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ActionAid Comments on COP28
ActionAid Comments on COP28
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid welcomes the operationalisation of the Loss and damage fund at COP28 as an imperfect but important first step toward addressing climate impacts, Teresa Anderson, ActionAid International’s Climate Justice Global Lead, said.
“After 28 rounds of climate talks, the world’s governments have finally agreed to help people whose lives have been devastated by climate disasters. It’s a small ask. But a big moment. With the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, the world is finally saying “We are in this together”.
“For the communities being pushed deeper into poverty with every disaster that destroys their homes and floods their crops, this moment in Dubai offers hope.”
“The UAE’s contribution of USD100 million is welcome, both for its solid cash and for the pressure it puts on the world’s biggest polluters to also step up and recognise their responsibility for decades of pollution.
“So far the contributions from rich countries have been far less than their fair share, considering they have been polluting for decades.”
“Today’s agreement is an important step but still very much the bare minimum, the story doesn’t end here. Today’s funding announcements have got the ball rolling, and we still need to see more rich countries making real announcements here at COP, to really fill the Fund. And with climate disasters likely to escalate year on year, the need for Loss and Damage Fund financing will only continue to grow. The good news is, we have the means to help if we have the will.”
Brandon Wu, ActionAid USA’s Director of Policy and Campaigns and a civil society observer at the Loss & Damage Transitional Committee meetings this year, said: “This is an imperfect but important step towards filling the massive gap of support that communities in developing countries need to recover and rebuild from climate impacts. The Loss & Damage Fund has some deep flaws because of developed countries prioritizing their own agendas over the needs of impacted communities in poorer countries, even as those same developed countries appear reluctant to put in money at the scale that is needed. The struggle will continue beyond COP28 as the specifics of the Fund must be implemented in a way that is as responsive and accountable to communities as possible, and rich countries must pay up to fix what they have broken.”
“In addition, the conditions that the World Bank accepted in order to host the Loss & Damage Fund show that the Bank is not a fit-for-purpose host institution. However, now that the World Bank has become the agreed host – over strident civil society objections – it must quickly demonstrate that it can meet these conditions, many of which may require significant policy changes within the Bank’s ponderous bureaucracy. We will be watching very carefully to ensure the needed reforms happen promptly. If they do not, the L&D Fund must be moved out of the World Bank immediately.
End
ActionAid Comments on COP28
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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