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Sokoto Attack: ‘Bandits’ve Turned Nigeria Into Killing Field’
A coalition of Northern youth group under the aegis of Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEYGA), has condemned the killing of travellers by bandits in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Earlier reports had indicated that bandits, last Wednesday, openly set travellers ablaze in Sokoto leaving 23 dead while several others injured.
Reacting, the group, in a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, lamented that “this is one attack that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“Nigeria has been turned into a killing field by these bandits terrorising the country where innocent civilians looking for their daily breads are forced to live in perpetual fear,” the group added.
The spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, said “the body language of Mr. Monguno shows that he is only interested in power and more power and acquisitions of properties instead of intelligent gathering”.
He added; “Virtually all parts of Nigeria are currently battling with one form of insecurity or the other with various crimes going on, largely unabated.
“Despite attempts by Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to curb the rising criminalities and killings across the country, the nation’s security apparatus under Monguno appears to be overwhelmed with criminals maiming and extorting their victims.”
He revealed that under Monguno, “Nigeria police force is poorly funded and motivated, and the military, which is fighting a decade-long insurgency in the North-East, appears to be at the end of their wits on how to curtail the downward spiral in security.
“Swathes of the North-West have, virtually been taken over by rampaging bandits who kidnap for ransom and kill victims who cannot pay for their freedom.
“The North-Central is not free from the deadly assaults by these bandits, and kidnap gangs who now operate freely in parts of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa are making it into the Federal Capital Territory.
“The North-East is yet to experience peace as Boko Haram insurgents are in a deadly battle of supremacy daily with the nation’s military in a bid to carve out an Islamic state.
“Now largely ‘degraded’ as stated by federal officials, and focusing more on soft targets and solitary military formations, the insurgents still carry out attacks in a bid to terrorise the numerous communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa,” the statement partly read.
However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the gruesome murder of innocent travellers by terrorists in Sokoto State and many other attacks on citizens of Nigeria by these criminals, insisting that it has further shown how human life is cheaper than that of chickens today in Nigeria.
Vice Chairman, CAN, 19 Northern States and Abuja,Rev John Joseph Hayab, said this in a statement, yesterday.
The Christian body therefore, “condemn the animalistic behaviour. CAN is concerned that these terrorists have taken their crime against Nigerians too far.”
CAN called on the Federal Government and Governors in the Northern states, especially in the North-West region to take strong measures to stop this evil permanently.
“How can people be productive when they are living in perpetual fear of terrorists in their homes and everywhere they go?
Security of lives and property is a serious government business but what we are seeing today is how some of our leaders are playing politics with a serious matter that has almost destroyed the peace, joy and hope of the citizens.”
“CAN is appealing to security agencies to stop the unhealthy competition amongst them and work together in unity for the common good of all Nigerians.
“Our security agencies have all it will take to defeat these terrorists.
“CAN on its part will continue to offer our prayers, support and play any role that will help to bring this evil to an end.
“CAN Northern states commiserate with families of those who lost their lives and pray that God comfort them and repose the souls of the departed,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government, yesterday, confirmed 23 deaths among travellers attacked by bandits in Isa Local Government Area of the state.
This came as the Senate, mourned the deaths of travellers burnt to ashes on Monday by suspected bandits on their way to Gayan in Kaduna State.
Also, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State sympathised with his Sokoto counterpart, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, as well as the government and people of the state over the massacre of the commuters.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.