News
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
By: Michael Mike
In a landmark move to promote gender justice and human dignity, His Royal Highness, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Kingdom, has issued a binding public declaration abolishing all forms of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices within the Uyo community.
The declaration was made on 8th May 2025, follows months of in-depth consultations with elders, youth leaders, religious figures, women’s groups, and the broader community. In collaboration with the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and UN Women, with funding from Ford Foundation, the initiative reflects a unified stand against practices that have long endangered the rights and well-being of women and girls.
According to His Royal Highness
Effective immediately, the following practices are abolished within the State:
Wife battery and all forms of domestic violence; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Denial of inheritance rights to widows and other forms of economic disempowerment; Sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation
His Royal Highness emphasised that any individual found promoting, practising, or defending these outlawed acts will face both traditional and legal consequences, as such behaviour stands against the values of justice, equity, and the collective conscience of the Uyo people.
“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity,” stated His Royal Highness Edidem Okon.
Represented by the National Programmes Officer for UN Women, Ms Patience Ekeoba, the Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Beatrice Eyong, applauded the paramount ruler and traditional council for this bold step, stating that traditional and religious actors should challenge harmful practices that directly or indirectly accommodate violence against women and girls.
A statement by UN Women, stated that moving forward, Uyo Kingdom will partner with the Government of Akwa Ibom State, WARIF, UN Women, and other stakeholders to implement community-based guidelines, launch education and awareness campaigns, support survivors, and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure the declaration is fully realised.
The statement said the historic declaration positions Uyo Kingdom as a beacon of progress in the region and reaffirms the community’s united stand to protect and empower every woman and girl.
Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women
Dismissed soldier surrenders to police over murder case in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A dismissed soldier, Yemisi Poroye, who is the principal suspect in a conspiracy and murder case reported earlier on June 25 has surrendered to the Police in Ogun state.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect turned himself in at about 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, following intensified police efforts to track him down.
The sources said that three other suspects earlier arrested in connection with the case, along with relevant exhibits, had already been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Abeokuta, for discreet investigation.
The sources added that the circumstances surrounding the murder and the dismissed soldier’s alleged role are currently under investigation.
Dismissed soldier surrenders to police over murder case in Ogun
Troops repel coordinated attacks on three Plateau communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) along with other security forces, successfully repelled coordinated attacks on three communities in Riyom Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama report that the affected communities Rim, Angwan Wereng, and Cum came under attack between 10:50 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. on Thursday night.
The troops responded promptly to distress calls and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area.
“On receipt of the information, army troops and other sister security agencies moved swiftly to the scenes and repelled the attackers,”said the sources.
No official casualties were confirmed as of the time of this report, but the situation is said to be under control while normalcy has returned to the affected areas.
Troops repel coordinated attacks on three Plateau communities
Gunmen abduct Fulani leader in Kogi, injure wife and son
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have abducted a Fulani community leader, Mallam Iliyasu, during a midnight attack on his residence at the Fulani Camp in Shagari Village, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident, which occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Thursday, also left two of his family members his wife and his son, Abdulsalam with gunshot wounds to the arm and leg, respectively.
The sources said the attackers stormed the home, fired several shots into the air, and forcefully took the community leader to an unknown destination. The assailants also reportedly injured the victims while trying to resist the abduction.
Both injured victims were taken to Ashafa Hospital for medical attention, where they are said to be responding to treatment.
Seventeen expended AK-47 ammunition shells were recovered from the scene of the attack by security forces.
A relative of the abducted victim, Alhaji Ahmadu Yusuf, confirmed the incident and appealed for urgent intervention to secure his release.
Gunmen abduct Fulani leader in Kogi, injure wife and son
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Dismissed soldier surrenders to police over murder case in Ogun
Troops repel coordinated attacks on three Plateau communities
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