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]

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)

Police kill two Terrorists in Kaduna

The Police Command in Kaduna State says its operatives have killed two suspected bandits in Riheyi village within Fatika district of Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Jalige, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Jalige said that on Monday, at about 4.30 pm, the operatives of the Command attached to 47 PMF Squadron, Zaria, intercepted some bandits around the village.

He said the incident happened while the operatives were on confidence-building patrol within the same district of Giwa LGA.

Jalige said that the encounter which resulted in a heavy gun duel saw the police operatives having the last laugh.

“Having applied gallantry that successfully neutralised two bandits, they recovered an AK47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunition and an operational motorcycle,’’ he said.

Jalige said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mudassiru Abdullahi commended the officers for their display of professionalism and courage to achieve the desired result.

He tasked all operational and tactical commanders to imbibe the culture of rigorous patrols in their areas of jurisdiction.

The PPRO said the CP noted that with the festive season around the corner, men of the underworld expectedly would like to perpetrate criminal activities.

“According to the CP, with the Police as the lead agency in internal security, the need for vigilance and proactive policing cannot be overemphasized.

“He warned that under his watch, dereliction of duty by any officer will be penalized accordingly, “Jalige said.

(NAN) 

Terrorists Kill Kaduna Pastor Abducted in His Farm Despite Ransom Payment

Terrorists operating in Kaduna state Northwest Nigeria have killed Rev Dauda Bature, the pastor in charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church Hayin Nariya in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state after receiving ransom from his wife.

The clergyman who was abducted on November 8 while working in his at Ungwan Kanti was reportedly killed a few days ago despite ransom paid to the terrorists for his release.

Confirming the ugly but not so strange incident, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna state chapter, Rev Joseph Hayab told Middle Belt Times that the terrorists called to inform Rev Bature’s wife a few days ago that he has been killed even though the news broke out on Friday.

Hayab said the wife of the slain clergy was also taken captive on November 18 when she took the ransom demanded to the terrorists.

“Ten days after the abduction of Rev Bature, his wife took the negotiated ransom to them but after collecting the money, they also abducted her in the guise that the money was not enough.

“They released her four days ago and most probably killed the Rev shortly after releasing his wife.” Hayab said.

Speaking further Rev Hayab said they believe that Rev Bature was killed by his abductors because he was a pastor and not because of money.

“If they really wanted more money, they could have waited for more money to be raised and not to kill him.

“We believe that Rev Bature was killed because he was a pastor and a preacher of the gospel.” He said.

Abductions and killings of clergymen is not new in Kaduna as pastors and their congregants have repeatedly been either abducted or killed by terrorists in the state.

Recall that in September, terrorists killed a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev Silas Yakubu, who was on his way back from Kafanchan in Zango-Kataf local government area of the state.

In October, 65 members of Emmanuel Baptist church Kakau were abducted by terrorists during a church service in Chikun local government area of the state. Two of them abductees were killed while three others were injured while in captivity. The remaining abductees were released after ransoms were paid lady week.

Sokoto State is in Dire Distress, Act Now Mr President: Gov Tambuwal Tells Buhari

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the current security challenges bedeviling the state, saying that Sokoto state is in dire distress(sic).

Tambuwal made this call in an ex-tempore address on Friday December 10 when a high powered federal government delegation led by the National Security Advicer to the President, General Babagana Monguno, visited the state to condole him and the people of the state over the barbaric killing of 23 passengers by terrorists group on December 6, 2021 at Gidan Bawa community in Sabon Birni local government area of the state.

“It is with gratitude to Almighty God that we receive this important high level delegation of the Federal Government under the leadership of Mr President, Presu Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to Sokoto this very day, who are here to commiserate and condole the government and people of Sokoto state; in particular, the immediate families of those who lost their loved ones. It is indeed gratifying to receive you at this very hour of distress in which we are really emotionally touched.

“I am sure you are abreast of the development of that day, Monday, the 6th of December, when a commuter bus conveying about 43 passengers on their way to Kaduna was attacked by bandits. When the bus somersaulted, they continued with the firing until when they got to the fuel tank of the vehicle that went up in flames. Unfortunately, 23 of our beloved brothers and sisters lost their lives. We will continue to pray that Allah (SWT) will grant them Jannatul Firdaus; and, those of them who sustained injuries, be healed completely through His grace. May He continue to provide succor to the families of those affected. Mr NSA, we are consoled by this visit and concern shown to his citizens by Mr President. We are, indeed, very grateful for this show of love and concern.” He said.

The governor complained on the abrupt security operations embarked upon by the military in Zamfara state against the earlier plea of governors of the Northwestern states that a coordinated security operations be launched across the region simultaneously.

“As I have said some months ago, our situation in Sokoto state got worsened by the military operations in Zamfara state. The operations took us by surprise. I can tell you, Mr NSA, we the Governors of North-West have been appealing for this operations for the last four years. What we requested was that once the military is ready for the operations, it should be carried out simultaneously in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger states where we are having infiltration of these criminals. Unfortunately, Zamfara was isolated and this was what we got by Operation Hadarin Daji, which was carried out without any blocking force around the neighboring states, particularly speaking for Sokoto state. Also, the timing of the operation, whereby, unfortunately, our security agents do not have enough equipment to move to move and curtail and contain those that would pander towards Sokoto state, didn’t help. So, the timing and way the operation was carried out left Sokoto very vulnerable.

“We are, I must say, the NSA, in a very dire state of distress. Even this afternoon I got information that there was an attack in broad daylight in some parts of Isa local government. Yesterday evening, there were attacks in some parts of Sabon Birni. Kidnapping is still going on in some parts of Tangaza, Illela and several other local government areas of the state. It does appear as if those bandits pursued from Zamfara state have relocated to Sokoto state. This is a very serious call for concern.” He lamented.

A visibily disturbed Tambuwal, also called on President Buhari through the NSA to deploy more forces and resources to Sokoto to help curtail the activities of terrorists which has worsened in the last few weeks.

“I appeal, therefore, to you, and through you, to Mr President, Commander-Chief to deploy more resources to Sokoto state. There is need for more boots on the ground. I am familiar with the situation at the center, but I believe that something can be done, and, that should be done urgently and expeditiously because our situation is getting out of hand.

“We, Mr NSA, as I have said before, need to do more on the deployment of technology in this fight. This is not a normal fight. You know more than I do. So, we need more of technology than even the personnel, although we need both. But, we need more of technology deployment. So, NSA, we believe that it is time for Mr President, as he is being called upon, to consider recalling those retired personnel who are on the reserve list, because we know that the number of our personnel is very low; and, there is need for reinforcement. The first port of call should be those on the reserve list. We also need to recruit more personnel because we know our number in Nigeria, over 200 million people. Definitely, the Nigerian state is under-policed. We all know the situation.” He appealed.

The former House of Representatives Speaker, further stated that as governors of the country, they are with President Buhari, One hundred precent, saying that in Sokoto state, the state government has provided no fewer than 500 vehicles to security personnel to facilitate their operations in the state.

“We are with Mr President one hundred per cent as Governors of this country in taking every measure required to ensure that we nip this in the bud. Here in Sokoto state, you can verify this from the heads of security agencies. There is nothing they have asked of us that we have not done. Absolutely nothing. Since the commencement of this administration, we have given security personnel in Sokoto state not less than 500 vehicles. We are also doing whatever it takes in terms of funding from our own end despite the lean resources that we have as a state.

“I believe there is need for more synergy, personnel and equipment in Sokoto state. So, please, convey this our request to Mr President. We are in a very bad situation in Sokoto state and we need his intervention urgently.

Recall that daredevil terrorists on December 6 burnt some passenger vehicles conveying travelers, killing 23 people at Gidan Bawa community, an occurrence that sparked up protests across some cities in Northern Nigeria on Friday.

Youths in the region hit the streets on Friday, calling for an end to the incessant attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Northern Nigeria.

Nigerian Army Chief Laments That Some ‘Repentant’ Terrorists Have Ulterior Motives

The Nigerian Army has said though thousands of terrorists and their families have laid down arms in the North-East, some of them have ulterior motives. 

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed that 20,000 insurgents and their families had laid down their weapons but some of the ‘repentant’ terrorists are not sincere. 

The commander, who spoke on the sidelines of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja, added that another challenge the military has is that the insurgents use civilians as cover, making it more difficult for soldiers to kill them, the Nation reports. 

He said: “We have over 20,000 combatants and their families surrendered. This tells you there is something we are doing right. What we do with them after surrendering is our next focus. The expectation is that after all have surrendered, then, everything will fizzle out. But, that is not the case.

“Frankly speaking, for us, this is a good development. A lot of people have been thinking and also expressing mixed feelings if at all the news is true. Of course, there are some insurgents who truly wish to surrender, but we cannot jettison the fact that some of them do have ulterior motives.

“Like I said, to us, this is good and if we follow it through in the right way, then, we may begin to see the end of this insurgency sooner than we actually think.”

According to Maj-Gen. Musa, the terror group has remained dangerous despite the death of its leader, Abubakar Shekau.

He said: “Before Shekau died, they (Boko Haram fighters) pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in the West African Province ISWAP and ISWAP gets its funding from foreign donors. It is the lust for these monies that have further emboldened them. This is why they overran Shekau. These people who are enemies of the nation, who do not want peace in Nigeria are the same people pushing ISWAP too. It has nothing to do with religion or any form of ideology, but is purely driven by the quest for money.

Dismissing public concerns that the Nigerian military has been outstretched by the security challenges in the country, he said, “No group can outstretch the Armed Forces of Nigeria. What people need to understand is, we in the military can easily be identified because we put on uniforms. These guys go on mufti and we cannot just go into a community and start killing everybody. If we have to do this, then, this fight would have ended since.

“But, what about the collateral damage on the part of innocent civilians? If we have to shoot, then, we must target the real trouble makers and not just anyone. This is the problem. They mingle among civilians. This is why it has become so dificult. If it is conventional warfare, we would have finished them a long time ago.”

[Saharareporters]