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China, Nigeria Emphasize the Need to Support Cultural Initiatives to Aid Peace

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China, Nigeria Emphasize the Need to Support Cultural Initiatives to Aid Peace

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have emphasized that cultural initiatives remain one of the most potent tools of promoting peace.

The correlation between cultural initiatives and peace was made during the 5th National Entertainment and Peace Summit, themed “Cultivating A Culture of Peace” organised by the Drum Majors for Peace in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria to commemorate World Peace Day, 2024 in Abuja.

The cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, said there is a close relationship between entertainment and peace as it alleviates negative emotions and provides relaxation, promoting a sense of unity among different people despite their diverse backgrounds.

He further explained that despite being from different countries, people are fundamentally the same and share common human emotions and experiences which can create conflict or foster peace.

He said: “We believe that entertainment can help alleviate negative emotions by providing relaxation and a means to forget temporary sadness.

“Therefore China places great importance in people to people communication and friendship through cultural exchange for global peace.

Yang also stressed the significance of the entertainment industry in fostering mutual communication and understanding between Nigeria and China, suggesting that cultural exchange through entertainment can be a powerful tool for future collaboration and hard work.

“The collaboration between China and Nigeria aims to cultivate a culture of peace and promote cultural diplomacy, further contributing to global efforts for a more peaceful world.

He also expressed his commitment to working hard to promote cultural exchange and improve communication between the two countries.

On his part, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace, Amb. Nsikan Paul reiterated his committment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion through the powerful channels of entertainment, dialogue, youth development, and creative empowerment.

He also noted that peace is more than just the absence of conflict;It is a condition of harmony that must be cultivated by intentional acts and efforts.

“Today, as we come together under the banner of peace, we are reminded of the immense power of creativity in shaping a better world.

“Through positive entertainment and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, fair, and resilient; aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1, 2, 11, 16 and Goal 17.

“We are dedicated to providing young people with platforms to discover, develop, and maximize their potential, empowering them to become responsible and patriotic citizens.

“We are especially proud of our joint effort to promote peace via the arts, as evidenced by our win as the Grand Prize winners of the Energy China Dance Competition, sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Center and Energy China Nigeria.”

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Police operatives arrest village head, 13 others for aiding banditry in Niger State

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Police operatives arrest village head, 13 others for aiding banditry in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Niger State have arrested the village head of Guiwa and 13 other individuals for allegedly aiding and abetting armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests were made on May 23, 2025, during an ongoing clearance operation by a joint team of police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes targeting bandits’ camps and hideouts in Guiwa and Telle villages.

The village head, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, was apprehended on reasonable suspicion of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits. The others arrested are residents from various nearby communities suspected of collaboration with the criminals.

Those arrested include Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Musa Mohammed of Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu of Pallagi; Oro Abubakar of Arera; Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam; Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi, all of Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; and Babuga Saidu of Lumma.

During a search of the village head’s residence, security operatives recovered four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle believed to have been stolen by the bandits. Three of the cattle, which were injured, were slaughtered to prevent further suffering.

Sources from the Niger State Police Command said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to rooting out all collaborators who facilitate banditry in the state.

Police operatives arrest village head, 13 others for aiding banditry in Niger State

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Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

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Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops and other joint security agencies acting on credible intelligence stormed a kidnappers’ den around Isi River, located at the boundary between Nokwa Community in Kogi State and Nimbo in Enugu State, on May 23, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., rescuing eight kidnapped victims and neutralizing one suspected kidnapper.

The troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee the scene. The rescued victims, who were unharmed, include:
Ugwuoke Victor Chidera (male) of Amaebo Ovoko, Asogwa Sochima (male) of Umuekada Ovoko, Igboeze South LGA, Calister Ezema (female) of Ebugwu Ibagwa Ani, Ezugwu Charity (female) of Mgboko Aku, Igbo Etiti LGA, Ezugwu Kenneth (male) of Mgboko Aku, Ike Nnamdi (male) of Achom Alunor and Francis Okoro (male) and Ikenna Okeagu (male), both of Abi in Uzuwani LGA.

The troops have intensified Operations in the general area.

Nigerian Army troops rescue eight kidnapped victims, neutralize one kidnapper at Kogi-Enugu border

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

By: Zagazola Makama

Barely weeks after security forces brokered a peace accord between farmers and herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, renewed violence has broken out, triggered by actions that have now led to death, destruction and growing instability in the region.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by intelligence sources that despite the security agencies holding three separate meetings with youth and community leaders where appeals for restraint and peaceful coexistence were passionately made, local youths in Badanwa reportedly violated the terms of the agreement by launching attacks on Fulani herders grazing near their farms.

The sources said that the troops deployed under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa responded swiftly to a distress call at about 2:50 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Upon arrival, the troops discovered that some fleeing Fulani herders had retaliated in panic, killing two locals believed to be from Munga Lelau village. The victims, according to sources, were attacked with machetes during the chaos and confusion that ensued.

The violence spiraled further when troops, while pursuing leads into the unfolding crisis, encountered armed bandits burning houses in Munga Lelau. In the exchange of fire, troops neutralised two of the bandits and recovered a dane gun, a cell phone, a fabricated pistol, and four cartridges. Further searches around Munga Doso village led to more arms recovery.

The crisis, according to security officials, could have been avoided if community leaders had been obeyed and the peace agreement upheld.

“You cannot go and attack people grazing near your village and expect them not to retaliate. That is the reality we are dealing with. We had already put a framework in place for dialogue and monitoring,”

The resurgence of hostilities was a a result of a reckless mob action and the failure of some community elements to honour peace initiatives facilitated by security agencies. Just because you see a Fulani man with his livestock, you the. Pick up sticks, cutlass and other weapons and began shouting hochebe hey hochebe hey. And now that it has become bad, you are calling on the security agencies to defend you,” a senior security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the general area to forestall further escalation. However, the general situation remains volatile, with fresh tensions threatening to undo months of painstaking confidence-building efforts.

In the wake of these developments, security authorities have suggested that the local government consider imposing a curfew in the affected areas as a short-term measure to prevent further reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.

“It’s time to go beyond warnings. There must be consequences for those who break peace accords or act as enablers of violence. No community can progress in a state of perpetual suspicion and provocation,” said Bala Ibrahim, a conflict resolution expert based in Jalingo.

Zagazola report that for now, the military and other security agencies have continue to dominate the general area with strategic patrols. But the challenge ahead is steep: rebuilding broken trust, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that peace is not just signed but sincerely upheld.

Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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