News
IPCR Identifies Weakness of Local Government Administration as Major Factor for Insecurity in Nigeria
IPCR Identifies Weakness of Local Government Administration as Major Factor for Insecurity in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The weakness of local government administration has been identified as the major factor responsible for the current state of insecurity in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday to mark the 2024 International Day of Peace, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu said insecurity was birthed largely by dissatisfaction in governance especially at the grassroots which first began with agitation and later violence and criminalities like banditry and kidnapping.
He said securing of the Supreme Court ruling giving financial autonomy to the local government is a welcome development and a great step towards development at the grassroots level and arresting insecurity in the country.
He said that all that is needed is to allow the Supreme Court ruling to be executed and that there was no reason for the governors to be against it.
Ochogwu said: “With patience as we allow for proper administration at the grassroots, most of the agitations would be over and peace return back to the country.”
He called on state governors to up their games and allow local governments to be properly run.
He said: “We have to get the running of our frontline right, for it is where many of our people are residents and they must be impacted to feel the presence of government.
“It is by so doing that violence agitation could be arrested and peace and security brought back to Nigeria.”
He said: “The International Day of Peace, declared by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) in 1982, is a day set aside to promote the ideals of peace within and among nations and peoples, as well as campaign against prevailing violence globally. The 2024 edition of the Peace Day Commemoration focuses on how a culture of peace, unity, dialogue, and reconciliation can be entrenched in communities across the world. This explains the rationale for the theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”.”
Ochogwu added that: “As you are all aware, the world is faced with numerous challenges, including economic downturn, inequity, natural disasters, weak institutions, poor governance, marginalization and violent conflicts. These issues have adversely affected nations globally, including Nigeria. Nigeria has over time experienced a huge loss of lives and humanitarian crises resulting from diverse forms of violent conflicts recorded across communities. Hence, the need to build a culture of peace and resilience in our communities.
“Therefore, IPCR and its partners have mapped out a series of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Peace, including:
Media Chat: Engaging in discussions with thought leaders on the significance of peace in national and international contexts.
Art Exhibition: Showcasing peace-themed artworks to promote peace through creative expression.
Sports Events: Peace-building through sports tounite people of different backgrounds in a spirit of camaraderie.
Cultural Displays: Featuring traditional performances from diverse ethnic groups to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and emphasize unity in diversity.
Peace Walk: A symbolic march through designated areas to advocate for peace and raise public awareness on the need for peaceful coexistence.
Peace Lecture: A keynote lecture by prominent individuals on strategies for fostering peace and non-violence.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his firm resolve to improve the quality of life of Nigerians and promote peace and security for national progress, particularly through the instrumentality of ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
He however said: “Everyone is a stakeholder in the quest for ‘Peace’. We must all rally round the government and other partners of peace towards entrenching the culture of peace across board.”
IPCR Identifies Weakness of Local Government Administration as Major Factor for Insecurity in Nigeria
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Katsina State have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims after intercepting an armed bandit attack on Yankara-Funtua highway in Faskari Local Government Area.
Sources said on Jan. 24 at about 1:25 a.m., unidentified armed bandits blocked the highway and abducted six occupants of a green Honda Civic, registration number AAA 518 BC, en route from Funtua to Faskari.
The DPO Faskari, on routine patrol, promptly engaged the hoodlums in a tactical gunfight.
The bandits were overpowered and fled into the bush, abandoning their mission. All six victims, Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida, were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their homes.
Intensive patrols continue in the area, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, Umar Hamza, was apprehended Wednesday night for trespassing and attempting to steal from the Emir of Bauchi’s residence.
Sources said Hamza entered one of the Emir’s son’s rooms carrying a bunch of keys and tried to commit theft around 8:20 p.m. on January 23.
He was intercepted shortly after the act and taken into the Police custody for questioning.
Police said Preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect intended to steal from the palace.
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.
This is just as he said Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline seat in global and regional policy conversations.
VP Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
According to the Vice President, the trip is part of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its determination to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Vice President had departed Abuja for Conakry, where he attended President Doumbouya’s inauguration, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS, while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea-Conakry, Senator Shettima proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the WEF 2026.
One of the highpoints of his engagements in that country was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled, “When Food Becomes Security,” the Vice President outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.
Vice President Shettima also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, a forum advocating African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s imminent transition into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, and the growing export of digital talent.
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
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