The Debt Management Office (DMO) has put on offer a N50 billion Green Bond on behalf of the federal government.

Director-General of the DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha, told investors at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Monday afternoon that the proceeds would be used to fund several climate-friendly projects such as renewable energy, afforestation and dams across the country.

READ ALSO: DMO To Auction N350bn FGN Bonds At N1,000/Unit

The instrument has a five-year tenor and will be benchmarked against the FGN Savings Bond which is treated in the nation’s capital market.

Details later…

Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has warned that if the unending killings in Benue State are not nipped in the bud by the federal government, the people will not have any other option than to defend themselves.

He expressed deep concern over the continued and escalating killings of citizens in Benue State, stressing that the ugly situation of almost daily massacres may compel residents to resort to self-help and defend themselves if the government continues to fail in its fundamental duty of protecting lives and property.

In a statement signed on Monday in Abuja by his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, the former president of the Senate decried the deteriorating security situation in Benue, which has led to the loss of hundreds of lives and widespread destruction of property. He described the killings as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable”.

READ ALSO: Many Feared Dead In Fresh Benue Attack

Senator Mark, who emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of its citizens, stressed that any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people, adding, “This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves.”

Senator Mark urged the federal government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians. He also called on the state government, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, to intensify its efforts in ensuring the safety of the people.

The former president of the Senate appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies in identifying and apprehending those behind these heinous crimes.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue, Kill Guard

To the people of Benue, Senator Mark offered a message of solidarity and resilience. “This is a trying moment for our people,” he said. “We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear.”

Despite the ongoing provocations, he urged the people to remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being their brother’s keeper.

US law enforcement officials in Minnesota said the suspected killer of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband was taken into custody without force on Sunday, after a two-day manhunt.

Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested on Sunday following a two-day manhunt in the Midwestern state, law enforcement officials said.

“There was no use of force by any member of law enforcement that was out there, and the suspect was taken into custody without an use of force,” Minnesota State Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger told a press conference.

Recall Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi decried the incident as “horrific violence” and said the perpetrators would be prosecuted to “the fullest extent of the law.”

READ ALSO: US Lawmaker Shot Dead, Another Wounded In Targeted Attack

State representative Melissa Hortman — the former speaker — and her husband Mark were killed at their home near Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz told a press conference.

State senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. He said officials remained “cautiously optimistic” they would recover.

“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz told reporters.

“Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later.

The suspected gunman was able to escape during an exchange of gunfire with officers near Hortman’s residence, Evans told reporters.