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Amnesty Int’l Report On Genocide Credible -Danjuma …As Boko Haram Kills 17 Persons In Zamfara

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7 years ago

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Former minister of defence, General T.Y Danjuma (Rtd), has decried the deplorable security situation in the country, saying there’s too much killings in Nigeria.
Danjuma Danjuma, who stated this at the 11th Festival of Praise with the theme “Sing out! Our God reigns” which held in Abuja yesterday, cited the latest Amnesty International Report on the security situation in the North east as being credible.
He charged Nigerians to eschew bitterness and imbibe the virtue of peace and tolerance as the nation prepares for the 2019 General elections. He said, “Nigerians should use the season as an opportunity to pray for Peaceful coexistence and tolerance among one another in the country.”
The elder statesman used the occasion to extol the outstanding qualities and capacity of Prof Jerry Gana to get things done thoroughly, and consequently endorsed his bid for the Presidency in 2019, saying, “May you be our next President”.
In his remarks, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prof. Jerry Gana who was the Chairman of the planning committee for the Festival stated that “We chose the theme ‘Sing out! Our God reigns’ because of the challenges around the country and to build people’s faith and hope for them to understand that God is in charge.
“We believe that God is everything, next year general elections in Nigeria is going to be peaceful. We are going to be successful. many people are having different thoughts about the election but God will over rule, because he rules in affairs of the world.
He encouraged Nigerians to have faith in God, to trust one another and to remove this increasing problem of killings in the land, because human life is very important and sacred. He prayed that God should answer the prayers of Nigerians as they prepare to elect a President who have the interest of the people at heart.
The event had in attendance many prominent Nigerians including Gen.Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State who was the chairman of the occasion.
Meanwhile, the police in Zamfara have confirmed 17 people killed in an attack by armed bandits on a community in the state.
The attack occurred in Magami Village, Faru District of Maradun Local Government Area.
A statement by the Zamfara police spokesperson, Muhammed Shehu, said the attack occurred on Saturday evening.
Our correspondent reports that the attack occured at about 4 p.m.
Mr Shehu said more police officers have been deployed to the area.
He said the Acting Governor of Zamfara State, Sanusi Rikiji; the police commissioner and other heads of security agencies were at the scene in the early hours of yesterday.
The officials were there “for on the spot assessment with a view to putting in more proactive security measures that will bring lasting solutions to the security challenges in the area and other parts of the state,” he said.
“In view of the visit, the commissioner of police has deployed additional unit of Tactical teams which comprises PMF/CTU Personnel to the affected area to complement the existing security emplacement.
“The unit of the PMF/CTU personnel has already arrived the village and they were directed to operate in collaboration with the military and other security personnel to restore normalcy and prevent any security threat by any disgruntled person or group of persons.
“While the command condoles the government and people of Zamfara State over the unfortunate incident, it has also vowed to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
“The command in this regard appeals for continued collaboration with all the security agencies in the state to bring lasting peace, safety and security to Zamfara State,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Rikiji also on Sunday attended the funeral prayer of some of the victims killed by the bandits.
Mr Rikiji, who is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, condoled with the families of the victims and people of Maradun Emirate and described the incident as unfortunate and worrisome.
He said the state government was concerned about security matters.
“It is very disturbing, so distracting the way our people are being killed by terrorists.
“More often than not, we could not even concentrate and face our work, due to pressures of insecurity in our communities,” Our correspondent quotes the acting govenrors as saying.
He urged security operatives in the state to maximise their efforts in tackling the challenges.
Mr Rikiji noted that the state government had been providing all necessary support to security agencies in the state.
“We are ever ready to continue to offer any support to security agencies, at whatever cost, in order to address the current security situation in the state,” he said.
He urged people of the state to continue with prayers to seek Allah’s interventions to end the situation.
The acting governor also appealed to communities to provide information on security to security agencies for prompt response.
The heads of security agencies in the state were also in attendance during the prayers.
In their separate remarks, the Emir of Maradun, Garba Tambari, and Chairman Maradun Local Government Area, Yahaya Shehu, called for the deployment of more security personnel in the area.
Hundreds of people have been killed by armed bandits in Zamfara in 2018. The killings have continued despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel including soldiers as well as air force personnel and equipment to the state.
In another development, four persons were feared dead in a herdsmen attack of some communities in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The incident, which took place at Tse- Ibor and Tse-Dzungwe, Tombo ward, Logo LGA of the state, our correspondent gathered was a reprisal attack, following a raid on camps of herdsmen by some soldiers.
According to our findings the herdsmen were reacting to the shooting to death of their cattle.
Even, though the Army confirmed the raid on a herdsmen camp, it did not mention the killing of cows belonging to the herders.
Our sources in Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) described the report as “rumour”, while a family member of the victims who does not want his name in print said the OPWS was playing politics “with the blood of Tiv farmers.”
The family member of the victims gave the names of those killed as Terlumun Uke, Apaagu Mlange, Samuel Dwem and Delaba Dwem.
“OPWS troops conducted an overnight operation during which an open camp set up by some armed herdsmen along River Benue bank at Anyibe was destroyed.
“Some of the armed elements that attempted to cross back into Nasarawa got their boat capsized during the exchange of fire. It is therefore likely that the armed group might have suffered some casualties during the encounter.
However, our source was emphatic that four persons were killed in the attack by the herders, insisting he is a family member of the victims.
He said, “Soldiers had invaded their (herders’) settlement killed some of their cows. A reprisal led to the death of four person (in his village.)”
“Four people were killed. This is my village and my brothers so I know what I’m talking about.”

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NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Hidden In Winter Jackets, Cream At Lagos Airport

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2 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.

The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.

In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.

The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.

“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.

“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”

In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.

A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.

“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.

In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.

“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.

In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.

Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.

In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.

In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.

In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.

In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.

In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.

The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.

The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.

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RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps

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2 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.

Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.

He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.

“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.

In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.

He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.

He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.

In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.

In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.

 

 

 

 

 

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Rivers Muslims Laud Fubara’s Dev Strides

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2 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.

Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.

Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.

According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.

He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.

“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.

Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.

He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.

According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.

“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.

By: John Bibor

 

 

 

 

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