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U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award toMs. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award to
Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
By: Michael Mike
The United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has named the Executive Director of Braveheart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo as its 2024 Woman of Courage.
According to a statement from the embassy on Wednesday, the March 27 award ceremony in Abuja recognized Ms. Usiobaifo’s two decades of unwavering contribution to reforming laws and dismantling socio-cultural norms perpetuating gender-based violence in Nigeria.
In his remarks at the award ceremony, Art Brown, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, said preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the United States government’s commitment to promoting democracy and advancing human rights, as it works with Nigerian partners to dismantle the barriers and impediments to gender equality.
“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress.’ I’m proud of the United States government’s longstanding investment in women. Together with the government of Nigeria and our local partners, we’ve made significant investments in the lives of Nigerian women and girls, particularly in health, enterprise, and ending all forms of gender-based violence.”
The statement read: “The U.S. Embassy conferred the award as part of activities celebrating the 2024 Women History Month, in keeping with the U.S. government’s commitment to recognize and celebrate individuals who are advancing gender equality and equity.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme calls on all stakeholders to prioritize women and girls. Ending all forms of gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach to address the deep-seated socio-cultural norms underlying gender-based violence in Nigeria. Today, we’re delighted to celebrate and amplify the work of a woman who is a fierce advocate for women’s rights,” said Brown.
Awardee Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, in her acceptance speech, thanked the U.S. Mission for spotlighting her work and pledged to do more for women and girls: “Young women, especially those who work in rural communities, can be unrecognized because of the locality of the work that we do. But here I am today as a testament that no matter where you are and where you do your work, your work speaks, and it speaks very loudly. I want to see this as a spur to do more for women for girls, for children in marginalized communities in Nigeria. I hope that an award like this will inspire government to become more accountable to their citizens and to promote justice for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Senate Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, commended the U.S. Embassy for the recognition, adding that it would motivate other young women to continue to do their best.
FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, congratulated Ms. Usiobaifo for her courage and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory to end gender-based violence.
The Woman of Courage award recognizes women who have taken unusual risks, surmounted significant obstacles, challenged harmful practices, and/or fought discrimination or disinformation in their efforts to defend and promote progress in their societies.
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers “Woman of Courage” award to
Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
Borno police arrest 15-year-old over infanticide in Monguno IDP camp
By: Zagazola Makama
The Borno State Police Command has arrested a 15-year-old girl for allegedly dumping a newborn infant’s body in a pit toilet within the Charamari Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Monguno.
According to a Police source on May 22, 2025, at about 9:15 a.m., it was reported that earlier the same day at around 6:00 a.m., the body of a newly born infant was found abandoned in one of the camp’s pit toilets.
The sources said that the suspect, identified as Yafalmata Alhaji Mustapha, aged 15 years, and a resident of the camp, is currently in police custody for investigation.
“Police and medical experts visited the scene where photographs were taken, and the infant’s body was evacuated to General Hospital Monguno. The medical doctor confirmed the infant dead upon arrival, and the corpse was deposited at the hospital for autopsy,”said the sources.
Following the autopsy, the body was released to the Camp Chairman of Charamari IDP Camp for burial according to Islamic rites.
Borno police arrest 15-year-old over infanticide in Monguno IDP camp
Angry villagers killed two Armed robbers in Gubio, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Two armed robbers were fatally injured by angry villagers following an attack at Charimeleri Bush in Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred occurred on May 21, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., when two unknown armed men armed with machetes, knives, bow and arrow pursued two young boys, Abdu Ali and Abba Ali who were grazing a flock of 25 sheep in Charimeleri Bush.
The suspects stole the entire flock and fled, but the boys ran home to alert their father, Bukar Umara. Villagers quickly mobilized and followed the rustlers’ footprints, eventually intercepting them and recovering the stolen sheep.
A violent confrontation ensued during which one of the robbers stabbed a villager, Fannami Bukar, in the chest. The villagers retaliated, fatally injuring both suspects, leading to their death.
Security forces promptly visited the scene, documented the incident with photographs, and recovered exhibits including a bow and arrow, a sheath knife, and two head veils.
The two injured robbers were rushed to Gubio General Hospital where they were certified dead by the attending doctor.
The stabbed victim was taken to the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) Gubio for treatment and is reportedly responding well to medical care.
Angry villagers killed two Armed robbers in Gubio, Borno
Police officer arrested over alleged Cybercrime, Fraud in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force in Ogun has arrested one of its officers, Police Constable Idris Oloyede, over alleged involvement in conspiracy, stealing, cybercrime and other related offences.
Zagazola was reliably informed that the arrest was carried out on Wednesday by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta.
A police sources told Zagazola that Oloyede, who bears Force Number 537972, is attached to the patrol team at Odeda Divisional Headquarters.
According to the police sources, the arrest followed credible intelligence and investigation that linked the officer to the suspected crimes.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Odeda Division immediately released the officer for further interrogation upon the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The suspect has been transferred to the SCID for detailed investigation.
Police officer arrested over alleged Cybercrime, Fraud in Ogun
Borno police arrest 15-year-old over infanticide in Monguno IDP camp
Angry villagers killed two Armed robbers in Gubio, Borno
Police officer arrested over alleged Cybercrime, Fraud in Ogun
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