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FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled the sculpture of an elephant crafted from pulverised Wildlife stockpile, signalling a climax of the disposal of about six tons of confiscated wildlife stockpiles by the National Environmental Standards And Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
NESREA is the agency designated by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to enforce international law on the endangered species.
The Sculpture, a first of its kind in Nigeria, represents the country’s zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking and its dedication to protecting listed endangered species of Wild fauna and flora.
The event on Wednesday marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, which has been a major threat to the country’s biodiversity and global conservation efforts.
Concerted efforts by NESREA and sister agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service led to the arrest of several suspects between 2011 and 2023. 185 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3991 kilogrammes, 11 bags of crocodiles and other listed reptiles, leopard skins and feathers weighing 102 kilogrammes and 2500 kilogrammes of ivory were recovered from these suspects and kept in the custody of NESREA.
In October 2023, the seized pangolin scales and other animal skins were incinerated by NESREA and this was followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024. Both exercise were carried out with the support of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) of United Kingdom and the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
Unveiling the statue crafted from the residue of pulverized confiscated stockpiles, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, officially christened it the ‘Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope’. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to eradicate wildlife trafficking in Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to support the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, stressing that “we need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintains the food chain and they keep us connected to nature”.
Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said, “This Elephant sculpture symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to zero tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) at all levels, and a proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism.”
NESREA, is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, policies, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as to enforce compliance with the provisions of multilateral environmental Agreements, Protocols, Conventions and Treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
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Police rescue 39 foreign nationals of alleged human trafficking in Mararraba, Nassarawa
Police rescue 39 foreign nationals of alleged human trafficking in Mararraba, Nassarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Nasarawa State have rescued 39 victims of alleged human trafficking, including 32 males and seven females, all from Mali except one female from Ivory Coast, during an operation in the Orange Market area of Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the rescue followed a report lodged at about 10:40 a.m. by one Habi Baraji, a Malian national who speaks only French and Arabic.
Baraji reported that he was lured from Mali to Nigeria about a week ago by another Malian, identified as Abdullahi Berter, who promised him a job opportunity in France.
According to him, upon arrival at the Orange Market in Mararaba, he realised he had been deceived, as Berter allegedly began pressuring him to bring more persons from Mali into Nigeria for an undisclosed purpose.
Baraji further told security personnel that he suspected Berter was holding “many other victims” captive in a house in the area.
Based on the intelligence, a team of detectives, swiftly mobilised to the location, where they discovered 39 foreigners confined inside a bungalow, all unable to speak any local Nigerian language. The victims were immediately evacuated to safety.
Sources that the rescued victims are currently in protective custody pending further profiling and communication with the Malian and Ivorian consular authorities.
Police rescue 39 foreign nationals of alleged human trafficking in Mararraba, Nassarawa
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Police arrest own inspector, brother over alleged attack and forceful seizure of corpse in Benue
Police arrest own inspector, brother over alleged attack and forceful seizure of corpse in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have arrested a serving officer, Insp. Ogbu Clement, and his elder brother, Isawa Ogbu, for allegedly leading over 50 youths to seize a corpse and attack residents of two communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Dr. Pius Onwe Odengle, a staff of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, reported the incident to the Otukpo Division, stating that on Nov. 28, at about 11:00 a.m., he was conveying the body of his late mother, Mama Lucy Inogwanya, from Makurdi to Ogyoma Village for burial.
He alleged that on reaching the Ogyoma Village junction, Insp. Ogbu Clement, attached to Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, accompanied by more than 50 youths from Adim Village, blocked the highway, damaged a Benue State Civil Protection Guard vehicle, seized the corpse, and went on to bury it in Adim Village, claiming the deceased was his aunty.
According to the sources , at about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, the inspector and his brother again mobilised youths from Adim Village to Ogyoma, where they allegedly attacked villagers, destroyed over 500 plastic chairs, smashed windows and doors, and inflicted varying degrees of injuries on several residents.
Police authorities said the Divisional Police Officer, Otukpo, mobilised patrol teams alongside troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, NSCDC Agro-Rangers, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to the scene.
Photographs were taken, and the injured victims were rushed to hospital for treatment.
The police confirmed that Insp. Ogbu Clement and his brother have been arrested, while further investigations are ongoing.
Police arrest own inspector, brother over alleged attack and forceful seizure of corpse in Benue
Naval personnel clash with staff at kubwa general hospital after colleague’s death
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension broke out late Saturday night at Kubwa General Hospital after some military personnel stormed the facility and accused hospital staff of negligence following the death of a naval officer.
Zagazola Makama report that preliminary findings revealed that a naval personnel who had been involved in an accident was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead on arrival.
His colleagues, who arrived shortly afterwards, alleged that the medical staff failed to act promptly, leading to a confrontation.
In the ensuing commotion, a soldier reportedly smashed the glass window of the hospital reception with his fist.
Police operatives quickly intervened, de-escalated the situation, and persuaded the military personnel to leave the hospital premises.
Normal activities have since resumed at the facility, while further engagement with military authorities is ongoing to prevent a recurrence.
Naval personnel clash with staff at kubwa general hospital after colleague’s death
Sokoto mother arrested for kidnapping 4-year-old son in Kebbi
Police repel Boko Haram attack in Konduga, launch manhunt for abductors
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
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