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ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered

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ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a suit brought by a registered NGO, the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, requesting the Court to hold the Nigerian government liable for violation of the rights to life and freedom of expression of 11 journalists allegedly murdered at different times in the line of duty.

Justice Dupe Atoki, judge rapporteur who delivered the judgment on Tuesday in Abuja, upheld the preliminary objection of the Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the NGO lacked legal capacity to file the suit on behalf of the 11 deceased journalists identified in their initiating application.

She also adjudged that the NGO was not in a position to demand compensation for identified victims while it claimed to be suing in the interest of the public. Both parties were ordered to bear their costs of litigation.

Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda through its lead counsel Mr. Darlington Onyekwere filed the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/48/21 on 16 August 2021 alleging that the Nigerian government violated the rights to life and freedom of expression of the deceased journalists under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and sought an order directing the payment of 10 Million Naira as compensation to each of the victims’ family.

He also asked the Court to hold the Nigerian government liable for its failure to carry out an effective investigation leading to the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators the murders.

On their part, the Nigerian government raised a preliminary objection challenging the capacity of the NGO to bring the application before the Court since the NGO is neither a direct nor indirect victim of the rights allegedly violated. In addition, it argued that the NGO did not qualify to sue in a public interest capacity since the case was not one to which the “actio-popularis” (public interest action) principle was applicable.

In its judgment, the Court noted that while violations of freedom of expression particularly as it relates to journalists is matter of public interest, the application failed to fulfil the other conditions of admissibility and therefore declared the action inadmissible.

Also on the panel were Justices Gberi-Bè Ouattara, presiding, and Sengu Mohamed Koroma, member.

ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered

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Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

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Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

By: Michael Mike

Governors of the six Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba have called for a reappraisal of strategies in the ongoing war against insurgency in the region.

Rising from the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital on Thursday, the governors, in a communique, noted with dismay the rising activities of the insurgents in the subregion and called for the armed forces, other security agencies and community leaders to reappraise their strategy in the counter insurgency onslaught in the region.

The Forum while commending the Federal Government in its effort at improving the security of the country and resolve to collaborate and support in all matters to address emerging security issues in the country. however noted that addressing the security challenge in the Northeast requires a multidimensional approach of not only the kinetic strategy but also addressing the root causes such as youth employment through vocational and technical education, improved road networks, improving education and reducing poverty.

The Forum promised its commitment to addressing the issues of security by tackling the current situation while addressing some of the root causes.

The Forum also noted that the poor road network in the subregion is contributing to the insecurity in the region, and called on Mr. President to as a matter of urgent concern address the issue of abandoned project which is critical to addressing poverty, insecurity and general underdevelopment of the subregion.

The Forum also recommitted itself to the opening up of the subregion to investment opportunities, agriculture for food security, combating climate change, skills acquisition and the industrialization of the subregion to provide employment to the teeming youths who are vulnerable to recruitment into the army of the insurgents.

It also noted the role of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) in the development of the subregion and
called on the Commission to be more engaging with the various state governments on development needs and prioritize transportation infrastructure, education, and health, while equally calling on the Commission to rededicate itself to its core mandate which is to rebuild the subregion after the devastation of the insurgency and be more proactive in the delivery of existing project in the subregion by keeping track with project delivery timelines.

The Forum noted the significance of the Nigerian Law school Yola Campus within the region and resolved to support its
expansion by providing additional hostel accommodation, water supply and other facilities to improve the admission capacity of the campus and make it more conducive for training, and resolved to work closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) by providing office space in each state, support the enrolment of Almajiri and out-of-school children into formal school, provision of vocational and technical education as well as develop a unified approach to addressing the menace in the subregion.

The next date for the meeting was fixed for 27th – 29th, July, 2025 in Jalingo, Taraba state, and at the meeting were Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, with the Governor of Bauchi state represented by the Deputy Governor

Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

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Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

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Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

…… Call for community engagement and collaboration with security agencies

By: Our Reporter

In Rann, the Borno State Deputy Governor His Excellency Dr Umar Kadafur led a government delegation on a condolence visit to Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.

It could be recalled that a few days ago at the Furunduma area in Kala balge, an IED explosion claimed lives of over twenty people and some injured during the attack that claimed several lives and suspected to be a Boko Haram insurgents.

During the visit, the Deputy Governor and other members of the delegation prayed for the departed souls and wished them eternal rest . They also prayed for the families and the entire community to bear the irreparable loss.

Dr Kadafur condemned in the strongest terms the heinous act of the insurgents, calling for intense prayers to avert future occurrences and emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts with security operatives to sustain peace that was regained in the region.

The delegation visited Rann General Hospital to sympathize with those injured in the attack, praying for their quick recovery. The Deputy Governor announced that all medical bills for the injured would be covered.

The Deputy Governor made cash donations of N300,000 to families of the 27 affected victims and also a cash support as a morale booster to military personnel, Police force, Local vigilante, Kesh Kesh and Civilian JTF , including youths group at Rann.

The Chairman of Kala Balge Local Government Area, Hon. Zanna Ajid Musa Ajid expressed gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum , Deputy Governor, and the delegation for their timely support and condolences.

…….. In Chibok LGA

The delegation led by His Excellency, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur also proceeded to Chibok town on a similar condolence visit to the families of affected attack by Boko Haram insurgents, whereby fourteen people were killed, church and houses were burnt down with properties worth millions of Naira.

The deputy governor said, “We were here to sympathise with you and the families of recent attacks, lives and properties were lost whereby we can only condone you and pray for the deceased. We are here to support the families and victims but we cannot replace what has been lost, life is irreparable “.

Dr Kadafur condemned the attack and supported the families with similar cash support of 300,000 to victims families, assured that the government will support them in rebuilding their destroyed church and houses.

Members of the delegation which includes
Member Borno State House of Assembly representing kala Balge LGA Hon.Dige Mohammed , Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Former Chairman kala Balge LGA Zanna Jabu. Member House of Assembly representing chibok LGA, Former Chairman chibok and Hon.Hauwa Mai Musa .

Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

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One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

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One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

By: Zagazola Makama

A man was killed and another critically injured on Tuesday night following an ambush by unknown gunmen in Kum village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims, identified as Joshua Ezekiel, 48, and Dung Jatau, 51, were reportedly riding on a motorcycle along the Riyom to Kum road at about 8:15 p.m. when they were attacked by armed men who opened fire on them.

Residents said the injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Riyom, where Ezekiel was pronounced dead on arrival. Jatau is currently receiving medical treatment and is said to be in stable condition.

Tension remains high in the area as locals express concern over the safety of rural commuters, especially during evening hours.

Community leaders in Riyom have called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers.

Police said they have lunched investigation into the incident.

One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

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