Chief Imam of Ogbomoso calls for stiff punishment for kidnappers, urges FG to enforce maximum penalties

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso has called on the Federal Government to adopt stricter measures against kidnappers and armed criminals involved in attacks on schools and abduction of children, urging that offenders be made to face the full weight of the law.

The religious leader made the call while reacting to recent cases of school attacks, killings of teachers, and abduction of pupils in parts of the country, describing such acts as grave crimes against humanity and unacceptable under any moral or legal standard.

He stressed that individuals who engage in kidnapping, killing of innocent civilians and terrorising communities should not be granted leniency, amnesty or reintegration, but should instead be prosecuted and subjected to the maximum penalties prescribed under Nigerian law.

The Chief Imam said religious teachings emphasise justice, protection of innocent lives and accountability for those who commit serious crimes, adding that insecurity affecting schools and rural communities must be confronted decisively by the state.

He called on security agencies and judicial authorities to ensure that arrested suspects are properly prosecuted in accordance with due process, while urging government to strengthen protective measures around vulnerable communities, especially schools and rural settlements.

According to him, sustained attacks on teachers, children and civilians undermine national stability and require a firm and coordinated response from both security and justice institutions.

The Imam further urged policymakers to prioritise the safety of citizens over considerations that may weaken deterrence, insisting that justice must be seen to be served in order to restore public confidence in the security system.

He, however, maintained that all actions must remain within the framework of the law, stressing that the rule of law remains central to any sustainable response to insecurity.

Chief Imam of Ogbomoso calls for stiff punishment for kidnappers, urges FG to enforce maximum penalties

Security Agencies Conduct Show of Force, Secure Jumat Prayers in Jos-Bukuru

By: Zagazola Makama

Security agencies in Plateau State have conducted a coordinated show of force and provided security coverage for Jumat prayers across major locations within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Security sources disclosed that the operation, carried out at about 1:00 p.m. on May 22, involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other sister security agencies.

According to the sources, the joint operation covered key flashpoints within the Jos-Bukuru operational area as part of proactive measures to ensure a hitch-free religious observance.

The exercise also included the provision of adequate security for Jumat prayers at various mosques across different sects and sub-sects within the area.

The sources added that the coordinated deployment was aimed at deterring criminal elements and denying them freedom of action within the metropolis.

Security authorities confirmed that the Jumat prayers were conducted peacefully without any security incident recorded across the covered locations.

Security Agencies Conduct Show of Force, Secure Jumat Prayers in Jos-Bukuru

Troops Respond to Isolated Killing of Civilian Guard in Plateau by Militia elements in Mangu

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8 (Sub-Sector 81), Operation Enduring Peace, have responded to a reported attack and killing of a civilian security guard, Saidu Mohammed, by militia elements in Gindiri area of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on May 22 at a farm near a dam in the area.

According to the sources, troops were mobilised to the scene following a distress call and found the lifeless body of the victim, who was said to have sustained machete cuts.

The remains of the deceased were recovered and subsequently handed over to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The sources added that preliminary assessment suggested the attack may have been carried out by suspected militia elements operating in the general area.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to identify, trail and apprehend those responsible for the killing, while security surveillance in the area had been intensified.

Troops Respond to Isolated Killing of Civilian Guard in Plateau by Militia elements in Mangu