Bandits are being released without charges – Governor Matawalle raises alarm

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has said part of the reason for the persistence of banditry is the non-punishment of the apprehended criminals, saying many times bandits are released without being charged.

Matawalle spoke on Wednesday when he received the Federal Government delegation on sympathy visit to the state over the recent attacks on some communities in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of the state.

The members of the delegation, which was headed by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), were the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Munguno rtd, Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali.

Others are Minister for Police Affairs Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouk, and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media Garba Shehu.

“Another problem we have noticed is that despite the remarkable zeal of our troops, they lack modern equipment with which to prosecute modern warfare. Prosecution of modern warfare depends largely on modern war equipment and gadgets. It is very vital for these modern war instruments to be provided to our troops if we are to win this fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North West”

“It is evident that unless enough modern equipment is provided to our security forces to fight the war effectively, the country faces the danger of anarchy. This could be foreseen from the recent calls by some leaders for their people to take up arms to defend themselves. It is a recipe for lawlessness when the state loses its monopoly over the instruments of coercion.

“As a matter of urgency, the Federal Government should procure Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and deploy them across all parts of the country. If 1000 APCs could be made available, they would go a long way in turning the tide of the war against the bandits in a short period of time, Insha Allah.

“I want to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the fact that the pockets of insurgencies in many parts of the north are interrelated. In some instances, evidence has been found of connection between Boko Haram and some of the bandit groups operating in the northwest.

“There should be a comprehensive review of our strategy of fighting insurgency. We need a more workable plan of action tailored explicitly in tune with the realities on the ground. This is a clarion call for us to step up efforts in this fight before the dreadful monster consumes our region and the country as a whole.

“I would like to add that any strategy to be drawn for fighting banditry and all forms of insurgency should focus greater attention on Zamfara State. Our forests have become fortresses for bandits, from where they plan and launch attacks to other parts of the northwest,” he added.

He said as part of the strategy, special forces should be deployed to some black spots, particularly identified to be more dangerous centres of activities of the bandits.

Matawalle said in his administration’s search for peace, he built cooperation not just with the affected states but with the authorities of the Niger Republic. They had also employed Service Hunters and provided them with motorcycles and allowances.

He said they had paid the Service Hunters the sum of N53 million, in addition to their full upkeep. In the aftermath of the recent attacks in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas, they had expended the sum of N250 million to provide vehicles, and allowances for both the Civilian JTF and the conventional security outfits.

Earlier, Magashi said the federal government is all out to bring an end to killings plaguing the country, adding that they are on top of the situation.

He said the federal government is doing much better in order to secure the country assuring that killings of this magnitude would never happen again and that federal would come to the aid of the victims of the attacks.

Dailytrust

Anti-Buhari message: We’ll mobilise to appear with Kukah before DSS – Christian youths

For his continued romance with bandits, the Department of State Services should invite popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, for questioning, Christian youths under the aegis of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) said on Sunday.

The organisation was reacting to the reported invitation of the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, by the DSS for his comments on the state of the nation in which he pounded the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari.(retd.)

The President of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, said these in a statement issued on Sunday titled, ‘We will mobilise christian youths across the country to answer DSS invitation of Bishop Kukah.’

Enwere said, “The attention of YOWICAN has been drawn to the purported invitation extended to Bishop Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese. Bishop Kukah committed no offense; rather, the government should channel her energy in the fight to liberate the country from terrorists and bandits.

“Recently, more than 200 people were killed and villagers displaced in Zamfara State. This is disheartening indeed. We will mobilise all Christian youths across the country to honour this invitation.

“The DSS has extended her invitation to us not Bishop Kukah and we will honour it. The DSS should first invite Ahmad Gumi for questioning for interfacing with bandits.

“Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has advised people in the terrorised North West of Nigeria on how they can live in peace with the armed bandits occupying their forests.”

YOWICAN quoted Gumi as saying that people can develop “mutual relationship with the bandits without being harmed”.

According to Enwere, Gumi has been “fraternizing with the bandits and he has been working freely without any invitation from the DSS or police.”

He said, “The DSS has invited Bishop Matthew Kukah for questioning days after the prominent Catholic priest ramped up his criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to curb nationwide insecurity.

“Bishop Kukah had slammed President Buhari in his Christmas sermon, saying the Nigerian leader has failed to show competence as terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals embark on a coordinated and relentless rampage across the country.”

Newswire Law & Events

BREAKING: FG Declares Bandits as Terrorists, Releases Gazette

The Nigerian Government has officially proscribed banditry in Nigeria.

This development was contained in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday. It can be recalled that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) disclosed that the Federal Government was planning to officially designate bandits as terrorists because the government is following international best practices.

He said his office was in the process of gazetting a court judgement that ordered the government to declare bandits as terrorists, adding that the process would be concluded in a matter of days.

Speaking on Tuesday to NTA, Malami had stated; “Government has a responsibility to act but within the context of acting, you equally expected to operate within the confines of international best practices associated with engagement and one of such best practices is that you can only use maximum force on groups, individuals that are declared terrorists and that is where the application of the Terrorism Act comes in place.”

“With that in mind, Nigeria acted, first by proscribing IPOB, taking into consideration the threats to lives and properties they have caused in the nation. Boko Haram was proscribed.”

“The gazetting of a court order or judgement is a process but what matters fundamentally within the context of international convention is the judicial declaration and that has been obtained; the court has declared bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers as terrorists.”

“So, with or without the gazette, what gives effect to such declaration is a judicial pronouncement but the gazette is a mere formality and it has been on and I believe within a matter of days, it will be concluded.”

Politics Nigeria

JUST IN: Terrorists Attack Kagoma-Kafanchan Road, Kill One, Abduct Others

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

Terrorists on Saturday launched an attack on the dreaded Kagoma-Kafanchan Road in Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state, killing one traveler and abducting some.

An eye witness told Middle Belt Times that the attack took place between 6pm and 7pm on Saturday.

Honorable Josiah Yahaya a former chairmanship candidate in Kagarko local government confirmed the attack to Middle Belt Times via telephone.

He said the attack took place between Kagoma and Afana axis of the road.

“We were returning from Kafanchan where my daughter got wedded yesterday, we just passed Kagoma, approaching Afana when the bandits opened fire on my vehicle.

“I was the one driving, the fire was so intense and sporadic, I managed to move away from them but my younger brother, Engineer Joshua Akau was not so lucky as he was hit by a bullet.

“We rushed him to the hospital but on getting there the doctors confirmed him dead.” Josiah said.

The eyewitness also confirmed that another vehicle was attacked and an unspecified number of passengers were reportedly abducted along the same road.

“The soldiers who came to our rescue told us that they saw an empty vehicle parked on the road, close to the scene.

“The soldiers said the occupants of the vehicle must have been abducted by the bandits.

“According to the soldiers, an Identity card belonging to a former Federal lawmaker representing Jaba/Zangon Kataf constituency, Hon. Geoffrey Gayya was found in the vehicle.” He said.

As of the time of filling this report, Middle Belt Times could not independently verify whether the former lawmaker was among those abducted.

The Kagoma-Kafanchan road is known for criminal activities suspected to be perpetrated by herdsmen militia operating in Southern Kaduna.

Recall that in October 2021, terrorists suspected to be herdsmen attacked St. Albert the Great Institute of Philosophy, a Catholic Seminary situated situated at Fayit community, Kagoma Chiefdom in the Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and abducted some seminarians.

Insecurity: Buy guns, defend yourselves, Nigerian governor tells residents

The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, has called on residents of the state to arm themselves and confront bandits because security officials alone cannot tackle insecurity in the state.

Katsina, like other North-west states of Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi, has witnessed incessant attacks by terror groups.

Hundreds of people have been killed or kidnapped in Katsina this year with thousands more displaced from their homes.

Speaking during a media parley with journalists at the Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina, Mr Masari said the number of security personnel is not enough to tackle the situation.

“It’s Islamically allowed for one to defend himself against attack. One must rise to defend himself, his family and assets. If you die while trying to defend yourself, you’ll be considered a martyr. It’s surprising how a bandit would own a gun while a good man trying to defend himself and his family doesn’t have one,” the governor said.

Mr Masari said the state government would help those who plan to own arms with the view to help bring an end to banditry.

“We’ll support those who come with the initiative to procure arms because residents need to also complement the efforts of security agencies. These people (security agents) don’t have the number to protect the people. When President Buhari came, he even tried by increasing the number of our security agents but it’s inadequate. Count it yourself, how many policemen do we have in this country? How many soldiers do we have?

“Even if we say every policeman should go back to his home state, it’ll still not be enough. So, if we fold arms and decide to do nothing, we’ll be the ones to suffer most,” he lamented.

Mr Masari said the police would register all guns bought by the residents to ensure they are put to the right use.

The governor also said that the next president of the country should come from the south.

“Let me make my position very clear. This constitution is made for us, not us made for the constitution. Yes, constitution does not say we must shift power, but if you shift, have you violated any part of the constitution?”

“I still believe that, from my personal opinion as Aminu Bello Masari, until such a time when we have stable polity, I think rotation or shifting power from time to time will help consolidate our confederation. I support that and I still maintain my stand and I have the constitutional right to make such comment,” he said.

Mr Masari’s party, APC, has not adopted power shift or rotation of the presidency in its laws. While some leaders of the party support power shift, others are against it.

Should rotation of the president’s office be adopted, then President Buhari, who is from Katsina State, would be succeeded by someone from Southern Nigeria.

Premium Times

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: Terrorists Planning Attacks in Abuja During Festivities: Immigration Warns

The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised alarm over plot by foreign terrorists to launch attacks in the capital city of Abuja during the festivities.

The warning was contained in an intelligence letter titled “Terrorists plan attacks in Abuja” addressed to its zonal, regional comptrollers and commanders, intimating them of plans by foreign and local terrorists to attack Abuja between the 17th and 31st of December 2021.

“The Office of the Ag CGI is in receipt of a Security Report (URGENT) from the Presidency (OSGF).

“The import is about a looming attack on Nigeria’s Capital City. Abuja, between 17th and 31 December, 2021.” The letter said

The letter from the office of the Acting Comptroller General of the service, stated that a certain Algerian national named Drahmane Ould Ali aka Mohammed Ould Sidat and a Nigerien accomplice Zaheen Aminom are on their way to Nigeria from Mali to carry out terror attacks in Abuja.

The letter also revealed that the duo also have four Nigerian accomplices who are already embedded in the country.

“The planned attack is purportedly being led by one DRAHMANE. OULD ALL, aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.

“The report indicates the duo are enroute Nigeria from Mali through Gan and Niger Republic, riding a white Toyota Hilux van with Reg. No-AG157EKY. That these two had four Nigerian accomplices who are already embedded in the country.

“It is further reported that Ali holds Algerian Diplomatic Passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.” It said

The Acting Comptroller General however, charged the zonal and regional comptrollers to beef up security across entry and exit points in the country to forestall the planned attacks.

Parts of Nigeria have been ravaged by terrorists activities blamed majorly on Boko Haram terror groups and its sister group, the Islamic state of West African Province (ISWAP). The duo have been blamed for various terror attacks in the country including the capital Abuja.

Recall that in August 2011, Boko Haram terrorists bombed the United Nations building in the capital Abuja, killing at least 18 people.

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.