Headline

Terror Alert: Nigerians Express Distrust, Anger Against Government

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2022

Editor

Many Nigerians, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have yet to overcome the palpable tension that gripped them over the terror alert issued by some of the western countries.

The worsening security situation in the country took a new turn last week when Ireland, Canada, Australia, and other countries issued travel advisories to their citizens to depart Nigeria.

In the tension-soaked alert, the United States, alongside other western countries warned of a possible terrorist attack in the nation’s capital, saying the terrorists are aiming at government facilities, places of worship, schools, among others.

Following the terror alert, some government and private establishments have been closing down operations over the fear of attack by the daredevil terrorist that have, over the years, kept the country in captivity.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, in the wake of the security alert, advised the nation’s security establishment and citizens to continue to be vigilant and careful with security, saying it is essential to avoid panic.

Buhari in a State House press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu urged citizens to remain calm, citing the recent changes in travel advice from the US and UK governments, that it should not be a cause for panic.

Part of the statement read: “Nigeria is no exception in having terror threats listed in foreign government’s travel advice to their citizens. UK and US travel advisories also state there is a high likelihood of terror attacks in many Western European nations. Indeed, the UK and US advice to their respective citizens for travel to one another’s countries contain the same warning. Unfortunately, terror is a reality the world over.”

President Buhari also summoned the Security Chiefs to an emergency security meeting. According to the presidency, the meeting was aimed at strengthening the security network across the country.

A top security source who spoke to DAILY POST on anonymity said that efforts are in gear to ensure that the nation’s capital is safe for all residents.

According to him, security agencies are working tirelessly to forestall all planned attacks, stressing that some level of progress had been recorded in the last few days, also confirming that a few persons have been arrested.

He said, “We are doing everything possible to ensure the attack doesn’t happen. This is a serious matter; you should not expect security agencies to make everything public. Of course, some arrests have been made, and normalcy will soon return”.

However, some Nigerians have refused to believe the government’s actions to avert the disaster. Many who spoke to the DAILY POST expressed distrust and anger against the government.

“How do you expect me to believe them? I don’t trust the government either,” an Abuja resident, who sought anonymity, echoed.

Another respondent, who identified himself as Jibrin Musa believed that the government is playing a dangerous game with people’s lives. He went on to accuse the government of having a hand in the whole scenario.

“The government we have in the country does not take our lives seriously. So, it may be a ploy to loot the money, nothing more. See how they handled the Boko Haram issue; it is all about business to them. I will not trust them until they begin to do the right thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, a top-ranking security official in the FCT, Abuja, has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support the country gets from western countries.

He lamented that they do not carry them along while reviewing security intelligence, adding that it creates room for mistrust.

He added that funding and corruption are significant challenges facing the country’s security architecture.
DAILY POST

Headline

26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London

Published

21 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Headline

Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals

Published

21 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.

“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.

“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.

In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.

These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.

After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.

Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.

AFP

Headline

UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships

Published

1 day ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.

“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.

According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.

“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.

Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.

Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.

Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.