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ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar

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ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has warned that the grim period is not yet over in the country, stating that poverty levels are projected to soar.

A statement signed by the Chair, Board of Directors, ActionAid Nigeria, Jummai Umar Ajijola at the weekend after a Review of the State of the Nation, said: “ActionAid Nigeria’s Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive review of the state of the nation during its 52nd meeting and highlighted critical issues affecting the Nation.

“The Board of Directors recognises that Nigeria is grappling with one of its most challenging periods in recent history. The period between December 2023 and March 2024 has been characterised by soaring inflation rates, fluctuating foreign exchange regime, escalating security challenges, electricity shutdown and power failures, and pervasive corruption in all tiers of government, culminating in a dire state of the economy and cost-of-living crisis. Nigeria’s current situation is seemingly grim and poverty levels are projected to soar.

It however recommended that: “The federal government must now take bold and decisive measures to combat the rampant inflation, particularly the soaring food prices, by swiftly implementing robust monetary and fiscal policies. It must also reevaluate subsidy policies on essential commodities like gasoline and electricity to mitigate the adverse impact on the cost of living and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Now is the time for a thorough review of budget allocations to ensure sufficient funding of critical sectors such as health, agriculture, security, and education, while minimising expenditures on debt servicing and expanding and strengthening social welfare programmes.

“Given the increase in the interest rate to 24.75% by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), we urge the Federal Government and CBN to take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects of the increased interest rates on small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), particularly by providing alternative funding sources or financial support schemes for SMEs to access affordable loans.

“In the light of the alarming trend of mass kidnappings, particularly targeting students, internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as ordinary citizens and health workers, with ransom demands reaching into the millions of naira, we demand that the federal and state governments allocate substantial resources and manpower to bolster security forces and intelligence capabilities. We urge security agencies to mobilise all available resources, enhance coordination between different levels of law enforcement, conduct thorough investigations to apprehend all individuals involved in kidnapping operations, and prioritise the safety and security of communities, schools, roads and IDP camps through increased surveillance and patrols.

“The Board of Directors strongly condemns the alarming allegations of budget padding and the mismanagement of public funds as reported within the Senate. The allegations of corrupt practices within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, involving the two immediate former Ministers, are also appalling. We enjoin all CSOs and Nigerians to join us in reminding and calling out lawmakers and public officers that the welfare and interest of the Nigerian populace supersede their personal agendas. Any endeavors aimed at circumventing this principle or diverting public funds for personal gains warrant prompt and resolute intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“While we applaud the recent anti-corruption efforts of the EFCC, we find the reported actions of some lawmakers and government appointees deeply concerning. Therefore, we ask that the EFCC and ICPC expedite their inquiries into these matters, ensuring that all individuals found culpable are held fully accountable under the law. The judiciary must also expedite legal proceedings and administer fair and impartial judgments in  corruption cases and abuse of office without delay to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated in our society.”

The ActionAid Nigeria’s Board applauded the deliberate steps being taken by government to guarantee the independence of the  judiciary with the appointment, confirmation and swearing in of 11 new justices of the Supreme Court, while praising the recent new salary structure put in place for  judicial officers, with the hope that it would enhance the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

It also applauded the Federal Government for the recent appreciation of the Naira, noting that the significant appreciation of the Nigerian Naira against the US dollar reflects the success of collaborative efforts and strategic interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize and strengthen our national currency, calling for the continued support and adherence to sound monetary policies, transparency, and accountability in the financial sector to sustain this progress.

It stated that the recurrent breakdowns of the national power grid, coupled with the recent approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs for customers are unacceptable, noting that the elimination of electricity subsidies will significantly compound the hardships endured by ordinary Nigerians, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and investors, it demands that the Federal Government conduct comprehensive reforms within the energy sector to address the persistent challenges faced by Nigerians, thereby enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution capacities to mitigate power shortages.

It said: “We are also demanding a thorough review of energy subsidy policies to ensure efficiency and equitable distribution of resources, taking into account the impact on low-income households and the broader economy.”

It however commended the readiness to implement the Orosanye report and white paper; but insisted that President Tinubu’s administration ensures it follows through with the implementation of the recommendations in the report and the white paper, stressing that: “This is particularly critical given the President’s overload with 47 Ministers and hundreds of aides, all benefiting from the nation’s resources. The Federal Government must demonstrate commitment to cutting down on  executive profligacy and the people must be more proactive in holding their representatives in the National Assembly accountable for their financial recklessness.”

The Board of Directors condemned in strong terms the ambush and killing of 17 military personnel in Okouma, Delta state and ,demands swift and thorough action to bring the perpetrators of the ambush and murder to justice. It called on the Nigerian security forces to intensify their efforts in apprehending those responsible and ensure that they face the full weight of the law, but however stated that in doing this “we enjoin the military to operate within the ambits of the law and respect the rights of the people. Community leaders and residents are implored to assist in these efforts by providing any relevant information they may have and promote peace and dialogue within their communities.”

It urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to amplify their voices and advocate more for accountability, transparency, and social justice in response to the pressing issues in the nation.

ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar

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Zulum hits the ground running on Insecurity, vows to complete Ongoing Projects before leaving office

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Zulum hits the ground running on Insecurity, vows to complete Ongoing Projects before leaving office

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the remaining security challenges in the state.

The Governor made this pledge yesterday during the first regular State Executive Council meeting of the year, 2026, held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri.

Addressing members of the cabinet and top government officials before the start of the meeting, Governor Zulum emphasised that 2026 would be a year of consolidation.

He noted that while relative peace has been restored in many parts of the state, the government will not relent in providing the needed security in all parts of Borno.

Beyond the security interventions, Zulum also explained that Government will focus on the resettlement of internally displaced persons by investing in medium- and long-term durable solutions to challenges on the ground.

He noted that his government will also ensure the timely completion of all ongoing developmental projects across the three senatorial zones of the state to cushion the dividends of democracy desirable for the people.

He added that his administration will strengthen the social protection net of residents stating that “social protection remains central to our agenda as we rebuild Borno for a better future.

” While we shall not relent in providing social amenities to the great people of the state, the need to provide social protection to our people cannot be overemphasised.” said Zulum.

The meeting was attended by Commissioners, the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of State, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, and other members of the executive council.

Borno state governments have spent over 16 years of their developmental years battling insurgency which has tremendously slowed down the entire machinery of social engineering which should have taken the state to a very high level of stability if there was no security Challenges on ground.

Zulum hits the ground running on Insecurity, vows to complete Ongoing Projects before leaving office

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Rev. Dachomo accuses of Trump bias, vows to go to War

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Rev. Dachomo accuses of Trump bias, vows to go to War

By: Zagazola Makama

The outspoken Christian cleric in Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo has called for ‘WAR’ in the state and also blamed President Donald Trump for bias in deploying United States security asserts in the campaign against the genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

In a footage circulating on social media, the cleric who is the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, made the call while addressing mourners at the burial of seven persons killed in a reprisal attack at Dorowa Babuje village in the local government.

“Rev. Dachoma was also heard declaring that residents would no longer “run away,” adding that if there was to be a “full-blown war,” they were prepared to defend themselves.

“We are not going to run away, if there will be full blown WAR it will start from today to the day that the God has placed for us. Let them continue to gather, we have chosen to die than to remain burying our brothers.

“My fellow brothers and sisters i am rounding this message so that we can go back and stay and go for war, since the Fulani said we will not rest in plateau, they are not afraid of the security from today we will not be afraid of the security.

The cleric further blamed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Sultan of Sokoto of alleged bias in security arrangements affecting Plateau State and other Christian-dominated communities in Nigeria, saying, “

In a video circulating online, the cleric questioned the deployment of U.S military in muslims dominated northern regions and alleged neglect of Christian communities.

“We have chosen to die rather than continue burying our brothers,” he said, while calling on community members to remain resolute.

“When I invited Trump to Nigeria to come and help us, when Trump responded, their blueprint was that none of the soldiers of the United States should come to Plateau State,” he said.
“They directed their attention to Sokoto, where the Muslim-dominant area the Muslims are enjoying the coming of Trump.”

He continued: “If I were allowed to say Trump is in Nigeria to protect the Muslims… another batch is in Maiduguri, another batch were deployed in Kaduna and Bauchi. In Kwara, no batch is there. Rev. Dachomo further alleged that Christian communities were being neglected, stating: “The Yorubas were allowed to be killed like chicken. Benue, no army is there.”

He also made allegations against the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him sabotaging deployment of US forces.

“Why is it that he did not allow the American soldiers to come to Plateau State? They cornered them to please his people.”

The cleric alleged that insurgents who fled military operations elsewhere had relocated to Plateau communities. The insurgents that escaped from Sambisa and from Sokoto are right here in Manda, in Fars, in Okolindiri, Lingerie,” he claimed.

“It is from Lingerie that they came and killed those people, because the real training ground of terrorists is Lingerie.”

Rev. Dachomo also referenced the Sultan in his remarks, alleging what he described as a broader agenda against Christians. “That is Sultan road map to wipe out Plateau Christians and other Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

Despite his strong accusations, the cleric acknowledged the efforts of local security operatives in preventing greater casualties during the recent attack.

“This could have been more than 100 corpses, but God used the security to give us enough protection when they saw the security move quickly,” he said.

Also, Barrister Solomon, President of the Berom Youths, was also heard in a related video expressing the same threat against the existence of Fulani in plateau state. “We can no longer guarantee peace and security on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”he said.

Solomon declared that the Fulani should awaits their response. “Fulani you have taken credit, Fulani You have taken credits,”he said.

Meanwhile, in a subsequent clip, however, he appeared to temper his earlier tone, saying: “Even some security have tagged me for the comments we made yesterday. My life is not more precious than this city. “I will not incite any violence in Plateau, but we deserve to be protected. We deserve it.”he said.

“I’m using this opportunity to call on our people let’s remain calm. Let’s continue as law-abiding citizens. We are not praying for similar things to happen. We are not at war with anybody.”

“The hausa of the Yoruba, the Igbos, and any other person that comes to Plateau should have it at the back of his mind that he will settle peacefully.”

“A Plateau man has never been known for any act of terrorism. But the Fulani have declared war on us, and it is so unfortunate that some people are falling victims of circumstance.”

He also appealed to federal authorities, stating:
“We are calling on Mr. President and the security governor. Please sir, since having security in our domain cannot guarantee our safety, why will it not be relocated to where the bandits are settled? So we will then know when they will come to attack us.”

Zagazola Makama report that Plateau State has witnessed recurring communal and banditry-related violence over the years, with security agencies continuing operations to curb attacks in vulnerable communities.

Rev. Dachomo accuses of Trump bias, vows to go to War

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Forensic Team Exhumes 105 Bodies in Probe of 2025 Yelwata Killings

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Forensic Team Exhumes 105 Bodies in Probe of 2025 Yelwata Killings

By: Zagazola Makama

A team of federal medical pathologists has exhumed 105 bodies from mass graves in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, as part of ongoing investigations into the June 13, 2025 attack on the area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Prof. Saad Ahmed from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abuja, arrived in Yelwata on Feb. 23, 2026, alongside operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abuja.

The sources said the delegation included members of the Presidential Medical Delegation and worked in collaboration with officials of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

According to the sources, locations of the graves were identified on the same day under adequate security provided by the Benue State Police Command.

The exhumation exercise commenced on Feb. 24, during which seven bodies were recovered.

The team continued the exercise on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, exhuming additional remains, bringing the total number of corpses recovered to 105 from 13 mass graves located in and around Yelwata community.

The exercise was concluded on Feb. 26.

Police sources said the exhumation was conducted to facilitate forensic inquests and strengthen evidence in the ongoing prosecution of suspects linked to the killings.

“Seven corpses were initially exhumed by the IRT-led federal investigators for inquest. The exercise continued and further development will be communicated,” a security source said.

The deployment of forensic experts followed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on Feb. 2, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in connection with the Yelwata attack.

The court had emphasised the importance of forensic evidence to ensure a fair trial and proper determination of culpability.

Security officials said adequate measures were put in place to ensure the exercise was conducted peacefully and without disruption.

The June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata community reportedly resulted in the deaths of several residents and displaced many others, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had earlier commenced prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

Authorities said further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.

Forensic Team Exhumes 105 Bodies in Probe of 2025 Yelwata Killings

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