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Atiku: Timing of B’ Haram Planned Attack Curious, Suspicious – Timi Frank
A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Federal Government to urgently investigate attempted Boko Haram attack on the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
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According to him, all through the active years of the Boko Haram sect ravaging the North-East, not a single attempt was made on the person of Atiku, adding that the timing of the planned attack has aroused curiosity and suspicion.
While demanding that security should be beefed up around Atiku, he called on the international community to the development in Nigeria.
The political activist revealed that some suspected Boko Haram members made attempt on the life of Atiku Abubakar on Sunday at his residence in Yola, Adamawa state.
Frank in a statement said the arrested suspect confessed to Police a grand plot to plant bomb the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, the residence of the Atiku as well as the American University in Yola.
He said :
“Security information has it that about four Boko Haram members all the way from Danboa, Borno State made their way at about 9:45pm local time on Sunday July 24 2023 to the Yola residence of His Excellency, the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar) and identified themselves upon confirmation of the residence as to their mission in Adamawa.
“Reacting swiftly, the Dougirei Police command was immediately tipped off as the ring leader was promptly arrested with the rest fleeing from the premises.
“Upon investigation by the SCID Adamawa State Police HQ, it was verified and confirmed that the suspect confessed to a grand plot to plant bombs in the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, the residence of the Waziri as well as the American University in Yola.
“These confessions of the dreaded Boko Haram sect are troubling and worrisome, as this is the first time an attempted attack of this magnitude would be planned on the person of HE Atiku Abubakar.
“It is quite shocking that this is coming at a time the Federal Government had given assurance to the citizens of the decimation of the dreaded group, let alone an attempt on a high profile personality like H.E Atiku Abubakar.
“Having received the official Police HQ Situation Report, we would like to call on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency beef up adequate security around the former Vice President, with swift investigation into unraveling the circumstances leading to Atiku as a target by this group.
“There is no gainsaying that it will be foolhardy on the part of the Federal Government treat this security breach with kid gloves as after effects in the event of any eventuality will be enormous for the country to contain.
“Furthermore, we must note that all through the active years of the Boko Haram sect ravaging the North-East, not a single attempt was made on the person of H.E Atiku Abubakar, and we are curious as to the timing of this planned attack in this manner.”
He, however, called on international community “to take notice, that only recently the INEC confirmed in the PEPT on HE winning in 21 states and therefore sending shock waves to the opposition and current government on the possibility of a rerun election.
“Perhaps this grand plot is being sponsored by top opposition politicians to assassinate the former VP in a bid to cause chaos and deny him any chance of retrieving his stolen mandate. We are therefore circumspect in this regard.
“Therefore, any collaborators or sponsor of this dastardly ideas must be fished out forthwith to forestall any untoward reactions towards the FG and rogue politicians alike. Nonetheless, it is imperative for the FG to immediately get to the root of this matter urgently with a view to bringing all accomplices to book.
“I am confident that the Federal Government will take this security breach as a matter of national emergency.”
The Senior Pastor and founder of Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries (ZFPIM),Apostle Promise Momo, has called on Nigerians to shun ethnic bigotry and embrace love and unity to move the nation forward.
In an Easter message personally signed and shared with journalists in Lagos, Apostle Momo emphasized the need for Nigerians to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic differences.
“We must look for ways to unify the nation in love, because united we stand and divided we fall,” he said.
The cleric condemned acts of hatred, violence, and exploitation, stating, “It is not the will of God to see people killing each other or hating one another, cheating one another, taking advantage of people, or preying on the weak.”
He urged Nigerians to build a society grounded in love and unity, warning that progress would remain elusive without these values.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Apostle Momo described the holiday as a cornerstone of Christian faith.
“Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most significant Christian holidays on the calendar,” he said.
“The day commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, who resurrected after three days in the tomb.”
Quoting John 3:16, he added, “Jesus Christ is love personified… I want to see love come back to life amongst we Nigerians.”
The pastor’s message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and social divisions, underscoring the urgency of his call for unity.
Says Leadership Not Contest Of Noise
Says Nigerian Leaders Should Prioritize Governance over Politics
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of insecurity, revive the economy, and restore the dignity of human lives because Nigeria is bleeding, people are hungry, unsafe and disillusioned.
According to him, as a people, the citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and commit themselves to peace, justice, and truth.
“Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives”, he said
While describing the political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “deeply troubling”, the cleric said that although government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, the government must be cautious in its reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
Kaigama said these in his Easter Message titled, “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It”, taken from John 1:5 and sent to Arise News in Abuja.
He said Easter is not just a Christian ritual—but a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death.
Kaigama said, “Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.
We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State—lives cut short without reason or mercy.
“We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated. These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.
We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed.
“The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens. As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty.
“Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation.
“In addition, the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
“Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.
Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.
Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
He said since leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise, Nigerian leaders should “prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.”
Kaigama said that in the face of the darkness that seems to surround Nigeria and envelop her lands, “we must not lose hope” as Easter teaches that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection.
“As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
“This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land”, the cleric emphasized.
ENDS***
Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries, a Nigerian church, has extended its charitable outreach to Uganda, donating food items, diapers, and clothes to an orphanage in Kampala during Good Friday.
The gesture, aimed at sharing love with vulnerable children, underscores the church’s ongoing commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities across Africa.
Glory Momo, the church’s Director of Protocol and Communication Strategy, presented the items to the orphanage, emphasising the ministry’s five-year legacy of philanthropy.
“Our ministry has been known for charity work across Africa,” Momo said during the event.
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, he added, “We have reached out to less privileged communities, refugee communities, and provided scholarships to students in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The church’s mission, according to Momo, is divinely inspired.
“This is what God has called us to do as a church, and we will not relent. What you see us do here in Uganda is simply sharing love with those who need it most—children who have been abandoned.
“We will continue, as the Lord enables us, to show love across the continent and the world.”
This is not the first time Zion Flames Ministries International has supported vulnerable groups.
The church has a history of aiding disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, including hosting celebrations with orphans during the Christmas season.
The donation comes as part of the church’s broader efforts to uplift marginalised groups, with its leadership pledging to sustain such initiatives in Uganda and beyond.