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16-day activism: CDD call to end culture, nomrs normalized perpetrators of SGBV
16-day activism: CDD call to end culture, nomrs normalized perpetrators of SGBV
By: Omirin Joshua
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) said it has engaged more than 40 women-led organizations to sensitize critical stakeholders against sexual gender-based violence across three states-affected insurgency crises in the northeast region.
The Senior Fellow Researcher CDD, Prof Mala Mustapha stated this during the commemoration of the 2023 16 Days of Activism on Ending all Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls with the theme “UNiTE Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls” held in Maiduguri on Monday
He said SGBV is the outcome of insurgency in which many women were killed, raped, kidnapped, molested and forcefully conscripted into the rank of Boko Haram suicide bombers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states respectively.
“As you know, Borno is the epicentre of this crisis where SGBV were perpetrated on a large scale, so we felt we must take this campaign out to the community in Polo General areas with one of the largest host communities for displaced persons with a high number of survival victims of subs. Our outing yielded positive results and many were reached through this campaign.
“The community engagement is impactful, we have engaged more than 40 women-led organizations, and we have been working within Borno and other states in the last seven years to ensure we enlighten the communities. stakeholders.
“We are out to challenge, to fight the attitude the culture and norms that normalized perpetrators of sgbv in the society,” he said.
Also, speaking to the Regional Coordinator CDD, Steve Amuda said they carried out campaigns in Polo general areas along with community leaders against gender-based violence because of the atrocity committed by both state arms and non-state during the conflicts which had led to the alarming rate of SGBV in the state.
“We have many SGBV cases in the state but as part of CDD engagement, we are partnering with key stakeholders and NGOs to sensitize the community.
“We are trying to reduce or eliminate the cases of SGBV in the state by enlightening the people on the danger involved, and for us to achieve this; it is a collective effort for all and sundry.
So that’s why we involve those who play key roles in society such as traditional and religious rulers, women, people living with disability and youths to help convey the message to the grassroots.
This year’s campaign was supported by the Ford Foundation and implemented by the CDD joined by UN Women.
16-day activism: CDD call to end culture, nomrs normalized perpetrators of SGBV
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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