Insecurity

Tinubu condemns Plateau travellers killings, orders perpetrators’ arrest

Leave a Comment / Crime, News /

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent killing of travellers in Plateau State, describing the attack as “unacceptable and barbaric.” This was just as he directed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday. The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of travellers in Plateau State, urging security forces to ensure the arrest and punishment of the culprits. “Reacting to the news of the murder of 12 wedding guests, including the father and brother of the groom, the President described the heinous action as unacceptable and barbaric. “The victims, many of them injured, were travelling from Zaria, in Kaduna State, to Jos, in Plateau State. President Tinubu directs the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to work with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure those responsible for the attack are held accountable. “The President called for calm, promising not to allow the dastardly act to go unpunished. The Government of Plateau State must take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence. “The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences. “Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear. “The President commiserates with the victims’ families and the people and government of Kaduna State.”

Tinubu condemns Plateau travellers killings, orders perpetrators’ arrest Read More »

Tinubu assembles top brass, ex-govs to end Benue killings

Leave a Comment / News /

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday set up a committee to help restore sustainable peace to Benue State following last Friday’s massacre in Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which saw around 200 people killed. Members of the peace committee selected by the President include former Military Governor of Benue State, Gen Atom Kpera (retd.), Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom — all former Benue governors. The Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation and Chairman, Traditional Council, Benue State, HRM Prof. James Ayatse and Paramount Ruler of Idomaland, the Ochidoma, HRM Dr John Elaigwu, are also on the team. Advising the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on the importance of stakeholder management for peaceful and progressive governance, Tinubu urged the governor to champion the activities of the peace committee, which also includes federal officials, and non-indigenes living in the state. “Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” the President told Alia at a town hall meeting at the Benue State Government House banquet hall in Makurdi, the capital city. The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, traditional rulers and former governors of the state. The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting. Tinubu stated that the peace effort would yield sustainable results only if it were broad-based and collaborative, calling for synergy with neighbouring Nasarawa State, whose governor, Abdullahi Sule, was also present at the meeting. “I want the traditional rulers — the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma and others to be included in this peace committee. “The Governor of Nasarawa is here and the Governor of Benue is here, let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity. “We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose some,” he said. The President called on the people of Benue to support Governor Alia, urging communities to embrace peace and inclusion. “This is a very critical time. The governor needs your help. Let’s have a committee with non-indigenes incorporated.” He assured the state of the Federal Government’s backing and his personal resolve to end the cycle of bloodshed, saying, “I give you the assurance that we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity again and again.” Suspected armed herders stormed Yelewata village in Guma LGA of Benue State late Friday, June 13, unleashing one of the deadliest assaults the state has seen in years. Amnesty International and local official reports say that at least 100 residents were killed, dozens remain missing, and hundreds are nursing gunshot and burn wounds after attackers set houses ablaze through the early hours of Saturday. The Police confirmed the raid, with some sources putting the casualty figure at around 200. Many victims were internally displaced people who had taken refuge in the village after earlier attacks. The Benue State government said it has launched a manhunt, but residents fear more reprisals as the rainy season, peak period for disputed grazing and planting, sets in. Pope Francis prayed for the “terrible massacre” during his Sunday Angelus. It is the latest cycle of violence linked to farmer-herder tensions, banditry and a security vacuum that rights groups say allows perpetrators to act with “utter impunity.” At Wednesday’s town hall meeting, Tinubu directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest those who perpetrated the heinous killings. “I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals. Let’s get those criminals,” Tinubu told the IGP. While thanking the military high command for their response so far, the President expressed dissatisfaction at the lack of arrests days after the mass slaughter. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals. “Christopher (Chief of Defence Staff), thank you very much. I watched your comments. I know you can’t be tired of staying in the bush, including Oluyede (Chief of Army Staff) and the Air Marshal. “Thanks to all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out,” he said. Tinubu also charged the heads of intelligence agencies to improve their surveillance and response systems. “DG NIA and DG DSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence that this will not occur again,” the President said. He urged Governor Alia to allocate land for ranching and directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up. He called for blood donations to support those receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he had earlier visited victims and medical staff. While underscoring the importance of peace for sustainable development, President Tinubu implored the Governor to ensure Benue was peaceful, adding that the circumstances of his visit this time should not have been a reason to visit. “I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development,” he said. “The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people. “Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us. “Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too — like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership.” Alia’s plea In his remarks, Governor Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention

Tinubu assembles top brass, ex-govs to end Benue killings Read More »

Benue killings: Police disperse protesters as military begins air surveillance

Leave a Comment / Crime, News /

The Nigerian military has deployed aerial surveillance across Makurdi and its environs following the deadly attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday. Also police in the state dispersed protesters on Sunday using teargas. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that no fewer than 100 persons were feared killed and many others injured when terrorists invaded the communities using commercial buses. Since Sunday morning, low-flying military aircraft have been observed hovering over Makurdi, as well as parts of neighbouring Guma and Gwer West LGAs. A military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the aerial surveillance was part of a strategy to monitor developments in the area. “The air surveillance is to monitor the situation of things around Makurdi and environs so we will know how to tackle it swiftly “The residents should not panic; the military is on top of the situation,” the source said. Police disperse protesters with teargas Meanwhile, police in the state dispersed protesters on Sunday using teargas after they refused to allow the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, and the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, to address them. The demonstrators had earlier gathered peacefully at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, carrying leaves and calling on the Federal Government to protect citizens across the country. Some protesters, including Architect Brahms Ikuan and Gideon Inyom, decried the frequent attacks in the state, accusing authorities of failing to protect the lives of ordinary people. IG takes over state security – Commissioner Speaking to journalists later, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had assumed control of security operations in Benue. “The IG has taken over the security of Benue State. As I speak to you now, the IG has already sent Special Forces who are already on ground, and more are coming. “All the Special Forces are intelligence-based. They will go, no matter where the bandits are, and get them,” Ifeanyi said. He noted that some units had arrived in Makurdi the previous night, while earlier deployed forces had been stationed in Naka, Apa, Agatu, Daudu, and Yelwata. “We are in control of the situation, so I’m assuring all citizens of the state that we are in control. “All the security agencies are with us on this. We have already made some arrests.” The commissioner added that Governor Hyacinth Alia had provided all necessary logistical support to aid security operations. He explained that Saturday’s attack in Yelwata may have been opportunistic, as a large number of officers had earlier been deployed to other hotspots. Ifeanyi said,”What you see happening in Yelwata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West and are moving seriously in Agatu. “They just want to do something to show that they are in control, while they are not, and will never be. “Whatever is paining you is paining us more. We are here to protect lives and property. “We have security everywhere now, even in Yelwata, there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.” He urged residents to allow the Special Forces to work without hindrance. “Give the Special Forces and tactical teams room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan. “We have intelligence reports of their movement and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result,” Ifeanyi said. Source: Punch

Benue killings: Police disperse protesters as military begins air surveillance Read More »

Kogi Reassures Citizens of Adequate Security as Lawmaker Decries Kidnappings

Leave a Comment / Crime, News /

The Kogi State Government has reassured its people of its unwavering commitment to combat insecurity, urging the citizens, media stakeholders, and political actors to avoid spreading fear or politicising the state security challenges. This was contained in a statement made available to the journalists by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in Lokoja yesterday. The Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, had decried the daily occurrence of kidnapping incidents in his district, describing it as one too many. He lamented the gruesome death of 76 years old  retired Major Joe Ajayi, who died in the hands of his abductors. But the government said it is quietly but effectively recording progress in its fight against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, within the state. It said: “These gains are not coincidental. They are results from well-planned strategies and deep institutional engagements aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of every Kogite.” While sympathising with families affected by recent attacks, the government stressed that such incidents should not be used to spread misinformation or panic. “Misinformation and alarmist narratives only embolden criminals and demoralise communities. We call on opinion leaders and the media to work with us, not against us,” it stated. The government also condemned what it described as “the politicisation of insecurity by certain desperate politicians,” warning that such behavior undermines the collective fight against crime. “Those who brought medicines whose side effects are worse than the ailments should not raise frivolous alarms when the right medicines are administered,” the statement noted. According to credible intelligence, the rise in security threats in parts of Kogi State is linked to regional shifts, especially as intensified security operations in the North East and North West have forced criminal elements to migrate toward the North Central, including Kogi State. Despite the challenges, the government emphasised its efforts in deploying advanced security infrastructure, strengthening intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement. “Our duty is not to spread fear but to inspire hope. And we are not just speaking hope, we are delivering it through action,” it said. Governor Usman Ododo, the statement added, remains fully committed to prioritising security without politicising it, adding: “We are taking responsibility, not shifting blame,” as it urged politicians to focus on performance, not panic. He urged politicians to focus on performance as a tool for reelection rather than raising panic, saying performers do not fear reelection. The government expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and local security outfits such as the Vigilante Service and hunters group for their unwavering support.  The statement ended with a call for unity: “Let us not propagate propaganda for criminals. Let us work together to defeat fear and inspire hope.” Meanwhile,  the  Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, has  expressed concern that the people of his district now remain in their houses, noting  that even at that, they are still being kidnapped in their homes. Karimi described the story and rate of kidnapping in his senatorial district,  from Lokoja, Kakanda, Bunu axis, in Kiri area of Kabba Bunu LGA as worrisome, saying till date, the 92-year-old traditional ruler of Okoloke is still in the custody of his abductors. The federal lawmaker said all over the places in Kogi West, his people now live in fear, pointing out that kidnapping is now a daily occurrence, calling for collective actions by security agencies to free his people from fear in order to live their lives normally. He disclosed that plans are underway to organise the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and clerics under the Council of Ulaamau to organize a three-day fasting and prayer session that would help free the people from the activities of the miscreants who are terrorising the area According to him, “The time for us to go spiritual in fighting this miscreants and kidnappers who have refused our people to breathe and live freely. I’m putting machinery in motion to help organize and hold this spiritual intervention because we are no longer safe to live our lives.” Karimi expressed sadness over the death of Major Ajayi, who he described as a perfect gentleman, with concern for the growth of Kogi West. While lamenting his gruesome murder in the hands of the kidnappers, he prayed for others who are still in captivity to regain their freedom. He condoled with the family of the deceased Ajayi and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. Source: This Day Live

Kogi Reassures Citizens of Adequate Security as Lawmaker Decries Kidnappings Read More »

Youths kick as gunmen kill 58, burn 82 houses in Plateau

Leave a Comment / Crime, News /

Youths in Plateau State have decried the killing of citizens in attacks by gunmen particularly in the Riyom Local Government Area of the state Addressing a press conference in Jos, the state capital, on Tuesday, the chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Riyom branch, Zang Davou, disclosed that a total of 58 persons were killed while 82 houses were burnt down by the attackers in various communities within the council area in the past weeks. The group described the situation in Riyom as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced, injured, or killed. It appealed for urgent humanitarian intervention, including relief materials, medical supplies, and psychosocial support. Also, it urged the government, international community, and human rights organisations to take immediate action to address the crisis, emphasising that the silence on the systematic annihilation of communities in Riyom is “deafening” and called for firm attention, advocacy, and intervention The youth leader who demanded a massive deployment of security forces, particularly the Nigeria Mobile Police Force to vulnerable communities in Riyom as a way of addressing the issue said, “For over two decades, since 2002, Riyom Local Government Area has been subjected to a relentless and systematic campaign of violence, solely perpetrated and orchestrated by armed Fulani militias. “This dreaded campaign has been mostly characterised by unprovoked attacks, resulting in the senseless and brutal murder of thousands of our people in cold blood. Our once thriving communities have been reduced to rubble, with properties worth billions of naira utterly destroyed and the very sources of our people’s livelihoods, particularly our farmlands, deliberately annihilated and in some cases rendered completely unproductive. This orchestrated violence has also led to the brazen grabbing of our ancestral lands with no attempts for reversal despite the existence of several legal frameworks to address the same. The marauding activities of these armed militias have continued to dispossess indigenous communities of their heritage and means of survival, displacing several more thousands of our people into lives of destitution and uncertainty. “Lamentably, the pattern of these attacks has recently escalated to an unprecedented level of coordination and sophistication. What we have witnessed as a people in the past weeks is horrifying evidence of this escalating barbarity. Within this short period, 58 innocent people were brutally murdered in cold blood. These were fathers, mothers, children, and youths, whose lives were cut short without mercy. As I address you, these marauders are in possession of the cellphones of some of their victims and pick up calls that are placed on their SIMs.” He disclosed that 31 people were severely injured and were currently battling for their lives, receiving treatment in various hospitals where many were struggling with inadequate resources for better medical care, lamenting that the economic and social fabric of the communities had been further torn apart, with over 82 houses and properties worth millions of naira deliberately burnt and destroyed. “Beyond the immediate physical destruction, large hectares of our cultivated farmlands, representing the very essence of our people’s sustenance, have been mowed down and decimated. The consequence of this recent surge of violence alone has led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people, who are now living in precarious conditions, without shelter, food, or dignity. “While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of security agencies and governments at all levels (local, state, and federal) in curbing these attacks, it is imperative to state unequivocally that such efforts, however commendable, cannot be seen as enough. Our governments need to understand that the magnitude of the problem Riyom Local Government is facing far outweighs their current response. The primary responsibility of government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is the protection of lives and property, and the welfare of its citizens. In Riyom, this fundamental responsibility is being severely challenged, and the lives and livelihoods of our people remain gravely imperiled. “The youth of Riyom are resilient, but our resilience is being tested to its limits. We are tired of burying our loved ones whose lives are cut short by armed Fulani militias. We are tired of seeing our heritage destroyed and annihilated. We are tired of living in fear. We believe in the promise of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, and that peace must begin in our homes, our communities, and our local government areas.” Source: Punch

Youths kick as gunmen kill 58, burn 82 houses in Plateau Read More »

Sokoto police confirm six killed in suspected Eid IED blast

Leave a Comment / Crime, News /

The Sokoto State Police have confirmed that six people died after a bomb exploded in Gwabro village, in Tangaza Local Government Area, on Sunday. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai confirmed the number of people who died but did not give any more details about the explosion, which happened during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. An eyewitness named Hashimu said the blast happened in the afternoon. According to Hashimu, many young people were travelling from one village to another to visit family and friends, as is the tradition during Eid. An aide to the Tangaza Local Government Chairman, Garzali Raka, said the people who died have been buried according to Islamic customs. The Lakurawa terrorists, who have been torturing the people of the Tangaza and Gudu local councils, may have planted the explosive, according to other village sources. They said that members of different villages in the two local councils of Tangaza and Gudu have been terrorised by the Lakurawa terrorists, and they urged the government to respond appropriately to the terrorists’ disruption of communal harmony. Source: The Guardian

Sokoto police confirm six killed in suspected Eid IED blast Read More »

Gunmen kill man, burn houses in Kwara

Leave a Comment / Crime /

Gunmen believed to be members of ‘Mahmuda’ group on Sunday attacked Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state, killed one person and burnt many houses in the community. The bandits who invaded the town early in the morning reportedly killed a resident before setting some houses ablaze. PUNCH Metro gathered that the gunmen took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes in the community who had travelled to attend a workshop while others had travelled out to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir outside the community. It was further gathered that the gunmen who had a field day in the community between 6am and 11am were however dislodged by the combined team of soldiers and vigilantes mobilised from the adjoining settlements in the area. Though the police feigned ignorance of Sunday’s attack in Karongi, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident to our correspondent. The Emir of Yashikira Emirate in Baruten Local Government Area, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, also confirmed the incident to our correspondent. The Emir who spoke in a telephone conversation on Sunday night said one person was killed during the attack while many houses were burnt. Umoru said, “Yes, the bandits from Mahmuda group struck at about 6 am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town in my Emirate. They killed one person and burnt many houses in the community. “They took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes who had travelled for Sallah while some had also gone for training. They invaded the town for hours, from 6 am to 11 am. We have to go to the surrounding communities in the Emirate to mobilise local vigilantes who succeeded to chase them away at about 11o’clock. The  Emir said that “the soldiers were far away adding, that the army was stationed in Chikanda which is far away from the community.” When contacted earlier, the Police Public Relations Office in Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the attack. She said, “I’m not aware of this incident. I will do my findings and get back to you.” The Public Relations Officer of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sobi, Ilorin, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, however, confirmed the attack on Monday. He said, “Yes, the incident happened. I’m aware. One of the vigilantes was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze by the gunmen. The soldiers were alerted about the incident and they went to the village. The person who was killed was one of the vigilantes who escorted the soldiers to the village. “The bandits ran away on sighting the soldiers and escaped from the area”, the Army spokesperson said. Source: Punch

Gunmen kill man, burn houses in Kwara Read More »

Military air strike kills at least 20 people in northwest Nigeria

Leave a Comment / News /

Amnesty International calls for an investigation into the ‘reckless’ attack in the violence-hit Zamfara state. A military air strike in northwest Nigeria has killed at least 20 people, according to the military and local residents, prompting calls from human rights groups for an investigation into the attack. The strike occurred over the weekend in Zamfara state, one of the regions worst affected by violence from armed groups, commonly referred to as “bandits”. Nigerian Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strike followed intelligence that “a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements”. “Further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children,” Ejodame said in a statement, adding that two local vigilantes were killed and two others injured in the crossfire. However, according to residents cited by the AFP news agency, a group of local vigilantes pursuing a gang was mistakenly bombed by a Nigerian military jet. The air force had been called in by villagers who had suffered an attack earlier in the weekend. Locals said an unknown number of people were also wounded in the strike. “We were hit by double tragedy on Saturday,” said Buhari Dangulbi, a resident of the affected area. “Dozens of our people and several cows were taken by bandits, and those who trailed the bandits to rescue them were attacked by a fighter jet. It killed 20 of them.” Residents told AFP that the bandits had earlier attacked the villages of Mani and Wabi in Maru district, stealing cattle and abducting several people. In response, vigilantes launched a pursuit to recover the captives and stolen livestock. “The military aircraft arrived and started firing, killing at least 20 of our people,” Abdullahi Ali, a Mani resident and member of a local hunters’ militia, told the Reuters news agency. Another resident, Ishiye Kabiru, said: “Our vigilantes from Maraya and nearby communities gathered and went after the bandits. Unfortunately, a military jet struck them.” Alka Tanimu, also from the area, added: “We will still have to pay to get those kidnapped back, while the cows are gone for good.” Amnesty International condemned the strike and urged a full investigation. “Attacks by bandits clearly warrant a response from the state, but to launch reckless air strikes into villages – again and again – is absolutely unlawful,” the rights group said. Nigeria’s military has previously acknowledged mistakenly hitting civilians during air operations targeting armed gangs. In January, at least 16 vigilantes were killed in a similar strike in Zamfara’s Zurmi district. In December 2022, more than 100 civilians were killed in Mutunji village while pursuing bandits. A year later, an attack on a religious gathering in Kaduna state killed at least 85 people. Source: Al Jazeera

Military air strike kills at least 20 people in northwest Nigeria Read More »