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.

Alleged Medical Impersonator Accused of Illegally Removing Woman’s Kidney in Jos

In a shocking incident in Jos, Plateau State, a businessman named Alhaji Kamal has come forward with allegations against a supposed medical doctor, accusing him of unlawfully harvesting one of his wife’s kidneys and subjecting her to chronic pain for the past five years.

The ordeal began in 2018 when Kamal’s wife, Kehinde, complained of severe stomach pain. In response, they rushed her to the doctor’s clinic located in the Nasarawa Gwong area of Jos North local government area. The doctor diagnosed her condition as a ruptured appendicitis that required urgent surgery.

Kamal explained, “About eight years ago, my mother was ill, and she sought treatment at a hospital owned by Dr. Noah Kekere in Yanshanu, Nasarawa Gwong community. Through this, I became acquainted with the doctor. When my wife fell ill in 2018, with severe stomach pain, my mother encouraged us to seek treatment from the same doctor she had seen.”

Upon arrival at the clinic, the doctor conducted a scan and swiftly recommended immediate surgery, charging them N140,000 for the procedure. Kamal became concerned about the high bill and consulted others who advised him to proceed with the operation to save his wife’s life.

Kamal continued, “The doctor asked how much I had, and I had N80,000, in addition to other charges for medication. After the operation, my wife still complained of excruciating pain, and the doctor continued to demand money from me over the years. He performed the operation from 12 pm to 8 pm that day. For the past five years, my wife has endured severe stomach pains, and I kept taking her back to the same hospital, reluctant to switch doctors who initiated her treatment.”

Recently, Kamal decided to seek a second opinion at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Shockingly, the medical examination at JUTH revealed that one of his wife’s kidneys had been removed without her consent.

Subsequently, they reported the matter to the Nasarawa Gwong Police, resulting in the doctor’s arrest two days ago. The case was then transferred to the Commissioner of Police, who made a startling discovery. The accused individual had never been a qualified doctor but had been posing as one for over 18 years while treating patients in the area. His educational background consisted of a B.Sc in Economics and a Masters degree in Economics. Although he had attended a nursing school, he did not complete the program, instead claiming expertise in “Community Health.”

As of now, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, has not provided comments on the case. However, Kamal fervently appeals for justice on behalf of his wife and other potential victims of this alleged quack doctor.

COAS: Civilian Protection, Human Rights Issues Require Special Attention

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has said the protection of civilians and their basic rights require special attention as it takes up a lot of field commanders’ time.

He noted that the service involves interfacing with human rights advocacy groups in all theatres of operations to ensure the issues are well understood and put into practice.

Lagbaja spoke at an event organised by the Army themed, ‘National Security and the Complexities of Human Rights’ in Abuja on Wednesday.

Represented by the Chief of Administration Army, Maj. Gen. Jimmy Akpor, Lagbaja, noted that the Army was trained to conduct operations in line with humanitarian laws and authorised rules of engagement.

Lagbaja said, “The Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar was conceptualised to engage organizations, security agencies, media, and other stakeholders involved in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas on the issues relating to human rights during conflicts. The protection of civilians and their basic rights requires special attention as it takes up a lot of field commanders’ time.

“Our troops are also deployed to checkmate the activities of the separatist IPOB in the Southeast while carrying out operations to deal with ethnic and occupational-based conflicts in the North Central region of the country. The South-South and South West also have crises of militancy, cultism, and oil theft as well as an assortment of well-armed criminals.

“These deployments involve kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that require collaboration between security agencies and all well-meaning individuals and organisations. I wish to state that securing a country within the ambit of the contemporary security environment involves harnessing the efforts of citizens in a ‘whole of the nation approach’ because the operations are conducted within civilian populated areas.”

This aspect of warfare and conflict management requires the harnessing of the potentials of other actors within the multi-dimensional operating environment. Hence, the articulation of my Command Philosophy seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

SOURCE: Punch

Free Damilola Ayeni: Coalition Demands Freedom Of Nigerian Journalist Arrested In Benin Republic

The Coalition of Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF), Wednesday, demanded the immediate freedom of a Nigerian journalist detained in Benin Republic.

The journalist, Damilola Ayeni, Editor of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), is being detained at the Commisseriat Central, Parakou Police Station, in Parakou, Republic of Benin, by the Beninese police.

THE WHISTLER gathered that he was arrested on 31st August 2023, and accused of jihadism. He risks between 10 and 20 years in prison.

The CWPPF, in a release, said, “The accusation of Mr Ayeni being involved in jihadist activities lacks credible evidence and appears to be politically motivated, raising concerns about the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to suppress free speech and dissent in the subregion.

“His arrest without due process also violates internationally recognized human rights standards, including the right to a fair trial and the right to freedom of expression.

“This act by the Beninese police has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom and human rights in Benin Republic, as well as the broader implications for journalists working across the region.”

The coalition condemned the ‘unjust arrest of Damilola Ayeni’ and called on the government of the Republic of Benin and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ‘take immediate action to rectify this situation, thereby upholding the principles of justice, rule of law and respect for human rights’.

It added, “We stand united in demanding the immediate release of Mr Ayeni, and the dropping of all unfounded charges. Diplomatic efforts, media campaigns, and advocacy will continue until justice is served.”

The CWPPF is a group of media and civil society organisations committed to upholding good governance and democracy by protecting the ethos of whistleblowing, freedom of expression and press freedom.

SOURCE: The Whistleblower

NSCDC Employs Relatives Of Operatives Killed By Terrorists In Kaduna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, presented employment letters to relatives of seven of its operatives who were killed by terrorists in Kaduna.

The seven operatives of the NSCDC Kaduna Command were ambushed and killed by terrorists in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state, on January 14.

The employment letters were presented to the relatives by the NSCDC Commandant in Kaduna State, Idris Adah.

Mr Adah said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise made by the Commandant General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, to the families of the deceased.

“Today it’s with joy that I present to you the CG’s good deeds by handing over the appointment letters to the next of kin of the late officers.

“This is in fulfillment of the CG’s promise to the family; this however cannot replace the lives of our loved ones,” he added.

Mr Adah therefore charged the beneficiaries to do their best and represent their families with honour and dignity.

The commandant said that the Corps remained committed to its responsibility of protecting critical national assets.

“We are working round the clock with other security agencies to fight crime in the state so that we all can sleep with our two eyes closed,” Adah said.

He warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Baba Audi-Landan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the CG for fulfilling the promise.

He said the jobs would not only benefit the families of the deceased operatives but society at large.

SOURCE: NAN

We’ll Never Negotiate With Terrorists, Katsina Governor vows

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, yesterday, said terrorists were increasing attacks on some communities in the state to get the government to the negotiation table.

Radda, who stated this at a briefing marking his administration’s 100 days, vowed that his government would neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to terrorists, no matter what they do.

However, he said his government would accept any terrorist that decides to surrender and renounce his ways.

Noting that his administration would work with security agencies to intensify the onslaught on terrorists to end the challenge within the shortest time possible, the governor disclosed that 1,500 youths from seven councils affected by the problem had been recruited to work with security agencies to fight terrorists.

While affirming that his government purchased armoured vehicles and related equipment worth N7 billion for security agencies, he urged the public not to expect the security problem, which had existed for several years, to be addressed within a short time.

NIGER State Governor, Mohammed Bago, is planning to recruit at least 1,500 youths as forest guards to tackle banditry and terrorism in the state.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, stated, yesterday, that his principal made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen after meeting with vigilante corps on Tuesday.

The CPS quoted the governor as saying: “We intend to employ 1,500 youths into Niger Forest Guards, so that we can take over the forests.”

Bago commended all vigilante corps for complementing the efforts of conventional security operatives in the state.

He revealed that the state government had procured equipment for the corps as an encouragement and to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.

Commander of Vigilante Corps, DSP Alhassan Mohammed (rtd), said his men were gallant, stressing that their vast knowledge of the terrain complements the efforts of the security agencies in combating bandits and other criminal elements in the state.

SOURCE: The Guardian