Insecurity: Terrorists Abduct 83 Health Workers, Kill 16 in Katsina in Eight Years

The Katsina State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has revealed that 83 health workers have been abducted by terrorists between 2015 to 2023 across the state.

The state Chairman of the union, Mr. Mannir Mohammed Suleiman, disclosed this Wednesday night at a dinner in honour of Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya for his reappointment as the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Agency.

He explained that out of the 83 abductees, 65 have been released after payment of ransom, while 16 were killed by the terrorists in different communities across the state.

The MHWUN chairman added that one of the victims escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound, while another health worker was nowhere to be found for the last four years.

He said: “We appreciate the government of the state in providing staff register in all our ministries, agencies and departments. But we equally request the government to review the register particularly in the frontline LGAs that have the high challenge of insecurity.

“As I am speaking to you now, almost 83 health workers across the state have been kidnapped. Out of the number, 65 were released after payment of ransom while 16 were killed.

“Out of the number, one person escaped with a bullet wound and one other person is nowhere to be found for the last four years. We appealed to the government to address the security challenges in the state.”

He, however, lamented over manpower shortage in the health sector in the state, adding that 50 to 60 per cent of health workers in both hospital service management board and state primary healthcare agency were casual and volunteers.

He also advocated the implementation of a circular for the promotion of primary healthcare and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WATSAN) directors from grade level 15 to 16 in the state.

Suleiman equally appealed to the state government to look into the possibility of including social welfare staff in the prevention and curative of disease as part of their responsibilities in the state.

SOURCE: ThisDayLive

Insecurity: Zamfara Shuts Another Cattle Market

The Zamfara State Government has announced the temporary shutdown of Yan Waren Daji cattle market in Tsafe Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner of Information and Culture, Mannir Muazu Haidara Kaura, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.

According to the statement, the closure of the cattle market was due to a report received by the state security committee on the sale of rustled cattle by suspected bandits.

Haidara called on security agencies in the state to be vigilant and ensure compliance.

DAILY POST recalls that the Zamfara State Government last week announced the closure of seven cattle markets as part of the measures to address the security challenges ravaging the state.

SOURCE: DailyPost

Insecurity: 5 Sokoto LGAs Under Bandits, Terrorists’ Siege

The security of lives and property in the eastern part of Sokoto State appears to have hit an all-time low as undesirable elements now enjoy free reign in killing, kidnapping, and maiming innocent members of the communities.

Consequently, fear of the unknown has gripped the affected communities, especially those in Isa, Sabon Birni, Rabah, Goronyo, and Illela local council areas of the state, whose natives have been forced to resign their fate in the hands of God.

This is because the people are completely at the mercy of bandits and other criminal elements now roaming the areas freely and daring anyone or group to challenge them.

The new wave of uncertainty now pervading Sokoto East has also resulted in many people not visiting or staying in their native communities, especially against the backdrop of the unwarranted arrests of innocent persons by armed men.

In the latest round of attack unleashed on the area, a flourishing young businessman was brutally shot and killed at close range for reasons not known.

It is a negative development that many of the community members view as premeditated assassination.

Perhaps the only known offence that residents can attribute to the deceased is that he funded the election of a top politician from the state who is currently serving in the National Assembly.

Beyond the slain businessman, many have been kidnapped, tortured and brutally wounded by the bandits in the course of trying to eke out a living either on their farms or on their business premises.

With the escalating level of criminality and violence, all – security agents, farmers, locals, and visitors – have become targets for the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers, who are not even afraid of the security agents.

In some instances, many soldiers, policemen, and personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have also been killed since the deadly gangs took over the five council areas of Sokoto State and have continued to attack anyone in sight. Many communities and hamlets across the eastern part of the state have been set ablaze, forcing residents to flee to urban centres where they feel more secure, thus leading to the emergence of more internally displaced persons centres in Sokoto, the state capital.

The residence of the former governor of the state, Attahiru Bafarawa, was once attacked in Bafarawa when bandits forced their way in with the hope of kidnapping the former governor. They killed a policeman in the process.

Following these repeated attacks by bandits, the Olusegun Obasanjo College of Science and Technology in Bafarawa, which was inaugurated by the former president in 2006, has remained under lock and key and deserted despite the heavy investment made by the state government.

The situation is so bad that in Bafarawa district of Sokoto State, bandits openly wield their weapons without any form of challenge by anyone, either in mufti or in uniform.

The upsurge of displaced persons in the capital has also resulted in the conversion of every available uncompleted structure and building into camps, especially for the underaged and children of school age, who have been forced to stop going to school on account of either the death of their parents or kidnapping of the same.

As a result of the relentless attacks, Sokoto has emerged as one of the worst-hit states in the Northern part of Nigeria in the last two years. Barely a month ago, armed men invaded the immigration checkpoint at Mamman Suka village along Sokoto/Illela Road, shot and killed two immigration officers, and wounded four others. They went away with the brutal murders without any confrontation by any security agents. A resident of Isa Town, Alhaji Yusuf Sada, told Arewa Voice that the town had become a recruitment base for bandits because of the presence of ‘countless informants’.

Sada said: “Isa has become a recruiting centre for bandits with a countless number of informants who give details and movements of people to bandits. I am over 60 years old, but the most unfortunate and annoying thing is that I have to sleep with my mother and her grandchildren in the same room for fear of informers who may likely give information that I am in town.

Imagine, I have to pass my own house and sleep in my mother’s room with the children when I have my own private apartment, just for the sake of fear of unforeseen marauders. I have since relocated to Sokoto, the state capital.”

Due to the fear of bandits and terrorists, who are constantly on the prowl, the 120-kilometre Marnona/Isa Highway has been deserted for over five years now, with citizens of the area taking the risk of crossing over to Zamfara or passing through Sabon Birni, a neighbouring local government, just to stay alive.

But help appears to be on the way for the besieged towns and villages as a retired military officer, Col. Garba Moyi Isa (retd), has begun to clear the bush and make the road more visible to security agents. Col. Isa, a one-time Sokoto commissioner in charge of security, recently sponsored a bush clearing and stone pitching of the abandoned road with a view to giving a clear vision for soldiers and other security operatives on daily patrol of the once busy road.

A top federal public officer from the area is said to have supported Isa’s gesture with N20 million and three vehicles, all in a bid to clear the road and make it more secure for people to use with confidence when travelling.

SOURCE: Vanguard

Wike Calls For Emergency Meeting As Landslide Kills 30 In Abuja

A landslide as a result of illegal mining activities in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja has killed at least 30 people, according to the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Sabo.

Sabo said that the landslide occurred recently and that the miners who were killed did not have a mining licence.

He called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take action to prevent further deaths from illegal mining. The council chairman made the disclosure during a familiarisation meeting with the minister on Thursday in Abuja.

Responding to the alleged incident, Wike promised to call for an emergency security meeting with the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commissioner of Police in the FCT.

He also urged the council chairmen to work with him to eliminate illegal mining in the FCT.

In a related development, Wike advised the chairmen of the six area councils in the FCT to constitute a Surveillance Committee in their respective councils to curb insecurity.

He gave the advice while responding to the challenges outlined by the council chairmen during the meeting.

According to Wike, the surveillance committee will help in checking insecurity and activities of illegal mining in communities, which creates an avenue for insecurity.

The chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, had outlined inadequate funds, sanitation, public transportation, land allocation and insecurity, particularly kidnappings, as the major challenges affecting the area councils.

Chiya disclosed that 19 persons were kidnapped in Bwari Area Council on Thursday and urged the minister to come to their aid.

On land allocation, the chairman said that people’s backyards, graveyards, and even churches were being allocated to individuals.

Wike assured the chairmen that he would work with them to address the challenges facing the area councils.

He also called for the cooperation and support of the council chairmen, saying that “we cannot achieve anything without the support of the area council chairmen, it is not possible.”

“We must collaborate and work together for the interest of our people,” he said.

SOURCE: The Whistleblower

Tragedy Strikes FUOYE Campus: Vigil for Slain Nursing Student as 10 Suspects Face Justice

In a harrowing turn of events that sent shockwaves through the campus of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), the life of a promising 200-level nursing student, Atanda Modupe Deborah, was tragically cut short. Her lifeless body was discovered in a shallow grave, concealed behind the very lecture hall where she sought knowledge. Deborah’s untimely disappearance on the fateful night of September 5, 2023, had left the entire community in distress.

However, amidst this tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerges as the Ekiti State Police Command swiftly sprang into action. Ten suspects have been apprehended in connection with this gruesome murder. DSP Abutu Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, took to the official police channel to confirm these developments.

The unwavering commitment to justice was further exemplified by Ekiti State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundare Dare, who has ordered a meticulous investigation into the circumstances surrounding Deborah’s demise. The assurance resonates loudly, echoing through the hearts of a concerned public, that the police will tirelessly pursue the culprits until they are brought to justice.

In this difficult time, DSP Abutu Sunday implores calm from the community and extends a plea for cooperation. Anyone possessing valuable information is urged to come forward and assist in this quest for truth and justice. The Oye Divisional Police Headquarters in Oye-Ekiti, as well as the State CIID, stand ready to receive such vital leads. A dedicated helpline has also been established at 09064050086/08053499199.

Deborah’s mortal remains have been entrusted to the morgue, where a thorough autopsy will seek to unveil more answers. Meanwhile, the 10 detained suspects find themselves under intense interrogation, as the quest for answers continues.

The administration of FUOYE, which had initially voiced concern for Deborah’s safety during her absence, has now been plunged into mourning by the confirmation of her tragic end. The Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, has pledged full cooperation with national security agencies to unravel the enigma behind this heinous crime and ensure that justice prevails. In a heartfelt message, he extends his condolences to Deborah’s bereaved family and the entire university community, who share in this profound loss.

The untimely passing of Deborah has ignited an outpouring of emotions across her fellow students and throughout Nigeria on social media platforms. It is a resounding call for justice, a plea for an end to the pervasive sense of insecurity that has taken root within the very grounds where knowledge and hope should flourish.

Resounding Controversy Surrounds PEPT Verdict, HURIWA Denounces It as a Blow to Justice

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the recent ruling by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which upheld President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election. HURIWA condemns this decision, labeling it a miscarriage of justice and raising concerns about the tribunal’s competence and impartiality.

The PEPT, in a significant ruling that reevaluated previous decisions of the Supreme Court, dismissed all petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and APM, questioning Tinubu’s victory under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

HURIWA expressed dismay that the tribunal ventured beyond established legal norms, particularly in its interpretation of Section 134(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. This constitutional provision imposes a stringent requirement on presidential candidates, necessitating not only a majority of votes but also at least one-quarter (25%) of all votes cast in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The organization highlighted the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution, which underscores the need for precision and strict adherence to legal principles. HURIWA criticized the PEPT for deviating from this guidance, creating legal confusion and potentially compromising the integrity of the judicial system.

Furthermore, HURIWA criticized the tribunal for heavily relying on technicalities and failing to provide substantial justice. The organization noted that the tribunal blamed the petitioners for insufficient evidence of electoral misconduct, even though INEC had failed to provide essential documents as ordered by the tribunal.

HURIWA expressed serious concerns about alleged leaks of the verdict to government agencies, including the President, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, which led to unwarranted warnings of potential violent protests. These allegations raised doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the tribunal’s proceedings.

HURIWA called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations and the conduct of the tribunal. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding justice and preserving the sanctity of legal processes.

Furthermore, HURIWA urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged in matters of national significance, particularly those affecting the democratic process. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and the rule of law, pledging continued advocacy for justice and accountability in Nigeria.

Benue Killings: Residents Of Ukum Demand Action As Violence Escalates

Residents of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State are increasingly alarmed by the surge in violence and are now calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the region. Over the past two months, Ukum has been plagued by a string of brutal killings, including the tragic murder of six individuals. Among the victims were a pub operator and a young man, eagerly preparing for his impending wedding in Chitto community.

The situation has grown so dire that armed gangs have taken control of certain areas, erecting roadblocks near the Agboki settlement. These blockades have rendered the Sankera-Chito-Vase road impassable and have led to the tragic deaths of innocent road users and local residents.

Adding to the chaos are deadly clashes between rival militias in the LGA, which have claimed approximately 10 lives. These clashes have also resulted in the destruction of a market and numerous properties in the vicinity.

The violence in Ukum LGA has reached a critical point, with numerous community members falling victim to the merciless bandits who have held sway over the region for the past month. In a tragic turn of events, Jarule Likita, the commander of Benue State Livestock Guards (BSLSG), was killed by gunshots in Tine-Nune settlement on August 20, 2023.

Subsequent days brought further bloodshed, as eight individuals lost their lives on August 21 and 22, 2023. Five of them perished in Chitto, while three met their end in Gbeji communities of Ukum LGA during clashes between two rival groups.

On August 23, 2023, the bandits once again terrorized the area by blocking the Sankara-Chitto road and senselessly taking the lives of three innocent individuals.

The grim circumstances have forced the district head of the community, Tor Ngene, and countless residents to flee Ukum for their lives. This exodus has left fertile farming lands neglected and has significantly disrupted local businesses and daily activities.

Terfa Akpen, a resident deeply affected by these events, lamented, “These are areas where a lot of farming activities usually go on, with massive production of yam and other food items. But with the development, farmers have all abandoned their farms for safety in other communities and in town because no one is sure of what will happen next.”

In a particularly heartbreaking incident, six individuals, including a young man eagerly anticipating his upcoming wedding, fell victim to an ambush on the road. Another devastating incident occurred in Chitto, where the operator of a drinking establishment was murdered by a gang after they accused him of hosting a rival group at his venue.

Chitto has become a ghost town, as the community grapples with indiscriminate and rampant reprisals by bandits operating in Ukum LGA.

Frustrated and deeply concerned by the worsening situation, Chief Shima Ayati, a respected community leader from the area, is urging the state government to declare a state of emergency in Ukum. He attributes part of the blame to the political class, suggesting that they have failed in their responsibilities to ensure peace in the region. Ayati expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is unfortunate that this is happening. After the last elections, people from that area were elected into various positions. We have the senator, State Assembly member, and others, but some of us are disturbed that we are not hearing anything from these elected people over this matter in order to put an end to it.”

The ongoing violence has instilled fear and uncertainty among the local population. Many are left wondering if there may be hidden motives behind the unrest. It is a deeply troubling situation that demands urgent attention and action.

In response, the Benue State Police Command, led by Commissioner Batholomew Onyeka, has deployed its available resources to combat crime and maintain order in the state. Onyeka issued a stern warning to criminals, declaring, “I will not tolerate criminality in Benue State under my watch. I will fight them as long as I remain the commissioner of police.” He also called upon the people of Benue State to cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely and useful information to aid in tackling the wave of crime.

Despite these efforts, the violence in Ukum continues to disrupt daily life, causing immense hardship for the local population and threatening the region’s stability.