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Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.

Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The defense headquarters have described the allegations of the CAN chair of Mangu in Plateau State as baseless and untrue.
A release signed by the spokesman of the Defense Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that a video released by the man of God was meant to malign the image of the entire military and that it was done in bad faith.
The release stated that “the attention of the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
“The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
“The video made baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others.
“We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation.
“It is important to recall that on January 23, 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas.
“The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement.
“They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.
“We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional, and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.”
The release made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja further stated that the military will deal with anybody found disobeying the law without bias or prejudice.
It called on the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in the troubled areas of the state, adding that they will not be distracted by baseless accusations but will rather remain steadfast in their commitment to restoring peace and security.
It went on: “We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.
“We sincerely appreciate the law-abiding citizens’ support and cooperation and assure the public of our unwavering dedication to preserving peace and security in the country.” the release posited
Video clip by the Mangu CAN chair
In the video making the rounds on social media, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Mangu council area, Rev. Samson Daluk, has vowed to mobilize his people against the bandits on a killing spree against residents.
In the video clip made viral on Wednesday, he decried what he described as special treatment for the non-Christians who are allowed to move around while the Christians are restricted by the curfew, which he said was against human justice.
He said that the troops posted to take care of the Mangu enclave have been watching while the bandits ransack Mangu, which is the home town of the sitting governor of the state, Caleb Mutfwang.
The CAN boss alleged that the military was watching while the bandit militia burned down people’s homes around Gindiri Junction and other locations, and they protected the others.
In the video, he said, “For this reason, we do not want the military anymore. They should pack and go. They have been bought to carry out what they are doing. I am calling on the entire world to come and help us. This is a dangerous plot to destabilize and finally destroy Mangu, and we will not allow it to happen.
“We have tried all we can to stop this fracas and live peacefully in our domain, but we do not understand why this torment is lingering. If the military will not protect us, we may have to organize ourselves and stop these assailants from killing our people,” he said angrily in the video clip.
The incessant escalation of this lingering ethnic cleansing on the Plateau has actually been on since September 2001 to 2007 under Gov. Joshua Dariye; from 2008 to 2015 while Baba Jonah Jang held sway; from 2015 to 2023 with Simon Lalong as chief security officer; and from 2023 till date under Caleb Mutfwang, a former council chairman now Governor.
The peculiarity of the fracas between the residents and assailants is that when each governor takes over, the bandit militias have been recorded attacking the very ancestral territories they hail from.
Jang, a retired military officer, is Birom, so the entire Birom land and Bassa were made slightly ungovernable while he held sway.
But he weathered the storm by setting up “operation Rainbow,” which maintained vigilance against the bandit militia, whose known trademark is to kill, steal, and destroy before taking over the ancestral homes of the residents.
Now it’s Caleb Mutfwang, who is governor and from Mangu, and the theater of wickedness has been moved to the Mangu Bokkos axis, where he comes from.
The military is thoroughly overstretched, being present in 34 out of 36 states in the country, where they are fighting internal challenges created by the political class, who use religion to manipulate the people.
This reporter recalls that the people of Plateau,,however,r, have vowed that they will perpetually maintain the sanctity of their state, religion, and worship God the way they know and will resist any attempt to force them into another religion known to the bandits who have seized most of their farmlands for grazing their animals after destroying their crops.
Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
News
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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