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Killings in Plateau, Benue Could Escalate to Crisis in Violation of Human Rights if not Curtailed
Killings in Plateau, Benue Could Escalate to Crisis in Violation of Human Rights if not Curtailed
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it is deeply disturbed by the recent escalation of violent attacks and killings in Benue and Plateau States.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu while lamenting that these incidents have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of innocent people, and wanton destruction of property, leaving many families and communities in trauma and despair, emphasized that the right to life is a fundamental human right, enshrined in various international and national instruments.
He further expressed concern that these attacks rooted in herders/farmer clashes are degenerating into ethnic, religious, or communal tensions, warning that these, if not checked could exacerbate the situation and lead to further human rights violations.
He noted that the NHRC is worried about the consequences of the ongoing carnage in Plateau and Benue during this rainy season which is the farming season. As we are all aware, Benue is the food basket of the nation. The present insecurity if unchecked means that people can no longer go to the farms this farming season.
He added that: “The ongoing insecurity particularly in the food producing regions of the country all point to the looming famine and food insecurity in the near future. The trillions and billions borrowed from the banks to support Local Agriculture risk being wasted due to persistent insecurity and apparent lack of political will to deal with this menace for the past 10 years and more.”
In light of these development, Ojukwu called on the government at all levels to take immediate and concrete steps to address the escalating security situation in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country. Under both the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights as well as International Convention on Civil and Political Rights including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He said: “The Government has the primary duty for the protection of civilian. The deployment of adequate security personnel to affected areas to ensure the protection of lives and property; the Conduct of thorough investigation into the incidents and prosecuting perpetrators of violence to ensure accountability and justice; Provision of support and protection to vulnerable populations, including women, children and the elderly, constitute the primary responsibility of the government.
“Addressing the root causes of conflict and violence, including poverty, inequality, and social exclusion; as well as, promote dialogue and reconciliation among communities to foster peaceful coexistence must be pursued genuinely and intentionally by all relevant stakeholders.”
He also urged security agencies to adhere to international human rights standards and principles in their response to the situation, including the use of proportionate force and respect for human dignity.
He called on all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, political office holders, civil society organizations, and the media, to work together to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding.
Ojukwu said: “The NHRC recognizes the important role that these stakeholders can play in preventing further violence and promoting human rights” he added. Efforts must be made by all to hold perpetrators to account including a public investigation, restitution, justice and compensation to victims and their families.”
He assured that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted.
He renewed calls for state and local government, police and adoption of a national policy for the protection of civilians and human harm mitigation during conflicts, as well as ranching to forestall escalation of terrorism, banditry and herder/farmers clashes in the country.
Killings in Plateau, Benue Could Escalate to Crisis in Violation of Human Rights if not Curtailed
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
By: Zagazola Makama
Boko Haram on Wednesday released a video taunting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over recent clashes in the northeast.
In the four-minute video, a Boko Haram member, appearing to speak on behalf of the group, claimed that their fighters had defeated ISWAP in a recent confrontation, asserting that “God will continue to defeat them.”
The speaker challenged those claiming that ISWAP had the upper hand, urging them to provide evidence through their Telegram or WhatsApp handles to substantiate such claims.
He further stated that in the recent encounter, ISWAP brought eight boats, all of which were captured or destroyed by Boko Haram, resulting in numerous casualties. Only a few militants reportedly escaped with two boats, according to the video.
The release of the video comes amid week long intensified clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno and surrounding states, illustrating ongoing internal rivalry between
the extremist factions.
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A 19-year-old forestry guard ranger has allegedly shot dead an internally displaced person (IDP) at Rann camp in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the suspect, identified as Mohammed Abbalayi, allegedly fired an AK-47 rifle at the victim, Abba Kime Jugudum, aged 25.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI deployed in the area immediately responded, secured the scene, and recovered the weapon an AK-47 rifle along with 25 rounds of live ammunition.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Rann, where he was confirmed dead by a medical officer and later released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect was discreetly transferred to Maiduguri for further investigation by relevant authorities.
Kala-Balge, located along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, hosts thousands of displaced persons affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
End
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday commended the security situation in Enugu State, noting significant improvements across the state.
Lt Gen Shuaibu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said his visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the Regular Short Service Module (RSM) Convention, aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and professional development among RSMs.
“I am pleased to report that security in Enugu has significantly improved, as briefed by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. The state has shown remarkable cooperation with the military, which has enhanced operational effectiveness,” he said.
The COAS praised Governor Mbah for his support to the Army and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining peace and ensuring a safe environment for residents.
Highlighting the RSM Convention, Lt Gen Shuaibu noted that the programme equipped participants with knowledge to lead with integrity, mentor soldiers, and enhance discipline and regimentation within the Army.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, welcomed the COAS and described his appointment as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to national security.
Mbah said it was an honor to host him in Enugu and formally congratulate him on his appointment. He commended the COAS for immediately hitting the ground running, noting that he had already visited the northeast to assess security operations.
Governor Mbah acknowledged the critical role of the military in ensuring a safe and secure environment, stating, “We could not have achieved the sort of safe and secure city and state that we have here today without the active support of the Army. This is a partnership, and this support is going to be sustained.”
He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration, expressing confidence that joint engagement between the state and the military would strengthen security objectives nationwide.
On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, Governor Mbah warmly welcomed the COAS to the state and wished him a fruitful visit during the closing ceremony of the Regiment Seargent Major (RSM) Convention.
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
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