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Int’l Holocaust Day: Israel Calls for Education to Ward Off Another Reoccurrence
Int’l Holocaust Day: Israel Calls for Education to Ward Off Another Reoccurrence
By: Michael Mike
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has underscored the need for adequate investment in education to address the dangers of hate speech and hatred, and to ward off any reoccurrence of Holocaust.
Freeman, who is also the Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS, while speaking at a commemoration of International Holocaust Day in Abuja on Friday, said the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 was the same as the Holocaust, both a child of anti-Semitic hate.
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 that established the Holocaust and UN Outreach Programme, also designated January 27, as annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust.
Freeman said: “79 years ago, millions of Jews were murdered. Holocaust began with words, hate speech, singing out and dehumanising of Jewish people; which many people looked the other way.
“After the world stood by as millions of people were murdered, we suddenly declared `Never Again’ Holocaust denial took 30-years before it became widespread phenomenon today.
“Education is critical if we have to reverse the trend: when it happened 6-million Jews were murdered, when we talk about the number, we talk about population of cities.
“Yet, it still remains an unimaginable number, the only way to understand the dangers of Holocaust are from expression by individuals.”
He noted that the hatred that gave birth to Holocaust over 75 years ago was still much around today, insisting that education is the only cure.
UN Resident Coordinator who was represented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, reading the message of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said there is need for a collective efforts to end all forms of Holocaust.
He said: “Today, we pause to mourn the six million Jewish children, women, and men systematically murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators.
“We recognised the horrific resonance this day of commemoration finds in our own times, the antisemitic hate that fuelled the Holocaust.
“We did not start with the Nazis, nor did it end with their defeat.’’
According to him, today, we are witnessing hate spreading at alarming speed online, it has moved from margins to the mainstream.
He added that we must remember that disdain for diversity is danger to everyone, as no society is immune to intolerance and bigotry against one group is bigotry against all.
The British High Commissioner, Dr Richard Montgomery, represented by Cynthia Rowe, Development Director, FCDO, of British High Commission in Nigeria said: “UK government is committed to creating education and research about the Holocaust.
“We are building new Holocaust-memorial in London expected to be completed in 2027; UK will take on the precedence on International Day in remembrance of the victims of Holocaust in March, 2024.
The “theme of our precedence is in plain sight drawing attention that Holocaust did not happen in dark corner”.
The mission envoy explained that such would highlight suicidal practice, which allowed mass murder to have taken place on large scale.
“It is our collective responsibility to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and renew our vows that `Never again,” the envoy said.
Int’l Holocaust Day: Israel Calls for Education to Ward Off Another Reoccurrence
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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