By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

A Survivor of the death, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp,(NSCDC) in Niger State Command, Abdulsalam Yakubu,has told the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Judicial Commission of Inquiry that the operatives of the NSCDC stole his two bottles of already mined gold and cash amount of one million,three fifty thousand naira. (N1.350m).

He further told the Commission that the money was kept in his bag during his arrest from a mining site in the Lokoto area of Bosso Local Government and his working tools and other valuables while in custody.

Testifying before the Commission in Minna Wednesday, Abdulsalam Yakubu stated that he is among the internal displaced Person (IDP) to Minna from Allawa in Shiroro Local Government as a result of incessant armed banditry activities in the community.

He said he came into mining activity to earn his livelihood and he was making enough money to take care of aged parents who are now in (IDP) camp.

Stating that even with the arrest and the death of the miners in custody he will not be deterred from going in to the mining site to make his earning.

“ We are still going into the mining site because we don’t have any other means of livelihood. We came into mining because we have been displaced from our community in Allawa by armed bandits” he told the Commission.

The survivor revealed that the numbers of death recorded in the NSCDC custody were 48 not the 37 as widely reported, insisting that he was even surprised to hear that 37 death were recorded.

“ I’m aware that we lost 48 persons in custody, not 37 as reported. I’m even surprised to hear that 37 people died in custody. The number of persons that died in custody are 48 not 37” he explained.

Also testifying, is Dauda Shehu,told the Commission that the financial support from well-meaning individuals were diverted by the members of the Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Mining Association

According to Dauda Shehu,among the persons that donated to the parents of the victims and the survivors, included the governorship Candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State,Alhaji Mohammed Mamman Nami,and his wife Hajiya Zainab Nami.

He told the Commission that Mamman Nami gave each parents and the survivors the sums five hundred thousand,while his wife gave cash donation of ten million naira through the executive of the mining association,but three hundred thousand were given against the five hundred thousand naira while fifty thousand naira were given from the ten million naira from Nami’s wife.

He further alleged the operatives of the Niger State Command of the Mining Marshal under the head of the Marshal one Jibril Sani took some substantial amount of money from his bag and his working tools and already mined gold while in detention.

When he demanded the refund of his interns collected from him and his money,the head of the mining Marshal only told him that he should thank him for his release on bail.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday called for urgent deployment of security personnel to Taraba State after bandits killed about 80 people in Binari community.

The attack occurred in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, prompting demand for more security camps around Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi borders.

Resolution of the Red Chamber followed a motion by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau (APC Taraba North), who raised alarm over killings and growing insecurity in his constituency.

Lau said the attack caused deaths, fear and displacement, requiring immediate intervention to stop further loss of lives.

He lamented persistent threats by armed bandits to rural communities, saying government must uphold its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

The senator warned that inaction could lead to more killings, destruction and worsening humanitarian crisis in affected areas.

Contributing, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC Borno North), said protecting lives and property is government’s primary responsibillity , describing the motion as timely and commended Lau for bringing constituents’ plight to the Senate.

“The primary purpose of governance is to protect the lives and property of the people,” Monguno said.

Following debate, the Senate urged security agencies to deploy personnel and establish camps to boost surveillance along the three-state borders.

It also urged National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and North East Development Commission (NEDC) to urgently deliver relief materials to affected communities.

By David Owei

Authorities of the Bayelsà State police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 50 years old Pastor,Ambros Mark over alleged defilement of two under aged girls.

According to the Spokesman of the Command, Musa Mohammed, the suspect has reportedly confessed to the crime and the case is being investigated for proper prosecution.

The PPRO told our correspondent that upon receipt of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the ‘A’ Division swung into action and arrested the suspect.

” The suspect upon arrest confessed to the charge and the division has been directed by the commissioner of police to transfer the case and the suspect to the State Police Headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution.”