeria’s matches.

He expressed confidence that Super Eagles would defeat France in the next round as Nigeria had beaten France before.

He, however, continued to solicit the support of Nigerians at home for the team, saying it was their prayers that had helped the team progress in the competition. (NAN)
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Building collapses kill many in India

Two building collapses in New Delhi and Tamil Nadu states have killed at least 19 people and left dozens trapped, highlighting the need for increased monitoring of construction across India where such incidents are common.


Eleven people including five children were killed in New Delhi after a 50-year-old apartment block with 14 occupants collapsed early on Saturday, a police spokesman said.

Later on the day, a 12-storey building under construction in southern Tamil Nadu state came down, killing four workers on the spot and another four succumbed to injuries later in a hospital, said police officer George Fernandes.

Twelve injured workers have been hospitalized, while six others were allowed to go home after medical attention on Saturday night, Fernandes said.

Local media reports said more than 50 people were feared trapped in the debris of the block.

Numerous building accidents in India’s largest cities have killed about 100 people in the past year, according to local media reports. More than 50 people were killed when an apartment block collapsed in Mumbai last September.

Delhi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma told reporters an investigation into the cause of Saturday’s building collapse had been launched.

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident a “nexus between the builder mafia and the municipal corporation”. The corporation did not a answer phone call requesting comment.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers

Musa, Emenike, Odemwingie’s pace and power worry France

The pace and power of the Super Eagles attack will give France’s defense its biggest test of the World Cup so far when they meet in Monday’s round of 16 match.

Although France kept two clean sheets in the group stage — against Honduras and Ecuador — the variety in the African champion’s forward line offers a much stiffer proposition, and it has already caused problems for bigger teams than France.


Winger Ahmed Musa will be closely marked after scoring both goals in a 3-2 loss to Argentina. His speed was a constant threat and he will look to expose the space behind France’s fullbacks — who are given license to push up in coach Didier Deschamps’ attack-minded team.

Emmanuel Emenike is a bustling, powerful striker, and forward Peter Osaze Odemwingie has the technical ability to unlock defenses and has shown in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Stoke that he is also a sharp finisher.

“They’re a good team, they caused Argentina problems. They are powerful, quick up front and hardworking in midfield,” said France midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who is set to return to the side following suspension. “They play with a lot of energy.”

It will be Nigeria’s first knockout game at a World Cup since 1998 — the year France won the tournament as host — and preparations have hardly been ideal, with Thursday’s training session canceled amid reports of a pay dispute. But the players were back on training terms on Friday evening and they look ready to play.
Four years ago, it was France that was in turmoil before its final group game after going on strike at training.

The official line for why Nigeria didn’t turn up for the practice was that a team meeting ran too long, but reports said players were demanding bonuses owed to them. Fellow West African teams Cameroon and Ghana both had their campaigns disrupted by pay disputes.

Bacary Sagna is battling with Mathieu Debuchy for the right back slot and center half Mamadou Sakho is struggling for fitness with a left hamstring injury. If he fails to recover, Laurent Koscielny will replace him at center half alongside Raphael Varane. But they have started only a handful of games together and Nigeria has enough attacking threat to expose that inexperienced partnership.

France likes to dictate play, but given Nigeria’s propensity to throw players forward, Deschamps may pick his team with quick counterattacks in mind.

He has yet to truly decide what his favored lineup is, making surprise selections in all three group games so far.

Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann are challenging for a starting spot alongside Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena in France’s three-pronged attack, while Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko are contesting a place in midfield.

Griezmann and Sissoko are quicker players and better suited to playing on the break than Giroud and Pogba.
Follow us on Twitter: @NewsFetchers
Like our Facebook page: NewsFetchers