You Should Be In Jail By Now If Nigeria Were A Sane Society– IPOB Slams Islamic Cleric, Gumi For Comparing Group With Bandits

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has lambasted the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for comparing the group with bandits.

IPOB stated that Gumi was supposed to have been jailed for advocating for bandits if Nigeria were a sane country.
The group noted that it has not kidnapped innocent people, taken ransom or killed defenceless citizens.

The Nnamdi Kanu-led group stated this in a statement by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, which was made available to SaharaReporters on Sunday.

Controversial Islamic scholar, Gumi had said on Friday that designating bandits as terrorists by the Nigerian government cannot change anything.

Gumi had said, “If you can remember IPOB was also declared a terrorist organization, the declaration was even backed by the order of the Court but as you can see even the international community did not recognize the Federal Government’s declaration of IPOB. So it has failed to be effective or to achieve the desired results.”
 
In reaction, IPOB described the statement by Gumi as both sacrilegious and insane.

“This is not only sacrilegious but insanity taken too far.
 
“In case Gumi has forgotten, Fulani bandits and herdsmen are already designated the fourth deadliest terror organisation in the world. But IPOB as a peaceful Movement maintains its presence in over 100 countries of the world without any molestations.
 
“It’s only in Nigeria that Gumi and his likes will liken IPOB to a terror group that it is not. What blackmail!
 
“Gumi should hide his face in shame for his open support for mass murderers while on the other hand claiming to be an Islamic cleric.
 
“Were Nigeria to be a sane society, Gumi and his types should have been serving their jail terms for their unhidden sympathy for terrorists.

“But we assure him that definitely one day he and his likes will have to tell the world all they know about bandits and terrorists and how much that passed through them to the mass murderers as ransom.
 
“Can the mischievous Gumi be honest to tell the world if IPOB has kidnapped anybody at any time and demanded ransom for him to liken us with bandits? Can he swear by Allah that IPOB has carried out any terror attack against anybody at any time?
 
“IPOB remains a peaceful movement with the mandate of restoring the Sovereign State of Biafra. We believe in peaceful restoration of Biafra and our philosophy has not changed.
 
“Sheikh Gumi should tread with caution. The world is watching him for hobnobbing with bandits and terrorists.
 
“He should stop deceiving himself, the world already knows who he is working for, and whose interest he defends. Sheikh Gumi, tell us your friend, and we will tell you who you are! An advocate of bandits can’t claim to be a true Islamic cleric,” the statement partly read.

[Saharareporters]

Declaring Bandits As Terrorists Will Cause More Problems, Won’t Change Anything— Sheikh Gumi

Kaduna-based controversial Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi has said designating bandits as terrorists will result in more violence in the country. 

He also said it cannot solve the insecurity problems, adding that banditry is a part of socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria. 

Gumi said bandits are herdsmen, and thus labelling them as terrorists is just a decision taken for political expediency. 

The Islamic teacher said all these in a statement issued by his Media Consultant and the Dan-Iyan Fika, Malam Tukur Mamu. 

He said, “I think the federal government has succumbed to media blackmail by a section of the country. It will not have any practical value because even before the declaration, they are being fought and treated as terrorists.”

He continued, “So it’s just a nomenclature which I believe will not change the dynamics on the ground.

“If you can remember IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) was also declared a terrorist organization, the declaration was even backed by the order of the Court but as you can see even the international community did not recognise FG’s declaration of IPOB. So it has failed to be effective or to achieve the desired results.

“They have not been banned from travelling to other countries while their citizenship remains intact, it has not been denounced. So what type of declaration is that? 

“I sincerely hope that Nigerians will not take the herdsmen as terrorists but should regard the criminality of the few among them against innocent people as acts of terrorism just as we see IPOB and their attacks on security agencies and other northern citizens as acts of terrorism. Very few herdsmen are bandits if you go through their population.

“I hope this declaration will not give the license to people to be profiling herdsmen in general as terrorists and taking the law into their hands against them. 

“It will cause more mayhem. The declaration will not change anything, it will not change the dynamics. Already the military is engaging them. It didn’t stop them from kidnappings and killings. The declaration will not end their aggression against the society.

“The Fulani banditry is a socio-economic problem. We have seen it, we interacted widely with them. We told the federal government the way out.

“It can only be won through engagement, dialogue and justice. That is why today there is relative peace in the Niger Delta because government has accepted the painful reality of rehabilitating and empowering them.

“There has to be equitable distribution of wealth in Nigeria and justice for everyone. People don’t want to accept it, before the issue of banditry that now affects all of us, the Fulanis have suffered so much.

”They have lost their legitimate means of livelihood, I mean their cows through cattle rustling and extortion by security agencies. That has to be addressed as a means of genuine reconciliation and integration. They should have a sense of belonging.”

[Saharareporters]

Nigerian Court Declares Bandits as Terrorists, Directs FG to Publish Proscription on Official Gazette, Dailies

Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has declared the activities of bandits in Nigeria as acts of terrorism.

In a landmark judgment on Thursday, the court said “Yan Bindiga group”, “Yan Ta’adda group” and others alike are active terrorists.

M. B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, filed an ex-parte motion.

A supporting affidavit, filed by Aminu Kayode Alilu of the ministry, explained why the application was made.

The government told the court that bandits were responsible for several acts of criminality in different parts of the country.

The oath pointed out that Yan Bindiga, Yan Ta’adda and others were responsible for “wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and North-central states”.

It mentioned, “kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings”.

The government said the outlaws were carrying out “acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety and is a threat to national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria”.

In his pronouncement, Justice Taiwo proscribed Yan Bindiga, Yan Ta’adda and all bandit clusters “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called”.

The judge directed the Federal Government to publish the proscription order in the official gazette and two national dailies.

[Daily Post]

BREAKING: Ten Killed, Many Injured As Terrorists Attack Plateau Community

Terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen militias in the early hours of Friday November 26 launched a terror attack on Te’egbe community of Miango District in Bassa local government area of Plateau state, killing no fewer than ten people as well as injuring many, a community leader says.

The terrorists also destroyed several houses and burnt down food bans during the attack.

Davison Malison, Spokesman for the Irigwe Development Association confirmed the attack to Middle Belt Times, describing it as devastating.

“It is quite a sad development to the entire Rigwe nation that the marauders have continued the perpetration of their evils against the innocent Rigwe People.

“Just this week Tuesday, November 23, 2021 they ambushed and killed two persons at Ancha village of the same district and now a devastating one today.
Nothing short of ethnic cleansing could this be regarded as.

“Bassa DPO and other security personnel have been informed of the ugly incident and some have already reached the scene.

“This must not go quiet as usual, the perpetrators must be fished in order to face the wrath of law.” Malison said

Miango District has suffered repeated attacks by terrorist herdsmen in recent times with several communities destroyed and hundreds killed since July 2021.

Recall that on Tuesday, two Rigwe people were ambushed and killed in their farm by terrorists.

In all of these attacks, no one has been arrested to face trial by the security, Philemon Musa, a resident of Miango told MBT on telephone.

As at the time of filing this report, the dead bodies of the victims have been buried in a mass grave by the residents.

BREAKING: Kaduna Govt Announces Restoration Of Telecoms Network

Kaduna state government on Friday announced the restoration of telecommunication networks in the state.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan at the NUJ Secretariat on Friday, the government regretted the inconveniences the shutdown may have caused the residents.

The statement reads in full;

My dear colleagues:

I am here to inform you that the Kaduna State Government has contacted the relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of telecommunication services which were suspended in some local government areas.

Security agencies had requested the shutdown in October 2021, among other measures, to assist ongoing operations against armed bandits and other criminals. The security agencies have now notified the government that telecoms services can be restored.

Along with the other measures in the security containment order, the telecoms shutdown had helped the security agencies to achieve some results, which the security forces will reel out soon. The prolonged application of this measure was always out of the question, due to its impact on the legitimate activities of citizens and businesses.

Residents are advised that the restoration of full services in the affected areas may unfold over a few days, as the service providers mobilise to power and boost their transmission systems accordingly.

The Kaduna State Government regrets the inconveniences residents of the affected LGAs may have encountered as a result of the shutdown. The state government wishes to commend the sacrifices made by residents while this temporary measure lasted.

Notwithstanding, the government wishes to reiterate that the other measures announced as part of the security containment orders remain in force. These include the prohibition of motorcycles all over the state, the ban on weekly markets, transportation of cattle, and the prohibition of sale of fuel in jerrycans in specified local government areas.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Boko Haram behind Abuja-Kaduna highway attacks — Intelligence source

The recent wave of attacks on travellers along the beleaguered Abuja-Kaduna highway were carried out by Boko Haram terrorists. This is according to a report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper.

Recall that on Sunday, the terrorists abducted an unspecified number of passengers and killed a prominent Zamfara politician, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu, at a point called Kurmin Kare along the highway.

The terrorists returned on Monday at Gidan Bussa and almost the same time to abduct dozens more.

A top intelligence source in Abuja told DAILY NIGERIAN on the condition of anonymity that the recent attacks were carried out by Boko Haram terrorists, who are now setting up camps in Kaduna and Niger forests.

“Based on an intercepted intel, the Boko Haram terrorists are behind these recent attacks at Kurmin Kare area along Abuja-Kaduna highway.

“They are also the ones who are abducting people around Mashegu and Shiroro in Niger State. They are trying to establish themselves around the area, so they embark on abductions to raise money for logistics.

“You know they under heavy bombardment in their enclaves in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi and other places. So after fleeing from these locations, they now camped at some points not more than 50 to 60 kilometers away from Abuja-Kaduna highway.

“From these points, they use motorcycles to travel. There is a stream along the road where they keep the motorcycles and travel on foot through a thick forest to perpetrate the attacks,” said the source.

According to him, security agencies as well as Niger and Kaduna State Governments have been alerted of the development and efforts to decimate them.

He also said that the Boko Haram terrorists are now working in concert with bandits to abduct and attack people.

Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.

Credit: Daily Nigerian

Terrorists Kill Two Rigwe People in Plateau

Terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen militias on Tuesday 23, November killed two people in Ancha village of Miango District, Rigwe Chiefdom, Bassa local government area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.

The deceased persons were ambushed and killed while working on their farmland, a spokesman for the Irigwe development association says.

Davidson Malison, spokesman of the Irigwe development association confirmed the attack to Middle Belt Times.

He said the latest killings is a confirmation that Irigwe land is still not safe for the people to go about their legitimate productive activities.

He also said that the divisional police officer (DPO) of Bassa was on his way coming to the scene of the attack.

The name names of those killed are as follows;
1. Daniel James-32 years old
2. Zakwe Deba-35 years old

“The entire Rigwe nation is saddened by this unfortunate development and call for more proactive measures by security personnel and Government in ending this bloodletting in the land.

“These atrocities being committed by Fulani militia have had a gross negative effects on our people and it must be stopped.” Malison said

BREAKING: Mother, Wife Of Notorious Bandit Trapped As Air Force Bombs Militants In Sokoto

By

Abubakar Auwal

The wife and mother of Bokkolo, a notorious bandit, were reportedly trapped when fighter jets bombarded his residence in Sokoto State.

Nigerian fighter jets were said to have killed several bandits and their relatives.

A resident, who confirmed the bombardment of Bokkolo’s residence said, many of his lieutenants were killed in the house.

“But we are not sure whether he is among the dead, but his wife and mother were at home during the raid,” the source said.

The gunmen were dislodged in a sustained air raid, which commenced on Friday.

Some of them were said to have fled to Tsabre, Sarkin Darai and Tiɗibale which are between Goronyo and Unguwan Lalle in Sokoto, in the heat of the raid.

According to the locals, some of the bandits were seen with gunshot injuries in these three villages.

The raid was part of the joint operation, comprising Nigeria Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, among others.

A senior army officer confided in Daily Trust that the operation is being led by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

According to him, hundreds of bandits were killed around Isa and Sabon Birni areas and the operation went as far as Nigerien border.

He added that all their hideouts and residences in the forests were bombarded.

Another source, told us that most of the areas bombarded were under the control of the notorious bandits’ leader, Turji, but there was no report on his death or that of any of his relatives at the time of filing this report.

We learnt that four vigilantes who were part of the operation lost their lives in the fight.

“The whole of that axis is now militarized. We have not witnessed an operation of this magnitude since the advent of banditry in Sokoto. And it is succeeding,” the resident said.

Also speaking, the member representing Sabon Birni North, Aminu Almustapha Gobir, corroborated that, the operation was the first of its kind in that area, adding that it is recording tremendous successes.

“Many bandits have been killed and some have fled with gunshot injuries,” he said.

Another resident said locals were aiding the operation by reporting movement of the fleeing bandits.

[Sun]

BREAKING:‘Many kidnapped’ as terrorists open fire on travelers along Abuja-Kaduna road

Terrorists have reportedly kidnapped an unspecified number of travelers along the dreaded Abuja-Kaduna expressway on Sunday 21st November, 2021

DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that dozens of terrorists, often referred to as bandits, opened fire sporadically on commuters around 4pm, forcing many drivers to lose control.

Sources told DAILY NIGERIAN that many passengers who attempted to run were fired at, while those who cooperated were shepherded into the bush.

A survivor who preferred not to be named told Daily Nigerian reporter that the incident occurred around Rijana area.

“The kidnappers took advantage of the damage on the road, which forced on and off-coming motorists to move slowly on a single lane,” he said.

Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command Mohammed Jalige did not respond to our reporter’s call.

Credit: Daily Nigerian

U.S Encouraging Impunity, Lawlessness In Nigeria, Says Revd. Para-Mallam

Global Mission Leader and renowned peace advocate, Revd. Gideon Para-Mallam has accused the government of the United States of America (USA) of encouraging impunity and lawlessness which is perpetrated against the Nigerian people, by the current dispensation in the country.

The cleric, who was reacting to the recent removal of Nigeria from the list of countries of particular concern in the area of religious persecution, contended that the US government is comfortably adopting hypocritical policies anchored on what is referred to as softball diplomacy which is akin to playing the ostrich.

According to Para-Mallam, to have stooped so, the US has allowed herself to be blinded by the culture of denialism when it comes to religious persecution by the present government in Nigeria.

The cleric who is also the President/CEO of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, further slammed the US saying it seems there exists a disturbing strange relationship between the US Government with the Nigerian Government. “This relationship does not always favor the peace-loving people of Nigeria.

This re lationship as demonstrated by this policy of removing Nigeria from the CPC list will not serve in the interest of the Nigerian people in the long run but only US strategic interests.

“Such pandering in massaging the political ego of the Nigerian power elite suits the Nigerian government but hurts its people both in the short and long term,” Para-Mallam stressed. He stated that government should exist for its people as is the case even in the US.

His words: “It is so strange the US Government is encouraging in Nigeria what she won’t dare encourage in the US. With brutal killings going on with so much impunity in Nigeria, yet the US State department removed Nigeria’s name from the CPC Watch list.

“With so many Christian girls in Boko Haram’s captivity – Leah Sharibu with hundred others serving as slaves, forcibly converted, sexually abused yet Nigeria was removed from that list?

What about those innocent Christian girls particularly in Maguzawa dominated Christian communities in Northern Nigeria who have been forcibly kidnapped, converted, and married off as minors and underage, yet the US State Department sees nothing wrong with such?

“What about Nigeria’s inability to manage our diversity with the current government running what is mostly an exclusive instead of an inclusive government yet the US government sees nothing wrong with all these? “I stand for peacebuilding that is predicated on justice for all I will continue to advocate for peaceful resolution of our challenges in Nigeria but nurturing systemic structures of social injustice hurts us all.

Therefore, to me, removing Nigeria from the CPC list is a hypocritical and tacit way of encouraging the present impunity and lawlessness. I pray this will not result in more killings in Nigeria,” Oars-Mallam lamented.

The peace advocate further pointed out that it beats the imagination that with all that is going on in Nigeria regarding the persecution of Christians, Nigeria which became a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) lists as it affects religious freedoms,

in December 2020, could be so hastily removed in less than one year. He also noted that Nigeria was interestingly removed from the CPC list but Boko and ISWAP were named in the entities of particular concern list.

This, Para-Mallam further pointed out, clearly shows that the Department of State recognizes the significant challenge of religious freedom in Nigeria insisting that religious persecution in Nigeria has multifaceted dimensions yet Nigeria was not even in the Special Watch List (SWL).

He continued: “I wish to ask: What has changed in Nigeria? Have the mass kidnappings and mass killing of Christians stopped? Have the ongoing attacks which led thousands to become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from several Christian communities stopped?

“No doubt Muslim communities have also come under attack by the Bandits but that, unfortunately, is a strange scenario of Muslims attacking and killing Muslims.

As a Peace Advocate and crusader for social justice, I am completely opposed to Muslims being killed also, just as I am opposed to the killing of Christians. Therefore, I have always wondered and asked myself, how does the killing of Muslims cancel the fact that Christians are being killed or suggest in any way that they are not being persecuted?”

“It is untrue and deceitful to make the world believe that Christians are not being persecuted in Nigeria. Many Christians in States such as Benue, Plateau, Yobe, Borno, Niger, and Southern Kaduna are systematically being uprooted from their ancestral homelands.

Should this be taking place in a country that is supposedly multi-religious, multiethnic, and multicultural?” Para-allam asked.

[New Telegraph]