National News
Genocide: Guterres Asks for United Global Action to Stem Growing Tide of Hate Speech

Genocide: Guterres Asks for United Global Action to Stem Growing Tide of Hate Speech
… Rwandan Envoy Insists Only Global Cooperation Can Prevent Recurrence of Another “1994 Genocide in Rwanda”
By: Michael Mike
The Secretary General of United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres has called for global action to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability in order to stop the repeat of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Guterres, in his speech on the commemoration of 31 years since the genocide in Rwanda, read by the United Nations (UN) Women Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong
said: “Today we mourn the one million children, women and men slaughtered in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“This appalling chapter in human history was not a spontaneous frenzy of horrendous violence. It was intentional, premeditated and planned — including through hate speech that inflamed division, and spread lies and dehumanization. The overwhelming majority of victims were Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide.

“As we recall how these crimes came about, we must also reflect on resonance with our own times. These are days of division. The narrative of “us” versus “them” is ascendant, polarizing societies. Digital technologies are being weaponized to further inflame hate, stoke division, and spread lies.
“We must learn from the terrible history of the genocide in Rwanda, and act to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability.
I urge all States to deliver on commitments made in the Global Digital Compact to tackle online falsehoods and hate, to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to become parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide without delay.
“On this day of remembrance, let’s commit to be vigilant and to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all – in honour of all the victims, and survivors of the genocide in Rwanda.”

At the marking of the 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in Abuja Nigeria on Monday, the Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo called for global cooperation in combating genocide ideology to prevent the recurrence of atrocities similar to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
At the event organised in partnership with the Nigerian government and the United Nations in Nigeria, which brought together individuals from various sectors and emphasized the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” Bazivamo stressed that Kwibuka is not merely a time for remembrance, but a global call to confront historical truths, challenge genocide denial, and uphold the dignity of the victims.
He said we are here to reflect on the past, strengthen our unity, and renew our commitment to a future free from genocide, guided by the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,”.
The envoy said: “Kwibuka, a Kinyarwanda word meaning to remember, is far more than a ritual of memory. It is a national and global call to confront historical truth, uphold dignity, and fight genocide denial and revisionism.
“It is a time when Rwanda stands not in isolation, but with the world — with our brothers and sisters across Africa, and with friends here in Nigeria — to reaffirm that Never Again must be more than a slogan. It must be a guiding principle.”
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of genocide survivors, many of whom have transformed their suffering into a force for positive change, particularly through initiatives like the Gacaca courts and Rwanda’s national reconciliation programme.
He explained that: “Despite the enormity of this challenge, Rwanda’s Government of National Unity led by H.E. Paul Kagame made a deliberate choice to prioritize reconciliation.
“The concept of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” (I am Rwandan) became central to the rebuilding process. It emphasized a collective identity above ethnic lines, urging all Rwandans to see themselves as one people, united in their shared history and future. This spirit of unity formed the bedrock upon which Rwanda began its journey of healing and rebuilding.
“This journey has not been easy. We are grateful for the efforts of survivors, who have transformed their pain into an impetus for healing and positive change.”
Although significant progress has been made in Rwanda’s recovery, the High Commissioner noted that challenges persist, particularly with ongoing regional security issues.

He lamented that genocidal forces remain active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while expressing concern over the rise of hate speech and propaganda, warning that the rhetoric seen in the lead-up to the 1994 genocide was resurfacing in the region.
Bazivamo also highlighted the international community’s limited response to these concerns, urging nations to collaborate in the fight against genocide ideology.
He said: “Today, we are witnessing alarming hate speeches, dehumanizing propaganda, and calls for extermination—similar to the language used before 1994 in Rwanda. Thousands have been displaced, and yet, the international response remains dangerously muted.
“We must not forget that Rwanda warned the world once before. The cost of ignoring hate is too great to bear again. This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it demands the urgent and concerted attention of the entire international community.
“This commemoration also compels us to speak with clarity about the role of the international community, whose failure to act in 1994 cost more than one million lives,” he lamented.
He called for a renewed commitment to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150, both of which mandate the prevention of genocide and prosecution of perpetrators.
The envoy condemned genocide denial and revisionism, which continue to undermine Rwanda’s efforts to heal and rebuild.
He however reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to combating genocide ideology both within its borders and globally, stressing the importance of working with international partners, such as Nigeria, to foster a peaceful and prosperous continent.
The High Commissioner added that: “Today, as we observe growing instability in the region, Rwanda calls for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150.
“These instruments impose a moral
and legal obligation on all states to combat genocide ideology, judge or extradite genocide fugitives, and ensure that “Never Again” is not just a slogan, but a commitment.
“We also note with concern the continued support for genocide denial and revisionism in certain quarters and countries.”
He urged attendees to honor the memory of the victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and pledge to prevent genocide ideology from ever taking root again.
Genocide: Guterres Asks for United Global Action to Stem Growing Tide of Hate Speech
National News
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
National News
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
By: Michael Mike
A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.
Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.
Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.
He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.
“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.
“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.
According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.
Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.
He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.
He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.
“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.
“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.
In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.
Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.
He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.
“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.
Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing
National News
VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu

VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu
** Says Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today led other Muslim faithful for the Jana’iza (funeral prayers) of the late elder statesman, renowned medical scholar and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Prof. Jibril Aminu, at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Prof. Aminu, a one-time President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (OPEC), passed on in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
The Vice President, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 pm, commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed Allah to comfort them and make Aljanna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman.

Noting that the late Prof Aminu’s demise is a great loss to the nation, VP Shettima described the late surgeon, educationist and administrator as a man who saw it all, just as he said the deceased was an intellectual giant who can hardly be replaced.
“It is a very sad loss. Prof Jubril Aminu was the last of the great titans, an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation.
“He was variously the Executive Secretary of NUC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Honourable Minister of various ministries across the country and left his landmarks on the sands of time.
“He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the good people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large,” the Vice President prayed.

Born in Song, Adamawa in 1939, Prof. Aminu was a towering figure in Nigerian public life.
The late Consultant Cardiologist served the nation in different capacities, including as Federal Minister of Education and later Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States (1999–2003), and Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011).
He was also President of OPEC in 1991 and President of the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992 while he was Petroleum Minister.
Other mourners who joined the Vice President at the National Mosque in Abuja for the Jana’iza included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo; former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako; former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje; former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, among many others.
VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu
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