Kaduna’s Path to Peace: Governor Sani’s Blueprint for a Safer State

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has unveiled his comprehensive strategy for enhancing security and fostering peace in Kaduna State. This plan was presented during a symposium organized by the Kaduna Peace Commission at Kaduna State University, as part of the 2023 International Day of Peace celebrations under the theme “Call for Action: #GlobalGoals.”

Governor Sani, represented by his Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Atiku Isaac Sankey, detailed the steps his administration is taking to strengthen the state’s security apparatus. This includes the recruitment of an additional 7,000 vigilantes to complement the existing 2,000 members of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, establishing a community policing model to collaborate with national security agencies.

Moreover, the administration aims to enhance dialogue among the diverse communities within the state by reinforcing platforms that facilitate open and honest discussions on pressing issues. Citizen engagement remains a top priority for Governor Uba Sani, with plans for town hall meetings, public consultations, and grassroots initiatives to encourage meaningful participation from residents.

Recognizing the vital role of traditional institutions in bridging the gap between the government and the people, the governor’s representative emphasized the importance of their knowledge and wisdom in maintaining peace and security.

Governor Sani’s administration also places a strong emphasis on human capital development, inclusivity, and poverty eradication as foundational pillars for their peace-building efforts, firmly believing that these elements are essential for addressing insecurity and ensuring lasting peace in Kaduna State.

Plateau Crisis: Some Politicians Have Questions To Answer, Says Mutfwang

Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, believes some politicians in the state need to be questioned over the recurring crisis in the State.

“Unfortunately, there have been links that suggest that some of our politicians would have questions to answer about some of these insurgencies because they have been generously linked with some of the perpetrators of the crisis.

“The purveyors of these insurgencies continue to make such statements – unguarded statements that incite these criminalities and begin to make our people distrust themselves,” Mutfwang said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

The governor stated that the state government has learned that external forces are attempting to undermine the stability of the state.

Despite the escalating insurgencies, Mutfwang said that his government has been able to tackle the problem of insecurity head-on.

“We have been able to deploy all kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to the security challenge. What we have discovered is that while there are external forces that are bent on destabilizing the Plateau. We also need to do a lot to reassure the citizenry that we are going to be a government of equity, and justice that believes in inclusivity. These are the things that we have tried to deploy.

He pointed out that there has been continued intra- and intercommunity cooperation in terms of vigilance, promising that if the state keeps moving in this direction, Plateau would once again serve as a haven for peace and tourism.

“Let me say it emphatically for the whole world to hear and know that there is no ethnic nationality on the plateau fighting another ethnic nationality.

“What we have had is shared criminality, what we have had is genocide, and what we have had are external elements brought in to be able to unleash terror on our people.

The perpetrators, in the governor’s opinion, are those who occasionally exploit tribal and religious issues to gain political traction because they are aware of the decline in their fortunes.

“Majorly, what we are dealing with is criminality and I am sure the federal security agencies are also looking at this clearly.

“These are elements we describe as miscreants and people who lack honour. We will continue to go after them, we will track and make sure that they do not become a nuisance to our people,” he said.

In a statewide broadcast earlier in August, Mutfwang had similarly described perpetrators of crisis as miscreants mistaken for honourable.

SOURCE: NAN

Echoes of Justice: Human Rights Lawyer Urges Police to Harmonize Truth in Mohbad’s Death

Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has urged the police authorities to ensure justice prevails in the ongoing investigation into the death of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad. Olajengbesi stressed the importance of delivering justice following the recent autopsy conducted on Mohbad’s exhumed remains.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, September 22, Olajengbesi called on the police to conduct a thorough and top-notch investigation, leaving no stone unturned. He emphasized that those implicated in the case should not be spared, regardless of their social standing or connections. Olajengbesi highlighted the necessity of holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring that justice is served.

He stated, “Fingers have been pointed at specific individuals in the Mohbad case. The police and the Lagos State Government must not shy away from investigating these individuals rigorously. The investigation should be comprehensive, and those responsible must face the consequences, without any exceptions. There must be no room for impunity.”

Olajengbesi concluded by underscoring the significance of justice in maintaining social order and preventing misconduct. He called upon the police to deliver a thorough and fair investigation, emphasizing that justice must prevail to safeguard the nation.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Lagos State Police Command has successfully exhumed Mohbad’s remains, as confirmed by the state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin. The next step in the process is to conduct an autopsy on the exhumed corpse.

Troops Kill 52 Terrorists, Arrest Seven Suspected Oil Thieves, Others

Troops on the frontline have eliminated 52 terrorists and rescued 61 kidnapped victims. The troops also arrested 53 criminals, and seven suspected oil thieves, amongst others.

A total of seven terrorists comprising five men, one woman have also surrendered to troops. This disclosure was made by spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba. Buba was speaking on ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as at September 22, 2023.

According to him, “The mission of the military against terrorists and other violent extremist groups in the country remains unchanged. The armed forces will continue with aggressive operations to force these groups to submission.

“Accordingly, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East were engaged in ambushes, raids, rescue operations, fighting patrols, attacks as well as cordon and search activities. These operations resulted in neutralised terrorist, rescued hostages, surrender of terrorist combatants as well as recovery of arms and ammunition.

“The operational activities of troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North Central ranged from rescue of kidnap victims within Tsafe local council of Zamfara to artillery missions on terrorist massing up in the forest.

“Others include the arrest of terrorist collaborators and the conduct of offensive activities to disrupt terrorist freedom of action.”

“The operational activities of troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN during the period range from conduct of raids and arrest of terrorists at Afana village in Zangon Kataf of local council of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested cattle rustlers in Dogo Nahawa Bush Jos South, Bokkos and Mangu councils of Plateau State. Troops recovered weapons at Kulben village in Mangu local council of Plateau State.

“During the period under review, troops of Operation WIRL STROKE conducted 22 operations; 13 fighting patrols, 6 confidence building patrols and one raid operation in Mbaayande, Mbamazu and Mbaagudu villages of Konshiga council of Benue State. Similarly, fighting patrol was conducted in Logo council while some arrests were made around Okpokwu council of Benue State.

“Troops of Joint Task Force Operations UDOKA and Operation SEARCH AND FLUSH in the South East region sustained momentum in the fight against insecurity the region. Troops responded to distress calls, responded to foil kidnappers’ activities in Okigwe local council of Imo State, conducted fighting patrol to Isu Onichain Onicha local council of Ebonyi State and apprehended five suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ikwo and Ihiala local councils of Ebonyi and Anambra States respectively.

“Troops of Operation UDO KA also conducted raid operations on IPOB/ESN camps in Ohafia local councils of Abia State. The operation led to the recovery of one improvised 16 MBRL gun mounted on a vehicle with other arms and ammunition. Sadly, a joint patrol team of operation SEARCH AND FLUSH (SAR) suffered a setback when responding to a distress call in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State.

“They were ambushed by members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliated Eastern Security Network (ESN). Meanwhile, troops operations led to rescue of kidnapped hostages and others.

“Overall, as at September 22, 2023, the armed forces neutralised 52 terrorists and arrested the following: 53 criminals, 7 suspected oil thefts while rescuing 61 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, a total of 7 terrorists comprising of 5 adult males, 1 adult female surrendered to troops.

“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE denied oil theft of an estimated sum of N946,387,570.00 being value of seizures. The operations in South-South resulted in the recovery of the following; 496,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 83,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,200 litres of PMS, 4 pumping machines, 5 Speed Boats, 34 dugout pits, 57 storage tanks, 16 wooden boats, 85 ovens and 3 outboard engines.

“Troops recovered a total number of 77 weapons and 658 assorted kinds of ammunition. The breakdown as follows; 53 AK47 rifle, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 locally fabricated rifles, 1 beretta pistol, 3 pump action guns, 650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 AK47 magazines, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 5 fragmentation jackets.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 Bicycles, 5 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, 2 generator sets, 2 gas Cylinders, 133 livestocks and a sum of N602,000 and Airtel airtime worth N8,000.

“The military will, through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country. Citizens are encouraged to “know something, say something and let the military do something about it.”

SOURCE: The Guardian

Troops Burst Gun Factory in Kaduna State, Recover Weapons, Combat Gears

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, yesterday uncovered a large gun factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and arrested a wanted gunrunner.The Nigerian Army, in a statement yesterday, said the discovery of the factory followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a gunrunner identified as Napoleon John.

This came as Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday, that troops killed 52 terrorists and arrested 53 criminal suspects, seven suspected oil thieves, adding that 61 hostages were rescued.The army’s statement said the suspect, who confessed to the crime, led troops to the concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia.

“In line with the Commander Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime, as well as mopping up illegal weapons in OPSH Joint Operations Area, troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.“The discovery followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John, who has been on the wanted list of OPSH.

“The suspect, who confessed to the crime led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia, who confessed to have been in the business for more than five years fueling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States,” it said.“A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons to include seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, two military grade AK 47 rifles and 9 revolvers.

“Others include, one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools and a gas cylinder. In a follow-up operation by midnight of yesterday uptill early hours of today, 22 September 2023, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 village in Kafanchan and captured additional 2 x AK-47 Rifles, 2 x revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, 6 x dangerous daggers, one x hacker axe, several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds.“Others are, two mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, two police uniforms, one military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster, one military grade camel pouch, one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms and amulets.

“Also recovered were machine tools and other equipment. The major kingpin (name withheld) is still on the run but would soon be apprehended,” it said.The statement said the GOC/Commander OPSH commended troops for their doggedness and resilience, and vowed to ensure all fleeing syndicate members were arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. He warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to immediately abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood

“General Abubakar also thanked the general public for their unwavering support in the fight against criminality and urged them not to relent in furnishing the troops with actionable information.“He further assured to treat information provided with utmost secrecy and confidentiality“Recall that the GOC/Commander OPSH issued a stern warning to criminals during a stakeholders’ engagement with traditional and religious leaders on 10 September 2023 held at Zangon Kataf,” it said.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said seven terrorists also surrendered to troops.“Overall, as at 22 September 2023, the armed forces neutralised 52 terrorists and arrested the following: 53 criminals, seven suspected oil thieves, while rescuing 61 kidnapped hostages. “Additionally, a total of seven terrorists comprising five adult males, one adult female surrendered to troops,” he said.

The statement affirmed that the operational activities of troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji ranged from rescue of kidnap victims within Tsafe LGA of Zamfara to artillery missions on terrorist massing up intended on attacking troops deployment.Others include the arrest of terrorists, collaborators and the conduct of offensive activities to disrupt terrorist freedom of action.It stated that on September 11, 2023, troops, while on offensive patrols around Koli, a terrorist hide out in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, troops raided and rescued two kidnapped victims.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped on September 5, 2023 along Angwan Boka – Yankara road in Faskari LGA on their way to Zamfara State.It said rescued victims were handed over to Alikere village Head for further action.Also, troops in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State rescued three kidnapped victims that had escaped from the terrorist enclave.The terrorists had kidnapped them on their farms on September 9, 2023. The victims were handed over to the District Head of Kwanarganuwa to be reunited with their families.

SOURCE: ThisDayLive

Organ Harvesting Scandal in Plateau: Former Patients Of Dr Kekere Go For Kidney Checks

In the wake of the shocking revelation about Dr. Noah Kekere’s involvement in organ harvesting in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, some former patients of his are now seeking extensive medical examinations to confirm the integrity of their kidneys. This decision follows the distressing case of Kehinde Kamaru, who discovered that her kidney had allegedly been stolen by Dr. Kekere when she underwent a check-up at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

Dr. Noah Kekere, also known as “Yellow,” had been practicing as a medical doctor for over two decades at the Murna Clinic and Maternity in Yanshanu community, Jos North, Plateau State. Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that she had been a patient at the same facility and was taking steps to visit JUTH to ensure the status of her kidney, as she had undergone a previous operation at that hospital.

Expressing her concerns, she stated, “I was shocked and confused when I heard about the hospital’s involvement in kidney removal cases. I’ve been to that hospital, and now I’m anxious. I’ve made arrangements to investigate to determine if I’m also affected. With these recent revelations, many former patients will need to undergo medical assessments to understand their true health status.”

In the midst of this unfolding situation, the Plateau State Police Command has apprehended two other medical practitioners believed to be connected to Dr. Kekere’s alleged organ harvesting activities. These suspects, along with Dr. Kekere himself, are currently in police custody undergoing investigation. The Plateau State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has distanced itself from Dr. Kekere, asserting that he is not a registered medical doctor.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state would soon assemble a committee of medical experts to conduct an extensive examination of the woman who claimed her vital organ was removed during surgery, aiming to determine the truth regarding the alleged organ tampering.

The PPRO emphasized, “Our investigation is almost concluded, and we have sought the expertise of medical doctors to examine the woman and confirm the status of her kidney. Until this is ascertained by professionals, our investigation remains ongoing. We are also conducting interviews with other doctors employed by Kekere.”

The case began when a businessman, Alhaji Kamal, accused Dr. Kekere of removing one of his wife’s kidneys during surgery in 2018. Despite these troubling developments, the NMA of Plateau State maintains that Dr. Kekere is not a member of their association. The situation surrounding the missing kidney remains unclear, but the focus remains on the well-being of Mrs. Kehinde Kamal, a 45-year-old mother of four, from the Rikkos community in Jos North local government area, whose health has been in jeopardy for the past five years following surgery at Murna Clinic and Maternity.

Plateau Crisis: International Rescue Committee Earmarks $250,000 For Victims

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), Friday said it has allocated $250,000 in emergency relief funds to support victims of the recent crises in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

IRC Country Director in Nigeria, Babatunde Ojei, who disclosed this in a statement, said the support was aimed at addressing the urgent needs of displaced individuals encompassing water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives; safety measures, economic recovery and development as well as the incorporation of safeguarding principles across all intervention programmes.

He said, “Plateau State has endured a long history of deadly conflicts, and the current crisis has witnessed a distressing surge in casualties, property destruction, and mass displacement. In just over 4 months since the conflict began, almost 200 have been killed with many more individuals unaccounted for.

“These attacks have impacted 48 communities, some of which remain inaccessible, impeding accurate victim assessments. In response to this escalating humanitarian crisis, the IRC has augmented its funding commitment to Plateau State, aiming to better meet the growing demands for water, food and shelter.

“The situation in Plateau State is dire, demanding immediate action and attention to aid those ensnared in the ongoing conflict. These crises have persisted for far too long, causing unimaginable economic losses, with women and children being the most severely affected.

“We call for a concrete approach to usher in lasting peace within the state. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) also urges all parties involved in the conflicts and other stakeholders to explore options that can facilitate an end to the conflict in the region,” Ojei said.

SOURCE: DailyTrust