Kebbi Workers Lose Salary To Robbers

The sum of N3.5 million, meant for the payment of the September salary and leave grants of the staff of the Kebbi Arabic and Islamic Education Board, have been reported stolen.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Mainasara Sajo, told Newsday in Birnin Kebbi recently that the money was stolen from the vehicle of the board's cashier, Bello Ibrahim.
He said that Ibrahim reportedly withdrawn the money from a bank and stopped to purchase phone recharge cards at a place, only to discover that his car had been forced open, while the money had been stolen.
``Bello Ibrahim had been detained overnight at the police station and investigations are going on. But I will strive to source for money to pay at least the workers' salary immediately,'' he said.``
I have briefed the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, who, in turn, has equally briefed the acting governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, on the issue,'' he added.
However, Sambawa, the education commissioner, denied Sajo's claims, saying that he was not aware of the robbery.
Also, the police spokesman, Mr Daud Mohammed, said that he had yet to be briefed about the robbery by the Birnin Kebbi police division.
However, eye-witnesses at the scene of the incident told Newsday that some people attempted to apprehend those who broke into Ibrahim's car and pursued them to Sauna village in Argungu Local Government Area but to no avail.
The board's employees, who had been expecting the payment of their emolument recently, were, however, seen discussing the development in groups. Some of them expressed hope that the promise of the Executive secretary to source for money to pay the workers' salary and allowances would be fulfilled.

Peace And Security Are Ingredients For Development - Suswam

By Henry Ibya, Makurdi

Gabriel Suwam the governor of Benue state has considered peace and security as the ingredients that are needed for sustainable development especially in a democratic setting.
The governor who stated this in Makurdi at the international peace day celebration organized by the justice development and peace commission of the catholic diocese of Makurdi in conjunction with the ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development. He also recalled that without the peace that prevailed during both his election as governor and the local government elections which were later adjudged as the most peaceful in the country would not have been possible.
Suswam represented at the occasion by Dr. Audu Ochigili Secretary to the Benue state, government however, assured that in addition to ensuring peace and stability in the state his administration will continue to abide by the rule of law and promote equal justice for all and sundry.
Governor Suswam who condemned all forms of violence on humanity assured that his administration will continue to pave the way for peace and security as it is contained in the seven point agenda of President Yar' Adua's government.
In her remarks Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state Dr. Mrs Diana Ochoga said the international peace celebration could not have come at a better time than now when the country was gradually eroding into instability and crisis.
The commissioner pointed out that empowerment drives citizens away from grievances added that sustainable peace in the society must be centered on economic emancipation for the women folk and youth who are the worst hit during crisis.
Also speaking Bishop of Catholic diocese RT. Rev. Athanisus Usu said peace was not merely the absence of trouble but a representation of the fullness of life and highlighted its products to include fruitfulness well being, prosperity, absence of fear and internal tranquility.
Bishop Usu, who identified women and youths as the most vulnerable in the society lamented that rather than engage in useless venture, he advised the youths to shun political thuggery in the state.
While Bishop Nathan Nyom of Anglican Communion acknowledged state government commitment to peace and development, he called on Christians in the country to join forces with the justices development and peace commission of the catholic dioceses in the fight for peace.