EVENTS

11 civilians, security forces killed as fresh crisis erupts near Damascus

Published

2 months ago

May 1, 2025

Eleven people have been killed in clashes in a Damascus suburb, as armed groups attacked civilians and security forces, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported on Wednesday.

Since late Tuesday, armed groups have been firing on civilian and public security vehicles on the roads, while other assailants attacked a checkpoint in Sahnaya city, south of the capital, SANA reported.

Residents told dpa that machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades had caused damage to homes and cars, and left many residents frightened for their safety.

Security forces had advanced to the centre of Sahnaya amid heavy gunfire to reach Druze-dominated neighbourhoods in the city, one resident said.

The clashes in Sahnaya came one day after violence erupted in the town of Jaramana, also near Damascus, sparked by an audio recording of a person insulting Muslim prophet Mohammed.

At least 17 were killed in the Jaramana clashes, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The recording was attributed to a member of the Druze community, sparking clashes between members of the Druze community and other groups.

The Interior Ministry on Tuesday said they are still working to identify the person speaking in the recording.

A statement from the Druze community in Jaramana said the recording was fabricated to incite sedition.

Since the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria’s new Islamist leadership has called for unity and promised inclusivity, but deadly violence has repeatedly broken out.

In March, clashes erupted between Syrian security forces under the country’s new authorities and gunmen loyal to al-Assad in Syria’s western coastal region.

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Yakubu Commends Tinubu, Wike Over New INEC Annex Project

Published

11 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has praised President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for initiating the construction of a new annex office to address congestion at INEC’s current headquarters.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday in Abuja, with Yakubu noting the facility will ease accommodation challenges and support the commission’s growing operations.

EVENTS

CDS visits Benue after deadly attacks

Published

19 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Monday visited Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, days after a deadly attack that left about 160 people feared dead.

The visit followed Friday night’s massacre reportedly carried out by suspected armed herders and bandits.

According to reports, General Musa’s visit is part of efforts by the military to assess the situation on the ground and reassure affected residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The Defence Chief is also scheduled to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.

EVENTS

CP Bakori declares war on thuggery in Kano, orders raids on hideouts

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has issued a firm directive to his officers to launch aggressive operations against the menace of thuggery, known locally as Daba, in a renewed effort to restore lasting peace across the state.

The move came after a high-level security summit held on Friday, June 14, 2025, which brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, as well as Tactical and Operational Commanders from across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police on Sunday.

Speaking during the meeting, CP Bakori declared an all-out offensive on criminal gangs and warned that thuggery would no longer be tolerated in any part of Kano.

“Thuggery will no longer be tolerated,” the police boss stated, urging his commanders to intensify operations and ensure such threats are “nipped in the bud.”

He further assured the people of Kano that, “they will continue to enjoy uninterrupted peace and security, enabling them to sleep with their two eyes closed.” To back his words with action, the Police Command announced a three-pronged strategy to stamp out criminal elements.

These include intelligence-led raids targeting known hideouts, stronger collaboration with community leaders to co-develop security solutions, and coordination with other security agencies to ensure a united response.

While the police ramp up enforcement, CP Bakori also made a passionate appeal to citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and sharing timely information.

“Members of the public are urged to cooperate with the Police and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” the statement read.

Residents can reach the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.