Blind Justice: New Report Exposes Unchecked Slaughter in Nigeria’s Middle Belt

…Data Mapping Shows disproportionate killings of Christians

By Steven Kefas

In a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security apparatus, a four-year study has revealed a stark disparity in the government’s response to terrorist activities across the country. The report, released by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), paints a grim picture of unchecked violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly in the North Central Zone and Southern Kaduna.

The study, which spans from October 2019 to September 2023, documented over 55,000 killings and mapped thousands of farm massacres and mass abductions. Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that a little-known terror group, the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), has been carrying out mass killings hundreds of times a year in this region with apparent impunity.

According to the report, the North Central zone alone witnessed 3,007 incidents of extreme violence during the study period. Of these, 2,010 incidents involved killings, 700 were abduction incidents, and 297 were a combination of both.

The data mapping reveals a troubling pattern: while security operations are concentrated in the North-East and North-West of Nigeria, the scenes of FEM atrocities in the Middle Belt remain largely unattended. This glaring disparity has left millions of civilians undefended against brutal attacks.

Frans Vierhout, Senior Analyst at ORFA, noted, “For years, we’ve heard of calls for help being ignored, as terrorists attack vulnerable communities. Now the data tells its own story.”

The report’s findings are stark:

1. Of the 55,910 people killed in the context of terror groups in Nigeria within the four years, the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) was responsible for at least 42% of all civilian deaths. This far outstrips the combined 10% attributed to Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
2. Land-based community attacks form the largest category of civilian killings (81%), with FEM invading small Christian farming settlements to kill, rape, abduct, and burn homes.
3. Christians are disproportionately affected, with 2.7 Christians killed for every Muslim in the reporting period. In states where attacks occur, the proportional loss to Christian communities is 6.5 times higher than that of Muslim communities.

The report also highlights the escalating trend of abductions, another hallmark of Islamist terror in the region. The number of people abducted rose dramatically from 1,665 in 2020 to 7,705 in 2022, with a slight decrease to 6,255 in 2023. Christians are 1.4 times more likely to be abducted than Muslims, and in terms of local populations, the ratio rises to 5.1 Christians for every Muslim abducted.

The Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, an analyst partnering with ORFA, emphasized the targeted nature of these attacks: “Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands. Kidnappers work to Islamist goals. Where young women are kidnapped, tortured and sexually violated, hope for normal married life, and family, may vanish.”

The humanitarian impact of this unchecked violence is staggering. By the end of 2023, the International Displacement Monitoring Centre reported that 3.3 million Nigerians were forcibly displaced from their homes, surviving in makeshift camps.

As the Middle Belt continues to bleed, the authors of the ORFA data project have urged the international community to examine the data and do more to fully understand the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria. The report serves as a wake-up call, not only to the Nigerian government but to the global community, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced and effective approach to combating terrorism across all regions of Nigeria.

The silence in the face of such widespread atrocities raises serious questions about the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting all its citizens equally. As the Middle Belt bears the brunt of this unchecked violence, the cry for justice grows louder, demanding immediate and decisive action to stem the tide of bloodshed and restore peace to this beleaguered region.

This House Must Not Fall

…Being an Address by Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq, C.E.O. House of Justice, at the 8th House of Justice Summit on Friday 24th November, 2023 at Epitome Events Centre Barnawa Kaduna-Nigeria

PROTOCOLS:

On behalf of the Management and Staff of House of Justice, I am truly delighted to welcome you to the historic city of Kaduna for the 8th House of Justice Summit & Burgundy Ball Banquet.

This is an annual civic gathering that enables the review of the biggest challenge in Nigeria and the African continent and invites those we consider most suited to curating solutions to enlighten and teach us so we can overcome those challenges.

As a private Justice multi-door house, we realize that if human beings create problems, it will behoove some other human beings to find solutions. In the normal course of events, we would have lingered on platitudes, but there is an urgency of now to which we must review electoral accountability and democratic stability because there is a straight line that leads from one to the other.

The tell signs are in Burkina faso, Sudan, Guinea, Mali and our next door neighbor, Niger. And with the murmuring sounds in Nigeria of the overturn of popular electoral votes, there is the need to very quickly review the imperative for the peoples votes and choice to be respected.

In recent times we have seen the state of our nation in the blighting endurance of citizens who are working past exhaustion to have a better country but are constantly being hit on the blindside and subdued to choices of leaders they did not make and an economy that, according to the World Poverty Clock assessment, makes it difficult for the 133 million multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians, to breath.

No one would have imagined that between August 2022 to August 2023, the average retail price of fuel will move from N189 to N626- an over 330% increase in just a year. The word that flies is subsidy removal but the presidency seems to not appreciate that a surgery without anesthesia is just as risky as the disease itself.

There is of course, a sharp decline in productivity as a number of state governors have struggled to contain the debilitating effect of the fuel hike on their public work force and so have reduced the work days, this remedial act, is in itself a direct violation of the Constitution which puts labour and public holiday under the exclusive legislative list.

Running up to the 2023 elections, Nigerians mobilized to choose leaders they hoped will make the difference they desire. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which promised to ensure credible elections through the use of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) to reveal results in real time on the IREV portal violated their own rules and sought alibi in system failures.
INEC had a 2015 precedence of not delivering on the promise it claimed the smart card readers would deliver. On both counts, INEC’s failure to count and account for the sweat, tears and blood that often accompanies the Nigerian vote, has not met any consequence. At the minimum, there should be a refund to national coffers the huge sum for the purchase of these electoral gadgets and an inquiry on why INEC failed on its part of the bargain.

To be clear, Nigerians are not asking for smart card readers, BVAS or IREV. They just want their votes to count however that is done.
Indeed, it has not helped that the onus to prove substantial compliance rests on candidates while INEC sadly, enjoys presumption of regularity. One clear effect of this undeserved presumption is that two successive senate presidents, who violated the Electoral Act by running for two offices at the same time, sit pretty at the National Assembly. Are there no more standards to leadership? Did they take thought on the legacy and precedence this creates?

And while we linger on that thought, the overturn of popular mandate by persons and institutions- including the Courts, has become all too worrisome. Popular votes are sometimes overturned by the Court. This flies in the face of section 14 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution which states that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state base on the principles of democracy and social justice. (2) It is hereby accordingly declared that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom governments through this constitution derives all its powers and authority.’

Of the Supreme Court case of Hope Uzodinma V. Emeka Ihedioha, where a candidate who came first in elections was substituted with the one who came fourth, Supreme Court Justice Centus Nweze said ‘This court has powers to overrule itself and can revisit any decision not in accordance with justice…This Judgment will continue to hunt our electoral jurisprudence for a long time to come.’
In October, 2023,about a month ago,Hon. Justice Dattijo Muhammad, a Supreme Court Justice who rose to become the second most senior Justice of the Supreme Court shocked many when he, in his valedictory speech gave an insider account of corruption in the judiciary which manifests through the subversion of merit, lopsided composition of the Justices of the Supreme Court, skewed composition of the panel that decided the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election, loss of the judiciary’s prestige and public confidence- a situation he described as an unprecedented low sink.

The situation is perhaps best described by my friend whose job description requires him to be apolitical but puts it this way:
“ Nigeria takes for granted leadership at every level and does not think about the implications on our existence as a nation. We have dropped the bar so low that governance is an all- comers game and the polity treats politics and political matters like supporting a football club with blind pseudo loyalty and no long term thought other than ‘we won’. We have normalized chaos and political debauchery and sanctified moral decadence.The corrupt are worshipped and given a place of honour, while the morally upright are ostracized”

My friend’s football metaphor resonates. The challenge however is that in the Nigerian situation, laws and rules are on suspension. There are no yellow cards or red cards, just win howsoever and whensoever. This is dreadful as we have no separate country for those politicians or government officials who violate the laws different from the rest of us. The laws must therefore be allowed to speak a consistent language so it works for everyone.

Today we are a country awakened to the danger of treating the Constitution as a list of suggestions rather than the grund norm. The pain of citizens has turned to anger and despondency but that anger needs to be converted to resolution. Whether we take leadership to standards or bring standards to leadership, we must keep on the front burner the thought that a country which has no leadership threshold and which honours its laws in breach rather than in compliance is not a country that will proceed beyond its woes.

And so for myself, for House of Justice and for our nation and continent, I want to thank you for honouring our invitation with your hope that I believe will not make ashamed. I welcome most respectfully and warmly, Nigeria’s conscience, our Keynote Speaker, the Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Chairman, Senator Shehu Sani, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Justice K.B. Akaahs OFR JSC (Rtd), the outstanding faculty of speakers and doers of the High Panel Discussion and the Professionals who will be proferring solutions and action points. I have no doubt that we shall together find a method to our challenges if we let none hear us idly saying there is nothing I can do.

Kaduna,Friday 24 November, 2023.

Please Leave Wike Alone: No to Unproductive, Destructive and Divisive Ethno-Religious Rhetorics in Nigeria -Para-Mallam

…Religious Leaders by their Calling Should be Agents of Peace and Promoters of Unity and National Cohesion. Anything short is manipulation of religion for destructive purposes.

Jos, Nigeria – Monday, October 30, 2023

The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, a prominent Nigerian peace builder and advocate, has issued a call for religious leaders across faiths to act more responsibly and shun issuing inflammatory statements from their pulpits either on Fridays or Sundays. Such misuse of the pulpit only divides Nigerians and consumes gullible listeners and followers along religious and ethnic lines.

Para-Mallam’s admonition comes in response to recent inflammatory statements particularly from some clerics of Northern extraction questioning the appropriateness of Ex-Governor Nyesom Wike’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu to serve as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on religious grounds. The clerics had suggested Wike’s Christian faith disqualifies him from holding an office overseeing the FCT. Some of such deadly rhetorics, erroneously described the Nigerian federal capital territory as a “Hausa and Fulani enclave,” which historically and geographically it is not.

In a strongly worded statement, the President and CEO of the Jos-based peace building organisation, The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation reminds such clerics and all Nigerians that the position of FCT Minister belongs to every qualified Nigerian regardless of their tribe or religious affiliation.

The peace and social justice crusader who has never met or known Wike personally, apart from the pages of newspapers or television, stated that Muslim clerics calling Wike on account of his Christian faith ‘infidels’ is not only erroneous but dangerous hate speech that could instigate religious violence against innocent Nigerians. Para-Mallam reminds such clerics that Christians firmly believe in God and love Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Therefore, referring a Christian as an unbeliever is factually incorrect, provocative and risks inciting hostility against them.

Para-Mallam further called on such clerics to be more responsible with their public utterances and stop making loose comments that demean other faiths or suggest excluding qualified Nigerians from positions of national service and governance roles; on religious grounds.

“It beats my imagination that clerics use vulgar language to characterise the Hon Minister. This is strange and dysfunctional application of religion. To suggest that Wike being a Christian is therefore an Arne (infidel) is an intentional wicked characterisation of not only Wike but all Christians. It is absolutely wrong for any Muslim leader or Muslims to describe Christians as Arne. This is pure hypocrisy on the part of such Muslim Clerics. To describe Christians as Arne is not only unacceptable but hate speech borne out of hatred. Nigeria should be spared further agony by such unfounded miss-applied religious labelings.” He said.

He also reminded all faith leaders that Nigeria belongs to people of every tribe and creed. No ethnic group or religious followers can lay exclusive claim over national roles and institutions. Any thing to the contrary is religious grandstanding.

“Abuja belongs to all Nigerians. It is not the sole preserve or entitlement of any particular ethnic group or religious adherents. If the Gbyagis have shown accommodation of other ethnic groups, the rest of us should shun politics of provocation in the name of religion. Those making these inflammatory utterances should know better than to insinuate ex-Governor Wike cannot hold the office simply because he is a Christian from the South. Targeting Wike and other Christians who hold visible positions in the country is an act of disservice to the Nigerian State.” Para-Mallam said.

Para-Mallam urges clerics to act with wisdom, restraint and dignity befitting their offices when they are preaching or speaking to audiences.

“They should refrain from sermons which demeans other faiths or insinuating exclusion of qualified Nigerians from service because of their religion. We should all be tired of such antics. We become the laughing stock of the global community. Nigeria is blessed by excellent minds and brains. In truth these gifted individuals are found both in the north and south and also among Christians and Muslims. The age of using religion for manipulative purposes is gone forever in Nigeria.” He said.

The peace advocate explained that faith leaders have great influence, so their words carry weight hence the need for caution.

“They must avoid language that marginalizes, excludes, divides or incites hostility against any Nigerian on religious or ethnic grounds. In truth there’s huge groundswell of support for Wike and he is gradually being transformed into a national hero. Wike rises while his detractors are diminished. Every Nigerian is qualified to be Minister of the FCT. Wike should not and cannot be made an exception.” He said

In addition, Para-Mallam called on religious leaders to become positive voices of moderation, inspiration, reconciliation and unity. They should build bridges between faith communities, calm tensions, and advance shared interests for the common good of all Nigerians: Christians and Muslims alike.

“With Nigeria facing huge insecurity and socio-economic challenges, the country needs clerics to serve as forces of stability, progress and hope – rather than merchants of division and strife. Their platforms and influence should unite, not divide.” The Peace builder added.

Speaking on recent attacks and negative criticisms towards the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike over allegations of ‘forming alliance’ with Israel to attack Gaza and the people of Palestine, Para-Mallam said such allegations are not only baseless but capable of setting the nation on fire. He goes on to note that in the past, Abuja has been governed by Muslim FCT ministers who also at different times hosted Israeli government officials and investors in the Nigerian capital.

“If hosting Israeli envoys in Abuja was not a problem when done in the past by Muslim FCT ministers, why should it become an issue now with Governor Wike simply because he is a Christian? This is the kind of inflammatory religious insinuations we must avoid for national peace and unity. Such tactics won’t scare Christians from relating with Israel. There are many Arab nations who do business with Israel. ‘Nigerians cannot be more Catholic than the Pope,’ as the expression goes.

It is on record that the Israeli ambassador’s visit to the office of the FCT was on carried out on the 3rd of October, 2023. “Why connect such with the unfortunate war going on in Israel/Gaza? This was days before the war started and the visit was not a secret visit but well covered by the media . . . In truth, does a minister of the federal republic of Nigeria have the powers to engage in diplomatic negotiations involving international actors in a conflict situation?” He stated.

With Nigeria facing enormous economic, security and governance challenges, Para-Mallam stressed that respected faith leaders must avoid statements that marginalize or incite hatred against any Nigerians on religious or ethnic grounds.

Instead, the leadership guru said, they should be forces for unity, progress, stability and hope – using their platforms and influence to build bridges, calm tensions, and advance the shared interests of all Nigerians regardless of tribe or creed.

“That is the Nigeria we must keep working and praying to build together.” He said.

He concludes by appealing to all religious leaders to promote tolerance, respect diversity, and pursue national healing. Avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and uniting Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines is vital for the nation’s peace and prosperity. Nigeria will rise again from the ashes of social injustice and discriminatory religious tendencies to becoming the envy of other nations in peace Co-existence. I believe in Nigeria and our current leadership trajectory will change for the BEST.

World Peace Day: We are open to Collaborative Peacebuilding -Maj Gen Abubakar Assures Para-Mallam

Jos, Nigeria

On the occasion of World Peace Day on September 21st, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General AE Abubakar, expressed openness to collaborative peacebuilding efforts during a courtesy visit from The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation.

Receiving a delegation from the foundation at his office at the Maxwell Kobe Barracks in Jos on Thursday, Maj Gen Abubakar acknowledged their commendations on the army’s role in restoring stability across Plateau State. “We appreciate the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s constructive engagement and support for our peacekeeping operations. Your work complements ours in achieving sustainable peace,” he stated.

The peace delegation was led by Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of the foundation, along with his wife, Prof. Olufunmilayo Para-Mallam, mni, Deputy Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Adam Ghazali and others. They lauded the efforts made by the army under Maj Gen Abubakar’s leadership to curb violence in Plateau and neighboring states.

In response, the GOC recognized the need for collaborative approaches in resolving security challenges. “While the army continues undertaking kinetic operations, we encourage non-kinetic initiatives by groups like yours to heal divides and change hearts and minds,” he noted.

Maj Gen Abubakar pledged 3 Division’s commitment to supporting programs by the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation focused on disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation of ex-combatants. “We are ready to facilitate your interfaith dialogues and community peace education campaigns aimed at building tolerance,” he added.

According to the senior army commander, lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action involving the military, government and civil society groups. He expressed optimism that Plateau State will reclaim its identity as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ through these joint efforts.

The World Peace Day visit highlights cooperation between security agencies and peacebuilding organizations to restore calm in Nigeria’s crisis-prone regions. With the army adopting a community-focused approach, partnerships with groups like Para-Mallam Peace Foundation remain essential to reconcile and stabilize restive areas.

World Peace Day: Para-Mallam Peace Foundation Pays Courtesy Visit to 3 Div GOC in Jos

By Steven Kefas

In commemoration of the International World Peace Day on September 21st, 2023, the prominent Jos-based Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and STF Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, Major General AE Abubakar.

The visit highlighted the Army’s pivotal role in working assiduously to restore peace, security and bring stability across Plateau and neighboring States under the leadership of Maj Gen Abubakar.

The peace delegation was led by The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of the Foundation, along with his wife, Prof. Olufunmilayo Para-Mallam, mni, a Director of Studies (DOE) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). They were joined by Sheikh Adam Ghazali, Deputy Imam of the Central Mosque Jos and a Judge at the CAC Court, as well as other foundation Staff members.

Addressing the GOC, The Revd Dr. Para-Mallam expressed the foundation’s profound gratitude to Maj Gen Abubakar for his proactive efforts in curbing violence across Plateau State since assuming duty as both GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

He noted that the General took command at a turbulent time but has succeeded in drastically reducing the incidences of attacks and promoting peace and security not just in Plateau but neighboring states such as Kaduna through his decisive leadership.

Dr. Para-Mallam also took the opportunity to brief the GOC on the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s impactful interventions over the years. This includes community peace building activities in Plateau and Kaduna States for example. Advocacy, Research and document, youth mentorship programs, building capacity for women in peace building programs and inter-religious dialogues.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sheikh Ghazali lauded the GOC’s swift and robust actions which have brought tremendous relief to Plateau residents. He assured the GOC of the foundation’s commitment to supporting ongoing peacebuilding efforts through their rich archives and resources.

In his response, Maj Gen Abubakar welcomed the foundation’s delegation and hailed their efforts in complementing the Army’s peacekeeping operations. While acknowledging the persisting security challenges, he reiterated the importance of community-driven peace initiatives as a viable solution beyond kinetic interventions alone.

The GOC pledged the unwavering support of 3rd Armoured Division towards the foundation’s peace programs aimed at permanently healing age-long divisions in society. He expressed confidence that Plateau will regain its status as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ through collective action.

Professor Funmilayo Para-Mallam, mni in her vote of thanks expressed profound gratitude to the GOC for the remarkable work he is doing as STF Commander. Professor Para-Mallam who is the Director of Studies of The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said the results of the GOC’s impact since taking over the command of the STF have become reference points beyond Plateau. She commended the General and prayed that God will continue to guide him in all his activities.

Recall that prior to his assumption of office as GOC and STF Commander, Plateau state was known for frequent attacks and killings with the figures of people killed between April And July 2023 put at 346 according to data released by The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation in July. General Abubakar’s  examplary leadership since taken over Command has led to a drastic reduction in attacks and killings in the state.

The World Peace Day visit highlights the collaborative approach between the military and civil society groups in tackling insecurity across Nigeria’s restive Middle Belt. With the Army adopting a more community-focused strategy, groups such as the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation seeks to promote, and both hope to remain critical partners in working to see a Plateau, Kaduna, Benue and other States; that one day attacks on communities will become history.

JUST IN: Kaduna Law Firm Petitions Senate President, Calls for Elrufai’s Disqualification as Ministerial Candidate

House of Justice, a Kaduna based multi-door justice house has protested the nomination of the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad Elrufai, as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stating as basis for the protest, his abysmal human rights violations and mass atrocities record especially during his 8-year tenure as Governor of Kaduna state.

The Petition which was signed by Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq, the Chief Executive Officer and Advocacy Lead of the organization, cited among other reasons for objection, Elrufai’s admission of being an accessory to murder by paying killers, arbitrary demolition of properties of citizens and political opponents, sacking teachers and withholding their salaries, imprisonment of journalists and activists, and sacking of traditional rulers as well as the persecution of the Southern Kaduna people.

The Petition further noted that there was a pending verdict of Nigeria’s parliament that declared Elrufai as not fit and proper to occupy public office and that international reports such as the 2020 and 2023 British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) reports , dishonourably indicted the former Governor.

The Petition which had attached to it evidence of the allegations against the embattled former Governor, also noted that Elrufai has no respect for the Constitution, rule of law or the code of conduct for public officers and could only fit into a dictatorship and not a democracy.

The Petition was signed as received by the office of the Senate President in Abuja.

Recall that during the ministerial screening on the floor of the senate on Tuesday a senator from Kogi West senatorial District, Senator Sunday Karimi informed the senate that he is in possession of a petition against Elrufai over the issue of insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

Karimi said during the screening, “Mr. President, I have a petition written against the nominee over the issue of insecurity in Southern Kaduna when he was governor.

“If I am permitted, I will like to read the petition.”

Senator Karimi was never given the chance to read his petition.

Ironically, the three senators from Kaduna state including that of Kaduna Southern senatorial District where Elrufai is accused of human rights violations, and other related allegations all passed votes of confidence on the former governor.

Whether the senate will act on House of Justice’s petition it has acknowledged receipt of is left to be seen.

Find below the complete petition;

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/weve-paid-fulani-stop-killings-southern-kaduna-el-rufai/

https://saharareporters.com/2017/01/04/el-rufai-compensation-foreign-killers-and-looming-danger-john-danfulani

 2.  He threw thousands of traders and citizens out of jobs by demolishing markets and destroying goods and services without compensation.

https://dailytrust.com/kasupda-begins-demolition-of-kasuwar-barci/

SEE EXHIBIT 2

3. He made hundreds of thousands of people homeless by demolishing their homes without compensation and devoid of legal cause or court orders and continued the spree until his last days in office.

https://www.latestnigeriannews.com/p/969770/governor-elrufai-demolishes-graceland-zaria-kaduna-photos.html

https://editor.guardian.ng/news/el-rufai-approves-demolition-of-imn-gbagyi-properties-others/

https://www.tvcnews.tv/2021/10/kaduna-govt-demolishes-140-houses-in-zaria-lga/.

 https://www.channelstv.com/2016/07/28/gbagyi-villa-residents-protest-planned-demolition-by-kaduna-govt/amp/

SEE EXHIBITS 3

4. He destroyed the houses of those who held different opinions to his including persons in his own party and outside it. Sen. Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi’s home was demolished and turned into a park. Former Attorney General of Katsina, Alh. Inuwa Abdulkadir, died while waiting for justice for his house which was arbitrarily destroyed by Mallam Nasir Ahmad Elrufai.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/governor-demolishes-senators-house.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/demolition-go-court-aggrieved-kaduna-govt-tells-hunkuyi/amp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sunnewsonline.com/el-rufai-converts-hunkuyis-demolished-house-to-childrens-park/%3famp

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/06/apc-mourns-ex-national-vice-chairman-inuwa-abdulkadir/

SEE EXHIBITS 4

5.  He sacked thousands of teachers from their jobs and refused to pay teachers their salaries. Some teachers had it worse, they were killed while trying to undergo needless verification exercises he imposed.

https://saharareporters.com/2021/05/16/kaduna-governor-el-rufai-has-sacked-about-70000-workers-2016

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/agony-of-kaduna-teachers-over-unpaid-salaries/?amp

https://dailytrust.com/zaria-blast-kills-dozens-injured-many-workers/.

SEE EXHIBITS 5

6.  Traditional Rulers were imprisoned or killed under his watch in questionable circumstances and he decapitated what remained of the traditional institution by proscribing chiefdoms, changing the identity of people and arbitrarily sacking traditional rulers.

https://saharareporters.com/2019/05/06/exclusive-how-kajuru-monarch-galadima-was-killed-refusing-give-stool-after-visiting-elrufai

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/kidnapped-kaduna-traditional-ruler-killed-by-kidnappers/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theperiscopeglobal.com/2021/05/20/tribute-to-dr-ishaku-damina-the-distinctive-lamp-extinguished-the-sacrificial-lamb-slain/

https://guardian.ng/news/gunmen-kidnap-south-kaduna-monarch-yohanna-kukah/

https://ynaija.com/opinion-hrh-dr-ishaku-sabo-damina-bgwan-kurmi-persecuted-el-rufai/

https://saharareporters.com/2020/11/07/frustration-southern-kaduna-indigenous-traditional-structures-seeming-step-complementing.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.channelstv.com/2021/06/20/kaduna-security-bandits-kill-village-head-in-sanga-lga/amp/

SEE EXHIBITS 6

7. The Nigeria Labour Congress, led by their national president tried to resolve the crises he had with Kaduna State workers but he turned the NLC’s intervention into a wrestling spree and unleashed security apparatus against them.

https://placng.org/Legist/kaduna-boils-as-govt-labour-battle/

https://dailytrust.com/kaduna-shutdown-fg-intervenes-as-el-rufai-labour-stick-to-their-guns/

SEE EXHIBITS 7

8. Journalists and activists who endeavored to report the rape of law and justice carried out by his government were arbitrarily arrested, persecuted and thrown into prisons.

https://www.theoasisreporters.com/electronic-media-personality-segun-onibiyo-arrested-by-police-in-kaduna-for-hate-speech/

https://saharareporters.com/2019/05/08/breaking-police-arrest-kajuru-journalist-stephen-kefas-re-posting-article-facebook

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/02/between-el-rufai-and-journalist-segun-onibiyo-2/amp/

https://www.csw.org.uk/2022/02/04/press/5572/article.htm.

SEE EXHIBITS 8

9. Elrufai lacks the ability to lead in a plural society. He particularly showed disdain, hate and persecuted the people of Southern Kaduna.

https://leadership.ng/el-rufais-viral-video-southern-kaduna-elders-want-gurara-state/

https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/people-of-southern-kaduna-accuse-el-rufai-of-spreading-lies/mexphte

https://gazettengr.com/el-rufai-devil-incarnate-plotted-to-wipe-out-southern-kaduna-he-gave-us-hell-gaiya/

https://guardian.ng/news/southern-kaduna-indigenes-accuse-el-rufai-of-incitement-hate-speeches/

10. There is a pending  verdict of Nigeria’s Senate  that Mallam Nasir Ahmad Elrufai is not a fit and proper person to occupy public office.

https://dailytrust.com/why-el-rufai-should-not-hold-public-office-dantiye/.

11. The 2020 and 2023 British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Report, ‘Nigeria Unfolding Genocide? Records that Nigeria is the global epicenter  of violence against Christians and  Mallam Nasir Ahmad Elrufai got a dishonorable mention in the reports.

https://psjuk.org/igeria-unfolding-genocide-an-appg-uk-report/

CONCLUSION.

Attached are evidence of the submissions in this petition. Mallam Nasir Ahmad Elrufai has no respect for the Constitution, rule of law or the code of conduct for public officers. Good performance and compliance with the rule of law are not mutually exclusive. Elrufai fits into a dictatorship where brute force is the hallmark of rulership but poses great danger to fundamental freedoms and the ideals of democracy. 

Your Excellency and the Senate may wish to clerk in and reserve his performance to a government of brute force. Nigeria with a population of over 215 million people is not without more capable candidates who would deliver on the demands of ministerial office while upholding the Constitution please.

Yours truly,

 Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq

C.E.O. House of Justice

gloriaballason@houseofjusticeng.com

+2348028407332

Mangu Killings: Para-Mallam Peace Foundation Brings Humanitarian Aid to IDPs

As the situation of the internally displaced persons displaced by recent attacks on farming communities in Mangu local government area of plateau state continues to deteriorate, a peace advocacy group known as The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, led by clergy Rev. Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the living condition of internally displaced persons camped in schools and other open places in Plateau State.

Para-Mallam, who spoke during a humanitarian visit to the internally displaced persons in Mangu local government area of the state, described the condition of the IDPs as a “humanitarian disaster”.  The intervention is part of the Touching Lives Initiatives, an initiative of the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation that supports victims of violent attacks. Sunday’s visit was made in collaboration with the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Societies (CWEENS).

The Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, speaking to the IDPs stated that what happened to Mangu people happened to “all of us”. He empathized with them over the unfortunate situation they have found themselves in and emphasized the need for patience, stating that patience is not foolishness.

“What has happened to you people, happened to all of us because we are all humans. You must be patient and you must know that patience at a time like this is not foolishness.”

Para-Mallam pleaded with the people not to think of vengeance because God has heard their cries and by His grace the killings will stop like they stopped in Bassa.  He informed the people that the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation would do all it could to fight for them and assured them that no one would steal their lands because the world is with them. He added that the Foundation will soon organize a peace meeting between them and the Fulani people. 

Speaking to journalists after the visit to the IDP camp, the Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam stated that the intervention is part of the Early Presence model for peacebuilding. He called on the government to carry out some infrastructural development for the people of Mangu such as fixing the bad bridges that are at some strategic areas through which the attackers come into the land. He spoke strongly on the need for the government at all levels to put an end to the impunity of people killing and going scot-free. He added that the narrative that it is a farmer-herder clash is simplistic and abates the killings.

“The government needs to stop the impunity of people coming to kill people and walk away. It’s unacceptable. I think the government needs to sit up and say enough is enough.

Para-Mallam also called on the government to redouble its efforts to end the killings to enable the people to return to their ancestral villages.

He said, “The humanitarian disaster that has befallen the people of Mangu has been catastrophic, disturbing.

“The visit is to identify with the victims and support them in a little way to cushion the effects of the tragedy and devastation of their properties by the attackers.

“We can see the vast number of IDPs; over 18000 of them here (Mangu primary school) comprising children, women, orphans, widows, husbands, widowers. You can imagine that less than two years old baby whose mother and father were killed. I was moved to tears but I have to control myself.

After the visit to the IDP camp, Para-Mallam and his team paid homage to the palace of the paramount ruler of Mwaghavul (Mangu), HRH Da John Putmang Hirse. Speaking at the palace of the Mishkagham, the Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam thanked the traditional ruler for the opportunity to be there and informed him that the visit was both a courtesy call and a visit to offer the monarch condolences for the tragic events that had occurred in his land. He gave the Mishkagham encouragement by saying that he and his people are not alone and that many across the world are supporting them. Para-Mallam also thanked the Chairman of the Christian Association (CAN), Mangu Chapter, the Secretary General of the Mwaghavul Development Association, and the media for their various contributions.

Para-Mallam also made a strong case for peace, appealing to the Miskagham to speak to his people against embarking on revenge mission as it is counterproductive. He stated that the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation will fight until justice prevails and it is to that effect, he wrote a report titled: “Mangu Killings: It’s Time for Peace”. The report which has generated international discussions was written to expose what is going on in Mangu and champion the cause for justice. He further stated that the problem in Mangu is not just the problem of Mangu people but a collective problem. He added that the Foundation works for peace that is predicated on justice and it will fight until justice is established in Mangu because people cannot be killed over reasons that do not warrant people getting killed.

In his remark, the Mishkagham expressed gratitude to the Para-Mallam ane his team, stating that he was honoured to receive them. He said the attacks came as a surprise because the Mwaghavul people had been living peacefully with the Fulanis for years and they even intermarried with them. He added that his people have engaged in peace talks with the Fulani people led by the GOC but after 2 or 3 days, they’ll break whatever agreement was reached. The king lamented over the destructions of lives, farms and houses stating that churches that have been destroyed are now converted to houses by the Fulani people even though no mosque has been destroyed.

The monarch said there’s something fundamentally wrong which he is yet to find out and he is open to hear what the attackers want. He said Mwaghavul people are not ready to retaliate but they’re asking for justice and calling on the government to ensure that people whose farms and properties have been destroyed are compensated. He said the people of Mangu are wondering why the attacks are coming now that they have their son as governor. He also said, it appears the attacks have been planned over a long time for it to have engulfed the entirety of Mwaghavul land as it has. In addition, he stated that the world needs to know what is happening and he is glad that the Para-Mallam Foundation is helping in that regard. The revered monarch also expressed willingness to engage in a dialogue with the Fulani people so that they can tell the Mangu people what their problem is. At the end of his remark, the Royal Father thanked the Foundation for the relief materials they brought and encouraged them to continue with the good works so that peace can return to Plateau State. He said “we need to work together as Nigerians for the progress of everyone.”

Middle Belt Times reports that over 300 people including women and children have been brutally murdered and hundreds of houses destroyed between April and July 2023 in attacks believed to be perpetrated by terrorists suspected to be herdsmen according to data released by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation.

An authoritative source who spoke to Middle Belt Times on condition of strict anonymity said the villagers have had to endure watching their farmlands destroyed by the marauding herdsmen.

“As at yesterday, some of the natives ran away for safety while cows grace their farmlands unhindered from what we heard. 

“Even on Friday before we arrived Saturday, some crops and farmlands were destroyed the people complained.”

Middle Belt Killings: We Must Break This Cycle of Violence -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness and grief over the latest round of violence and killings in the Middle Belt states of Plateau and Benue.

The President condemned in strong terms the most recent internecine killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and parts of Benue State.

President Tinubu in a statement signed by his spokesman, Dele Alake described the renewed killings in the two states as “most unfortunate”

The statement reads in parts;

“It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about.

“A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives.

“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing,” the President said.

To rebuild trust and restore harmony to these conflict areas, President Tinubu urged community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations as well as the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Christian Association of Nigeria to work together to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace.

While reaffirming his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria, the President has directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of law.

He, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue States and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims who have been displaced as a result of the conflicts.

Middle Belt Killings: Terrorists Kill 24 Villagers in Benue

…Governor Alia talks tough, described the attack as “unacceptable”

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

Dozens of people were killed in a fresh attack on a remote village in Nigeria’s Benue state on Saturday. The gunmen suspect to be Fulani terrorists, opened fire on the villagers in Akpuuna village, killing 24 people and injuring several others.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in Benue state, where violent herders have continued to invade farming communities in recent years. The state has seen more than 100 people killed in violence this year alone.

In the latest attack, the gunmen arrived in the village around midday and opened fire on the villagers, who were caught unawares. The attack lasted for more than two hours before the gunmen fled the scene.

Local officials said that the victims included women and children. The names of the victims have not been released.

The attack has sparked outrage in Benue state, with many people calling for the government to do more to protect the people.

The state governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has condemned the attack and directed security agents to hunt down the perpetrators.

“This attack is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Alia said in a statement.

“I have directed security agents to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The attack is a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. The country is facing a number of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The government has been struggling to contain these threats, and the latest attack is a setback in its efforts to do so.

The attack on Akpuuna village is also a reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria. These communities are often targeted by armed groups, and the government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect them.

The latest attack is a tragedy, and it is a reminder of the need for the current government to take action to address the security challenges facing the Middle Belt and the country at large.

Military Steps Up Efforts to Restore Peace in Plateau State, Relocates Base to troubled area as Govt imposes Curfew

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

In response to a recent spate of violence in Mangu Local Government Area, the military has relocated its headquarters to the area and imposed a 24-hour curfew.

Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), said the move was necessary to work in synergy with the local authority to mitigate the situation.

“I have relocated the headquarters of OPSH here so we can work with the local authority. We will stay here until we stabilise the situation.

“The governor is disturbed by the happenings, and that is why I am personally here to lead my troops. We won’t allow the situation to deteriorate further. We are not here to joke; and so we will be decisive, fair and firm,” Abubakar said according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, due to the recent unrest in Mangu Local Government Area of the State, the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the area to restore law and order and to forestall further loss of lives and destruction of properties.

The curfew, which began on Sunday, is in effect until further notice. Movements within the local government are banned except for security personnel and persons on essential duties.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the curfew was necessary to “restore law and order and to forestall further loss of lives and destruction of properties.”

“The government is working round-the-clock to restore peace and security in the state,” Mutfwang said.

The violence in Mangu Local Government Area is the latest in a series of attacks that have plagued Plateau State in recent years. The attacks have often been blamed on ethnic and religious tensions.

The military’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Mangu and the state government’s decision to impose a curfew on the affected area is a sign that the government is taking the violence seriously. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to restore peace to the state.