UNICEF Laments Large Scale Attacks on Children in Conflict Zones in Nigeria, Others Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has said in a report that children in Nigeria and around the world are becoming more endangered species as they are often exposed to the risk
of death and severe injuries in conflict zones. It said this occurred because parties to conflicts blatantly disregarded international laws designed to protect the most vulnerable. The report said children were being targeted and exposed
to attacks and brutal violence in their homes, schools and playgrounds. In a statement yesterday, UNICEF Director of Emergency Programmes, Mr. Manuel Fontaine, said: “As these attacks continue year after year, we cannot become numb.
Such brutality cannot be the new normal.” It said in conflicts around the world, children had become frontline targets, used as human shields, killed, maimed and recruited to fight. Rape, forced marriage, abduction and enslavement have become
standard tactics in conflicts from Iraq, Syria and Yemen, to Nigeria, South Sudan and Myanmar. According to UNICEF: “In some contexts, children abducted by extremist groups experience abuse yet again upon release when they are
detained by security forces. Millions more children are paying an indirect price for these conflicts, suffering from malnutrition, disease and trauma as basic services – including access to food, Continued on page 6
Buhari's Son, Yusuf, Undergoes Surgery After Power-bike Crash… Page 6 Thursday 28 December, 2017 Vol 22. No 8288. Price: N250
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US Promises to Help Nigeria Exterminate Boko Haram Gives final approval for purchase of Tucano aircraft
Paul Obi in Abuja Nigeria’s fire power against insurgent Boko Haram was enhanced yesterday as the United States (US) government gave its final approval to purchase the A29 Super Tucano Aircraft, promising to assist in defeating the terrorists. US Ambassador to Nigeria,
Mr. Stuart Symington, while presenting the Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, explained that the approval underscored the new commitment and cooperation between the US and Nigeria. Continued on page 6
Crude Oil Price Hits May 2015 High at $67 per barrel Ejiofor Alike with agency reports Oil price yesterday hit $67 per barrel for the first time since May 2015, before dropping to $66.27 despite the supply disruptions in Libya and the North Sea. The prices of both crude futures fell after hitting a near two-and-a-half year high in the previous session as analysts said the rally was gradually running out
of steam. While Brent crude futures dropped to $66.27 a barrel, after breaking through $67 for the first time since May 2015, the United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $59.53 a barrel. WTI broke through $60 a barrel for the first time since June 2015 in the previous session. Continued on page 6
Buhari: I Never Hated Ndigbo… Page 51
THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES…
L-R: Celebrant and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; during Dogara’s 50th birthday reception in Abuja… Tuesday
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