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Banditry: Over 11,500 people fled into Niger Republic last month, says UNHCR
Banditry: Over 11,500 people fled into Niger Republic last month, says UNHCR
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has lamented that repeated attacks in Nigeria have forced over 11,500 people to flee into Niger in November.
The UN Refugee Agency, said armed groups, locally called “bandits,” have repeatedly attacked villages in Sokoto State in Nigeria’s Northwest in recent weeks, insisting that the violence comes against the backdrop of intercommunal clashes between farmers and herders as competition increases for dwindling resources, aggravated by the climate crisis.
UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov said: “We are deeply concerned by the surging violence in Northwest Nigeria and call for concerted and massive support to address the growing humanitarian needs of the affected population, ranging from protection services to food, shelter kits, kitchen utensils, blankets and other non-food items.
He lamented that most of the November arrivals have taken shelter with local communities in 26 villages across Bangui, a rural community in Niger’s Tahoua region which was already hosting 3,500 Nigerian refugees since September, adding that women and children make up the majority of the recent arrivals and describe killings, kidnappings for ransom, and the looting of their villages as the reason they fled.
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Cheshirkov said in coordination with Nigerien authorities, UNHCR is registering new arrivals, providing emergency assistance, and identifying the most vulnerable. “But the need for shelter, food, water, and healthcare is rising rapidly.
We are also strengthening local health and education infrastructure in Bangui, including building latrines for 12 schools, and water access for six others. The main health centre in Bangui will be connected to water and electricity and five smaller health centres will be provided with staff.
He said Niger now hosts more than 200,000 Nigerian refugees, including more than 57,000 refugees from Northwest Nigeria in Maradi region and 15,000 in Tahoua region.
He said UNHCR commends Niger as an example of solidarity and generosity in a region grappling with escalating crises. It has given shelter to 600,000 refugees and internally displaced people, despite violence at its border regions, economic hardship, social challenges, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also lamented that the Central Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are at the epicentre of one of the world’s fastest-growing displacement and protection crises. More than 900,000 refugees and nearly 2.5 million internally displaced people are hosted in the region.
UNHCR however urged the international community to step up efforts and expand support to Sahel states beyond security and renewed its urgent call on warring parties in the Sahel to end the violence affecting civilians.
He decried that in Niger, humanitarian efforts to respond to the emergency are dangerously overstretched. UNHCR’s operation, which requires US$110.7 million for 2021 is 64 per cent funded, stressing that continued and increasing support is needed for UNHCR to continue providing life-saving assistance.
Banditry: Over 11,500 people fled into Niger Republic last month, says UNHCR
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
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
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