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We barely move around town, make ends meet – FCT residents
Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have decried increased transport fares, which has limited their movement around the city centre.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that one of the greatest challenge they encountered was the non availability of fuel in spite of its increased cost.
According to them, fuel is not readily available at many filling stations per time, leading to artifical scarcity and panic, thus the increasing cost of transportation.
They, therefore, reiterated their appeal to the Federal Government and other authorities to urgently intervene in the situation as Nigerians were suffering and getting very desperate.
Mrs Rebecca Solomon, a civil servant, appealed to the Federal Government to redeem its promise of providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for commuters.
According to Solomon, these vehicles when operational will greatly help in ameliorating the high cost of transportation which is affecting all sectors.
“Nigerians were happy when President Bola Tinubu announced the provision of buses to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.
“We have been waiting and hoping on the buses promised to us (residents) by the Federal Government but we are yet to see the buses.
“We need God’s intervention to pull through because the situation of things is not getting any better. Many people are suffering and dying,”she said.
Mr Godson Edache, a nurse said, the sharp rise in the cost of necessities was biting hard on residents and this could only be checked by reducing transportation fares.
Edache said: “transportation is crucial as it affects virtually every thing/sector in the country. So it is not surprising that cost of goods and services have skyrocketed.
“Every day I struggle to afford transportation to and from work because the cost of transportation keep changing everyday.
“The recent surge in bus fares has placed an additional burden on my already tight budget, making it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
“Even at the clinic where I work, we no longer experience heavy influx of customers as we used to because the cost of drugs had also increased and people cannot afford treatment, ” he said.
Mr Gabriel Ojo, a desk officer said: “I have long forgotten I own a car because I have not been able to use it in a long time due to high cost of fuel.
“I do not understand if the managements of fuel stations are purposely hoarding the fuel to ensure scarcity to enable them increase their prices.
“For me, I have put convenience behind me, abandoned my car and happily jump different cabs to work as that is what I can afford at the moment.
“Something really needs to be done and fast, because the situation is worsening by the day and the economy is not smiling any longer.”
For Agnes Goja, a student, trekking to school has become the order of the day for her. Her aunty, who she lived with could not afford to give her transportation fares.
“I live with an aunt who is a petty trader and has three children. My aunt used to give me transportation fares to school before but not anymore.
“She said she can no longer afford to give me money for transport to school because she is barely managing to feed and pay our school fees,” Goja said.
Miss Abiba Sule, a trader, said she used to operate a mobile business that entailed she move from one ministry to another to sell her goods but could no longer do the business anymore.
“I run a mobile business because I cannot afford to rent a shop. I used to go to different ministries and offices to sell my goods.
“These days, the business is very slow, the cost of the items have increased, transportation has increased and people are complaining of no money.
” It is no longer business as usual and it is seriously affecting my income. Right now, two of my children who are supposed to be in school are home because I cannot pay their fees.
“The situation is really bad. The government needs to come to our aid and improve our economy before all of us will die of hunger and poverty in this country.
Meanwhile, Mr Festis Azubuike, a teacher who also decried the high cost of living in the country, however, praised the doggedness and survival mechanism of Nigerians.
“I do not know how we do it in this country. We are very brave and creative people and I always tell my friends that Nigerians have shock absorbers.
“No matter the situation, we always find a way around it and try to get by. We can adjust to whatever situation we find ourselves.
“The government at all levels and stakeholders need to come together, deliberate and implement policies that will ensure lasting solutions to our problems in the country,” he said. (NAN)
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.