BREAKING: Terrorists Invade Benue Community, Kill 7

Terrorists on Thursday 18 November, 2021killed seven people in a fresh attack on Tor Da community of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria.

Witnesses told our dailytrust that the incident which occurred at about 5pm on Thursday threw the community into a state of pandemonium when the terrorists invaded the community and began shooting sporadically at the residents.

The local government Chairman of Kastina-Ala, Me Alfred Atera, confirmed the attack to journalists in Makurdi of Friday, saying that some members of the Community Volunteer Guards were among the seven people killed.

Atera said, “Terrorists came to Tor Donga yesterday (Thursday) evening and killed seven persons.

“They killed Volunteer Guards members, injured two of them and then killed some other persons, too, on their way as they shot sporadically.

“Five injured persons are in the hospital now, including a Reverend Father from Mbatseer who was going to Tor Donga. They met him on the way, shot him dead and the other occupant of the car.

“The incident happened between 5pm and 5:30pm.

According to the volunteer guards, they (terrorists) are the remnant of Azonto army, as they saw one Santer who was driving the car.

“The Volunteer Guards blocked the road when they saw them, but they didn’t have anything to protect themselves so they ran away.

All the security agencies have been informed; the police, OPWS and security adviser.

“We are on top of it, doing our best to ensure that  we get them.”

The council chairman admitted that the incident caused panic among residents, saying, “We have never experienced this kind of thing for a long time now coming up, the residents are afraid.

We’re making sure that we assure them that the perpetrators will be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom, also confirmed the killings, saying his government was cooperating with security agencies to track down the killer gang.

The governor said that four out of the seven people killed were members of the vigilante group.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, said, “we have not received such report please.”

Credit: Dailytrust

Nigeria under Buhari remains on religious freedom violators watch list: U.S. Govt

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Thursday said that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari remains on its religious freedom violators watch list.

The USCIRF directly responsible for enlisting countries in the United States Special Watch List, in a statement, said it was displeased with the U.S. Department of States for removing Nigeria from its “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) designation.

“USCIRF is disappointed that the State Department did not adopt our recommendations in designating the countries that are the worst violators of religious freedom,” the statement quoted USCIRF Commissioner Nadine Maenza as saying.

She stressed that the State Department didn’t adopt the commission’s recommendation that rightfully placed Nigeria as one of the worst violators of religious freedom.

“While the State Department took steps forward on some designations, USCIRF is especially displeased with the removal of Nigeria from its CPC designation, where it was rightfully placed last year, as well as the omission of India, Syria, and Vietnam,” she added.

On Wednesday, the Department of State went beyond its purview to remove Nigeria from the list of religious violators without adopting recommendations of USCIRF.

Making the announcement, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that the United States Government removed Nigeria from its list of religious violators, blacklisting China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and seven other nations as countries of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating systemic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.

However, USCIRF faulted the report urging the State Department to reconsider its designation based on facts.

In December 2019, the U.S. government enlisted Nigeria on its “Special Watch List of countries that have engaged in or tolerated “severe violations of religious freedom.

The blacklisting came at a time when many criticised the Nigerian government over its incessant violations of court orders and the shrinking civic and media space in the country.

[Gazette]

Kidnapping Spree in Niger as Terrorists Kidnap 68, Kill One

Terrorists on Tuesday, 16th November abducted Sixty-Eight (68) residents of Zazzaga community in Munya local government area of Niger state, North Central Nigeria.

This attack is coming barely 48 hours after terrorists abducted four businessmen in Tegina town in Rafi local government area of the state.

According to a Source in Sarkin Pawa who spoke on phone to this Reporter, the terrorists went from house to house to shoot people, adding that four people are currently receiving treatment having sustained gunshot injuries.

The Source stated that a lot of people also sustained injuries while trying to escape from being abducted by the terrorists.

The Secretary of Munya local government Council, Mr. James Isaac Jagaban confirmed the attack saying that one person was killed in the attack adding that four others are currently on admission due to gunshot wounds.

He said that 68 people were abducted and that the terrorists are yet to make any contact with the families of the abductees.

A Community Leader, who gave his name as Isah Munya lamented that their lives are not safe any longer, asking the federal and state government to expedite action in bringing an end to the terrorists’ activities in the area.

“We want to know what the federal government is doing about this.

It is getting out of hand, every day, we have attacks. Is the federal government ready to declare these people terrorists because they are terrorising our communities and killing our people? Something needs to be done about it.” He said.

Niger state has witnessed numerous attacks by terror groups, some suspected to have ties with Boko Haram terrorists.

Governor of the state, Abubaka Sani Bello told journalists in April 2021 that Boko Haram terrorists have hoisted their flags in Kaure in Shiroro local government area of the state.

“I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements here in Niger state, here in Kaure, I am confirming that they have hoisted their flags here.

“Their wives (of the villagers) have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram members. I just heard that they have placed their flags at Kaure, meaning they have taken over the territory.” Governor Bello said.

1,773 killed by armed herdsmen in Benue, LG chiefs, tribal leaders cry out

Chairmen of 14 Local Government Areas in Benue State that have been ravaged by herdsmen attacks alongside leaders of the three main tribes in the state, under the aegis of Mzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Onmi’Nyi Igede have raised the alarm over the ceaseless activities of armed herdsmen across the state, saying over 1,773 have been killed in the state by the marauders between 2018 and 2021.

The leaders at a joint press briefing, yesterday, in Makurdi called for the deployment of personnel of the Special Forces to the border communities of the state to check the marauders’ unhindered access into the state, especially as the dry season sets in.

Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Steve Ayua, who addressed newsmen, said: “The attacks have led to the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira in over 200 wards and communities in the state.

“The herders come under the guise of cattle grazing and turn our farms into killing fields. 21 out of the 23 LGAs of Benue State have suffered one form of herders’ attacks or the other.

“It is on record that open grazing has led to the invasion of farming communities by Fulani herdsmen leading to massive killings and maiming of people, including children, raping of women, destruction of properties, loss of livelihoods and displacement of persons.”

“Between January 11, 2018, and now, armed herdsmen have killed 1,773 people, those traced and accounted for in Benue State. The killers no longer come with cows. They carry AK47.

“The negative impact of open grazing which often results in attacks has adversely affected the local economy as farmers are prevented from accessing their farms and local markets are also deserted for fear of imminent invasion by the killers.

“The continued rise in the attacks by Fulani herdsmen has also led to mass displacement of persons leading to desertion of farm lands. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced in the state. Some of the displaced persons are currently living in Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps and others are living in host communities or with their relatives in townships.

“Farmers who have attempted to go back to farm their land are either killed or maimed by herdsmen. This sad development is leading to food insecurity and poverty in the state.

“The latest of the callous and inhuman atrocities came in the morning of November 13, 2021, when some gunmen invaded a community in Mbayatyo, Mbater council ward of Logo LGA killing scores of mourners at a wake for one of their departed relatives.

“What could be worse than the killing of bereaved people mourning the death of a loved one? While we condemn the act in strong terms, we call on the security formations, who have been making efforts to curtail the heightened insecurity in the Sankera axis and other parts of Benue State to arrest perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice.”

Credit: Vanguard

Nigerian Troops Eliminate over 50 ISWAP Terrorists on Ferocious Offensive

Troops of Joint Task Force, North East(NE) Operation HADIN KAI(OPHK) have neutralized over 50 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several of their combat equipment in a fierce counter offensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

In the counter offensive, troops eliminated top commanders of ISWAP as well as foot soldiers. The gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and several Gun Trucks.

It would be recalled, that 115 Task Force Battalion had an encounter with ISWAP terrorists in Askira Uba on 13 November 2021, during which the troops aggressively defended their location and followed up with a ferocious counter attack. Unfortunately, the Commander 28 Task Force Brigade along side three of his soldiers paid the supreme price, as they reinforced troops to defend the location.

While the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit. Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and in the encounter that ensued, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment.

The equipment destroyed by troops include, an MRAP vehicle and 11 Gun Trucks. The troops also recovered large cache of arms and ammunition viz., Five Gun Trucks, two Anti Aircraft Guns, five AK 47 rifles, one HK Machine Gun and one HK Machine Gun links.

Relatedly, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion conducted a dawn exploitation towards Leho village and environs, where they discovered 3 corpses of the fleeing terrorists and also recovered 2,560 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 29 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by the terrorists.

In a separate operation, troops have also recovered one AK 47 rifle and uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a patrol in Karawa village and Baga Fish Dam area respectively. The IED has been safely detonated by a team of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has led a team of top brass of the Nigerian Army to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Commander 28 Task Force Brigade, Brig Gen Dzarma Zirkusu on Sunday 14 November 2021, where he commiserated with families of the fallen heroes. He has also urged the good people of the NE to continue to support the ongoing counter insurgency operations, while reaffirming troops’ renewed operational readiness to aggressively confront the criminal elements.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
15 November 2021

REFUSAL TO CLASSIFY FULANI MILITIA AS TERRORISTS IS A DISSERVICE TO NIGERIA-: SAYS HURIWA

“That armed Fulani militia continue to decimate and degrade operatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari continues to delay the classification of these mass murderers as terrorists is a grave disservice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and amounts to a violation of the countrr terrorism law because it portrays the Federal government of President Buhari as a sponsor of terrorists and a terrorism sympathiser”. 

With the above citation the prominent Civil Rights Advocacy Group-: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has once again condemned the tolerable tendency of the Federal government towards the daredevil mass killings of armed Fulani bandits who are yet to classify as terrorists and who have continued to unleashed violence in Zango Kataf Southern Kaduna State and most parts of North West including Zamfara where I the last few days, scores of armed security operatives and soldiers have been slaughtered hy the armed bandits.

“HURIWA is shocked that the soldiers were killed while trying to repel the attack of armed Fulani attackers in Zamfara State and some villages in the Christian dominated Southern Kaduna were attacked and many villagers killed but the government is still pampering these terrorists. The bandits were said to have abducted many motorists and carted away guns and ammunitions of the soldiers.  A resident, Abubakar Bala Tsafe, confirmed the attack  “I heard that they blocked the Wanzamai – Kucheri road and they killed soldiers. The attack took place around 2:45 p.m. and they (bandits) were said to have closed down the road to ensure that security personnel did not come to the rescue of the motorists or villagers being attacked.”

HURIWA is convinced that the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to classify the North Western armed Fulani bandits as terrorists even when they have shot down a military jet and have continued to kill off operatives of the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army amounts to being SYMPATHETIC TO TERRORISTS.  

” For the avoidance of doubts, terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or its citizens to further certain political or social objectives.

CAUSES OF TERRORISM. Thus, the causes of terrorism suggested include “poverty,” “inequality,” “globalization,” “technology,” “energy,” “oil,” “Islam,” “Islamic fundamentalism,” and “psychopathy,” among others. There are also widespread challenges to each of these causes on both scientific and ideological grounds.

Nigeria is no stranger to the activities of terrorists, and in particular, Boko-Haram. … Nigeria has a national legislation against terrorism, Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, which provides measures for the prevention, prohibition and combating of acts of terrorism, and the financing of terrorism.”

HURIWA says ignoring persistent call by Nigerians on government  to classify armed bandits as terrorists is itself a crime of terrorism. Declaration of Fulani militia members as terrorists will allow the judicial system to be employed to deal decisively with them. This is because the

Federal terrorism penalties can include a death sentence even where a state has banned the death penalty. Even if no one is harmed or killed, an individual can face a long prison sentence. A conviction for providing material support or resources to a terrorist organization can result in imprisonment for 20 years.”

“As stated above the penalties can range from a 20-year jail term to death sentences depending on the severity of cases. The Act also facilitates help from foreign governments by way of mutual assistance, information sharing, and extradition with regard to that.

According to Federal High Court Practice Direction it is only the High Court that has the exclusive Jurisdiction on Matters on Terrorism. Laws guiding Terrorism in Nigeria. 

-Terrorism prevention Act ( TPA)2011.

-Terrorism prevention  (Amendment )Act 2013.

-Criminal code ( in the south ) Cap 38.

-Penal code ( in the North )Cap 89.

-Administration of criminal justice Act 2015.

THE POSITION OF LAW ON THE GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS TO COMBAT TERRORIST. 

The Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 and 2013  as amended  provides for the prevention and combating of Acts of terrorism and the finacing of terrorism in Nigeria.All states have obligation to prosecute  any individual alleged to have committed  Terrorism crimes and  extradicte The suspect to a third state for prosecution,just like in the extradition of Amino Sadiq Ogwuche from Sudan to Nigeria in 2014 to face terms charges In Abuja relating to the bomb attack on Nyanya bus terminal, Abuja in 2014 is an example of the obligations to prosecute or extradite. 

The ground against terrorism in Nigeria ;

The constitution,  court system and anti – terriorism laws. 

LAW AND CASES  AGAINST SUPPORT TO TERRIORISM. According to Section 15(1-3) of ECONOMIC AND FINACIAL CRIME COMMISSION  (established ) Act 2004.

(1) – A person who wilfully provides or collects by any means directly or indirectly  any money by any other person with intent that the money shall be used for any act of Terriorism commits an Offence under this act and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(2)- Any person who commits or attempt to commits a terrorist act ,commits an Offence under this act and liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(3)- Any person who makes funds,finacial assets or economic resources or finacial or other related services available for use of any other person to commit or attempt to commit,facilitie or participate in the commission of a terriorist act is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life. 

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vs Sauaibu Abubakar,Salisu Ahmed,Umar Babangida ,Mohammed  Ali,Musa Adam and Umar Ibrahim, the accused were charged under section 15 (2).of the Economic and finacial crime commission.”

Your allegation of terrorism sponsorship a disgusting distraction – FG replies GATE

The Federal Government has described the allegation byGlobal Advocates for Terrorism Eradication (GATE) that its officials are sponsors of terrorism, as a disgusting distraction.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Minister of Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.Mohammed said that the allegation by the U.S-based non-profit organiation,  was orchestrated by those seeking to weaken the ongoing massive onslaught against terrorists and bandits in the country.

He said the so-called GATE “is a pesky irritant that should beignored, especially because it is as confused as it is irresponsible”

“This organisation called GATE is not even worth the ink with which its name is written.

“How can a serious organisation accuse agovernment that is tackling the twin evil of terrorism and banditry with uncommon determination of sponsoring terrorism?”

“Is it not curious that this organisation has chosen this particular time, when terrorists are either surrendering in droves or running helter-skelter, as a result of a renewed offensive against them by the military, to orchestrate a distraction?

“What could be GATE’s motive if not to weaken the fight against terror and banditry?”

“GATE and its sponsors should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves and should quit trying to distract our gallant troops who are doing everything possible, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep our country safe,” the minister said.

Mohammed said the fact that GATE, in making its absurd allegation, relied on the words of a thoroughly-discredited, fake-news-peddling former Nigerian Navy intelligence officer has shown the hollowness of its allegation.

“In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has availed itself creditably by tackling home-grown terrorists with links to globalterrorist organizations.

“We make bold to say that no administration in Nigeria has risen to the challenge of terrorism like the Buhari Administration has done.

“The acquisition of a myriad of platforms, the boost to the morale of our fighting forces and the leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari have combined to put our gallant troops in good stead.

“These have also helped the troops to frontally confront and put on the run the terrorists.

“Fittingly, Nigeria’s efforts at tackling terrorism have been hailed globally.

“What our gallant men and women need at this time is the support, encouragement and prayers of all, not the distracting antics of a relevance-seeking, feckless organisation masquerading as a terrorism eradication advocate,” he said.

(NAN)

Brig Gen, others killed in ISWAP attack on Borno military base

A Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army has been killed in an ambush by terrorists of the Islamic State of West Africa Province in Borno State.

ISWAP had attacked troops at a military base in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday morning according to reports.

Four other soldiers were reportedly killed in the incident at Bulguma, a few kilometres from Askira town in Askira/Uba LGA.

Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement to the troops under attack in Askira, Daily Trust reports.

Some civilians in the area had claimed to have seen the terrorists in a convoy of gun trucks along the Ngude axis towards Askira in the early hours of Saturday.

Daily Trust also reports that the civilians claimed to have reported the sighting of the terrorists to security forces, however, there was no action taken to stop ISWAP from attacking Askira town.

Meanwhile, at least three Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed after jihadists ambushed a convoy in Yobe state.

According to reports, the jihadists rained heavy gunfire on the convoy in an ambush on Friday afternoon at Tamsu Kawu village along the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri and Yobe state capital Damaturu.

(Punch)

Terrorists Kill Three, Injure ‘Many’ in Niger Community

Daredevil gunmen on Friday 12th November, reportedly killed three residents during an attack in Allawa community in Alllawa Ward, Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

The gunmen were also reported to have injured yet to be ascertained number of residents during the Friday afternoon attack.

A source from the community who craved anonymity told MBT that the attackers were heavily armed and invaded the community in a “large number”.

“They were so many and well armed, they started shooting sporadically when they got into the community.

“Three people were killed including the son of the Ward Councillor, many others were injured during the attack.” He said.

Shiroro, an agrarian community situated on 9.9822° N, 6.8093° E in the North Central region of Nigeria has suffered numerous attacks from armed group the Nigerian government and media often refer to as “bandits”.

In October, the Chairman of Shiroro local government, Hon. Suleiman Chukumba told journalists in Minna the state capital that Boko Haram terrorists have taken over 500 communities in eight Wards of the local government.

“As the chairman of Shiroro LGA, I can tell you that Shiroro is not only dealing with the issue of banditry, it has a lot of Boko Haram. I have proof of this as the chairman.

The chairman further said that Boko Haram terrorists had warned that they do not want conventional primary and secondary schools in the area but Islamic schools.

“They have told the people that they do not want primary or secondary school in the communities and that they only want to see Islamic schools.

“They have been trying to incorporate and recruit residents of the communities to become their members, telling them that they will give the recruits arms and assist them in fighting the government,” Chukumba stated.

It will be recalled that Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger state had early this year raised alarm over influx of Boko Haram terrorists into the state. The governor further said that Boko Haram terrorists had hoisted their flag in some communities in Shiroro local government, 243 km away from Abuja the seat of the Central government.

As at the time of filing this report, MBT could not independently verify the number of people injured or houses destroyed during Friday’s attack.

Efforts to speak with the Niger state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun proved abortive as calls and messages sent to his mobile phone were not immediately returned.

Terrorists Kill village head, eight others in Zamfara

Bandits have slaughtered the village head and killed eight others in Tungar Ruwa in Anka local government area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred at midnight on Wednesday. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the attack lasted for several hours.

The police spokesperson in the state, Mohammed Shehu, confirmed the attack but he did not give details.

Anka is one of the local government areas in Zamfara under incessant attacks by bandits. Rural people displaced by the attacks have flooded the headquarters of the local government area and Maru as well as Talata Mafara local government areas.

A source, Anas Mustapha, told this newspaper that the bandits invaded the village on motorbikes and started shooting into the air as they rode towards the village head’s residence.

They then took him out and slaughtered him in the presence of some of his people that were also gathered by the bandits.

“Eight other people were confirmed dead when the bandits left after the attack. But our understanding is that they (bandits) came for the village head. You know when they feel a particular leader in a community is giving them troubles, they do kill him instantly,” Mr Mustapha said.

He said the bandits also stole foodstuff and domestic animals in the village but did not kidnap anyone

This is coming a few days after bandits laid ambush on a road and killed seven mobile police officers on patrol duty in the state.

Credit: Premium Times