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Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja
Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja
By: Our Reporter
Retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja, a former military administrator of Plateau and Katsina states, has urged Nigeria to uphold democratic values that would ensure the nation’s security and peacekeeping efforts.
Onoja made the call in his keynote delivered at a National Peacebuilding Conference with theme “Electoral process, governance, democracy, security and conflict resolution in 2023 general elections” in Abuja on Tuesday.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Jabi and the Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace building and Conciliation (ICRCP) collaborated to organise the conference.
Onoja urged the political leaders of the nation to support honest and open elections that ensure citizens’ participation in the administration of their own concerns.
“Internationally, democracy is a license for gaining access to international diplomacy, finance, trade, investment, sports, entertainment, tourism, humanitarianism, defense and security.
“As countries rush to obtain this tagging of been democratic, Nigeria should distinguish its brand of democracy with adherence to critical principles of democracy that include rule of law, justice.
“Respect for human rights, provision of welfare, and human security for the citizens, transparency and accountability, open government, citizens participation and inclusiveness.
“It is imperative therefore, that political leaders encourage, imbibe, accept and celebrate transparent, credible and open electoral process as a fundamental national security commitment and minimum benchmarking, guaranteeing the equal participation of Nigerians in the governance of their affairs, “ Onoja said.
He added that the usage of courts in dispute resolution was due to the lack of democratic governance of the commonwealth and privileges. He emphasised how important and fundamental the electoral process was to democracy, governance, security, and conflict resolution.
Onoja continued by saying that it was critical for the relevant state institutions to start operating efficiently as Nigerians continue to fight for an effective government that would ensure their access to food security, health security, community security, economic security, political security, environmental security, and personal security.
Given the numerous threats to peace, security, and development that the country was facing on the eve of the election, the retired major general said that the general election in 2023 would be a turning point for Nigeria. He commended President Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party for choosing the path of peace.
However, he urged the judiciary to be resolute and diligent in carrying out its duties in the cases that were before it based on the evidence in order to increase residents’ confidence in the government and win their support for fighting the nation’s common adversaries together.
In his remarks, the ICRPC Register-General, Dr Abdulwaheed Odewale described the conference as a vibrant platform for diverse voices towards a more peaceful and democratic society where the ballot prevails over the bullet.
Odewale said that the knowledge shared and experiences exchanged during the conference would undoubtedly shape the policies and practices that would guide the future of Nigeria.
Odewale urged participants of the conference to carry the spirit of unity, resilience, and determination, as well applied knowledge gained at the event to be catalysts for positive change and better approaches to elections in Nigeria.
Maintain democratic values that promote security, peace —Maj-Gen Onoja
Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed five members of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two civilians in a deadly attack in Jangebe town, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Friday afternoon when five CPG personnel, including their Unit Commander, went to assist in cultivating a farm on the outskirts of the village.
The victims were ambushed by the assailants while working on the farm and all five CPG members were shot dead. Two other civilians – a male and a female – working on a nearby farm were also killed during the assault.
Security sources said two pump-action rifles belonging to the CPG were stolen by the attackers.
Security forces have launched a manhunt for the fleeing bandits and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled a suspected banditry attack on military camps located around Sabuwa and Faskari Local Government Areas, and intercepted an unidentified surveillance drone suspected to have been deployed by the criminals.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, when armed men on motorcycles were sighted moving suspiciously around Maiganguma village axis in the two LGAs.
According to security sources, a drone was simultaneously observed hovering over the general area of Dandume and Machika villages, particularly around the perimeters of the Operation Sharan Daji Camp and Machika Military Super Camp.
Troops stationed in the vicinity reportedly made inquiries across security formations to confirm whether the drone belonged to any friendly forces. All units, however, denied ownership or deployment of any drone in the area.
After a few minutes, the drone was seen maneuvering behind the Wori Rock and later re-emerged in the air, prompting patrol teams to open fire. The suspected operator reportedly flew the drone back towards Wori Rock, after which it vanished.
Troops gave chase to the motorcycle-riding suspects who fled into the bush, evading capture. No casualty was reported during the incident.
Security authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify the drone operators and uncover any surveillance or targeting plans linked to the suspected bandits.
Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina
Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits in the early hours of Friday stormed Unguwar Gada Village in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, rustling an undisclosed number of cattle and injuring two villagers in the process.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attackers, who struck at about 12:45 a.m., fled with the stolen livestock through Rereji Village in neighbouring Malumfashi LGA.
During the raid, the assailants shot two residents identified as Sani Yau, and Umar Shamsu, both of whom sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical attention.
Police personnel and other joint forces respond to the incident. However, the bandits laid an ambush for the security operatives and opened fire on them.
In the course of the attack, the front tyres of the police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were destroyed, and its engine also sustained significant damage, rendering the vehicle immobile.
Security forces have intensified patrols in the area and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC
Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
Plateau Governor: Stop the Hypocrisy – Face the Root of the Crisis
Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina
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