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Benue: Franc Utoo mourns over 100 killed in Yelewata by suspected herdsmen

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Franc Utoo, a native of Yelewata and former Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor, has described the attack on his hometown as a deliberate act of ethnic cleansing and government abandonment.

Ekwutosblog reports that over 100 persons were killed after suspected herdsmen invaded the community in the early hours of Saturday.

In an emotionally charged statement issued on Saturday, Utoo expressed heartbreak over the massacre of his villagers in the assault by suspected Fulani militants, describing it as “a horrifying act of dehumanization.”

He said, “They butchered us like animals. Our people were not just killed; they were wiped out with a chilling ruthlessness that suggests this was more than just another attack, it was an orchestrated extermination.”

According to him, the attackers, believed to have launched from known terrorist bases in the Giza and Kadarko axis of Keana LGA in Nasarawa State, invaded Yelewata between 10 pm and 3 am, riding over 100 motorbikes and carrying high-grade weapons.

He also lamented the absence of military resistance, despite the presence of security forces in the area.

“There were soldiers in Yelewata. They were supposed to protect us. But during the attack, they did absolutely nothing. Their inaction is not just suspicious, IT’S disgraceful,” he added.

Utoo further called for an independent investigation, immediate deployment of security reinforcements, and emergency humanitarian support for survivors, saying, “Yelewata is not just a dot on the map. It is home to thousands of peace-loving people who deserve the right to live without fear. The blood of our people cries out. If this isn’t genocide, then what is?”

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Nigeria projected among top-five world’s biggest economies

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Nigeria has been projected to be among the top five biggest economies in the world by 2075.

The Spectator Index disclosed in a post on Friday, quoting a Goldman Sachs’ document titled ‘The Path to 2075—Slower global growth, but convergence remains intact’.

According to the news platform, Nigeria’s economy is estimated to reach $13.1 trillion by 2075.

The report showed that Nigeria followed China ($57 trillion), India ($52.5 trillion), the United States of America ($51.5 trillion), and Indonesia ($13.7 trillion) in projected world’s biggest economies by 2075.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.84 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. The country’s GDP is estimated to be $568 billion at the end of 2024 in real GDP terms.

Africa’s most populous nation is expected to reach a GDP estimate that could be $585.9 billion.

The development comes as the President Bola Tinubu administration projects a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Meanwhile, financial analysts had expressed doubts over the possibility of Nigeria achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 when the country’s projected GDP growth rate is 3.2 percent.

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Ex-Imo Gov Ohakim, IGP, others win fundamental rights suit by Amuchinwa

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Justice Binta Mohammed of the High Court of the Federal Capital has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by one Lady Chinyere Lilian Amuchinwa on 4th May 202, against six parties, including former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The suit stemmed from Lady Amechinwa’s claims that Ohakim and another party instigated the police to detain her at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in July 2021 over what was not stated in the suit.

Recall that the claim is not unconnected with public accusations made by Lady Amuchinwa against Dr Ohakim which were later found to be unsubstantiated and Ohakim was exonerated.

In their reply to the suit, Ohakim, the IGP and the others challenged the suit as devoid of cause of action and an abuse of the process of the court, the suit having been filed after other similar suits were being pursued elsewhere by Lady Amuchinwa against Dr Ohakim.

The suits included a fundamental rights suit in Imo High Court Owerri, an appeal at Owerri Division of court of appeal court and charges filed at Federal High Court, Abuja, all of which the court noted were either dismissed or struck out against Lady Amuchinwa.

In the full judgment, Justice Mohammed held that “From the unchallenged and uncontroverted evidence in this suit, it is established that the Applicant/Respondent, has commenced a multiplicity of action involving the same set of fact and the same persons therefore constituting an abuse of the judicial process.

“Therefore this issue is resolved in favour of the 1st 3rd and 4th Applicant/respondent as well as the 5th Respondents/Applicants.”

“In conclusion the preliminary objection of the 1st 3rd 4th and 5th Respondents/Applicant succeeded accordingly, the suit filed by the Applicant/Respondent for Enforcement of Fundamental Right on 4/5/22 is hereby dismissed.

“The Applicant has failed to establish a cause of action against the 6th Respondent as nothing remotely connects him to the suit of the Applicant, his name is accordingly struck out from the suit.

“There will no need to consider and determine the Applicant suit the preliminary objections to the suit having succeeded and the suit dismissed.”

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‘Great vacuum’ – Kebbi governor, Idris mourns Dantata

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The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned businessman and community leader, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the nation.

Dantata reportedly died on Friday night in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, after a brief illness.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Governor Idris said he received the news of Dantata’s death with profound grief and sadness, noting that Nigeria has lost a rare figure whose life was dedicated to economic development and humanitarian service.

“Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a true icon whose kind is rarely seen. He committed his life to building our economy and uplifting humanity through selfless service. His passing has left a great vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” the governor said.

Governor Idris offered prayers for the late elder statesman, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him mercy, and admit him into Aljannah Firdaus.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the people of Kano State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss, urging them to draw inspiration from the exemplary life the late businessman lived.

The governor also called on citizens to continue praying for the deceased, and to reflect on his legacy as a reminder of the value of service, humility, and commitment to humanity.

“May Allah forgive him and make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Ameen,” he added.

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