Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Katsina State Police Command has announced the safe return of the 28 girls who were abducted while gathering firewood at Kasai village in Batsari Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The girls were taken captive on the outskirts of their village on Monday in what has become a recurring threat in several LGAs across Katsina state, including Batsari, where bandit attacks have become increasingly common. According to a statement released on Tuesday by Abubakar Aliyu, the police spokesperson in the state, the girls were freed at approximately 10:40 pm on the same day they were abducted. “On the…

The Zamfara State Government says it is set to recruit 2,000 teachers for English Language and Science subjects in the state. The state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, said this in Gusau, the state capital, on Tuesday. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the commissioner spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting on ‘Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project’ in the state. NAN reports that AGILE is a World Bank-assisted project through the Federal Ministry of Education to facilitate secondary education opportunities for adolescent boys and girls aged between 10 and 20 years. The commissioner, represented…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has pledged its commitment to mitigating the potential devastation of flooding in Nigeria as the country braces for the onset of the 2024 rainy season. In a statement issued by NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, she emphasized the agency’s proactive approach, which includes deploying early warning alerts aligned with Seasonal Climate Predictions. Public awareness campaigns will also be intensified to educate citizens on preventive measures against flooding and its associated risks. Umar made these assurances during a courtesy visit by the Head of Office, Nigeria, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated the enforcement of approved guidelines as a condition to enjoy the new retirement age, 65 years old and length of service, 40 years for teachers in the state’s public schools. This is contained in a circular issued by the state Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, on Tuesday in Osogbo, the state capital. The circular noted that all those interested in enjoying the new increased retirement age must comply with the guidelines as stipulated. In the guidelines for teachers to benefit from the scheme, he or she must be within the education cadre…

The Chandigarh Police Crime Branch in India said it has  busted an international drug syndicate, arrested three foreign nationals, and seized 204.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine popularly known as ice. According to the Times of India on Tuesday, the suspects Frank Nwokeji, Loua, and Jack David llobi Tochukwu were Nigerians residing in New Delhi The bust yielded a seizure of 204.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ice.  According to reports from the Times of India, Loua, one of the arrested individuals, had a previous encounter with law enforcement in 2019 under the NDPS Act, involving the possession…

The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery has initiated the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, to oil marketers nationwide.  Confirmed by both dealers and plant officials, the commencement of diesel sales marks a significant stride for the refinery. Abubakar Maigandi, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, hailed Dangote’s initiative, predicting a substantial drop in diesel prices due to increased supply from the refinery.  This comes as a relief to consumers amidst recent price hikes, with Maigandi reporting a noticeable decline in prices already underway in Lagos. A senior management official of the…

Daud Olatunji The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has issued a strong ultimatum, indicating his intention to sever ties with the party if the ongoing internal crisis persists. During an X space session hosted by Parallel Facts, Obi voiced his frustration with the party’s internal turmoil, asserting that he could not remain affiliated if the crisis continued unabated. The threat comes amidst a protracted leadership and ownership dispute between factions led by Julius Abure and Apapa Lamidi, further exacerbated by claims from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding ownership of the Labour Party. While…

Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has refuted claims that he is collaborating with politicians, emphasizing his dedication to the Yoruba cause. Dismissing accusations of collusion with politicians, Igboho emphasized the urgency of reclaiming Yoruba lands from Fulani control, citing instances of violence and displacement in Ekiti State as evidence of the pressing need for action. He said “It is after we recover our farmlands from Fulani that we will know the next step.” Igboho  reiterated his commitment to defending Yoruba territories and livelihoods.”  He also called   for the immediate release of an elderly man, Mr.…

The Delta State Police Command have confirmed the abduction of 10 students by a group of unknown gunmen . The incident occured  along the Evwreni axis of the East-West road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. The State Police Command Spokesman, Edafe Bright  confirmed this via his X page on Monday night, saying the force had deployed its personnel to go after the gunmen to ensure all the students are rescued unharmed.  “Gunmen have abducted 10 students travelling along the Evwreni axis of the East-West road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta state. “The Command…

The Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Anthony Aziegbemi, has  shared the harrowing details of his recent abduction, describing it as an ordeal he wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Speaking with deep emotion, Aziegbemi recounted the terrifying events that unfolded on March 15th, when he was abducted by gunmen near his residence on Idaro Street, Benin City.  The abduction occurred shortly after he left a meeting at the Government House, as he was making his way home with his driver. After spending 11 agonizing days in captivity, Aziegbemi was finally released to the warm embrace of his family in…