Nigerian Newspapers: 10 Things You Need To Note This Thursday Morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers

1. Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT), have arrested the leader of the gang that kidnapped two Americans and two Canadians in Kagarko, Kaduna State, last week.

The gang commander, Dogo Russia, was arrested on Wednesday by the IRT, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari.

2. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Samin Amaddin, who confirmed his arrest on Wednesday, said the former SGF was cooperating with investigators and has been making useful statements.

3. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said that Nigeria is in a coma, noting that only the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, can save the country.

Wike said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was a party of strangers with no knowledge of the intricacies of development.

4. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it represents the true coalition of Nigerians from across the country.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Wednesday in Abuja, in apparent response to a recent controversial letter by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, said that its experience in governance and successful rebound from challenges had provided it an edge over every other existing or intended political platforms in the country.

5. The All Progressives Congress, APC, has finally responded to a letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to desist from seeking reelection in 2019.

The APC, through its secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, which initially declined comment on the matter, has now responded, cautioning the ex-President against creating the impression “that none of the political parties in the country is good enough for Nigerians and the only solution to the current challenges that we face is a completely new arrangement.”

6. Gunmen have attacked some villages in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, killing four members of the local vigilante group and injuring several others.

Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chairman of the council, said the hoodlums entered the villages robbing the residents of their belongings particularly foodstuff, cows and goats and then returned to the camp to survive on it.

7. The Niger Delta militants have warned Fulani herdsmen to steer clear of the region, threatening to deal with any governor who allows cattle colony.

The groups also gave the Federal Government a 90-day ultimatum to implement restructuring and resource control, return oil blocs in the region to the Niger Delta people and ensure relocation of the oil & gas companies headquarters to the region.

8. An oil tank farm owned by Stallionaire Oil at Ijegun, Lagos, has been razed by a wild fire on Wednesday.

The fire, which went almost out of control, caused panic among residents, but no casualty was reported.

9. Four persons have been reportedly killed in Benue state, after some suspected Fulani herdsmen launched attack on Uvir Council Ward in Guma LGA of the state.

It was gathered that among the victim was a community leader, whose name was given as Alex Mtsor.

10. Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, to qualify for the final of the competition. With this victory, the gunners will now face Manchester City in the final on February 25 at Wembley Stadium.