Nigerian Student Found Guilty of Making Terrorist Threats Against Dundee University in the UK

Nigerian Student Found Guilty Of Making Terrorist Threats Against Dundee University In The Uk

A Nigerian master’s student, Somtochukwu Okwuoha, has been remanded in custody after a jury convicted him of making terrorist threats against Dundee University in Scotland. The 26-year-old student claimed to have enlisted the support of ISIS, an international terrorist organization, to carry out a bombing at the university. Additionally, Okwuoha made alarming statements about planning a chemical attack targeting Dundee.

Okwuoha’s conviction follows his arrest and subsequent trial. The jury found him guilty on seven charges related to making terrorist threats against the university. As a result, he now faces imprisonment and potential deportation back to Nigeria. Sentencing is scheduled for December, and the presiding sheriff, William Wood, will consider the Crown’s request for a deportation order.

During the trial at Perth Sheriff Court, witnesses recounted Okwuoha’s statements to university staff members, revealing his alleged intentions to commit mass murder on the Dundee University campus. Witnesses testified that Okwuoha claimed to possess a military background and the capability to create explosive devices and unleash a deadly virus on the city.

Keith Mackle, a retired director of student services, informed the court about the serious concerns that emerged in autumn 2021 when staff members began receiving emails containing terrorist threats. One of the emails read, “Expect a massive bomb explosion at the University of Dundee. I have contacted ISIS terrorists to plant bombs on campus. I can assure you staff and students will die in great numbers. 9/11 will be a joke compared to what will happen. Blood will spill and flesh will be scattered.”

Shane Taylor, an accommodation officer, also testified that Okwuoha accused him of racism and expressed a desire to exact revenge by wiping out Scottish people.

The conviction of Somtochukwu Okwuoha highlights the seriousness of the charges and the potential threat posed by individuals making terrorist threats. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in response to such threats. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of educational institutions and the communities they serve.

 

Source: Premium Times Nigeria

West African Countries Battle Massive Diphtheria Outbreaks as Vaccination Efforts Intensify

West African Countries Battle Massive Diphtheria Outbreaks As Vaccination Efforts Intensify

Authorities in multiple West African countries are grappling with significant diphtheria outbreaks, with Nigeria at the forefront of vaccination campaigns to address widespread gaps in immunity. As the largest outbreak in recent history, Nigeria has reported 573 deaths among the 11,640 diagnosed cases since December 2022, although officials believe the actual toll may be higher in states struggling to detect numerous instances. In Niger, there have been 37 fatalities out of 865 cases as of October, while Guinea has recorded 58 deaths out of 497 since June.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s Head, Ifedayo Adetifa, stated, “As far as the history that I am aware of, this is the largest outbreak that we have had.” The highly contagious bacterial infection has spread to 20 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.

A primary factor contributing to the region’s high infection rate is the significant gap in vaccination coverage, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Government surveys reveal that only 42% of children under 15 in Nigeria and 47% in Guinea are fully protected against diphtheria, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended rate of 80-85% for community protection.

Compounding the situation is the global shortage of the diphtheria vaccine, as demand has surged in response to the outbreaks, MSF noted. Dr. Dagemlidet Tesfaye Worku, emergency medical program manager for MSF in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, emphasized the urgent need for a substantial increase in vaccination efforts.

To address the crisis, the Nigerian government is intensifying vaccination for targeted populations and supporting states in enhancing their capacity for case detection and management, according to Adetifa. However, several states, including Kano, which accounts for over 75% of cases in Nigeria, continue to face challenges due to limited diphtheria treatment centres and the need for people to travel significant distances to access treatment.

The battle against diphtheria outbreaks in West Africa necessitates swift and comprehensive action to expand vaccination coverage and improve healthcare infrastructure. With the collective efforts of governments, healthcare organizations, and international support, the region aims to curb the spread of the disease and safeguard the health of its population.

 

Source: Africa News

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm on Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm On Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

In a recent interview conducted at the Nissan plant, Chancellor Rishi Sunak declined to apologize for the government’s inability to fulfil the 2019 Tory manifesto pledge of reducing immigration. However, he reiterated his belief that current immigration levels were excessively high.

Expressing his stance, Sunak stated, “I’m very clear that the levels of migration are too high, and they’ve got to come down to more sustainable levels. I’ve been clear about that.” While he acknowledged the Office for National Statistics’ recent affirmation that migration rates were slowing, he emphasized the need for further progress.

Highlighting his commitment to addressing the issue, Sunak pointed out the stringent policy he announced in May. This measure aimed to restrict the number of dependents accompanying students entering the country, representing the most rigorous action taken in a long time to curtail legal migration. He assured the public that additional actions would be taken if the system continued to be exploited.

However, when questioned about his support for the reported proposals put forth by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, such as implementing a higher minimum salary threshold for work visa recipients and enforcing a cap on NHS work visas, Sunak evaded a direct response. Instead, he reiterated his previous statements, refraining from providing a clear stance on the proposed measures.

Despite the government’s failure to honour the immigration reduction promise outlined in the 2019 Tory manifesto, Rishi Sunak remains resolute in his commitment to decreasing migration levels. As the debate surrounding immigration policy continues, the Chancellor’s refusal to endorse specific measures leaves room for speculation on the government’s future approach.

 

Source: The Guardian