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Dr. Kelechi speaks on the rule of law as PWAN hosts a media town meeting in Maiduguri.

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Dr. Kelechi speaks on the rule of law as PWAN hosts a media town meeting in Maiduguri.

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The rule of law and empowerment initiative also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) recently hosted a media town hall meeting on human rights, the police act 2020 and regulations. The meeting which attracted reporters from key north east States of the federation had speakers like Zainab Waziri of PWAN and and Dr Kelechi Akubueze of the human rights commission. The new police act was exhaustively handled bringing out so many questions that needed answers. The duo spoke to us on their town hall experiences after the interaction with newsmen which took place in maiduguri recently. Below are extracts of the short interview with Dr Kelechi:

Could the pronouncements of President Tinubu on the end bad government case of minors arraigned in court by the police be applied legally to the entire country or just Abuja?

The answer is a definite yes because in the first place that pronouncement came as a result of an embarrassment that the President faced when he was accosted with the sight of seeing those minors being arraigned in court with adults.
The Nigerian law excludes minors from being arraigned in court. Therefore that was a terrible misuse of power and it was very wrong. The directive was not only for one state but it should have applied to all the states of the federation that the very error was committed. It was a terrible error to arraign minors who were malnourished and collapsing before a court of law. It was bad optics.

But who do you think is culpable in this terrible error?

I think its the police and the DSS. This is because since the word treason came in, the DSS would have been involved. Especially with the issue of flying of the Russian flag and the reaction of the state. They are both culpable in this error.

What can such a damning optics impute for the country?

Its a wake up call for all. A call to action for citizens to actually rise up against such misuse of power by the police and such misrepresentation of the laws of the country. Its actually laughable. One wonders what is treasonable about some minors carrying flags holding a piece of cloth and a particular colour on it. It is really laughable within the international community. Are they trying to tell us that those hungry minors have anything to do with Russia?

What can the rights activists do about this wrong as it is also trendinmg in Borno as we speak?

They should speak out against it but most importantly take action because there are minors still incarcerated somewhere in the country. Pressure should be mounted on the government to release those minors and the police who should have read the directive of the President concerning them to release these kids and drop all the charges against them should act.

Do you think it is important we translate the child rights act into different languages so that the police can understand the nitty gritty even as they battle to understand the new police act?

Its very necessary but let me make this observation. Even when you translate this law into Nigerian languages, has it occurred to you that most of the people may not know how to read or write in their own languages. For instance how many people know how to read and write in Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, Tiv, Hausa or idoma? It is a big challenge which is why we need to keep on educating the people on this. And also, this is where you guys in the media need to come in too to contribute in educating the public as regards the police act so these people who enforce the laws would do the right thing at all times.

Dr. Kelechi speaks on the rule of law as PWAN hosts a media town meeting in Maiduguri.

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Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara

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Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

A brutal rivalry between two notorious bandit leaders has left three men dead following a violent clash in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on July 31 in Marbe village, Kwaren Ganuwa district, when gunmen loyal to Kachalla Alti, a notorious bandit commander, attacked the residence of his rival, Haruna Hari.

It was gathered the attack started at about 11:15 a.m., leading to the death of Hari and two of his lieutenants. The attackers also rustled a large number of cattle as well as the weapons of the slain bandit leader, before fleeing to an unknown location.

The incident was part of a long-standing rivalry between the two groups, who have clashed repeatedly over control of criminal routes and operations in the area.

“This isn’t the first time they’ve clashed, but this was the most brutal,” said a resident of Kwaren Ganuwa. “People in this area have lived under their shadow for years.”

Though no civilian casualties were reported,
The Intra-gang violence among armed groups in Zamfara has been on the rise in recent months, fuelled by competition over territory, weapons supply, and ransom collection.

killing of Haruna Hari may trigger more retaliatory attacks in the coming days, especially across Tsafe and Maradun axes where both men had strong influence.

Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara

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Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle

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Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian Army personnel attached to Operation Hadin Kai has died and two others injured in a lone fatal motor accident involving a military operations vehicle along the Damaturu–Jos highway in Yobe State.

A sources who confirmed the incident to Zagazola Makama on Friday, report that the accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on July 31, near Garri Tasha, in Damagum area of Fune Local Government Area.

It was gathered that military vehicle belonging to Sector 2 Headquarters, Damaturu, and was conveying officers on special duty to Jos when the driver lost control and plunged into a deep pit.

Emergency workers in Damagum responded swiftly to the scene, where they assisted in rescuing two soldiers who sustained serious injuries.

The injured were immediately rushed to Damagum General Hospital, while one of them, identified as Sgt. Salami Ahmed, was later referred to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, for further treatment.

However, a Private soldier was confirmed dead at the scene. His body was evacuated and handed over to his unit commander.

Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle

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Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza

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Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza

…Pledges Swift Security Measures

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that no community in Gwoza Local Government Area will fall into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor also announced that Bita, which was recently displaced would be resettled tomorrow (Friday) back to their community.

Governor Zulum gave this assurance on Thursday during a visit to the Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Idrissa Timta, at his palace.

“Deliberate measures have been taken to protect Gwoza, Limankara and Bita. From now on, we will not allow any community to be displaced. Instead, more communities will be resettled,” Governor Zulum declared.

He added, “I have just visited Limankara and assured residents that steps have been taken to safeguard the town. We have provided the Civilian JTF with logistics to ensure the people are well protected.”

The governor informed the Emir that he would remain in the area until security situation stabilises.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Idrissa Timta, expressed gratitude for Governor Zulum’s leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.

He highlighted security as the most pressing challenge in the area and urged both federal and state governments to deploy additional troops and equipment to protect communities.

“Security is our major concern. We urge the military to launch a massive onslaught on the insurgents’ enclaves,” the Emir stated. “I appeal to the Federal and Borno State governments not to allow Gwoza fall.”

The Emir also condemned the actions of individuals undermining peace efforts and warned against the spread of fake news on social media. He commended the Brigade Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 192 Battalion for their efforts in restoring peace.

…Zulum Pledges Swift Security Measures

Governor Zulum earlier visited Limankara, a community nine kilometres from Gwoza, to reinforce the resilience of residents. Addressing the people, he promised immediate government intervention to prevent displacement or insurgent attacks.

“I assure the people of Limankara that significant improvements in security will be seen within the next 24 hours. Given its strategic importance, we will not allow this town to be displaced,” Governor Zulum said.

“This town has never been displaced, even at the peak of Boko Haram insurgency. Why should we allow it now? Before I leave, I will engage with the military and Civilian JTF to ensure full security.”

Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Gwoza at the State Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha; Brigade Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General N. I. Abdullahi, Special Advisers, and other senior government officials.

Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza

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