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IPOB, Military And Breath Of Fresh Air In South-East

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Nigeria: Police killed 5 IPOB members, recovers bomb in Imo

IPOB, Military And Breath Of Fresh Air In South-East

By: Zagazola Makama 

The sustained massive descent of the military on insecurity in the South-East region in recent weeks has not just brought a breath of fresh air to the terrorized Nigeria’s most-commercially-vibrant region but also delivered joyful tidings to its peoples that the ‘dreadful’ terror group tormenting them, IPOB, can be banished to the pages of history anytime, any day.

IPOB has, over the last couple of years, not only suffocated a significant section of the region’s economic activities, especially with the most devastating and unacceptable restrictions on commercial activities, but threatened its political stability as an integral component of Nigeria.

The activities of the group showed frightful signs of shaking the foundations of the country’s nation-statehood. Our nation-statehood as Nigeria has to be maintained, considering the emerging global political and economic realities. 

Practically, the activities of the criminal IPOB has been unacceptably restructuring and redirecting the five-state region towards a state-within-a-state arrangement between it and the Nigerian nation, priming the region for possible cessation.

The military, therefore, with its strategic increase in deployments if troops, launched its Operation Golden Dawn. Strategically scaling up and fine-tuning the operation, the military has accurately and sharply swooped at all forms terror unleashed by IPOB on the region with every needed decisiveness and finesse.

In a dispassionate assessment, every southeasterner, who no more cowers at the threat of any IPOB militia to not only his or her commercial activities but even his or her life, now jubilantly talks of seeing light at the end of the tunnel with regard to the end of terror and related criminality.

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/11/17/how-soldier-ran-amok-gunned-down-humanitarian-worker-two-colleagues-in-borno-eyewitness/

The flurry of fake news planted by IPOB, with which the social media is currently awash, are depressing signs of an anguishing, languishing and dying group not only suffering humiliating defeat but getting wiped out fast for the South-East to continue breathing fresh air economically and politically as a critical component of a proud and prosperous Nigeria.

For instance, IPOB has fabricated the fake news going viral in the social media that officers of Operation Golden Dawn have constituted a part of insecurity in Enugu by turning a blind eye on the activities of ‘Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen,’ arguing that Enugu State is no longer in the Hands of God.

This fake news precipitated unfortunate comments from southeasterners who are either truly ignorant or chose to be so on the mischiefs terror groups deploy to deceive people about the actual state of their strength and existence.

Lies, since time immemorial, have constituted one of the most-potent weapons of psychological war. And IPOB is deploy this weapon through the social media. 

The group has conjured up the news that herdsmen killings in the South-East are organized by Nigeria government through the region’s state governors, troops and the police.

To every dispassionate southeasterner, this is everything but the truth.

The truth is troops of the Nigerian military are practically seen patrolling all the nooks and crannies of all the five hitherto IPOB-infested states day and night to pull them out of the depth of terror and all other related crimes into which they had been sinking fast. 

Uncountable families across the region had lost  loved ones and properties, especially in the ember months when criminals unleash terror in various forms.

In a dispassionate observation, the Operation Golden Dawn is fast restoring the golden joy of the ember months with southesterners now joining their fellow Nigerians in arrangements for a joyful Christmas, a satisfying stocktaking of the outgoing year and plans for a prosperous new year.

To every sane and well-wishing southeasterner, the viral take news all over the social media that troops of the Nigerian military are aiding terrorists is a conspiracy by criminal-minded Nigerians who have sworn to ensure that no section of the country enjoys any peace. 

Their scheming towards the apocalypse of Nigeria seems ending in jeopardy considering the successes of the military in the war against insecurity and all forms of criminality designed against the country.

With the troops sustaining the tempo of their successful operations in the South-East, the more IPOB and all other criminal elements plan against the region as a critical component of a prosperous Nigeria, the faster their evil plans come to naught; and the deeper they sink into eternal frustration.

Thus, the more the South-East breathes fresh air.

***Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad

IPOB, Military And Breath Of Fresh Air In South-East

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BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

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BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

By: Balami Lazarus

Growing up for many of us was interesting because for some of us that had the privilege of time and space provided by our parents, and our stubbornness as kids has helped us to explore our environment far and wide, having a range of friends.

Primary school was the beginning of our friendship and relationship through secondary school—Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Maiduguri. These stages provided us with both childhood memories and those of secondary school. Giving us a strong and standing relationship through our alma mater. Where both senior and junior students are members, some by default with absence from the association register.

The old students association is one place where memories are recalled and remembered by the mere presence of classmate(s) or sets of groups valued by those who appreciate the alma mater relationship.

I pity those old students that take alma mater relationships for granted. I believe as we are growing older, we need more of such associational relationships, including that of childhood.

Samaru Nostalgia Group (SNG) Zaria is my childhood group, where we addressed ourselves as brothers and sisters because our relationship is far over and above us; it has its origin from our parents when living was communally bounded. For some, such childhood relationship and connection is lost. Why are some deliberately depriving themselves of the good opportunity of a lifetime friendship/relationship?

The benefits derived from this relationship are above penny and kobo. While many out there are refusing to take a position and ownership of such a union of their alma mater to harvest the pros.

Recently there was an overflow of condolences when we lost a committed member, a fine gentleman. What caught my attention were the tributes by Pastor Ngale Lautong and that of Dr. Edmund Richard Egbe. These tributes say it all about the deceased. And it reads in parts: ‘You responded to a call placed on you. You have shown commitment to the Association and its members in terms of contributions and assistance.’ On the other it reads, ‘We have indeed lost Luka, a gentle soul, a bridge builder, and a peace-loving brother.’ These testimonies will be engraved in the annals of the Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BRIGMASSOSA).

No individual can have it all. We need to lean on each other as a fraternity to accomplish some goals and objectives. There is strength in numbers.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

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Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

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Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

By: Balami Lazarus

When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.

I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.

The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.

It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.

It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.

Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.

Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.

Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.

Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

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Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

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Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

By: Balami Lazarus

Osama. Does it ring a bell? Yes, it does on the Plateau. The Osama I am writing about is that individual who is known for his good works for humanity on the radio and outside the studio. Osama is a gentleman but is outspoken and has a mind of his own.

My Osama in this context is a personality, a brand, and a trademark. Osama is a broadcaster, radio presenter, and popular comedian on stage and in the entertainment industry in Jos-Plateau and beyond. Since the writing is sailing, I will later reveal the identity of who this young man is and why he is so passionate about good governance.

The fights for human rights, social justice, and good governance have been the cries and topic of discourse of so many Nigerians, especially good governance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights activists are the leaders in these struggles, whereby their roles cannot be overemphasized. The quantum of spoken words, public lectures/enlightenment programs, workshops, seminars, etc., has not brought many changes in our systems because there was little or no action by you and me as Nigerians.

I remembered when I was very active in the struggle for human rights and social justice. As Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of Democratic Alternative (DA), we were much concerned with democratic alternative processes and social justice with a whiff of good governance, and this has been the case for some NGOs, as I know.

I came to understand from my experiences that, as a country, we have good public-oriented programs, but our major challenges are implementation and follow-up that come with too many talks but no individual action or collective responsibility because many Nigerians are fearful, and this has made me a one-man advocate/crusader for human rights and social justice. Like the subject of this work.

Now back to the subject. Osama is a brand package, fearless advocate, and mouthpiece for good governance on the Plateau through Town Hall, a popular radio program aired by JFM 101.9 FM. Jos is widely listened to. He was born as Ehis Akugnonu. But Osama has overtaken his certified name. Therefore, my continued use of Osama is justified in this work because I realized that many times your other name (also known as) tends to dominate and overshadow your real name.

Osama is redefining the fight for good governance by personal efforts through follow-up and speaking on them, putting the government on their feet to improve and do better. ‘I am for good governance, and I will continue to speak on this matter.’ He is purposefully driven by his passion for good quality and better systems to have an enabling environment where the systems are working for progress and development.

Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290

Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

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