Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has penned a hearty birthday shout out to Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who turned 67 on Wednesday.

He took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday morning to celebrate his illustrious kinsman and described him as “a worthy leader and a consummate democrat”.

Diri asserted that Jonathan’s “patriotism and forthright leadership that remains a model and reference point for our country and the continent”.

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Diri wrote, “Happy 67th Birthday to a worthy leader and a consummate democrat, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR.

“On behalf of the Government, the people of Bayelsa State and the ljaw Nation at large, I rejoice with our father, Dr. Jonathan on this special day.

“We celebrate your patriotism and forthright leadership that remains a model and reference point for our country and the continent.

“Today, we pray, as always, that the torch you lit will continually glow as our democracy thrives.

“May God continue to fill you with wisdom and also keep you in sound health.

“Happy Birthday Your Excellency sir!”

A team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday while conducting surveillance and escorting stranded expatriates in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The operatives, who had just completed inspections of the National Grid installation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, came under heavy attack as they returned to their base, the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday evening.

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“Unknown to them, over 200 dreaded armed Boko Haram elements had laid ambush on a vengeful mission against security operatives who they claimed had been giving them problems,” Afolabi stated.

“And from the top of a hill located at Farin-Kasa, they opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using different sophisticated weapons.”

Despite the surprise attack, the NSCDC operatives successfully repelled the insurgents, reportedly neutralizing more than 50 of them.

However, seven NSCDC personnel are currently missing, and efforts are ongoing to locate them in the surrounding forest.

Several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The ambush occurred as the team escorted expatriates found in the Dagwachi area after leaving a mining site.

“The combined NSCDC operatives in the ambush, however, not overwhelmed by terrorists, repelled the attack and successfully neutralized over 50 of the terrorists in the crossfire,” Afolabi added.

The NSCDC deployed the monitoring team to safeguard critical national infrastructure following a series of attacks on the National Grid that caused a nationwide blackout.

Dr. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, described the attack as “callous and unfortunate” but praised the operatives’ courage.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will not be deterred by such acts of terror,” Audi said.

“We remain committed to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of our operatives.”

Investigations are ongoing, and additional security reinforcements have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.

Hundreds of young women took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday, protesting the alarming rise in cult-related killings that have plagued Edo State.

The women, aged between 30 and 35, lamented the devastating impact of the violence, which they said has turned many into widows and made it increasingly difficult for others to find husbands.

Clad in black, the protesters marched to the Edo State House of Assembly and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, urging government authorities, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and security agencies to urgently address the killings.

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Miss Precious Ikponmwen, one of the protesters, voiced the grief and frustration of the women, saying, “We are tired of the killings. Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s and 30s. Almost all Edo State households have been affected. It is difficult to train children as a single parent. Those fighting are our husbands and brothers. We want government at all levels and security agencies to help us stop these killings.”

Another protester, Miss Ojo Gloria Eki, emphasised the tragic loss of young lives, describing it as a threat to the future of the state. “The youths are the hope and future of any nation, and it is disheartening to witness their lives cut short by violence,” she said.

In a letter co-signed by Eki and Precious Omoghan Ikpowonsa, titled ‘Appeal for Peace and Unity in Edo State,’ the women called on those in authority to act decisively to end the violence.

“We are writing to you with a heavy heart regarding the recent tragic events unfolding in Edo State, specifically the senseless killings of youths that have brought sorrow and despair to our communities,” the letter read.

The letter appealed to traditional and political leaders to promote dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation. It stated, “Your guidance and support in mediating conflicts, promoting tolerance, and advocating for justice will be instrumental in restoring peace and stability in Edo State. Let us stand together as a united community, bound by the values of peace, compassion, and respect for all individuals.”

Since the beginning of November, over 50 people have reportedly lost their lives to renewed cult clashes in Edo State.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate cultists and other criminal elements to ensure the state’s safety.

The protesters urged immediate action to prevent further loss of life and protect the future of the youth in Edo State.