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ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

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ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with its state partner, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), South Saharan Social Development Organisation(SSDO) has expressed deep concerns over the increasing security crisis in Abor Isiala, a community in Eha Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The crisis in the area has been reported to have led to massive displacement, loss of lives, destruction of farmlands and homes, and severe human rights violations.

ActionAid Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu called on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to take immediate actions to restore peace and provide urgent relief to affected individuals.

AAN lamented that the latest attack has left at least 30 people dead, over 300 affected forcing them to flee their homes, disrupting livelihoods, education, and social cohesion.

It said the attack, which began in 2022, saw the involvement of armed herdsmen which led to repeated waves of violence, killings, and destruction of farmlands, leaving the community in dire need of urgent intervention.

The statement read: “Specifically, the attacks have resulted in: Displacement of families: Over 7,000 residents have fled to neighboring communities and cities such as Awka, Enugu, Abuja, and Imo, leaving behind their homes and farmlands.

“Education disruption: 1,064 children are currently out of school due to the insecurity, with only 30% of children able to attend school amid fears of further attacks.

“Loss of livelihoods: Farmlands, which are the backbone of the local economy, have been destroyed, pushing many into food insecurity.

“Gender-based violence: Reports confirm cases of rape and assault on women, compounding the suffering of already vulnerable groups.

“Collapse of local infrastructure: Schools, churches, and markets in Ogomugo and Mgbede have been damaged, further crippling the community’s recovery efforts.
Through the Local Rights Programme,”

The statement added that: “ActionAid Nigeria has been actively working in Enugu State since 2021, across 10 communities, including Abor Isiala. Our interventions have focused on empowering local women’s rights organisations, combating harmful socio-cultural practices, addressing gender-based violence, providing educational support to children, and strengthening civic engagement with the government. Unfortunately, due to rising security challenges, our operations were scaled down in 2023 to only Isi-Uzo and Uzo Uwani LGAs.

“We appreciate the government’s effort in deploying police officers to the community. However, their presence was short-lived, as they left after just one day. To truly restore normalcy, we urge the government to deploy more security personnel who are well-equipped and prepared to maintain peace in the affected communities.”

ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that: “The security crisis in Abor Isiala has had devastating consequences on the community, affecting livelihoods, education, and safety. The displacement of over 7,000 residents, the alarming number of out-of-school children, and the destruction of farmlands are indicators of a deepening humanitarian crisis. We call on the government to take decisive actions, including the immediate deployment of well-equipped security forces, investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, emergency humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction of critical infrastructure. Addressing the root causes of this crisis is paramount to ensuring sustainable peace and security for the people of Abor Isiala.”

ActionAid Nigeria joined her voice with other civil society organisations to call on the federal and state governments to take immediate steps to end the crisis by implementing the following actions:

“Immediate deployment of well-equipped and sustained security forces to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among displaced residents; Conduct a thorough investigation to bring perpetrators to justice and break the cycle of impunity; Commence emergency humanitarian assistance with the provision of urgent food, shelter, and medical aid for displaced families, especially women and children; Rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools, homes, and marketplaces to facilitate the return of residents and restore normalcy; Organise dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure lasting peace.”

ActionAid Nigeria further said that: “The security crisis in Abor Isiala is a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate and sustained action from all relevant stakeholders. ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with the affected community members and will continue to advocate for their safety, security, and well-being. The people of Abor Isialacannot continue to live in fear and uncertainty. Immediate and decisive action is required to prevent further loss of lives and safeguard the future of the community.”

ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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