5th ASWAN: Zulum calls for multifaceted approach to address crisis in the Sahel

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called for a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy, hinged on broader regional cooperation, to tackle the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region.

Zulum made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the roundtable discussion of the 5th Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development held in Aswan, Egypt.

The governor, whose state has been at the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, argued that a purely military solution has proven insufficient. He emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved by simultaneously addressing the root causes of the conflict.

He said: “The crises of instability, terrorism and displacement that plague the Sahel cannot be solved by kinetic means alone,” stating that: “We must look beyond the battlefield. There is an urgent need for a multifaceted approach that combines security, development, and humanitarian assistance in a synchronised manner.”

Zulum also called for broader cooperation among countries in the Sahel region. He stressed that extremist groups and other criminal networks operate across borders with impunity, and the response must be equally transnational.

He said: “In the Sahel context, you cannot address the challenges by just looking at two or three countries. You need to look deeper into the political region of the Sahel as defined by the United Nations Strategy, which covers 10 countries, including Mauritania, Gambia and Guinea, among others. Collaboration among the larger Sahel communities is paramount.”

Beyond security collaboration, the governor called for improved development in the Sahel countries. He identified poverty, lack of education, and climate change-induced scarcity as key drivers of recruitment for armed groups.

“For the last 15 years, we have had many interventions in Borno State, but humanitarian support is not a sustainable solution. There is a need for longer-term sustainable solutions. We received many donors, partners, and non-governmental organisations, but most of them engaged in short-term humanitarian solutions.”

“There is a need for sustainable solutions, including development. The nexus between peace, development and security need not be overemphasised. If there is no development, there cannot be peace or security.”

The roundtable features other African leaders representing various countries, including H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates; H.E. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and African Integration, Republic of Mali; and H.E. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabes Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso.

5th ASWAN: Zulum calls for multifaceted approach to address crisis in the Sahel

Hunter mistakenly kills woman he mistook for a monkey in Boki forest

By: Zagazola Makama

A hunter in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a woman he mistook for a monkey while hunting in a forest.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on Monday at Basam Osokom community, when the hunter, identified as Otu Goodness Kanang, reportedly fired at what he believed to be a monkey perched on a tree.

According to the sources, Kanang said he heard a human cry after taking the shot and later discovered that he had mistakenly hit a woman identified as Victoria, whose other names were yet to be ascertained.

Detectives visited the scene, and with the help of community youths, evacuated the body to the residence of a local chief in Bansam for further action.

The suspect has been taken into custody as investigation into the incident continues.

Police said normalcy has been restored to the area and the Command remains calm.Hunter mistakenly kills woman he mistook for a monkey in Boki forest

By: Zagazola Makama

A hunter in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a woman he mistook for a monkey while hunting in a forest.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on Monday at Basam Osokom community, when the hunter, identified as Otu Goodness Kanang, reportedly fired at what he believed to be a monkey perched on a tree.

According to the sources, Kanang said he heard a human cry after taking the shot and later discovered that he had mistakenly hit a woman identified as Victoria, whose other names were yet to be ascertained.

Detectives visited the scene, and with the help of community youths, evacuated the body to the residence of a local chief in Bansam for further action.

The suspect has been taken into custody as investigation into the incident continues.

Police said normalcy has been restored to the area and the Command remains calm.

Hunter mistakenly kills woman he mistook for a monkey in Boki forest

Nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest: Minimal turnout as citizens cite court proceedings, business disruption fears, and past violence

By: Zagazola Makama

The nationwide protest calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, organized by activist Omoyele Sowore, recorded minimal participation on Monday, with citizens across Nigeria largely complying with security directives, Zagazola report.

Law enforcement authorities attribute the low turnout to public recognition that the matter is currently in court, widespread fears of potential disruption to businesses, and lingering resentment over past violent incidents linked to the sit-at-home orders enforced by IPOB and its paramilitary wing, ESN.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), joint security operatives maintained heightened presence at government buildings, critical infrastructures, and other vulnerable points from early morning. Stop-and-search operations and patrols were intensified around restricted zones, including Eagle Square and the Presidential Villa. The court has also restricted protest activities at some strategic locations within the city.

Omoyele Sowore and a small group of protesters attempting to march towards the Villa were intercepted by security operatives. Four individuals were arrested after resisting dispersal, but no violent clashes were reported. For about an hour vehicular movement was restricted in some part of the city due to fear of violence.

Public sentiment in Abuja indicated that many residents deliberately stayed indoors. A market trader in Wuse, John Uche, stated, “People refused to come out because the matter is in court. We do not want to be used to cause violence or to attract arrest. Our businesses are our livelihood, and we cannot risk them for a protest that may escalate.” Another resident added, “We also remember the losses from the IPOB sit-at-home orders. Thousands died during that period and many more are still being killed for nothing. We cannot risk repeating history.”

In the North Central region, Niger and Kogi States reported full compliance with security directives. In Niger State, no protests took place. Security forces maintained close surveillance of border and remote communities to prevent opportunistic attacks disguised as protest activity. Citizens interviewed in Minna confirmed a general unwillingness to participate. A civil servant, Chukwu Emeka Silas said, “We do not want trouble. The courts are handling the matter, and we trust the legal process more than street demonstrations.” In Kogi, similar sentiments were expressed by residents, with traders emphasizing fears that protests could disrupt their daily earnings.

In the North East, Borno and Yobe States remained calm, with security agencies focused on internal patrols and counter-insurgency operations. A resident in Maiduguri noted, “We cannot risk venturing into protests while Boko Haram and bandits are still a threat. Safety of lives comes first.”

In the North West, states including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa reported no protest activity. Citizens interviewed highlighted a mix of legal caution and memories of past unrest during IPOB sit-at-home orders as primary reasons for staying indoors. “The last time there was a protest like this, (ENDSARS) businesses were destroyed and people killed,” said a community leader in Sokoto.

In the South West, Lagos State reported only a lone man attempting a solidarity walk, which was quickly dispersed. Residents cited fear of arbitrary arrests and possible hijacking of the protest by violent groups. In Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States, authorities confirmed calm, with traders and commuters indicating that they had chosen to focus on work rather than risk being involved in demonstrations.

In the South-South and South-East, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Abia States, law enforcement reported minimal or no protest participation. In Imo State, security agencies carried out joint patrols in all major towns, including Orlu and Owerri, with residents praising the proactive measures. A resident of Owerri said, “We stayed home because Nnamdi Kanu’s directives in the past caused deaths and chaos. We don’t want to relive those days.” Similarly, in Anambra and Abia, only a few youths were briefly sighted holding banners, who voluntarily dispersed without incident.

In the South-East, states such as Ebonyi and Enugu, and the South-South including Delta and Akwa Ibom, reported zero participation in the protest. Citizens expressed concern that protests could provide opportunities for criminal elements to hijack public spaces. “We cannot trust that protests would remain peaceful,” a market association leader in Uyo remarked.

Across the country, police and security agencies commended citizens for their adherence to lawful directives, noting that the minimal turnout reflected public trust in the judicial process and general weariness of disruptions caused by past sit-at-home orders. The nationwide security approach, involving early intelligence, proactive patrols, and coordinated inter-agency operations, successfully prevented the protest from escalating.

Authorities reiterated that future demonstrations must be conducted strictly within legal frameworks to avoid confrontation, emphasizing that citizens’ rights to lawful protest are recognized, but security and public order remain paramount.

Nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest: Minimal turnout as citizens cite court proceedings, business disruption fears, and past violence