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NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished

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NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished
… Compensations Paid to Victims

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur in the ongoing military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast which calls for punishment for perpetrators and compensation to victims.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the Civil-Military Forum on the Recommendations and Findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman insisted that that the military was not found involved in the forced abortion of over 10,000 pregnant women in the crisis torn Northeast region as reported by Reuters did not mean it never violated human rights of the people of the area.

Suleiman, who was represented by another member of the NHRC board, Kemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo noted that the purpose of the forum was to foster an open and constructive dialogue between the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Human Rights Commission, and key stakeholders, and
work toward implementing the findings and recommendations of the Special Independent Investigative Panel (SIIP) on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria.

She also noted that: “The findings of the SIIP North-East, which were guided by a commitment to thorough investigation, impartiality, and transparency, have brought to light serious concerns regarding the conduct of military operations in the region. These concerns include, but are not limited to, the killing of civilians in Abisari, Borno State, and allegations of forced and illegal abortions and other grave violations.

“While some of the most serious allegations, including systematic abuses, were not substantiated by the panel’s investigation, we must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur. The killing of civilians in Abisari remains a grave violation that demands justice, accountability, and immediate action.”

She insisted that: “These are not abstract issues. These are real lives, real families, and real communities whose suffering must be acknowledged and addressed, “ adding that: “The recommendations of the panel provide a roadmap for addressing these violations, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that similar violations do not occur in the future.”

Among the panel’s key recommendations are include Compensation for the victims of the Abisari killings with the Federal Government ensuring that the families and communities affected are provided adequate reparations; the prosecution of those responsible for these heinous acts through a Court Martial and the referral of retired officers for prosecution by the Attorney General of the Federation; Reforms aimed at strengthening accountability mechanisms within the military, including improved training on human rights and the development of standards for military engagement that prioritize civilian protection.

She said: “As we discuss these recommendations today, let us remember that the ultimate goal is not just to address past wrongs, but to ensure a future where the Nigerian military conducts its operations with full respect for human rights. We must work toward a military that is not only capable in its fight against insurgency but also committed to protecting the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, particularly those in conflict zones.”

She added that: “As we embark on these discussions, I urge all of us here today to reflect deeply on the findings and recommendations, and to think about the practical steps we can take to move from dialogue to action. We must be prepared to implement reforms, hold individuals accountable for violations, and build a culture of respect for human rights within the military.”

Suleiman noted that: “Together, we can ensure that justice is done, that victims are compensated, and that we pave the way for a future where human rights are safeguarded in all aspects of our military operations.”

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, on his part, explained that in the light of the findings by the panel, “this forum serves as a platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore ways to address these concerns. Our primary goal is to bring together the Nigerian military and the NHRC — to collectively reflect on these findings and discuss practical steps for the implementation of the panel’s recommendations.”

He said: “At the NHRC, we believe that upholding human rights is not just the responsibility of the government or human rights organizations; it is a shared duty among all of us. As the National Human Rights Commission, we are committed to promoting human dignity, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the rule of law. This forum will help guide our collective efforts toward ensuring that such violations are addressed, and that we build a military that respects the rights and dignity of all civilians in conflict zones.”

He noted that: “issues we are addressing today are not only about past violations but about ensuring that we create a future where human rights are central to the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This will require commitment, transparency, and the willingness to learn and grow from our past experiences.

“I am confident that the discussions and decisions that will take place today will contribute to the reforms needed to ensure greater accountability within the military and to establish stronger protections for civilians in the North-East and other conflict areas of the country.”

NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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