Bishop Kukah says Northern Nigeria gradually turning into “Arewanistan”

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, on Saturday expressed fresh frustration at the unabating security challenges confronting Northern part of the country.

Kukah who spoke extensively on issues bordering on Nigeria in his Christmas homily said a catalogue of unprecedented cruelty had been unleashed on innocent citizens in the part of the country.

He feared the region could soon become Arewanistan (a euphemism for Afghanistan) in view of the persistent killings.

“In their sleep, on their farmlands, in their markets, or even on the highway, innocent citizens have been mowed down and turned into burnt offerings to gods of evil,” an angry Kukah said in his Christmas message entitled “A nation still in search of truth and vindication.”

“Communities have been turned into gulags of misery, death, pain and perfidy. We must move quickly before Arewa, our beloved Arewa, descends into Arewanistan,” he added.

Kukah recalled how he was heavily slammed in parts of the north when he first criticized the federal government’s handling of the security situation in that part of the country last year.

He said: “At about this time last year when I raised the alarm about the perilous state of affairs in northern Nigeria, all kinds of accusations were levelled against me, especially by my northern brethren.

“When the Catholic Bishops protested openly against the killings of our people in March 2020, we were accused of acting against government with religious motives being imputed to our noble intentions. Now, we are fully in the grip of evil.

“Today, a feeling of vindication only saddens me as I have watched the north break into a cacophony of quarrelsome blame games over our tragic situation.”

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to speak on the situation.

Kukah said: “Tales and promises about planned rescues have since deteriorated into mere whispers. Nothing expresses the powerlessness of the families like the silence of state at the federal level.

“Today, after over seven years, our over one hundred Chibok Girls are still marooned in the ocean of uncertainty.

“Over three years after, Leah Sharibu is still unaccounted for. Students of the Federal Government College, Yauri, and children from Islamiyya School, Katsina are still in captivity. This does not include hundreds of other children whose captures were less dramatic.

“We also have lost count of hundreds of individuals and families who have been kidnapped and live below the radar of publicity. We have before us a government totally oblivious to the cherished values of the sacredness of life.

“The silence of the federal government only feeds the ugly beast of complicity in the deeds of these evil people who have suspended the future of entire generations of our children.

“Every day, we hear of failure of intelligence, yet, those experts who provide intelligence claim that they have always done their duty diligently and efficiently.

“Does the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not believe that he owes parents and citizens answers as to where our children are and when they are coming home?

“Does the President of Nigeria not owe us an explanation and answers as to when the abductions, kidnappings, brutality, senseless, and endless massacres of our citizens will end? When will our refugees from Cameroon, Chad or Niger return home? We need urgent answers to these questions.

“While I commend the efforts of our security men and women, I call on the President, in collaboration with the governors who are doing their best to preserve and protect their people to develop a more honest, open and robust strategy for ending the humiliation of our people and restoring social order to our people. We have borne enough humiliation as communities and a country.”

Kukah paid tribute to several northern Christians whom, he said, had either been killed or kidnapped for their faith.

Read him: “When Michael Nnadi, our teenage Seminarian from Sokoto Diocese, stared down the nozzle of the guns of terrorists and called them to repentance, he knew he was signing his signature with the blood of martyrdom.

“When Mrs. Bolanle Ataga, a Kaduna-based housewife of a medical doctor, defied the evil hands of the head of her captors who sought to violate her honour in exchange for freedom, she knew she was signing her signature with the blood of martyrdom.

“When Lawan Andimi, leader of the Christian community in Michika, Adamawa State stretched out his neck and was slaughtered by his abductors because of his faith, he knew that his blood would flow into the ocean of those martyrs who have gone before him.

“When our dear Leah Sharibu raised her voice against the advice of her young Muslim friends who loved her dearly and wanted her to deny being a Christian, she, like Jesus, acted in defiance but she knew what awaits her in a new Jerusalem, the capital of martyrdom.

“Their heroic witnesses re-echo the defiance of the Apostles who said: We must obey God rather than men.”

He tasked religious leaders to stand firm in the face of what he called the injustice in the country, saying: “When the politicians embark on outright favouritism or nepotism, we must not be carried away by the belief that our religion is being favoured.

“Religious leaders must stand together and condemn lack of fairness to any group because the powerful and the powerless all need to be saved.”

On the polity, especially the Electoral Amendment Bill which President Buhari recently declined to sign into law, Kukah tasked the National Assembly to “quickly take notice of the observations made by the President on the issues of Direct or Indirect Primaries and return the Bill to the President for assent.”

“I believe that the President’s heart is still in the right place and we should focus on the serious issues,” he stated.

He told the youths to “seize the moment by coming out to register and be ready to vote.

“Endsars protests and the aftermath should be a mere punctuation mark in the sentences and chapters of our struggle for a better society.

“There is a lot to live for in this country. There is a lot for our Youth to dream about.

“The spirit of Christmas should be seen as a spirit of renewal. Be courageous, because we shall turn the corner together.” Kukah said.

Conclave

BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap Plateau monarch

Gunmen have kidnapped a traditional ruler in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakat.

It was gathered that Dakat who is the paramount ruler in Gindiri chiefdom was abducted when the gunmen attacked his palace in the early hours of Sunday.

A resident of the community, Helen Bulus, said, “The incident happened between 1am and 2am. The gunmen came in large numbers to his palace.

“He was in the palace alone because the wife had travelled to Jos and the children were also not around. All through the wee hours, there was heavy shooting by the bandits in his palace, and people in the community were running in different directions.

“So, this morning at daybreak, we went to the palace only to discover that the gunmen have taken the traditional ruler away.”

The Lawmaker representing Mangu South in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Bala Fwangje, also confirmed the incident.

According to the lawmaker, security operatives had been deployed to the community and were combing the bushes in search of the kidnapped traditional ruler.

He said, “The incident is rather unfortunate.

“I just confirmed the kidnap incident with some of the security men. I also spoke with the paramount ruler, Mishkaham Mwaghavul of Mwaghavul nation who also confirmed to me what happened. Right now, the security men are in the bush trying to rescue the kidnapped traditional ruler.”

The Military Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, Major Ishaku Takwa, when contacted, said that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN at Gyambus had been mobilised to the area and are on trail of the kidnappers.

Punch

Swear you’ve no hands in Southern Kaduna ethnic cleansing – IPOB to El-Rufai

…..El-rufai should know that he has a date at the ICC

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Wednesday asked Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to swear he knows nothing about the election ethnic cleansing of non Fulani communities in Southern Kaduna.

IPOB said no amount of cover-up would exonerate him from the genocide in Southern Kaduna.

The separatist group made the remark while berating El-Rufai for comparing IPOB with terrorist organization.

A statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, reads: “We are the global movement and family of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Our attention has been drawn to the laughable and shameful statement the midget of Kaduna State, Alhaji El’ Rufai where he compared the peaceful IPOB global movement with Fulani terrorists and bandits rampaging Southern Kaduna.

“It is not only provocative but a mischievous display of ignorance for El’ Rufai to compare freedom seekers with blood thirsty terrorists. El Rufai should stop playing to the gallery.

“No amount of cover-ups can exonerate him from the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna by Fulani bandits.

“He should cover his head in shame for admitting that he is paying the mass murderers in Kaduna State. He should know that he has a date at the ICC.”

IPOB dared El-Rufai to name one terror it has committed.

“We challenge him to mention any act of terror commited by IPOB. Our only crime against El Rufai and his fellow mass murderers is that we refused to allow FULANI bandits any breeding ground in Biafra land.

“Malam El-Rufai should swear by Allah that he knows nothing about the ongoing ethnic cleansing of non Fulani communities in Southern Kaduna and re-naming of their towns to Fulani communities,” the group added.

[Dailypost]

Terrorists Attack Police Escort, 20 Vehicles, Abduct Over 50 Travellers On Kaduna Expressway

Terrorists on Wednesday abducted scores of travellers along Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Highway after attacking their convoy.

The incident occurred at about 11am and it was learnt that most of the victims were traders on their way to Kano.

Daily Trust reports that a community leader identified as Muhammadu Umaru, said that four of his neighbours were abducted.

He added that the vehicles attacked were about 20 which were led by a police escort.

“We have about 70 of our traders from Udawa town alone and there are others from neighbouring towns in the convoy that was attacked between Udawa and Buruku along the highway.

“My neighbours were involved because we call their phones and a bandit picked the call,” he said.

It was gathered that some of the traders that ran into the bush called their relations to inform them of the situation.

The state Police Command’s spokesman, Jalige Mohammed, promised to comment on the incident after finding out details.

Kaduna State has been facing bandits’ attacks for a while and the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said his administration’s intention was to kill all bandits.

He said this on Tuesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on the recent bandits’ attack that claimed 40 lives in the state.

The governor, accompanied by the state Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, said the bandits’ whereabouts were not hidden, but that the military was mindful of the collateral damage it could cause the civilian community.

[Saharareporters]

50 Feared Killed as Suspected Terrorists launch 72 Hours attack on Tiv Communities in Nasarawa

…….Tiv Community Dismisses Reprisals Claim, alleges conspiracy against the Tiv people in the state

By Steven Kefas

No fewer than fifty five Tiv farmers have been reportedly killed in 12 communities across Lafia, Obi, and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State following 3 days campaign of violence by terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen militias.

The attacks began on Friday, November 17 and extended to Sunday, November 19, a Tiv Community leader, Peter Ahemba told Middle Belt Times on telephone.

“The attacks started around 11am on Friday and went on till Sunday evening across three local government areas in the state

“The attacks were unprovoked and well coordinated across various Tiv communities in the state.

“We have so far recovered 35 bodies while about 20 are still missing and we believe they may also have died of gunshots injuries in the bushes.

“This is why we believe that the death toll is around 45 to 50.” Ahemba said.

The Nasarawa state police command had earlier confirmed the attack but said that seven people were killed during in contradiction of the position of the Tiv development association in the state.

The statement reads, “On 17/12/2021 at about 1140hrs, a complaint was received that one Umaru Idrisu ‘M’ of Gidan Washi Village, Obi LGA was attacked and killed by unknown armed men.

“Upon receipt of the complaints, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi ordered the Divisional Police Officer, Obi Division to move to the scene where the corpse was removed and taken to the hospital for post mortem examination but later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.

“Security has been provided in the village to prevent the breakdown of law and order as an investigation has since commenced to unravel the mystery behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to book.

“While the investigation was ongoing, a suspected reprisal attack was carried out by unknown persons in Hangara village, Lafia East Development Area, Lafia LGA and crossed over to the neighbouring Kwayero Village of Obi LGA and the following persons namely: Sani Dauda, Danjuma Liambee, Uloho Jerry, Shedrack Kente, Tersoo Clement, Gwanje Soja and Ayuba Ali were attacked and killed; their corpses were recovered and taken to the hospital by the Police.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi has moved to the scene of the incidents, contacted and held meetings with critical stakeholders in the various communities and urged them to suspend further hostilities and live in peace and assured them that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing, as the perpetrators of the act will not go unpunished”. He said.

The Tiv Development Association in Nasarawa state has dismissed the claim that the attacks were reprisals saying that the dead body of the Fulani man found could have been killed by anyone since it was found on the road side.

Chief Clement Ibo, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people in Nasarawa state told Middle Belt Times that the killings that befell the Tiv community over the weekend cannot be said to be reprisals. He said he suspects a conspiracy against the Tiv people in the state.

“How can they say it was reprisals, this seems to me a pure conspiracy against the Tiv people.

“Even the dead body of the Fulani man they claimed was killed, there was no injury on him, therefore he could have collapsed or anything could have happened to him leading to his death.

“Come to think of it, if it was truly a reprisal as claimed, why didn’t it stop at the community where the man was found dead, why did it spread to other Tiv communities in other local government areas”? Ibo asked.

The Nasarawa state government on Monday convened a security meeting with the affected communities in an effort to prevent further excalation of violence in the area.

Bandits Kill 20 Villagers In Kaduna

At least 20 villagers were killed when bandits raided0 villages in Giwa local government area of Kaduna State.

The villages attacked were Kauran Fawa, Marke and Riheya villages in Idasu, Giwa.

The state Commissioner Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to him, houses, trucks, and cars were also burnt, along with agricultural produce at various farms.

Aruwan said Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who received the reports with sadness, had sent condolences to the families of the victims of the brutal attacks while praying for the repose of their souls.

The Governor also commiserated with the affected communities and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to conduct an urgent assessment of the area towards providing relief.

[Dailytrust]

Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct DSS officer in Abuja

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Department of State Services operative during an attack on residents in Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday.

The hoodlums also reportedly killed a vigilante member during the incident which occurred overnight.

The armed men were said to have invaded the community in their numbers and attacked a DSS outpost in the area.

During the exchange of gunshots with the DSS operatives, the gunmen successfully kidnapped a DSS operative.

Our correspondent could not confirm if the gang had demanded a ransom for the abducted officer.

The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said she did not have information on the incident and referred inquiries to the DSS.

But the spokesman to the secret police, Peter Afunanya, had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

Our correspondent reports that Abaji has become notorious for criminal activities, including abductions of residents and travellers on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

[Punch]

Terrorists Impose levies on Farmers in Niger

Terrorists operating in Niger State, North Central Nigeria have imposed levies on farmers before they can harvest their crops.

In the Rumbun Giwa community in the Mashegu Local Government Area, a terrorist group, Kungiyan Manuma, ordered all farmers to pay some specific levies and taxes before they can access their farms.

But the state government has urged farmers and communities not to comply with the demands.

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Mr Emmanuel Umar, assured the farmers of protection.

“The bandits want farmers to pay some levies to access their farms. It is criminal.“We call on every farmer not to comply with this directive.

“No farmer should comply with this directive.“They should not give space to the criminals to change their lifestyles,” he said.

(Nation except header)

Islamic groups; JNIM, GSIM, ISGS behind terrorist organizations— NSA Monguno Says

National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, has identified Jama’at Nasr al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), the Islamic and Muslim Support Group (GSIM) and ISGS as groups bolstering activities of terror g in Nigeria and other Sahel countries.

The NSA enjoined Islamic preachers and Imams to deploy their vantage positions to canvas support for ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

He observed that alliances between the clerics and Security Forces “should be the backbone to rebuilding our terrorism infested communities”.

The NSA spoke at the 14th Workshop of the League of Ulamas, Preachers and Imams of Sahel countries in Abuja.

According to him, “terrorism and the rapid escalation of violent activities by militant Islamist groups in the Sahel since 2016 have been primarily driven by the Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS), which mainly operates in Mali and extends to the Niger Republic and Burkina Faso.

“It is bolstered by activities of groups such as Jama’at Nasr al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), the Islamic and Muslim Support Group (GSIM) and ISGS, which have continued to pose an imminent threat to the stability of the region.

“In Nigeria, Boko-Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) dominate terrorist activities, especially in the North-Eastern part of the country.

“The situation in the Sahel has never been grimmer, extremist violence continues to spread; the number of internally displaced persons (IDPS) is growing, and food insecurity is affecting more people than ever before. There are several not entirely congruent working hypothesis underpinning foreign and regional government strategies”.

The NSA added further that, “It is imperative to reassess and reset the strategy towards the Sahel, setting aside faulty assumption. Particularly, the international community and its Sahelian partners should prioritize governance, press for or pursue an expanded peace process, cautiously through dialogue, and push for the adoption of more non-kinetic measures through affected communities.

“Nonetheless, the possibility of Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) creating an established caliphate to rival Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) countries has been checkmated by series of concerted and reinvigorated efforts of the countries of the Region.

“The adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches by LCBC countries to stem the conflict has yielded tremendous success. The adoption of propaganda videos by Terrorist groups to project themselves as contending powers in the region, is a mere attempt to garner support from sympathizers, as they struggle to maintain relevance.

“Thus, it is assessed that while the groups maintain the long term strategic goal of creating a caliphate, the efforts of LCBC countries will continue to frustrate that goal.

“In that regard, it is imperative that Ulamas, Preachers and Community Leaders in your localities key in to support efforts of our Security Forces, in order to end this menace. Just as collaborations between governments are boosting the advance of Security Forces in the fight against terrorism, alliances and group effort like LOPIS should be the backbone to rebuilding our terrorism infested communities. There’s no gun more powerful than enlightenment and education at the grass root level”.

[Source: Guardian with the exception of the header]

Traveller Shot Dead, Many Abducted As Terrorists Block Kaduna-Zaria Highway

At least one person was shot dead while dozens of travellers were abducted when bandits blocked the Kaduna-Zaria highway in Kaduna State.

Daily Trust reports that the incident happened around Mawai village also known as Gonar Magajin Gari, on Monday night.

A source identified the victim killed as one Alhaji Sani Dogara, who was heading for Kaduna from Zaria.

The armed men were said to have operated unchallenged for almost three hours.

The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to comment on the incident as several calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, were unanswered.

However, an eyewitness told our correspondent that the bandits, who came in vehicles, stationed them around Tudun Gaude village.

The witness said the vehicles were used to evacuate their captives to an unknown destination.

“We were by the roadside when we noticed vehicles making abrupt U-turns on the lane to Kaduna from Zaria while other vehicles ran into the bush.”

“We also saw several motorists alighting from their vehicles in confusion and running on foot into bushes and we also ran,” the source said.

The eyewitness, however, said at the time they ran into the bush, there was no gunshot fired during the operation but confirmed that he later saw that one person had been shot on the hip.

The scene of the incident is about 15 kilometres from Zaria.

(Dailytrust)