The defence headquarters (DHQ) says its troops did not kill residents of Konshisha in Benue state.
The military had said 11 of its men were killed following an attack by suspected gunmen in the area.
There have been unconfirmed reports that troops were reinforced to the area for a “revenge operation”.
But in a statement on Friday, Onyema Nwachukwu, DHQ spokesperson, said the reinforcement team went after suspected bandits who were occupying houses deserted by the villagers.
He said such houses were burnt by the troops, adding that using villagers’ houses for hideouts was one of the tactics of the bandits to draw negative comments on the military.
He said the bandits should be blamed for the destruction, since they used the settlements as hideouts.
According to him, it will be wrong to blame soldiers who are in Konshisha on legitimate duties, when some of them were murdered in cold blood.
Nwachukwu said some of the recent photos of razed buildings were of those burnt during earlier communal clashes between Konshisha and Oju, “all of which the sponsors of the mayhem are now blaming on the military”
The Federal Government has accused the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) of playing with the lives of Nigerians who need them at this critical time.
Dr Chris Ngige, who is the Minister of Labour and Employment, made the allegation on Friday at the opening session of a meeting with the aggrieved doctors in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He warned the members of the union to stop what he described as toying with the lives of citizens in the name of pressing for better welfare.
According to the minister, neither NARD nor the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is a trade union and many Nigerians have died as a result of the industrial action by the resident doctors.
He stated that while members of the associations were entitled to some rights, they should be mindful that their actions have serious consequences.
Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has said his team will not play second fiddle in the Premier League.
United will be looking to consolidate second place in the Premier League against a Spurs side still fighting for a top-four finish, but Solskjaer insists that second will never be good enough for the club.
Solskjaer is confident his players are ready to face in-form Spurs skipper Harry Kane who is now on 31 goals for the season for club and country.
On Friday, husband of Queen Elizabeth Of England, Prince Philip, died aged 99, Buckingham Palace.
World Leaders are paying tribute to the British Leading figure who would have been 100 years, June 10 2021.
UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON “We remember the Duke … above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort, by her side, every day of her reign, but as her husband, has strength and stay of more than 70 years. And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.”
“Like the expert carriage driver that he was he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN “Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family. The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped. Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.”
GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL “The death of Prince Philip fills me with great sorrow. His friendship to Germany, his straightforwardness and his sense of duty will not be forgotten.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON Prince Philip “lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to the youth and the environment”.
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI “He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.”
PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN “Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. His role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered.”
KING FELIPE AND QUEEN LETIZIA OF SPAIN “We shall never forget the moments that we shared with him and the legacy of service and dedication to the crown and the United Kingdom by your side.”
IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN “Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”
SINN FEIN LEADER MARY LOU MCDONALD “Sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip. Sympathies to those of a British identity on our island, for whom his death will be felt as a great loss.”
U.S. HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI “The U.S. Congress extends condolences over the passing of Prince Philip, whose life was distinguished by an inspiring ethic of dedicated service.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP “This is an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization. Prince Philip defined British dignity and grace. He personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude, and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH “Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others. He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign. Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA “At the Queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman. Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.”
JUSTIN WELBY, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY “On the occasions when I met him, I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his enquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at their ease and making them feel special.”
UK OPPOSITION LABOUR PARTY LEADER KEIR STARMER “The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.”
“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.”
“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.”
SCOTTISH FIRST MINISTER NICOLA STURGEON “I send my personal and deepest condolences – and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland – to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”
FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR “He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years. However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage.”
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU “Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others.”
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN “Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. In over fifty years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme.”
DUTCH PRIME MINISTER MARK RUTTE “Our thoughts and sympathy are with Britain’s Royal Family and the British people at this time of mourning.”
HEAD OF MI6, RICHARD MOORE “The Duke was a true friend of the Service … Always his sharp mind, experience gained from active service and knowledge of global affairs shone through. As we all know, HRH called it as he saw it with directness and wit. Visits were never dull.”
KING HARALD OF NORWAY “Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and the rest of her family. We also send our condolences to the British people.”
KING CARL XVI GUSTAF OF SWEDEN “Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued. His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all.”
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU “Prince Philip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world.”
NIGERIAN PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI “The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is the end of an era. Prince Philip was one of the greatest and publicly recognisable international figures whose contributions to the Commonwealth will be remembered for generations to come.”
ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENT EMMERSON MNANGAGWA “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
SULTAN HAITHAM OF OMAN “His Majesty the Sultan sends a message of condolence and sympathy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II … on the death of her husband”
KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA OF BAHRAIN “HM King Hamad lauded the efforts of the late HRH Prince Philip to serve the United Kingdom and its friendly people.”
BELGIAN ROYAL PALACE “We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. Philippe and Mathilde.”
U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES “He was known for his dedication to charitable causes as a patron of some 800 organizations, in particular those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education.”
PHILIP’S FORMER PRESS SECRETARY JAMES ROSCOE “From military to youth clubs to DoE award recipients, his interest in people & their stories was real, his motivation always encouraging service in other by example. No nonsense, genuine wit: peace maybe, but he won’t rest.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, on Thursday in Abuja received a stolen Ile-Ife artifact recovered from Mexico.
Receiving the artifact, he called for a more secured border to prevent future occurrence of theft.
Onyeama collected the artifact from Dr Yakubu Dadu, Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Mexico.
The minister hailed the Embassy’s efforts in recovering the artifact.
He said that the interventions of Nigerian Envoys in recovering stolen possessions of the country shows the important works they were doing as against negative reports of Nigerian missions on social media.
Onyeama also appreciated the government of Mexico for its cooperation in ensuring that the artifact was duly returned to Nigeria.
He however stressed the need for sensitising Customs officials at borders, explaining that it is better to secure national heritages from being stolen than to start negotiation for their return after being stolen.
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services on Friday held a marathon meeting with the Federal Government and leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors as well as other stakeholders over the ongoing nationwide strike by doctors.
After the closed-door meeting that lasted five hours, the committee and the Federal Ministry of Health pleaded with the doctors to suspend their industrial action in the interest of the poor masses who cannot afford health services in private facilities.
Chairman of the committee, Tanko Sununu, while briefing journalists after the meeting, disclosed that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, is to meet with the NARD on Tuesday in the efforts by the lawmakers to resolve the dispute between the government and the doctors.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, also said, “You have seen that we have had a very robust meeting and discussion for close to five hours today and he (Sununu) has given you the highlights of the discussion. The ministry is 100 per cent in alignment with the decisions reached.”
When asked if the strike would be called off soon, Abdullahi said, “We are pleading with the doctors to look into the issue and see reason. Nigerians are suffering. Just like he (Sununu) said, not everybody can afford to, in the event of anybody falling ill, go to a private hospital.
The Lagos State government has further eased restrictions on social and event centers across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the approval after due consultation and deliberations with relevant stakeholders, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the government said on Friday.
Following the approval, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos, Mrs Uzamat Yusuff, and the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, issued a press release containing the new guidelines for social and event centres.
They warned that any violation of the protocol would attract fines and penalties, in line with the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Control Regulation 2020.
Guidelines include:
All event centers must hold a valid license of The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to operating as an event center in the State.
All event centres must be duly registered and verified on The Lagos State Safety Commission website www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding any event.
An Event Safety Clearance must be obtained from the Lagos State Safety Commission through the website www.lasgsafetyreg.com for any proposed event or exhibition.
Safety Marshals shall be deployed by an accredited event safety consultant from Lagos State Safety Commission for every social event with attendance exceeding over 200 people.
Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 50% of the maximum design capacity of the hall, wherein Occupancy Limit stickers provided by the Lagos State Safety Commission must be boldly pasted at the entrance of the event hall.
Maximum allowable capacity for Event Centres irrespective of occupancy limit is 500 people.
Deep cleaning must be carried out before and after every event.
Physical distancing shall be maintained between seated guests and a maximum number of seated guests should be 6 (six) people on a table of 10 persons.
Event duration should not exceed a maximum period of 6-hours.
All guests and service providers at the facility must wear a nose mask and make use of hand sanitizers
All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or in the alternative use hand sanitizers.
Temperature checks must be taken at all entry points into a facility.
Guests and service providers with temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.
Hand sanitizers must be positioned at the entry points and different spots within the hall.
All event centres must endeavour to display standard COVID-19 safety signs. The signs must be bold and installed at conspicuous locations.
Event center owners/ planners/vendors would be responsible for any breach of protocols by their staff.
UEFA has confirmed that eight of the 12 host cities for this summer’s Euro 2020 will have spectators attending games.
The four remaining cities – Munich, Rome, Bilbao and Dublin – have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans before final decisions are made whether they can host matches.
The tournament, delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, will take place between 11 June and 11 July.
Host associations had been asked to submit plans to accept fans by 7 April.
London, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Bilbao, Munich, Budapest, Baku, Rome and Bucharest are all due to host matches.
Budapest is aiming to host spectators at full capacity, while Baku and St Petersburg have confirmed a 50% capacity, although the Russian city is hoping to increase that figure.
Hungary, Azerbaijan and Russia are the only nations that are planning exemptions from entry restrictions and requirements. Ticket holders travelling to these countries may be able to avoid entry bans or quarantine requirements.
Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a minimum capacity of between 25%-33%, although that figure could yet rise for the venues in the Netherlands, Romania and Denmark.
The Football Association expects 25% of Wembley to be full for its three group matches and one last-16 game, and is hoping to have more fans for both semi-finals and the final.
“Uefa wishes to express its appreciation to its member associations and the national and local authorities who are collaborating closely in ensuring the safe return of spectators to the stadium,” said a Uefa statement.
London, England
Wembley, with a capacity of 90,000, is set to host the final on 11 July among its seven games – along with both semi-finals, one last-16 game, and all three of England’s group games.
The British government has said up to 10,000 spectators will be permitted inside English grounds from mid-May, and unlimited numbers from 21 June.
However, English FA has told Uefa it hopes Wembley will be able to host about 20,000 fans for the group games (the number allowed for the FA Cup final in May), and many more for the knockout matches.
The FA has said it is prepared to host any additional games that cannot take place elsewhere, having already picked up extra matches originally allocated to Brussels.
Glasgow, Scotland
There were concerns that a failure to confirm fan numbers might result in Glasgow being removed as a host city, although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last month she remained hopeful Hampden Park would stage Euro 2020 matches this summer.
That is 25% of Glasgow’s 51,000-capacity stadium, where three group games – including Scotland’s Group D fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia – and one last-16 game will be played.
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
The Aviva Stadium’s Euro 2020 fixtures could be in doubt
There are growing fears that Dublin may not be able to host Euro 2020 games, after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) told Uefa it cannot provide assurances on minimum spectator numbers.
The FAI, acting on Covid-19 guidance from the Irish government, said “the matter will be kept under review”, although it previously admitted it would only remain a host venue if it could guarantee fans would be permitted at games.
Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is due to stage four games – three group games and one last-16 tie.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
At least 12,000 spectators will be able to attend matches in Amsterdam, The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed.
The Johan Cruyff Arena, which can hold 54,000 fans, will stage three group games and one last-16 game.
“Depending on developments surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic in June, there is a chance that more fans will be allowed inside the stadium,” the KNVB said.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark will allow “at least 11,000 to 12,000” fans to attend Euro 2020 matches at Copenhagen’s 38,000-capacity Parken Stadium, which is set to stage three group games and one last-16 game.
The Danish culture ministry said: “We will look at whether there can be even more spectators in the Parken if health conditions allow.
“It may be necessary to close to spectators if there is a spread of infection, so it will be unjustifiable from a health point of view to allow spectators to the matches.”
St Petersburg, Russia
There are plans for the Krestovsky Stadium to be up to 50% full
Russia expects to allow fans to attend the four games it is hosting at the 68,000-capacity Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg, which will host a quarter-final in addition to three group games.
The Russian committee’s director Alexei Sorokin said he believed matches could be played “with the minimum of possible restrictions”.
“We already have an agreement to fill the stands to 50% capacity,” Sorokin said. “We are working to welcome foreign supporters and this has not been rejected by the authorities.”
The authorities are considering exemption from travel restrictions for the general public and participating team supporters holding valid tickets, subject to presenting proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result.
Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao had initially said it was ready to stage Euro 2020 games at the San Mames stadium at 25% capacity (about 13,000 supporters), as long as coronavirus rates dropped to levels accepted by the regional health authorities.
However, the Spanish football federation said in a statement on Wednesday that the Basque government’s conditions were “impossible to meet” in time for the start of tournament on 11 June and it would therefore be unable to hold matches with spectators.
Munich, Germany
Germany are yet to give an indication of the number of fans that could be permitted, following a rise in coronavirus case numbers in the country.
The Allianz Arena, home to German champions Bayern Munich, has a capacity of 70,000 and is due to host three group games and a quarter-final.
Budapest, Hungary
Bayern Munich were able to celebrate their Uefa Super Cup victory in Budapest with a limited number of supporters
Budapest’s 68,000-seat Puskas Arena welcomed 15,180 fans for Bayern Munich’s Uefa Super Cup victory over Sevilla in September.
Hungary is set to host three group games and one last-16 game and could have a full stadium, subject to spectators fulfilling strict stadium entry requirements.
“We want, if the epidemiological situation allows, as many fans as possible to watch the matches in the Puskas Arena, with maximum compliance with safety and epidemiological regulations,” a Hungarian FA spokesman said.
Non-resident ticket holders traveling to Budapest will be required to present proof of negative results from two Covid-19 tests performed in the five days preceding entry into Hungary or a valid certificate of previous Covid-19 infection within six months prior to entry into the country.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s football association (AFFA) will allow the country’s Olympic Stadium in Baku, which can hold 69,000 fans, to be filled to 50% capacity for its three group games and one quarter-final.
While the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 4-6 June will be held behind closed doors, supporters from overseas will be allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches in the country if requirements for a visa and Covid-19 mitigation are met.
Wales will play two of their Group A matches, against Switzerland and Turkey, in Baku.
Ticket-holding fans from a country playing in the matches may enter the country if they present proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result.
Rome, Italy
The tournament is due to begin in Rome on 11 June, as Italy face Turkey at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.
According to the Italian federation (FIGC), the government “will identify the best solutions” to allow fans to attend its three group games and one quarter-final.
The FIGC say Rome will welcome spectators, though the number of fans who will be permitted has not yet been specified.
Bucharest, Romania
The Romanian Government plans to welcome 13,000 spectators at the National Arena in Bucharest.
Set to stage a senior men’s major international tournament for the first time, Romania’s 54,000-capacity stadium is to host three group games and one last-16 game.
Minister for sport Eduard Novak said: “We have the historical chance to be part of a large sporting event and to demonstrate that we can honour our obligations to the highest standards of organisation and health safety.”
Ticket holders may benefit from the exemption from quarantine if they present a recent Covid-19 test and limit their stay to less than three days.
The Federal Government says it has registered no fewer than 5.7 million farmers nationwide in an effort to bring them closer to the government.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, said this on Friday during a General Assembly of Farmers organised by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kano.
This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Mr Hassan Musa-Fagge.
According to the Minister, the effort was to ensure that genuine farmers were brought closer to the government so that they can enjoy government support directly.
He further commended AFAN for organising the General Assembly of Farmers, urging the national leadership of the association to carry all their members along.
Nanono also called on the farmers to be more organised so that they can work together towards the development of the agricultural sector in the country.
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje charged members of the association to redouble their efforts towards boosting economic development for national progress.
The proposed national transport policy will unlock untapped potentials in the Maritime sector and the African Continental Free trade Area, AFCTA, the federal government has said.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of State, Gbemisola Saraki stated this in Abuja yesterday at the Annual Ministerial Press Briefing on Landmark Programmes, Projects and Activities of the Ministry and its Agencies in the year 2020.
According to Amaechi, the transport policy is a detailed regulatory document capable of giving Nigeria the most prominent position in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He added that the policy, if complied with, will boost the economy and eradicate poverty. The Minister further explained that in respect to the maritime sector, the Draft Maritime Policy will gain grounds from the National Transport Policy.
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