Akwa Ibom Families Cry Out Over Students Held Hostage, AKTC’s Silence Decried

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Akwa Ibom State, eleven Prospective Corp Members (PCMs) from local tertiary institutions embarked on a journey of hope, only to face a nightmare of despair. These young students, most of them Akwa Ibomites, were en route to Zamfara State when they encountered kidnappers on the perilous Sokoto axis of their route.

Tragedy struck as three of the PCMs narrowly escaped capture, while one brave soul was wounded while attempting to flee from their captors. Presently, eight victims remain in the merciless custody of the kidnappers.

What makes this ordeal all the more heart-wrenching is the dire financial situation of the victims’ families. Initially, the kidnappers demanded an exorbitant four million naira per person for their release, a sum beyond the means of the struggling parents during these challenging economic times. Desperation led to a compromise, with parents contributing a painstakingly gathered five million naira for the release of all eight victims.

However, their hopes were dashed when the kidnappers, in an act of sheer cruelty, only released the injured victim. To add insult to injury, they demanded an additional five million naira and three power bikes for the remaining students’ freedom.

The parents of these captive students find themselves in a harrowing and helpless situation, their only solace being their faith in the State Government and their determination to see their children safely returned. The Akwa Ibom State Government, while unable to directly negotiate with kidnappers, must explore every avenue to ensure the safety of these young lives.

In the midst of this tragedy, a glaring question arises: why has AKTC, a transport company bearing the insignia of the Akwa Ibom State government, shown minimal effort in resolving this crisis? Is it because their own children are not directly affected, or do they believe it doesn’t impact their business? AKTC has long faced criticism for recklessness and neglect in passenger safety and comfort, leading some to question their corporate conscience.

This crisis should serve as a wake-up call to us all, highlighting where our priorities lie as a society. It is imperative that we rally together, raising our voices and drawing attention to this grave issue. These students deserve our unwavering support, and it is not only the government but also individuals, companies, and businesses who must extend a helping hand.

Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to Give Verdict on Sept 6

Uncertainty pervades the air as the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPT) gives the long-expected verdict on Wednesday, September 6.

The Court of Appeal Registrar, Umar Bangari confirmed this in a statement on Monday, saying the proceedings will be open to live broadcast by interested television stations.

“The Court of Appeal wishes to inform the General Public that judgment in the following petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Court will be delivered on Wednesday 6th September 2023: CA/PEPC/03/2023 between Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. CA/PEPC/04/2023 between Allied Peoples Movement VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4 Ors,” the court registrar said in a statement.

“CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 2 Ors. In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow.”

He, however, said: “Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation. Only accredited individuals, including Counsel and representatives of Political Parties, will be granted access to the courtroom. Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets. We appeal for the maximum cooperation of the general public to ensure a hitch-free exercise, please.”

The Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as well as their presidential candidates, had petitioned the tribunal seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Judgement is also expected to be delivered by election tribunals in 25 states for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions.

The results of the polls announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are being contested in no fewer than 25 states out of the 28 states where elections were conducted.

Though the outcome remains the Tribunal’s guarded secret, some members of the public still fuming over comments credited to retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili on Wole Olanipekun, the leading counsel to APC and Lateef Fagbemi.

Mary Odili hails Tinubu’s lawyer

Retired Justice Mary Odili has hailed Wole Olanipekun, President Bola Tinubu’s lawyer at the elections petitions tribunal, as a master of electoral disputes whose expertise in tribunal litigation inspires confidence for victory and that “a resetting of the mind” is soon to come for losers who would eventually accept their loss.

Speaking at a colloquium held in honour of Joe Kyari Gadzama in Abuja on Friday, Mrs Odili said the 2023 general elections generated a storm, particularly from losers, who feel cheated by the elections’ outcome and have since resorted to making incendiary remarks that could plunge the nation into anarchy.

“There seems to be moves to throw the nation into chaos or conflagration. This may be brought about by some individuals and groups who fanning the embers of hatred, bigotry and tribalism fail to see the possible outcome of the utterances without caution that are being thrown around,” Mrs Odili, wife of ex Rivers governor Peter Odili, said at the colloquium which had many members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in attendance.

The retired justice urged all parties at the tribunal to express their grievances responsibly rather than “blackmail” judges or spread rumours online about the outcome of an active legal case to mislead the public.

“Therefore, in ventilating our points of view and facts at the electoral tribunal or other courts, a sense of responsibility from all parties is demanded, the situation does not call for the blackmail of the judges or the posting of speculatory hypothesis giving them such a life of their own which run riot and accepted by innocent in the society as the truth,” urged Mrs Odili.

Thereafter, she expressed confidence in the legal prowess of Mr Tinubu and the APC’s lawyers, suggesting their combined legal efforts would “at the end of the day” guarantee victory at the tribunal and put to rest all forms of speculatory legal dissection of the electoral disputes in court.

“And I am happy professional…(sic), those who are well equipped in litigation matters and electoral disputes, Chief Olanipekun is a master and our Attorney General recently sworn in. These are experts,” asserted the retired justice.

“I am confident that having such persons here including our chief host Chief JK Gadzama. There is confidence that at the end of the day, a resetting of the mind would be taking place and we would keep things in perspective in the full knowledge that elections are seasonal and litigations relating thereto,” the retired Supreme court Judge stated.

She warned that the losers of the 2023 elections should not use their grievances and frustration as justification to “bring down the roof of our nation,” as they may not be spared by the law.

“It is human to feel cheated or having the short end of the stick but one who is not declared the winner at any of the electoral contests, such a motion however grieved does not justify bringing the roof down, the roof of our nation, the reason is simple that in such an eventuality, that aggrieved person may not be spared as the commotion would be like an unguided missile which could land anywhere and upon anyone,” the former jurist said.

According to Mrs Odili, Mr Olanipekun and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, were grounded in electoral disputes, implying that their collaboration was bound to birth victory at the tribunal.

Mr Olanipekun, a highly respected senior advocate, was in charge of the team of lawyers that defended ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s victory against Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 at the tribunal. Mr Olanipekun won the matter for Mr Buhari.

Straightnews observed that before President Tinubu jetted out of the country to India, he had held a closed-door meeting with the security chiefs in the country.

SOURCE: StraightNewsNG

Effects Of Insecurity On Agro Productivity In Middle Belt Nigeria

By: Atabo Solomon Daniel

Agriculture has continued to be the primary source of income for the majority of rural communities in Nigeria.

It employs more than 60% of the African population and accounts for over 30% of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (Kandlinkar and Risbey 2000).

The rate of insecurity in the Middle Belt part of the country has caused shortage in rice and other grains as a result of low production in many states that relays on farming as their biggest household income generator.

Prominent grain-producing states are currently being plundered by armed bandits, terrorists and marauding herders, preventing farmers from accessing their farms.

The number one maize-producing state in the country – Kaduna, and its counterpart, Niger, are enmeshed in activities of terrorists and bandits, and intensive farming in the states, to say the least, is practically impossible.

Middle Belt Nigeria is blessed with good soil and it boast of producing various agro products like sweet potato, ginger, maize and many more but yet insecurity has made Agro production low in many states, because farmers cannot access their farm freely without fear.

Nigeria government needs to focus more on ending the issue of banditary, kidnappings and other non state actor, for the growth and development of the country’s agro sector.

Nigeria needs to invest more, in Nigeria’s security agencies, to tackle farmers and headers clash, boko Haram, banditry and others, that have made the economic growth of the country slow and vulnerable.

According to World Food Programme (WF.P),
8.4 million people are food insecure in northeast Nigeria, 70% of people nationwide live below the poverty line. Over three million people are internally displaced in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states

With over 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the seventh in the world. The annual growth rate of the population is approximately 2.7 per cent, and more than half are under 30 years of age.

Nigeria is the tenth-largest producer of crude oil in the world and achieved lower-middle-income status in 2014.

However, conflict in its northeast region has displaced over 3 million people and left another 4.1 million food insecure in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Three million of them are in Borno State, the epicentre of insurgency.

The country’s human-development indicators are poor. Persistent poverty affects more than half the population, most severely in the northeast and northwest regions. In addition, Nigeria is also subject to periodic droughts and floods. This has had an adverse impact on agricultural output and increased the vulnerability of populations, especially in rural areas.

Insecurity has resulted to high cost of major crops in the north. Agro products like groundnuts, beans, gums, kolanuts and maize, sorghum and millet from which flours are made for bread and fry bread are not affordable anymore.

SOURCE: Blueprint NG

Urging Dialogue Over Force: Global Rights Advocates Call on Nigeria to Tackle Insecurity

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a global advocacy group, has called upon the Nigerian federal government to prioritize dialogue and peaceful engagement methods in its efforts to address the ongoing security challenges within the country. The IHRC emphasizes that Nigeria can achieve more by engaging in dialogue with those involved in terrorism, banditry, agitations, and related activities rather than relying solely on the use of force.

While acknowledging the government’s measurable achievements in curbing insecurity, the IHRC has urged for an enhancement of the capacity of security agencies and their swift deployment to troubled regions.

Hezekiah Duru, the Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, conveyed the group’s stance during an address in Abuja. He discussed an upcoming symposium titled “International Humanitarian Law and Conflicts: An African Perspective,” scheduled for September 8 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Duru further stated, “At IHRC, we believe in the necessity for increased peace advocacy to safeguard the rights of people globally and to promote the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights among countries. It is a critical endeavor that requires the support of all stakeholders, particularly in Africa, which has witnessed an escalation of armed conflicts.”

He emphasized that civilian populations in conflict areas often endure grave human rights violations and humanitarian crises, leading to adverse international humanitarian crises. These challenges underscore the importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in responding to these complex circumstances.

The planned symposium aims to address the justification and promotion of humanitarian intervention and peace-building in Africa, particularly in countries grappling with armed conflicts such as terrorism, wars, coup d’états, insurgencies, banditry, militancy, and more.

Duru explained, “The symposium is strategically designed to facilitate discussions, consultations, and the gathering of insights from key stakeholders and successful experiences. This will contribute to the development of a logical action plan and strategy for comprehensive humanitarian engagement in conflict areas in Nigeria and across Africa.”

Notably, the symposium will also feature the presentation of the International Humanitarian Service Awards, intended to recognize deserving global citizens. These awards will be presented by the Secretary-General of the International Human Rights Commission in Switzerland as a significant aspect of his inaugural visit to Nigeria.

Kebbi State Grapples with Tragic Flood Devastation: Three Lives lost on Sunday

Torrential rainfall in Kebbi State’s Suru local government area, specifically at Dakin Gari town, proved catastrophic on Sunday. Regrettably, this natural disaster claimed the lives of at least three individuals and wrought havoc on a total of 315 residential properties.

In response to this dire situation, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, undertook a compassionate visit to assess the extent of the damage inflicted by the relentless flood. In a display of support for the affected families, he generously donated a sum of N40 million. Additionally, Governor Idris took immediate action by allocating five hundred thousand naira to each victim as an initial relief measure to alleviate the profound hardships caused by this devastating flood.

During his visit, Governor Idris extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. Furthermore, he pledged his commitment to implementing preventative measures, such as the construction of drainage channels in the affected areas, aimed at averting any future recurrence of such tragic incidents.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Governor Idris directed the relevant ministry to expedite their efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties of the state’s residents, thereby preventing further devastation across Kebbi State.

Plateau Police Nab Woman Who Absconded With 10 Months Old Baby

In a recent development, Plateau State Police have apprehended a woman named Patience who had abducted her friend’s 10-month-old baby over a month ago in Jos, Plateau State, and fled to Ikorodu, Lagos State. Fortunately, the baby has been safely recovered and reunited with the relieved parents.

The police in Plateau State initially stated that they arrested Patience. However, the woman, who is a mother of two herself, claimed that she voluntarily turned herself in, acknowledging that taking the baby without informing the mother was wrong. She expressed her deep affection for the child and insisted she had no harmful intentions.

Patience explained that while in Lagos, she maintained contact with the baby’s mother through calls, chats, and video calls, assuring her of the child’s well-being. However, due to allegations on social media that she had stolen the baby, she decided to seek guidance from the police in Lagos and eventually returned to Jos, where the local police picked her up.

The baby’s mother, who shares the same compound and workplace with Patience, expressed her joy at the reunion. She recounted that Patience had been caring for the child but had not received permission to take her away, making her extremely grateful to have her baby back.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Julius Okoro, disclosed a series of arrests and ongoing investigations related to various criminal activities in the area. These offenses include the kidnapping of seven University of Jos students, culpable homicide, defilement, criminal conspiracy, rape, receiving stolen property, armed robbery, vandalism, and possession of illicit drugs, among others.

CP Okoro commended the cooperation and intelligence provided by the citizens of Plateau State, emphasizing the police force’s dedication to preventing crime and ensuring the security of lives and property in the state. He highlighted ongoing efforts to apprehend other suspects involved in these crimes and bring them to justice.

Insecurity: Stop Posting Corps Members To Bandit-Prone States, Shinkafi Tells NYSC

Sani Shinkafi, a former Chairman of the Committee on Prosecution of Bandits Related Offences, has urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to cease posting corps members to states facing severe bandit attacks. This recommendation comes after the recent abduction of eight NYSC members in Zamfara State, where the kidnappers demanded a N4 million ransom for one of the victims.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Shinkafi specifically mentioned Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara as states where he believes NYSC postings should be halted. He criticized Governor Dauda Lawal’s reluctance to engage in peace dialogues with repentant bandits, contrasting it with the previous administration of Bello Matawalle, which successfully negotiated with terrorists to secure the release of abductees in Zamfara.

Shinkafi emphasized the need for effective communication with repentant bandits to aid in rescue operations and avoid paying ransoms. He also highlighted the security challenges in Zamfara, where over 2,000 people have been killed or kidnapped, and he expressed concerns about the safety of the entire region.

Governor Dauda Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the March 18 governorship election, defeating Bello Matawalle, who has since been appointed as the Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu.

Terrorists Kill Abducted Local Government Director Of Works in Niger After Collecting Ransom

Terrorists who abducted Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi Bala, the Director of Works for Mariga Local Government Area in Niger State, have brutally executed him even after receiving ransom payment from his family.

In addition to this, it’s reported that at least 23 individuals from Mariga town, who were kidnapped by these armed assailants, remain in captivity.

Bala’s abduction took place from his own home around 1 a.m. the previous weekend, as reported by THISDAY. The deceased director was with his two wives, one of whom was near full term in her pregnancy, when the terrorists knocked on their door.

Upon opening the door, one of Bala’s wives was confronted with a firearm and an explicit demand for her husband. Breaking into the house, the terrorists seized Bala and took him to an undisclosed location.

In the course of this incident, the terrorists also terrorized the surrounding community, taking a total of 25 hostages.

The deceased’s sister, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi, verified this account to THISDAY, stating that a ransom of N50 million was demanded by the terrorists three days post her brother’s abduction.

She elaborated, “We were able to amass only a part of the ransom, but my brother was not set free.” The relatives of four other hostages managed to gather N2 million each. Upon delivery of these sums to the terrorists in the forest, their loved ones were released.

“Upon their return, we learned the horrifying news that my brother was executed by the terrorists two days post his abduction,” Abdullahi revealed.

She further detailed the gruesome circumstances of her brother’s death, as narrated by the released victims. Bala was reportedly bound to a tree, with both legs broken, bleeding profusely from his mouth and nose before succumbing to his injuries. According to the survivors, he was laid to rest in a shallow forest grave.

Following the tragic news of Bala’s demise, his second wife gave birth to a daughter via Cesarean section. Bala’s death leaves behind two grieving widows and ten children.

The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, was contacted for comment but did not respond as he was reportedly in a meeting.

Insecurity Soars in Tinubu’s First 100 Days: Nigeria’s Battle for Peace Continues

Insecurity has surged during the first 100 days of President Tinubu’s tenure in Nigeria. Despite his promises to address the long-standing issue of insecurity, the situation has worsened due to economic challenges, leaving many Nigerians feeling hopeless.

Tinubu, during his campaign and inaugural speeches, vowed to prioritize security and reform the country’s security architecture. He pledged to invest in training, equipment, pay, and firepower for security personnel. However, concrete plans to tackle the rising insecurity have yet to be implemented.

Within the initial weeks of Tinubu’s presidency, over 600 people have lost their lives in various incidents involving Boko Haram insurgents, terrorists, ethnic militias, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other non-state actors.

Data from SB Morgen Intelligence and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker revealed that between May 29, 2023, and July 13, 2023, approximately 629 Nigerians lost their lives due to non-state actor actions. These casualties were distributed unevenly across regions and states, with the North Central and Plateau State experiencing the highest numbers.

Amnesty International also reported that at least 123 lives were lost shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration. Notably, bandits ambushed a military detachment in Niger State, resulting in the deaths of 28 soldiers and four officers, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

Additionally, Global Rights Nigeria reported that 555 people were killed, and 267 others were abducted within six weeks of Tinubu taking office, based on media reports, civil society groups, and security agencies’ findings.

Kidnappings have also surged, with SBM Intelligence reporting 3,620 abductions in 582 cases over 11 months, from July 2022 to June 2023. Ransom demands amounted to approximately N5 billion ($6,410,256), with victims’ families often choosing not to disclose payments, making the actual numbers likely higher.

Various factors contribute to the insecurity in Nigeria, including high unemployment rates, porous borders, economic hardship, and the lack of police reform. The high unemployment rate has led some youths to turn to crime, exacerbating the security situation. Additionally, the country’s porous borders allow for the presence of non-Nigerian nationals, making it difficult to track and regulate individuals within its borders.

Despite the challenges faced by the police force, officers are doing their best to combat crime. However, issues such as the lack of insurance policies, inadequate accommodation, limited scholarships, insufficient training, and outdated equipment hinder their effectiveness.

To improve the security situation, experts recommend addressing unemployment, enhancing border security, and providing better support for the police force, including improved accommodation, remuneration, modern equipment, and training. Additionally, individuals are urged to be vigilant and security-conscious in their daily lives to protect themselves and their communities from crime.

In conclusion, Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity despite President Tinubu’s promises and commitments to address the issue. Urgent and comprehensive measures are needed to curb the violence and restore security to the nation.