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ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

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ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with its state partner, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), South Saharan Social Development Organisation(SSDO) has expressed deep concerns over the increasing security crisis in Abor Isiala, a community in Eha Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The crisis in the area has been reported to have led to massive displacement, loss of lives, destruction of farmlands and homes, and severe human rights violations.

ActionAid Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu called on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to take immediate actions to restore peace and provide urgent relief to affected individuals.

AAN lamented that the latest attack has left at least 30 people dead, over 300 affected forcing them to flee their homes, disrupting livelihoods, education, and social cohesion.

It said the attack, which began in 2022, saw the involvement of armed herdsmen which led to repeated waves of violence, killings, and destruction of farmlands, leaving the community in dire need of urgent intervention.

The statement read: “Specifically, the attacks have resulted in: Displacement of families: Over 7,000 residents have fled to neighboring communities and cities such as Awka, Enugu, Abuja, and Imo, leaving behind their homes and farmlands.

“Education disruption: 1,064 children are currently out of school due to the insecurity, with only 30% of children able to attend school amid fears of further attacks.

“Loss of livelihoods: Farmlands, which are the backbone of the local economy, have been destroyed, pushing many into food insecurity.

“Gender-based violence: Reports confirm cases of rape and assault on women, compounding the suffering of already vulnerable groups.

“Collapse of local infrastructure: Schools, churches, and markets in Ogomugo and Mgbede have been damaged, further crippling the community’s recovery efforts.
Through the Local Rights Programme,”

The statement added that: “ActionAid Nigeria has been actively working in Enugu State since 2021, across 10 communities, including Abor Isiala. Our interventions have focused on empowering local women’s rights organisations, combating harmful socio-cultural practices, addressing gender-based violence, providing educational support to children, and strengthening civic engagement with the government. Unfortunately, due to rising security challenges, our operations were scaled down in 2023 to only Isi-Uzo and Uzo Uwani LGAs.

“We appreciate the government’s effort in deploying police officers to the community. However, their presence was short-lived, as they left after just one day. To truly restore normalcy, we urge the government to deploy more security personnel who are well-equipped and prepared to maintain peace in the affected communities.”

ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that: “The security crisis in Abor Isiala has had devastating consequences on the community, affecting livelihoods, education, and safety. The displacement of over 7,000 residents, the alarming number of out-of-school children, and the destruction of farmlands are indicators of a deepening humanitarian crisis. We call on the government to take decisive actions, including the immediate deployment of well-equipped security forces, investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, emergency humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction of critical infrastructure. Addressing the root causes of this crisis is paramount to ensuring sustainable peace and security for the people of Abor Isiala.”

ActionAid Nigeria joined her voice with other civil society organisations to call on the federal and state governments to take immediate steps to end the crisis by implementing the following actions:

“Immediate deployment of well-equipped and sustained security forces to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among displaced residents; Conduct a thorough investigation to bring perpetrators to justice and break the cycle of impunity; Commence emergency humanitarian assistance with the provision of urgent food, shelter, and medical aid for displaced families, especially women and children; Rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools, homes, and marketplaces to facilitate the return of residents and restore normalcy; Organise dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure lasting peace.”

ActionAid Nigeria further said that: “The security crisis in Abor Isiala is a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate and sustained action from all relevant stakeholders. ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with the affected community members and will continue to advocate for their safety, security, and well-being. The people of Abor Isialacannot continue to live in fear and uncertainty. Immediate and decisive action is required to prevent further loss of lives and safeguard the future of the community.”

ActionAid Nigeria, Others Call for Urgent Intervention in Abor Isiaka Community’s Security Crisis

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

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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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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

By: Michael Mike

A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.

Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.

Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.

He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.

“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.

“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.

According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.

Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.

He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.

He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.

“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.

“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.

In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.

Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.

He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.

“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu

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VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu

** Says Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima today led other Muslim faithful for the Jana’iza (funeral prayers) of the late elder statesman, renowned medical scholar and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Prof. Jibril Aminu, at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Prof. Aminu, a one-time President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (OPEC), passed on in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness.

The Vice President, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 pm, commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed Allah to comfort them and make Aljanna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman.

Noting that the late Prof Aminu’s demise is a great loss to the nation, VP Shettima described the late surgeon, educationist and administrator as a man who saw it all, just as he said the deceased was an intellectual giant who can hardly be replaced.

“It is a very sad loss. Prof Jubril Aminu was the last of the great titans, an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation.

“He was variously the Executive Secretary of NUC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Honourable Minister of various ministries across the country and left his landmarks on the sands of time.

“He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the good people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large,” the Vice President prayed.

Born in Song, Adamawa in 1939, Prof. Aminu was a towering figure in Nigerian public life.

The late Consultant Cardiologist served the nation in different capacities, including as Federal Minister of Education and later Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States (1999–2003), and Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011).

He was also President of OPEC in 1991 and President of the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992 while he was Petroleum Minister.

Other mourners who joined the Vice President at the National Mosque in Abuja for the Jana’iza included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo; former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako; former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje; former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, among many others.

VP Shettima Leads Mourners At Funeral Prayers For Late Prof. Jibril Aminu

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