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ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance

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ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concerned over the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the planned protest against what the protesters termed bad governance.

The ANN in a statement on Monday declared that it stand in solidarity with Nigerian youths as they plan a nationwide protest starting on Thursday August 1st.

The statement by the Country Director of the nongovernmental organisation, Andrew Mamedu said: “We firmly support citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. It is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution.

“The End SARS protests of 2020 were a pivotal moment and highlighted the power of peaceful demonstration and the necessity of addressing citizens’ concerns. However, the tragic events that followed, including the killing and mass arrest of protesters, serve as a reminder of the dangers when security forces fail to uphold their duty to protect. This same failure repeated itself at the June 12, 2024, protest, where security agencies meant to protect citizens were involved in the violent clampdown on protesters.”

It warned that: “The federal government must not allow the violent repression of peaceful protesters to continually repeat itself. Any such actions would be a severe violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that our nation strives to uphold.”

The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria is also concerned by the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the protest, citing the chaos and destruction from the End SARS protests. These figures overlook that citizens do not protest without cause; severe economic challenges and poor living conditions are driving them to the streets. If the government channeled the same energy and resources currently being used to suppress the protest into addressing these concerns, the protest would likely dissipate.

“Instead, the federal government is mobilising various forces to stifle the protest rather than addressing the root issues. This history of clampdowns on protesters may explain why current organisers of the protest are choosing to remain anonymous and avoid negotiations.”

It demanded that: “The Federal Government must coordinate the three tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to genuinely address the demands of Nigerians by implementing effective mechanisms to alleviate the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. Economic challenges, unemployment, and poor living conditions are driving citizens to the streets. The demands being made are the constitutional rights of citizens, especially as the ultimate goal is improved welfare and security all Nigerians.

“The Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies must provide adequate protection to all protesters and protest locations across the country. The safety of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be ensured at all times. This protection is crucial to maintaining public order and preventing violence during demonstrations.

“The federal government must unequivocally commit, both in its rhetoric and actions, to preventing any recurrence of the violent repression of peaceful protesters by security agencies as witnessed during the last June 12 protests. The government and security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to protest without fear of violence or retribution.

“Governors and all politicians must respect citizens’ rights. Declaring states as off-limits for protests undermines citizens’ constitutional rights and betrays the duty to address the genuine grievances driving these demonstrations. Such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”

ActionAid Nigeria also appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and order during their demonstrations, noting that: “Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for change, and it is essential that they remain non-violent to convey their message effectively and avoid unnecessary harm or destruction.

“We also enjoin citizens and politicians inclined to form anti-protest groups must be reminded to respect the rights of their fellow Nigerians to peaceful assembly, and any violations of these rights must be met with the full extent of the law.”

ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance

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Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks

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Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has cautioned against provoking armed groups in Katsina State after a peace deal was struck between terrorists and residents of Faskari Local Government Area.
 
The comments come amid recent peace meeting held on Sunday in Faskari between residents, local traditional leaders, and a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, alongside dozens of armed herders.
 
Recall that a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, earlier declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, had reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.
 
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, in a post on his X handle on Sunday disclosed that Garwa turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi warned that any attempt to attack the armed groups could reignite violence in the state.
 
“Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance,” Gumi wrote.

Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks

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Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe

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Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Yobe has launched a manhunt for one Bello Manu of Chirawa village in Bade Local Government Area, who allegedly stabbed a woman to death on suspicion of witchcraft.

Sources said that on Sept. 13 at about 1520hrs, the police received a report from one resident of Chirawa village that Manu accused one Aisha Umaru, aged 40, of bewitching his son.

“Based on the suspicion, the suspect used a knife to stab the woman on the chest, inflicting severe injuries.

“The victim was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gashua, where a medical doctor confirmed her dead. After an autopsy, the corpse was released to her parents for burial,”said the sources.

The sources further disclosed that the suspect fled immediately after committing the crime, adding that police operatives had intensified efforts to track him down and ensure he faced justice.

The security sources urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands, and to promptly report suspicions or grievances to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.

Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe

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Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one

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Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed bandits ambushed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along Yantumaki–Danmusa road on Friday.

The incident occurred at Dafa village at about 5 p.m., leaving one officer, CCA Adamu Abdullah, 37, dead.

Four other NSCDC personnel sustained injuries in the attack. They include DSC Abdullah Usman, 40, ASC Dikko Sabiu, 42, ASC Haruna Bello, 35, and CCA Kabir Dalhatu, 29.

Sources said the victims were attached to Operation Sharan Daji and were on transit when the bandits struck.

On receiving the report, security personnel from Danmusa mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated to General Hospital, Dutsinma, for treatment, while their Hilux vehicle was recovered.

Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one

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