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New Year Horror: Attack on Unguwar Rogo Community in Kaduna State.
On New Year’s Day, the tranquility of Ugom community in the Maro ward of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, was shattered by an attack from unknown gunmen. The assault on Unguwar Rogo left the local population reeling, as properties were vandalized, farms were robbed, and six houses were reduced to ashes. Tragically, the ECWA Church was not spared; it was set ablaze after the assailants looted valuables from both the church and the pastor’s residence.
Ishaya Onussim, the Chairman of the Ugom Progressive Union, lamented the dire situation, stating that residents were compelled to flee into the surrounding bushes to escape the violence, leaving behind their belongings in a desperate bid for safety. This distressing event, occurring so early in the year, has prompted Mr. Onussim to urgently appeal to political authorities for intervention. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to prevent further incidents of this nature.
Despite attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment, there has yet to be an official response regarding the incident. The silence from law enforcement underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and robust security response to safeguard the residents of communities like Unguwar Rogo.
The new year, typically associated with hope and renewal, has instead commenced with fear and uncertainty for the people of Ugom. It is imperative that local, state, and federal governments prioritize the safety and security of their citizens to restore a sense of peace in the region.
As of 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began enforcing the 10% tariff imposed by President Trump on imports from numerous countries. Higher tariffs targeting 57 major trading partners are scheduled to follow next week.
This action represents a significant departure from the post-World War II framework of reciprocal tariff agreements. Kelly Ann Shaw, a trade lawyer at Hogan Lovells and former White House trade advisor, described the move as “the single biggest trade action of our lifetime.”
The announcement has already reverberated through global markets. By the close of trading on Friday, it had triggered a $5 trillion decline in the stock market valuation of 500 leading companies over two days. Oil and commodity prices also experienced sharp declines, with investors shifting capital into government bonds.
While a CBP bulletin indicated that no grace period would be granted for cargoes already en route at the time of implementation, a subsequent bulletin provides a 51-day grace period for goods loaded onto vessels or planes and in transit before 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday. The long-term economic implications of these tariffs remain to be seen.
Following a significant downturn in US markets, attributed to China’s recent imposition of reciprocal tariffs, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun has issued a statement urging the United States to reconsider its trade policies. In a Facebook post, Jiakun asserted that “the market has spoken,” suggesting a direct correlation between US protectionist measures and economic instability.
Jiakun further emphasized the need for “equal-footed consultation” to resolve trade differences, calling upon the US to “cease its wrongful actions.” This sentiment is echoed by several Chinese commerce associations representing key industries, who have issued statements encouraging diversification and warning of inflationary pressures within the United States as a result of the escalating tariffs.
The current escalation stems from a recent announcement by former President Donald Trump of an additional 34 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, prompting a swift retaliatory response from China, including further levies on American goods and restrictions on rare earth element exports. The situation remains tense, with both sides demonstrating a firm commitment to their respective positions.
Yesterday witnessed a demonstration at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) as students voiced their strong opposition to the recently implemented “No Fees, No Examinations” policy. The policy, which prevents students with outstanding fees from participating in examinations, has ignited widespread discontent amongst the student body.
Protesting students marched across campus, carrying placards and voicing concerns regarding the financial burden imposed by the university. Slogans like “Education is a Right, Not a Privilege” underscored the core argument against the policy.
Student representatives articulated the financial hardships faced by many, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions that do not impede academic progress. The university’s silence on the matter, exemplified by the refusal of University spokesman Onen Onen to comment, has further fueled student frustration. The situation remains unresolved, with the potential for continued unrest if a mutually agreeable solution is not reached.
The United States has started imposing a new 10% tariff.
China Urges Trump to “Stop Doing the Wrong Thing” Amidst Trade Tensions
UNICROSS Students Protest “No Fees, No Examinations” Policy.
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