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FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

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FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for strengthening of collaborations to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu made the call in his message on the Day of Zero Tolerance for the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Ojukwu reminded the citizens, healthcare workers and other duty bearers of the need to strengthen their collaborations to end FGM in Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM” and it is observed on the 6th of February every year.

He noted that the Commission has always been at the forefront of eradicating the painful, unhealthy, harmful and degrading practice of FGM right from time.

Ojukwu observed that NHRC in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) had in 2017 produced a training Manual on human rights and other related issues of FGM in Nigeria to stem the tide of this human rights violation in various communities across the federation.

“The Manual provides a general background analysis of women’s human rights and Female Genital Mutilation, which is a type of violence against women and girls. The Manual also provides a guide for reporting FGM in line with the prescribed standard”, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria added.

In the same vein, the NHRC Boss disclosed that with the support of UNFPA/UNICEF, the Commission undertook a joint programme on elimination of FGM, conducted training for stakeholders on the use of the developed Manual in five programme focal states namely- Imo, Ebonyi, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti and available statistics have indicated positive changes geared towards eliminating, FGM in the country. The use of the manual and training will be replicated in other endemic states in the Country depending on the availability of resources.

“The participants at the training in the aforesaid states were drawn from relevant MDAs, CBOs, FBOs, Media, Security Agents, Traditional Rulers and CSOs/NGOs and at the end of the exercise, thereafter participants prepared independent and shadow reports”, the Executive Secretary stated.

According to the Executive Secretary, apart from the aforementioned effort to eliminate FGM in the country, the Commission with the support of EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in 2019 established the defunct Special Independent Investigation Panel on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The panel which was headed by the Executive Secretary sat in the six geopolitical zones of the country, successfully heard and determined complaints of SGBV, and provided empowerment for victims including supporting women to acquire skills and engage in various forms of business activities to earn a living and assist their families instead of depending solely on their husbands who may lack the capacity or willingness to cater for their families.

He used the occasion to urge Nigerians to report all cases of FGM and other human rights violations to the Commission who will in turn take appropriate actions to ensure the protection of the rights of the victims in accordance with municipal, regional and international laws.

He urged citizens to leverage the NHRC toll-free line 6472 to report any case FGM and other cases of human rights violations to the Commission.

FGM: NHRC Calls for Strengthening of Collaborations

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Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms

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Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have killed five members of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two civilians in a deadly attack in Jangebe town, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Friday afternoon when five CPG personnel, including their Unit Commander, went to assist in cultivating a farm on the outskirts of the village.

The victims were ambushed by the assailants while working on the farm and all five CPG members were shot dead. Two other civilians – a male and a female – working on a nearby farm were also killed during the assault.

Security sources said two pump-action rifles belonging to the CPG were stolen by the attackers.

Security forces have launched a manhunt for the fleeing bandits and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms

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Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina

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Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled a suspected banditry attack on military camps located around Sabuwa and Faskari Local Government Areas, and intercepted an unidentified surveillance drone suspected to have been deployed by the criminals.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, when armed men on motorcycles were sighted moving suspiciously around Maiganguma village axis in the two LGAs.

According to security sources, a drone was simultaneously observed hovering over the general area of Dandume and Machika villages, particularly around the perimeters of the Operation Sharan Daji Camp and Machika Military Super Camp.

Troops stationed in the vicinity reportedly made inquiries across security formations to confirm whether the drone belonged to any friendly forces. All units, however, denied ownership or deployment of any drone in the area.

After a few minutes, the drone was seen maneuvering behind the Wori Rock and later re-emerged in the air, prompting patrol teams to open fire. The suspected operator reportedly flew the drone back towards Wori Rock, after which it vanished.

Troops gave chase to the motorcycle-riding suspects who fled into the bush, evading capture. No casualty was reported during the incident.

Security authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify the drone operators and uncover any surveillance or targeting plans linked to the suspected bandits.

Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina

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Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC

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Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits in the early hours of Friday stormed Unguwar Gada Village in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, rustling an undisclosed number of cattle and injuring two villagers in the process.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the attackers, who struck at about 12:45 a.m., fled with the stolen livestock through Rereji Village in neighbouring Malumfashi LGA.

During the raid, the assailants shot two residents identified as Sani Yau, and Umar Shamsu, both of whom sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical attention.

Police personnel and other joint forces respond to the incident. However, the bandits laid an ambush for the security operatives and opened fire on them.

In the course of the attack, the front tyres of the police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were destroyed, and its engine also sustained significant damage, rendering the vehicle immobile.

Security forces have intensified patrols in the area and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC

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