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IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

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IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has extended support for war against human trafficking in Nigeria with awards to makers of short films on the crime to further sensitize the members of the public of the antics and harms of human traffickers.

IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck reiterated the commitment of the UN agency to empowering young Nigerians combating trafficking in persons in the country through short films, during the presentation of awards to the second edition winners of the Short Film contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria on Monday.

He described film as universal medium to illustrate untold stories that can inspire, educate and guide people against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

De Boeck explained that the contest was inaugurated in 2023 with the aim of empowering young creative voices in the fights against trafficking in persons.

He said: “Indeed, youth are among those most vulnerable to this crime, so it only makes sense that their voices are put at the centre of our efforts to address it.

“The winners crowned today have demonstrated not only artistic talent, but also social responsibility and awareness.

“They have used the power of storytelling to shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking and to inspire hope, and action.

“Their films are a testament to the resilience and dignity of the survivors, and the courage and dedication of the advocates.”

On his, the Permanent-Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Amb. Tanimu Aduda said the causes of human trafficking may differ from one country to another.

Aduda who was represented by the Chief Community Development Officer on Child Protection, Mr Felix Nwaeseni, traced poverty, insurgency and lack of awareness to what makes many Nigerians vulnerable to the tricks and intentions of trafficking in persons cartels among others.

Aduda said: “Therefore, key preventive strategies are developed to work for us in Nigeria through extensive public awareness.

“The renewed hope agenda of the present administration is geared towards strengthening our conscious implementation of economic and social policies.

“Such policies aimed at significant reduction in societal, institutional and individual poverty level; data collection and research efforts; strengthening legislative measures on major reforms.

“These are significant steps in the right direction that elicit actionable antidotes for eliminating the vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking and building resilience of vulnerable groups.

Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, commended the short film contest initiative for being apt in sensitising people about the dangers of human trafficking.

Waziri-Azi, represented by the Director of Intelligence, Training and Manpower Development Department in NAPTIP, Dame Ebele Ulasi, commended the efforts against human trafficking.

According to her, the fight against human trafficking demand not only action, but also awareness and understanding.

“This is why this award ceremony is so crucial. The powerful stories showcased through these Short Films are more than just entertainment.

“They are beacons of hope shining light on the realities of trafficking and inspiring action.

“We celebrate the power of storytelling in raising awareness and igniting action against the horrific crime,” she said.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of First Prize Cheque of $2,000 to David Michael, Second Prize Cheque of $1,000 to Grace Olubiyo and one-high resolution laptop to Erica Bale as the Third Prize.

IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

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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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Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

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Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

By: Zagazola Makama

As security concerns and economic hardship continue to weigh heavily on Nigeria’s Northeast region, governors of the six states converged on Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Thursday to chart a common path for peace, recovery, and prosperity.

The 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, witnessed robust deliberations, passionate appeals, and renewed calls for unity, collaboration, and strategic action against the persistent threat of insurgency and deepening poverty in the region.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, led the charge in his opening address, painting a stark picture of the challenges facing the region and urging urgent collective action to change the narrative.

“It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I welcome Your Excellencies to this 11th meeting of the vibrant North-East Governors’ Forum,” Zulum said.

He described the current economic situation in the region as dire, noting that food insecurity, rising transportation costs, poor healthcare, and the erosion of purchasing power had deepened the suffering of the people.

“We must take bold steps to address the poverty crisis, which is not just an economic issue but also a social and humanitarian emergency,” he said.

The Borno governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their ongoing sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, but called for a review of operational strategies in light of recent Boko Haram attacks in some areas.

“The re-emergence of insurgent attacks is alarming and could undermine the successes already recorded. I humbly suggest that the military revisit its strategy and adopt more offensive operations,” Zulum stated.

While reaffirming the importance of agriculture as a key to regional development, Zulum emphasized that farming alone could not lift the region out of poverty. He advocated for the establishment of small and medium-scale industries, backed by improved infrastructure, incentives for private investment, and promotion of innovation.

He called on his fellow governors to invest in roads, electricity, clean water, and youth empowerment initiatives to reverse the tide of unemployment and restiveness.

“We must diversify our economy, reduce poverty, and equip our young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.

Zulum also warned of impending environmental threats, urging states to act on flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

“We must take the warnings seriously. The consequences of inaction are too devastating,” he said.

Zulum reminded his colleagues that regional success depends on unity of purpose.

“As governors, we have a sacred duty to our people. We must support each other and prioritize their needs. Our individual successes are tied to our collective progress,” he said.

He concluded by introducing the new Director-General of the Forum, Umar Musa Gulani, a seasoned public administrator and former Director at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State thanked his counterparts for honoring the invitation and expressed optimism that the forum would yield new strategies to combat insecurity and economic stagnation.

Buni described the Forum as a “critical platform” for collaboration and policy alignment, especially as the region grapples with renewed attacks from Boko Haram and its use of modern technology in assaults.

“This meeting is timely. We must act fast to consolidate our gains in peacebuilding and economic recovery,” he said.

He called for resolutions from the meeting to be shared with federal security agencies to boost coordination and rapid response mechanisms.

Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership, and extended gratitude to the armed forces, Civilian Joint Task Force, and volunteers for their sacrifices.

On economic revitalization, he echoed Zulum’s call for investment in mechanized agriculture, employment generation, and sustainable livelihood programmes.

“We must make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable to harness our natural and human resources,” he said.

The governors pledged to continue working with international and local development partners to rebuild communities, resettle displaced persons, and expand regional infrastructure.

The meeting is expected to produce resolutions aimed at strengthening joint security operations, coordinating humanitarian interventions, and promoting regional trade and investment.

As the region continues its long road to recovery, the voices from Damaturu reaffirmed one thing: that the path to peace and prosperity lies in unity, shared vision, and bold action.

Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting

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Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue

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Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued Dickson Idu, the Ward Head of Ehatokpe Ohimini, who was abducted on April 30, 2025.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was kidnapped from his residence in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA).

Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State, directed the Acting Area Commander Otukpo, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and a team of officers to immediately proceed to the area and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

At approximately 8:45 a.m., a combined team of armed conventional policemen, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel from the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, supported by Ohimini youths, launched an operation in the Ojanu/Ijami Village forest. The team conducted an intense combing operation, utilizing smoke canisters to pressure the kidnappers.

The strategy paid off, and at about 3:25 p.m., the kidnappers, feeling the heat of the search, released their captive. Dickson Idu was successfully rescued and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.

The sources said while no arrests have been made so far, the police have assured that investigations are underway, with efforts to apprehend the suspects continuing.

Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue

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