By Our Correspondent

Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening, heightening concerns over rising political and security tensions in the Federal Capital Territory. The attack reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m., according to credible military sources who confirmed the development to Vanguard.

Witnesses said Yerima was driving when two Hilux trucks, occupied by gunmen dressed in all-black attire, began trailing his vehicle. The armed men allegedly attempted to intercept him, prompting a brief pursuit that ended with Yerima escaping unhurt.

Military insiders described the attack as “coordinated and deliberate,” suggesting the assailants had precise information about his movements.

The incident comes just days after a heated dispute between Lieutenant Yerima and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Though the details of the confrontation remain sketchy, the timing of the attack has sparked speculation and concern among security watchers.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but internal investigations are already underway to determine the motive behind the failed attack and identify the perpetrators.

Security analysts warn that the incident underscores the growing volatility surrounding high-ranking officials and the escalating atmosphere of political rivalry. They also called for a thorough and transparent investigation to prevent further escalation.

As of press time, Lieutenant Yerima has not spoken publicly about the incident, but sources confirmed that security around him has been strengthened pending the conclusion of investigations.

By Our Correspondent

A Magistrate Court sitting in Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, a former president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), at the Keffi Correctional Centre on charges of impersonation, criminal intimidation, and incitement.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ekpeyong held that Ibrahim had exceeded his lawful tenure but refused to relinquish office, despite the election of Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi as AFAN’s national president in 2021. The court noted that Ibrahim had lost at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, yet continued to parade himself as president, in contravention of Sections 132, 397, and 114 of the Penal Code.

“Your persistent acts of impersonation and intimidation are unlawful and capable of causing public disorder within AFAN and beyond,” the judge declared.

Unable to meet his bail conditions, Ibrahim was remanded in custody pending trial.

Reacting to the judgment, Dr. Mudi accused Ibrahim of sabotaging AFAN’s programmes and frustrating investment opportunities in the agricultural sector. He alleged that Ibrahim wrote letters to the Nigeria Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Tingo Mobile, actions which, according to him, undermined farmers’ access to loans and foreign investment.

“These deliberate acts deprived millions of farmers of opportunities meant to boost food security and strengthen the agricultural value chain,” Mudi said.

Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of another associate, Chief Okafor, who allegedly styled himself as AFAN vice president. Security agencies are still tracking other alleged accomplices across the country.

The case has been adjourned for continuation of hearing.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Gombe State Chapter, has raised alarm over alleged irregularities in the distribution of the 2024/2025 fertilizer scheme by the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, warning that students may take to the streets in mass protest if the government fails to act.

In a statement signed by the state chairman, Comrade Usman Ibrahim Wakili CNS, NANS expressed “serious concern” about what it described as diversion, hoarding, favoritism, and lack of transparency in the allocation process.

According to the student body, these activities have eroded public trust and sabotaged government’s efforts at boosting agriculture and guaranteeing food security in Gombe State.

“We therefore demand an immediate and thorough investigation by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, into the fertilizer distribution exercise. Those found guilty of sabotaging this process must be exposed and brought to book without delay,” the statement read.

The association stressed that failure of the government to act swiftly would leave Nigerian students in the state with no choice but to mobilize for peaceful protests in solidarity with farmers and the general public, who they described as the direct victims of the alleged injustice.

“As the voice of Nigerian students, we cannot fold our arms while corruption and mismanagement deny our people access to essential resources meant for their welfare and survival,” NANS warned.

The group urged Governor Inuwa Yahaya to demonstrate accountability by ensuring that fertilizers reach genuine farmers at the right time and affordable price, emphasizing that transparency and fairness are the only way to restore confidence in the process.

NANS further vowed to defend these values “through every lawful means available, including peaceful demonstrations.”