Benin National Guard, OPAA II Conduct Joint Confidence-Building Patrol

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Benin National Guard and Operation OPAA II have conducted a joint night confidence-building patrol across key locations in southern Benin as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public security and reassure residents.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the patrol commenced at about 11:05 p.m. on June 26 and ended at about 2:34 a.m. on June 27.

The joint patrol covered several strategic locations, including Centre Ville, Fidjrossè, Place de l’Amazone, Dantokpa, Atakpa, Bohicon, Jericho, Étoile Rouge and Ouidah, before returning to the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Camp at Togbin.

The operation was aimed at strengthening security presence, fostering public confidence and improving coordination between the participating security forces.

Sources said the patrol was completed without any incident, with no security breaches or untoward occurrences recorded throughout the exercise.

Benin National Guard, OPAA II Conduct Joint Confidence-Building Patrol

IPCR Condemns Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Demands Justice to Safeguard Peace Efforts

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has strongly condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter, Ardo Risku Mohammed, describing the attack as a devastating blow to ongoing efforts aimed at fostering peace, dialogue and harmonious coexistence in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the IPCR said the late MACBAN leader was widely recognised as a tireless advocate of reconciliation and peaceful engagement among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Benue, noting that his death represents not only a personal tragedy but also a serious setback to the state’s fragile peacebuilding process.

The Institute observed that Mohammed had earned widespread respect for his commitment to dialogue and bridge-building at a time when Benue continues to grapple with recurring communal tensions and insecurity.

According to the IPCR, the murder of a prominent peace advocate sends a dangerous signal capable of undermining confidence in dialogue as a pathway to resolving conflicts.

“The Institute believes that individuals who dedicate their lives to promoting peace and building bridges between communities should be protected and encouraged, not subjected to violence. The killing of such a prominent peace actor undermines collective efforts to achieve lasting stability,” the statement said.

While expressing outrage over the incident, the Institute commended security agencies for what it described as their swift response, particularly the reported arrest of about 10 suspects linked to the killing.

It said the prompt action by law enforcement authorities demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the crime are identified and made to face the full weight of the law.

The IPCR, however, stressed that arrests alone would not be sufficient, urging investigating authorities to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation that leaves no stone unturned.

It maintained that everyone directly or indirectly connected to the murder must be brought to justice in accordance with the law, insisting that accountability remains essential to restoring public confidence and strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and security.

The Institute also appealed to community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to remain calm and resist any action capable of escalating tensions or provoking retaliatory attacks.

Reaffirming its mandate as Nigeria’s leading government institution dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, the IPCR pledged to sustain its support for dialogue, mediation and confidence-building initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening social cohesion across the country.

The Institute extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of MACBAN, the people of Benue State and all those affected by the loss, while urging Nigerians to honour Mohammed’s legacy by remaining committed to peace, justice and national unity.

IPCR Condemns Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Demands Justice to Safeguard Peace Efforts

Correspondent Chapel donates cash to 40 Patients in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

In its efforts to complement government efforts in healthcare service delivery across the state. The correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Yobe State Council has distributed cash assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at the Family Support Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.

Speaking to journalists during the 1 of the funds, the chairman of the correspondents chapel, Comrade Nabilu Balarabe, said twenty patients from each of the two health facilities benefited from the intervention, which was funded through contributions and savings made by members of the chapel.

“The initiative was part of the chapel’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society beyond its traditional role of reporting events and holding government accountable,” Comrade Nabilu said.

According to him, the project was conceived by the current leadership of the chapel as a community development intervention aimed at bringing relief to patients facing difficult circumstances.

He further maintained that “this is a community development project initiated by the current administration of the chapel” and noted that “we decided from day one that we would not only concentrate on our primary responsibility of publicizing government activities and holding government accountable.

“We also want to participate in intervention and support programs that directly impact people’s lives,” he said.

Balarabe revealed that the cash assistance was drawn from the chapel’s savings and targeted at vulnerable patients identified by the two hospitals to help them settle medical bills and meet other essential needs, including funding.

He said journalists and other professional groups should not limit themselves to their statutory responsibilities alone but should also contribute to addressing social challenges within their communities.

Comrade Balarabe called on philanthropists, organizations, and well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture by supporting patients and other vulnerable groups.

Correspondent Chapel donates cash to 40 Patients in Yobe