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Abduction of PMO: Gubio Chairman caution against playing politics with Innocent lives

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Abduction of PMO: Gubio Chairman caution against playing politics with Innocent lives

Abduction of PMO: Gubio Chairman caution against playing politics with Innocent lives

By: Our Reporter

Following the abduction of Dr Gaidam Bulama, the only existing Principal Medical Officer, PMO and medical Doctor at Gubio General Hospital by suspected members of Boko Haram/ ISWAP group, the Executive Chairman of Gubio Local government Council in Borno state, Hon Bukar Sulum Zowo has called on some of his opponents to desist from playing politics with peoples’ lives, as the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum is doing everything possible to ensure lasting peace is restored back to Gubio and the state at large.

Recall that armed insurgents invaded the residence of Dr Bulama situated in the heart of the town last Wednesday at about 2am and kidnapped the victim in the presence of his wife and children without confrontation, a situation that some residents including one who gave his name as Mohammed Usman Shettima condemned the act and attributed it to lack of proper attention and support given to security operatives, men of Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF/ hunters/Vigilantes by the present administration of the Executive Chairman, Hon Zowo.

However, the Chairman while addressing Journalists in Maiduguri at the weekend sympathized with the families of Dr Bulama and solicited prayers and support from all and sundry towards rescuing the PMO and all those who were in captivity of Boko Haram/ISWAP.

Zowo also stated that the Council under his leadership is collaborating, and leaving no stone unturned with security agencies as well as other volunteers to ensure safe return of the Medical Doctor.

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He noted that, before he assumed office, the issue of Boko Haram attacks, killings, abduction and destruction of property was at a higher rate in Gubio, where 70 lives were lost in a single attack, including the killing of the CJTF chairman, Secretary, with an accounting Officer at Local Education Authority, LEA.

He however said, since he assumed office, Gubio town and its environs has been living peacefully in the last two years, if not because of the recent incident that led to the kidnap of Dr Bulama.

The Chairman further said, with support from Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the council provides diesel, Premium Motor Spirit/petrol and incentives to security agencies on monthly basis, which CJTF and Vigilantes got their shares directly from the security operatives.

He therefore expressed regret that one Mohammed Usman Shettima who claimed to be concerned resident of Gubio refused to make his full identity known, or which District/Ward he represent in Gubio, but only to come out in the media and wrongly castigate or make unsubstantiated claims against the present administration that ‘it has failed in providing logistical support to men of CJTF/Vigilantes complementing efforts of troops in Gubio’.

“On behalf of Government and people of Gubio, i want to sympathize with the families of Dr Gaidam Bulama who was abducted last Wednesday at his residence by terrorists who invaded the town, I want to reassure that Government and security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safe return of our only existing PMO.

“I want to call on some of my opponents to join hands with me to move Gubio forward, and to desist from playing politics with peoples’ lives, as the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum is doing everything possible to ensure lasting peace is restored back to Gubio and the state at large.

“The issue of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks did not started in the last two years when I assumed office, it is on record that killings, abduction and destruction of property was at a higher rate in Gubio before I became the elected Chairman, and so, it is very unfortunate that some people were making unsubstantiated claims in the main stream and social media that we are not doing enough to safeguard lives and property in Gubio, this is a sabotage, but we will never derailed in our quest to better the lives of our citizenry.

“With the unflinching support from Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the council will continue to provide diesel, Premium Motor Spirit/petrol and incentives to security agencies on monthly basis, which CJTF and Vigilantes got their shares directly from the security operatives to defeat insurgents.” Hon Zowo stated.

Abduction of PMO: Gubio Chairman caution against playing politics with Innocent lives

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News

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

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By: Michael Mike

The National Human Right Commission has urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.

The advised was given on Monday in Abuja, following Twarnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by Civil Society Organisations.

Speaking at a press conference, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the Federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.

Ojukwu asked the Federal Government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warmed against any form of barriers during the protest.

He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.

He said: “We call on the federal and state government to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.”
He also added that both federal and state government and their institutions are obliged to facilitate peaceful assemblies.

“This includes ensuring safety, providing necessary infrastructure, and taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures.

“Government must put in place effective Accountability Mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests. This includes investigating incidents where excessive force was used or where protesters were unlawfully detained.

“Government must deploy its apparatus for the protection of private and public properties as well as the lives of protesters and non-protesters before, during and after the protests.”

He insisted that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at national level.

He noted that “In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.

“Furthermore, article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.

“The right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone stone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting the values of democracy and good governance. Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfactions and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”

He stressed that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Human Rights Council have put in place a set of principles which should guide the promotion and protection of the right to peaceful assembly.

The principles he said include: “Non-discrimination: All individuals should be able to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly without discrimination based on race, gender, political affiliation, or any other status.

“Legitimate Restrictions: While freedom of association and assembly is fundamental, it can be subject to restrictions. However, such restrictions must be lawful, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the aim pursued. This means that any limitations imposed by Nigerian authorities must not infringe upon the essence of these rights.

“Protection from Violence: The state has an obligation to protect individuals exercising their rights from violence or intimidation by third parties. This includes ensuring that protests can occur without fear of repression, prosecution or violent backlash.

“Notification Requirements: Requirements for pre-notification of law enforcement should not serve as barriers but rather facilitate peaceful protests. Notification requirement should not be burdensome and not hinder the exercise of this right.

“Use of Force: Any use of force by law enforcement during protests must adhere strictly to principles of necessity and proportionality. Excessive use of force against protesters, including shooting or the deployment of tear gas is a violation of human rights and dignity.”

He said: “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
“Avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, this is detrimental to nation building, the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to our development.

“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.

“Refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.
“Respect the rights of others, including those who may hold differing opinions, that is the beauty of democracy.

“Ensure that your actions do not infringe on the rights of non-protesters, as everybody must not be on the street protesting.

He promised that the NHRC will be monitoring the protests across Nigeria and will ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protests and other associated human rights will be held accountable.

For the security operatives, Ojukwu urged them to “Respect the rights of protesters to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and other Regional and International Instruments that Nigeria is a Party to.

“Avoid excessive force and ensure proportionate response to situations, do no harm and do not force the protesters to react in a manner that is riotious.
“Protect journalists and media personnel from harassment, allow them to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government and as enshrined in the constitution.

“Facilitate dialogue between protesters and relevant stakeholders, this will rather assist you in discharging your role seamlessly, do not look at them as your enemies.
“Ensure that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with the law and not because you merely want to deal with people.

“Provide necessary assistance and support to vulnerable individuals, do not overlook any opportunity to render help.”

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

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Military

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with hybrid forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), nutrialised eight Boko Haram terrorists when it raided the terrorists enclaves in Bula Marwa in Bama Local Government area.

It was gathered that the troops recorded the feats on July 28, 2024, when it made contact with the terrorists and neutralized eight of them ahead of Siraja village, forcing others to flee.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops subsequently exploited the general area but made no further contact.

The sources said that the operation resulted in the recovery of one Anti-Government Launcher (AGL) and one MK 4 rifle, as well as a bag containing a pair of desert camouflage uniforms and other terrorist uniforms.

Nigerian Troops eliminate 8 Boko Haram Terrorists in Raid in enclaves

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Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

By: Zagazola Makama

A joint operation between the troops of 21 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit substances destined for Boko Haram Terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that acting on intelligence, the joint team launched a swift and decisive operation to disrupt the supply of illicit substances to the terrorist groups.

The operation, which was carried out following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of 163 bags of the substance, equivalent to 2.5 tons in a warehouse in Konduga.

The suspected illicit substances, known as “Goom” or “Akusukura”, is a deadly psychoactive substance that represents a serious threat to public health and poses a challenge for drug policy.

The substance, which is of different varieties, is used in both liquid and powdered form by people who mostly seek to raise their levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body, or put it in simple terms, get high.

The recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA team leader, and the area was cordoned off by the military.

The operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and the commitment of the military and NDLEA to keeping Nigeria safe.

Joint Military-NDLEA Operation Seizes 2.5 tonnes of Illicit Substances Bound for Terrorist Groups

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