Osinbajo To Obasanjo: Stop The Rhetoric Of Religion

June 4, 2019

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has asked former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his fellow travelers to stop the religious rhetoric and focus on things that would unite the people of the country.

“So I want to urge all our leaders here that we must not allow the rhetoric of religion to supersede the rhetoric of unity. We must also speak up; we must seek ways that will unite our country.

“We cannot keep quiet because there are so many negative statements being made every day and sometimes we ignore those statements and say these are people who have no understanding. But if we allow these negative statements to continue then they will define our country and will define the situation of our country.”

Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today, Tuesday, when he led Abuja residents on Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was obviously reacting to Obasanjo’s latest attack on Buhari’s government, which he accused of Islamising the country.

Professor Osinbajo made it clear that God has been extremely good to Nigeria and President Buhari as well as the government, recalling that about two years ago, he had to host the Sallah homage because the President was away on medical leave at the time.

He said that God has been so good, not only did He bring the President back healthier than when he left, but has also been gracious enough for him to have a second opportunity to lead Nigeria.

“I thank the almighty God for you and for all of us who have been a part of your government and who have been a part of what God has done in our midst.”

Osinbajo swore that Nigeria today, is at a threshold of greatness, saying that any situation where something great and important is about to happen, “usually you will have very many and negative opposing voices that want to keep that thing from happening.

“I believe that our country is at a threshold of the breakthrough that we have been praying for and hoping for all these many years. And this is why many challenges are going on. Challenges around security, religion, people who are stoking up ambers of lagoon, religious grievance and ethnic divisions and all that.”

He noted that the gathering of people of different political and religious colours to greet the President is a proof that the country is a country of one people, adding that they might be different in their faith, ethnicity “but we are one people? We are one and unity people.”

Vice President Osinbajo commended all the leaders present at the event “for making this tradition, that we will come together – Christians, Muslims, and people of different faith to demonstrate that this country is a united country. And that those who will want to stoke up ambers or division we will not allow them to do so.”

Osinbajo also commended President Buhari for the great leadership he had shown in the past four years and in this second term and prayed that may God almighty will help him and strengthen him, give him the grace and understanding and empower him even more to be able to do the things he desires in his heart to do to make Nigeria really great.

Those who accompanied Professor Osinbajo on the homage are the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the Director General of Department for State Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Civil Defence FCT Commandant; Permanent Secretary in the State House, Jalal Arabi; Senator Philip Aduda; former minister of communications, Adebayo Shittu and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

2019 Elections: I Know Why FCT Did Not Vote For Me – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

June 4, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not vote for him in particular, in the recent Presidential election because he had no money to share like the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

“I have just spoken to the senator (representing FCT, sitting), on my left (Philip Aduda) and I told him that his constituency did not vote for me. I have all the results of all constituencies. People know I don’t have a lot of money to give. So when I went round, I smiled and greeted them and I think it has helped.”

President Buhari spoke today, June 3, when he received residents of the FCT, led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sallah homage to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President said that despite his loss in FCT, he is not complaining and not threatening the people in the city, adding: “I am not threatening FCT because to make FCT secure is to make myself secure and the Vice President. I think they are necessary evil, that was why they decided to vote for PDP.”

He recalled that during his long journey to the Presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011, there were interesting political developments that enabled him to visit all the 774 local governments in Nigeria, saying that his first port of call whenever he visited any local government was to visit the community leader for understanding and support.

“I am very pleased that Nigerians understand me that although I was a governor, minister of petroleum and one time head of state, people know I don’t have a lot of money to give. So when I went round, I smiled and greeted them and I think it has helped.

“Because by the time I went to campaign for my second and last term constitutionally, I visited all the states this time around; sometimes two states in a day. I thank God for giving me the stamina to do it.

“What impressed me most was the turn out in all the states and FCT. The number of those who turned out were more than what anyone can afford to pay or force to come and listen. So I am very pleased that a lot of Nigerians have voted me, sympathized with me for what I went through between 2003 and 2019.

“I went to court up to Supreme Court and in 2011, I went to court for eight months. And in the last one, God answered our prayers and gave us victory, and brought in technology through the Permanent Voters Card. And INEC said whoever is aggrieved should go to court.

“You all know as much as I know that most of my supporters are looking for the next day’s meal. We don’t have the money to give. In 2011, I said that God dey. In 2015, God brought technology – PVC – and that is how we won.

“I thank you very much for those of you who suffered very much to support me. And I congratulate you for being happy that I made it and I assure you that I will continue to do my best in spite of the toughness of my neighbours.”

President Buhari commended the fighting spirit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and appealed to him not to get tired

“Appeal to you (Osinbajo) to remain exemplary so that those under you will know that the country is doing very well. If you break down and complain, the impact will reverberate all over and then government will not be popular and whatever efforts we are making will not be appreciated.”

Police Nab 4 Men Supplying Arms To Boko Haram, Other Criminals In Nigeria

Editorial staff

June 3, 2019

Nigeria Police Force have announced the arrest of a 4-man international arms-smuggling syndicate allegedly supplying arms and ammunitions to Boko Haram terrorists and other criminals across Nigeria.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement today, Monday, the suspected arms suppliers from whom 6000 AK47 Live ammunition were recovered, operate between parts of North African, the Sahel region and West African Countries.

He gave the names of the suppliers of arms as 45 years old Ojoomo Olugbenga, a native of Akure Central in Ondo State; 50 years old Oladimeji Adeogun, a native of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State; 24 years old Habib Musibau, a native of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State and 54 years old Thomas Olumuyiwa, a native of Ado-odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Frank Mba said that they were arrested at Saki town, a Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Oyo State, adding that investigation revealed that the syndicate specializes in smuggling small arms, light weapons and ammunition from North Africa through the Sahel region and supplying same to their criminal partners; kidnappers, armed robbers, political thugs and other criminal elements in Nigeria and other West African countries.

He said that the arrest was made by the operatives of the Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Forces attached to Operation Puff Adder.

Sultan Of Sokoto Announces Sighting Of New Moon, Declares Tomorrow Eid-El-Fitr

Editorial staff

June 3, 2019

The Sultan of Sokoto, and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaj Saad Abubakar III, has announced the sighting of the new moon and declared tomorrow, Tuesday, June 4, as the Eid-el-Fitr, ending the 29-day Ramadan Fasting by Muslims.

According to the Secretary General of the NSCIA, Ishaq Oloyede, the announcement by the Sultan came after the sighting of the new moon in Damaturu and other towns.

In his nationwide broadcast at about 9.35pm today, Sultan Abubakar said that the moon was also sighted in Katsina and Yobe States, even as pray to Allah to accept the Fasting as an act of Ibadah.

The new moon had earlier been sighted in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirate.

Officials in both countries have announced the end of Ramadan and Tuesday as the first of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

How Nigerians Shamed Doomsday Predictions Before Recent Elections – Buhari

Editorial staff

June 3, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Nigerians for putting to shame what he called “doomsday predictions of social disharmony” before the recent general elections in the country, which he said were conducted peacefully.

“Before the 2019 general elections, prophets of doom didn’t give the country a chance to conduct peaceful elections. Despite these fears, the country overcame its political challenges.

The President, in his message to Nigerians to mark the end of Muslim Ramadan Ramadan Fasting and Eid-el-Fitr celebration which begins tomorrow, June 4, also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a good job despite the initial difficulties and praised the voters for their tenacity and strong faith in the democratic process.

“For abandoning their businesses in order to vote, the voters had demonstrated great patriotism in coming out to exercise their civic duty.

“Let me use this opportunity once again to reassure all Nigerians that your sacrifices in voting for me won’t be in vain. I will ensure the ordinary voters feel the positive impact of government.”

On the lessons of the Ramadan, President Buhari advised Muslims to always put humanity before personal interests.

“The Ramadan period is meant to reinforce us spiritually, therefore, we should use religion as an inspiration to do good at all times.

“The virtues of the Ramadan should be sustained beyond the celebration. Going back to bad ways after the Ramadan might defeat the essence of the message and lessons the fasting period was supposed to inculcate in the hearts and minds of the Muslim faithful.”

President Buhari also used the occasion to commiserate with victims of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in the country.

He reassured Nigerians that under no circumstances would criminals and mass murderers be allowed to hold the country to ransom, saying ‘‘their days are numbered because this administration will pursue them relentlessly and bring them to justice.”

This was even as the defeated Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar asked Nigerians to face what he called “sober truth that our country faces a bleak harvest because farmers in our food basket regions cannot go to farms due to the spiralling insecurity in those geopolitical zones.”

In his Sallah message, Atiku described the piety that Muslims have just built up, after a month of fasting, as capable of putting them in a unique position to make the personal and group sacrifices that will usher in justice, unity, peace and prosperity “back in our land, if we remember that Ramadan is a process, not an event.”

He quoted Qur’an as says “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.”

Atiku recommended the Chapter to the 29 newly sworn in governors and to those who God has placed in leadership positions in the three arms of government at all levels.

“We must do justice here on earth, because we expect God to do justice to us when we meet with our Maker.”

Buhari At OIC: Facts Nigerians Need To Know, By Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

June 3, 2019

On Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari delivered the address of 16 African nations who are members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making it the third time a Nigerian leader will speak at the OIC. Late President of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and his successor, Dr Good luck Jonathan had attended previous meetings.

The just concluded 2019 meeting held in Makka, Saudi Arabia, is significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of the organization.

As with most issues in Nigeria, there will always be individuals and groups who will disagree with the President. For some, there are good reasons for doing this while for others it is like sports; they enjoy going the opposite direction. And for another set, it is personal. No matter what President Buhari does, they will never be pleased with him.

When the President decided to attend the OIC meeting, he knew some people will raise dust. But guided by the overall national interest, which always governs his actions, he preferred not to worry about the storms. The criticisms of his attendance by some, including cultural organization, Ohaeneze and Christian Association of Nigeria are not new or unexpected. For those who know President Buhari, these tantrums don’t make him angry, in the full understanding that when the critics take time to read or see the outcomes, they too will be glad that the decision taken to be present at the key strategic gathering.

Interestingly, the major takeaways from this meeting were concerns expressed daily by Church leaders and Imams. The issues deal directly with safety, peace and prosperity of the nation and its citizens.

It is noteworthy that President Buhari, leading other African leaders, got key support for many issues of concern or interest to Nigeria and African continent at the meeting. Top on the list is strong condemnation of terrorist acts. The meeting agreed that fighting terrorism is a major priority, resolving to work together to “prevent and suppress terrorist acts through strong international solidarity and cooperation in full recognition of the UN’s central role in that regard.”

In the specific case of countries of Lake Chad Basin facing “grave security challenges and vicious insurgency arising from Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency,” members agreed to increase humanitarian aid. To this end, the regional humanitarian office of the OIC in Niamey, Niger Republic will be upgraded to a Regional Representative Mission to “mobilize political commitment and undertake development and humanitarian activities.”

President Buhari equally got reassuring support for recharging of Chad Basin, a goal he has consistently promoted on the global stage. The Lake had shrunk to 10 per cent of its size due to effects of climate change, with dire economic consequences for many. The OIC members assured that they will support the ongoing project of recharging the lake, in view of the socioeconomic benefits to neighbouring countries.

Reducing poverty and hunger was also discussed extensively. Members saw the need, and made strong commitments to assisting less privileged member-countries to tackle poverty and hunger. To this effect, members that had not pledged to the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development were asked to do so and those that pledged contributions deemed to be low in view of current reality were requested to increase.

The solidarity fund aims to reduce poverty among member-states by “promoting pro-poor development and human development.” The Islamic Organisation for Food Security was charged to address challenges of agriculture, rural development and food insecurity. Soon, there will be a framework for development of OIC renewable energy in terms of both access and distribution.

Another important achievement by the African group in particular was by way of establishing an economic assistance program for them and other less privileged OIC countries to cope with economic development challenges. In area of finance, development and trade, the meeting commended the Islamic Development, IDB, for the model it operates that promotes competitive development among members, developing infrastructure and promoting the private sector.

Going forward, OIC members agreed to boost trade with a target of 25 per cent trade exchange. To push this, a frame work for Trade Preferential System will be worked out.

Another vision of President Buhari which got attention and support at the 14th Summit in Makkah is on environment. Members will promote environmental education because it will help countries to deal with degradation. The meeting agreed that this will also raise health standards.

The OIC meeting encouraged members to take necessary steps in promoting science, technology and innovation “with the aim of addressing global challenges linked to issues of environment, climate change, human health, energy sources and water resources.” The summit agreed to hold a second science and technology summit in 2020 at Uzbekistan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, there was a resolution to support the “G5” Sahel countries (Niger, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, established in 2014) in their efforts to fight terrorism and ensure development.

In an age in which the leading religious establishments are fighting moral decadence and collapse of marriage institution, the OIC meeting, understandably agreed “to promote family welfare, preserve values of marriage and family institutions. To achieve this, new strategies will be worked out for marriage and family institution empowerment and value preservation.”

Nigeria, a country with bubbling and versatile cultural heritage, stands to gain from measures that will support cinematic productions, including a planned launching of an OIC film festival. In this regard, the leaders commended the Secretariat for the initiative of the OIC Film Award for Peace and Co-existence which debuted in February this year at the African Film and TV Festival at Ouagadougou, Mali.

The leaders accepted a recommendation by the Council of Foreign Ministers for the setting up of a unit for youth issues that will focus mainly on their empowerment.

There was a landmark adoption of a plan for women advancement with implementation mechanisms. There will be an OIC Women Consultative Council that would, among other issues, seek to strengthen the marriage institution, and discourage marriage of underage girls.

The robust, and well attended meeting, touched economic and social issues affecting members, relying on the strength of collective efforts to find immediate and lasting solutions. The meeting agreed to come together and end terrorism; support members that are behind in economy and development; empowerment of youths through knowledge and entrepreneurship, and advance the cause of women.

Other significant gains include discouraging marriage of underage girls; increasing trade and investment; promoting science, technology and innovation; promoting culture; financing development and preserving the marriage institution. Arresting climate change, sustaining advocacy on the issue of Palestine, and working together for peace, security and co-existence were also addressed.

Given their antecedents and predispositions, critics weren’t prepared for these laudable outcomes. With the facts now made available, they should withdraw accusing finger and accept the President’s participation as important for the country, and the continent. It is not late to reverse their merciless criticism. Surely, the outcomes have justified the journey in so many ways, and time will tell.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhair on media and publicity

Buhari Threatens To Hold Police Officers Accountable For Violation Of Human Rights

Editorial staff

June 3, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has stressed the need for police men and women to at all times, carry out their statutory responsibilities within the ambit of the law and must not violate the fundamental human rights of Nigerians whom they have sworn to protect.

He warned however that “where the rights of Nigerians are violated by Police Officers while discharging their functions, the Government has a responsibility to address the instances of violation in line with its human rights obligations and ensure that such Police Officers are held accountable for their actions.”

The President, who spoke today, Monday when he received the report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said: “it is in recognition of our obligations under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International Human Rights Laws, that this Administration decided to set up this Presidential Panel and directed the National Human Rights Commission to constitute its membership in order to investigate the various public outcries and media reports alleging human rights violations against citizens by officers of SARS.”

He recalled that the the Presidential Panel on SARS Reform was constituted as a result of public outcry and various media reports on allegations of human rights violations perpetrated by officers and men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He said that reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force to be more effective and efficient in safeguarding lives and properties, apprehending offenders and generally improving the internal security of our Nation in line with our laws and international best practices has been one of the major policies of his Administration.

“In order to reposition the Nigeria Police Force to effectively carry out its statutory responsibilities, I have taken major steps by increasing the workforce of the Nigeria Police as well as improving the welfare of Police officers, because they put their lives on the front line on a daily basis so that the rest of us may freely go about our business in safety.”

He said that the panel was empowered to make appropriate recommendations not just for holding Police Officers found wanting accountable, but also, on ways SARS and by extension, the Nigeria Police could be generally reformed.

“The decision directing the National Human Rights Commission to constitute the membership of the Panel and to take the lead in investigating the said allegations of human rights violation, was borne out of the mandate of the National Human Rights Commission which include the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria as enshrined under sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act, 1995 (as amended).

“It is also in recognition of the fact that the decisions, determinations and recommendations of the Commission are binding and enforceable as provided under section 22 of the NHRC Act, 1995 (as amended).

Buhari believes that the Report of the Panel and recommendations contained therein would go a long way in redressing the grievances of the complainants, ensure accountability on the part of the Police Officers in discharging their responsibilities and facilitate the various Police reforms being introduced by this administration.

He assured all Nigerians that his government will continue to fulfill its obligations of promoting and protecting human rights of Nigerians, and will give the National Human Rights Commission all the support required to ensure full implementation of the recommendations contained in its Report.

“In addition, we will strengthen the operations of the Commission to enhance its effectiveness and capability to resolve cases of human rights violations.

“This administration is conscious of the role the Commission plays in ensuring security and stability in the nation through the resolution of complaints of human rights violations, which if neglected, could result into major security challenges.”

The President said that he had recently approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council of the Commission, adding that the names of the Council members will be submitted to the National Assembly for confirmation before the inauguration of the Council in line with NHRC Act, 1995 (as amended).

Church Disowns Pastor Who Allegedly Raped, Impregnated Orphan

Greenbarge Reporters

June 3, 2019

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has disowned David Onyekachukwu who claimed to be a pastor in the Life Camp branch, Abuja, over alleged rape and impregnating of a 16-year-old orphan.

A statement by the Church’s spokesman, Collins Edomaruse, David had never been a pastor, even as he was given indefinite suspicion in line with the rules and regulations of MFM which forbid such acts and frown at them.

The statement said that David’s indefinite suspension is a result of an investigation carried out by the Church which established that he was culpable of the reported offence of rape, resulting in the pregnancy of the female teenager.

Confirming the incident, Regional Overseer (RO) Gwarimpa region of the church, Pastor Babalola Niyi, said: “he (David) is not an ordained pastor in Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

“He is just a member/worker in that Life Camp branch and he has been suspended from the branch immediately.

“The church cannot stop the law from taking its course as doing so will amount to condoning evil and being an accessory after the fact.

“After investigation, we confirm that the raping and impregnating of the girl is true and the matter is currently being handled by the Police.

“However, we want to say that the alleged person is not an ordained Pastor or an officially appointed Pastor in MFM Gwarimpa Region. This is therefore a personal issue between the Brother and the innocent victim.

“It has nothing to do with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

“In MFM, the leadership does not condone indiscipline.

“Absolute holiness within and without is our hallmark in Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

“This is of a priority in all our trainings and teachings to our Pastors and members.

“The alleged brother is already in the Custody of the Police to allow the law to take its course.”

48 Year Old Pastor Allegedly Rapes, Impregnates 16 Year Orphan

Editorial staff

June 2, 2019

A 48-year-old pastor, whose name is being withheld, has been arrested by the officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in Abuja for alleged rape and sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old orphan.

NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Stella Nezan, in a statement today, Sunday in Abuja, alleged that the suspect, a pastor in the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church (MFM), Gwarinpa branch, impregnated his victim in the process.

She said that the suspect, who volunteered to provide shelter for the girl and deliver her from evil spirit after she had been accused of witchcraft, took advantage of the situation.

“NAPTIP operatives effected arrest of one pastor with MFM in Gwarimpa, Abuja, for rape, sexual molestation and impregnating a 16-year-old orphan.

“The suspect from Nsukka in Enugu State, was said to have volunteered to provide shelter and also conduct deliverance on the girl after she lost her parents and was accused of witchcraft.

“But he took advantage of the vulnerability of the innocent girl and repeatedly devoured her sexually.”

The statement said that the victim, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) student in Abuja had lived with the pastor, a widower, and his daughter for sometimes before the sexual exploitation started.

The suspect was said to have confessed to committing the crimes “only twice” and blamed it on the devil.

“The victim, a JSS2 student of one of the government schools in Abuja, suddenly dropped out of school and was in dire need of accommodation shortly after the death of her parents in 2018.

“Investigation revealed that the pastor was living with his daughter in the same compound with the victim’s deceased parents in Karmo, a suburb of Abuja, and volunteered to assist her in her education.

“According to the victim, after the first year of their living together, the pastor started making love advances toward her, an action she constantly resisted.

“She narrated that the first time the pastor raped her was in March, after her birthday outing.”

She added that the pastor continued to rape her afterwards and it resulted in pregnancy.

“During interrogation, the pastor confessed to sexually abusing the girl only twice and attributing the evil act to the devil,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NAPTIP, Ms Julie Okah-Donli, has described the action of the suspect as the highest form of wickedness against a fellow human being.

Okah-Donli promised that the case would be diligently prosecuted in order to secure justice for the victim.

Source: NAN.

Nigerians, Others Feared Dead As Migrants’ Boat Capsizes Off Libyan Coast

Editorial staff

June 2, 2019

At least two migrants died and about 25 others were missing after their inflatable boat capsized off the western Libyan coast. The migrants included 40 men, 25 women and eight children from Sudan, Kenya, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

A spokesman for the coastguard, Ayoub Qassem, confirmed today, Sunday that atotal of 73 migrants were picked up by a coastguard patrol about 14 miles off Qarabulli town, some 49 km (30.5 miles) east of the capital Tripoli. He said that the bodies of a woman and a child were recovered.

“A wrecked and inflatable boat was found without an engine and the illegal migrants were found clinging to it,” Qassem said.

According to the UN migration agency IOM, 2,297 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean last year out of a total of 116,959 people who reached Europe by sea.

Libya’s western coast has become a main departure point for migrants as smugglers exploit the county’s chaos since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

But since July 2017, smuggling networks inside Libya have been disrupted under an Italian-backed deal with local authorities in a former smuggling hub of Sabratha town in western Libya.

The coast guard has stepped up patrols after receiving new boats from Italy as part of efforts by the right-wing government there to stop migrants reaching Italian shores from Africa.

Source: Reuters.

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