AljazirahNews Nigeria

AljazirahNews Nigeria Aljazirah, first in breaking the news from anywhere around the world.

THIS WEEKEND in ALJAZIRAH NEWS NIGERIA 📰🚨

AljazirahNews Nigeria Aljazirah, first in breaking the news from anywhere around the world.

Supreme Court Judgements Victory For Democracy - PDP

Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, has described the judgments of the Supreme Court affirming the victory of its governors in Bauchi , Plateau and Zamfara States as victory for democracy.

The party said this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja yesterday.

Ologunagba congratulated Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is also the Chairman of PDP Governors' Forum, for his victory at the apex court.

He also congratulated Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara , over their Supreme Court victories

He described the judgments as ultimate triumph of the expressed will of the people of Bauchi, Plateau and Zamfara States in their quest for purposeful leadership and good governance under the banner of the PDP.

He said that the jubilation across three states and others across the federation was a testimony that the judgments were in line with the expectations of Nigerians in their pursuit of justice.

“On Bauchi, the judgment of the Supreme Court is a validation of the aspiration of the people of the state in their resolve to defend and preserve good governance as epitomised in the people-oriented leadership style and life-changing achievements of Gov. Mohammed for which they overwhelmingly re-elected him on March 18, 2023.

“Our party remains proud of Mohammed’s legacy achievements in citizen empowerment, human capital and infrastructural developments across all sectors of life since his assumption of office as governor in May 2019", he said.

On Plateau State, Ologunagba said that the PDP commended the courage of the Supreme Court in upholding the will of the people and showing that indeed, the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

He said that the verdict came as a seal of the triumph of the manifest resilience of the women, youths and the entire people of Plateau State in their determination to liberate their state from the stranglehold of oppressive anti-people forces.

“Mutfwang’s election marked a new beginning of purposeful and people-oriented leadership that has eluded Plateau in the last eight years.

“This is evident in his proactive and transformative achievements in critical sectors in the state despite daunting challenges", he said.

Ologunagba also applauded the apex court for upholding justice in Zamfara by overturning “the attempt by anti-democratic forces to suppress the expressed will” of the people of the state, who voted for Lawal.

He said that the party congratulated the people of Zamfara and saluted Lawal for his efforts in restoring security of lives and property and deploying his expertise in the management of the state’s resources .

He charged the governors to continue to deliver people-oriented development programmes and projects in line with the policy thrust, vision and manifesto of the PDP.

Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Jigawa 7 Others Reduce Domestic Debt By N111bn

By Charles Ebi

At least, 11 out of the 18 newly elected governors successfully reduced their inherited domestic debts by a significant N111.35 billion in the short span from June to September 2023.
The 11 new governors that decreased their domestic debt include Alex Otti of Abia state, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state, Peter Mbah of Enugu state, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa state.
Others include Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
In total, these 11 governors took an inherited debt of N1.46 trillion as of June 2023 to N1.35 trillion as of September 2023.
This drop further contributed to a notable decrease in the collective debt of these 18 governors, witnessing a drop of approximately N46.79 billion within three months.
An analysis of the subnational domestic debt reports, as released by the Debt Management Office ,DMO, indicates a downward shift in the total debt figures for these governors. The total debt, which stood at N2.52 trillion as of June 2023, saw a reduction to N2.47 trillion by September 2023.
The total debt of these 18 governors makes up 43.03% of the total subnational domestic debt of N5.74 trillion by the third quarter of 2023.
Conversely, four of the newly elected governors recorded an increase in their domestic debt, amounting to N20.56 billion, during the same timeframe.
Notably, for certain states like Kano, the domestic debt data was available only up to December 31, 2022, while for Katsina and Rivers states, the data extended up to March 31, 2023.
Consequently, while these three states were accounted for in the overall total debt calculation for the 18 governors, they were not included in the detailed breakdown of governors who either augmented or diminished their state’s debt in this analysis.
The four new governors that increased their domestic debt are Hyacinth Alia of Benue state, Bassey Otu of Cross River state, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state.
Together, they pushed their total domestic debt from N644.91 billion as of June 2023 to N665.46 billion as of September 2023. Leading the trend is Plateau state, with a 7% increase in three months, getting about 58% of the total fresh loans by these four new governors.
The current trend observed among some of Nigeria’s newly elected governors, where a significant number are reducing their inherited domestic debts, presents a scenario open to two primary interpretations.
On one hand, this trend could be indicative of a deliberate and strategic effort by these governors to lower their states’ debt profiles, showcasing a commitment to fiscal prudence and sustainable economic management.
On the other hand, it is also plausible that the observed reduction in debt levels is not necessarily a result of proactive debt-reduction strategies, but rather a consequence of routine debt servicing and repayments. In this context, the reduction could be more reflective of the governors’ initial phases of administration, where they are yet to fully establish their financial strategies or undertake new debt-incurring projects or policies.
Given these possibilities, the true nature of the debt reduction among these governors could either be a strategic decision aimed at improving fiscal health or a temporary phase of regular debt servicing, which could potentially change as the governors’ terms progress and new financial policies are implemented.
However, in a significant turn of events that could reshape the political landscape, the Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgments today (Friday) on appeals concerning the election outcomes of seven governorship seats.
This critical decision encompasses five of the 18 newly elected governors, specifically from Kano, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Cross River states. Additionally, the apex court will also rule on appeals for the governorship elections in Bauchi and Lagos states, bringing the total to seven potentially impactful judgments.
This follows the recent dismissal by the Supreme Court of three separate appeals lodged by candidates and parties from the All Progressives Congress ,APC, Young Progressives Congress ,YPC, and New Nigerian Peoples Party ,NNPP, against the election of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
Particularly noteworthy are the judgments pending for Kano and Plateau These cases have garnered heightened public interest due to the lower courts’ previous decisions that resulted in the sacking of the incumbent governors in these states. The outcomes of these appeals are eagerly anticipated, as they are expected to have significant implications for the political dynamics and governance in these regions.
Amidst these legal battles, there have been critical observations and remarks regarding the role of the judiciary in political processes. The sacking of opposition governors by the courts has sparked debates and concerns about the independence of the judiciary. Critics have described these actions as potential instances of the executive arm exerting influence over the judiciary, using it as a tool to gain control in certain states.

FG Mulls Raising N35bn Through Local Financing To Kickstart Ajaokuta Steel Plant

By Abah Adah

Federal Government aims to generate approximately N35 billion for the Ajaokuta Light Steel mill by tapping into the local financial market.
The Minister of Steel Development, Mr. Shuaibu Audu, shared this information with State House Correspondents following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja.
He elaborated that the mill’s focus would be on producing iron rods for the administration’s road construction initiative, with the primary objective of generating thousands of jobs in the country.
He stated, “The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has already written a letter through his ministry, guaranteeing that there will be off-takers in the iron rods that are being produced.
“Basically, the precedent is on the Renewed Hope Agenda which the Minister of Works is driving plans to construct about 30,000 kilometres of roads across Nigeria, where they will need about 7 million metric tonnes of iron rods".
“We can produce about 400,000 tonnes of those iron rods in Ajaokuta if we’re able to restart the steel plant. Mr President gave approval for us to raise money locally".
Audu mentioned that discussions were actively underway with local financiers, and the finalization of the arrangements is expected within the next few weeks to ensure a swift commencement of the project.
The minister also highlighted a joint meeting with the President and the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, regarding the Ajaokuta Steel plant.
He specified that this discussion focused on the establishment of military hardware, with a Chinese firm demonstrating a robust commitment to the project.
Mr. Shuaibu Audu further mentioned that talks were held regarding the commitment of a Chinese company at the G20 summit in India. The company has expressed a willingness to invest $5 billion in the steel sector of the economy.
He mentioned that the President has approved the establishment of a ministerial committee to supervise the implementation of this investment in the country.
Audu specified that the committee would include key stakeholders within the government, such as the Ministers of Finance, Trade and Investments, Defence, Solid Minerals, and Steel Development.

Private Sector Collaboration Critical For Job Creation — Trade Minister

By Ladi Patrick

In a proactive move to foster industrial growth and job creation, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, continued her factory tour in Ogun State, following its commencement in Lagos.
The Minister’s visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering the private sector as a key driver for job creation and economic development.
The tour began with a strategic meeting with Ogun State Governor, Dr. Dapo Abiodun.
Uzoka-Anite emphasised the Federal govern
Private Sector Collaboration Critical For Job Creation — Trade Minister
By Ladi Patrick
In a proactive move to foster industrial growth and job creation, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, continued her factory tour in Ogun State, following its commencement in Lagos.
The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the private sector as a key driver for job creation and economic development.
The tour began with a strategic meeting with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun.
Uzoka-Anite emphasized the Federal Government’s support for the state, highlighting the importance of gathering feedback to enhance nationwide industrialisation.
She also visited leading industrial entities including the TGI Group, African Foundries Limited, and Land Craft Industries Limited, underscoring the significance of the steel industry as a cornerstone for economic growth.
Governor Abiodun expressed his vision of leveraging the state’s proximity to Lagos to foster a conducive environment for public-private partnerships.
The state’s approach, encapsulated in the ISEYA acronym – Infrastructure, Social welfare, Education, Youth empowerment, Agriculture – aligns with the federal government’s objectives.
A pivotal moment in the tour was Uzoka-Anite’s visit to Tropical General Investments ,TGI, Group, where she commissioned the new factory extension for West African Cubes ,WACUB, Limited.
She said, “This project will significantly increase GDP and create jobs, aligning with the President’s 8-point agenda".
At African Foundries Limited and Land Craft Industries Limited, the Minister recognized the steel sector’s critical role in industrialisation.
She encouraged collaboration among local entrepreneurs to address infrastructure and security challenges, promising federal support to mitigate other impediments.
The tour’s third day featured a visit to Beloxxi Industries, where the Minister was impressed by the youth development program.
“We need to encourage manufacturers to do the same as it goes a long way to stem the many vices we see young people getting involved in", she said.
She also highlighted the potential of procurement to stimulate demand and job creation in line with the President’s plan for industrialization.
Uzoka-Anite’s itinerary also included stops at major food industry players such as Unilever Plc in Agbara, GreenTech Industries Limited, and GB Africa GB Foods Manufacturing Nigeria Limited. She listened attentively to their challenges and reassured them of the President’s dedication to economic improvement in line with the 8-point agenda.
Concluding her tour, the Minister expressed gratitude to the companies she visited, acknowledging their challenges and reaffirming her commitment to sector-wide growth.
“We are very excited to see the commitment to His Excellency’s vision, and it is totally in line with what we are doing in trying to create more jobs, deepen industrialization, and grow the economy,” she stated, reflecting optimism for achieving a $1trn economy.

Leveraging On Financial Market To Boost Economy

By Yahaya Umar

Currency trading continues to be the world’s most important financial market. The market is crowded with traders and investors and is quite liquid.
Because of the market’s extreme volatility, traders can profit by timing their purchases or sales of currencies. Retail investors who are thinking about getting into this industry need to be well-versed in both its general characteristics and its peculiarities.
The high level of liquidity makes it simple for currency traders, banks and institutions to buy or sell currencies without significantly shifting the market or suffering financial losses from slippage.
Foreign currency trading includes a high degree of risk and isn’t appropriate for every investor, just like many other types of investments.
You can end up losing all you invested as well as more money. As a result, you must be aware of the hazards connected to this product.
Forex deals are extremely risky even if they can only be made in percentages of a single point. Since it takes a lot of money to make a sizable profit in forex, a lot of traders use a lot of leverage.
Although it is hoped that their leverage will generate profits, leveraged bets typically result in tenfold higher losses.
Building a strong education is crucial for many FX traders because it will benefit them in the long run.
Gaining proficiency in low-risk trading methods and sound fundamental and technical analysis can help you build your confidence, develop new abilities, and strategically plan your transactions.
You will eventually hone your abilities, recognize them, and accomplish your trading objectives if you have patience and make thoughtful plans.
A lot of Forex brokers will supply you with the means and instruments to advance your trading career. Before diving in headfirst, though, make sure you use minimal leverage and avoid taking unnecessary risks with your money and account. The more work you put in before a trade, both in terms of technical and fundamental analysis, the higher your chances of success.
Experts minimize losses by making significant gains when their currency call turns out to be accurate. Most retail traders, on the other hand, go the opposite way; they make little profits on several positions but lose a lot of money by hanging onto a bad trade for too long. You can lose more money because of this than you originally invested.
Global Tier 1 banks have extensive trading operations that are linked to the currency market and possess information that retail traders do not have access to, such as commercial forex flows and clandestine government action.
With forex, one might potentially earn a significant sum of money, but doing so will require a significant amount of research, persistence, and acceptance of the possibility of losing money.
The trading instruments utilized in forex trading are very volatile. Global market dynamics and common economic factors influence profitability.
Have a thorough understanding of the market, your motivations for investing, and your objectives before entering any financial market.
The best course of action is to trade FX, as it is the biggest traded financial market with a daily average trade of more than $7.5 trillion.
It would be wise to take some precautions if you decide to give forex trading a try: pick a reliable forex brokerage, keep your stop-losses tight, and limit your leverage. Even so, there’s still a good chance that these steps will help you somewhat level the playing field.

Co-creation Hub To Invest $700,000 In Edo State-based Startups

Technology innovation center, Co-creation Hub, is set to invest a total of $700,000 in tech startups based in Edo State to apply through its Innovation Challenge and Support Programme.
The Hub, working in collaboration with the Edo State Government, is now calling on startups to apply for these programmes to benefit from the investment. Under the programme, 30 startups will receive $10,000 each, while another set of 20 startups will receive $20,000 each, bringing the total amount to $700,000.
Announcing the opening of applications via a statement released on Friday, the Cc Hub said it was assisting the Edo State government in strengthening its digital solutions ecosystem and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. The programs are also being organized with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
While making the calls for applications, the Hub co-founded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said:
“We are offering investment support to 50 startups through two programs – the Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program for diverse startups with underrepresented founders and teams (women) and the Innovation Challenge for all tech startups with innovative ideas and products, offering funding for those with market potential.
“Dive into opportunity with our Inclusion-Focused Support Program: 30 selected startups, each receiving $10k USD for growth and innovation!
“Innovate, transform, and thrive! with our Innovation Challenge Program: 20 startups, each awarded $20k USD to drive game-changing ideas forward!”
Interested startups based in Edo State can apply here. According to the Hub, the deadline for the applications is 12 February 2024.
This initiative in Edo State aligns with the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme of the Federal Government through which the government in collaboration with international bodies, is planning to invest $617.7 million in Nigerian startups.
The program is being financed by the French Development Agency ,AFD, the African Development Bank ,AfDB, the Islamic Development Bank ,ISDB, & the Bank of Industry ,BOI.
Out of the over $600 million value of I-DICE, the AFD is contributing 100 million euros (equivalent to $116 million).
The program is spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President, and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industry sectors.
According to the government, the programme would train two million young people, whilst encouraging them to structure their own ecosystem, through access to financing for the creation of innovative businesses and start-up support for the state, highlighting the importance of gathering feedback to enhance nationwide industrialization.
She also visited leading industrial entities including the TGI Group, African Foundries Limited, and Land Craft Industries Limited, underscoring the significance of the steel industry as a cornerstone for economic growth.
Governor Abiodun expressed his vision of leveraging the state’s proximity to Lagos to foster a conducive environment for public-private partnerships.
The state’s approach, encapsulated in the ISEYA acronym – Infrastructure, Social welfare, Education, Youth empowerment, Agriculture – aligns with the federal government’s objectives.
A pivotal moment in the tour was Uzoka-Anite’s visit to Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, where she commissioned the new factory extension for West African Cubes ,WACUB, Limited.
She said, “This project will significantly increase GDP and create jobs, aligning with the President’s 8-point agenda".
At African Foundries Limited and Land Craft Industries Limited, the Minister recognized the steel sector’s critical role in industrialization.
She encouraged collaboration among local entrepreneurs to address infrastructure and security challenges, promising federal support to mitigate other impediments.
The tour’s third day featured a visit to Beloxxi Industries, where the Minister was impressed by the youth development program.
“We need to encourage manufacturers to do the same as it goes a long way to stem the many vices we see young people getting involved in", she said.
She also highlighted the potential of procurement to stimulate demand and job creation in line with the President’s plan for industrialisation.
Uzoka-Anite’s itinerary also included stops at major food industry players such as Unilever Plc in Agbara, GreenTech Industries Limited, and GB Africa GB Foods Manufacturing Nigeria Limited. She listened attentively to their challenges and reassured them of the President’s dedication to economic improvement in line with the 8-point agenda.
Concluding her tour, the Minister expressed gratitude to the companies she visited, acknowledging their challenges and reaffirming her commitment to sector-wide growth.
“We are very excited to see the commitment to His Excellency’s vision, and it is totally in line with what we are doing in trying to create more jobs, deepen industrialization, and grow the economy", she stated, reflecting optimism for achieving a $1trn economy.

I’m Coming, Keep My Space – PDP’s Sowunmi Tells Bwala

Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party's, PDP, presidential candidate, Segun Sowunmi has hinted at his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Showunmi gave this hint while speaking on a Twitter space with the theme, “PDP leadership and role of opposition in democracy” yesterday.

He urged a fellow ex-Atiku’s campaign spokesman, Daniel Bwala, to keep a space for him in the APC because he might dump the PDP.

Bwala had vowed to support President Bola Tinubu after a visit to the Presidential Villa.

Sowunmi anchored his proposed defection to the APC on the refusal of PDP members to reform the party.

Showunmi said, ”Am I going to criticise President Tinubu more than what I have been doing? Am I going to fight him more than the one I have been fighting him?

”I have known this man since 1993 by name and voice. And yet, on behalf of this party and for the benefit of this party, I am closing my eyes to everything.

”The person that was president in 1999, is he still a member of their party today? The one that said he did not have shoes –Goodluck Jonathan – that we gave him the presidency two times.

”Because of Jonathan, we became a party that everybody was abusing. He is not standing with the party today.

”I am still here standing and shouting. If they don’t want us to reform the party, please o, Bwala o Bwala, Bwala, Bwala, keep space for me, I am coming.”

Supreme Court Ruling: I'm Focused On Delivering Dividends Of Democracy- Nwifuru

From CHARLES ONYEKWERE,
ABAKILIKI

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has disclosed that his administration is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Nwifuru stated this yesterday while reacting to the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld his election, stressing that equity, justice and fairness have prevailed.

"Today is a historic day in our dear state. It is a day when light overtook darkness, it is a day we are victorious over the Supreme Court judgement that finally upheld the populist mandate freely given to us by you.

"The judgement which was delivered by the erudite judges has finally nailed the protracted legal battle challenging the sincerity of purpose, courage of conviction, equity, fairness and justice —the fulcrum that our coming to power was hinged on.

"It is a win for all of us who vehemently opposed the mercantilist politics that nearly serrated our shared vision as a people. And so I congratulate you."

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, said the 'People's Charter of Needs' which integrates the urgent needs of the people would have been truncated if not for the fervency in supplications to God for the judiciary to defend democratic ethos.

The governor said the judgment calls for jubilation because it has brought to an end, attempts to truncate the wishes of the people.

"As we have survived their legal onslaughts, we are now more than conquerors, with a renewed verve to deliver the mandate you freely gave.

"We are convinced that never again shall division against our shared norms and common ancestry rear its ugly head," the governor said.

He commended the judiciary for its sincerity and unbiased stance in the dispensation of justice including the All Progressives Congress, APC, and his campaign council for galvanising the support that led to his victory at the polls.

Governor Nwifuru, however, assured that he will remain magnanimous in his resolve to carry everybody along irrespective of party affiliations and enjoined his opponents to join hands with him in his administration's drive to build a more virile state.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Delta Polls

From Owen Akenzua, Asaba

Supreme Court is yet to schedule judgment in the ongoing legal tussle between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the appellants; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Kenneth Gbagi of Social Democratic Party, SDP, and Mr Ken Peller of Labour Party, LP.

Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communication to the governor, Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe, in a statement yesterday, said the apex court after listening to the arguments of the counsels on Tuesday reserved judgment.

He disclosed that further clarifications with senior counsels for the respondents, the Peoples Democratic Party and Governor Oborevwori, revealed that the apex court is yet to fix a date for ruling.

In the light of verified facts, Oghenesivbe advised party faithful, supporters and the people of Delta State to disregard the publications and rumours making the rounds that judgment had been scheduled for today, Friday, January 12.

"It is not true that the Supreme Court will on Friday, January 12, deliver judgment in the Delta State Governorship Election.

"The apex court is yet to fix a date for judgment in the matter.

"Deltans, party faithful and the general public shall be well informed whenever the Supreme Court schedules date for ruling in the matter.

"Kindly disregard any publication or rumours making the rounds concerning the January 12 ruling," the statement added.

Miyetti Allah Condemns Extra-Judicial Killings In Kaduna Communities

FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killings and outright stealing in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State by suspected Nigerian Army personnel.

The association equally accused the Nigerian Army of unlawful intrusion, looting, extortion and harassment of law abiding Fulbe youths of Tilde Fulbe community and other areas in Ladduga Grazing Reserve within Kachia Local Government Area.

The association in a statement on Thursday stated that some of its members who were on a fact finding mission to the affected areas were dispersed.

The statement signed by the State Chairman of the association, Haruna Tugga, explained that to substantiate the information, it promptly called an emergency executive meeting with a view to get to the root of the matter and find out the triggers, remote causes, perpetrators and names of the victims.

"We received with concern, information via calls and other means of communication from individuals, groups, media and government functionaries over allegations of extra judicial killings and incursion by military personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Armament Technology School of Artillery, NASA, all located in Kachia, headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

"That about two weeks ago, operatives of the of the Nigerian Army seized one young man, Safiyanu Adamu, 22 years old, who was sick and being conveyed to the hospital by his biological father and other relations. After six days in the custody of the army, the dead body of the young Safiyanu was found in the bush.

"Mallam Adamu ldris, the father of late Safiyanu, made a complaint at the police station in Kachia. Having listened to the complainant, police authorities, after taking pictures of the lifeless body of the deceased and other information, ordered that he be buried the same day according to Islamic rites.

"The said operatives of the Nigerian Army came back to the village (Tilde Fulbe) on December 30, 2023 at about 10am and perpetrated another atrocity.

"They shot and killed Nura Yusuf at close range at Katul Market in full glare of thousands of people in the market and dumped his lifeless body along with his motorcycle in their military van and went away with it.

"Thereafter, his dead body was found around Oduma Village in Kachia Local Government Area about two days after they demanded N400,000 from the deceased's brother which was allegedly meant for his treatment, but they failed to call again after the brother insisted on hearing the victim's voice before he could send the money.

"The trigger hungry military personnel also arrested four young men from the same village, killed all of them in cold blood and dumped their lifeless bodies in the bush around Antai village in Kachia.

"The already decomposed bodies of these innocent youths were recovered and buried by our members with the help of the police on Monday alongside one other person who was also arrested and killed in the same circumstance, therefore making the victims of the gruesome killing five in number.

"These innocent youths were killed in spite of the fact that one of the soldiers used the arrested young man's phone to call the family and demanded N300,000 for his release which never materialised."

The association called on the federal and Kaduna State governments to intervene and ensure that all the erring military personnel involved in the perpetration of these heinous crimes against humanity are brought to book and the victims' families compensated.

MACBAN also alleged that a soldier sent his account details to the relations of the victims demanding for money. The account details reads: Halidu Altine, First Bank, 3124149608.