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Nigeria, Burkina Faso in diplomatic row after gunmen kill 16 Muslim pilgrims on way to Senegal

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Tension is currently brewing between Nigeria and Burkina Faso following the killing of 16 Nigerian Muslim pilgrims by gunmen wearing the Burkinabe Army uniforms.

According to media reports, the Nigerian pilgrims, were travelling in a convoy of luxurious and mini-buses on their way to a pilgrimage in Kaolack, Senegal, when they were flagged down by the gunmen wearing uniforms of Burkinabe soldiers, who asked the passengers to disembark from the vehicles, randomly selected some and summarily shot them to death.

While the Burkina Faso military junta has debunked reports that the attackers were their soldiers, the Nigerian government has, however, vowed to go after the killers of its citizens even if it has to breach the territorial integrity of the West African neighbours.

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivia Rouamba, during a meeting with the Nigerian ambassador to Burkina Faso, Misitura Abdulraheem, assured that “investigations are opened to clarify the situation”.

“For the time being, there is no concrete information or element picked up on the field that proves the veracity of these facts,” Rouamba said at the meeting.

But in a statement by the Nigerian presidency, President Muhammadu Buhari said the West African giant will go after the killers and bring them to book by all means.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso, is engaging with the Burkinabe authorities and awaits the outcome of their investigation of the unfortunate incident, and if necessary, to ensure that all culprits are appropriately sanctioned,’ the statement signed by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, Garba Shehu, said.

According to a Senegalese religious order, the pilgrims were on their way to a religious ceremony in Senegal from Niger and Nigeria, a trip that involves crossing conflict hotspots in northern Burkina Faso and central Mali.

For years, Burkina Faso, like many West African countries , have been battling armed groups with links to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) that spilled over from neighbouring Mali in 2015.

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Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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