National News
Bandits demand N1m each for 55 victims abducted in Niger
Bandits demand N1m each for 55 victims abducted in Niger
By: Our Reporter
Two weeks after abducting over 55 people from Zagzaga community in Munya Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, in North Central Nigeria, Bandits have rejected the sum of N5 million offered to them by the community for the release of their loved ones.
The armed bandits struck in a midnight raid on Monday, November 22, 2021, and abducted about 55 people from the community, including nursing mothers and their children. Two people were also killed on the night.
The bandits had earlier demanded N150 million for the release of their victims.
However, a source close to Zagzaga told Newsmenon phone, yesterday, that the community contributed N5 million and offered it to the bandits, but was rejected, insisting that the community must pay N1 million for each victim, including children.
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“The community contributed N5 million which we offered to them, but they told us that the amount is too small. They said the only help they can offer to the community is for us to pay N1 million for each person, and we have over 55 people with them.
“That is where we are at the moment, and they said they will not come down below that amount. We spoke to them last Saturday morning.”
Our source added: “The community is helpless because this incident happened, nobody has come to the community to even identify with us. We have been abandoned to our faith and that is why we have to negotiate with the bandits.
“Women and children are in the bush under this harsh condition without food and enough water. The entire community has been traumatised since this incident happened.”
He disclosed that no fewer than eight people, four women and four men have escaped from captivity in the last one week, and have relocated from the community.
The Zagzaga community has remained without security since April this year, when the military closed down its camp in the community after armed bandits numbering about 70 invaded the camp and killed the RSM and injured others.
The military camp was established in 2018, after incessant attacks on the community by bandits.
Ever since the military shot down its camp, there has never been any security presence in the area as the people continue to rely on God and the little help from the ill-equipped local vigilantes to provide security.
Although the community has a police outpost with two personnel, there is no accommodation for them to be used as offices. They are also said to be ill-equipped.
Bandits demand N1m each for 55 victims abducted in Niger
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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