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‘Fulani Herdsmen Rape, Kill At Will’

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The Igala speaking group comprising of nine local government areas of Kogi State has called on the government to do something urgently to deliver them from the hands of Fulani herdsmen, who they claimed, rape their women and daughters at will and also kidnap, rob and kill innocent people in their area.
Speaking on behalf of the ethnic group, the President of Igala Cultural and Development Association(ICDA), Alhaji Abubakar Amodu, said the people lived in morbid fear everyday as the Fulani herdsmen have literally taken over Igala land, destroying farm crops with their herds and beating or even killing any farmer that dared challenge them.
The ICDA president, who cried out over the weekend during the inauguration of the over N100million ultra-modern Igala Unity House at Anyigba by the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said their rivers and water of streams, which the people often drank due to non-availability of potable water, have been polluted while the people were left with nothing to drink.
He also said that the herdsmen robbed and kidnapped innocent people on daily basis, and most times, killed those who could not afford to pay the ransom demanded, and urged the government to quickly come to their aid.
He said the building of the Unity House was aimed at fostering the needed peace and unity for the overall development of Igala land.
According to him, “The House will serve as an interaction venue on issues affecting the entire zone as well as hosting festivities and other cultural activities”.
Amodu disclosed that the successful completion of the project was made possible through donations from illustrious sons and daughters of Igala Kingdom with a whopping support of N50million from the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Bello, while performing the inauguration ceremony, appealed that the house should serve as a rallying point for all Igala people, stressing that the effort in constructing the new edifice was a begging of more goodies to come to the zone under his administration.
Bello, who described the Unity House as a symbol of peace and love in Igala land, commended all those that contributed to the completion of the project.
The governor said that he would ever remain proud of the Igala nation, and thanked the people for their steadfast support to the success of his administration considering their strength as the largest and more populated section of the state.
He promised to complete all the ongoing projects in the zone, namely construction of Idah-Ajaka-Umomi-Ugwalawo-Anyigba Road, Okpo-Ibana-Ogugu Road as well as rural electrification, drilling of boreholes for supply of potable water and control of erosion across communities in the district.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edward Onoja, appreciated the financial support of the entire Bello’s cabinet as well as the state House of Assembly members towards the completion of the project, describing the gesture as a demonstration of love for Igala people.
In his speech, the Attah Igala, Dr Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni stressed the need for all his subjects both at home and in the diaspora to join hands in the preservation of Igala rich cultural heritage.
The royal father also called for the sustenance of the prevailing peace in the land by all and sundry, affirming that no development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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