Video By Boko Haram Showing Shooting Down Of NAF Jet Is Fake, Experts Conclude

April 3, 2021

Military and Forensic experts have described as fake a video released by the Boko Haram sect, showing a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) alpha jet being shot down and destroyed mid-air by missiles, launched by its fighters.

The source with forensic background said that there was no projectile of a rocket going towards the jet and there was no display of any anti-aircraft gun/missiles in the video to have aimed and shot the jet.

“The Boko haram video shows different scenes with the different weather condition. Some scene were visibly clear from sunlight and another look hazy and cloudy.

“There are also unnecessary transitions, between the time the jet was flying in the air and the time of the explosion. Even some of the ragtag Boko Haram fighters were just shooting their guns indiscriminately without aiming at the sky. ”

Another counter-terrorism expert, Hugo Kaaman also picked holes in Boko Haram’s propaganda video on missing NAF Jet.

Kaaman an independent open-source researcher, with a focus on the use of Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, SVBIEDs, provided clear video evidence that the insurgents had doctored and manipulated the video.

In a tweet with video, he said: “Boko Haram just released a video claiming it shows a NAF jet shot down by the group. Looking at the video, it appears as if the jet explodes mid-air. However, this is not true. BH took a 2012 video showing a SyAAF helicopter exploding mid-air over Idlib and superimposed it. Weak

“Just to be clear, the jet really crashed. It’s unclear whether this was due to hostile fire or technical issues. The wreckage can be seen in the same Boko Haram video. This video merely highlights Boko Haram’s fake footage of the shootdown itself.

The researcher provided video evidence showing the section depicting a Syaaf helicopter exploding mid-air after being hit by anti-aircraft fire over Idlib city in Syria in late 2012 with the fake video of Boko in 2021.

The NAF Jet last Wednesday, lost contact with radar around 5 pm, while on an interdiction mission in support of ground troops. The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.

The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabwet had dismissed the claim of Boko Haram on the jet.

In a release captioned “Crashed NAF ALPHA JET Aircraft was not shot down by Boko Haram,” Gabwet had said that the video was doctored for false propaganda by terrorists.

The airforce spokesperson said: “One of such videos, in particular, began with sporadic shooting by several terrorists, including underaged children on motorcycles and vehicles. It later skipped abruptly to a scene depicting an aircraft exploding mid-air, supposedly as a result of enemy action.

“…. The video clip failed to show the correlation between the sporadic shooting, which even from casual observation was obviously aimed at ground targets, and the sudden mid-air aircraft explosion. In addition, it is almost impossible for an aircraft to have exploded mid-air, in the manner depicted in the video, and still have a good part of its fuselage, including its tail, intact. Indeed, an explosive impact of that nature would have scattered the debris of the aircraft across several miles.”

As My 2011 Campaign Spokesman, Yinka Odumakin Was Dutiful – President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

April 3, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has recalled that
Yinka Odumakin, spokesman of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere who died today in Lagos was very dutiful when he served as his 2011 presidential campaign group.
In a message by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President
ondoled with the family, friends and acquaintances of the deceased who died from respiratory issue after recovering from Covid-19.
The President said that apart from being dutiful, late Yinka Odumakin was a person of conviction.
He expressed sorrow at his demise, when he had a lot more to contribute to society and the nation at large.
Buhari prayed God to grant repose to the soul of the departed activist, and comfort all those who mourn him.

My Husband Recovered From Covid-19 A Week Ago, But Died Of Complications

Greenbarge Reporters

April 3, 2021

Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin, wife of the late Spokesman of Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Yinka Odumakin, has said that her husband recovered from Covid-19 a week ago but died today, April 3 from respiratory issue.
Mrs. Odumakin who expressed gratitude to God for Yinka’s life explained that her husband died due to complications from Covid-19 which he had recovered from about a week ago.
She lamented that with the death of her husband, part of her was gone, even as she expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their sympathy.
The full text of her statement today, April 3, titled: ”A PART OF ME IS GONE!” goes thus:
With gratitude to the Supreme Being for a life well spent, I announce the passing on of my beloved husband, Comrade Yinka Odumakin to the great beyond after a brief illness.
”The sad event happened this morning (Saturday, 3/4/2021) at the intensive care unit of LASUTH where he was being managed for respiratory issues due to complications from COVID-19 which he had recovered from about a week ago.
”I appreciate the outpouring of grief and sympathy from home and abroad as I mourn my irreplaceable soulmate.
”I urge us all to remain steadfast in the cause of the masses to which he dedicated his life. Burial arrangement will be made public in due course.”
Meanwhile, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, Convener of the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria has announced a seven-day mourning of Nigerian Pro Democracy Activists for the loss of Yinka Odumakin.

Okunniyi, who addressed Leaders of the June 12 Movement today, virtually said that Yinka Odumakin was one of the fiercest and most Prolific Comrades of the Pro Democracy Movement in Nigeria, who spent most of his adult life fighting the cause of a just and equitable Nigeria and therefore deserved to be immortalized by the Pro Democracy Movement.
In a statement by Obafemi Olubori, media assistant to the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria, Okunniyi was quoted inter alia as saying: “Odumakin and others in the National Conscience Party, NCP led by Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory teamed up with the Campaign for Democracy, CD led by Dr Beko Ransome Kuti in the 90s to flush military rule out of power. As fate would have it he met his heartrob and greatest supporter, Joe Okei in the cause of that struggle, which led to the restoration of the present Democratic rule in Nigeria”
“So he has paid his dues for Nigeria and deserves to be mourned and immortalized by the Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria.”
Okunniyi said that the Movement, in the course of the seven days national mourning shall open condolence registers in its offices in Abuja and Lagos and shall expect Nigerian Pro Democracy Activists to adorn a spot of black in their outfit during the seven days period, which commences on Tuesday, 6th April to Monday, 12th April, 2021
“Finally, on behalf of the entire Pro Democracy Movement, commiserated with the Odumakin family, especially his wife, Joe Okei Odumakin, whom he called the pride of the civil society struggle and Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba Organization, which Odumakin served till he passed, praying that God grant them the grace to bear the huge irreparable loss of Yinka Odumakin.”

Nigeria Is Heading Into Danger, Signs Are Ominous, Oladapo Diya Warns

Editorial staff

April 2, 2021

“I agree that there has always been one misunderstanding or the other, for a long time, but what we are witnessing in recent past is alarming. It is taking a dangerous turn. The signs are ominous.”

These were the verdict of the former Chief of General Staff under the late General Sanni Abacha military regime, Lieutenant General Donaldson Oladipupo Diya in a message he personally signed to celebrate his 77th birthday anniversary.

Diya stressed that Nigerians needed to come together to confront their common enemy, which he said is “war and its apostles – so that we can rise together as one.

“I agree that there has always been one misunderstanding or the other, for a long time, but what we are witnessing in recent past is alarming. It is taking a dangerous turn. The signs are ominous.

“We seem to have forgotten that, fundamentally, we are brothers and sisters from one source, in one nation with a common destiny. Let us pursue peace and eschew violence at all costs, by all means.

“Many actors have made their positions known. A lot more have pointed accusing fingers. We have turned the table and changed the narratives, just to suit our positions. One thing is certain, we cannot continue like this. Enough is enough.

“Let us cease the practice of name-calling. There is no part of the nation that does not have its inherent security challenges. Hence, the first solution is to look inwards. Let us do a soul searching.

“More work however need to be done by the government to solve the perennial problem of banditry, farmer – herder crisis and all forms of terrorism in the land.

“Sociologists have always warned us that “the rumours of war always justifies armament.” Armament itself heightens the possibility of war. We must avoid a repeat of mistakes of the past. Peace is all we need.

“The Political Class must play by the rules and observe the thin line that separates Politics from Governance. Security matters should not be toyed with on the alter of politicking.

“Hate speech, fake news, as well as inciting ethnic-religious acts should be completely eradicated.

“I have fought many wars in my life. I have been out there all my life. I know the feel, the smell, the agony and the long time implications of wars. After a war, there must still be a dialogue, so it is better to dialogue and talk our way out of the problems.”

Hajj 2021: You Must Not Be Above 60 , Must Have Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate – Saudi

Editorial staff

April 2, 2021

Saudi Arabian authorities have issued guidelines for Muslims that are planning to perform this year’s 2021 hajj, with a provision that all the external pilgrims should obtain two doses of WHO-approved vaccine for COVID-19. They also pegged the age of intending pilgrims to 60.

According to the country’s Ministry of Health, intending pilgrims will be required to receive the second dose of the vaccine before arriving in the Kingdom, at least one week before Hajj.

The ministry said that the intending pilgrims will also need to obtain a certified and negative test of the COVID-19 PCR test, 72 hours before their arrival in the Kingdom.

The Ministry made it clear that it would require all pilgrims to be subjected to a 72 hours of Mandatory Quarantine, which would end only after a negative PCR test.

On the Hajj 1442 Health Control Plan, the Ministry said that there would be need for all pilgrims and workers to wear tags and to ensure that approved housing and mobility of at least one and a half meters between one and the other, “as well as scheduling the flow of pilgrims into groups, so that only 100 pilgrims per group would be limited to the duration of the various rituals of Hajj

“The Ministry has also directed to exclude the most vulnerable groups from pilgrimage and limiting age groups to only 18 to 60 years old.”

2021 Hajj: Kwara Begins Vaccination Of 2,500 Pilgrims Against COVlD-19

Editorial staff

April 2, 2021

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare’s Board on Friday commenced vaccination for intending pilgrims in the state against COVlD-19. A total of 2,500 intending Pilgrims will travel with the Board for the 2021 pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The vaccination which is being administered by the office of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency is part of the preparation for the 2021 Hajj for the intending Pilgrims from the 16 local government areas of the state.

Speaking on the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed, during a chat with news men, said that the exercise was in compliance with the directive of the Saudi Arabian authority.

“The vaccination of our intending Pilgrims was part of the requirement from the Saudi Arabian Authority to qualify them to enter the holy land.

”The Pilgrims will be administered the second dose after six weeks of the current one, he added.

He said that the Pilgrims are also to take the regular vaccination against Yellow fever and other diseases after the COVlD-19 vaccination exercise.

Ahmed advised the intending pilgrims from all the 16 local government areas of the state to make themselves available for the vaccination and obtain their certificates.

The Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Sambo Sambaki, while presetting a vaccination certificate to one of the intending pilgrims, described the exercise as successful, adding that all the 2,500 intending pilgrims from the 16 local government areas of the state are expected to be vaccinated.

The state’s Immunization Officer, Hajia Sarat Yoonus, from the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency said the vaccination was a strategic method of preventing the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

She gave an assurance that the vaccine has no negative effect on the body as being speculated in some quarters.

Two of the intending pilgrims, who took the vaccination, Mrs. Mopelola Kadir and Hajia Asiata Amope, praised the foresight of the state government aimed at eliminating and preventing the further outbreak of the pandemic in the state.

Source: Daily Trust

Air Force Ignores Boko Haram’s Claim, Expresses Hope To Rescue Crew In Missing Jet

Editorial staff

April 2, 2021

The Nigerian Air Force has ignored claim by Boko Haram that its men were responsible for bringing down the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31

The Air Force expressed confidence that it is not ruling out anything regarding the incident, saying that “it remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.”
A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said that extensive search and rescue efforts are ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground.

The statement today, April 2, gave the name of the two crew members, who disappeared with the fighter jet as Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.
The cause of the crash, as well as the whereabouts of the two pilots remain unknown.

Earlier today, Boko Haram fighters have displayed a video clip claiming the wreckages of what they said were the remains of the missing jet. They claimed that they shot it down.

The video, which could not be verified, was released on a Boko Haram social media channel showing a militant standing on what the group claimed are the wreckage of the jet. It showed the Nigerian flag and number NAF 475 on its fuselage.

North Battles 30,000 Bandits, As N970 Million Paid In Ransom In 8 Years – Zamfara Gov

Editorial staff

April 2, 2021

The Governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle, has said that there are no fewer than 30, 000 bandits operating in the North, even as N970 million has so far been paid in ransom to rescue victims in the last eight years.

The governor said that within the same period, 2,619 people were killed, 1,190 others kidnapped and N970 million paid as ransom between 2011 and 2019 in the six northern states.

Governor Bello Matawalle, who spoke to news men today, April 2 in Kaduna, said that with about 6,000 soldiers in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto and Kebbi states to tackle over 30,000 bandits, it became imperative for him to find an enduring solution to the security challenges in his state hence, he resorted to dialogue with the bandits.

According to the governor, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, with 14,378 animals rustled and over 100,000 people displaced within the eight years, the greatest challenge faced by his administration was insecurity.

“Before the coming of the present administration of Dr Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun on May 29, 2019, as the Governor of Zamfara state, Zamfara people were in a devastated state of dilemma and fear of the unknown due to rural banditry.

“Over 2,619 people were killed between 2011 and 2019. This is in addition to the 1,190 people kidnapped by the bandits. The records also show that the sum of N970 million was paid as ransom, while 14,378 animals were rustled within the period.

“With the coming of Governor Bello Matawalle drastic measures were put in place to control the situation. The peace and reconciliation process undertaken by the government has yielded positive result.

“At least, there are almost 100 different bandit camps with no fewer than 300 bandits in each of these camps having sophisticated weapons with them.

“This is coupled with the shortage of manpower in the security section.”

Saudi Investors Would Have Flooded Nigeria If…, Ambassador Faisal

Greenbarge Reporters

April 1, 2021

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi has said that investors in various economic ventures would have flooded Nigeria if it were not the Covid-19 pandemic that overtook the world.

He said that more than 12 areas of agreements reached between President Muhammadu Buhari and leadership of Saudi Arabia when the President visited that country over a year ago, would have started yielding results if the pandemic had not set in.

Ambassador Faisal, in a chat with media men and women in Abuja today, April 1^st, in Abuja Nigeria’s Federal Capital today, said that when he was appointed Ambassador, the list of what he was expected to achieve to further promote the good relationship between the two countries was handed to him.

He said that the fresh agreement covers areas like agriculture, security, oil and gas, and several others.

Ambassador Faisal said that despite the pandemic, “I’m still putting the areas of agreements in focus and keeping in touch with relevant government authorities to fulfill the mandate that was handed to me.”

The Ambassador sought the support and cooperation of the media to achieve the desire result, adding that as soon as the pandemic eases off, things would be put in place to fast track the joint development strides between the two countries.

Earlier, Head of the Embassy’s Media section, Majed Alharbi enumerated various measures being taken by the Kingdom to address the climate change and green lane vision 2030.

He said that under the programmes, 10 billion trees would be planted in the Kingdom, and 50 billion planted around the Middle East.

“This will aim at addressing environmental challenges, especially on humans.”

He said that talks had reached advance stages amongst the countries in the Middle East on the method of financing the project, which he described as “clean energy revolution.”

According to Majed, Nigeria is one of the countries that had been contacted to provide expertise and other necessities for the success of the project, even as he said that the Kingdom had undertaken to assist low income countries with the financial aspect of the project.

Majed announced that the Kingdom had launched two satellites into space as part of the comprehensive plans put forward by the Crown Prince to overhaul the system of government in the Kingdom and Middle East.

Buhari To Nigerians: Don’t Allow Mischief Makers To Undermine Unity Of Nigeria

Editorial staff

April 1, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians not to allow mischief makers to undermine the unity and faith of this country.

In a message to Christians today, April 1^st as they mark Easter celebration, the President said: “we should not allow the antics of a few mischief mongers to fragment the unity and faith that the vast majority of citizens of this country cherish and believe in.

“As I have said before, we are better and stronger as one nation under God.”

President Buhari stressed that Nigerians are united in their belief that if they do the right things, take the right decisions and act responsibly, the coronavirus pandemic, like others before it, will no longer be a threat.

The President said that the Easter celebration is an opportunity to renew hope and faith, show love and appreciation to one another and not to despair, no matter the challenges of the period.

“As a government, we will continue to ensure that the weak, the poor and the underprivileged in our midst are not abandoned.

“We have reached out with palliative care even in the midst of dwindling resources; we have tried our best to provide support to families and businesses affected at this time.

“That is the spirit of Easter; the spirit of Faith; the spirit of Belief; the spirit of Hope.”

“I congratulate our brothers and sisters once aga The President recalled that a year ago, “in most of our major cities, our celebrations were somewhat subdued, as we battled the effect of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

“The restrictions meant that our brethren could not attend traditional church services as they would have wished. I salute their resilience and understanding.

“Today, we are able to congregate and worship together, cautiously.”

President Buhari appreciates the sacrifices of doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers, who have made the difference in saving lives and ensuring the reduction of the spread of the virus.

“I thank Nigerians who have religiously adhered to various interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand washing; safe distancing, wearing of face masks, and embrace of vaccination.”

The President equally commends our law enforcement and military personnel who continue to confront evil-minded individuals through the darkest of nights to keep us safe.

“I am convinced that the new resolve within the security personnel to make sure that insecurity in the country becomes part of our history will come to pass.in on this occasion and wish everyone a Happy Easter celebration.”

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