News
IPCR Collaborates on Peace-building Game for Children, Young People
IPCR Collaborates on Peace-building Game for Children, Young People
By: Michael Mike
A game for children and young people to learn, engage, and apply peace-building tools such as dialogue, mediation, tolerance, and inclusion has commenced.
The game, Peace Creatives Competition Nigeria 2025 commenced in Abuja on Thursday as part of activities to mark the International Day of Peace and was a collaboration of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and Idimuwem Peace and Governance Initiative (IPGI).
The competition themed “Unity and Prosperity in Diversity.” was organized in Abuja in collaboration with Gender Mobile, NGYouthSDGs, BUPRI, Youth Alive Foundation, and Girls Get Equal.
Convener of the competition, Uduak-Abasi Akpabio, said the initiative provides a platform for children and young people to learn, engage, and apply peacebuilding tools such as dialogue, mediation, tolerance, and inclusion.
She said: “Peace cannot simply be wished into existence. Like swimming, reading, or any life skill, peace must be taught, nurtured, and practiced,” adding that the competition is designed to build capacity through information, skills, and practice.
She further explained that entries will not be limited by language, with participants free to express themselves in English, Pidgin, local dialects, dance, or performance. Online submissions via WhatsApp and email have also been introduced to remove barriers to access.
Now in its fourth edition, the competition has been expanded to include two categories—ages 16–20 and 21–25—and will run nationwide through IPCR’s six regional offices.
“Our first competition targeted children, where art proved the most effective medium for expression. With the help of education specialists and psychologists, we ensured materials were child-friendly and tailored to their level.
“By the second competition, we saw the importance of partnerships, moving beyond Abuja into classrooms across the states, reaching more children through collaboration with organizations at the grassroots.
“The third competition reinforced the need for diversity and inclusion, we ensured gender sensitivity and access for children with special needs.
“This year marks the fourth competition. We have refined our structure, dividing participants into two categories: ages 16–20 and 21–25.
“We are also expanding reach by partnering formally with IPCR and its six regional offices. This ensures that from local communities to state levels, young people across Nigeria can participate meaningfully,” Akpabio said.
In his welcome address, Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, represented by Dr. Caleb Ayuba, Head of Democracy and Development Studies, said the competition underscores a commitment to young people and to the future of peace and governance in Nigeria.
He noted that violent conflicts across the country have disproportionately affected young people, both as victims and perpetrators, while unemployment, poverty, and exclusion continue to limit their opportunities.
Ochogwu said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a peaceful, secure, and inclusive Nigeria.
He urged stakeholders to support the project, saying: “Let us encourage our youth to use their creativity, their voices, and their talent, not to fuel conflict, but to transform it; not to break down, but to build up.”
The initiative also drew commendations from international partners. Iiris Aliska of the Embassy of Finland praised the competition for promoting a culture of peace, emphasizing the principle of “relationality,” which she described as respect and kindness toward all people and communities.
The Director General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), Chris Ngwodo noted that while young people are often central to conflict, they are equally central to peacebuilding, describing them as “the most creative elements in any society.”
“Young people represent the reservoir of a society’s potential for transformation, innovation, peaceful revolution. All the things and all the ways in which a society can reach the fullness of its potential are involving young people.
“They are the ones that will bring things of a better present as well as a better tomorrow, and they are the ones that will chart a path to go in there. And this is why initiatives like this are hugely important. Initiatives that tap into, harness and celebrate the creative power of young people.
“Young people are the most creative elements in any society, and they are certainly the most creative elements in our own society. When you look at the size of people in our informal sector, when you look at the size of informal enterprise, and when you look at our creative sectors in this country, you will find that it is predominantly driven by young people. So I say all that to say that this initiative is a most worthy initiative,”he said.
He urged the youth to embrace their role as future heroes of the nation, saying:
“This is the moment of your heroism. This is the season of your heroism.”
Also speaking, Iiris Aliska of the Embassy of Finland lauded the initiative as a step toward nurturing a culture of peace. She emphasized the principle of “relationality,” which she defined as respect and kindness toward all people and communities.
Similarly, Hairo Dong, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Nigeria to advance peace and development through “pragmatic operations” and “real results.”
IPCR Collaborates on Peace-building Game for Children, Young People
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
