Nigeria Roundup: Terrorist attacks, protests, fake university degrees

Terrorist attacks kill 10

A Nigerian Community, Kwanar Dutse in Zamfara State has been attacked by a terror group led by a notorious kingpin Damina, leaving 10 dead. The attack according to local news outlet Premium Times, was as a result of the failure of community members to pay some 20 million Naira (US$ 21,000) levy imposed on them some weeks ago. Hundreds of fighters stormed the community after evening prayers, minutes after 3 PM GMT, the report further noted.

Improved living standards for workers

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has indicated that the Federal Government will implement a new national living wage for industrious workers in 2024, NAN News reported. As part of his New Year message on Monday, the president said that the decision makes economic sense and is morally and politically correct. He further promised to take decisions that will benefit the most vulnerable and working people in the country.

Protests for market approval

Members of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association in Nigeria protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly for the approval of the market located at Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. According to the President of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) who collaborated with the Association for the protests, the market has fulfilled its requirements to operate and should be given the necessary approval. The non-approval of the market, according to these traders is threatening their livelihoods according to Nigerian media outlet Vanguard.

Suspension of fake accredited universities

The Federal Government will in the coming days, crack down on the proliferation of fake university degrees beyond countries like Benin and Togo. This was indicated by Education Minister Tahir Mamman following an undercover investigation by Umar Audu, a Mass Communication degree graduate from Benin University in Cotonou. The government has also suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republics of Benin and Togo, according to local news outlet The Guardian.

Joint task force neutralises terrorist attacks

The Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, has foiled attacks from terrorists between Zamfara and Katsina States, Force Information Officer Captain Ibrahim Yahaya has said. Troops from the Task Force neutralized 10 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped victims while recovering arms and ammunition including operational motorcycles and communication gadgets at the camps. Other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds, media outlet Punch reported.