Engr. Funom Kato Was Never Nominated For Award: SOKAPU Youth Says

The youth wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU Youth) has debunked claims from some quarters that it nominated Kaduna based controversial social media enthusiast, Engineer Funom Kato for award in the social media influencer of the year category.

The group in a statement signed by it’s National Youth Public Relations Officer, Ernest Maidawa said the nomination certificate allegedly brandished by Kato is fake and photoshopped. It also accused Kato of discrediting her in numerous occasions.

The statement reads in full;

The attention of the leadership of the Youth Wing of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union has been drawn to a statement credited to Engr Funom Kato alleging to have been nominated by the Youth Wing for award in the social media influencers category.

The Youth Wing is not surprised by this action as previous antecedents aimed at discrediting SOKAPU by Mr Kato over the years are glaring.

It is important to state here in clear terms that Mr Funom Kato was never at any time nominated for award in any of the categories.

It is also important to state that the nomination certificate in circulation is completely fake and a Photoshop of the Original nomination certificates issued by SOKAPU Youth Wing.

We want to use this medium to appreciate all those who have called for clarifications and to draw our attention to this ugly development.

To this end we like to inform you all that preparations for the awards are in top gear and voting on going across categories let’s all endeavor to vote for our choice nominees.

Above all accept our assurance of Non-partisan, Non- partial and above Non-discriminatory commitments to a united and progressive Southern kaduna People’s Union.

Thank you and God bless.

Signed:
Ernest Thyek Maidawa
National Youth PRO
(Chairman Awards Committee)
02/12/2021

ISWAP Terrorists Abduct 15 Passengers, Including Aid Workers In Borno, Take Them Into Sambisa Forest

At least 15 people have been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), near Gumsuri village in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The insurgents, who mounted a checkpoint and dressed in military camouflage, waylaid motorists and forcibly took them into Sambisa Forest, a source told Daily Trust. 

Some staff members of international non-governmental organisations were among the victims, the report revealed.

The victims, said to be mostly young people, had reportedly left Damboa town for Adamawa on Wednesday.


“It is unfortunate that the insurgents continue their nefarious activities on the fringe of Sambisa forests, we have received reports that ISWAP kidnapped at least 15 persons (passengers) near Gumsuri village while allowing two others to go.

“They are desperate to recruit more people into their criminal activities. They deceived people because they dressed in military attire. It is sad and shocking,” a security source said.

Five officials of the Borno State government had earlier been abducted by ISWAP terrorists.

The victims who were supervising the construction of Chibok-Damboa Road, were forcefully taken away on Wednesday.

The incident occurred near Wovi, a remote village in the Chibok Local Government Area of the state.

Credit: SR