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Boko Haram: Borno Communities recount ordeal, emphasise citizens engagement
Boko Haram: Borno Communities recount ordeal, emphasise citizens engagement
By: Michael Mike
The communities in Borno State have narrated their ordeal at the hands of Boko Haram terrorists while calling for more engagement of the affected citizens in counter-insurgency and Counter-Terrorism efforts in North East Nigeria.
This was the outcome of consultative meeting and recent engagements led by Neem Foundation and The Truth Alliance, a group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) committed to unmasking the atrocities of rhe terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a statement on Tuesday, The Truth Alliance Spokesperson, Mr. Ahmed Mustapha, said this was the outcome of the group discussions with community leaders, youth groups, and residents from six communities in Maiduguri, Borno state. He said the community members from Baga Road, Bulumkutu, Muna, Shikari, Gamboru, and Hausari, in local fora gathered to discuss the impacts of the conflict and explore sustainable solutions to the long-term effects it has had on their lives.
Members of the Truth Alliance led recovery discussions as the Boko Haram crisis recedes in Borno. The Northeast State, for a decade, has suffered from insurgency attacks, destruction, and catastrophic displacements of persons.
During the consultative meeting, Mustapha said, one of the participants and a stakeholder from Gamboru, Mallam Goni, emphasised the importance of community involvement in the recovery process. “Our people have endured unimaginable hardships. It is through these discussions that we can begin to heal and rebuild our society,” he quoted to have said.
“Despite the devastation, our spirit remains unbroken. These forums provide a platform for us to share our experiences and contribute to the development of lasting solutions,” Zarah, another participant remarked.
According to the statement, the community discussions were focused on various aspects of the impact of the conflict, including economic disruption, psychological trauma, and the displacement of thousands of residents. It noted that participants also explored strategies for enhancing security, promoting education, and revitalizing local economies. One of the critical issues raised is the need for comprehensive mental health support for those affected by the violence, suggesting significant levels of trauma caused by violent extremist groups activities across the northeast region of Nigeria.
Part of the statement read: “Community leaders have called for increased access to counseling services and trauma care to address the psychological scars left by years of conflict. Economic recovery was featured, with suggestions ranging from vocational training programs to microfinance initiatives aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and rebuilding livelihoods. The suggestions and recommendations highlight the devastating scale of atrocities caused by groups such as Boko Haram ISWAP.
“As the Boko Haram crisis shows signs of abating, the Truth Alliance has taken steps towards fostering recovery of lives that were destroyed. The Truth Alliance, a network of civil society organizations across both Nigeria and Niger that have come together to expose the truth behind how violent and extremist groups draw young people into their ranks, has been instrumental in initiating these dialogues through their Time to Tell the Truth Campaign. The groups want to highlight the significant scale of hardship caused by insurgent groups on innocent communities. This hardship includes killings, kidnappings, looting of properties and the propagation of false narratives which seek to divide the society.”
The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.
In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they Control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.
Boko Haram: Borno Communities recount ordeal, emphasise citizens engagement
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to a fair, credible, and transparent primary election if there is no general agreement on the consensus mode.
Governor Buni started this while commenting on the crisis rocking the party over the governor candidate for the 2027 general election. He said the party has not foreclosed direct election to produce its candidates for the contestable offices for the 2027 general election.
According to him, the party is still working on dialogue; “we are talking to each other and reaching out to the stakeholders, including the aspirants, to arrive at an amicable solution.”
“As the governor of Yobe state, I will be the happiest person to see that the state and party are peaceful and united, noting that we remain citizens of Yobe state and members of APC.
“My expectation is to see us more united and collectively working for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections,” Governor Buni said.
Governor Buni further said, “As a founding member, former secretary, and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the unity and progress of the party mean so much to me personally; therefore, I will continue to support and protect the ideals of the party to remain Nigeria’s ruling political party.”
He expressed optimism that the aspirations for public offices in the state are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and improved life.
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Kamuru village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 0330 hours on May 12 during a coordinated operation in the area.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Husaini Jibrin, 45, was reportedly apprehended at Kamuru village over alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident that occurred in Angwan Ali community on April 26, 2026, within the same local government area.
According to the sources, the suspect is believed to be linked to the planning and execution of the abduction, which had triggered security concerns in surrounding communities at the time.
Items recovered from the suspect include one mobile phone and the sum of ₦10,000 in cash.
The military said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating in the region.
Authorities added that troops have intensified surveillance and patrol operations across vulnerable communities in southern Kaduna to curb criminal activities and improve public safety.
Operation Enduring Peace continues to conduct joint operations with local security outfits and community-based structures as part of efforts to address insecurity in affected areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an armed attack on an isolated settlement in Vwang Kagot community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident that left two civilians dead.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly at about 0130 hours on May 12 following reports of an attack by suspected armed assailants on the rural community.
The attackers, reportedly described as suspected armed herdsmen, stormed the settlement and engaged in violent activities before the arrival of security forces.
Upon intervention, troops in collaboration with Keystone Kuru Division forced the assailants to withdraw from the area.
However, the attackers had already killed two residents identified as Ngo Shetu Badung, 78, and Mr. Danjuma Badung, 52, before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, troops launched clearance operations in the general area and are currently trailing the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said additional patrols and surveillance measures have been intensified to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Operation Enduring Peace noted that it remains committed to stabilising vulnerable communities across Plateau State and ensuring that perpetrators of violent attacks are brought to justice.
Local security stakeholders have also continued engagements with community leaders to strengthen early warning systems and improve response to emerging threats in rural settlements.
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
2027: The Dynamics of Consensus Candidates and the Crisis of Succession in Nigeria’s Democratic Party Politics
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
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