The 223 Light Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Zuru, has thwarted a large-scale attack by bandits on Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

It was gathered that the attack, which took place on Wednesday, involved over 400 heavily armed bandits who attempted to overrun the town.

The gun duel was said to have erupted, during which many of the attackers were neutralised.
Director of Security in the Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, who confirmed the development in Birnin Kebbi, also applauded the bravery and resilience of the Nigerian Army.

Zagga explained that although the attackers initially posed a serious threat due to their large numbers, the superior combat skills and determination of the troops shifted the momentum in favor of the military.

The director also hailed the swift intervention of the Nigerian Air Force, whose fighter jets provided critical air support by bombing fleeing bandits and inflicting heavy casualties.

“Though the gunfire caused initial panic and confusion within the community, the situation has since been brought under control and normalcy fully restored,” Zagga said.

He further stated that the attackers were suspected to be the same group responsible for a recent attack in Niger State.

“They had crossed into Kebbi to launch another assault, which was ultimately foiled, an outcome that underscores the effectiveness of the proactive security measures implemented by Governor Nasir Idris,” he added.

Troops from Dukku Barracks, in a separate incident on the same day, thwarted another attack by Lakurawa bandits in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of the state.

The bandits had reportedly attempted to rustle cattle but were resisted by soldiers, forcing them to retreat.

Nollywood actress and member of the Edochie family, Rita, has stirred reactions online after she defended May, the estranged wife of actor Yul Edochie.

In a lengthy instagram post, Rita targeted critics who have been calling on May to drop the Edochie name despite her separation from Yul.

The actress hurled insults at the trolls while lavishing praises on May Edochie.

She said, “Ndiala ndiala everywhere. her name remains queen May Yul Edochie even after the divorce because you did not give her the name. Iwe we gi oga, madam see or better still go hug transformer.” “H@ters sleep well oooo because the name has come to stay. Why this so much h@te on someone that doesn’t know you exist ? Owelu onye melu ibeya bikonu?”

Rita Edochie further urged trolls to focus on their own success rather than harbouring unnecessary anger towards others. She advised them to be patient and trust in God’s timing.

“Pray for your own success and with God, you will definitely shine in your season, be happy for those almighty God has blessed for yours to come too.
“Stop the unnecessary anger abeg, don’t rush or compare your journey to others, Just like the sun and moon, we all have our own unique time to shine. Societal pressure may urge you to hurry, but remember that your maker has a perfect plan for you, be patient and trust in God’s timing.

“Trying to force your way can lead to burnout or harm. Instead, focus on steady progress, one step at a time, celebrate small wins, learn from setbacks and keep moving forward.”

DAILYPOST complied some of the reactions that trailed the post; @bensonokonkwo_official_ said, “Well said mum of life, I call her daughter of grace, she will keep moving no stopping her”

@royal_kiddies_1234 commented, “As long as she has kids that bears the name, she will bear the name till eternity”

@onyekachi142 wrote, “Even Anita Okoye still bear her husband’s name, abeg make una leave my queen May I love her”

@sa.ndra7452 reacted, “Its Judy, and that is her last wish. Very jealous and possessive”

@itz_realsuccessofficial said, “If not for May, Yul Edochie will not have been existing again, so he should thank God for Queen May wey still dey make us know someone like Yul”

See post below

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL614Gdo0R5/?img_index=1&igsh=eTY5OXFwZGJkOHFj

The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, has urged journalists to intensify conversation about sugary drinks and its relations with public health and Nigeria’s economic future.

He made the appeal in Enugu on Thursday in an opening remark for a two-day Journalism Training on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax and Industry Interference.

The training is being attended by journalists drawn from the five South-East states.

He said Nigeria stands at a critical public health and economic crossroads.

According to him, “On the one hand, we are facing an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

“These diseases, once considered rare, are now commonplace, cutting across income levels and age groups.

“Our hospitals are overflowing with patients, our families are burdened with healthcare costs, and our productivity is shrinking.

“Noncommunicable diseases currently account for about 30 per cent of all deaths annually in Nigeria, and over 75 per cent of all deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). What is fuelling this crisis?

“A flood of ultra-processed “food” products (UFPs), especially sugar-laden drinks that masquerade as refreshment but deliver nothing but harm.”

The CAPPA Executive Director further expressed concern that “there is an aggressive sugary drinks industry that manufactures and profits from these unhealthy diets, while deploying misinformation campaigns and lobbying to delay or block life-saving policies and interventions such as the SSB tax”.

While harping on the essence of the SSB tax, he described it as “a public health policy that imposes a levy on sugary drinks to discourage excessive consumption, reduce sugar-related diseases, and generate revenue for health promotion.

“In Nigeria, this tax was introduced in 2021 at N10 per litre of any sugar-sweetened, non-alcoholic beverage, and carbonated drinks.

“From the outset, Nigeria’s current N10 per litre SSB tax, while well-intentioned, is and has always been ineffective. What does this mean?

“For a tax meant to increase retail prices and reduce consumption of sugary drinks, N10 per litre was simply too small to make an impact.

“At the time, one litre was roughly equal to three bottles of the standard 33cl soft drink. Back then, each bottle sold for about N150. So, N10 per litre translated to just about N3 extra per bottle — barely noticeable to consumers and certainly not enough to change buying habits.

“Today, that same 33cl bottle often sells for N300 or more, yet the tax is still stuck at N10 per litre — still just N3 per bottle.

“This token amount does not push consumers to reconsider their choices, nor does it pressure companies to reformulate the sugar content in their products. In fact, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the tidal wave of health impacts sugary drinks are causing in our society.”

Oluwafemi said research had shown that an increase of the SSB tax to at least N130 per litre remained the effective threshold on sugary drinks for Nigeria.

While quoting a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, he said an SSB tax that causes at least a 20 per cent increase in the retail prices of sugary drinks lead to a proportional reduction in consumption.

“Raising the tax to N130 per litre would bring Nigeria in line with global recommendations and, more importantly, deliver real public health gains. Of course, such a bold policy will not come without opposition.

“We must remember that public health is a human right, not a privilege to be negotiated with corporate interests. Nigerians deserve policies that protect their health, not appease multinationals.

“This is where you, our esteemed journalists, come in.

“Your voice can either amplify the truth or echo industry propaganda. You have the power to:

“Inform the public about the devastating health impacts of sugary drink overconsumption.

“Hold policymakers accountable for delaying or watering down lifesaving interventions.

“Investigate the covert tactics of industry misinformation, scaremongering and lobbying.

“And shine a light on the communities most affected by diet-related diseases.”