From Our Correspondent
Suspected herdsmen yesterday morning attacked Aso A community near Jumai Estate in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
Aso A is a boundary area between the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Nasarawa State.
AljazirahNigeria learnt that no fewer than six persons lost their lives, while many others sustained severe injuries during the attack.
According to sources, the attack was a reprisal on an earlier violence triggered by a clash between a farmer and a herder, which reportedly led to the death of the herder, after which the farmer whose identity is yet to be ascertained, fled to an unknown location.
In apparent retaliation, suspected herdsmen stormed the residence of the farmer, attacked residents indiscriminately and set houses ablaze.
The situation escalated when community members attempted to resist the attackers, resulting in further destruction of property and loss of lives.
A video clip showed several houses engulfed in flames, while the body of one of the victims was seen being transported in a wheelbarrow to a nearby hospital.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the entire community had been deserted with many residents fleeing to neighbouring areas in Abuja and other safer locations.
As at the time of filing this report, a combined team of police and military personnel had been deployed to the area to restore order.
Meanwhile, a motorcyclist transporting a police officer to the scene was reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Although the exact death toll is yet to be officially confirmed, a community leader said tension is high in the area amid reports that more armed herdsmen might have been mobilised from Keffi for further attacks.
However, the police authorities are yet to react on the incident.
Purposeful Leadership, Intra-Party Stability, Key To Democratic Success – APC Chieftain
By Uche Onyeali
Purposeful leadership and intra-party harmony and stability have been described as key elements for an enduring democratic system, which offers greater socio-economic development for the nation.
This was the observation of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Abdulrahman Haske.
Haske stated this yesterday on the sideline of the APC Zonal Congress of North-Eastern states, which took place in Gombe.
The governorship hopeful noted that intra-party stability had positioned the APC across the country as a party with institutionalised progressive governance in all its activities at local, state and national levels, attributing the success to the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu as leader of the party.
Hosted by the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, the high-level gathering, which drew an array of influential leaders within the APC fold, produced Idris Gella, Chairman of the party in Adamawa State, as the new National Vice Chairman, North-East.
Among those present were Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur; Deputy National Chairman of the APC, Ali Dalori and the immediate past APC North-East Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Salihu.
Other party chieftains and stakeholders from the geopolitical zone were also present.
While congratulating Gella and other officials elected to pilot the affairs of the APC in the North-East Zone, Haske said the peaceful conduct of the various party events across local, state and national levels reflect the deliberate stability which the leadership has continued to create for all stakeholders in the country.
Addressing party faithful and delegates on the sidelines of the congress, Haske described the gathering as a defining moment for the APC in the North-East, emphasising that the congress reflects its unity, internal democracy and readiness to consolidate its political strength ahead of future electoral contests.
“This congress is not merely a procedural gathering; it is a powerful affirmation of our collective resolve as a party. It demonstrates that the APC remains united, focused and prepared to deepen democratic values while advancing the development agenda of President Tinubu,” he said.
For the Adamawa-born political figure, the enthusiastic reception in Gombe marked yet another significant step in what many observers now describe as a steadily rising political wave ahead of the next governorship race in Adamawa State.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the national leadership of the APC and delegates at the congress for fostering a transparent and inclusive political environment within the party.
According to him, the APC remains a platform where emerging leaders and fresh ideas can thrive.
Meanwhile, the chants, banners and visible grassroots mobilisation around Haske’s presence at the event were widely interpreted as an indication that his aspiration continues to gain traction within party ranks and among supporters.
The congress, which commenced around 3:30pm, quickly transformed into more than a routine party gathering as Haske arrived with party stalwarts, youth mobilisers and grassroots leaders.
Supporters flooded the venue carrying placards, posters and banners while chanting the electrifying slogan “Haske Maganin Duhu” and “Haske Is Okay,” in a vibrant show of solidarity that signaled the rising momentum behind his political movement.
As the echoes of chants from supporters filled the air in Gombe, political watchers believe the electrifying reception accorded him at the zonal congress has further positioned him as a key figure to watch in the unfolding political dynamics leading to the Adamawa governorship contest.
Haske called on party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the federation to rally behind the party as preparations intensify for the forthcoming APC National Convention slated for March 27-28, which, he described, as the apex gathering that will strengthen the party’s unity and strategic direction.
