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Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Some Nigerians are so dangerously and religiously inclined that they hardly know what wrong or right mores are even within their creed. They follow religion blindly and end up sometimes worshipping the very religion instead of the Almighty God. Some fuse their vein traditions to their religions making it quite difficult for none practitioners of over 1000 other religions to understand them. That was why Jesus Christ slammed the traditionalists within the Judaism religion for refusing to recognize Him as the way, the truth and life above what they know as laws draconian or not as spelt out by their progenitor Moses.
When people bend over to add their vein traditions into their religion it becomes deadly especially when young people are involved. When the insertion of human induced traditions are coming from those who should know like Pastors, imams and Ulamas as it applies, none practitioners become more confused if they don’t know the fundamentals of their creed.
Many residents have become slaves to religion such that they hardly know the God they claim to worship and how He reasons and thinks. Some do not even know the thoughts of God towards them which are thoughts of good and not of evil. They turn themselves into guinea pigs of their religion ready to be used for wickedness instead of good like children of God or heir apparent of the kingdom of heaven. That is why many young people fall easy prey to devious politicians who use them to kill one another during electioneer period.
How then do young people process directives to murder a neighbor or just an opposition member during political periods without asking questions. How can one explain why people take the laws into their hands in the name of religion? People killing in the name of a weak God who cannot fight for himself. Killing women and children without a second thought. You try to protect the women and children but rather they feel they should be protecting you in the name of any strange religion. How then do you explain a girl young enough to be your daughter stepping out of a vehicle for his grand father to go in before she sits at the door of the car which is the danger zone for car crashes or even summersaults?
Strange traditions practiced in some climes
If you are a visitor to Maiduguri, don’t be surprised if a small girl little enough to be your daughter stepping out of a Keke napep and forcing her daddy’s mate to go into the keke before getting into the edge of the seat. In sanner climes the men are programmed to protect the women no matter what. Children are not allowed to sit close to the doors because of accident and security reasons. Likewise the men are supposed to take the fall for their female counterparts. This means that if a Keke napep gets into an accident with a vehicle which is stronger, the men who are at the doors are supposed to be the first victims. The women and children are not supposed to be wounded were the men are .But in Maiduguri, the women prefer to be the first victims to be wounded in the case of emergencies rather than allow the men to take the fall for them or even paying the supreme sacrifice for them to stay alive. What a strange and obscene culture not found in other states of northern Nigeria?
Religious extremism: How poisoned traditions affect sitting positions inside vehicles and Keke napep in Maiduguri
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
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