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40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community

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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.

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have killed two persons, injured one and abducted a woman during an attack on Rimi Kamazo community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Dec. 28 at about 11:50 a.m. when an unspecified number of armed bandits invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Victims of the attack were identified as Zainab Amos Bagoro, 55, and Aminu Amos Bagoro, 25, who were shot and fatally injured. Another victim, Gayus Amos Bagoro, sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The attackers also abducted Justina Abednego, 25, and took her to an unknown destination.

Sources said security operatives received information about the attack at about 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 29 and immediately mobilised to the area in collaboration with other security agencies.

The injured victims were rushed to hospital for medical attention, where the two critically injured persons were confirmed dead, while the surviving victim is receiving treatment at St. Gerald Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna.

The corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Security forces have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman and track down the perpetrators, while investigations into the incident have commenced.

Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast three suspected motorcycle thieves were killed by a mob while the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was raised in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Danmaje Quarters Divisional Office of the NSCDC in Dawakin Kudu.

According to sources , personnel of the NSCDC attached to the office had earlier arrested three suspects over alleged motorcycle theft.

The source said that following the arrest, angry youths armed with dangerous weapons mobilised in large numbers and stormed the NSCDC office, demanding that the suspects be released to them for lynching.

“They overpowered the NSCDC personnel, chased them out of the office and set both the office and the suspects ablaze,” the source said.

Sources said the scene was later visited by security operatives, while the victims were rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where they were certified dead by medical personnel.

The corpses were subsequently deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.

NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.

The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.

A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.

She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.

He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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