Civil Rights Group Condemns killing Of Security Operatives In Imo

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a civil rights organisation has described as tragic, the events that unfolded in Ehime Mbano in Imo State, where dedicated security personnel were killed by unknown assailants.

CEHRAWS, in statement signed by Okoye Chuka Peter, its executive director, and made available to BusinessDay in Aba, frowned at violence and called for swift justice for the perpetrators.

It extended its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the horrifying murder of the security personnel on duty in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.

CEHRAWS however, said that it found itself compelled to address the distressing state-sponsored mass atrocity that followed, camouflaged as a reprisal attack.

“This approach, rooted in retaliation, stands as a deeply disturbing and primitive means of enforcing law and order. CEHRAWS categorically condemns such actions, recognising that they not only violate human rights, but also exacerbate the cycle of violence and mistrust within the region,” it said.

Drawing attention to a different response in Niger State, where a comparable incident occurred, CEHRAWS commends the governor’s proactive measures to protect the citizens, following an attack on a military jet, allegedly by bandits.

“This responsible leadership prioritised the safety and well-being of the people, emphasising dialogue and conflict resolution over vengeful actions.

“CEHRAWS earnestly calls upon the Governor of Imo State to emulate the responsible and compassionate leadership demonstrated by his counterpart in Niger State, as the chief security officer of his state.

“Rather than allowing the aggrieved security agents to resort to reprisal attacks that target innocent civilians of the said community,” the group said.

They implored the governor to prioritise the protection of his constituents and the restoration of peace within the affected community.

It also advocated for a transparent and impartial investigation into the events that transpired in Ehime Mbano.

The group observed that primary goal of security operatives should be the swift apprehension and just prosecution of those responsible for the murder of their colleagues and not retaliation, which it noted was the path toward enduring peace and stability within the cherished South-East region.

“CEHRAWS remains resolute in its commitment to advocating for human rights, justice, and an inclusive society for all,” it said.

The group called on all stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens, to join it in condemning violence, safeguarding human rights, and nurturing an environment of peace and reconciliation in the South-East.

SOURCE: BusinessDay

Bandits Arrested With Rocket Launcher In Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command said it has arrested a bandit in possession of a rocket launcher.

The spokesman of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, said the suspect was arrested by men of the Karasuwa Division.

The statement reads in part: “The 35-year-old suspect, Hassan Abubakar, of Danbaza, Zamfara State, later implicated one Abubakar Shehu, aka Kurma, aged 32, of Bare-Bari Maradun.

“The first suspect was arrested driving a Toyota Hiace in Karasuwa based on a tip-off while on a mission to collect an RPMG. He was intercepted after collecting the gun.

“The suspects and their accomplices operate in conveying firearms to bandits across the Northern states of Zamfara, Kano, Niger, Kaduna and Yobe.”

He added that, “The first suspect confessed that the second suspect was the courier to bandits in Zamfara and was trailed and arrested by detectives in Maradun LGA. An investigation is ongoing with the cooperation of the suspects.”

SOURCE: DailyTrust

One Dies, Pastor ‘Badly Injured’ As Herders Attack Farmers in Nasarawa State

An argument between locals and herders has reportedly claimed the life of one person while a pastor in charge of a Baptist Church has been badly injured in Nasarawa state.

An investigation by our correspondent shows that the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday morning at Boher village, under the Ningo/Boher electoral ward of Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

The account of an eyewitness revealed that the incident was due to an argument over the herders passing through the Ningo community square with their cows and the youths accosted them. Due to that, a fight ensued between the locals and herders.

A source who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent, “The herders were coming from Keffi axis and passing through Boher village square, then some youths asked them why they passed through the village square. Three herders told them they weren’t grazing but just passing by.

“When the argument went hotter, two of the herders left with their cows, and one of them who stayed behind was involved in a very fierce argument with the youths. The reverend in charge of the Baptist Church Boher tried to intervene but suddenly, the herder brought out a sword and inflicted a deep cut on the reverend’s head.

“So when the reverend fell faced down with blood gushing out, the youths shouted thinking he was dead and more villagers especially youths ran out in their number and pounced on the herder with machete and killed him instantly,” the source stated.

It was gathered that one of the youths of Boher village, shortly before the crisis, on request offered one of the three herders some drinking water and they exchanged pleasantries, but then the unfortunate incident later happened.

Youth leader of the Ningo/Boher electoral ward, Steven Bello, who confirmed the development, expressed regret about the incident, as he called on both his people and herders, not to take laws into their hands.

Bello, who appealed for calm, appreciated the traditional ruler of Mada nation, Samson Gamu Yare; the Security operatives and the chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area for their swift response to nip the situation in the bud.

Daily Trust Sunday reports that at the time of filling this report, the reverend is still receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, while the dead herder was buried according to Islamic rites at the Muslim cemetery in Akwanga, in the presence of his relatives.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa state command DSP Nansel Ramhan, told our correspondent that he was in a workshop, saying “I have not been briefed. So, I can’t comment on it for now”.

SOURCE: DailyTrust

CAN Expresses Concern Over Insecurity In Taraba

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in the state.

Citing the past few days that kidnappers have been having filled day in Jalingo and other parts of the state, the association urged the state government to immediately set proactive measures in motion to address the issue before it escalates.

The Chairman, Dr Isaiah Magaji, in a statement, yesterday, lamented: “In the past few days, Jalingo and some communities across the state have witnessed worrisome kidnapping activities, which led to loss of innocent lives, while families are forced to pay huge amounts as ransom.

“Those, who could not raise ransom, are still in the den of the kidnappers, facing ill-treatment. Activities of kidnappers and armed bandits in the state have brought untold hardship and tears to some poor families in the face of the already tough economic situation.”

The Guardian gathered that kidnapping and other social ills are on the increase in Jalingo, Bali, TakumUssa and other local councils.

To curb the situation, CAN charged monarchs across the state to put in place mechanisms to checkmate the influx of persons into their communities.

It stressed the need for monarchs to liaise with relevant security agencies to fish out those making life cumbersome for the people in their communities.

“Peaceful coexistence should be our collective responsibility. Everyone should prioritise their security and should not condone undesirable elements in their neighbourhood.

“These evil people are not ghosts; they are humans and live among us. If you suspect something, speak out and expose it before it becomes too late,” CAN added.

Passionately calling on all, irrespective of religious belief, to help the authorities in exposing those with bad intentions for the state, the association noted that harbouring criminals would do the communities, state, and country no good.

SOURCE: The Guardian

Insecurity: Peace Advocacy Groups Hail Operation Safe Haven’s Achievements In Plateau, Kaduna

Several peace advocacy groups in the country have commended the military special task force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), for its breakthrough in peace-building efforts in Plateau and Kaduna states.

They expressed happiness that peace and harmony, which had eluded the two neighbouring states due to the desperate acts of some adversaries, have finally been restored.

The groups identified the deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches towards achieving the aims and objectives of OPSH, led by its Commander and General Officer Commanding, the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Major Gen. AE Abubarker, as the major strategy that resulted in the accomplishments.

Releasing their assessment of progress in the peace efforts, the three groups, operating as the Conference of Plateau Peace Builders Network (CPPBN), Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), and Conference of Southern Kaduna Peace Ambassadors (CSKPA), issued a joint statement on Saturday.

They insisted they were very pleased with the progress made on security under the leadership of Major Gen. Abubarker.

The statement was signed by CPPBN’s National President, Dr. Dung Bot, the Executive Director of GOPRI, Amb. Melvin Ejeh, and the National Coordinator of CSKPA, Dr. Mathew Kure, respectively.

They called on all citizens of Plateau and Kaduna states to encourage and continue to support OPSH in delivering on its mandate and thanked the Commander for his steadfastness, patriotism, and successes achieved so far.

The groups commended the efforts of OPSH through Operation Hakorin Damisa IV for restoring peace, particularly to Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State.

They also praised the subsequent relocation of most of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes, describing the achievement as the fulfilment of the greatest wish of the residents.

“Having assessed the situation in Plateau and Kaduna states as peace advocacy groups, we wish to submit our findings encapsulated in this joint statement that Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has made a significant breakthrough in peace-building efforts in the above-mentioned states.

“It is heartwarming that the leadership of OPSH has finally brought sanity by freeing Plateau and Kaduna states of the nation’s adversaries, who had previously killed and maimed innocent residents unprovoked, besides the destruction of property worth several billions of naira.

“It gladdens our hearts to say that we discovered during our independent assessment that many of our brothers and sisters who were displaced from their ancestral homes, seeking refuge in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Mangu local government as a result of these unwarranted attacks, have since been relocated to their ancestral homes.

“These remarkable feats, the first of their kind since the crises of different dimensions engulfed Plateau and Kaduna states, were made possible through the relentless efforts of OPSH and its Commander,” the groups said.

The peace-building groups, going further, said they were particularly happy over the recent success recorded by OPSH in neutralizing several bandits and further arresting more than 43 other criminals who committed murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle rustling in some communities in Plateau states and other areas under its responsibility.

“We also wish to commend the patriotic efforts of the GOC 3 Division, Commander Operation Safe Haven, and his gallant men. For some major milestones in Southern Kaduna, we are particularly happy for the prompt arrest of the principal suspects who burned and killed a seminarian in Fadan Kamatan Parish Church of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, sometime in September. This is another breakthrough we are proud of.

“The arrest of a major gun runner in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and the recovery of over 26 assorted weapons used to terrorise people and cause unrest in the general area were highly commendable.

“Also, the prompt arrest of the two killers of Mrs. Dorathy Jonathan of Afana village in southern Kaduna, sometime in early September, and neutralising more than 11 bandits in the same general area of southern Kaduna is a source of great joy to us as peace workers.

“We also wish to further applaud the Commander of Operation Safe Haven and his men for also complementing the role of NDLEA in fighting drug cartels in Southern Kaduna and Plateau State, which is now a great sign of relief to residents and parents,” the statement read.

While noting that these achievements were not recorded without the support of the people of both states, the groups appealed to the public to continue to assist troops with useful information as they work continuously to eliminate all criminal elements operating within their joint operations area.

Reaffirming their support for the task force, the groups reiterated the need for the people of the affected states to continue supporting the task force in their quest to secure the areas.

They expressed confidence in the GOC and the OPSH Commander, saying that with support from citizens, he would establish lasting peace in the two states.

“We urge the good people of Kaduna and Plateau states to continue supporting the OPSH under the indefatigable commander, Major General AE Abubarker, to enable them to deliver effectively on their assignment.”

SOURCE: Tribune

Security Operatives Kill 21 Bandits In Kebbi

No fewer than 21 persons suspected to be bandits have been killed by security operatives in collaboration with vigilante groups in Danko Wasagu local government area of Kebbi State.

The council chairman, Hussani Aliyu-Bena, said Danko Wasagu bandits were infiltrating the area from the border with Mariga local government area of Niger State.

He said residents in collaboration with vigilantes killed 17 suspected bandits and recovered arms and motorcycles, while two residents were killed.

Aliyu-Bena added that the bandits moved to Tangaran village and abducted nine farmers from their farmlands but all of them were later rescued by security operatives, vigilantes and residents in Lugga village under Ayu district.

The chairman said a careful watch on the movement of the bandits also resulted in another encounter at Bakin Gulbi village where the combined team killed four bandits, recovered weapons and rescued three kidnapped persons, assuring that the bandits’ movement was being monitored for further action.

He said in line with the directive of the state governor, Nasir Idris, “We have visited Kanya district where all the displaced persons from the surrounding villages converged and we commiserated with the people and presented relief assistance to them.’’

Commending the efforts of security operatives, vigilantes and locals, Aliyu-Bena appealed to people of the area for more support and cooperation by providing credible information to effectively flush the criminals out of the area.

The chairman pleaded for more deployment of military personnel at Malekachi village which is a transit route for the bandits as well as Dankade village. He said the council had communicated with the commissioner for humanitarian affairs on how the ministry would assist victims with palliatives to cushion their hardship.

Source: Leadership

Illegal Mining: Zamfara Governor Orders Shoot-at-sight Against Culprits

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, yesterday, imposed a ban on unlawful mining operations and directed law enforcement authorities to implement rigorous measures, including an order to shoot at sight against those who defy the ban.

Over time, the unlawful extraction of minerals in Zamfara State has acted as a catalyst for the rise in banditry and various criminal activities.

Governor Lawal, as conveyed by his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, has emphasized the urgency of putting an end to this practice and initiating measures to safeguard the security and welfare of the people of Zamfara.

He emphasized that security personnel had received clear directives to take decisive measures, including shooting anyone immediately caught participating in illegal mining.

“The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.“It is also a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.
“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.” he said.
Backstory
Earlier this month, Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, issued a 30-day ultimatum to illegal miners in the country, urging them to join established mining cooperatives or risk severe legal consequences.

The minister also introduced a new initiative to establish a surveillance task force, comprising law enforcement personnel and other pertinent agencies, with the primary objective of enhancing security in the nation’s mines.

Alongside this, the minister unveiled a seven-point transformation agenda, which includes a 30-day ultimatum for miners and the deployment of security operatives.

Expressing astonishment, he questioned why a nation rich in valuable resources such as gold, bitumen, lithium, and uranium had not harnessed these assets for the betterment of its citizens.

“I am giving illegal miners in this country just 30 days’ grace to join cooperatives or find another vocation. Also, the proposed task force will be domiciled in the ministry and will comprise operatives of all the relevant security agencies.
“For the last time, let me declare again that the ministry is giving such persons 30 days grace to join a miners’ co-operative or find another vocation to do.“On the expiration of the period, the full weight of the law will fall on anyone seen on a mining site without a determinable status. This message will be interpreted into Nigerian languages and broadcast on the radio to ensure no one is ignorant of this directive,” Alake said.

SOURCE: Nairametrics

Insecurity: “Do Not Travel To Borno, Enugu, Others”, US Caution Citizens as Nigeria Faces Security Challenges

The United States Department of State has issued a travel advisory cautioning American citizens against visiting Nigeria due to significant security concerns. The advisory emphasizes the heightened risks associated with various threats, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs in multiple regions of the country.

Specifically, the advisory highlights areas of increased risk:

Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states are singled out for concerns related to terrorism and kidnapping.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states are noted for the risk of kidnapping.

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (excluding Port Harcourt) are identified for issues related to crime, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.

The advisory also notes the prevalence of violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape throughout Nigeria. Kidnappings for ransom are common, often targeting dual-national citizens and perceived affluent U.S. citizens visiting the country.

Terrorist activities remain a persistent threat, with attacks targeting locations where crowds gather, including shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, and transportation hubs. There is also a concern that terrorist groups may collaborate with local gangs to expand their influence.

Furthermore, parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions, experience civil unrest and the presence of armed gangs. Armed criminal activities, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security forces, are prevalent in these areas. Tensions between farming and herding communities in rural regions can also escalate into violence.

It’s important to note that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria is limited in many areas due to security conditions.

For those who still choose to travel to Nigeria, the advisory recommends several precautions, including carrying proper identification, staying vigilant, monitoring local media for updates, and being prepared to adjust plans. Additionally, it advises against participating in demonstrations and large political gatherings for safety reasons.

Repentant Boko Haram Member Kills Former Wife, Buries Her In Shallow Grave In Borno

A man claiming to be a repentant Boko Haram terrorist, Musa Dauda, has admitted to killing his former wife, Hafsat Musa, in Borno State, Nigeria, as confirmed by the local police.

Dauda allegedly committed this heinous act by luring his ex-wife to a farm near Muhammed Goni Stadium in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and then striking her on the head with a hoe, causing her death. He hastily buried her on the farm and subsequently fled the scene. The incident occurred on September 12, but it was only reported to the police several days later when Hafsat’s decomposing body was discovered by her relatives.

The Borno State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Sani Kamilu, confirmed the incident and revealed that Dauda was apprehended on September 21. He confessed to the crime and was seen in the company of another person on the farm before the murder.

Hafsat Musa’s body has been exhumed for a post-mortem examination at Umaru Shehu Ultramodern Hospital in Maiduguri. Following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be brought to court to face charges.

Tragic Loss: 17 Year Old Secondary School Student Commits Suicide In Benue

A 17-year-old student of Government Secondary School, Gboko, Gboko Local Government Area, (LGA), of Benue State, Terhemba Tyochivir on Thursday committed suicide.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.

She stated that the case had been reported to the E Division Police Station in Makurdi, adding that the details of the incident remained sketchy.

Anene further explained that when the boy’s parents discovered him, they rushed him to Bishop Murray Hospital in Makurdi. However, doctors at the hospital confirmed his death.

Despite efforts to speak with the father of the deceased, Kula Tyochivir, he declined to comment and expressed a preference to discuss the matter at a later time.

SOURCE: New Telegraph