News
40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community
40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community
By: Michael
Mike
In a bid to support a post-extractive future for Owukpa women, whose peaceful efforts led to the halting of environmentally destructive coal mining activities in their community in 2021, Yes to Life, No to Mining (YLNM)—a global solidarity network for Indigenous Peoples, impacted communities, and local organisations advocating for the right to say “No” to mining—partnered with Eco Defenders Network to distribute multi-functional solar power systems to about 40 women.
The event in Owukpa was met with great enthusiasm. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for this initiative, which will help address their energy needs at home and in their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Shehu Akowe of Eco Defenders Network, representing YLNM, emphasized that this gesture calls on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to advocate for ecologically and socially just energy alternatives. He noted the support of energy systems that value diverse ways of life and protect the land, air, and water on which everyone depends.
Akowe further stated that Nigeria’s vast solar and wind potential should be harnessed to create clean energy alternatives to coal. “Embracing these technologies will help move us beyond the violent and harmful practice of extraction, which assumes the Earth has no limits, and instead provide communities with clean energy systems.”
In response, two beneficiaries, Mrs. A.A. Cecilia and Mrs. G. Enenche, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging that this gesture would help address the long-standing issue of energy deficiency in Owukpa. They thanked the organization for the solar-powered systems, affirming that the new lights would improve their homes and businesses. They also urged the government to embrace solar energy as a viable alternative to their community’s ongoing energy access challenges.
Madam Julie Ooja, a community environmental mobilizer and member of Owukpa who has long supported her fellow women in their fight for a cleaner environment, also expressed her appreciation to YLNM for supporting Owukpa’s women. She reiterated that the women would continue to advocate for the closure of the coal mine while also calling for the development of better infrastructure, including improved roads, schools, functional hospitals, and access to clean, portable water and reliable electricity.
Shehu Akowe emphasized the importance of unity in advocating for life-sustaining, post-extractive futures that respect human dignity and environmental integrity.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.
Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.
According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.
“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.
The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.
Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension erupted at Kara Cow Market in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a reported shooting incident involving civilians affiliated with a Maiduguri-based Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilante groups.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on March 13 when a group of JTF operatives, identified as DSS assets attached to PW Construction Company reportedly entered the market and discharged firearms indiscriminately, creating panic among residents.
During the unrest, an unidentified Fulani man was pursued and killed by members of the local vigilante group, known as Askarawa who intervened amid the chaos. The body was reportedly taken to the Askarawa office in Magami by members of the mob.
Authorities said investigations have commenced and the area is under close monitoring to prevent further escalation.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution and cooperate with security operatives while the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with local vigilante members known as Askara, have neutralised a bandit during a foiled attempt to abduct students at the College of Science and Health Technology Tsafe, Zamfara state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred late at night when suspected armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the school premises in Tsafe with the apparent intention of kidnapping students.
The sources disclosed that troops of Operation Fansan Yanma, working in synergy with local security volunteers (Askara), swiftly responded to the threat and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
During the confrontation, one of the bandits was neutralised while others fled into nearby bushes.
Due to the darkness and the urgency of the operation, the troops and local security volunteers were unable to immediately recover the weapon belonging to the neutralised suspect.
Troops have since intensified patrols around the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents as well as students of the institution.
The sources said the prompt response by the troops and the local vigilantes prevented what could have been a major kidnapping incident targeting students of the college.
Bandit attacks and attempted abductions of students have been a recurring security challenge in parts of northwestern Nigeria, prompting increased collaboration between security forces and community-based vigilante groups.
Troops have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against bandits in the region.
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno
Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed
Troops repel bandit attack on Tsafe health college in Zamfara, neutralized bandit
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