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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
Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a N1 billion financial support package for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients from the state.
Demonstrating immediate commitment, Governor Zulum authorised an initial deposit of N250 million to cover transplants for 50 indigent patients.
The governor made the announcement during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, alongside the commissioning of the epoch-making projects at UMTH.
He confirmed that the remaining N750 million would be disbursed in three instalments.
“I am pleased to announce that Borno State government will deposit the sum of N250 million to support kidney transplant of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute N1 billion as government’s contribution towards supporting the less privileged indigenes of the State ,” Zulum stated.
“The Borno State government therefore pledges to support this initiative and is ready to provide all the partnership required to sustain the provision of kidney transplant to less privileged patients at UMTH. This is only the beginning—I promise to do even more,” he added.
Governor Zulum commended UMTH for its strides in specialised healthcare, particularly its recent successful kidney transplants.
“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed this is a landmark achievement and a great relieve to patients most importantly to those who cannot afford the cost of transplant,” he remarked.
Speaking on the State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (SEMAS), the governor confirmed that ten new fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across health facilities by the week’s end. This, he stressed, would bolster the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
“As a Government, we pledge our full support for the sustenance and scale-up of the Maternal and Newborns Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative programme. We view it not as a standalone initiative, but as a critical complement to our broader health reform agenda,”.
“We are committed to ensuring that Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative succeeds in providing comprehensive antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up and routine immunisation to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he stressed.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, lauded Governor Zulum for fostering collaboration between state and federal governments to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.
“Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,” Pate said.
Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo acknowledged the state’s N500 million intervention following the 2024 floods, had helped to restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables and the reactivation of oxygen plant.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Health and Social Services Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, National Assembly members, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON), the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, former deputy governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Ndurkwa and over 70 Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors.
Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant
Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised three terrorists and intercepted logistics supplies during coordinated ambush operations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the operations were conducted by under Operation Desert Sanity IV.
The sources said that the first ambush occurred late on July 28 at Kawuri general area, where troops lying in wait intercepted terrorists transporting logistics. On sighting the ambush team, a firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.
Items recovered included packs of salt, Maggi seasoning, detergents, wrappers, brassieres, hijabs, shoes, a solar panel, torchlight batteries, and packs of SIM cards.
The troops returned safely to base early on July 29.
In a separate incident around midnight on the same day, troops on patrol observed suspicious movement ahead of their location in Konduga.
An alert was sent to an ambush team already in position, which swiftly engaged the terrorists at a different axis of the local government area. One terrorist was neutralised, while others fled.
The troops recovered items from both operations and returned to base without casualties.
Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno
Troops neutralise two terrorists in Borno, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two ISWAP terrorists during a fighting patrol in Aligambari village, near Gajiram in Borno State.
A reliable source told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the troops, acting on credible intelligence, launched a swift operation in the area at about 1:00 p.m. on Monday.
According to the source, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, killing two of them in the process.
He said that the soldiers also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one PKT machine gun and two magazines from the scene.
“The troops are currently dominating the area of responsibility with aggressive patrols to deny the terrorists any freedom of movement.
“All captured items are in the custody of the troops, and further instructions are being awaited from higher headquarters,” the source added.
Troops neutralise two terrorists in Borno, recover weapons
Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant
Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno
Troops neutralise two terrorists in Borno, recover weapons
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